@inproceedings{3758, abstract = {Control of physical simulation has become a popular topic in the field of computer graphics. Keyframe control has been applied to simulations of rigid bodies, smoke, liquid, flocks, and finite element-based elastic bodies. In this paper, we create a framework for controlling systems of interacting particles -- paying special attention to simulations of cloth and flocking behavior. We introduce a novel integrator-swapping approximation in order to apply the adjoint method to linearized implicit schemes appropriate for cloth simulation. This allows the control of cloth while avoiding computationally infeasible derivative calculations. Meanwhile, flocking control using the adjoint method is significantly more efficient than currently-used methods for constraining group behaviors, allowing the controlled simulation of greater numbers of agents in fewer optimization iterations.}, author = {Wojtan, Christopher J and Mucha, Peter and Turk, Greg}, pages = {15 -- 23}, publisher = {ACM}, title = {{Keyframe control of complex particle systems using the adjoint method}}, year = {2006}, } @article{3767, abstract = {Models of RNA secondary structure folding are widely used to study evolution in theory and simulation. However, systematic studies of the parameters involved are rare. In this paper, we study by simulation how RNA evolution is influenced by three different factors, namely the mutation rate, scaling of the fitness function, and distance measure. We found that for low mutation rates the qualitative evolutionary behavior is robust with respect to the scaling of the fitness function. For efficient mutation rates, which are close to the error threshold, scaling and distance measure have a strong influence on the evolutionary behavior. A global distance measure that takes sequence information additively into account lowers the error threshold. When using a local sequence-structure alignment for the distance, we observed a smoother evolution of the fitness over time. Finally, in addition to the well known error threshold, we identify another threshold of the mutation rate, called divergence threshold, where the qualitative transient behavior changes from a localized to an exploratory search.}, author = {Anne Kupczok and Dittrich,Peter}, journal = {Journal of Theoretical Biology}, number = {3}, pages = {726 -- 35}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{Determinants of simulated RNA evolution.}}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2005.06.019}, volume = {238}, year = {2006}, } @article{3811, abstract = {Networks of GABAergic neurons are key elements in the generation of gamma oscillations in the brain. Computational studies suggested that the emergence of coherent oscillations requires hyperpolarizing inhibition. Here, we show that GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition in mature interneurons of the hippocampal dentate gyrus is shunting rather than hyperpolarizing. Unexpectedly, when shunting inhibition is incorporated into a structured interneuron network model with fast and strong synapses, coherent oscillations emerge. In comparison to hyperpolarizing inhibition, networks with shunting inhibition show several advantages. First, oscillations are generated with smaller tonic excitatory drive. Second, network frequencies are tuned to the gamma band. Finally, robustness against heterogeneity in the excitatory drive is markedly improved. In single interneurons, shunting inhibition shortens the interspike interval for low levels of drive but prolongs it for high levels, leading to homogenization of neuronal firing rates. Thus, shunting inhibition may confer increased robustness to gamma oscillations in the brain.}, author = {Vida, Imre and Bartos, Marlene and Peter Jonas}, journal = {Neuron}, number = {1}, pages = {107 -- 17}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{Shunting inhibition improves robustness of gamma oscillations in hippocampal interneuron networks by homogenizing firing rates}}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2005.11.036}, volume = {49}, year = {2006}, } @article{3813, abstract = {Hyperpolarization-activated channels (Ih or HCN channels) are widely expressed in principal neurons in the central nervous system. However, Ih in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons is less well characterized. We examined the functional properties of Ih in fast-spiking basket cells (BCs) of the dentate gyrus, using hippocampal slices from 17- to 21-day-old rats. Bath application of the Ih channel blocker ZD 7288 at a concentration of 30 microm induced a hyperpolarization of 5.7 +/- 1.5 mV, an increase in input resistance