Immunocytochemical localization of tubulin with colloidal gold in cilia of rabbit tracheal epithelial cultures

Ciliated tracheal epithelia cell cultures were investigated immunocytochemically with anti-tubulin and colloidal gold. When rabbit tracheal cultures were fixed in paraformaldehyde, treated with acetone, anti-tubulin and a second antibody coupled to FITC, fluorescence was associated with cytoskeletal and axonemal microtubules. Cilia covering the apical surface of the ciliated tracheal cells fluoresced very brightly thus facilitating identification of this cell type. Electron microscopy of tracheal cultures fixed as above, treated with Triton-X 100 and incubated in anti-tubulin and protein A coupled to colloidal gold resulted in the highly specific localization of tubulin in ciliary axonemes and basal bodies. Omission of primary or secondary antibody resulted in extremely low levels of fluorescence while no colloidal gold particles could be detected in cultures at the electron microscopy level when rabbit anti-tubulin was omitted.     

Bioelectrochemical fuel cells

In the past 20 years, inorganic fuel cells have been transformed from novelty devices to practical energy transfer-energy storage units. However, the advantage of the high operating efficiency afforded by these fuel cells is partially offset by (a) the limited viability and high cost of the catalysts, (b) the highly corrosive electrolytes, and (c) the elevated operating temperatures. The possibility exists to reduce some of these problems through the development of bioelectrochemical fuel cells. Such biological/electrochemical systems incorporate either microorganisms or enzymes as an active component within the specified electrode compartments. Recent studies with microorganisms as part of the anode compartment have been aimed at defining the mechanism of the observed electrochemical reactions. Recent investigations on the use of cell-free enzyme preparations in the electrode compartments have dealt primarily with developing methodology and defining mechanisms for enhancing the rate of electron transfer from the enzyme-cofactor active site to the solid electrode surface. Applications of this developing technology have been envisioned for analytical chemistry, medical devices, energy transfer, electrochemical synthesis, and detoxification. In this review, the theory and problems of bioelectrochemical fuel cells are described and related to research, both recent and proposed, for the practical development of this area.     

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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KCNJ8/ABCC9-containing K-ATP channel modulates brain vascular smooth muscle development and neurovascular coupling

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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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