@article{MateosKangKloppetal.2019, author = {Mateos, Mariana and Kang, Du and Klopp, Christophe and Parrinello, Hugues and Garc{\´i}a-Olaz{\´a}bal, Mateo and Schumer, Molly and Jue, Nathaniel K. and Guiguen, Yann and Schartl, Manfred}, title = {Draft genome assembly and annotation of the Gila Topminnow Poeciliopsis occidentalis}, series = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, number = {404}, issn = {2296-701X}, doi = {10.3389/fevo.2019.00404}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-190339}, year = {2019}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzKozjakPavlovic2019, author = {Kunz, Tobias C. and Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera}, title = {Diverse facets of sphingolipid involvement in bacterial infections}, series = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, number = {203}, doi = {10.3389/fcell.2019.00203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201757}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Sphingolipids are constituents of the cell membrane that perform various tasks as structural elements and signaling molecules, in addition to regulating many important cellular processes, such as apoptosis and autophagy. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling play a vital role in infection processes. In many cases the attachment and uptake of pathogenic bacteria, as well as bacterial development and survival within the host cell depend on sphingolipids. In addition, sphingolipids can serve as antimicrobials, inhibiting bacterial growth and formation of biofilms. This review will give an overview of our current information about these various aspects of sphingolipid involvement in bacterial infections.}, language = {en} } @article{DjuzenovaFiedlerMemmeletal.2019, author = {Djuzenova, Cholpon S. and Fiedler, Vanessa and Memmel, Simon and Katzer, Astrid and Sisario, Dmitri and Brosch, Philippa K. and G{\"o}hrung, Alexander and Frister, Svenja and Zimmermann, Heiko and Flentje, Michael and Sukhorukov, Vladimir L.}, title = {Differential effects of the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 on migration and radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {19}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-019-5517-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200290}, pages = {299}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background Most tumor cells show aberrantly activated Akt which leads to increased cell survival and resistance to cancer radiotherapy. Therefore, targeting Akt can be a promising strategy for radiosensitization. Here, we explore the impact of the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 alone and in combination with the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor PI-103 on the radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells. In addition, we examine migration of drug-treated cells. Methods Using single-cell tracking and wound healing migration tests, colony-forming assay, Western blotting, flow cytometry and electrorotation we examined the effects of MK-2206 and PI-103 and/or irradiation on the migration, radiation sensitivity, expression of several marker proteins, DNA damage, cell cycle progression and the plasma membrane properties in two glioblastoma (DK-MG and SNB19) cell lines, previously shown to differ markedly in their migratory behavior and response to PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Results We found that MK-2206 strongly reduces the migration of DK-MG but only moderately reduces the migration of SNB19 cells. Surprisingly, MK-2206 did not cause radiosensitization, but even increased colony-forming ability after irradiation. Moreover, MK-2206 did not enhance the radiosensitizing effect of PI-103. The results appear to contradict the strong depletion of p-Akt in MK-2206-treated cells. Possible reasons for the radioresistance of MK-2206-treated cells could be unaltered or in case of SNB19 cells even increased levels of p-mTOR and p-S6, as compared to the reduced expression of these proteins in PI-103-treated samples. We also found that MK-2206 did not enhance IR-induced DNA damage, neither did it cause cell cycle distortion, nor apoptosis nor excessive autophagy. Conclusions Our study provides proof that MK-2206 can effectively inhibit the expression of Akt in two glioblastoma cell lines. However, due to an aberrant activation of mTOR in response to Akt inhibition in PTEN mutated cells, the therapeutic window needs to be carefully defined, or a combination of Akt and mTOR inhibitors should be considered.}, language = {en} } @article{SauerJuranekMarksetal.2019, author = {Sauer, Markus and Juranek, Stefan A. and Marks, James and De Magis, Alessio and Kazemier, Hinke G and Hilbig, Daniel and Benhalevy, Daniel and Wang, Xiantao and Hafner, Markus and Paeschke, Katrin}, title = {DHX36 prevents the accumulation of translationally inactive mRNAs with G4-structures in untranslated regions}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {10}, journal = {Nature Communications}, number = {2421}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-019-10432-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227486}, pages = {1-15}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Translation efficiency can be affected by mRNA stability and secondary structures, including G-quadruplex structures (G4s). The highly conserved DEAH-box helicase DHX36/RHAU resolves G4s on DNA and RNA in vitro, however a systems-wide analysis of DHX36 targets and function is lacking. We map globally DHX36 binding to RNA in human cell lines and find it preferentially interacting with G-rich and G4-forming sequences on more than 4500 mRNAs. While DHX36 knockout (KO) results in a significant increase in target mRNA abundance, ribosome occupancy and protein output from these targets decrease, suggesting that they were rendered translationally incompetent. Considering that DHX36 targets, harboring G4s, preferentially localize in stress granules, and that DHX36 KO results in increased SG formation and protein kinase R (PKR/EIF2AK2) phosphorylation, we speculate that DHX36 is involved in resolution of rG4 induced cellular stress.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzGoetzSaueretal.2019, author = {Kunz, Tobias C. and G{\"o}tz, Ralph and Sauer, Markus and Rudel, Thomas}, title = {Detection of chlamydia developmental forms and secreted effectors by expansion microscopy}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, number = {276}, issn = {2235-2988}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2019.00276}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-195716}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a novel tool to improve the resolution of fluorescence-based microscopy that has not yet been used to visualize intracellular pathogens. Here we show the expansion of the intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, enabling to differentiate its two distinct forms, catabolic active reticulate bodies (RB) and infectious elementary bodies (EB), on a conventional confocal microscope. We show that ExM enables the possibility to precisely locate chlamydial effector proteins, such as CPAF or Cdu1, within and outside of the chlamydial inclusion. Thus, we claim that ExM offers the possibility to address a broad range of questions and may be useful for further research on various intracellular pathogens.