Expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the retina of the rdta transgenic mouse

Background

One mechanism that directs the action of the second messengers, cAMP and diacylglycerol, is the compartmentalization of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC). A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) can recruit both enzymes to specific subcellular locations via interactions with the various isoforms of each family of kinases. We found previously that a new class of AKAPs, dual-specific AKAPs, denoted D-AKAP1 and D-AKAP2, bind to RIα in addition to the RII subunits.

Results

Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used here to determine that D-AKAP1 colocalizes with RIα at the postsynaptic membrane of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and the adjacent muscle, but not in the presynaptic region. The labeling pattern for RIα and D-AKAP1 overlapped with mitochondrial staining in the muscle fibers, consistent with our previous work showing D-AKAP1 association with mitochondria in cultured cells. The immunoreactivity of D-AKAP2 was distinct from that of D-AKAP1. We also report here that even though the PKA type II subunits (RIIα and RIIβ) are localized at the NMJ, their patterns are distinctive and differ from the other R and D-AKAP patterns examined. PKCβ appeared to colocalize with the AKAP, gravin, at the postsynaptic membrane.

Conclusions

The kinases and AKAPs investigated have distinct patterns of colocalization, which suggest a complex arrangement of signaling micro-environments. Because the labeling patterns for RIα and D-AKAP 1 are similar in the muscle fibers and at the postsynaptic membrane, it may be that this AKAP anchors RIα in these regions. Likewise, gravin may be an anchor of PKCβ at the NMJ.     

Some new display techniques-a critical survey

Display systems are discussed in general terms to determine a set of criteria against which all display technologies can be assessed. A selection of the more recent display techniques will then be discussed in detail. Finally some general conclusions will be formulated about the future of these and other better known display technologies.     

Synthesis and Pyrolysis of Tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine-3,5-diones and Tetrahydro-1,4-thiazine-3,5-diones

The preparation and characterization of six 4-substituted tetrahydro-l,4-oxazine-3,5-diones and five 4-substituted tetrahydro-l,4-thiazine-3,5-diones is described. Upon flash vacuum pyrolysis at 700°C these give N-substituted acetamides and nitriles, and a mechanism for formation of these products is proposed.     

Expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the retina of the rdta transgenic mouse

Background  

The expression of retinal CaMKII is up-regulated in the retina of the rdta mouse in which rod photoreceptors are genetically ablated. As ionotropic glutamate receptors are known substrates of CAMKII, this study set out to determine if the protein levels of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the rdta mouse retina are also affected.     

Rationalising the effect of reducing agent on the oxazaborolidine-mediated asymmetric reduction of N-substituted imines

Comparing the effect of borane-based reducing agents on the stereochemical outcome of oxazaborolidine-mediated ketone and N-substituted imine reduction highlights the potential importance of reducing agent structure on the asymmetric sense of imine reduction.