Aspergillus Myosin-V Supports Polarized Growth in the Absence of Microtubule-Based Transport

In the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, both microtubules and actin filaments are important for polarized growth at the hyphal tip. Less clear is how different microtubule-based and actin-based motors work together to support this growth. Here we examined the role of myosin-V (MYOV) in hyphal growth. MYOV-depleted cells form elongated hyphae, but the rate of hyphal elongation is significantly reduced. In addition, although wild type cells without microtubules still undergo polarized growth, microtubule disassembly abolishes polarized growth in MYOV-depleted cells. Thus, MYOV is essential for polarized growth in the absence of microtubules. Moreover, while a triple kinesin null mutant lacking kinesin-1 (KINA) and two kinesin-3s (UNCA and UNCB) undergoes hyphal elongation and forms a colony, depleting MYOV in this triple mutant results in lethality due to a severe defect in polarized growth. These results argue that MYOV, through its ability to transport secretory cargo, can support a significant amount of polarized hyphal tip growth in the absence of any microtubule-based transport. Finally, our genetic analyses also indicate that KINA (kinesin-1) rather than UNCA (kinesin-3) is the major kinesin motor that supports polarized growth in the absence of MYOV

Morphology of autogenous bone graft and castor oil polyurethane in the infraorbital rim of rabbits: a comparative study Estudo morfológico comparativo do enxerto ósseo autógeno e polímero de mamona em rebordo infra-orbitário de coelhos

PURPOSE: Morphological study comparing castor oil polyurethane and autogenous bone graft to repair bone defect in zygomatic bone of rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-four adult, male New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed between two groups of twelve. Bone defects of 5mm in diameter were cut through the zygomatic bone and filled with polyurethane discs in the experimental group or autogenous bone harvested from the tibia in the control group. Animals were sacrificed after 30, 60 or 90 days, and the zygomatic bones were macro- and microscopically analyzed. Student's, Fisher's, chi-squared and McNemar's tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Both the castor oil polyurethane and the autograft adapted well to the defect, with no need for fixation. Fibrous connective tissue encapsulated the polyurethane, but no inflammation or giant cell reaction was observed. Acidophilic and basophilic areas were observed inside the micropores of the polyurethane, suggesting cell nuclei. After 90 days, bone repair with a lamellar pattern of organization was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The castor oil polyurethane was biocompatible and did not cause inflammation. It may be considered an alternative to fill bone defects.<br>OBJETIVO: Estudo morfológico comparativo do implante de poliuretana de mamona e enxerto ósseo autógeno em defeito ósseo padrão em osso zigomático de coelhos. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro coelhos Nova Zelândia, machos, adultos, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 12. Defeitos de 5mm de diâmetro, perenes, foram confeccionados em osso zigomático e preenchidos com discos pré-fabricados de poliuretana no grupo experimento ou osso autógeno extraído da tíbia no grupo controle. Os animais foram sacrificados após 30, 60 e 90 dias e as peças anatômicas foram avaliadas macro e microscopicamente. Foram utilizados os testes de Student, Fisher,qui-quadrado e McNemar para a análise estatística dos resultados. RESULTADOS: A poliuretana e o osso autógeno se adaptaram ao defeito sem necessidade de fixação. Houve formação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso envolvendo a poliuretana, sem reação inflamatória ou presença de células gigantes. Verificaram-se áreas acidófilas e basófilas nos poros do material implantado, sugestivas de núcleos celulares. No grupo controle, observou-se aos 90 dias o reparo ósseo de padrão lamelar clássico. CONCLUSÃO: A poliuretana de mamona foi biocompatível e não causou reação inflamatória deletéria. Pode ser uma alternativa para o preenchimento de defeitos ósseos