Substrate elasticity induces quiescence and promotes neurogenesis of primary neural stem cells-A biophysical in vitro model of the physiological cerebral milieu.

In the brain, neural stem cells (NSC) are tightly regulated by external signals and biophysical cues mediated by the local microenvironment or "niche." In particular, the influence of tissue elasticity, known to fundamentally affect the function of various cell types in the body, on NSC remains poorly understood. We, accordingly, aimed to characterize the effects of elastic substrates on critical NSC functions.

TRM4 is essential for cellulose deposition in Arabidopsis seed mucilage by maintaining cortical microtubule organization and interacting with CESA3.

The differentiation of the seed coat epidermal (SCE) cells in Arabidopsis thaliana leads to the production of a large amount of pectin-rich mucilage and a thick cellulosic secondary cell wall. The mechanisms by which cortical microtubules are involved in the formation of these pectinaceous and cellulosic cell walls are still largely unknown. Using a reverse genetic approach, we found that TONNEAU1 (TON1) recruiting motif 4 (TRM4) is implicated in cortical microtubule organization in SCE cells, and functions as a novel player in the establishment of mucilage structure.

Directing Neuronal Outgrowth and Network Formation of Rat Cortical Neurons by Cyclic Substrate Stretch.

Neuronal mechanobiology plays a vital function in brain development and homeostasis with an essential role in neuronal maturation, pathfinding, and differentiation but is also crucial for understanding brain pathology. In this study, we constructed an in vitro system to assess neuronal responses to cyclic strain as a mechanical signal. The selected strain amplitudes mimicked physiological as well as pathological conditions.

Deciphering the Functional Composition of Fusogenic Liposomes.

Cationic liposomes are frequently used as carrier particles for nucleic acid delivery. The most popular formulation is the equimolar mixture of two components, a cationic lipid and a neutral phosphoethanolamine. Its uptake pathway has been described as endocytosis.