Article Abstract:
A mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans synapse-defective (syd-2) gene leads to a diffused localization of a number of presynaptic proteins and of a synaptic-vesicle membrane associated green fluorescent protein marker. It is suggested that SYD-2 may function as a structural element of the active zones and/or as a cytoplasmic anchor to attract other molecules to the active zones. This is in alignment with the fact that mammalian liprins recruit receptor proteins with tyrosine phosphatase activity to focal adhesions, and may therefore control the disassembly of focal adhesions.
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Article Abstract:
In the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode the six GABAergic motor neurons, or DDs, change their pattern of synaptic connectivity during larval development. This involves the reversal of information flow directions. A marker was localized in vivo to DD presynaptic zones, to study the timing of DD remodelling. LIN-14 protein levels were found to decrease before remodelling, indicating a role of heterochronic genes in non-dividing cells.
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Article Abstract:
Femto second laser surgery is used for axotomy in the roundworm Caenorhabaitis elegans and shows that these axons functionally regenerate after the operation. Femtosecond laser axotomy is a new technique that can be performed with 100% efficiency, sub-micrometre precision and high speed.
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