Manfred Eigen: the realization of his vision of Biophysical Chemistry.

Manfred Eigen turned 90 on May 9th, 2017. He celebrated with a small group of colleagues and friends on behalf of the many inspired by him over his lifetime-whether scientists, artists, or philosophers. A small group of friends, because many-who by their breakthroughs have changed the face of science in different research areas-have already died.

The iron-sulphur protein RNase L inhibitor functions in translation termination.

The iron-sulphur (Fe-S)-containing RNase L inhibitor (Rli1) is involved in ribosomal subunit maturation, transport of both ribosomal subunits to the cytoplasm, and translation initiation through interaction with the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex. Here, we present a new function for Rli1 in translation termination. Through co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we show that Rli1 interacts physically with the translation termination factors eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1)/Sup45 and eRF3/Sup35 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Molecular characterization and localization of the first tyramine receptor of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana).

The phenolamines octopamine and tyramine control, regulate, and modulate many physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrates. Vertebrates possess only small amounts of both substances, and thus, octopamine and tyramine, together with other biogenic amines, are referred to as "trace amines." Biogenic amines evoke cellular responses by activating G-protein-coupled receptors.

Source, topography and excitatory effects of GABAergic innervation in cockroach salivary glands.

Cockroach salivary glands are innervated by dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Both transmitters elicit saliva secretion. We studied the distribution pattern of neurons containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and their physiological role.

Morphological and functional characterization of the thoracic portion of blowfly salivary glands.

The abdominal portion of the salivary glands in the blowfly has been studied intensively. Here, we examine the thoracic part of the salivary glands, emphasizing structural and functional aspects. The initial segment downstream of the abdominal portion is secretory and resembles the latter in most structural and functional aspects: the apical membrane is enfolded, forms a canalicular system and contains V-H(+)-ATPase that assembles upon stimulation with the hormone serotonin (5-HT); Na,K-ATPase is localized in the basolateral membrane; septate junctions are not prominent, as deduced from immunofluorescence staining for the marker proteins discs large and fasciclin III.