Generation of specialized blood vessels via lymphatic transdifferentiation.

The lineage and developmental trajectory of a cell are key determinants of cellular identity. In the vascular system, endothelial cells (ECs) of blood and lymphatic vessels differentiate and specialize to cater to the unique physiological demands of each organ. Although lymphatic vessels were shown to derive from multiple cellular origins, lymphatic ECs (LECs) are not known to generate other cell types.

A non-classical monocyte-derived macrophage subset provides a splenic replication niche for intracellular Salmonella.

Interactions between intracellular bacteria and mononuclear phagocytes give rise to diverse cellular phenotypes that may determine the outcome of infection. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have identified multiple subsets within the mononuclear population, but implications to their function during infection are limited. Here, we surveyed the mononuclear niche of intracellular Salmonella Typhimurium (S.

VEGFC/FLT4-induced cell-cycle arrest mediates sprouting and differentiation of venous and lymphatic endothelial cells.

The formation of new vessels requires a tight synchronization between proliferation, differentiation, and sprouting. However, how these processes are differentially activated, often by neighboring endothelial cells (ECs), remains unclear. Here, we identify cell cycle progression as a regulator of EC sprouting and differentiation.

Synapsins regulate α-synuclein functions.

The normal function of α-synuclein (α-syn) remains elusive. Although recent studies suggest α-syn as a physiologic attenuator of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling, mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that synapsin-a cytosolic protein with known roles in SV mobilization and clustering-is required for presynaptic functions of α-syn.

Using FRAP or FRAPA to Visualize the Movement of Fluorescently Labeled Proteins or Cellular Organelles in Live Cultured Neurons Transformed with Adeno-Associated Viruses.

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence redistribution after photoactivation (FRAPA) are complementary methods used to gauge the movement of proteins or sub-resolution organelles within cells. Using these methods we can determine the nature of the movement of labeled particles, whether it is random, constrained, or active, the coefficient of diffusion if applicable, binding and unbinding constants, and the direction of active transport. These two techniques have been extensively utilized to probe the cell biology of neurons.