Diverse microtubule-binding repeats regulate TPX2 activities at distinct locations within the spindle.

TPX2 is an elongated molecule containing multiple α-helical repeats. It stabilizes microtubules (MTs), promotes MT nucleation, and is essential for spindle assembly. However, the molecular basis of how TPX2 performs these functions remains elusive.

ClaPEPCK4: target gene for breeding innovative watermelon germplasm with low malic acid and high sweetness.

Malic acid markedly affects watermelon flavor. Reducing the malic acid content can significantly increase the sweetness of watermelon. An effective solution strategy is to reduce watermelon malic acid content through molecular breeding technology.

Targeted delivery of rhodopsin's assembled core is required for outer segment extension in mouse rod photoreceptors.

Vertebrate vision in dim-light environments is initiated by rod photoreceptor cells that express the photopigment rhodopsin, a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). To ensure efficient light capture, rhodopsin is densely packed into hundreds of membrane discs that are tightly stacked within the rod-shaped outer segment compartment. Along with its role in eliciting the visual response, rhodopsin serves as both a building block necessary for proper outer segment formation as well as a trafficking guide for a few outer segment resident membrane proteins.

Efficacy of multi-color near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green: A new imaging strategy and its early experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has a wide range of applications in multiple surgical scenarios. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), it facilitates intraoperative identification of the biliary system and reduces the risk of bile duct injury. However, the usual single color fluorescence imaging (SCFI) has limitations in manifesting the fluorescence signal of the target structure when its intensity is relatively low.