Live-cell imaging of circular and long non-coding RNAs associated to FUS pathological aggregates by Pepper fluorescent RNA.

Lately, important advancements in visualizing RNAs in fixed and live cells have been achieved. While mRNA imaging techniques are well-established, the development of effective methods for studying non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in living cells are still challenging but necessary, as they show a variety of functions and intracellular localizations, including participation in highly dynamic processes like phase-transition, which is still poorly studied in vivo. Addressing this issue, we tagged two exemplary ncRNAs with the fluorescent RNA (fRNA) Pepper.

Microplastics detection in some cosmetic samples by accelerated solvent extraction and Micro-FTIR.

Worldwide attention is focused on microplastics environmental pollution, primarily for its potential negative effects on biota and human health. It is of great importance to identify standardized analytical methods to have an objective feedback about this concern. The recent regulation regarding the intentionally added microplastics content and the attention for the unintentional microplastics release are the basis of this work, whose topic is the development of an analytical method for microbeads (spheres) and microparticles (fragments) determination in certain cosmetic samples, in particular creamy samples.

ALS-associated FUS mutation reshapes the RNA and protein composition of stress granules.

Stress granules (SG) are part of a cellular protection mechanism where untranslated messenger RNAs and RNA-binding proteins are stored upon conditions of cellular stress. Compositional variations due to qualitative or quantitative protein changes can disrupt their functionality and alter their structure. This is the case of different forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where a causative link has been proposed between the cytoplasmic de-localization of mutant proteins, such as FUS (Fused in Sarcoma), and the formation of cytotoxic inclusions.

Challenges in the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Nervous System.

Neurological involvement has been widely reported in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, viral identification in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is rarely found. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of virological and immunological biomarkers in CSF for the diagnosis of neuroCOVID-19.