University of Düsseldorf

About: University of Düsseldorf is a education organization based out in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 25225 authors who have published 49155 publications receiving 1946434 citations.

Peripheral myelin protein–22 gene maps in the duplication in chromosome 17p11.2 associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth 1A

Abstract: Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease 1A (CMT1A) is a hereditary demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, associated with a DNA duplication on chromosome 17p11.2. A related disorder in the mouse, trembler (Tr), maps to mouse chromosome 11 which has syntenic homology to human chromosome 17p. Recently, the peripheral myelin protein–22 (pmp–22) gene was identified as the likely Tr locus. We have constructed a partial yeast artificial chromosome contig spanning the CMT1A gene region and mapped the PMP–22 gene to the duplicated region. These observations further implicate PMP–22 as a candidate gene for CMT1A, and suggest that over–expression of this gene may be one mechanism that produces the CMT1A phenotype.

Atypical functional connectome hierarchy in autism

Abstract: One paradox of autism is the co-occurrence of deficits in sensory and higher-order socio-cognitive processing. Here, we examined whether these phenotypical patterns may relate to an overarching system-level imbalance-specifically a disruption in macroscale hierarchy affecting integration and segregation of unimodal and transmodal networks. Combining connectome gradient and stepwise connectivity analysis based on task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we demonstrated atypical connectivity transitions between sensory and higher-order default mode regions in a large cohort of individuals with autism relative to typically-developing controls. Further analyses indicated that reduced differentiation related to perturbed stepwise connectivity from sensory towards transmodal areas, as well as atypical long-range rich-club connectivity. Supervised pattern learning revealed that hierarchical features predicted deficits in social cognition and low-level behavioral symptoms, but not communication-related symptoms. Our findings provide new evidence for imbalances in network hierarchy in autism, which offers a parsimonious reference frame to consolidate its diverse features.

Long-distance communication and signal amplification in systemic acquired resistance

Abstract: Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism in plants that confers enhanced resistance against a variety of pathogens. SAR is activated in the uninfected systemic (distal) organs in response to a prior (primary) infection elsewhere in the plant. SAR is associated with the activation of salicylic acid (SA) signaling and the priming of defense responses for robust activation in response to subsequent infections. The activation of SAR requires communication by the primary infected tissues with the distal organs. The vasculature functions as a conduit for the translocation of factors that facilitate long-distance intra-plant communication. In recent years, several metabolites putatively involved in long-distance signaling have been identified. These include the methyl ester of SA (MeSA), the abietane diterpenoid dehydroabietinal (DA), the dicarboxylic acid azelaic acid (AzA), and a glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P)-dependent factor. Long-distance signaling by some of these metabolites also requires the lipid-transfer protein DIR1 (DEFECTIVE IN INDUCED RESISTANCE 1). The relative contribution of these factors in long-distance signaling is likely influenced by environmental conditions, for example light. In the systemic leaves, the AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE RESPONSE PROTEIN1 (ALD1)-dependent production of the lysine catabolite pipecolic acid (Pip), FLAVIN-DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE1 (FMO1) signaling, as well as SA synthesis and downstream signaling are required for the activation of SAR. This review summarizes the involvement and interaction between long-distance SAR signals and details the recently discovered role of Pip in defense amplification and priming that allows plants to acquire immunity at the systemic level. Recent advances in SA signaling and perception are also highlighted.

Chronic psychosocial stress at work and risk of depression: evidence from prospective studies

Abstract: Due to their high prevalence and severe consequences depressive disorders provide a primary challenge to medicine and public health. Improving our understanding of modifiable risk factors may help to advance preventive efforts. Chronic psychosocial stress at work, as defined by two theoretical models, demand-control and effort-reward imbalance, is one such modifiable risk factor. This paper reviews and discusses current evidence of associations between work-related psychosocial stress and depression based on a systematic review of prospective cohort studies of these two models, published within the last 10 years. Findings from 12 reports indicate a rather consistently elevated odds ratio of about 1.8 of depression among men and women who were exposed to high demand and low control at work or who spent high efforts in combination with low rewards received in turn. Findings are substantiated by results from experimental investigations that explored psychobiological mechanisms underlying this association. In conclusion, there is solid evidence of a prospectively established moderate association of chronic psychosocial stress at work, as defined by theoretical models, with depression. Despite open research questions the implications of these findings for prevention should be addressed.