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 & Gene. 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.

Receptive Properties of Mouse Sensory Neurons Innervating Hairy Skin

Abstract: Koltzenburg, Martin, Cheryl L. Stucky, and Gary R. Lewin. Receptive properties of mouse sensory neurons innervating hairy skin. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 1841–1850, 1997. Using an in vitro nerve skin pr...

Fermi LAT observations of cosmic-ray electrons from 7 GeV to 1 TeV

Abstract: We present the results of our analysis of cosmic-ray electrons using about 8 x 10(6) electron candidates detected in the first 12 months on-orbit by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. This work extend ...

Cell migration strategies in 3‐D extracellular matrix: Differences in morphology, cell matrix interactions, and integrin function

Abstract: Cell migration in extracellular matrix is a complex process of adhesion and deadhesion events combined with cellular strategies to overcome the biophysical resistance imposed by three-dimensionally interconnected matrix ligands. Using a 3-D collagen matrix migration model in combination with computer-assisted cell tracking for reconstruction of migration paths and confocal microscopy, we investigated molecular principles governing cell-matrix interactions and migration of different cell types. Highly invasive MV3 melanoma cells and fibroblasts are large and highly polarized cells migrating at low speed (0.1-0.5 microm/min) and at high directional persistence. MV3 melanoma cells utilize adhesive migration strategies as characterized by high beta1 integrin surface expression, beta1 integrin clustering at interactions with matrix fibers, and beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion for force generation and migration. In contrast, T lymphocytes and dendritic cells are highly mobile cells of lower beta1 integrin expression migrating at 10- to 40-fold higher velocities, and directionally unpredictable path profiles. This migration occurs in the absence of focal adhesions and largely independent of beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion. Whereas cell-matrix interactions of migrating tumor cells result in traction and reorientation of collagen fibers, partial matrix degradation, and pore formation, leukocytes form transient and short-lived interactions with the collagen lacking structural proteolysis and matrix remodeling. In conclusion, the 3-D extracellular matrix provides a spatially complex and biomechanically demanding substrate for cell migration, thereby differing from cell migration across planar ligands. Highly adhesive and integrin-dependent migration strategies detected in morphologically large and slowly migrating cells may result in reorganization of the extracellular matrix, whereas leukocytes favor largely integrin-independent, rapid, and flexible migration strategies lacking typical focal adhesions and structural matrix remodeling.

Cyclic AMP imaging in adult cardiac myocytes reveals far-reaching beta1-adrenergic but locally confined beta2-adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling.

Abstract: β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (βARs) are known to differentially regulate cardiomyocyte contraction and growth. We tested the hypothesis that these differences are attributable to spatial compartmentation of the second messenger cAMP. Using a fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based approach, we directly monitored the spatial and temporal distribution of cAMP in adult cardiomyocytes. We developed a new cAMP-FRET sensor (termed HCN2-camps) based on a single cAMP binding domain of the hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 2 (HCN2). Its cytosolic distribution, high dynamic range, and sensitivity make HCN2-camps particularly well suited to monitor subcellular localization of cardiomyocyte cAMP. We generated HCN2-camps transgenic mice and performed single-cell FRET imaging on freshly isolated cardiomyocytes. Whole-cell superfusion with isoproterenol showed a moderate elevation of cAMP. Application of various phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors revealed stringent contr...