SNARE-Mediated Membrane Fusion Probed Using a Synthetic Organelle in the Living Bacterium.

Studies on the mechanisms and regulation of functional assemblies of SNARE proteins mediating membrane fusion essentially make use of recombinant proteins and artificial phospholipid bilayers. We have developed an easy-to-use in vivo system reconstituting membrane fusion in living bacteria. It relies on the formation of caveolin-dependent intracytoplasmic cisternae followed by the controlled synthesis of members of the synaptic SNARE machinery.

ExoJ - a Fiji/ImageJ2 plugin for automated spatiotemporal detection and analysis of exocytosis.

Exocytosis is a dynamic physiological process that enables the release of biomolecules to the surrounding environment via the fusion of membrane compartments to the plasma membrane. Understanding its mechanisms is crucial, as defects can compromise essential biological functions. The development of pH-sensitive optical reporters alongside fluorescence microscopy enables the assessment of individual vesicle exocytosis events at the cellular level.

Unveiling defects of secretion mechanisms in Parkinson's disease.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and loss of specific sets of neurons. While extensive research has focused on elucidating the genetic and epigenetic factors and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders, emerging evidence highlights the critical role of secretion in the pathogenesis, possibly even onset, and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting the occurrence of non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Secretion is a fundamental process that regulates intercellular communication, supports cellular homeostasis, and orchestrates various physiological functions in the body.

Low Effectiveness of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Prediction Models of Mediterranean Italian Buffalo Bulk Milk Coagulation Traits.

This study evaluated the potential use of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict milk coagulation traits in bulk milk from Mediterranean Italian buffaloes. A total of 1736 bulk milk samples from 55 farms in central Italy were collected during the official milk quality testing system. The prediction models were developed based on modified partial least-squares regression with 75% of the samples and validated with the remaining samples.