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.

Integrated genomic characterization of adrenocortical carcinoma

Abstract: Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are aggressive cancers originating in the cortex of the adrenal gland. Despite overall poor prognosis, ACC outcome is heterogeneous. We performed exome sequencing and SNP array analysis of 45 ACCs and identified recurrent alterations in known driver genes (CTNNB1, TP53, CDKN2A, RB1 and MEN1) and in genes not previously reported in ACC (ZNRF3, DAXX, TERT and MED12), which we validated in an independent cohort of 77 ACCs. ZNRF3, encoding a cell surface E3 ubiquitin ligase, was the most frequently altered gene (21%) and is a potential new tumor suppressor gene related to the β-catenin pathway. Our integrated genomic analyses further identified two distinct molecular subgroups with opposite outcome. The C1A group of ACCs with poor outcome displayed numerous mutations and DNA methylation alterations, whereas the C1B group of ACCs with good prognosis displayed specific deregulation of two microRNA clusters. Thus, aggressive and indolent ACCs correspond to two distinct molecular entities driven by different oncogenic alterations.

CD28 Costimulation Provided through a CD19-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Enhances In vivo Persistence and Antitumor Efficacy of Adoptively Transferred T Cells

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) combine an antigenbinding domain with a CD3-Z signaling motif to redirect Tcell specificity to clinically important targets. First-generation CAR, such as the CD19-specific CAR (designated CD19R), may fail to fully engage genetically modified T cells because activation is initiated by antigen-dependent signaling through chimeric CD3-Z, independent of costimulation through accessory molecules. We show that enforced expression of the fulllength costimulatory molecule CD28 in CD8 + CD19R + CD28 � T cells can restore fully competent antigen-dependent T-cell activation upon binding CD19 + targets expressing CD80/CD86. Thus, to provide costimulation to T cells through a CD19specific CAR, independent of binding to CD80/CD86, we developed a second-generation CAR (designated CD19RCD28), which includes a modified chimeric CD28 signaling domain fused to chimeric CD3-Z. CD19R + and CD19RCD28 + CD8 + T cells specifically lyse CD19 + tumor cells. However, the CD19RCD28 + CD8 + T cells proliferate in absence of exogenous recombinant human interleukin-2, produce interleukin-2, propagate, and up-regulate antiapoptotic Bcl-XL after stimulation by CD19 + tumor cells. For the first time, we show in vivo that adoptively transferred CD19RCD28 + T cells show an improved persistence and antitumor effect compared with CD19R + T cells. These data imply that modifications to the CAR can result in improved therapeutic potential of CD19specific T cells expressing this second-generation CAR. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10995-1004)

The Directed Synthesis of Biaryl Compounds: Modern Concepts and Strategies

Abstract: The preparation and utilization of specific biaryl systems, particularly those which suffer hindered rotation, is a demanding goal not only in the synthesis of natural products and Pharmaceuticals, but also for example in the discovery of new reagents for asymmetric synthesis. This article will attempt to provide a topical review of modern, efficient processes for the specific preparation of biaryls. This appears to be of particular urgency, since, under the pressure of continually increasing demand, a wealth of new or modified synthetic approaches to the ever more important biaryl systems has been realized in recent years. The high standard which has been reached in this field is impressively demonstrated by regio- and stereoselective syntheses of important biaryl natural products such as steganone, ancistrocladine, ancistrocladisine, and dioncophylline A. Besides the utilization of asymmetric induction in the actual coupling step, the thermodynamically or kinetically controlled torsion of biaryl axes belongs to the most important concepts discussed.

Extracellular Matrix in the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Impact on Cancer Therapy

Abstract: Solid tumors are complex organ-like structures that consist not only of tumor cells but also of vasculature, extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal, and immune cells. Often, this tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises the larger part of the overall tumor mass. Like the other components of the TME, the ECM in solid tumors differs significantly from that in normal organs. Intratumoral signaling, transport mechanisms, metabolisms, oxygenation, and immunogenicity are strongly affected if not controlled by the ECM. Exerting this regulatory control, the ECM does not only influence malignancy and growth of the tumor but also its response toward therapy. Understanding the particularities of the ECM in solid tumor is necessary to develop approaches to interfere with its negative effect. In this review, we will also highlight the current understanding of the physical, cellular, and molecular mechanisms by which the pathological tumor ECM affects the efficiency of radio-, chemo-, and immunotherapy. Finally, we will discuss the various strategies to target and modify the tumor ECM and how they could be utilized to improve response to therapy.

Na+-D-glucose Cotransporter SGLT1 is Pivotal for Intestinal Glucose-Absorption and Glucose-Dependent Incretin Secretion

Abstract: To clarify the physiological role of Na(+)-D-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 in small intestine and kidney, Sglt1(-/-) mice were generated and characterized phenotypically. After gavage of d-glucose, small intestinal glucose absorption across the brush-border membrane (BBM) via SGLT1 and GLUT2 were analyzed. Glucose-induced secretion of insulinotropic hormone (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in wild-type and Sglt1(-/-) mice were compared. The impact of SGLT1 on renal glucose handling was investigated by micropuncture studies. It was observed that Sglt1(-/-) mice developed a glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome but thrive normally when fed a glucose-galactose-free diet. In wild-type mice, passage of D-glucose across the intestinal BBM was predominantly mediated by SGLT1, independent the glucose load. High glucose concentrations increased the amounts of SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the BBM, and SGLT1 was required for upregulation of GLUT2. SGLT1 was located in luminal membranes of cells immunopositive for GIP and GLP-1, and Sglt1(-/-) mice exhibited reduced glucose-triggered GIP and GLP-1 levels. In the kidney, SGLT1 reabsorbed ∼3% of the filtered glucose under normoglycemic conditions. The data indicate that SGLT1 is 1) pivotal for intestinal mass absorption of d-glucose, 2) triggers the glucose-induced secretion of GIP and GLP-1, and 3) triggers the upregulation of GLUT2.