}, language = {en} } @article{RothDoerflerBaessleretal.2019, author = {Roth, Nicolas and Doerfler, Inken and B{\"a}ssler, Claus and Blaschke, Markus and Bussler, Heinz and Gossner, Martin M. and Heideroth, Antje and Thorn, Simon and Weisser, Wolfgang W. and M{\"u}ller, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Decadal effects of landscape-wide enrichment of dead wood on saproxylic organisms in beech forests of different historic management intensity}, series = {Diversity and Distributions}, volume = {25}, journal = {Diversity and Distributions}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1111/ddi.12870}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227061}, pages = {430-441}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Aim: European temperate forests have lost dead wood and the associated biodiversity owing to intensive management over centuries. Nowadays, some of these forests are being restored by enrichment with dead wood, but mostly only at stand scales. Here, we investigated effects of a seminal dead-wood enrichment strategy on saproxylic organisms at the landscape scale. Location: Temperate European beech forest in southern Germany. Methods: In a before-after control-impact design, we compared assemblages and gamma diversities of saproxylic organisms in strictly protected old-growth forest areas (reserves) and historically moderately and intensively managed forest areas before and a decade after starting a landscape-wide strategy of dead-wood enrichment. Results: Before enrichment with dead wood, the gamma diversity of saproxylic organisms in historically intensively managed forest stands was significantly lower than in reserves and historically moderately managed forest stands; this difference disappeared after 10 years of dead-wood enrichment. The species composition of beetles in forest stands of the three historical management intensities differed before the enrichment strategy, but a decade thereafter, the species compositions of previously intensively logged and forest reserve plots were similar. However, the differences in fungal species composition between historical management categories before and after 10 years of enrichment persisted. Main conclusions: Our results demonstrate that intentional enrichment of dead wood at the landscape scale is a powerful tool for rapidly restoring saproxylic beetle communities and for restoring wood-inhabiting fungal communities, which need longer than a decade for complete restoration. We propose that a strategy of area-wide active restoration combined with some permanent strict refuges is a promising means of promoting the biodiversity of age-long intensively managed Central European beech forests.}, language = {en} } @article{HartkeSprengerSahmetal.2019, author = {Hartke, Juliane and Sprenger, Philipp P. and Sahm, Jacqueline and Winterberg, Helena and Orivel, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Baur, Hannes and Beuerle, Till and Schmitt, Thomas and Feldmeyer, Barbara and Menzel, Florian}, title = {Cuticular hydrocarbons as potential mediators of cryptic species divergence in a mutualistic ant association}, series = {Ecology and Evolution}, volume = {9}, journal = {Ecology and Evolution}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.5464}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227857}, pages = {9160-9176}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Upon advances in sequencing techniques, more and more morphologically identical organisms are identified as cryptic species. Often, mutualistic interactions are proposed as drivers of diversification. Species of the neotropical parabiotic ant association between Crematogaster levior and Camponotus femoratus are known for highly diverse cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, which in insects serve as desiccation barrier but also as communication cues. In the present study, we investigated the association of the ants' CHC profiles with genotypes and morphological traits, and discovered cryptic species pairs in both genera. To assess putative niche differentiation between the cryptic species, we conducted an environmental association study that included various climate variables, canopy cover, and mutualistic plant species. Although mostly sympatric, the two Camponotus species seem to prefer different climate niches. However in the two Crematogaster species, we could not detect any differences in niche preference. The strong differentiation in the CHC profiles may thus suggest a possible role during speciation itself either by inducing assortative mating or by reinforcing sexual selection after the speciation event. We did not detect any further niche differences in the environmental parameters tested. Thus, it remains open how the cryptic species avoid competitive exclusion, with scope for further investigations.}, language = {en} } @article{RequierPailletLarocheetal.2019, author = {Requier, Fabrice and Paillet, Yoan and Laroche, Fabienne and Rutschmann, Benjamin and Zhang, Jie and Lombardi, Fabio and Svoboda, Miroslav and Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf}, title = {Contribution of European forests to safeguard wild honeybee populations}, series = {Conservation Letters}, volume = {13}, journal = {Conservation Letters}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1111/conl.12693}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-204407}, pages = {e12693}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Abstract Recent studies reveal the use of tree cavities by wild honeybee colonies in European forests. This highlights the conservation potential of forests for a highly threatened component of the native entomofauna in Europe, but currently no estimate of potential wild honeybee population sizes exists. Here, we analyzed the tree cavity densities of 106 forest areas across Europe and inferred an expected population size of wild honeybees. Both forest and management types affected the density of tree cavities. Accordingly, we estimated that more than 80,000 wild honeybee colonies could be sustained in European forests. As expected, potential conservation hotspots were identified in unmanaged forests, and, surprisingly, also in other large forest areas across Europe. Our results contribute to the EU policy strategy to halt pollinator declines and reveal the potential of forest areas for the conservation of so far neglected wild honeybee populations in Europe.}, language = {en} } @article{SeitzvanEngelsdorpLeonhardt2019, author = {Seitz, Nicola and vanEngelsdorp, Dennis and Leonhardt, Sara D.