@article{ButtRaman2018, author = {Butt, Elke and Raman, Dayanidhi}, title = {New frontiers for the cytoskeletal protein LASP1}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2018.00391}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-221975}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In the recent two decades, LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) has been developed from a simple actin-binding structural protein to a tumor biomarker and subsequently to a complex, nuclear transcriptional regulator. Starting with a brief historical perspective, this review will mainly compare and contrast LASP1 and LASP2 from the angle of the newest data and importantly, examine their role in transcriptional regulation. We will summarize the current knowledge through pictorial models and tables including the roles of different microRNAs in the differential regulation of LASP1 levels and patient outcome rather than specify in detail all tumor entities. Finally, the novel functional roles of LASP1 in secretion of vesicles, expression of matrix metalloproteinases and transcriptional regulation as well as the activation of survival and proliferation pathways in different cancer types are described.}, language = {en} } @article{DopplerBrockmannSedghietal.2018, author = {Doppler, Kathrin and Brockmann, Kathrin and Sedghi, Annahita and Wurster, Isabel and Volkmann, Jens and Oertel, Wolfgang H. and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Dermal phospho-alpha-synuclein deposition in patients with Parkinson's disease and mutation of the glucocerebrosidase gene}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2018.01094}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-222828}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Heterozygous mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA1) represent the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) and are histopathologically associated with a widespread load of alpha-synuclein in the brain. Therefore, PD patients with GBA1 mutations are a cohort of high interest for clinical trials on disease-modifying therapies targeting alpha-synuclein. There is evidence that detection of phospho-alpha-synuclein (p-syn) in dermal nerve fibers might be a biomarker for the histopathological identification of PD patients even at premotor or very early stages of disease. It is so far unknown whether dermal p-syn deposition can also be found in PD patients with GBA1 mutations and may serve as a biomarker for PD in these patients. Skin biopsies of 10 PD patients with different GBA1 mutations (six N3705, three E326K, one L444P) were analyzed by double-immunofluorescence labeling with anti-p-syn and anti-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5, axonal marker) to detect intraaxonal p-syn deposition. Four biopsy sites (distal, proximal leg, paravertebral Th10, and C7) per patient were studied. P-syn was found in six patients (three N370S, three E326K). P-syn deposition was mainly detected in autonomic nerve fibers, but also in somatosensory fibers and was not restricted to a certain GBA1 mutation. In summary, dermal p-syn in PD patients with GBA1 mutations seems to offer a similar distribution and frequency as observed in patients without a known mutation. Skin biopsy may be suitable to study p-syn deposition in these patients or even to identify premotor patients with GBA1 mutations.}, language = {en} } @article{DunceMilburnGurusaranetal.2018, author = {Dunce, James M. and Milburn, Amy E. and Gurusaran, Manickam and da Cruz, Irene and Sen, Lee T. and Benavente, Ricardo and Davies, Owen R.}, title = {Structural basis of meiotic telomere attachment to the nuclear envelope by MAJIN-TERB2-TERB1}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-07794-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226416}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Meiotic chromosomes undergo rapid prophase movements, which are thought to facilitate the formation of inter-homologue recombination intermediates that underlie synapsis, crossing over and segregation. The meiotic telomere complex (MAJIN, TERB1, TERB2) tethers telomere ends to the nuclear envelope and transmits cytoskeletal forces via the LINC complex to drive these rapid movements. Here, we report the molecular architecture of the meiotic telomere complex through the crystal structure of MAJIN-TERB2, together with light and X-ray scattering studies of wider complexes. The MAJIN-TERB2 2:2 hetero-tetramer binds strongly to DNA and is tethered through long flexible linkers to the inner nuclear membrane and two TRF1-binding 1:1 TERB2-TERB1 complexes. Our complementary structured illumination microscopy studies and biochemical findings reveal a telomere attachment mechanism in which MAJIN-TERB2-TERB1 recruits telomere-bound TRF1, which is then displaced during pachytene, allowing MAJIN-TERB2-TERB1 to bind telomeric DNA and form a mature attachment plate.