@article{10179, abstract = {Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons migrate over long distances from their extracortical origin into the developing cortex. In humans, this process is uniquely slow and prolonged, and it is unclear whether guidance cues unique to humans govern the various phases of this complex developmental process. Here, we use fused cerebral organoids to identify key roles of neurotransmitter signaling pathways in guiding the migratory behavior of human cortical interneurons. We use scRNAseq to reveal expression of GABA, glutamate, glycine, and serotonin receptors along distinct maturation trajectories across interneuron migration. We develop an image analysis software package, TrackPal, to simultaneously assess 48 parameters for entire migration tracks of individual cells. By chemical screening, we show that different modes of interneuron migration depend on distinct neurotransmitter signaling pathways, linking transcriptional maturation of interneurons with their migratory behavior. Altogether, our study provides a comprehensive quantitative analysis of human interneuron migration and its functional modulation by neurotransmitter signaling.}, author = {Bajaj, Sunanjay and Bagley, Joshua A. and Sommer, Christoph M and Vertesy, Abel and Nagumo Wong, Sakurako and Krenn, Veronica and Lévi-Strauss, Julie and Knoblich, Juergen A.}, issn = {1460-2075}, journal = {EMBO Journal}, number = {23}, publisher = {Embo Press}, title = {{Neurotransmitter signaling regulates distinct phases of multimodal human interneuron migration}}, doi = {10.15252/embj.2021108714}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, } @article{10223, abstract = {Growth regulation tailors development in plants to their environment. A prominent example of this is the response to gravity, in which shoots bend up and roots bend down1. This paradox is based on opposite effects of the phytohormone auxin, which promotes cell expansion in shoots while inhibiting it in roots via a yet unknown cellular mechanism2. Here, by combining microfluidics, live imaging, genetic engineering and phosphoproteomics in Arabidopsis thaliana, we advance understanding of how auxin inhibits root growth. We show that auxin activates two distinct, antagonistically acting signalling pathways that converge on rapid regulation of apoplastic pH, a causative determinant of growth. Cell surface-based TRANSMEMBRANE KINASE1 (TMK1) interacts with and mediates phosphorylation and activation of plasma membrane H+-ATPases for apoplast acidification, while intracellular canonical auxin signalling promotes net cellular H+ influx, causing apoplast alkalinization. Simultaneous activation of these two counteracting mechanisms poises roots for rapid, fine-tuned growth modulation in navigating complex soil environments.}, author = {Li, Lanxin and Verstraeten, Inge and Roosjen, Mark and Takahashi, Koji and Rodriguez Solovey, Lesia and Merrin, Jack and Chen, Jian and Shabala, Lana and Smet, Wouter and Ren, Hong and Vanneste, Steffen and Shabala, Sergey and De Rybel, Bert and Weijers, Dolf and Kinoshita, Toshinori and Gray, William M. and Friml, Jiří}, issn = {1476-4687}, journal = {Nature}, keywords = {Multidisciplinary}, number = {7884}, pages = {273--277}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Cell surface and intracellular auxin signalling for H+ fluxes in root growth}}, doi = {10.1038/s41586-021-04037-6}, volume = {599}, year = {2021}, } @article{10283, abstract = {During the past decade, the scientific community and outside observers have noted a concerning lack of rigor and transparency in preclinical research that led to talk of a “reproducibility crisis” in the life sciences (Baker, 2016; Bespalov & Steckler, 2018; Heddleston et al, 2021). Various measures have been proposed to address the problem: from better training of scientists to more oversight to expanded publishing practices such as preregistration of studies. The recently published EQIPD (Enhancing Quality in Preclinical Data) System is, to date, the largest initiative that aims to establish a systematic approach for increasing the robustness and reliability of biomedical research (Bespalov et al, 2021). However, promoting a cultural change in research practices warrants a broad adoption of the Quality System and its underlying philosophy. It is here that academic Core Facilities (CF), research service providers at universities and research institutions, can make a difference. It is fair to assume that a significant fraction of published data originated from experiments that were designed, run, or analyzed in CFs. These academic services play an important role in the research ecosystem by offering access to cutting-edge equipment and by developing and testing novel techniques and methods that impact research in the academic and private sectors alike (Bikovski et al, 2020). Equipment and infrastructure are not the only value: CFs employ competent personnel with profound knowledge and practical experience of the specific field of interest: animal behavior, imaging, crystallography, genomics, and so on. Thus, CFs are optimally positioned to address concerns about the quality and robustness of preclinical research.