A chemical genetic screen with the EXO70 inhibitor Endosidin2 uncovers potential modulators of exocytosis in Arabidopsis.

Exocytosis plays an essential role in delivering proteins, lipids, and cell wall polysaccharides to the plasma membrane and extracellular spaces. Accurate secretion through exocytosis is key to normal plant development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. During exocytosis, an octameric protein complex named the exocyst facilitates the tethering of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane.

Carfilzomib Treatment Causes Molecular and Functional Alterations of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

Background Anticancer therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes; however, cardiac side effects from cancer therapies remain a significant challenge. Cardiotoxicity following treatment with proteasome inhibitors such as carfilzomib is known in clinical settings, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Methods and Results Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) as a cell model for drug-induced cytotoxicity in combination with traction force microscopy, functional assessments, high-throughput imaging, and comprehensive omic analyses, we examined the molecular mechanisms involved in structural and functional alterations induced by carfilzomib in hiPSC-CMs.

Using membrane perturbing small molecules to target chronic persistent infections.

After antibiotic treatment, a subpopulation of bacteria often remains and can lead to recalcitrant infections. This subpopulation, referred to as persisters, evades antibiotic treatment through numerous mechanisms such as decreased uptake of small molecules and slowed growth. Membrane perturbing small molecules have been shown to eradicate persisters as well as render these populations susceptible to antibiotic treatment.

Preparation and crystal structure of a rhenium analogue of the cationic renal agent, tc-99m diaminocyclohexane.

We report here a chemical study on a Re analogue of one of the few cationic Tc-99m tracers previously investigated as an agent for effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) measurement. Cationic Tc-99m tracers have the potential for overcoming problems associated with common anionic Tc-99m tracers in patients who have developed a uremic state. The Tc-99m-DACH tracer, prepared from 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (1,2-DACH), is the only cationic renal agent tested in humans and has seven possible isomers.

Chemical Reaction between Colliding Vesicles.

An organic reaction between two populations of vesicles, one containing a nucleophile (blue) and the other an electrophile (red), was examined kinetically. By comparing the rates with those of suitable controls, it was demonstrated that the electrophile is transferred during vesicle collisions, and a fast intra-vesicular reaction ensues.

Gemini Surfactants.

How easy it is to dismiss the humdrum surfactant! After all, its structure is unglamorous by present-day norms. And the surfactant has been entrenched in so many areas of commerce for so many decades that its chemistry might seem old and tired. The purpose of this review is to persuade the reader otherwise, all the while focusing on a remarkable new surfactant, the gemini.

Chemistry and physics of giant vesicles as biomembrane models.

The giant vesicle is becoming an object of intense scrutiny by chemists, biologists, and physicists who are interested in membrane behavior. Recent advances include new models to explain morphological changes, new experimental methods for studying vesicle adhesion, layering and adsorption, and new cataloging of 'cytomimetic' processes.