}, language = {en} } @article{EstradaKrebbersVossetal.2018, author = {Estrada, Veronica and Krebbers, Julia and Voss, Christian and Brazda, Nicole and Blazyca, Heinrich and Illgen, Jennifer and Seide, Klaus and J{\"u}rgens, Christian and M{\"u}ller, J{\"o}rg and Martini, Rudolf and Trieu, Hoc Khiem and M{\"u}ller, Hans Werner}, title = {Low-pressure micro-mechanical re-adaptation device sustainably and effectively improves locomotor recovery from complete spinal cord injury}, series = {Communications Biology}, volume = {1}, journal = {Communications Biology}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-018-0210-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227357}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Traumatic spinal cord injuries result in impairment or even complete loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Recovery after complete spinal cord injury is very limited even in animal models receiving elaborate combinatorial treatments. Recently, we described an implantable microsystem (microconnector) for low-pressure re-adaption of severed spinal stumps in rat. Here we investigate the long-term structural and functional outcome following microconnector implantation after complete spinal cord transection. Re-adaptation of spinal stumps supports formation of a tissue bridge, glial and vascular cell invasion, motor axon regeneration and myelination, resulting in partial recovery of motor-evoked potentials and a thus far unmet improvement of locomotor behaviour. The recovery lasts for at least 5 months. Despite a late partial decline, motor recovery remains significantly superior to controls. Our findings demonstrate that microsystem technology can foster long-lasting functional improvement after complete spinal injury, providing a new and effective tool for combinatorial therapies.}, language = {en} } @article{DindasScherzerRoelfsemaetal.2018, author = {Dindas, Julian and Scherzer, S{\"o}nke and Roelfsema, M. Rob G. and Meyer, Katharina von and M{\"u}ller, Heike M. and Al-Rasheid, K. A. S. and Palme, Klaus and Dietrich, Petra and Becker, Dirk and Bennett, Malcolm J. and Hedrich, Rainer}, title = {AUX1-mediated root hair auxin influx governs SCFTIR1/AFB-type Ca2+ signaling}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-03582-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225368}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Auxin is a key regulator of plant growth and development, but the causal relationship between hormone transport and root responses remains unresolved. Here we describe auxin uptake, together with early steps in signaling, in Arabidopsis root hairs. Using intracellular microelectrodes we show membrane depolarization, in response to IAA in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner. This depolarization is strongly impaired in aux1 mutants, indicating that AUX1 is the major transporter for auxin uptake in root hairs. Local intracellular auxin application triggers Ca2+ signals that propagate as long-distance waves between root cells and modulate their auxin responses. AUX1-mediated IAA transport, as well as IAA- triggered calcium signals, are blocked by treatment with the SCFTIR1/AFB - inhibitor auxinole. Further, they are strongly reduced in the tir1afb2afb3 and the cngc14 mutant. Our study reveals that the AUX1 transporter, the SCFTIR1/AFB receptor and the CNGC14 Ca2+ channel, mediate fast auxin signaling in roots.}, language = {en} } @article{DostalFennelKochetal.2018, author = {Dost{\´a}l, Jakub and Fennel, Franziska and Koch, Federico and Herbst, Stefanie and W{\"u}rthner, Frank and Brixner, Tobias}, title = {Direct observation of exciton-exciton interactions}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-04884-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226271}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Natural light harvesting as well as optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices depend on efficient transport of energy following photoexcitation. Using common spectroscopic methods, however, it is challenging to discriminate one-exciton dynamics from multi-exciton interactions that arise when more than one excitation is present in the system. Here we introduce a coherent two-dimensional spectroscopic method that provides a signal only in case that the presence of one exciton influences the behavior of another one. Exemplarily, we monitor exciton diffusion by annihilation in a perylene bisimide-based J-aggregate. We determine quantitatively the exciton diffusion constant from exciton-exciton-interaction 2D spectra and reconstruct the annihilation-free dynamics for large pump powers. The latter enables for ultrafast spectroscopy at much higher intensities than conventionally possible and thus improves signal-to-noise ratios for multichromophore systems; the former recovers spatio-temporal dynamics for a broad range of phenomena in which exciton interactions are present.}, language = {en} } @article{DubailHuberChantepieetal.2018, author = {Dubail, Johanne and Huber, C{\´e}line and Chantepie, Sandrine and Sonntag, Stephan and T{\"u}ys{\"u}z, Beyhan and Mihci, Ercan and Gordon, Christopher T. and Steichen-Gersdorf, Elisabeth and Amiel, Jeanne and Nur, Banu and Stolte-Dijkstra, Irene and van Eerde, Albertien M. and van Gassen, Koen L. and Breugem, Corstiaan C. and Stegmann, Alexander and Lekszas, Caroline and Maroofian, Reza and Karimiani, Ehsan Ghayoor and Bruneel, Arnaud and Seta, Nathalie and Munnich, Arnold and Papy-Garcia, Dulce and De La Dure-Molla, Muriel and Cormier-Daire, Val{\´e}rie}, title = {SLC10A7 mutations cause a skeletal dysplasia with amelogenesis imperfecta mediated by GAG biosynthesis defects}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-05191-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226377}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Skeletal dysplasia with multiple dislocations are severe disorders characterized by dislocations of large joints and short stature. The majority of them have been linked to pathogenic variants in genes encoding glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases or epimerases required for glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Using exome sequencing, we identify homozygous mutations in SLC10A7 in six individuals with skeletal dysplasia with multiple dislocations and amelogenesis imperfecta. SLC10A7 encodes a 10-transmembrane-domain transporter located at the plasma membrane. Functional studies in vitro demonstrate that SLC10A7 mutations reduce SLC10A7 protein expression. We generate a Slc10a7-/- mouse model, which displays shortened long bones, growth plate disorganization and tooth enamel anomalies, recapitulating the human phenotype. Furthermore, we identify decreased heparan sulfate levels in Slc10a7-/- mouse cartilage and patient fibroblasts. Finally, we find an abnormal N-glycoprotein electrophoretic profile in patient blood samples. Together, our findings support the involvement of SLC10A7 in glycosaminoglycan synthesis and specifically in skeletal development.