The dynamic clustering of insulin receptor underlies its signaling and is disrupted in insulin resistance.

Insulin receptor (IR) signaling is central to normal metabolic control and is dysregulated in metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. We report here that IR is incorporated into dynamic clusters at the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of human hepatocytes and adipocytes. Insulin stimulation promotes further incorporation of IR into these dynamic clusters in insulin-sensitive cells but not in insulin-resistant cells, where both IR accumulation and dynamic behavior are reduced.

In vitro fluorescence assay to measure GDP/GTP exchange of guanine nucleotide exchange factors of Rho family GTPases.

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are enzymes that promote the activation of GTPases through GTP loading. Whole exome sequencing has identified rare variants in GEFs that are associated with disease, demonstrating that GEFs play critical roles in human development. However, the consequences of these rare variants can only be understood through measuring their effects on cellular activity.

Tubular approach to minimally invasive microdiscectomy for pediatric lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the pediatric population is rare and exhibits unique characteristics compared with adult LDH. There are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using tubular retractors in pediatric patients with LDH. Here, the outcomes of MIS tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of pediatric LDH are evaluated.