}, author = {Restivo, Leonardo and Gerlach, Björn and Tsoory, Michael and Bikovski, Lior and Badurek, Sylvia and Pitzer, Claudia and Kos-Braun, Isabelle C. and Mausset-Bonnefont, Anne Laure Mj and Ward, Jonathan and Schunn, Michael and Noldus, Lucas P.J.J. and Bespalov, Anton and Voikar, Vootele}, issn = {1469-3178}, journal = {EMBO Reports}, publisher = {EMBO Press}, title = {{Towards best practices in research: Role of academic core facilities}}, doi = {10.15252/embr.202153824}, volume = {22}, year = {2021}, } @article{10607, abstract = {The evidence linking innate immunity mechanisms and neurodegenerative diseases is growing, but the specific mechanisms are incompletely understood. Experimental data suggest that microglial TLR4 mediates the uptake and clearance of α-synuclein also termed synucleinophagy. The accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein throughout the brain is central to Parkinson's disease (PD). The distribution and progression of the pathology is often attributed to the propagation of α-synuclein. Here, we apply a classical α-synuclein propagation model of prodromal PD in wild type and TLR4 deficient mice to study the role of TLR4 in the progression of the disease. Our data suggest that TLR4 deficiency facilitates the α-synuclein seed spreading associated with reduced lysosomal activity of microglia. Three months after seed inoculation, more pronounced proteinase K-resistant α-synuclein inclusion pathology is observed in mice with TLR4 deficiency. The facilitated propagation of α-synuclein is associated with early loss of dopamine transporter (DAT) signal in the striatum and loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta of TLR4 deficient mice. These new results support TLR4 signaling as a putative target for disease modification to slow the progression of PD and related disorders.}, author = {Venezia, Serena and Kaufmann, Walter and Wenning, Gregor K. and Stefanova, Nadia}, issn = {1873-5126}, journal = {Parkinsonism & Related Disorders}, pages = {59--65}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency facilitates α-synuclein propagation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of prodromal Parkinson's disease}}, doi = {10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.09.007}, volume = {91}, year = {2021}, } @article{8582, abstract = {Cell and tissue polarization is fundamental for plant growth and morphogenesis. The polar, cellular localization of Arabidopsis PIN‐FORMED (PIN) proteins is crucial for their function in directional auxin transport. The clustering of PIN polar cargoes within the plasma membrane has been proposed to be important for the maintenance of their polar distribution. However, the more detailed features of PIN clusters and the cellular requirements of cargo clustering remain unclear. Here, we characterized PIN clusters in detail by means of multiple advanced microscopy and quantification methods, such as 3D quantitative imaging or freeze‐fracture replica labeling. The size and aggregation types of PIN clusters were determined by electron microscopy at the nanometer level at different polar domains and at different developmental stages, revealing a strong preference for clustering at the polar domains. Pharmacological and genetic studies revealed that PIN clusters depend on phosphoinositol pathways, cytoskeletal structures and specific cell‐wall components as well as connections between the cell wall and the plasma membrane. This study identifies the role of different cellular processes and structures in polar cargo clustering and provides initial mechanistic insight into the maintenance of polarity in plants and other systems.}, author = {Li, Hongjiang and von Wangenheim, Daniel and Zhang, Xixi and Tan, Shutang and Darwish-Miranda, Nasser and Naramoto, Satoshi and Wabnik, Krzysztof T and de Rycke, Riet and Kaufmann, Walter and Gütl, Daniel J and Tejos, Ricardo and Grones, Peter and Ke, Meiyu and Chen, Xu and Dettmer, Jan and Friml, Jiří}, issn = {1469-8137}, journal = {New Phytologist}, number = {1}, pages = {351--369}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{Cellular requirements for PIN polar cargo clustering in Arabidopsis thaliana}}, doi = {10.1111/nph.16887}, volume = {229}, year = {2021}, } @article{8910, abstract = {A semiconducting nanowire fully wrapped by a superconducting shell has been proposed as a platform for obtaining Majorana modes at small magnetic fields. In this study, we demonstrate that the appearance of subgap states in such structures is actually governed by the junction region in tunneling spectroscopy measurements and not the full-shell nanowire itself. Short tunneling regions never show subgap states, whereas longer junctions always do. This can be understood in terms of quantum dots forming in the junction and hosting Andreev levels in the Yu-Shiba-Rusinov regime. The intricate magnetic field dependence of the Andreev levels, through both the Zeeman and Little-Parks effects, may result in robust zero-bias peaks—features that could be easily misinterpreted as originating from Majorana zero modes but are unrelated to topological superconductivity.