}, title = {Conserving bees in destroyed landscapes: The potentials of reclaimed sand mines}, series = {Global Ecology and Conservation}, volume = {19}, journal = {Global Ecology and Conservation}, doi = {10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00642}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235877}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Sand mines represent anthropogenically impacted habitats found worldwide, which bear potential for bee conservation. Although floral resources can be limited at these habitats, vegetation free patches of open sandy soils and embankments may offer good nesting possibilities for sand restricted and other bees. We compared bee communities as found in three reclaimed sand mines and at adjacent roadside meadows in Maryland, USA, over two years. Both sand mines and roadsides hosted diverse bee communities with 111 and 88 bee species, respectively. Bee abundances as well as richness and Shannon diversity of bee species were higher in sand mines than at roadsides and negatively correlated with the percentage of vegetational ground cover. Species composition also differed significantly between habitats. Sand mines hosted a higher proportion of ground nesters, more uncommon and more 'sand loving' bees similar to natural sandy areas of Maryland. Despite the destruction of the original pre-mining habitat, sand mines thus appear to represent a unique habitat for wild bees, particularly when natural vegetation and open sand spots are encouraged. Considering habitat loss, the lack of natural disturbance regimes, and ongoing declines of wild bees, sand mines could add promising opportunities for bee conservation which has hitherto mainly focused on agricultural and urban habitats.}, language = {en} } @article{BartelPeinPopperetal.2019, author = {Bartel, Karin and Pein, Helmut and Popper, Bastian and Schmitt, Sabine and Janaki-Raman, Sudha and Schulze, Almut and Lengauer, Florian and Koeberle, Andreas and Werz, Oliver and Zischka, Hans and M{\"u}ller, Rolf and Vollmar, Angelika M. and Schwarzenberg, Karin von}, title = {Connecting lysosomes and mitochondria - a novel role for lipid metabolism in cancer cell death}, series = {Cell Communication and Signaling}, volume = {17}, journal = {Cell Communication and Signaling}, doi = {10.1186/s12964-019-0399-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-221524}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background The understanding of lysosomes has been expanded in recent research way beyond their view as cellular trash can. Lysosomes are pivotal in regulating metabolism, endocytosis and autophagy and are implicated in cancer. Recently it was discovered that the lysosomal V-ATPase, which is known to induce apoptosis, interferes with lipid metabolism in cancer, yet the interplay between these organelles is poorly understood. Methods LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to investigate lipid distribution in cells. Cell survival and signaling pathways were analyzed by means of cell biological methods (qPCR, Western Blot, flow cytometry, CellTiter-Blue). Mitochondrial structure was analyzed by confocal imaging and electron microscopy, their function was determined by flow cytometry and seahorse measurements. Results Our data reveal that interfering with lysosomal function changes composition and subcellular localization of triacylglycerids accompanied by an upregulation of PGC1α and PPARα expression, master regulators of energy and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, cardiolipin content is reduced driving mitochondria into fission, accompanied by a loss of membrane potential and reduction in oxidative capacity, which leads to a deregulation in cellular ROS and induction of mitochondria-driven apoptosis. Additionally, cells undergo a metabolic shift to glutamine dependency, correlated with the fission phenotype and sensitivity to lysosomal inhibition, most prominent in Ras mutated cells. Conclusion This study sheds mechanistic light on a largely uninvestigated triangle between lysosomes, lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. Insight into this organelle crosstalk increases our understanding of mitochondria-driven cell death. Our findings furthermore provide a first hint on a connection of Ras pathway mutations and sensitivity towards lysosomal inhibitors.}, language = {en} } @article{YangRajeeveRudeletal.2019, author = {Yang, Manli and Rajeeve, Karthika and Rudel, Thomas and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Comprehensive Flux Modeling of Chlamydia trachomatis Proteome and qRT-PCR Data Indicate Biphasic Metabolic Differences Between Elementary Bodies and Reticulate Bodies During Infection}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {2350}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.02350}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-189434}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Metabolic adaptation to the host cell is important for obligate intracellular pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Here we infer the flux differences for Ct from proteome and qRT-PCR data by comprehensive pathway modeling. We compare the comparatively inert infectious elementary body (EB) and the active replicative reticulate body (RB) systematically using a genome-scale metabolic model with 321 metabolites and 277 reactions. This did yield 84 extreme pathways based on a published proteomics dataset at three different time points of infection. Validation of predictions was done by quantitative RT-PCR of enzyme mRNA expression at three time points. Ct's major active pathways are glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycerol-phospholipid (GPL) biosynthesis (support from host acetyl-CoA) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), while its incomplete TCA and fatty acid biosynthesis are less active. The modeled metabolic pathways are much more active in RB than in EB. Our in silico model suggests that EB and RB utilize folate to generate NAD(P)H using independent pathways. The only low metabolic flux inferred for EB involves mainly carbohydrate metabolism. RB utilizes energy -rich compounds to generate ATP in nucleic acid metabolism. Validation data for the modeling include proteomics experiments (model basis) as well as qRT-PCR confirmation of selected metabolic enzyme mRNA expression differences. The metabolic modeling is made fully available here. Its detailed insights and models on Ct metabolic adaptations during infection are a useful modeling basis for future studies.