The fine structure of the type 2 cells in the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect,Carausius morosus

Summary Type 2 cells, or mucocytes, are present in both inferior and superior Malpighian tubules ofCarausius morosus and are concentrated towards the distal ends of the main urine-secreting parts. They are absent from the proximal few millimetres of the main part and from the distal specialised regions of the tubules. They possess numerous Golgi bodies and abundant granular E. R., which is consistent with the hypothesis that they secrete mucus. However, they possess basal infoldings and apical microvilli suggesting that they may transport substances across the tubule wall. It is suggested that they perform both functions. Reabsorption of ions or water could precipitate solid components of the urine (e.g., uric acid). Mucus may be important in nucleation of crystalline material and also prevent abrasion of the brush border.This investigation formed part of a thesis for the degree of Ph.D. in the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a pleasure to thank Professor J. Shaw for his advice and encouragement and the Science Research Council for financial support.     

Rapid characterization of spike variants via mammalian cell surface display

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Centrosome regulation and function in mammalian cortical neurogenesis

As the primary microtubule-organizing center in animal cells, centrosomes regulate microtubule cytoskeleton to support various cellular behaviors. They also serve as the base for nucleating primary cilia, the hub of diverse signaling pathways. Cells typically possess one centrosome that contains two inequal centrioles and undergoes semi-conservative duplication during cell division, resulting in two centrosomes with an inherent asymmetry in age and properties. While the centrosome is ubiquitously present, mutations of centrosome proteins are strongly associated with human microcephaly characterized by a small cerebral cortex, underscoring the importance of an intact centrosome in supporting cortical neurogenesis. Here we review recent advances on centrosome regulation and function in mammalian cortical neural progenitors and discuss the implications for a better understanding of cortical neurogenesis and related disease mechanisms.     

Bacterial peptidoglycan muropeptides benefit mitochondrial homeostasis and animal physiology by acting as ATP synthase agonists

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Chk1 dynamics in G2 phase upon replication stress predict daughter cell outcome

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Identification of Novel Kinases of Tau Using Fluorescence Complementation Mass Spectrometry (FCMS)

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Glutamine-dependent signaling controls pluripotent stem cell fate

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Tissue-Characteristic Expression of Mouse Proteome

The mouse is a valuable model organism for biomedical research. Here, we established a comprehensive spectral library and the data-independent acquisition–based quantitative proteome maps for 41 mouse organs, including some rarely reported organs such as the cornea, retina, and nine paired organs. The mouse spectral library contained 178,304 peptides from 12,320 proteins, including 1678 proteins not reported in previous mouse spectral libraries. Our data suggested that organs from the nervous system and immune system expressed the most distinct proteome compared with other organs. We also found characteristic protein expression of immune-privileged organs, which may help understanding possible immune rejection after organ transplantation. Each tissue type expressed characteristic high-abundance proteins related to its physiological functions. We also uncovered some tissue-specific proteins which have not been reported previously. The testis expressed highest number of tissue-specific proteins. By comparison of nine paired organs including kidneys, testes, and adrenal glands, we found left organs exhibited higher levels of antioxidant enzymes. We also observed expression asymmetry for proteins related to the apoptotic process, tumor suppression, and organ functions between the left and right sides. This study provides a comprehensive spectral library and a quantitative proteome resource for mouse studies.     

Biosensors based on peptide exposure show single molecule conformations in live cells

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