👤 Gaewyn Ellison

Neurobiological research relies heavily on imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to understand neurological function and disease processes. However, the number and variety of fluorescent probes available for ex vivo tissue section imaging limits the advance of research in the field. In this review, we outline the current range of fluorescent probes that are available to researchers for ex vivo brain section imaging, including their physical and chemical characteristics, staining targets, and examples of discoveries for which they have been used. This review is organised into sections based on the biological target of the probe, including subcellular organelles, chemical species (e.g., labile metal ions), and pathological phenomenon (e.g., degenerating cells, aggregated proteins). We hope to inspire further development in this field, given the considerable benefits to be gained by the greater availability of suitably sensitive probes that have specificity for important brain tissue targets. Show less

Left-handed Z-DNA/Z-RNA is bound with high affinity by the Zα domain protein family that includes ADAR (a double-stranded RNA editing enzyme), ZBP1 and viral orthologs regulating innate immunity. Loss-of-function mutations in ADAR p150 allow persistent activation of the interferon system by Alu dsRNAs and are causal for Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. Heterodimers of ADAR and DICER1 regulate the switch from RNA- to protein-centric immunity. Loss of DICER1 function produces age-related macular degeneration, a different type of Alu-mediated disease. The overlap of Z-forming sites with those for the signal recognition particle likely limits invasion of primate genomes by Alu retrotransposons. Show less