Production and electrical characterization of the reflectin A2 isoform from Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii

Cephalopods have recently emerged as a source of inspiration for the development of novel functional materials. Within this context, a number of studies have explored structural proteins known as reflectins, which play a key role in cephalopod adaptive coloration in vivo and exhibit interesting properties in vitro. Herein, we report an improved high-yield strategy for the preparation and isolation of reflectins in quantities sufficient for materials applications. We first select the Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii reflectin A2 (RfA2) isoform as a “model” system and validate our approach for the expression and purification of this protein. We in turn fabricate RfA2-based two-terminal devices and employ both direct and alternating current measurements to demonstrate that RfA2 films conduct protons. Our findings underscore the potential of reflectins as functional materials and may allow a wider range of researchers to investigate their properties

Production and electrical characterization of the reflectin A2 isoform from Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii

Cephalopods have recently emerged as a source of inspiration for the development of novel functional materials. Within this context, a number of studies have explored structural proteins known as reflectins, which play a key role in cephalopod adaptive coloration in vivo and exhibit interesting properties in vitro. Herein, we report an improved high-yield strategy for the preparation and isolation of reflectins in quantities sufficient for materials applications. We first select the Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii reflectin A2 (RfA2) isoform as a “model” system and validate our approach for the expression and purification of this protein. We in turn fabricate RfA2-based two-terminal devices and employ both direct and alternating current measurements to demonstrate that RfA2 films conduct protons. Our findings underscore the potential of reflectins as functional materials and may allow a wider range of researchers to investigate their properties

Shifting the paradigm: physician-authorized, student-led efforts to provide harm reduction services amidst legislative opposition.

BackgroundFor over 30 years, syringe services programs (SSPs) have served as an efficacious intervention for the prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission among persons who use drugs. Despite a strong body of evidence for the effectiveness of SSPs as a preventative public health measure, numerous local and state governments in the United States continue to resist the establishment of new SSPs and aggressively pursue the closure of those already in operation.CommentaryIn Orange County, California, local officials have repeatedly mobilized in opposition of the establishment of syringe access - thereby hindering access to healthcare for thousands of predominantly unhoused individuals. The county was previously served by the Orange County Needle Exchange Program from 2016 until 2018 when a civil suit brought by the Orange County Board of Supervisors resulted in the closure of the program. For more than 2 years, persons who inject drugs in Orange County lacked reliable access to clean syringes, placing them at increased risk for contracting HIV and Hepatitis C. Here, we comment on the ongoing effort to restore syringe access in Orange County. This collaborative physician-directed endeavor has brought together students and community volunteers to provide vital harm reduction services to a remarkably underserved population. Since the reestablishment of syringe access in Orange County by the Harm Reduction Institute, new legal barriers have arisen including the passage of new municipal legislation banning the operation of syringe exchanges. We are well-equipped to overcome these obstacles. This work serves as an affirmation of assertions made by previous authors regarding the unique qualifications of medical & graduate students as effective harm reductionists.ConclusionHarm reduction services are vital to the health and well-being of people who use drugs. The provision of these services should not be impeded by legislative interference by municipal, county, or state governments

Growth and Spatial Control of Murine Neural Stem Cells on Reflectin Films.

Stem cells have attracted significant attention due to their regenerative capabilities and their potential for the treatment of disease. Consequently, significant research effort has focused on the development of protein- and polypeptide-based materials as stem cell substrates and scaffolds. Here, we explore the ability of reflectin, a cephalopod structural protein, to support the growth of murine neural stem/progenitor cells (mNSPCs). We observe that the binding, growth, and differentiation of mNSPCs on reflectin films is comparable to that on more established protein-based materials. Moreover, we find that heparin selectively inhibits the adhesion of mNSPCs on reflectin, affording spatial control of cell growth and leading to a >30-fold change in cell density on patterned substrates. The described findings highlight the potential utility of reflectin as a stem cell culture material

Growth and Spatial Control of Murine Neural Stem Cells on Reflectin Films.

Stem cells have attracted significant attention due to their regenerative capabilities and their potential for the treatment of disease. Consequently, significant research effort has focused on the development of protein- and polypeptide-based materials as stem cell substrates and scaffolds. Here, we explore the ability of reflectin, a cephalopod structural protein, to support the growth of murine neural stem/progenitor cells (mNSPCs). We observe that the binding, growth, and differentiation of mNSPCs on reflectin films is comparable to that on more established protein-based materials. Moreover, we find that heparin selectively inhibits the adhesion of mNSPCs on reflectin, affording spatial control of cell growth and leading to a >30-fold change in cell density on patterned substrates. The described findings highlight the potential utility of reflectin as a stem cell culture material