Osteocyte gene expression analysis in mouse bone: optimization of a laser-assisted microdissection protocol.

Among bone cells, osteocytes are the most abundant, but also the most challenging to study because they are located inside a dense mineralized matrix. Due to their involvement in bone homeostasis, diverse tools are needed to understand their roles in bone physiology and pathology. This work was aimed at establishing a laser-assisted microdissection protocol to isolate osteocytes and analyze their gene expressions.

Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of New δ Opioid Receptor-Selective Fluorescent Probes and Applications in Single-Molecule Microscopy of Wild-Type Receptors.

The delta opioid receptor (δOR or DOR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) showing a promising profile as a drug target for nociception and analgesia. Herein, we design and synthesize new fluorescent antagonist probes with high δOR selectivity that are ideally suited for single-molecule microscopy (SMM) applications in unmodified, untagged receptors. Using our new probes, we investigated wild-type δOR localization and mobility at low physiological receptor densities for the first time.

The EBI2 receptor is coexpressed with CCR5 in CD4 + T cells and boosts HIV-1 R5 replication.

Objective: CCR5, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is used by most HIV strains as a coreceptor. In this study, we looked for other GPCR able to modify HIV-1 infection.

Design: We analyzed the effects of one GPCR coexpressed with CCR5, EBI2, on HIV-1 replicative cycle.

A dynamical measure of the black hole mass in a quasar 11 billion years ago.

Tight relationships exist in the local Universe between the central stellar properties of galaxies and the mass of their supermassive black hole (SMBH). These suggest that galaxies and black holes co-evolve, with the main regulation mechanism being energetic feedback from accretion onto the black hole during its quasar phase. A crucial question is how the relationship between black holes and galaxies evolves with time; a key epoch to examine this relationship is at the peaks of star formation and black hole growth 8-12 billion years ago (redshifts 1-3).

Optical Control of Adenosine A Receptor Using Istradefylline Photosensitivity.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic use of inhibitors of adenosine A receptors (AR) for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, the widespread expression of AR throughout the body emphasizes the importance of temporally and spatially selective ligands. Photopharmacology is an emerging strategy that utilizes photosensitive ligands to attain high spatiotemporal precision and regulate the function of biomolecules using light.