Targeting CDK5 in Astrocytes Promotes Calcium Homeostasis Under Excitotoxic Conditions.

Glutamate excitotoxicity triggers overactivation of CDK5 and increases calcium influx in neural cells, which promotes dendritic retraction, spine loss, increased mitochondrial calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum, and neuronal death. Our previous studies showed that CDK5 knockdown (KD) in astrocytes improves neurovascular integrity and cognitive functions and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, how CDK5-targeted astrocytes affect calcium regulation and whether this phenomenon is associated with changes in neuronal plasticity have not yet been analyzed.

Characterization of the genome of a novel ilarvirus naturally infecting Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana).

As part of an initiative to characterize viruses infecting Cape gooseberry in the province of Antioquia (Colombia), we report the genome sequence of a new member of the genus Ilarvirus (family Bromoviridae). This virus was identified in a Cape gooseberry plot in the municipality of Marinilla in a mixed infection with potato virus Y (PVY) as part of high-throughput sequencing initiative. Results were confirmed by nested RT-PCR and DAS-ELISA.