Essential genes for myoblast fusion in Drosophila embryogenesis.

In Drosophila, as in vertebrates, each muscle is a syncytium and arises from mesodermal cells by successive fusion. This requires cell-cell recognition, alignment, formation of prefusion complexes, followed by electron-dense plaques and membrane breakdown. Because muscle development in Drosophila is rapid and well-documented, it has been possible to identify several genes essential for fusion. Molecular analysis of two of these genes revealed the importance of cytoplasmic components. One of these, Myoblast city, is expressed in several tissues and is homologous to the mammalian protein DOCK180. Myoblast city is presumably involved in cell recognition and cell adhesion. Blown fuse, the second cytoplasmic component, is selectively expressed in the mesoderm and essential in order to proceed from the prefusion complex to electron-dense plaques at opposed membranes between adjacent myoblasts. The rolling stone gene is transiently expressed during myoblast fusion. The Rost protein is located in the membrane and thus might be a key component for cell recognition. The molecular characterization of further genes relevant for fusion such as singles bar and sticks and stones will help to elucidate the mechanism of myoblast fusion in Drosophila.     

Electrochemical properties of the diiron core of uteroferrin and its anion complexes

The reduction potentials (Em) of the purple acid phosphatase from porcine uterus, uteroferrin (Uf), and its phosphate, arsenate, and molybdate complexes were determined by coulometric methods at various pH values. The midpoint potential of Uf at the pH value for optimal enzyme activity (pH 5) was found to be +367 mV versus a normal hydrogen electrode (NHE), while at pH 6.01 Uf exhibits a reduction potential of +306 mV. At pH 6.01 molybdate was found to shift the potential of Uf more positive by 192 mV, while phosphate and arsenate shift the potential of Uf more negative by 193 and 89 mV, respectively. These shifts are consistent with the different susceptibilities of Uf to aerobic oxidation in the presence of these anions. Comparison of the reduction potential of Uf at pH 7.0 with those reported for other dinuclear non-heme iron enzymes and various (mu-oxo)diiron model complexes suggest that the potential of Uf is too positive to be consistent with a mu-oxo-bridge in Ufo. The pH dependence of the reduction potentials of Uf (60 mV/pH unit) and the fact that the electron transfer rate increases with decreasing pH indicate a concomitant participation of a proton during the oxidation-reduction process. This process was assigned to the protonation of a terminally bound hydroxide ligand at the Fe(II) center upon reduction of Ufo. Structural implications provided by the electrochemical data indicate that molybdate affects the dinuclear core in a manner that differs from that of phosphate and arsenate. This observation is consistent with previous spectroscopic and biochemical studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Quantal secretion of catecholamines measured from individual bovine adrenal medullary cells permeabilized with digitonin.

Secretion of catecholamines from individual bovine adrenal medullary cells grown in primary culture has been investigated with a carbon-fiber microelectrode placed adjacent to the cells. Oxidation of catecholamines at the electrode surface results in changes in current, which give a real-time measure of catecholamine secretion. Chemical agents are introduced to the individual cells by pressure ejection from micropipettes. When incubated in Ca(2+)-containing buffers, secretion is not observed. However, permeabilization of the cell by exposure to 20 microM digitonin for approximately 15 s results in a Ca(2+)-dependent secretion, and the contents of individual vesicles are detected in the form of sharp spikes. The rate at which spikes occur is a function of the Ca2+ concentration in the external media and reaches a maximum at 19 microM Ca2+. The area of the spikes range from 0.1 to greater than 10 picocoulombs, but the majority are less than 2 picocoulombs, corresponding to less than 6 x 10(6) molecules detected per spike. Histograms of the spike areas are essentially independent of the Ca2+ concentration, indicating that the population of vesicles which undergo exocytosis is the same for all concentrations. Exocytotic secretion can be distinguished from nonexocytotic release by analysis of the shape of the spikes.     

Intraocular microablation of choroidal tissue by a 308 nm AIDA excimer laser for RPE-transplantation in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in the western nations beyond 50 years of age. The most frequent cause for severe visual loss is the growth of neovascular membrances from the choroid into the subretinal space. This usually results in irreversible degeneration of the overlying retina. Surgical removal of the membrane is feasible, however, usually results in functional loss of apposing retinal photoreceptors since retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are removed concurrently due to their tight adherence to the neovascular complex. Therefore, various attempts have been undertaken to fill the resulting RPE cell defect with either heterologous or autologous RPE cell transplants. So far cell survival, function and subsequent visual function has been disappointing. To minimize trauma and resulting dedifferentiation harvesting in the eye and transplantation in whole sheets and without temporary removal from the eyes would be desirable. This may be achieved by isolating grafts consisting of choroid, Bruch's membrance and RPE cells from the peripheral retina and transplantation of this graft under the neurosensory retina after removal of the choroidal neovascularization. However, the choroidal component of such a graft would be expected to interfere with diffusion of metabolites to and from the retina. Therefore, outcome would be expected to be better if the choroidal tissue would be removed before translocation. In preclinical experiments we used a 308 nm UV AIDA excimer laser to microablate choroidal tissue from such a graft in human donor eyes.     

MAGI: Methylation analysis using genome information

By incorporating annotation information into the analysis of next-generation sequencing DNA methylation data, we provide an improvement in performance over current testing procedures. Methylation analysis using genome information (MAGI) is applicable for both unreplicated and replicated data, and provides an effective analysis for studies with low sequencing depth. When compared with current tests, the annotation-informed tests provide an increase in statistical power and offer a significance-based interpretation of differential methylation.     

mTOR signaling for biological control and cancer

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a major intersection that connects signals from the extracellular milieu to corresponding changes in intracellular processes. When abnormally regulated, the mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in a wide spectrum of cancers, neurological diseases, and proliferative disorders. Therefore, pharmacological agents that restore the regulatory balance of the mTOR pathway could be beneficial for a great number of diseases. This review summarizes current understanding of mTOR signaling and some unanswered questions in the field. We describe the composition of the mTOR complexes, upstream signals that activate mTOR, and physiological processes that mTOR regulates. We also discuss the role of mTOR and its downstream effectors in cancer, obesity and diabetes, and autism. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1658–1664, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lactobacillus paracasei DSMZ16671 Reduces Mutans Streptococci: A Short-Term Pilot Study

Reducing the burden of pathogenic mutans streptococci is a goal of oral health. Lactobacillus paracasei DSMZ16671, even after heat-killing, specifically co-aggregates mutans streptococci in vitro and retains this activity in human saliva. In rats, it reduces mutans streptococcal colonization of teeth and caries scores. This pilot study sought to assess the potential of heat-killed L. paracasei DSMZ16671 (pro-t-action^®) to reduce levels of salivary mutans streptococci in humans, using sugar-free candies as a delivery vehicle. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind in vivo study of three groups examined the short-term effect of sugar-free candies containing 0 (placebo), 1, or 2 mg/candy piece of heat-killed L. paracasei DSMZ16671 on the levels of salivary mutans streptococci determined before and after consumption of the candies. The candies were consumed 4 times during 1.5 consecutive days. Compared to the placebo group, the test groups’ saliva had significantly reduced mutans streptococci as an immediate effect. These results suggest the use of heat-killed L. paracasei DSMZ16671 in suckable candies as a method to reduce mutans streptococci in the mouth and, thereby, caries risk. We think this a new concept and strategy for caries prevention and management.