and a correlated increase in apparent membrane time constant. ZD 7288 blocked a hyperpolarization-activated current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50, 1.4 microm). The effects of ZD 7288 were mimicked by external Cs+. The reversal potential of Ih was -27.4 mV, corresponding to a Na+ to K+ permeability ratio (PNa/PK) of 0.36. The midpoint potential of the activation curve of Ih was -83.9 mV, and the activation time constant at -120 mV was 190 ms. Single-cell expression analysis using reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that BCs coexpress HCN1 and HCN2 subunit mRNA, suggesting the formation of heteromeric HCN1/2 channels. ZD 7288 increased the current threshold for evoking antidromic action potentials by extracellular stimulation, consistent with the expression of Ih in BC axons. Finally, ZD 7288 decreased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in hippocampal granule cells, the main target cells of BCs, to 70 +/- 4% of the control value. In contrast, the amplitude of mIPSCs was unchanged, consistent with the presence of Ih in inhibitory terminals. In conclusion, our results suggest that Ih channels are expressed in the somatodendritic region, axon and presynaptic elements of fast-spiking BCs in the hippocampus.}, author = {Aponte, Yexica and Lien, Cheng-Chang and Reisinger, Ellen and Peter Jonas}, journal = {Journal of Physiology}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {229 -- 43}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, title = {{Hyperpolarization-activated cation channels in fast-spiking interneurons of rat hippocampus}}, doi = {10.1113/jphysiol.2005.104042}, volume = {574}, year = {2006}, } @misc{3814, abstract = {The axon terminals (mossy fibers) of hippocampal dentate granule cells form characteristic synaptic connections with large spines or excrescences of both hilar mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons. Interneurons of the hilar region and area CA3 are also prominent targets of mossy fibers. The tracing of biocytin-filled mossy fibers and immunolabeling of target cells with interneuron markers has revealed that the majority of mossy fiber synapses project to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic inhibitory interneurons rather than to excitatory principal cells, although the functional implications of these quantitative differences are unclear. Following a brief description of the "classical" mossy fiber synapse on excrescences of CA3 pyramidal cells, the present review focuses on the contacts formed between granule cells and GABAergic interneurons, both normally and after synaptic reorganization. In response to deafferentation of mossy cell target cells, which include both granule cells and interneurons, mossy fibers "sprout" new axon collaterals that form a band of supragranular mossy fibers in the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. Although most newly formed recurrent mossy fibers establish synapses with granule cells, there is an apparently convergent input of new mossy fibers onto GABA-immunoreactive interneuron dendrites that traverse the inner molecular layer. These mossy fiber-interneuron synapses in the dentate gyrus are observed in chronically epileptic rats and may be the structural correlate of the granule cell hyperinhibition observed in these animals in vivo. Together, the findings reviewed here establish mossy fiber synapses as an important component of inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus.}, author = {Frotscher, Michael and Peter Jonas and Sloviter, Robert S}, booktitle = {Cell and Tissue Research}, number = {2}, pages = {361 -- 7}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Synapses formed by normal and abnormal hippocampal mossy fibers (Review)}}, doi = {10.1007/s00441-006-0269-2}, volume = {326}, year = {2006}, } @article{3815, abstract = {It is widely accepted that the hippocampus plays a major role in learning and memory. The mossy fiber synapse between granule cells in the dentate gyrus and pyramidal neurons in the CA3 region is a key component of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit. Recent work, partially based on direct presynaptic patch-clamp recordings from hippocampal mossy fiber boutons, sheds light on the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity at mossy fiber synapses. A high Na(+) channel density in mossy fiber boutons leads to a large amplitude of the presynaptic action potential. Together with the fast gating of presynaptic Ca(2+) channels, this generates a large and brief presynaptic Ca(2+) influx, which can trigger transmitter release with high efficiency and temporal precision. The large number of release sites, the large size of the releasable pool of vesicles, and the huge extent of presynaptic plasticity confer unique strength to this synapse, suggesting a large impact onto the CA3 pyramidal cell network under specific behavioral conditions. The characteristic properties of the hippocampal mossy fiber synapse may be important for pattern separation and information storage in the dentate gyrus-CA3 cell network.