University of Würzburg

About: University of Würzburg is a education organization based out in Wurzburg, Bayern, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & CAS Registry Number. The organization has 31437 authors who have published 62203 publications receiving 2337033 citations. The organization is also known as: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg & Würzburg University.

MicroRNAs: novel regulators in cardiac development and disease

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small ribonucleotides regulating the translation of target messenger RNAs that have been shown to be involved in orchestrating growth, development, function, and stress responses of various organs, including the heart. Muscle miRNAs are mainly controlled by a network of myogenic transcription factors, and throughout cardiac development they fine-tune regulatory protein levels in a spatiotemporal manner. Recent profiling studies revealed that miRNA expression patterns are derailed in both human cardiac disease and animal models of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Modulation of miRNA expression in vitro as well as in vivo has revealed an important role of miRNAs in regulating heart function, particularly cardiac growth and conductance. Here, we overview the recent findings on miRNAs in cardiac development and disease and report the latest advances in the identification and validation of miRNA targets, which are important for a comprehensive understanding of cardiac miRNA function. Finally, we focus on the development and use of miRNA antagonists (antagomirs) to target miRNAs in vivo, which may translate into novel therapeutic strategies for heart disease in the future.

Tissue localization of phenolic compounds in plants by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract: laser scanning microscopy, UV-screening pigments, Picea abies (L.) Karst., Vicia faba L., Secale cereale L., Equisetum Phenolic compounds are involved in many interactions arvense L. of plants with their biotic and abiotic environment. These substances accumulate in different plant tissues and cells during ontogenesis and under the influ- Introduction ence of various environmental stimuli, respectively. Studies on the tissue localization of phenolic com- Phenolic compounds play a major role in the interaction

Plant Surface Properties in Chemical Ecology

Abstract: The surface of the primary aerial parts of terrestrial plants is covered by a cuticle, which has crucial autecological functions, but also serves as an important interface in trophic interactions. The chemical and physical properties of this layer contribute to these functions. The cuticle is composed of the cuticular layer and the cuticle proper, which is covered by epicuticular waxes. Whereas the cutin fraction is a polyester-type biopolymer composed of hydroxyl and hydroxyepoxy fatty acids, the cuticular waxes are a complex mixture of long-chain aliphatic and cyclic compounds. These highly lipophilic compounds determine the hydrophobic quality of the plant surface and, together with the microstructure of the waxes, vary in a species-specific manner. The physicochemical characteristics contribute to certain optical features, limit transpiration, and influence adhesion of particles and organisms. In chemical ecology, where interactions between organisms and the underlying (allelo-) chemical principles are studied, it is important to determine what is present at this interface between the plant and the environment. Several useful equations can allow estimation of the dissolution of a given organic molecule in the cuticle and its transport properties. The implementation of these equations is exemplified by examining glucosinolates, which play an important role in interactions of plants with other organisms. An accurate characterization of physicochemical properties of the plant surface is needed to understand its ecological significance. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the physical and chemical properties of plant cuticles and their role in interactions with microorganisms, phytophagous insects, and their antagonists.