Finding gamma

Neuronal gamma-band synchronization is central for cognition. Respective studies in human subjects focused on a visually induced transient enhancement of broadband EEG power. In this issue of Neuron, Yuval-Greenberg et al. demonstrate that this EEG response is an artifact of microsaccades, raising the question of whether gamma-band synchronization can be assessed with EEG.     

Finding autophagy

To tell the truth, I find it difficult to work when flying, or even when sitting in an airport for an extended period of time. So, typically I take along a book to read. And when I truly cannot concentrate, for example when a flight is considerably delayed, I have even been known to resort to word puzzles. Depending on the type, they do not require much attention (that is, you can pick up right where you left off after you glance at the flight status screen for the twentieth or so time, even though you know nothing has changed), or effort (although you need to use a pen or pencil, not a keyboard), but nonetheless they can keep your mind somewhat occupied. I even rationalize doing them based on the assumption that they are sharpening my observational/pattern-finding skills. One type of word puzzle that is particularly mindless, but for that very reason I still enjoy in the above circumstances, is a word search; you are given a grid with letters and/or numbers, and a list of “hidden” terms, and you circle them within the grid, crossing them off the list as you go along. I do admit that the categories of terms used in the typical word searches can become rather mundane (breeds of dog, types of food, words that are followed by “stone,” words associated with a famous movie star, words from a particular television show, etc.). Therefore, on one of my last seminar trips I decided to generate my own word search, using the category of autophagy.     

Finding regulatory sequences

DNA regulatory sequences control gene expression by forming DNA-protein complex with specific DNA binding protein. A major task of studies of gene regulation is to identify DNA regulatory sequences in genome-wide. Especially with the rapid pace of genome project, the function of DNA regulatory sequences becomes one of the focuses in functional genome era. Several approaches for screening and characterizing DNA regulatory sequences emerged one by one, from initial low-throughput methods to high-throughput strategies. Even though at present bioinformatics tools facilitate the process of screening regulatory fragments, the most reliable results will come from experimental test. This article highlights some experimental methods for the identification of regulatory sequences. A brief review of the history and procedures for selection methods are provided. Tendency as well as limitation and extension of these methods are also presented.     

Finding a niche

Although I always knew I wanted to be a scientist, I didn't know I would become a cell biologist. Events in life that you would never have predicted can greatly impact your career trajectory. I have learned to let those events take me in new directions. Following a desire to investigate an understudied area of cell biology, I have found a niche. In this area, my lab is poised to contribute significantly toward understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying polarized plant cell growth.     

Finding Plk3

Polo-like kinases (Plks) are a highly conserved family of kinases found in flies, yeast and vertebrates. Plks derive their name from homology to the gene product of polo, a protein kinase first identified in Drosophila. Three polo-like kinases have been identified in vertebrates: Plk1, Plk2 and Plk3. Studies on Plk1 have revealed a great deal of information on its multiple functions, however Plk2 and Plk3 functions have not been fully explored. In this perspective we discuss recent work on Plk3 expression, function and localization in the context of previous reports on Plk3 and in terms of its relationship to Plk1.