}, author = {Bischofberger, Josef and Engel, Dominique and Frotscher, Michael and Peter Jonas}, journal = {Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology}, number = {3}, pages = {361 -- 72}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Timing and efficacy of transmitter release at mossy fiber synapses in the hippocampal network}}, doi = {10.1007/s00424-006-0093-2}, volume = {453}, year = {2006}, } @article{3817, author = {Frotscher, Michael and Gundelfinger, Eckart and Peter Jonas and Neher, Erwin and Seeburg, Peter}, journal = {Cell and Tissue Research}, number = {2}, pages = {203 -- 4}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{The most important recent advances in synapse research from my point of view--and what remains to be done}}, doi = {10.1007/s00441-006-0325-y}, volume = {326}, year = {2006}, } @article{3818, abstract = {Rigorous analysis of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system requires access to presynaptic terminals. However, cortical terminals have been largely inaccessible to presynaptic patch-clamp recording, due to their small size. Using improved patch-clamp techniques in brain slices, we recorded from mossy fiber terminals in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, which have a diameter of 2-5 microm. The major steps of improvement were the enhanced visibility provided by high-numerical aperture objectives and infrared illumination, the development of vibratomes with minimal vertical blade vibrations and the use of sucrose-based solutions for storage and cutting. Based on these improvements, we describe a protocol that allows us to routinely record from hippocampal mossy fiber boutons. Presynaptic recordings can be obtained in slices from both rats and mice. Presynaptic recordings can be also obtained in slices from transgenic mice in which terminals are labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein.}, author = {Bischofberger, Josef and Engel, Dominique and Li, Liyi and Geiger, Jörg R and Peter Jonas}, journal = {Nature Protocols}, number = {4}, pages = {2075 -- 81}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group}, title = {{Patch-clamp recording from mossy fiber terminals in hippocampal slices}}, doi = {10.1038/nprot.2006.312 }, volume = {1}, year = {2006}, } @inproceedings{3888, abstract = {A stochastic graph game is played by two players on a game graph with probabilistic transitions. We consider stochastic graph games with omega-regular winning conditions specified as Rabin or Streett objectives. These games are NP-complete and coNP-complete, respectively. The value of the game for a player at a state s given an objective Phi is the maximal probability with which the player can guarantee the satisfaction of Phi from s. We present a strategy-improvement algorithm to compute values in stochastic Rabin games, where an improvement step involves solving Markov decision processes (MDPs) and nonstochastic Rabin games. The algorithm also computes values for stochastic Streett games but does not directly yield an optimal strategy for Streett objectives. We then show how to obtain an optimal strategy for Streett objectives by solving certain nonstochastic Streett games.}, author = {Krishnendu Chatterjee and Thomas Henzinger}, pages = {375 -- 389}, publisher = {Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik}, title = {{Strategy improvement for stochastic Rabin and Streett games}}, doi = {10.1007/11817949_25}, volume = {4137}, year = {2006}, } @inproceedings{3889, abstract = {We study observation-based strategies for two-player turn-based games on graphs with omega-regular objectives. An observation-based strategy relies on imperfect information about the history of a play, namely, on the past sequence of observations. Such games occur in the synthesis of a controller that does not see the private state of the plant. Our main results are twofold. First, we give a fixed-point algorithm for computing the set of states from which a player can win with a deterministic observation-based strategy for any omega-regular objective. The fixed point is computed in the lattice of antichains of state sets. This algorithm has the advantages of being directed by the objective and of avoiding an explicit subset construction on the game graph. Second, we give an algorithm for computing the set of states from which a player can win with probability 1 with a randomized observation-based strategy for a Buchi objective. This set is of interest because in the absence of perfect information, randomized strategies are more powerful than deterministic ones. We show that our algorithms are optimal by proving matching lower bounds.