Response Plasticity of Olfactory Sensory Neurons.

In insect olfaction, sensitization refers to the amplification of a weak olfactory signal when the stimulus is repeated within a specific time window. In the vinegar fly, this occurs already at the periphery, at the level of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located in the antenna. In our study, we investigate whether sensitization is a widespread property in a set of seven types of OSNs, as well as the mechanisms involved.

Homeostasis of Mitochondrial Ca Stores Is Critical for Signal Amplification in Olfactory Sensory Neurons.

Insects detect volatile chemosignals with olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that express olfactory receptors. Among them, the most sensitive receptors are the odorant receptors (ORs), which form cation channels passing Ca. OSNs expressing different groups of ORs show varying optimal odor concentration ranges according to environmental needs.

A GFP-based ratiometric sensor for cellular methionine oxidation.

Methionine oxidation is a reversible post-translational protein modification, affecting protein function, and implicated in aging and degenerative diseases. The detection of accumulating methionine oxidation in living cells or organisms, however, has not been achieved. Here we introduce a genetically encoded probe for methionine oxidation (GEPMO), based on the super-folder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), as a specific, versatile, and integrating sensor for methionine oxidation.

Impact of intracellular hemin on N-type inactivation of voltage-gated K channels.

N-type inactivation of voltage-gated K channels is conferred by the N-terminal "ball" domains of select pore-forming α subunits or of auxiliary β subunits, and influences electrical cellular excitability. Here, we show that hemin impairs inactivation of K channels formed by Kv3.4 α subunits as well as that induced by the subunits Kvβ1.