Necl2/3-mediated mechanism for tripartite synapse formation.

Ramified, polarized protoplasmic astrocytes interact with synapses via perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) to form tripartite synapses. These astrocyte-synapse interactions mutually regulate their structures and functions. However, molecular mechanisms for tripartite synapse formation remain elusive.

Impairment of pachytene spermatogenesis in Dmrt7 deficient mice, possibly causing meiotic arrest.

Although Dmrt7 has been reported to be essential for male spermatogenesis, the molecular mechanism underlying pachytene spermatogenesis by Dmrt7 is not known. In the present study, by detailed analysis of Dmrt7 protein distribution in spermatocytes in the first wave of spermatogenesis, we clarified the profile of Dmrt7 expression and localization in pachytene spermatogenesis. Dmrt7-deficient spermatocytes were arrested in the pachytene stage, followed by apoptosis.

A novel bioactive delta lactone FD-211. Taxonomy, isolation and characterization.

During our screening program for natural product drugs effective against multidrug-resistant mammalian cells, we have discovered a new delta lactone FD-211 from the fermantation broth of Myceliophthora lutea TF-0409. FD-211 had a broad spectrum activity against cultured tumor cell lines, including adriamycin-resistant HL-60 cells.

Scanning electron microscopy of age-related changes in the C57BL/6J mouse cochlea.

Hair cells and nerve fibers inside the organ of Corti of the C57BL/6J mouse, which is known as the precocious presbycusis model, were studied using the scanning electron microscope. For this study, we used thick serial sections cut from celloidin blocks. In the 5-week-old mice, hair cell loss was not seen.