}, author = {Krishnendu Chatterjee and Doyen, Laurent and Thomas Henzinger and Raskin, Jean-François}, pages = {287 -- 302}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Algorithms for omega-regular games with imperfect information}}, doi = {10.1007/11874683_19}, volume = {4207}, year = {2006}, } @inproceedings{3890, abstract = {We consider two-player infinite games played on graphs. The games are concurrent, in that at each state the players choose their moves simultaneously and independently, and stochastic, in that the moves determine a probability distribution for the successor state. The value of a game is the maximal probability with which a player can guarantee the satisfaction of her objective. We show that the values of concurrent games with w-regular objectives expressed as parity conditions can be decided in NP boolean AND coNP. This result substantially improves the best known previous bound of 3EXPTIME. It also shows that the full class of concurrent parity games is no harder than the special case of turn-based stochastic reachability games, for which NP boolean AND coNP is the best known bound. While the previous, more restricted NP boolean AND coNP results for graph games relied on the existence of particularly simple (pure memoryless) optimal strategies, in concurrent games with parity objectives optimal strategies may not exist, and epsilon-optimal strategies (which achieve the value of the game within a parameter epsilon > 0) require in general both randomization and infinite memory. Hence our proof must rely on a more detailed analysis of strategies and, in addition to the main result, yields two results that are interesting on their own. First, we show that there exist epsilon-optimal strategies that in the limit coincide with memoryless strategies; this parallels the celebrated result of Mertens-Neyman for concurrent games with limit-average objectives. Second, we complete the characterization of the memory requirements for epsilon-optimal strategies for concurrent games with parity conditions, by showing that memoryless strategies suffice for epsilon-optimality for coBachi conditions.}, author = {Krishnendu Chatterjee and de Alfaro, Luca and Thomas Henzinger}, pages = {678 -- 687}, publisher = {SIAM}, title = {{The complexity of quantitative concurrent parity games}}, doi = {10.1145/1109557.1109631}, year = {2006}, } @inproceedings{3891, abstract = {We study infinite stochastic games played by two-players over a finite state space, with objectives specified by sets of infinite traces. The games are concurrent (players make moves simultaneously and independently), stochastic (the next state is determined by a probability distribution that depends on the current state and chosen moves of the players) and infinite (proceeds for infinite number of rounds). The analysis of concurrent stochastic games can be classified into: quantitative analysis, analyzing the optimum value of the game; and qualitative analysis, analyzing the set of states with optimum value 1. We consider concurrent games with tail objectives, i.e., objectives that are independent of the finite-prefix of traces, and show that the class of tail objectives are strictly richer than the omega-regular objectives. We develop new proof techniques to extend several properties of concurrent games with omega-regular objectives to concurrent games with tail objectives. We prove the positive limit-one property for tail objectives, that states for all concurrent games if the optimum value for a player is positive for a tail objective Phi at some state, then there is a state where the optimum value is 1 for Phi, for the player. We also show that the optimum values of zero-sum (strictly conflicting objectives) games with tail objectives can be related to equilibrium values of nonzero-sum (not strictly conflicting objectives) games with simpler reachability objectives. A consequence of our analysis presents a polynomial time reduction of the quantitative analysis of tail objectives to the qualitative analysis for the sub-class of one-player stochastic games (Markov decision processes).