}, author = {Valentini, Marco and Peñaranda, Fernando and Hofmann, Andrea C and Brauns, Matthias and Hauschild, Robert and Krogstrup, Peter and San-Jose, Pablo and Prada, Elsa and Aguado, Ramón and Katsaros, Georgios}, issn = {1095-9203}, journal = {Science}, number = {6550}, publisher = {American Association for the Advancement of Science}, title = {{Nontopological zero-bias peaks in full-shell nanowires induced by flux-tunable Andreev states}}, doi = {10.1126/science.abf1513}, volume = {373}, year = {2021}, } @article{8927, abstract = {The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has resulted in a world‐wide pandemic. Disseminated lung injury with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the main cause of mortality in COVID‐19. Although liver failure does not seem to occur in the absence of pre‐existing liver disease, hepatic involvement in COVID‐19 may correlate with overall disease severity and serve as a prognostic factor for the development of ARDS. The spectrum of liver injury in COVID‐19 may range from direct infection by SARS‐CoV‐2, indirect involvement by systemic inflammation, hypoxic changes, iatrogenic causes such as drugs and ventilation to exacerbation of underlying liver disease. This concise review discusses the potential pathophysiological mechanisms for SARS‐CoV‐2 hepatic tropism as well as acute and possibly long‐term liver injury in COVID‐19.}, author = {Nardo, Alexander D. and Schneeweiss-Gleixner, Mathias and Bakail, May M and Dixon, Emmanuel D. and Lax, Sigurd F. and Trauner, Michael}, issn = {1478-3231}, journal = {Liver International}, number = {1}, pages = {20--32}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{Pathophysiological mechanisms of liver injury in COVID-19}}, doi = {10.1111/liv.14730}, volume = {41}, year = {2021}, } @article{9038, abstract = {Layered materials in which individual atomic layers are bonded by weak van der Waals forces (vdW materials) constitute one of the most prominent platforms for materials research. Particularly, polar vdW crystals, such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), alpha-molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) or alpha-vanadium pentoxide (α-V2O5), have received significant attention in nano-optics, since they support phonon polaritons (PhPs)―light coupled to lattice vibrations― with strong electromagnetic confinement and low optical losses. Recently, correlative far- and near-field studies of α-MoO3 have been demonstrated as an effective strategy to accurately extract the permittivity of this material. Here, we use this accurately characterized and low-loss polaritonic material to sense its local dielectric environment, namely silica (SiO2), one of the most widespread substrates in nanotechnology. By studying the propagation of PhPs on α-MoO3 flakes with different thicknesses laying on SiO2 substrates via near-field microscopy (s-SNOM), we extract locally the infrared permittivity of SiO2. Our work reveals PhPs nanoimaging as a versatile method for the quantitative characterization of the local optical properties of dielectric substrates, crucial for understanding and predicting the response of nanomaterials and for the future scalability of integrated nanophotonic devices. }, author = {Aguilar-Merino, Patricia and Álvarez-Pérez, Gonzalo and Taboada-Gutiérrez, Javier and Duan, Jiahua and Prieto Gonzalez, Ivan and Álvarez-Prado, Luis Manuel and Nikitin, Alexey Y. and Martín-Sánchez, Javier and Alonso-González, Pablo}, issn = {2079-4991}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {{Extracting the infrared permittivity of SiO2 substrates locally by near-field imaging of phonon polaritons in a van der Waals crystal}}, doi = {10.3390/nano11010120}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, } @article{9259, abstract = {Gradients of chemokines and growth factors guide migrating cells and morphogenetic processes. Migration of antigen-presenting dendritic cells from the interstitium into the lymphatic system is dependent on chemokine CCL21, which is secreted by endothelial cells of the lymphatic capillary, binds heparan sulfates and forms gradients