}, language = {en} } @article{GrebinykPrylutskaGrebinyketal.2019, author = {Grebinyk, Anna and Prylutska, Svitlana and Grebinyk, Sergii and Prylutskyy, Yuriy and Ritter, Uwe and Matyshevska, Olga and Dandekar, Thomas and Frohme, Marcus}, title = {Complexation with C\(_{60}\) fullerene increases doxorubicin efficiency against leukemic cells in vitro}, series = {Nanoscale Research Letters}, volume = {14}, journal = {Nanoscale Research Letters}, number = {61}, doi = {10.1186/s11671-019-2894-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228257}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Conventional anticancer chemotherapy is limited because of severe side effects as well as a quickly evolving multidrug resistance of the tumor cells. To address this problem, we have explored a C\(_{60}\) fullerene-based nanosized system as a carrier for anticancer drugs for an optimized drug delivery to leukemic cells.Here, we studied the physicochemical properties and anticancer activity of C\(_{60}\) fullerene noncovalent complexes with the commonly used anticancer drug doxorubicin. C\(_{60}\)-Doxorubicin complexes in a ratio 1:1 and 2:1 were characterized with UV/Vis spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The obtained analytical data indicated that the 140-nm complexes were stable and could be used for biological applications. In leukemic cell lines (CCRF-CEM, Jurkat, THP1 and Molt-16), the nanocomplexes revealed 3.5 higher cytotoxic potential in comparison with the free drug in a range of nanomolar concentrations. Also, the intracellular drug's level evidenced C\(_{60}\) fullerene considerable nanocarrier function.The results of this study indicated that C\(_{60}\) fullerene-based delivery nanocomplexes had a potential value for optimization of doxorubicin efficiency against leukemic cells.}, language = {en} } @article{GebertSteffanDewenterMorettoetal.2019, author = {Gebert, Friederike and Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf and Moretto, Philippe and Peters, Marcell K.}, title = {Climate rather than dung resources predict dung beetle abundance and diversity along elevational and land use gradients on Mt. Kilimanjaro}, series = {Journal of Biogeography}, volume = {47}, journal = {Journal of Biogeography}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1111/jbi.13710}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-204701}, pages = {371 -- 381}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Aim: While elevational gradients in species richness constitute some of the best depicted patterns in ecology, there is a large uncertainty concerning the role of food resource availability for the establishment of diversity gradients in insects. Here, we analysed the importance of climate, area, land use and food resources for determining diversity gradients of dung beetles along extensive elevation and land use gradients on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Location: Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Taxon: Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera). Methods: Dung beetles were recorded with baited pitfall traps at 66 study plots along a 3.6 km elevational gradient. In order to quantify food resources for the dung beetle community in form of mammal defecation rates, we assessed mammalian diversity and biomass with camera traps. Using a multi-model inference framework and path analysis, we tested the direct and indirect links between climate, area, land use and mammal defecation rates on the species richness and abundance of dung beetles. Results: We found that the species richness of dung beetles declined exponentially with increasing elevation. Human land use diminished the species richness of functional groups exhibiting complex behaviour but did not have a significant influence on total species richness. Path analysis suggested that climate, in particular temperature and to a lesser degree precipitation, were the most important predictors of dung beetle species richness while mammal defecation rate was not supported as a predictor variable. Main conclusions: Along broad climatic gradients, dung beetle diversity is mainly limited by climatic factors rather than by food resources. Our study points to a predominant role of temperature-driven processes for the maintenance and origination of species diversity of ectothermic organisms, which will consequently be subject to ongoing climatic changes.}, language = {en} } @article{GrebinykPrylutskaBuchelnikovetal.2019, author = {Grebinyk, Anna and Prylutska, Svitlana and Buchelnikov, Anatoliy and Tverdokhleb, Nina and Grebinyk, Sergii and Evstigneev, Maxim and Matyshevska, Olga and Cherepanov, Vsevolod and Prylutskyy, Yuriy and Yashchuk, Valeriy and Naumovets, Anton and Ritter, Uwe and Dandekar, Thomas and Frohme, Marcus}, title = {C60 fullerene as an effective nanoplatform of alkaloid Berberine delivery into leukemic cells}, series = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {11}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, number = {11}, issn = {1999-4923}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics11110586}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193216}, pages = {586}, year = {2019}, abstract = {A herbal alkaloid Berberine (Ber), used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, Middle-Eastern, and native American folk medicines, is nowadays proved to function as a safe anticancer agent. Yet, its poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability hinder clinical application. In this study, we have explored a nanosized carbon nanoparticle—C60 fullerene (C60)—for optimized Ber delivery into leukemic cells. Water dispersions of noncovalent C60-Ber nanocomplexes in the 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 molar ratios were prepared. UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) evidenced a complexation of the Ber cation with the negatively charged C60 molecule. The computer simulation showed that π-stacking dominates in Ber and C\(_{60}\) binding in an aqueous solution. Complexation with C\(_{60}\) was found to promote Ber intracellular uptake. By increasing C\(_{60}\) concentration, the C\(_{60}\)-Ber nanocomplexes exhibited higher antiproliferative potential towards CCRF-CEM cells, in accordance with the following order: free Ber < 1:2 < 1:1 < 2:1 (the most toxic). The activation of caspase 3/7 and accumulation in the sub-G1 phase of CCRF-CEM cells treated with C\(_{60}\)-Ber nanocomplexes evidenced apoptosis induction. Thus, this study indicates that the fast and easy noncovalent complexation of alkaloid Ber with C\(_{60}\) improved its in vitro efficiency against cancer cells.}, language = {en} } @article{AkhoonGuptaTiwarietal.2019, author = {Akhoon, Bashir A. and Gupta, Shishir K. and Tiwari, Sudeep and Rathor, Laxmi and Pant, Aakanksha and Singh, Nivedita and Gupta, Shailendra K. and Dandekar, Thomas and Pandey, Rakesh}, title = {C. elegans protein interaction network analysis probes RNAi validated pro-longevity effect of nhr-6, a human homolog of tumor suppressor Nr4a1}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-51649-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202666}, pages = {15711}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies are gaining momentum these days due to the plethora of various high-throughput experimental methods available for detecting PPIs. Proteins create complexes and networks by functioning in harmony with other proteins and here in silico network biology hold the promise to reveal new functionality of genes as it is very difficult and laborious to carry out experimental high-throughput genetic screens in living organisms. We demonstrate this approach by computationally screening C. elegans conserved homologs of already reported human tumor suppressor and aging associated genes. We select by this nhr-6, vab-3 and gst-23 as predicted longevity genes for RNAi screen. The RNAi results demonstrated the pro-longevity effect of these genes. Nuclear hormone receptor nhr-6 RNAi inhibition resulted in a C. elegans phenotype of 23.46\% lifespan reduction. Moreover, we show that nhr-6 regulates oxidative stress resistance in worms and does not affect the feeding behavior of worms. These findings imply the potential of nhr-6 as a common therapeutic target for aging and cancer ailments, stressing the power of in silico PPI network analysis coupled with RNAi screens to describe gene function.