Structure of blood cell-specific tubulin and demonstration of dimer spacing compaction in a single protofilament.

Microtubule (MT) function plasticity originates from its composition of α- and β-tubulin isotypes and the post-translational modifications of both subunits. Aspects such as MT assembly dynamics, structure, and anticancer drug binding can be modulated by αβ-tubulin heterogeneity. However, the exact molecular mechanism regulating these aspects is only partially understood.

Intermolecular Oxidopyrylium (5 + 2) Cycloaddition/Reductive Ring-Opening Strategy for the Synthesis of α-Methoxytropones.

α-Methoxytropone is a structural motif found in various natural products and other compounds of interest to the scientific community but remains a synthetic challenge. The present Note describes the synthesis of variously substituted α-methoxytropones and related compounds through an intermolecular 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone-based oxidopyrylium (5 + 2) cycloaddition followed by a samarium iodide-mediated reductive ring-opening. The strategy is highlighted in the synthesis of a novel AC-ring analogue of colchicine to compare it to existing methods.

Isotopes and otolith chemistry provide insight into the biogeochemical history of mercury in southern flounder across a salinity gradient.

Methylmercury (MeHg) continues to pose a significant global health risk to wildlife and humans through fish consumption. Despite numerous advancements in understanding the mercury (Hg) cycle, questions remain about MeHg sources that accumulate in fish, particularly across transitional coastal areas, where harvest is prominent and Hg sources are numerous. Here we used a unique combination of Hg and nutrient isotopes, and otolith chemistry to trace the biogeochemical history of Hg and identify Hg sources that accumulated in an economically important fish species across Mobile Bay, Alabama (USA).

High resolution spatial investigation of intracellular oxygen in muscle cells.

Unlabelled: Molecular oxygen (O ) is one of the most functionally relevant metabolites. O is essential for mito-chondrial aerobic respiration. Changes in O affect muscle metabolism and play a critical role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, with lack of sufficient O resulting in detrimental loss of muscle mass and function.

Structural basis of microtubule depolymerization by the kinesin-like activity of HIV-1 Rev.

HIV-1 Rev is an essential regulatory protein that transports unspliced and partially spliced viral mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for the expression of viral structural proteins. During its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, Rev interacts with several host proteins to use the cellular machinery for the advantage of the virus. Here, we report the 3.