Trans-SNARE pairing can precede a hemifusion intermediate in intracellular membrane fusion

The question concerning whether all membranes fuse according to the same mechanism has yet to be answered satisfactorily. During fusion of model membranes or viruses, membranes dock, the outer membrane leaflets mix (termed hemifusion), and finally the fusion pore opens and the contents mix. Viral fusion proteins consist of a membrane-disturbing 'fusion peptide' and a helical bundle that pin the membranes together. Although SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes form helical bundles with similar topology, it is unknown whether SNARE-dependent fusion events on intracellular membranes proceed through a hemifusion state. Here we identify the first hemifusion state for SNARE-dependent fusion of native membranes, and place it into a sequence of molecular events: formation of helical bundles by SNAREs precedes hemifusion; further progression to pore opening requires additional peptides. Thus, SNARE-dependent fusion may proceed along the same pathway as viral fusion: both use a docking mechanism via helical bundles and additional peptides to destabilize the membrane and efficiently induce lipid mixing. Our results suggest that a common lipidic intermediate may underlie all fusion reactions of lipid bilayers.     

An electrochemical and microstructural characterization of steel-mortar admixed with corrosion inhibitors

The present research brings new insights on the role of admixed corrosion inhibitors in the processes of cement hydration and rebar corrosion.The admixing of NaCl and the corrosion inhibitors in fresh mortar was found to alter the morphology and microstructure of the hardened mortar at the steel-mortar interfacial region.The admixing of the inhibitors increased the risk of carbonation of cement hydrates at the steel-mortar interfacial region,but partially displaced chloride ions. Chloride and the admixed in...     

Der Einfluss von Chlorpromazin auf die oxydative Phosphorylierung von Tumormitochondrien

Summary High concentrations of chlorpromazine cause a considerable decrease of the oxidative phosphorylation of tumor mitochondria and rat liver mitochondria. Regarding preliminary experimental and clinical investigations, we assume that malignant tumors can be sensitised to cytotoxic substances and ionising radiations impairing their energy metabolism by uncoupling the oxidative phosphorylation.     

NLRX1 is a regulator of mitochondrial antiviral immunity

The RIG-like helicase (RLH) family of intracellular receptors detect viral nucleic acid and signal through the mitochondrial antiviral signalling adaptor MAVS (also known as Cardif, VISA and IPS-1) during a viral infection. MAVS activation leads to the rapid production of antiviral cytokines, including type 1 interferons. Although MAVS is vital to antiviral immunity, its regulation from within the mitochondria remains unknown. Here we describe human NLRX1, a highly conserved nucleotide-binding domain (NBD)- and leucine-rich-repeat (LRR)-containing family member (known as NLR) that localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane and interacts with MAVS. Expression of NLRX1 results in the potent inhibition of RLH- and MAVS-mediated interferon-beta promoter activity and in the disruption of virus-induced RLH-MAVS interactions. Depletion of NLRX1 with small interference RNA promotes virus-induced type I interferon production and decreases viral replication. This work identifies NLRX1 as a check against mitochondrial antiviral responses and represents an intersection of three ancient cellular processes: NLR signalling, intracellular virus detection and the use of mitochondria as a platform for anti-pathogen signalling. This represents a conceptual advance, in that NLRX1 is a modulator of pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors rather than a receptor, and identifies a key therapeutic target for enhancing antiviral responses.     

射频溅射Fe1—xNix／Cu超晶格的结构与磁性

应用射频溅射技术制备了面心立方结构的Ｆｅ１－ｘＮｉｘ／Ｃｕ（ｘ＝０．２６－０．５４）金属超晶格，ＭｇＯ单晶衬底的采用以及在面心立方结构的Ｃｕ上实施外延等措施保证了在Ｎｉ质量分数低至０．２６时Ｆｅ－Ｎｉ合金层仍保持了良好的面心立方的晶体结构，而且直到液氦温区这种面心立方结构仍是稳定的，磁性测量表明，当Ｆｅ－Ｎｉ合金层的Ｎｉ质量分数低至接近因瓦合金成分（ｘ＝０．３５）时，其合磁矩呈下降趋势，即表现出偏