}, language = {en} } @article{HeydarianYangSchweinlinetal.2019, author = {Heydarian, Motaharehsadat and Yang, Tao and Schweinlin, Matthias and Steinke, Maria and Walles, Heike and Rudel, Thomas and Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera}, title = {Biomimetic human tissue model for long-term study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {1740}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01740}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197912}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and is caused by Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Since N. gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen, animal infection models are only of limited use. Therefore, a suitable in vitro cell culture model for studying the complete infection including adhesion, transmigration and transport to deeper tissue layers is required. In the present study, we generated three independent 3D tissue models based on porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffold by co-culturing human dermal fibroblasts with human colorectal carcinoma, endometrial epithelial, and male uroepithelial cells. Functional analyses such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran assay indicated the high barrier integrity of the created monolayer. The histological, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural analyses showed that the 3D SIS scaffold-based models closely mimic the main characteristics of the site of gonococcal infection in human host including the epithelial monolayer, the underlying connective tissue, mucus production, tight junction, and microvilli formation. We infected the established 3D tissue models with different N. gonorrhoeae strains and derivatives presenting various phenotypes regarding adhesion and invasion. The results indicated that the disruption of tight junctions and increase in interleukin production in response to the infection is strain and cell type-dependent. In addition, the models supported bacterial survival and proved to be better suitable for studying infection over the course of several days in comparison to commonly used Transwell® models. This was primarily due to increased resilience of the SIS scaffold models to infection in terms of changes in permeability, cell destruction and bacterial transmigration. In summary, the SIS scaffold-based 3D tissue models of human mucosal tissues represent promising tools for investigating N. gonorrhoeae infections under close-to-natural conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{PaponovDindas Krol etal.2019, author = {Paponov, Ivan A. and Dindas , Julian and Kr{\´o}l , Elżbieta and Friz, Tatyana and Budnyk, Vadym and Teale, William and Paponov, Martina and Hedrich , Rainer and Palme, Klaus}, title = {Auxin-Induced plasma membrane depolarization is regulated by Auxin transport and not by AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN1}, series = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, issn = {1664-462X}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2018.01953}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-195914}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Auxin is a molecule, which controls many aspects of plant development through both transcriptional and non-transcriptional signaling responses. AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN1 (ABP1) is a putative receptor for rapid non-transcriptional auxin-induced changes in plasma membrane depolarization and endocytosis rates. However, the mechanism of ABP1-mediated signaling is poorly understood. Here we show that membrane depolarization and endocytosis inhibition are ABP1-independent responses and that auxin-induced plasma membrane depolarization is instead dependent on the auxin influx carrier AUX1. AUX1 was itself not involved in the regulation of endocytosis. Auxin-dependent depolarization of the plasma membrane was also modulated by the auxin efflux carrier PIN2. These data establish a new connection between auxin transport and non-transcriptional auxin signaling.}, language = {en} } @article{SrivastavaBencurovaGuptaetal.2019, author = {Srivastava, Mugdha and Bencurova, Elena and Gupta, Shishir K. and Weiss, Esther and L{\"o}ffler, J{\"u}rgen and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Aspergillus fumigatus challenged by human dendritic cells: metabolic and regulatory pathway responses testify a tight battle}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2019.00168}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201368}, pages = {168}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells which serve as a passage between the innate and the acquired immunity. Aspergillosis is a major lethal condition in immunocompromised patients caused by the adaptable saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The healthy human immune system is capable to ward off A. fumigatus infections however immune-deficient patients are highly vulnerable to invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus can persist during infection due to its ability to survive the immune response of human DCs. Therefore, the study of the metabolism specific to the context of infection may allow us to gain insight into the adaptation strategies of both the pathogen and the immune cells. We established a metabolic model of A. fumigatus central metabolism during infection of DCs and calculated the metabolic pathway (elementary modes; EMs). Transcriptome data were used to identify pathways activated when A. fumigatus is challenged with DCs. In particular, amino acid metabolic pathways, alternative carbon metabolic pathways and stress regulating enzymes were found to be active. Metabolic flux modeling identified further active enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase, inositol oxygenase and GTP cyclohydrolase participating in different stress responses in A. fumigatus. These were further validated by qRT-PCR from RNA extracted under these different conditions. For DCs, we outlined the activation of metabolic pathways in response to the confrontation with A. fumigatus. We found the fatty acid metabolism plays a crucial role, along with other metabolic changes. The gene expression data and their analysis illuminate additional regulatory pathways activated in the DCs apart from interleukin regulation. In particular, Toll-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling and RIG-I-like receptor signaling were active pathways. Moreover, we identified subnetworks and several novel key regulators such as UBC, EGFR, and CUL3 of DCs to be activated in response to A. fumigatus. In conclusion, we analyze the metabolic and regulatory responses of A. fumigatus and DCs when confronted with each other.