Cytoplasmic linker associated proteins (CLASPs) comprise a class of microtubule (MT) plus end-binding proteins (+TIPs) that contribute to the dynamics and organization of MTs during many cellular processes, among them mitosis. Human CLASP proteins contain multiple MT-binding domains, including tumor over-expressed gene (TOG) domains, and a Ser-x-Ile-Pro (SxIP) motif known to target some +TIPs t...

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Dental alloys have different mechanical properties compared with enamel. However, few studies have been conducted to determine the effects of the retention forces of clasps when applied on different cast crowns. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention forces of cast circumferential clasps made of cobalt-chromium alloy on complete cast crowns made o...

Regulation of cytoskeletal structure and dynamics is essential for multiple aspects of cellular behavior, yet there is much to learn about the molecular machinery underlying the coordination between the cytoskeleton and its effector systems. One group of proteins that regulate microtubule behavior and its interaction with other cellular components, such as actin-regulatory proteins and transpor...

Relaxation of gastric clasp and sling muscle fibers is involved the transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations underlying the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These fibers do not contribute tone to the high-pressure zone in GERD patients, indicating their role in pathophysiology. This study identifies some mediators of the nicotine-induced relaxation of muscarini...

UNLABELLED The interest in using titanium to fabricate removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks has increased, but there are few studies evaluating the effects of casting methods on clasp behavior. OBJECTIVE This study compared the occurrence of porosities and the retentive force of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial denture circumferential clas...

The XMAP215 (Xenopus microtubule-associated protein 215) and CLASP [CLIP-170 (cytoskeletal linker protein 170) associated protein] microtubule plus end tracking families play central roles in the regulation of interphase microtubule dynamics and the proper formation of mitotic spindle architecture and flux. XMAP215 members comprise N-terminally-arrayed hexa-HEAT (huntingtin, elongation factor 3...

Cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) undergo growth, shrinkage, and pausing. However, how MT polymerisation cycles are produced and spatiotemporally regulated at a molecular level is unclear, as the entire cycle has not been recapitulated in vitro with defined components. In this study, we reconstituted dynamic MT plus end behaviour involving all three phases, by mixing tubulin with five Drosophila p...

Removable partial dentures (RPD) are an effective and affordable treatment option for partial edentulism. If the main reason for seeking treatment is the need for improved aesthetics, treatment should be geared towards achieving this goal. This article is the result of a literature study on aesthetic clasp design for the conventional RPD. In this context, the position of the clasp on the tooth,...

The Abelson (Abl) non-receptor tyrosine kinase regulates the cytoskeleton during multiple stages of neural development, from neurulation, to the articulation of axons and dendrites, to synapse formation and maintenance. We previously showed that Abl is genetically linked to the microtubule (MT) plus end tracking protein (+TIP) CLASP in Drosophila. Here we show in vertebrate cells that Abl binds...

The aim of this study was to explore the myenteric mechanisms of control of human esophageal motility and the effect of nitrergic and nonnitrergic neurotransmitters. Human circular esophageal strips were studied in organ baths and with microelectrodes. Responses following electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric motoneurons (EMNs) or through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were compared ...