Introduction: Stroke embolic source have an unknown origin in 30-40% of cases. Mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion stroke has provided us with a method to directly retrieve the thrombi from patients for analysis. By collecting stroke-causing thrombi from known sources, we can then use high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNAseq) technology to directly measure the gene expression signatures of these clots.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidance for expanded access to experimental therapies, which in turn plays an important role in the Twenty-first Century Cures Act mandate to advance cell-based therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiochim Biophys Acta
February 2015
The unfulfilled gene of Drosophila encodes a member of the NR2E subfamily of nuclear receptors. Like related members of the NR2E subfamily, UNFULFILLED is anticipated to function as a dimer, binding to DNA response elements and regulating the expression of target genes. The UNFULFILLED protein may be regulated by ligand-binding and may also be post-transcriptionally modified by sumoylation and phosphorylation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe mushroom body (MB) of Drosophila melanogaster is an organized collection of interneurons that is required for learning and memory. Each of the three subtypes of MB neurons, γ, α'/β', and α/β, branch at some point during their development, providing an excellent model in which to study the genetic regulation of axon branching. Given the sequential birth order and the unique patterning of MB neurons, it is likely that specific gene cascades are required for the different guidance events that form the characteristic lobes of the MB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccessory cells, which include glia and other cell types that develop in close association with neurons, have been shown to play key roles in regulating neuron development. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. A particularly intimate association between accessory cells and neurons is found in insect chordotonal organs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe semaphorin gene family has been shown to play important roles in axonal guidance in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Both transmembrane (Sema1a, Sema1b, Sema5c) and secreted (Sema2a, Sema2b) forms of semaphorins exist in Drosophila. Two Sema receptors, plexins (Plex) A and B, have also been identified.
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