Background: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor trafficking is governed by compartment-specific molecular signals. Results: Novel motifs in the muscle ␤/␦ subunit cytoplasmic loops mediate Golgi retention and recovery from the plasma membrane. Conclusion:The ␤/␦ motifs regulate surface trafficking of assembled receptor and retain unassembled subunit loops. Significance: This work identifies a novel Golgi-based regulatory step in nicotinic receptor trafficking.

Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents using a 1.0 mL tuberculin syringe demonstrate poor accuracy and precision. A lower capacity syringe may improve accuracy, while a low dead space plunger may improve precision.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are pentameric channels that mediate fast transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and defects in receptor expression underlie neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis and congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). Nicotinic receptor expression at the NMJ is tightly regulated and we previously identified novel Golgi-retention signals in the β and δ subunit cytoplasmic loops that regulate trafficking of the receptor to the cell surface. Here, we show that the Golgi retention motifs are localized in the MX-helix, a juxta-membrane alpha-helix present in the proximal cytoplasmic loop of receptor subunits, which was defined in recent crystal structures of cys-loop receptor family members. First, mutational analysis of CD4-MX-helix chimeric proteins showed that the Golgi retention signal was dependent on both the amphipathic nature of the MX-helix and on specific lysine residues (βK353 and δK351). Moreover, retention was associated with ubiquitination of the lysines, and βK353R and δK351R mutations reduced ubiquitination and increased surface expression of CD4-β and δ MX-helix chimeric proteins. Second, mutation of these lysines in intact β and δ subunits perturbed Golgi-based glycosylation and surface trafficking of the AChR. Notably, combined βK353R and δK351R mutations increased the amount of surface AChR with immature forms of glycosylation, consistent with decreased Golgi retention and processing. Third, we found that previously identified CMS mutations in the ε subunit MX-helix decreased receptor assembly and surface levels, as did an analogous mutation introduced into the β subunit MX-helix. Together, these findings indicate that the subunit MX-helix contributes to receptor assembly and is required for normal expression of the AChR and function of the NMJ. In addition, specific determinants in the β and δ subunit MX-helix contribute to quality control of AChR expression by intracellular retention and ubiquitination of unassembled subunits, and by facilitating the appropriate glycosylation of assembled surface AChR.

Acanthamoeba trophozoites move directionally in response to an EF in a two-dimensional and 3D culture system. Acanthamoeba trophozoite migration is also voltage-dependent, with increased directionality with increasing voltage. This may provide new treatment modalities for Acanthamoeba keratitis.

We examined inferior oblique muscles from subjects with over-elevation in adduction for characteristics that might shed light on the potential mechanisms for their abnormal eye position. METHODS. The inferior oblique muscles were obtained at the time of surgery in subjects diagnosed with either primary inferior oblique overaction or Apert syndrome. The muscles were frozen and processed for morphometric analysis of myofiber size, central nucleation, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression, nerve density, and numbers of neuromuscular junctions per muscle section. RESULTS. The inferior oblique muscles from subjects with Apert Syndrome were smaller, and had a much more heterogeneous profile relative to myofiber cross-sectional area compared to controls. Increased central nucleation in the Apert syndrome muscles suggested ongoing myofiber regeneration or reinnervation over time. Complex changes were seen in the MyHC isoform patterns that would predict slower and more sustained contractions than in the control muscles. Nerve fiber densities were significantly increased compared to controls for the muscles with primary inferior oblique overaction and Apert syndrome that had no prior surgery. The muscles from Apert syndrome subjects as well as those with primary inferior oblique overaction with no prior surgery had significantly elevated numbers of neuromuscular junctions relative to the whole muscle area. CONCLUSIONS. The muscles from both sets of subjects were significantly different from control muscles in a number of properties examined. These data support the view that despite similar manifestations of eye misalignment, the potential mechanism behind the strabismus in these subjects is significantly different.

Purpose Myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD) is a critical myogenic regulatory factor in muscle development, differentiation, myofiber repair, and regeneration. As the extraocular muscles significantly remodel their myofibers throughout life compared with limb skeletal muscles, we hypothesized that the absence of MYOD would result in their abnormal structure and function. To assess structural and functional changes in the extraocular muscles in MyoD − / − mice, fiber size and number and optokinetic nystagmus reflex (OKN) responses were examined. Methods OKN was measured in MyoD − / − mice and littermate wild-type controls at 3, 6, and 12 months. The extraocular muscles were examined histologically for changes in mean myofiber cross-sectional area, total myofiber number, and nuclei immunostained for PAX7 and PITX2, markers of myogenic precursor cells. Results The MyoD − / − mice developed nystagmus, with both jerk and pendular waveforms, in the absence and in the presence of moving visual stimulation. At 12 months, there were significant losses in mean myofiber cross-sectional area and in total number of orbital layer fibers in all rectus muscles, as well as in global layer fibers in the superior and inferior rectus muscles. Haploinsufficient mice showed abnormal OKN responses. PITX2-positive cell entry into myofibers of the MyoD − / − mice was significantly reduced. Conclusions This study is the first demonstration of the development of nystagmus in the constitutive absence of expression of the muscle-specific transcription factor MYOD. We hypothesize that myofiber loss over time may alter anterograde and/or retrograde communication between the motor nerves and extraocular muscles that are critical for maintaining normalcy of extraocular muscle function.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an overview of updates in the diagnosis and management of pediatric cataracts, with an emphasis on recent discoveries in the last two years. Recent findingsPediatric cataracts remain an infrequent but significant disease with vision threatening consequences. Although much of the management has not changed historically, more recent updates, particularly borrowed from adult cataract management, have influenced the field of cataract management in children. Even these studies emphasize that pediatric cataracts are a distinct clinical entity from adult-onset cataracts, and further research is needed to optimize the diagnosis and management of cataracts in childhood. SummaryThis is an overview of the recent advancements in the diagnosis of management of pediatric cataracts, with advancements that originate from the adult cataract surgery field in addition to studies that challenge classical surgical techniques to make cataract surgery safer and to promote amblyopia therapy.

No abstract