}, author = {Krishnendu Chatterjee}, pages = {256 -- 270}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Concurrent games with tail objectives}}, doi = {10.1007/11874683_17}, volume = {4207}, year = {2006}, } @article{3908, abstract = {It is commonly believed that both the average length and the frequency of microsatellites correlate with genome size. We have estimated the frequency and the average length for 69 perfect dinucleotide microsatellites in an insect with an exceptionally large genome: Chorthippus biguttulus (Orthoptera, Acrididae). Dinucleotide microsatellites are not more frequent in C. biguttulus, but repeat arrays are 1.4 to 2 times longer than in other insect species. The average repeat number in C. biguttulus lies in the range of higher vertebrates. Natural populations are highly variable. At least 30 alleles per locus were found and the expected heterozygosity is above 0.95 at all three loci studied. In contrast, the observed heterozygosity is much lower (≤0.51), which could be caused by long null alleles.}, author = {Ustinova, Jana and Achmann, Roland and Cremer, Sylvia and Mayer, Frieder}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Evolution}, number = {2}, pages = {158 -- 167}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Long repeats in a huge gemome: microsatellite loci in the grasshopper Chorthippus biguttulus}}, doi = {10.1007/s00239-005-0022-6}, volume = {62}, year = {2006}, } @article{3912, abstract = {Invasive species often dramatically change native species communities by directly and indirectly out-competing native species. We studied the direct interference abilities of the invasive garden ant, Lasius neglectus VAN LOON, BOOMSMA & ANDRÁSFALVY, 1990, by performing one-to-one aggression tests of L. neglectus workers towards three native Lasius ant species that occur at the edge of a L. neglectus supercolony in Seva, Spain. Our results show that L. neglectus is highly aggressive against all three native Lasius species tested (L. grandis FOREL, 1909, L. emarginatus (OLIVIER, 1792), and L. cinereus SEIFERT, 1992), expressed as a higher attack rate of L. neglectus and behavioural dominance throughout the aggressive encounters. Attacks of L. neglectus were performed fastest and most frequent against L. grandis, and also the highest antennation frequencies were observed in encounters between these two species. This could be due to the largest difference in body size, or due to a greater overlap in ecological niche between L. neglectus and L. grandis compared to the other two native species. There was only weak support for L. neglectus workers from the periphery of the supercolony to be more aggressive relative to workers from the centre, even though the former encounter native ant species on a daily basis at the edge of the supercolony.}, author = {Cremer, Sylvia and Ugelvig, Line V and Lommen, Suzanne and Petersen, Klaus and Pedersen, Jes}, journal = {Myrmecological News}, pages = {13 -- 19}, publisher = {Österreichische Gesellschaft für Entomofaunistik}, title = {{Attack of the invasive garden ant: aggression behaviour of Lasius neglectus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) against native Lasius species in Spain}}, volume = {9}, year = {2006}, } @article{3913, abstract = {Many invasive ant species, such as the Argentine ant or the red imported fire ant, have huge colonies with thousands of mass-foraging workers, which quickly monopolise resources and therefore represent a considerable threat to the native ant fauna. Cardiocondyla obscurior and several other species of this myrmicine genus have similarly been transferred throughout the tropics by human activities. However, because their colonies are tiny and workers forage solitarily, Cardiocondyla are often not recognized as successful invaders. Here, we document that the life history of Cardiocondyla closely resembles that of the more conspicuous tramp species, with polygyny, intranidal mating, budding, worker sterility, low genetic variability, and possibly also unicoloniality. Given that introduced Cardiocondyla may locally reach a very high population density, the effects of these stealthy invaders on the native arthropod fauna should receive more attention.}, author = {Heinze, Jürgen and Cremer, Sylvia and Eckl, Norbert and Schrempf, Alexandra}, journal = {Insectes Sociaux}, number = {1}, pages = {1 -- 7}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {{Stealthy invaders: the biology of Cardiocondyla tramp ants}}, doi = {10.1007/s00040-005-0847-4}, volume = {53}, year = {2006}, } @article{3914, abstract = {We compare the performances of established means of character selection for discriminant analysis in species distinction with a combination procedure for finding the optimal character combination (minimum classification error, minimum number of required characters), using morphometric data sets from the ant genera Cardiocondyla, Lasius and Tetramorium. The established methods are empirical character selection as well as forward selection, backward elimination and stepwise selection of discriminant analysis. The combination procedure is clearly superior to the established methods of character selection, and is widely applicable.