decaying into the interstitium. Despite the importance of CCL21 gradients, and chemokine gradients in general, the mechanisms of gradient formation are unclear. Studies on fibroblast growth factors have shown that limited diffusion is crucial for gradient formation. Here, we used the mouse dermis as a model tissue to address the necessity of CCL21 anchoring to lymphatic capillary heparan sulfates in the formation of interstitial CCL21 gradients. Surprisingly, the absence of lymphatic endothelial heparan sulfates resulted only in a modest decrease of CCL21 levels at the lymphatic capillaries and did neither affect interstitial CCL21 gradient shape nor dendritic cell migration toward lymphatic capillaries. Thus, heparan sulfates at the level of the lymphatic endothelium are dispensable for the formation of a functional CCL21 gradient.}, author = {Vaahtomeri, Kari and Moussion, Christine and Hauschild, Robert and Sixt, Michael K}, issn = {1664-3224}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, publisher = {Frontiers}, title = {{Shape and function of interstitial chemokine CCL21 gradients are independent of heparan sulfates produced by lymphatic endothelium}}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2021.630002}, volume = {12}, year = {2021}, } @article{9262, abstract = {Sequence-specific oligomers with predictable folding patterns, i.e., foldamers, provide new opportunities to mimic α-helical peptides and design inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. One major hurdle of this strategy is to retain the correct orientation of key side chains involved in protein surface recognition. Here, we show that the structural plasticity of a foldamer backbone may notably contribute to the required spatial adjustment for optimal interaction with the protein surface. By using oligoureas as α helix mimics, we designed a foldamer/peptide hybrid inhibitor of histone chaperone ASF1, a key regulator of chromatin dynamics. The crystal structure of its complex with ASF1 reveals a notable plasticity of the urea backbone, which adapts to the ASF1 surface to maintain the same binding interface. One additional benefit of generating ASF1 ligands with nonpeptide oligourea segments is the resistance to proteolysis in human plasma, which was highly improved compared to the cognate α-helical peptide.}, author = {Mbianda, Johanne and Bakail, May M and André, Christophe and Moal, Gwenaëlle and Perrin, Marie E. and Pinna, Guillaume and Guerois, Raphaël and Becher, Francois and Legrand, Pierre and Traoré, Seydou and Douat, Céline and Guichard, Gilles and Ochsenbein, Françoise}, issn = {2375-2548}, journal = {Science Advances}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Association for the Advancement of Science}, title = {{Optimal anchoring of a foldamer inhibitor of ASF1 histone chaperone through backbone plasticity}}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.abd9153}, volume = {7}, year = {2021}, } @article{9301, abstract = {Electrodepositing insulating lithium peroxide (Li2O2) is the key process during discharge of aprotic Li–O2 batteries and determines rate, capacity, and reversibility. Current understanding states that the partition between surface adsorbed and dissolved lithium superoxide governs whether Li2O2 grows as a conformal surface film or larger particles, leading to low or high capacities, respectively. However, better understanding governing factors for Li2O2 packing density and capacity requires structural sensitive in situ metrologies. Here, we establish in situ small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) as a suitable method to record the Li2O2 phase evolution with atomic to submicrometer resolution during cycling a custom-built in situ Li–O2 cell. Combined with sophisticated data analysis, SAXS allows retrieving rich quantitative structural information from complex multiphase systems. Surprisingly, we find that features are absent that would point at a Li2O2 surface film formed via two consecutive electron transfers, even in poorly solvating electrolytes thought to be prototypical for surface growth. All scattering data can be modeled by stacks of thin Li2O2 platelets potentially forming large toroidal particles. Li2O2 solution growth is further justified by rotating ring-disk electrode measurements and electron microscopy. Higher discharge overpotentials lead to smaller Li2O2 particles, but there is no transition to an electronically passivating, conformal Li2O2 coating. Hence, mass transport of reactive species rather than electronic transport through a Li2O2 film limits the discharge capacity. Provided that species mobilities and carbon surface areas are high, this allows for high discharge capacities even in weakly solvating electrolytes. The currently accepted Li–O2 reaction mechanism ought to be reconsidered.