}, language = {en} } @article{HeWuD'Avinoetal.2018, author = {He, Tao and Wu, Yanfei and D'Avino, Gabriele and Schmidt, Elliot and Stolte, Matthias and Cornil, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Beljonne, David and Ruden, P. Paul and W{\"u}rthner, Frank and Frisbie, C. Daniel}, title = {Crystal step edges can trap electrons on the surfaces of n-type organic semiconductors}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-04479-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227957}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Understanding relationships between microstructure and electrical transport is an important goal for the materials science of organic semiconductors. Combining high-resolution surface potential mapping by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) with systematic field effect transport measurements, we show that step edges can trap electrons on the surfaces of single crystal organic semiconductors. n-type organic semiconductor crystals exhibiting positive step edge surface potentials display threshold voltages that increase and carrier mobilities that decrease with increasing step density, characteristic of trapping, whereas crystals that do not have positive step edge surface potentials do not have strongly step density dependent transport. A device model and microelectrostatics calculations suggest that trapping can be intrinsic to step edges for crystals of molecules with polar substituents. The results provide a unique example of a specific microstructure-charge trapping relationship and highlight the utility of surface potential imaging in combination with transport measurements as a productive strategy for uncovering microscopic structure-property relationships in organic semiconductors.}, language = {en} } @article{HeDiSanteLietal.2018, author = {He, Jiangang and Di Sante, Domenico and Li, Ronghan and Chen, Xing-Qiu and Rondinelli, James M. and Franchini, Cesare}, title = {Tunable metal-insulator transition, Rashba effect and Weyl Fermions in a relativistic charge-ordered ferroelectric oxide}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-017-02814-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227946}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Controllable metal-insulator transitions (MIT), Rashba-Dresselhaus (RD) spin splitting, and Weyl semimetals are promising schemes for realizing processing devices. Complex oxides are a desirable materials platform for such devices, as they host delicate and tunable charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedoms. Here, using first-principles calculations and symmetry analysis, we identify an electric-field tunable MIT, RD effect, and Weyl semimetal in a known, charge-ordered, and polar relativistic oxide Ag2BiO3 at room temperature. Remarkably, a centrosymmetric BiO6 octahedral-breathing distortion induces a sizable spontaneous ferroelectric polarization through Bi3+/Bi5+ charge disproportionation, which stabilizes simultaneously the insulating phase. The continuous attenuation of the Bi3+/Bi5+ disproportionation obtained by applying an external electric field reduces the band gap and RD spin splitting and drives the phase transition from a ferroelectric RD insulator to a paraelectric Dirac semimetal, through a topological Weyl semimetal intermediate state. These findings suggest that Ag2BiO3 is a promising material for spin-orbitonic applications.}, language = {en} } @article{GilderWackKaubetal.2018, author = {Gilder, Stuart A. and Wack, Michael and Kaub, Leon and Roud, Sophie C. and Petersen, Nikolai and Heinsen, Helmut and Hillenbrand, Peter and Milz, Stefan and Schmitz, Chistoph}, title = {Distribution of magnetic remanence carriers in the human brain}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-29766-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-233035}, year = {2018}, abstract = {That the human brain contains magnetite is well established; however, its spatial distribution in the brain has remained unknown. We present room temperature, remanent magnetization measurements on 822 specimens from seven dissected whole human brains in order to systematically map concentrations of magnetic remanence carriers. Median saturation remanent magnetizations from the cerebellum were approximately twice as high as those from the cerebral cortex in all seven cases (statistically significantly distinct, p = 0.016). Brain stems were over two times higher in magnetization on average than the cerebral cortex. The ventral (lowermost) horizontal layer of the cerebral cortex was consistently more magnetic than the average cerebral cortex in each of the seven studied cases. Although exceptions existed, the reproducible magnetization patterns lead us to conclude that magnetite is preferentially partitioned in the human brain, specifically in the cerebellum and brain stem.}, language = {en} }