Class III PI3K Biology.

Highly conserved from yeast to mammals, vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34) is the sole member of the third class of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family. By producing phosphatidylinositol-3-monophosphate (PtdIns3P) through its scaffolding function essential for the catalytic lipid activity, Vps34 regulates endosomal trafficking, autophagy, phagocytosis, and nutrient-sensing signaling. The development of genetically modified mouse models and specific inhibitors has largely contributed over the past ten years to a better understanding of Vps34 functions in biological and physiological processes in mammals and, ultimately, its potential implications and targeting in human diseases.

PIKfyve-Dependent Phosphoinositide Dynamics in Megakaryocyte/Platelet Granule Integrity and Platelet Functions.

Background: Secretory granules are key elements for platelet functions. Their biogenesis and integrity are regulated by fine-tuned mechanisms that need to be fully characterized. Here, we investigated the role of the phosphoinositide 5-kinase PIKfyve and its lipid products, PtdIns5P (phosphatidylinositol 5 monophosphate) and PtdIns(3,5)P (phosphatidylinositol (3,5) bisphosphate) in granule homeostasis in megakaryocytes and platelets.

PassStat, a simple but fast, precise and versatile open source potentiostat.

This work presents 4 open source potentiostat solutions for performing accurate measurements in cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry at a low price. A very simple and easy to reproduce analogic board (c.a.

Implementation of a checklist to improve pediatric trauma assessment quality in a Brazilian hospital.

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in Brazil. Measurement of quality of care is important, as well as interventions that will help optimize treatment. We aimed to evaluate adherence to standardized trauma care following the introduction of a checklist in one of the busiest Latin American trauma centers.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate: A novel actor in thrombopoiesis and thrombosis.

Phosphoinositides are lipid second messengers regulating in time and place the formation of protein complexes involved in the control of intracellular signaling, vesicular trafficking, and cytoskeleton/membrane dynamics. One of these lipids, phosphatidylinositol 3 monophosphate (PtdIns3P), is present in small amounts in mammalian cells and is involved in the control of endocytic/endosomal trafficking and in autophagy. Its metabolism is finely regulated by specific kinases and phosphatases including class II phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3KC2s) and the class III PI3K, Vps34.

Phosphatidylinositol 3 monophosphate metabolizing enzymes in blood platelet production and in thrombosis.

Blood platelets, produced by the fragmentation of megakaryocytes, play a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Being implicated in atherothrombosis and other thromboembolic disorders, they represent a major therapeutic target for antithrombotic drug development. Several recent studies have highlighted an important role for the lipid phosphatidylinositol 3 monophosphate (PtdIns3P) in megakaryocytes and platelets.

Photo-catalytic hydrogen production over Au/g-CN: effect of gold particle dispersion and morphology.

Metal/semiconductor interactions affect electron transfer rates and this is central to photocatalytic hydrogen ion reduction. While this interaction has been studied in great detail on metal oxide semiconductors, not much is known of Au particles on top of polymeric semiconductors. The effects of gold nanoparticle size and dispersion on top of g-C3N4 were studied by core and valence level spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy in addition to catalytic tests.