University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

About: University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is a education organization based out in Erlangen, Bayern, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Immune system. The organization has 42405 authors who have published 85600 publications receiving 2663922 citations.

Deficiency or inhibition of oxygen sensor Phd1 induces hypoxia tolerance by reprogramming basal metabolism

Abstract: HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHD1-3) are oxygen sensors that regulate the stability of the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in an oxygen-dependent manner. Here, we show that loss of Phd1 lowers oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle by reprogramming glucose metabolism from oxidative to more anaerobic ATP production through activation of a Pparalpha pathway. This metabolic adaptation to oxygen conservation impairs oxidative muscle performance in healthy conditions, but it provides acute protection of myofibers against lethal ischemia. Hypoxia tolerance is not due to HIF-dependent angiogenesis, erythropoiesis or vasodilation, but rather to reduced generation of oxidative stress, which allows Phd1-deficient myofibers to preserve mitochondrial respiration. Hypoxia tolerance relies primarily on Hif-2alpha and was not observed in heterozygous Phd2-deficient or homozygous Phd3-deficient mice. Of medical importance, conditional knockdown of Phd1 also rapidly induces hypoxia tolerance. These findings delineate a new role of Phd1 in hypoxia tolerance and offer new treatment perspectives for disorders characterized by oxidative stress.

Cold-water Corals: The Biology and Geology of Deep-Sea Coral Habitats.

Abstract: There are more coral species in deep, cold-waters than in tropical coral reefs. This broad-ranging treatment is the first to synthesise current understanding of all types of cold-water coral, covering their ecology, biology, palaeontology and geology. Beginning with a history of research in the field, the authors describe the approaches needed to study corals in the deep sea. They consider coral habitats created by stony scleractinian as well as octocoral species. The importance of corals as long-lived geological structures and palaeoclimate archives is discussed, in addition to ways in which they can be conserved. Topic boxes explain unfamiliar concepts, and case studies summarise significant studies, coral habitats or particular conservation measures. Written for professionals and students of marine science, this text is enhanced by an extensive glossary, online resources, and a unique collection of colour photographs and illustrations of corals and the habitats they form.

Membrane reactors for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes based on supported palladium

Abstract: Membrane reactors applied to catalytic reactions are currently being studied in many places world-wide. Significant developments in membrane science and the vision of process intensification by multifunctional reactors have stimulated a lot of academic and industrial research, which is impressively demonstrated by more than 100 scientific papers on catalytic membrane reactors being published per year. Palladium as a noble metal with exceptional hydrogen permeation properties and, at the same time, broad applicability as a catalyst, first of all for hydrogenation, is part of many of these developments. This paper discusses two different membrane reactor concepts which both rely on supported palladium, on the one hand as a permselective membrane material, and on the other hand as base component of a membrane-type hydrogenation catalyst. Dense palladium composite membranes can be used for hydrogen separation from packed-bed catalysts in gas-phase hydrocarbon dehydrogenation reactions. Mesoporous membranes containing dispersed bimetallic Pd/X-clusters can be employed as so-called catalytic diffusers for liquid-phase hydrogenation, e.g. of nitrate and nitrite in water. The principles of both concepts are introduced, recently obtained experimental data are evaluated in connection with literature results, and the perspectives for further development are highlighted.

Endothelial Cell Laminin Isoforms, Laminins 8 and 10, Play Decisive Roles in T Cell Recruitment across the Blood–Brain Barrier in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Abstract: An active involvement of blood–brain barrier endothelial cell basement membranes in development of inflammatory lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) has not been considered to date. Here we investigated the molecular composition and possible function of the extracellular matrix encountered by extravasating T lymphocytes during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Endothelial basement membranes contained laminin 8 (α4β1γ1) and/or 10 (α5β1γ1) and their expression was influenced by proinflammatory cytokines or angiostatic agents. T cells emigrating into the CNS during EAE encountered two biochemically distinct basement membranes, the endothelial (containing laminins 8 and 10) and the parenchymal (containing laminins 1 and 2) basement membranes. However, inflammatory cuffs occurred exclusively around endothelial basement membranes containing laminin 8, whereas in the presence of laminin 10 no infiltration was detectable. In vitro assays using encephalitogenic T cell lines revealed adhesion to laminins 8 and 10, whereas binding to laminins 1 and 2 could not be induced. Downregulation of integrin α6 on cerebral endothelium at sites of T cell infiltration, plus a high turnover of laminin 8 at these sites, suggested two possible roles for laminin 8 in the endothelial basement membrane: one at the level of the endothelial cells resulting in reduced adhesion and, thereby, increased penetrability of the monolayer; and secondly at the level of the T cells providing direct signals to the transmigrating cells.