University of Bordeaux

About: University of Bordeaux is a education organization based out in Bordeaux, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Laser. The organization has 28811 authors who have published 55536 publications receiving 1619635 citations. The organization is also known as: UB.

Click dendrimers and triazole-related aspects: catalysts, mechanism, synthesis, and functions. A bridge between dendritic architectures and nanomaterials.

Abstract: One of the primary recent improvements in molecular chemistry is the now decade-old concept of click chemistry. Typically performed as copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne (CuAAC) Huisgen-type 1,3-cycloadditions, this reaction has many applications in biomedicine and materials science. The application of this chemistry in dendrimer synthesis beyond the zeroth generation and in nanoparticle functionalization requires stoichiometric use of the most common click catalyst, CuSO4·5H2O with sodium ascorbate.Efforts to develop milder reaction conditions for these substrates have led to the design of polydentate nitrogen ligands. Along these lines, we have described a new, efficient, practical, and easy-to-synthesize catalytic complex, [CuI(hexabenzyltren)]Br, 1 [tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine], for the synthesis of relatively large dendrimers and functional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This efficient catalyst can be used alone in 0.1% mol amounts for nondendritic click reactions or with the sodium-ascorbate additive, wh...

Whole-genome analysis of diverse Chlamydia trachomatis strains identifies phylogenetic relationships masked by current clinical typing

Abstract: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for both trachoma and sexually transmitted infections, causing substantial morbidity and economic cost globally. Despite this, our knowledge of its population and evolutionary genetics is limited. Here we present a detailed phylogeny based on whole-genome sequencing of representative strains of C. trachomatis from both trachoma and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) biovars from temporally and geographically diverse sources. Our analysis shows that predicting phylogenetic structure using ompA, which is traditionally used to classify Chlamydia, is misleading because extensive recombination in this region masks any true relationships present. We show that in many instances, ompA is a chimera that can be exchanged in part or as a whole both within and between biovars. We also provide evidence for exchange of, and recombination within, the cryptic plasmid, which is another key diagnostic target. We used our phylogenetic framework to show how genetic exchange has manifested itself in ocular, urogenital and LGV C. trachomatis strains, including the epidemic LGV serotype L2b.

A cannabinoid link between mitochondria and memory

Abstract: Cellular activity in the brain depends on the high energetic support provided by mitochondria, the cell organelles which use energy sources to generate ATP. Acute cannabinoid intoxication induces amnesia in humans and animals, and the activation of type-1 cannabinoid receptors present at brain mitochondria membranes (mtCB1) can directly alter mitochondrial energetic activity. Although the pathological impact of chronic mitochondrial dysfunctions in the brain is well established, the involvement of acute modulation of mitochondrial activity in high brain functions, including learning and memory, is unknown. Here, we show that acute cannabinoid-induced memory impairment in mice requires activation of hippocampal mtCB1 receptors. Genetic exclusion of CB1 receptors from hippocampal mitochondria prevents cannabinoid-induced reduction of mitochondrial mobility, synaptic transmission and memory formation. mtCB1 receptors signal through intra-mitochondrial Gαi protein activation and consequent inhibition of soluble-adenylyl cyclase (sAC). The resulting inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of specific subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport system eventually leads to decreased cellular respiration. Hippocampal inhibition of sAC activity or manipulation of intra-mitochondrial PKA signalling or phosphorylation of the Complex I subunit NDUFS2 inhibit bioenergetic and amnesic effects of cannabinoids. Thus, the G protein-coupled mtCB1 receptors regulate memory processes via modulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. By directly linking mitochondrial activity to memory formation, these data reveal that bioenergetic processes are primary acute regulators of cognitive functions.