Genetically encoded thiol redox-sensors in the zebrafish model: lessons for embryonic development and regeneration.

Important roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox signaling in embryonic development and regenerative processes are increasingly recognized. However, it is difficult to obtain information on spatiotemporal dynamics of ROS production and signaling . The zebrafish is an excellent model for bioimaging and possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity upon tissue injury.

Distinct roles for BAI1 and TIM-4 in the engulfment of dying neurons by microglia.

The removal of dying neurons by microglia has a key role during both development and in several diseases. To date, little is known about the cellular and molecular processes underlying neuronal engulfment in the brain. Here we took a live imaging approach to quantify neuronal cell death progression in embryonic zebrafish brains and studied the response of microglia.

High-level recombinant protein expression in transgenic plants by using a double-inducible viral vector.

We describe here a unique ethanol-inducible process for expression of recombinant proteins in transgenic plants. The process is based on inducible release of viral RNA replicons from stably integrated DNA proreplicons. A simple treatment with ethanol releases the replicon leading to RNA amplification and high-level protein production.

CoA Synthase is phosphorylated on tyrosines in mammalian cells, interacts with and is dephosphorylated by Shp2PTP.

CoA Synthase (CoASy, 4'-phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase/dephospho-CoA kinase) mediates two final stages of de novo coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis in higher eukaryotes. Unfortunately very little is known about regulation of this important metabolic pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that CoASy interacts in vitro with Src homology-2 (SH2) domains of a number of signaling proteins, including Src homology-2 domains containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (Shp2PTP).

CoA synthase is in complex with p85alphaPI3K and affects PI3K signaling pathway.

The complex interplay between cellular signaling and metabolism in eukaryotic cells just start to emerge. Coenzyme A (CoA) and its derivatives play a key role in cell metabolism and also participate in regulatory processes. CoA synthase (CoASy) is a mitochondria-associated enzyme which mediates two final stages of de novo CoA biosynthesis.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to mTOR kinase.

Abstract Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of basic cellular functions, including cellular growth and proliferation. In this study we describe the generation and characterization of novel monoclonal antibodies directed against mTOR protein kinase. A GST-tagged fragment of mTOR expressed in bacteria was used as an antigen.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to TDRD7 protein.

TDRD7 is a scaffold protein whose specific function is unknown. It has been identified in complexes with proteins that regulate cytoskeleton dynamics and centrosomal movements, mRNA transport, and protein translation apparatus. Here we report the generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against TDRD7 protein.

Identification of a novel CoA synthase isoform, which is primarily expressed in the brain.

CoA and its derivatives Acetyl-CoA and Acyl-CoA are important players in cellular metabolism and signal transduction. CoA synthase is a bifunctional enzyme which mediates the final stages of CoA biosynthesis. In previous studies, we have reported molecular cloning, biochemical characterization, and subcellular localization of CoA synthase (CoASy).