}, author = {Prehal, Christian and Samojlov, Aleksej and Nachtnebel, Manfred and Lovicar, Ludek and Kriechbaum, Manfred and Amenitsch, Heinz and Freunberger, Stefan Alexander}, issn = {1091-6490}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, keywords = {small-angle X-ray scattering, oxygen reduction, disproportionation, Li-air battery}, number = {14}, publisher = {National Academy of Sciences}, title = {{In situ small-angle X-ray scattering reveals solution phase discharge of Li–O2 batteries with weakly solvating electrolytes}}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2021893118}, volume = {118}, year = {2021}, } @article{9329, abstract = {Background: To understand information coding in single neurons, it is necessary to analyze subthreshold synaptic events, action potentials (APs), and their interrelation in different behavioral states. However, detecting excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or currents (EPSCs) in behaving animals remains challenging, because of unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio, high frequency, fluctuating amplitude, and variable time course of synaptic events. New method: We developed a method for synaptic event detection, termed MOD (Machine-learning Optimal-filtering Detection-procedure), which combines concepts of supervised machine learning and optimal Wiener filtering. Experts were asked to manually score short epochs of data. The algorithm was trained to obtain the optimal filter coefficients of a Wiener filter and the optimal detection threshold. Scored and unscored data were then processed with the optimal filter, and events were detected as peaks above threshold. Results: We challenged MOD with EPSP traces in vivo in mice during spatial navigation and EPSC traces in vitro in slices under conditions of enhanced transmitter release. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was, on average, 0.894 for in vivo and 0.969 for in vitro data sets, indicating high detection accuracy and efficiency. Comparison with existing methods: When benchmarked using a (1 − AUC)−1 metric, MOD outperformed previous methods (template-fit, deconvolution, and Bayesian methods) by an average factor of 3.13 for in vivo data sets, but showed comparable (template-fit, deconvolution) or higher (Bayesian) computational efficacy. Conclusions: MOD may become an important new tool for large-scale, real-time analysis of synaptic activity.}, author = {Zhang, Xiaomin and Schlögl, Alois and Vandael, David H and Jonas, Peter M}, issn = {1872-678X}, journal = {Journal of Neuroscience Methods}, number = {6}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{MOD: A novel machine-learning optimal-filtering method for accurate and efficient detection of subthreshold synaptic events in vivo}}, doi = {10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109125}, volume = {357}, year = {2021}, } @article{9330, abstract = {In nerve cells the genes encoding for α2δ subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels have been linked to synaptic functions and neurological disease. Here we show that α2δ subunits are essential for the formation and organization of glutamatergic synapses. Using a cellular α2δ subunit triple-knockout/knockdown model, we demonstrate a failure in presynaptic differentiation evidenced by defective presynaptic calcium channel clustering and calcium influx, smaller presynaptic active zones, and a strongly reduced accumulation of presynaptic vesicle-associated proteins (synapsin and vGLUT). The presynaptic defect is associated with the downscaling of postsynaptic AMPA receptors and the postsynaptic density. The role of α2δ isoforms as synaptic organizers is highly redundant, as each individual α2δ isoform can rescue presynaptic calcium channel trafficking and expression of synaptic proteins. Moreover, α2δ-2 and α2δ-3 with mutated metal ion-dependent adhesion sites can fully rescue presynaptic synapsin expression but only partially calcium channel trafficking, suggesting that the regulatory role of α2δ subunits is independent from its role as a calcium channel subunit. Our findings influence the current view on excitatory synapse formation. First, our study suggests that postsynaptic differentiation is secondary to presynaptic differentiation. Second, the dependence of presynaptic differentiation on α2δ implicates α2δ subunits as potential nucleation points for the organization of synapses. Finally, our results suggest that α2δ subunits act as transsynaptic organizers of glutamatergic synapses, thereby aligning the synaptic active zone with the postsynaptic density.}, author = {Schöpf, Clemens L. and Ablinger, Cornelia and Geisler, Stefanie M. and Stanika, Ruslan I. and Campiglio, Marta and Kaufmann, Walter and Nimmervoll, Benedikt and Schlick, Bettina and Brockhaus, Johannes and Missler, Markus and Shigemoto, Ryuichi and Obermair, Gerald J.