}, author = {Moder, Karl and Schlick Steiner, Birgit and Steiner, Florian and Cremer, Sylvia and Christian, Erhard and Seifert, Bernhard}, journal = {Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research}, number = {1}, pages = {82 -- 87}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, title = {{Optimal species distinction by discriminant analysis: comparing established methods of character selection with a combination procedure using ant morphometrics as a case study}}, doi = {10.1111/j.1439-0469.2006.00372.x}, volume = {45}, year = {2006}, } @article{3932, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The EGFR is expressed in malignant ovarian tumor tissue, and tissue content of EGFR has been directly associated with poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The uPA system plays a role in pericellular proteolysis, cell migration, invasion, and is over-expressed in ovarian cancer. This study explored the effects of EGF on uPAR expression in the ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3. METHODS: We used OVCAR-3 cells and the following methods: cell migration assay, time-lapse video microscopy, real-time PCR, assays for cellular binding of 125I-uPA and cellular degradation of 125I-uPA:PAI-1 complex, biosynthetic labeling using 35S-methionin, Western blot, Northern blot, and ELISAs for uPA, PAI-1, and uPAR. RESULTS: EGF up-regulates both protein and mRNA not only for uPAR, but also for the ligand uPA and its inhibitor PAI-1. Cell surface uPAR, in control as well as EGF-stimulated cells, is present only in the intact, not the cleaved, form. Ligand binding experiments showed an increase of endogenously occupied uPAR, whereas non-occupied receptor sites were not increased. In addition, EGF treatment resulted in decreased degradation of radiolabeled uPA:PAI-1 complex. This suggests decreased internalization of uPAR, since the complex is internalized together with uPAR. Like EGF, colchicine, which inhibits endocytosis, increased cell surface expression of uPAR. In addition, we found an immediate increase of uPAR after exposing the cells to EGF and this was accompanied by a transient increase of cell migration. The increase of cell surface uPAR in response to EGF is accompanied by increased release of the soluble form of uPAR (suPAR) to the medium as well as by increased cell migration. Both uPAR and suPAR increased in cells treated with the endocytosis inhibitor colchicine even though cell migration was inhibited, suggesting that the mechanism of uPAR shedding is not related to cell migration. CONCLUSION: Increased cell surface uPAR in response to EGF stimulation results from mobilization of uPAR from detergent-resistant domains, increased expression of uPAR mRNA, and decreased internalization and degradation of uPAR. Both the anti-uPAR antibody R3, which inhibits binding of uPA, and the EGFR phosphorylation inhibitor Iressa inhibited cell migration in response to uPA as well as to EGF, suggesting that EGFR and uPAR are engaged in the same multiprotein assembly on the cell surface.}, author = {Henic, Emir and Michael Sixt and Hansson, Stefan and Høyer-Hansen, Gunilla and Casslén, Bertil}, journal = {Gynecologic Oncology}, number = {1}, pages = {28 -- 39}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{EGF-stimulated migration in ovarian cancer cells is associated with decreased internalization, increased surface expression, and increased shedding of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor}}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.09.038}, volume = {101}, year = {2006}, } @article{3934, abstract = {T cells develop in the thymus in a highly specialized cellular and extracellular microenvironment. The basement membrane molecule, laminin-5 (LN-5), is predominantly found in the medulla of the human thymic lobules. Using high-resolution light microscopy, we show here that LN-5 is localized in a bi-membranous conduit-like structure, together with other typical basement membrane components including collagen type IV, nidogen and perlecan. Other interstitial matrix components, such as fibrillin-1 or -2, tenascin-C or fibrillar collagen types, were also associated with these structures. Three-dimensional (3D) confocal microscopy suggested a tubular structure, whereas immunoelectron and transmission electron microscopy showed