}, language = {en} } @article{WagnerKunzChowdhuryetal.2019, author = {Wagner, Fabienne and Kunz, Tobias C. and Chowdhury, Suvagata R. and Thiede, Bernd and Fraunholz, Martin and Eger, Debora and Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera}, title = {Armadillo repeat-containing protein 1 is a dual localization protein associated with mitochondrial intermembrane space bridging complex}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {14}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0218303}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202670}, pages = {e0218303}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Cristae architecture is important for the function of mitochondria, the organelles that play the central role in many cellular processes. The mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) together with the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) forms the mitochondrial intermembrane space bridging complex (MIB), a large protein complex present in mammalian mitochondria that partakes in the formation and maintenance of cristae. We report here a new subunit of the mammalian MICOS/MIB complex, an armadillo repeat-containing protein 1 (ArmC1). ArmC1 localizes both to cytosol and mitochondria, where it associates with the outer mitochondrial membrane through its carboxy-terminus. ArmC1 interacts with other constituents of the MICOS/MIB complex and its amounts are reduced upon MICOS/MIB complex depletion. Mitochondria lacking ArmC1 do not show defects in cristae structure, respiration or protein content, but appear fragmented and with reduced motility. ArmC1 represents therefore a peripheral MICOS/MIB component that appears to play a role in mitochondrial distribution in the cell.}, language = {en} } @article{LuBoswellBoswelletal.2019, author = {Lu, Yuan and Boswell, Wiliam and Boswell, Mikki and Klotz, Barbara and Kneitz, Susanne and Regneri, Janine and Savage, Markita and Mendoza, Cristina and Postlethwait, John and Warren, Wesley C. and Schartl, Manfred and Walter, Ronald B.}, title = {Application of the Transcriptional Disease Signature (TDSs) to Screen Melanoma-Effective Compounds in a Small Fish Model}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-36656-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237322}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Cell culture and protein target-based compound screening strategies, though broadly utilized in selecting candidate compounds, often fail to eliminate candidate compounds with non-target effects and/or safety concerns until late in the drug developmental process. Phenotype screening using intact research animals is attractive because it can help identify small molecule candidate compounds that have a high probability of proceeding to clinical use. Most FDA approved, first-in-class small molecules were identified from phenotypic screening. However, phenotypic screening using rodent models is labor intensive, low-throughput, and very expensive. As a novel alternative for small molecule screening, we have been developing gene expression disease profiles, termed the Transcriptional Disease Signature (TDS), as readout of small molecule screens for therapeutic molecules. In this concept, compounds that can reverse, or otherwise affect known disease-associated gene expression patterns in whole animals may be rapidly identified for more detailed downstream direct testing of their efficacy and mode of action. To establish proof of concept for this screening strategy, we employed a transgenic strain of a small aquarium fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes), that overexpresses the malignant melanoma driver gene xmrk, a mutant egfr gene, that is driven by a pigment cell-specific mitf promoter. In this model, melanoma develops with 100\% penetrance. Using the transgenic medaka malignant melanoma model, we established a screening system that employs the NanoString nCounter platform to quantify gene expression within custom sets of TDS gene targets that we had previously shown to exhibit differential transcription among xmrk-transgenic and wild-type medaka. Compound-modulated gene expression was identified using an internet-accessible custom-built data processing pipeline. The effect of a given drug on the entire TDS profile was estimated by comparing compound-modulated genes in the TDS using an activation Z-score and Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics. TDS gene probes were designed that target common signaling pathways that include proliferation, development, toxicity, immune function, metabolism and detoxification. These pathways may be utilized to evaluate candidate compounds for potential favorable, or unfavorable, effects on melanoma-associated gene expression. Here we present the logistics of using medaka to screen compounds, as well as, the development of a user-friendly NanoString data analysis pipeline to support feasibility of this novel TDS drug-screening strategy.}, language = {en} } @article{BoetzlKonleKrauss2019, author = {Boetzl, Fabian A. and Konle, Antonia and Krauss, Jochen}, title = {Aphid cards - useful model for assessing predation rates or bias prone nonsense?}, series = {Journal of Applied Entomology}, volume = {144}, journal = {Journal of Applied Entomology}, number = {1-2}, doi = {10.1111/jen.12692}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-204798}, pages = {74-80}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Predation on pest organisms is an essential ecosystem function supporting yields in modern agriculture. However, assessing predation rates is intricate, and they can rarely be linked directly to predator densities or functions. We tested whether sentinel prey aphid cards are useful tools to assess predation rates in the field. Therefore, we looked at aphid cards of different sizes on the ground level as well as within the vegetation. Additionally, by trapping ground-dwelling predators, we examined whether obtained predation rates could be linked to predator densities and traits. Predation rates recorded with aphid cards were independent of aphid card size. However, predation rates on the ground level were three times higher than within the vegetation. We found both predatory carabid activity densities as well as community weighted mean body size to be good predictors for predation rates. Predation rates obtained from aphid cards are stable over card type and related to predator assemblages. Aphid cards, therefore, are a useful, efficient method for rapidly assessing the ecosystem function predation. Their use might especially be recommended for assessments on the ground level and when time and resource limitations rule out more elaborate sentinel prey methods using exclosures with living prey animals.