For Ge nanocrystals ordered in multilayers we find that the experimental absorption cross section for the larger and more close packed nanocrystals exceeds that for similar concentrations of nanocrystals randomly distributed in the films, whereas this effect is not observed for multilayered samples with smaller and less densely packed nanocrystals. The

combined results show that for all the Ge nanocrystals studied the nanocrystal shape and the matrix in which the nanocrystals are embedded, as well as the nanocrystal configuration play an important role in the optical response of the Ge nanocrystals and that these effects PF-03084014 purchase dominate the effects of quantum confinement in the absorption from spherical Ge nanocrystals embedded in SiO(2). (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3581015]“
“Background:

Caveolar raft domains, also termed caveolae, are flask shaped invaginations that require the expression of the structural protein caveolin-1 (cav-1). Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is a collagenase capable of degrading insoluble triple helical collagens. Deregulation of MMP-1 contributes to various pathological processes, including tissue fibrosis and impaired wound healing.

Objective: In this study we investigated the role of cav-1 in MMP-1 gene regulation in human dermal fibroblasts.

Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from healthy subjects. Western blot was used to analyze S63845 mw protein levels and quantitative real time CP-456773 Immunology & Inflammation inhibitor RT-PCR was used to measure mRNA expression. Cells were transiently transfected with siRNA oligos against acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) and cav-1, or transduced with adenoviruses overexpressing ASMase and cav-1. The specific pharmacological inhibitors UO126 and SP600125 were used to block Erk1/2 and JNK activity.

Results: This study shows that siRNA-mediated depletion

of ASMase or cav-1, results in upregulation of MMP-1 gene expression. Similarly, MMP-1 expression was decreased after overexpresssion of cav-1 via an adenoviral vector. Depletion of cav-1 had no effect on JNK phosphorylation, while it resulted in an increase in Erk1/2 and Ets1 phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, in cav-1 depleted cells treated with the Erk inhibitor UO126, there was no increase in the levels of phospho-Erk1/2, phospho-Ets1, and MMP-1, suggesting that cav-1 mediated effects on MMP-1 and phospho-Ets1 are Erk1/2 dependent.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study has revealed an important role for cav-1 as a negative regulator of MMP-1 gene expression via inhibition of Erk1/2/Ets1 signaling. Cav-1 could potentially be a therapeutic target in diseases with deregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. (C) 2011 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.