Localization of FMRP-associated mRNA granules and requirement of microtubules for activity-dependent trafficking in hippocampal neurons.

Fragile X syndrome is caused by the absence of the fragile X mental-retardation protein (FMRP), an mRNA-binding protein, which may play important roles in the regulation of dendritic mRNA localization and/or synaptic protein synthesis. We have recently applied high-resolution fluorescence imaging methods to document the presence, motility and activity-dependent regulation of FMRP granule trafficking in dendrites and spines of cultured hippocampal neurons. In this study, we show that FMRP granules distribute to F-actin-rich compartments, including filopodia, spines and growth cones during the staged development of hippocampal neurons in culture.

Defining the physiologically normal coating and pathological deposit: an analysis of sulfur-containing moieties and pellicle thickness on hydrogel contact lenses.

Purpose: Historically, biochemical studies of the interaction between tears and hydrogel contact lenses have not been coordinated with the study of the morphological ultrastructure of the phenomena. Moreover, terms that have distinct and different meanings--pellicle, coating, deposit, and biofilm--have been used interchangeably and often incorrectly when applied within the context of the general field of contact lens biotechnology to describe the tear-polymer interaction. We describe our elucidation of morphological and elemental characteristics of the normal pellicle that forms on the lens surface and urge standard use of the word "pellicle" to specify this entity.