}, language = {en} } @article{DopplerSchusterAppeltshauseretal.2019, author = {Doppler, Kathrin and Schuster, Yasmin and Appeltshauser, Luise and Biko, Lydia and Villmann, Carmen and Weishaupt, Andreas and Werner, Christian and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Anti-CNTN1 IgG3 induces acute conduction block and motor deficits in a passive transfer rat model}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {16}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {73}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-019-1462-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200476}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: Autoantibodies against the paranodal protein contactin-1 have recently been described in patients with severe acute-onset autoimmune neuropathies and mainly belong to the IgG4 subclass that does not activate complement. IgG3 anti-contactin-1 autoantibodies are rare, but have been detected during the acute onset of disease in some cases. There is evidence that anti-contactin-1 prevents adhesive interaction, and chronic exposure to anti-contactin-1 IgG4 leads to structural changes at the nodes accompanied by neuropathic symptoms. However, the pathomechanism of acute onset of disease and the pathogenic role of IgG3 anti-contactin-1 is largely unknown. Methods: In the present study, we aimed to model acute autoantibody exposure by intraneural injection of IgG of patients with anti-contacin-1 autoantibodies to Lewis rats. Patient IgG obtained during acute onset of disease (IgG3 predominant) and IgG from the chronic phase of disease (IgG4 predominant) were studied in comparison. Results: Conduction blocks were measured in rats injected with the "acute" IgG more often than after injection of "chronic" IgG (83.3\% versus 35\%) and proved to be reversible within a week after injection. Impaired nerve conduction was accompanied by motor deficits in rats after injection of the "acute" IgG but only minor structural changes of the nodes. Paranodal complement deposition was detected after injection of the "acute IgG". We did not detect any inflammatory infiltrates, arguing against an inflammatory cascade as cause of damage to the nerve. We also did not observe dispersion of paranodal proteins or sodium channels to the juxtaparanodes as seen in patients after chronic exposure to anti-contactin-1. Conclusions: Our data suggest that anti-contactin-1 IgG3 induces an acute conduction block that is most probably mediated by autoantibody binding and subsequent complement deposition and may account for acute onset of disease in these patients. This supports the notion of anti-contactin-1-associated neuropathy as a paranodopathy with the nodes of Ranvier as the site of pathogenesis.}, language = {en} } @article{KimAmoresKangetal.2019, author = {Kim, Bo-Mi and Amores, Angel and Kang, Seunghyun and Ahn, Do-Hwan and Kim, Jin-Hyoung and Kim, Il-Chan and Lee, Jun Hyuck and Lee, Sung Gu and Lee, Hyoungseok and Lee, Jungeun and Kim, Han-Woo and Desvignes, Thomas and Batzel, Peter and Sydes, Jason and Titus, Tom and Wilson, Catherine A. and Catchen, Julian M. and Warren, Wesley C. and Schartl, Manfred and Detrich, H. William III and Postlethwait, John H. and Park, Hyun}, title = {Antarctic blackfin icefish genome reveals adaptations to extreme environments}, series = {Nature Ecology \& Evolution}, volume = {3}, journal = {Nature Ecology \& Evolution}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-019-0812-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-325811}, pages = {469-478}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Icefishes (suborder Notothenioidei; family Channichthyidae) are the only vertebrates that lack functional haemoglobin genes and red blood cells. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and linkage map for the Antarctic blackfin icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus, highlighting evolved genomic features for its unique physiology. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that Antarctic fish of the teleost suborder Notothenioidei, including icefishes, diverged from the stickleback lineage about 77 million years ago and subsequently evolved cold-adapted phenotypes as the Southern Ocean cooled to sub-zero temperatures. Our results show that genes involved in protection from ice damage, including genes encoding antifreeze glycoprotein and zona pellucida proteins, are highly expanded in the icefish genome. Furthermore, genes that encode enzymes that help to control cellular redox state, including members of the sod3 and nqo1 gene families, are expanded, probably as evolutionary adaptations to the relatively high concentration of oxygen dissolved in cold Antarctic waters. In contrast, some crucial regulators of circadian homeostasis (cry and per genes) are absent from the icefish genome, suggesting compromised control of biological rhythms in the polar light environment. The availability of the icefish genome sequence will accelerate our understanding of adaptation to extreme Antarctic environments.}, language = {en} } @article{LiuKinoshitaAdolfietal.2019, author = {Liu, Ruiqi and Kinoshita, Masato and Adolfi, Mateus C. and Schartl, Manfred}, title = {Analysis of the role of the Mc4r system in development, growth, and puberty of medaka}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2019.00213}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201472}, pages = {213}, year = {2019}, abstract = {In mammals the melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) signaling system has been mainly associated with the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis. In fish of the genus Xiphophorus (platyfish and swordtails) puberty onset is genetically determined by a single locus, which encodes the mc4r. Wild populations of Xiphophorus are polymorphic for early and late-maturing individuals. Copy number variation of different mc4r alleles is responsible for the difference in puberty onset. To answer whether this is a special adaptation of the Mc4r signaling system in the lineage of Xiphophorus or a more widely conserved mechanism in teleosts, we studied the role of Mc4r in reproductive biology of medaka (Oryzias latipes), a close relative to Xiphophorus and a well-established model to study gonadal development. To understand the potential role of Mc4r in medaka, we characterized the major features of the Mc4r signaling system (mc4r, mrap2, pomc, agrp1). In medaka, all these genes are expressed before hatching. In adults, they are mainly expressed in the brain. The transcript of the receptor accessory protein mrap2 co-localizes with mc4r in the hypothalamus in adult brains indicating a conserved function of modulating Mc4r signaling. Comparing growth and puberty between wild-type and mc4r knockout medaka revealed that absence of Mc4r does not change puberty timing but significantly delays hatching. Embryonic development of knockout animals is retarded compared to wild-types. In conclusion, the Mc4r system in medaka is involved in regulation of growth rather than puberty.