The Myosin Va Head Domain Binds to the Neurofilament-L Rod and Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Content and Distribution within Axons

The neurofilament light subunit (NF-L) binds to myosin Va (Myo Va) in neurons but the sites of interaction and functional significance are not clear. We show by deletion analysis that motor domain of Myo Va binds to the NF-L rod domain that forms the NF backbone. Loss of NF-L and Myo Va binding from axons significantly reduces the axonal content of ER, and redistributes ER to the periphery of axon. Our data are consistent with a novel function for NFs as a scaffold in axons for maintaining the content and proper distribution of vesicular organelles, mediated in part by Myo Va. Based on observations that the Myo Va motor domain binds to intermediate filament (IF) proteins of several classes, Myo Va interactions with IFs may serve similar roles in organizing organelle topography in different cell types

Photodegradation of methylene blue dye using UV/BaTiO3UV/BaTiO_3, UV/H2O2UV/H_2O_2 and UV/H2O2/BaTiO3UV/H_2O_2/BaTiO_3 oxidation processes

The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution was studied using UV source in presence of synthesized $BaTiO_3$ as photocatalyst and in combination with different concentrations of $H_2O_2$. The experiments were carried at different catalyst loading (0.05 & 0.1 wt %), pH (3, 7 & 9) and $H_2O_2$ dosage (0.5 - 6 mL/L). The degradation rate was found to be strongly dependent upon various experimental parameters such as catalyst loading, pH, and dosage of $H_2O_2$. There was no appreciable degadation seen in presence of catalyst alone. Discoloration of the dye was very nearly complete using $UV/H_2O_2$. Neither UV radiation nor $H_2O_2$ alone was able to decolourize the dye. The best degradation results were observed under optimum conditions of catalyst loading of 0.05 wt%, pH 9 for $BaTiO_3/UV$ system. The optimum dosage of $H_2O_2$ for 12 ppm concentration of the dye was found to be 2 mL/L for $UV/H_2O_2$. The experimental kinetic data on the degradation of the dye followed the pseudo first order rate. Tests were further carried out for degradation of the dye using $BaTiO_3/UV/H_2O_2$ system. An enhancement in the degradation rate was observed with this system compared to $UV/H_2O_2$ system