}, issn = {1091-6490}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, number = {14}, publisher = {National Academy of Sciences}, title = {{Presynaptic α2δ subunits are key organizers of glutamatergic synapses}}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1920827118}, volume = {118}, year = {2021}, } @article{9334, abstract = {Polaritons with directional in-plane propagation and ultralow losses in van der Waals (vdW) crystals promise unprecedented manipulation of light at the nanoscale. However, these polaritons present a crucial limitation: their directional propagation is intrinsically determined by the crystal structure of the host material, imposing forbidden directions of propagation. Here, we demonstrate that directional polaritons (in-plane hyperbolic phonon polaritons) in a vdW crystal (α-phase molybdenum trioxide) can be directed along forbidden directions by inducing an optical topological transition, which emerges when the slab is placed on a substrate with a given negative permittivity (4H–silicon carbide). By visualizing the transition in real space, we observe exotic polaritonic states between mutually orthogonal hyperbolic regimes, which unveil the topological origin of the transition: a gap opening in the dispersion. This work provides insights into optical topological transitions in vdW crystals, which introduce a route to direct light at the nanoscale.}, author = {Duan, J. and Álvarez-Pérez, G. and Voronin, K. V. and Prieto Gonzalez, Ivan and Taboada-Gutiérrez, J. and Volkov, V. S. and Martín-Sánchez, J. and Nikitin, A. Y. and Alonso-González, P.}, issn = {2375-2548}, journal = {Science Advances}, number = {14}, publisher = {AAAS}, title = {{Enabling propagation of anisotropic polaritons along forbidden directions via a topological transition}}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.abf2690}, volume = {7}, year = {2021}, } @article{9361, abstract = {The multimeric matrix (M) protein of clinically relevant paramyxoviruses orchestrates assembly and budding activity of viral particles at the plasma membrane (PM). We identified within the canine distemper virus (CDV) M protein two microdomains, potentially assuming α-helix structures, which are essential for membrane budding activity. Remarkably, while two rationally designed microdomain M mutants (E89R, microdomain 1 and L239D, microdomain 2) preserved proper folding, dimerization, interaction with the nucleocapsid protein, localization at and deformation of the PM, the virus-like particle formation, as well as production of infectious virions (as monitored using a membrane budding-complementation system), were, in sharp contrast, strongly impaired. Of major importance, raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) revealed that both microdomains contributed to finely tune M protein mobility specifically at the PM. Collectively, our data highlighted the cornerstone membrane budding-priming activity of two spatially discrete M microdomains, potentially by coordinating the assembly of productive higher oligomers at the PM.}, author = {Gast, Matthieu and Kadzioch, Nicole P. and Milius, Doreen and Origgi, Francesco and Plattet, Philippe}, issn = {2379-5042}, journal = {mSphere}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Society for Microbiology}, title = {{Oligomerization and cell egress controlled by two microdomains of canine distemper virus matrix protein}}, doi = {10.1128/mSphere.01024-20}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, } @article{9363, abstract = {Optogenetics has been harnessed to shed new mechanistic light on current and future therapeutic strategies. This has been to date achieved by the regulation of ion flow and electrical signals in neuronal cells and neural circuits that are known to be affected by disease. In contrast, the optogenetic delivery of trophic biochemical signals, which support cell survival and are implicated in degenerative disorders, has never been demonstrated in an animal model of disease. Here, we reengineered the human and Drosophila melanogaster REarranged during Transfection (hRET and dRET) receptors to be activated by light, creating one-component optogenetic tools termed Opto-hRET and Opto-dRET. Upon blue light stimulation, these receptors robustly induced the MAPK/ERK proliferative signaling pathway in cultured cells. In PINK1B9 flies that exhibit loss of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), a kinase associated with familial Parkinson’s disease (PD), light activation of Opto-dRET suppressed mitochondrial defects, tissue degeneration and behavioral deficits. In human cells with PINK1 loss-of-function, mitochondrial fragmentation was rescued using Opto-dRET via the PI3K/NF-кB pathway. Our results demonstrate that a light-activated receptor can ameliorate disease hallmarks in a genetic model of PD. The optogenetic delivery of trophic signals is cell type-specific and reversible and thus has the potential to inspire novel strategies towards a spatio-temporal regulation of tissue repair.