}, language = {en} } @article{MatosMachadoSchartletal.2019, author = {Matos, Isa and Machado, Miguel P. and Schartl, Manfred and Coelho, Maria Manuela}, title = {Allele-specific expression variation at different ploidy levels in Squalius alburnoides}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-40210-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200910}, pages = {3688}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Allopolyploid plants are long known to be subject to a homoeolog expression bias of varying degree. The same phenomenon was only much later suspected to occur also in animals based on studies of single selected genes in an allopolyploid vertebrate, the Iberian fish Squalius alburnoides. Consequently, this species became a good model for understanding the evolution of gene expression regulation in polyploid vertebrates. Here, we analyzed for the first time genome-wide allele-specific expression data from diploid and triploid hybrids of S. alburnoides and compared homoeolog expression profiles of adult livers and of juveniles. Co-expression of alleles from both parental genomic types was observed for the majority of genes, but with marked homoeolog expression bias, suggesting homoeolog specific reshaping of expression level patterns in hybrids. Complete silencing of one allele was also observed irrespective of ploidy level, but not transcriptome wide as previously speculated. Instead, it was found only in a restricted number of genes, particularly ones with functions related to mitochondria and ribosomes. This leads us to hypothesize that allelic silencing may be a way to overcome intergenomic gene expression interaction conflicts, and that homoeolog expression bias may be an important mechanism in the achievement of sustainable genomic interactions, mandatory to the success of allopolyploid systems, as in S. alburnoides.}, language = {en} } @article{VeyKapsnerFuchsetal.2019, author = {Vey, Johannes and Kapsner, Lorenz A. and Fuchs, Maximilian and Unberath, Philipp and Veronesi, Giulia and Kunz, Meik}, title = {A toolbox for functional analysis and the systematic identification of diagnostic and prognostic gene expression signatures combining meta-analysis and machine learning}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {11}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {10}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers11101606}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193240}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The identification of biomarker signatures is important for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, the detection of clinical reliable signatures is influenced by limited data availability, which may restrict statistical power. Moreover, methods for integration of large sample cohorts and signature identification are limited. We present a step-by-step computational protocol for functional gene expression analysis and the identification of diagnostic and prognostic signatures by combining meta-analysis with machine learning and survival analysis. The novelty of the toolbox lies in its all-in-one functionality, generic design, and modularity. It is exemplified for lung cancer, including a comprehensive evaluation using different validation strategies. However, the protocol is not restricted to specific disease types and can therefore be used by a broad community. The accompanying R package vignette runs in ~1 h and describes the workflow in detail for use by researchers with limited bioinformatics training.}, language = {en} } @article{SteuerCostaVanderAuweraGlocketal.2019, author = {Steuer Costa, Wagner and Van der Auwera, Petrus and Glock, Caspar and Liewald, Jana F. and Bach, Maximilian and Sch{\"u}ler, Christina and Wabnig, Sebastian and Oranth, Alexandra and Masurat, Florentin and Bringmann, Henrik and Schoofs, Liliane and Stelzer, Ernst H. K. and Fischer, Sabine C. and Gottschalk, Alexander}, title = {A GABAergic and peptidergic sleep neuron as a locomotion stop neuron with compartmentalized Ca2+ dynamics}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {10}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-019-12098-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-223273}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Animals must slow or halt locomotion to integrate sensory inputs or to change direction. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the GABAergic and peptidergic neuron RIS mediates developmentally timed quiescence. Here, we show RIS functions additionally as a locomotion stop neuron. RIS optogenetic stimulation caused acute and persistent inhibition of locomotion and pharyngeal pumping, phenotypes requiring FLP-11 neuropeptides and GABA. RIS photoactivation allows the animal to maintain its body posture by sustaining muscle tone, yet inactivating motor neuron oscillatory activity. During locomotion, RIS axonal Ca2+ signals revealed functional compartmentalization: Activity in the nerve ring process correlated with locomotion stop, while activity in a branch correlated with induced reversals. GABA was required to induce, and FLP-11 neuropeptides were required to sustain locomotion stop. RIS attenuates neuronal activity and inhibits movement, possibly enabling sensory integration and decision making, and exemplifies dual use of one cell across development in a compact nervous system.}, language = {en} } @article{DrescherKleinSchmittetal.2019, author = {Drescher, Nora and Klein, Alexandra-Maria and Schmitt, Thomas and Leonhardt, Sara Diana}, title = {A clue on bee glue: New insight into the sources and factors driving resin intake in honeybees (Apis mellifera)}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {14}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0210594}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200935}, pages = {e0210594}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are threatened by numerous pathogens and parasites. To prevent infections they apply cooperative behavioral defenses, such as allo-grooming and hygiene, or they use antimicrobial plant resin. Resin is a chemically complex and highly variable mixture of many bioactive compounds. Bees collect the sticky material from different plant species and use it for nest construction and protection. Despite its importance for colony health, comparatively little is known about the precise origins and variability in resin spectra collected by honeybees. To identify the botanical resin sources of A. mellifera in Western Europe we chemically compared resin loads of individual foragers and tree resins. We further examined the resin intake of 25 colonies from five different apiaries to assess the effect of location on variation in the spectra of collected resin. Across all colonies and apiaries, seven distinct resin types were categorized according to their color and chemical composition. Matches between bee-collected resin and tree resin indicated that bees used poplar (Populus balsamifera, P. x canadensis), birch (Betula alba), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and coniferous trees (either Picea abies or Pinus sylvestris) as resin sources. Our data reveal that honeybees collect a comparatively broad and variable spectrum of resin sources, thus assuring protection against a variety of antagonists sensitive to different resins and/or compounds. We further unravel distinct preferences for specific resins and resin chemotypes, indicating that honeybees selectively search for bioactive resin compounds.}, language = {en} }