Complex formation of immunoglobulin superfamily molecules Side-IV and Beat-IIb regulates synaptic specificity.

Neurons establish specific synapses based on the adhesive properties of cell-surface proteins while also retaining the ability to form synapses in a relatively non-selective manner. However, comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism reconciling these opposing characteristics remains incomplete. Here, we have identified Side-IV/Beat-IIb, members of the Drosophila immunoglobulin superfamily, as a combination of cell-surface recognition molecules inducing synapse formation. The Side-IV/Beat-IIb combination transduces bifurcated signaling with Side-IV's co-receptor, Kirre, and a synaptic scaffold protein, Dsyd-1. Genetic experiments and subcellular protein localization analyses showed the Side-IV/Beat-IIb/Kirre/Dsyd-1 complex to have two essential functions. First, it narrows neuronal binding specificity through Side-IV/Beat-IIb extracellular interactions. Second, it recruits synapse formation factors, Kirre and Dsyd-1, to restrict synaptic loci and inhibit miswiring. This dual function explains how the combinations of cell-surface molecules enable the ranking of preferred interactions among neuronal pairs to achieve synaptic specificity in complex circuits in vivo.

Campylobacter bacteremia in hemodialysis patients by eating raw meat - the importance of sanitary education.

In 2011, simultaneous, widespread outbreaks of food poisoning by contaminated enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in beef, which killed four and hospitalized more than 30 people, occurred in Japan. While the press was widely reporting this disaster, two maintenance hemodialysis patients were suffering from Campylobacter bacteremia by eating undercooked meat. One patient was infected with C. upsaliensis and the other with C. fetus. Although these patients could be successfully treated, they led us to consider the characteristics of C. upsaliensis and C. fetus as opportunistic pathogens, as well as changes in dietary behaviors and food markets. Moreover, they emphasized the need for hemodialysis patients to be not only educated in that they should restrict potassium, phosphate and water intake, but also that they should take care of food sanitation.