}, author = {Inglés Prieto, Álvaro and Furthmann, Nikolas and Crossman, Samuel H. and Tichy, Alexandra Madelaine and Hoyer, Nina and Petersen, Meike and Zheden, Vanessa and Bicher, Julia and Gschaider-Reichhart, Eva and György, Attila and Siekhaus, Daria E and Soba, Peter and Winklhofer, Konstanze F. and Janovjak, Harald L}, issn = {1553-7404}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, number = {4}, pages = {e1009479}, publisher = {Public Library of Science}, title = {{Optogenetic delivery of trophic signals in a genetic model of Parkinson's disease}}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1009479}, volume = {17}, year = {2021}, } @article{9540, abstract = {The hexameric AAA-ATPase Drg1 is a key factor in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and initiates cytoplasmic maturation of the large ribosomal subunit by releasing the shuttling maturation factor Rlp24. Drg1 monomers contain two AAA-domains (D1 and D2) that act in a concerted manner. Rlp24 release is inhibited by the drug diazaborine which blocks ATP hydrolysis in D2. The mode of inhibition was unknown. Here we show the first cryo-EM structure of Drg1 revealing the inhibitory mechanism. Diazaborine forms a covalent bond to the 2′-OH of the nucleotide in D2, explaining its specificity for this site. As a consequence, the D2 domain is locked in a rigid, inactive state, stalling the whole Drg1 hexamer. Resistance mechanisms identified include abolished drug binding and altered positioning of the nucleotide. Our results suggest nucleotide-modifying compounds as potential novel inhibitors for AAA-ATPases.}, author = {Prattes, Michael and Grishkovskaya, Irina and Hodirnau, Victor-Valentin and Rössler, Ingrid and Klein, Isabella and Hetzmannseder, Christina and Zisser, Gertrude and Gruber, Christian C. and Gruber, Karl and Haselbach, David and Bergler, Helmut}, issn = {2041-1723}, journal = {Nature Communications}, keywords = {General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, General Physics and Astronomy, General Chemistry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Structural basis for inhibition of the AAA-ATPase Drg1 by diazaborine}}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-021-23854-x}, volume = {12}, year = {2021}, } @article{9603, abstract = {Mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM) offers one approach to visualize and concomitantly manipulate genetically defined cells in mice with single-cell resolution. MADM applications include the analysis of lineage, single-cell morphology and physiology, genomic imprinting phenotypes, and dissection of cell-autonomous gene functions in vivo in health and disease. Yet, MADM can only be applied to <25% of all mouse genes on select chromosomes to date. To overcome this limitation, we generate transgenic mice with knocked-in MADM cassettes near the centromeres of all 19 autosomes and validate their use across organs. With this resource, >96% of the entire mouse genome can now be subjected to single-cell genetic mosaic analysis. Beyond a proof of principle, we apply our MADM library to systematically trace sister chromatid segregation in distinct mitotic cell lineages. We find striking chromosome-specific biases in segregation patterns, reflecting a putative mechanism for the asymmetric segregation of genetic determinants in somatic stem cell division.}, author = {Contreras, Ximena and Amberg, Nicole and Davaatseren, Amarbayasgalan and Hansen, Andi H and Sonntag, Johanna and Andersen, Lill and Bernthaler, Tina and Streicher, Carmen and Heger, Anna-Magdalena and Johnson, Randy L. and Schwarz, Lindsay A. and Luo, Liqun and Rülicke, Thomas and Hippenmeyer, Simon}, issn = {2211-1247}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {12}, publisher = {Cell Press}, title = {{A genome-wide library of MADM mice for single-cell genetic mosaic analysis}}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109274}, volume = {35}, year = {2021}, } @article{9607, abstract = {While high risk of failure is an inherent part of developing innovative therapies, it can be reduced by adherence to evidence-based rigorous research practices. Numerous analyses conducted to date have clearly identified measures that need to be taken to improve research rigor. Supported through the European Union's Innovative Medicines Initiative, the EQIPD consortium has developed a novel preclinical research quality system that can be applied in both public and private sectors and is free for anyone to use. The EQIPD Quality System was designed to be suited to boost innovation by ensuring