Public engagement and communication: who is in charge?

Abstract

The use of gene drive to control or eradicate pest and disease vector populations is a highly controversial topic. In order to maintain independence and public trust, scientists need know who is representing whom in this debate.

Maintaining social contacts: The physiological relevance of organelle interactions

“…The VAP proteins bind to FFAT-like motifs in ACBD4/5 through their MSP (Major Sperm Protein) domain, which facilitates binding to a number of FFAT-containing proteins [ 144 ], including PTPIP51 (see Section 2.1.5 ). The MCSs established between the ER-resident VAP proteins and FFAT-containing domain proteins on other organelles are involved in diverse biological functions, such as lipid transport, calcium homeostasis, signalling regulation, autophagy, and endosome dynamics [ 145 ]. Using a proteomic approach, a novel ER-resident protein with a FFAT-binding domain, MOSPD2 (Motile Sperm Domain-containing protein 2), was identified and characterised.…”

“…Using a proteomic approach, a novel ER-resident protein with a FFAT-binding domain, MOSPD2 (Motile Sperm Domain-containing protein 2), was identified and characterised. This study showed that MOSPD2 binds FFAT-domain containing proteins through the MSP domain, in the same way as the VAP proteins do [ 145 ]. While the functions of MOSPD2 are not clear and its effect on MCSs is not understood, it is possible that, like VAP proteins, MOSPD2 also interacts with ACBD4/5, so may represent a novel peroxisome-ER tether [ 16 ].…”

Cytosolic Sensors for Pathogenic Viral and Bacterial Nucleic Acids in Fish

“…For example, Yoneyama and co-workers [ 50 ] reported that LPG2 acts as a negative regulator of RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling, by interfering with the viral RNA recognition by RIG-I and MDA5. Another report suggested that LGP2 inhibits antiviral activation by engaging in a protein complex with MAVS [ 51 , 52 ]. In contrast, studies on LGP2-deficient mice indicated that lack of this gene resulted in deficient type I IFN response [ 53 , 54 ].…”

Can the Public Express Their Views or Say No Through Public Engagement?

“…The answers are ambiguous enough that the title of a recent article on public engagement has the subtitle: "who is in charge?" (Boete 2017) An accurate depiction of the public's view will depend on the entity that is doing the interpretation. More problematically, the entity that will probably be in charge of interpretation is unlikely to depict the public as saying "no," no matter what the public actually thinks.…”