Osaka University

About: Osaka University is a education organization based out in Osaka, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Laser & Population. The organization has 83778 authors who have published 185669 publications receiving 5158122 citations. The organization is also known as: Ōsaka daigaku.

Efficient catalytic addition of aromatic carbon-hydrogen bonds to olefins

Abstract: The selective cleavage of carbon–hydrogen bonds in organic compounds is a critical step in many organic syntheses, and is particularly important in the conversion of hydrocarbons to useful organic compounds. An organometallic ruthenium complex can cleave C–H bonds in a variety of aromatic systems, leading to addition to alkenes by C–C bond formation. The catalyst operates with a degree of efficiency, selectivity and generality that will make it extremely valuable in organic synthesis.

The molecular necklace: a rotaxane containing many threaded α-cyclodextrins

Abstract: THE importance of non-covalent interactions in biological systems motivates much of the current interest in supramolecular assemblies1. A classic example of a supermolecule is provided by the rotaxanes2–5, in which a molecular 'rotor' is threaded by a linear 'axle'. Previous examples have included cyclic crown ethers threaded by polymers6, paraquat–hydroquinone complexes7 and cyclodextrin complexes8,9. We found recently that α-cyclodextrin will form high yields of a crystalline complex with polyethylene glycol (PEG), and suggested that the PEG penetrates the 'beaker-like' tunnel of the cyclodextrin10,11. We report here the preparation of a compound in which several cyclodextrins are threaded on a single PEG chain and are trapped by capping the chain with bulky end groups. This brings a step closer the 'molecular abacus' proposed by Stoddart and coworkers7. We call this supramolecular assembly a 'molecular necklace'.

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

Abstract: In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field.