that the core of these tubes contained fibrillar collagens enwrapped by the LN-5-containing membrane. These medullary conduits are surrounded by thymic epithelial cells, which in vitro were found to bind LN-5, but also fibrillin and tenascin-C. Dendritic cells were also detected in close vicinity to the conduits. Both of these stromal cell types express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules capable of antigen presentation. The conduits are connected to blood vessels but, with an average diameter of 2 mum, they are too small to transport cells. However, evidence is provided that smaller molecules such as a 10 kDa dextran, but not large molecules (>500 kDa), can be transported in the conduits. These results clearly demonstrate that a conduit system, which is also known from secondary lymphatic organs such as lymph nodes and spleen, is present in the medulla of the human thymus, and that it might serve to transport small blood-borne molecules or chemokines to defined locations within the medulla.}, author = {Drumea-Mirancea, Mihaela and Wessels, Johannes T and Müller, Claudia A and Essl, Mike and Eble, Johannes A and Tolosa, Eva and Koch, Manuel and Reinhardt, Dieter P and Michael Sixt and Sorokin, Lydia and Stierhof, York-Dieter and Schwarz, Heinz and Klein, Gerd}, journal = {Journal of Cell Science}, number = {Pt 7}, pages = {1396 -- 1405}, publisher = {Company of Biologists}, title = {{Characterization of a conduit system containing laminin-5 in the human thymus: a potential transport system for small molecules}}, doi = {10.1242/​jcs.02840}, volume = {119}, year = {2006}, } @article{3935, abstract = {Integrins regulate cell behavior through the assembly of multiprotein complexes at the site of cell adhesion. Parvins are components of such a multiprotein complex. They consist of three members (alpha-, beta-, and gamma-parvin), form a functional complex with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and PINCH, and link integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. Whereas alpha- and beta-parvins are widely expressed, gamma-parvin has been reported to be expressed in hematopoietic organs. In the present study, we report the expression pattern of the parvins in hematopoietic cells and the phenotypic analysis of gamma-parvin-deficient mice. Whereas alpha-parvin is not expressed in hematopoietic cells, beta-parvin is only found in myeloid cells and gamma-parvin is present in both cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages, where it binds ILK. Surprisingly, loss of gamma-parvin expression had no effect on blood cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival and no consequence for the T-cell-dependent antibody response and lymphocyte and dendritic cell migration. These data indicate that despite the high expression of gamma-parvin in hematopoietic cells it must play a more subtle role for blood cell homeostasis.}, author = {Chu, Haiyan and Thievessen, Ingo and Michael Sixt and Lämmermann, Tim and Waisman, Ari and Braun, Attila and Noegel, Angelika A and Fässler, Reinhard}, journal = {Molecular and Cellular Biology}, number = {5}, pages = {1817 -- 1825}, publisher = {American Society for Microbiology}, title = {{γ-Parvin is dispensable for hematopoiesis, leukocyte trafficking, and T-cell-dependent antibody response}}, doi = {10.1128/MCB.26.5.1817-1825.2006}, volume = {26}, year = {2006}, } @article{3936, abstract = {At least eight of the twelve known members of the beta1 integrin family are expressed on hematopoietic cells. Among these, the VCAM-1 receptor alpha4beta1 has received most attention as a main factor mediating firm adhesion to the endothelium during blood cell extravasation. Therapeutic trials are ongoing into the use of antibodies and small molecule inhibitors to target this interaction and hence obtain anti-inflammatory effects. However, extravasation is only one possible process that is mediated by beta1 integrins and there is evidence that they also mediate leukocyte retention and positioning in the tissue, lymphocyte activation and possibly migration within the interstitium. Genetic mouse models where integrins are selectively deleted on blood cells have been used to investigate these functions and further studies will be invaluable to critically evaluate therapeutic trials.}, author = {Michael Sixt and Bauer, Martina and Lämmermann, Tim and Fässler, Reinhard}, journal = {Current Opinion in Cell Biology}, number = {5}, pages = {482 -- 490}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{β1 integrins: zip codes and signaling relay for blood cells}}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceb.2006.08.007}, volume = {18}, year = {2006}, }