Shiga toxin type 2 B subunit protects mice against toxin challenge when leashed and bundled by a stable pentameric coiled-coil molecule.

Vaccines against Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have not yet been developed. Two immunologically distinct serotypes of Stx (Stx1 and Stx2) are the main virulence factors of STEC. Thus, blocking their B subunits (StxB) from binding to the cell surface receptor globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) efficiently prevents the action of these toxins.

Symptomatic jugular venous reflux with dilatation of the superior ophthalmic vein mimicking cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula.

We report a case of symptomatic jugular venous reflux (JVR) with dilatation of left superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), mimicking cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Severe JVR was caused by an AVFfor hemodialysis access and the narrowing of the left brachiocephalic vein. In-flow signals were found from the left internal jugular vein to left SOV on magnetic resonance angiography, and T1-weighted image and T2-weighted images demonstrated flow voids in bilateral sigmoid sinuses and confluence of sinuses due to rapid retrograde venous flow.

Endocytic trafficking factor VPS45 is essential for spatial regulation of lens fiber differentiation in zebrafish.

In vertebrate lens, lens epithelial cells cover the anterior half of the lens fiber core. Lens epithelial cells proliferate, move posteriorly and start to differentiate into lens fiber cells at the lens equator. Although FGF signaling promotes this equatorial commencement of lens fiber differentiation, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood.

Fiber knob domain lacking the shaft sequence but fused to a coiled coil is a candidate subunit vaccine against egg-drop syndrome.

Egg-drop syndrome (EDS) virus is an avian adenovirus that causes a sudden drop in egg production and in the quality of the eggs when it infects chickens, leading to substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. Inactivated EDS vaccines produced in embryonated duck eggs or cell culture systems are available for the prophylaxis of EDS. However, recombinant subunit vaccines that are efficacious and inexpensive are a desirable alternative.