the generation of robust and reliable preclinical data while being lean, effective and not becoming a burden that could negatively impact the freedom to explore scientific questions. EQIPD defines research quality as the extent to which research data are fit for their intended use. Fitness, in this context, is defined by the stakeholders, who are the scientists directly involved in the research, but also their funders, sponsors, publishers, research tool manufacturers and collaboration partners such as peers in a multi-site research project. The essence of the EQIPD Quality System is the set of 18 core requirements that can be addressed flexibly, according to user-specific needs and following a user-defined trajectory. The EQIPD Quality System proposes guidance on expectations for quality-related measures, defines criteria for adequate processes (i.e., performance standards) and provides examples of how such measures can be developed and implemented. However, it does not prescribe any pre-determined solutions. EQIPD has also developed tools (for optional use) to support users in implementing the system and assessment services for those research units that successfully implement the quality system and seek formal accreditation. Building upon the feedback from users and continuous improvement, a sustainable EQIPD Quality System will ultimately serve the entire community of scientists conducting non-regulated preclinical research, by helping them generate reliable data that are fit for their intended use.}, author = {Bespalov, Anton and Bernard, René and Gilis, Anja and Gerlach, Björn and Guillén, Javier and Castagné, Vincent and Lefevre, Isabel A. and Ducrey, Fiona and Monk, Lee and Bongiovanni, Sandrine and Altevogt, Bruce and Arroyo-Araujo, María and Bikovski, Lior and De Bruin, Natasja and Castaños-Vélez, Esmeralda and Dityatev, Alexander and Emmerich, Christoph H. and Fares, Raafat and Ferland-Beckham, Chantelle and Froger-Colléaux, Christelle and Gailus-Durner, Valerie and Hölter, Sabine M. and Hofmann, Martine Cj and Kabitzke, Patricia and Kas, Martien Jh and Kurreck, Claudia and Moser, Paul and Pietraszek, Malgorzata and Popik, Piotr and Potschka, Heidrun and Prado Montes De Oca, Ernesto and Restivo, Leonardo and Riedel, Gernot and Ritskes-Hoitinga, Merel and Samardzic, Janko and Schunn, Michael and Stöger, Claudia and Voikar, Vootele and Vollert, Jan and Wever, Kimberley E. and Wuyts, Kathleen and Macleod, Malcolm R. and Dirnagl, Ulrich and Steckler, Thomas}, issn = {2050-084X}, journal = {eLife}, publisher = {eLife Sciences Publications}, title = {{Introduction to the EQIPD quality system}}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.63294}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, } @article{9822, abstract = {Attachment of adhesive molecules on cell culture surfaces to restrict cell adhesion to defined areas and shapes has been vital for the progress of in vitro research. In currently existing patterning methods, a combination of pattern properties such as stability, precision, specificity, high-throughput outcome, and spatiotemporal control is highly desirable but challenging to achieve. Here, we introduce a versatile and high-throughput covalent photoimmobilization technique, comprising a light-dose-dependent patterning step and a subsequent functionalization of the pattern via click chemistry. This two-step process is feasible on arbitrary surfaces and allows for generation of sustainable patterns and gradients. The method is validated in different biological systems by patterning adhesive ligands on cell-repellent surfaces, thereby constraining the growth and migration of cells to the designated areas. We then implement a sequential photopatterning approach by adding a second switchable patterning step, allowing for spatiotemporal control over two distinct surface patterns. As a proof of concept, we reconstruct the dynamics of the tip/stalk cell switch during angiogenesis. Our results show that the spatiotemporal control provided by our “sequential photopatterning” system is essential for mimicking dynamic biological processes and that our innovative approach has great potential for further applications in cell science.}, author = {Zisis, Themistoklis and Schwarz, Jan and Balles, Miriam and Kretschmer, Maibritt and Nemethova, Maria and Chait, Remy P and Hauschild, Robert and Lange, Janina and Guet, Calin C and Sixt, Michael K and Zahler, Stefan}, issn = {1944-8252}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces}, number = {30}, pages = {35545–35560}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, title = {{Sequential and switchable patterning for studying cellular processes under spatiotemporal control}}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.1c09850}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, }