Activation and Purification of ß-Glucocerebrosidase by Exploiting its Transporter LIMP-2 - Implications for Novel Treatment Strategies in Gaucher's and Parkinson's Disease.

Genetic variants of GBA1 can cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease and are among the highest genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). GBA1 encodes the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), which orchestrates the degradation of glucosylceramide (GluCer) in the lysosome. Recent studies have shown that GluCer accelerates α-synuclein aggregation, exposing GCase deficiency as a major risk factor in PD pathology and as a promising target for treatment.

CD109 drives pro-tumorigenic cell properties in human non-small cell lung cancer through interaction with desmoglein-2.

Cluster of differentiation 109 (CD109) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored cell surface protein, expressed on epithelial and endothelial cells, CD4 and CD8 T-cells, and premature lymphocytes. CD109 interacts with different cell surface receptors and thereby modulates intracellular signaling pathways, which ultimately changes cellular functions. One well-studied example is the interaction of CD109 with the TGFβ/TGFβ-receptor complex at the cell surface.

Pesticide Mixtures in Surface Waters of Two Protected Areas in Southwestern Germany.

Pesticides enter non-target surface waters as a result of agricultural activities and may reach water bodies in protected areas. We measured in southwestern Germany pesticide concentrations after heavy rainfalls in streams of a drinking water protection area near Hausen (Freiburg) and in the catchment of the Queich (Landau), which originates from the biosphere reserve Palatinate Forest. On average, 32 (n = 21) and 21 (n = 10) pesticides were detected per sample and event in the area of Hausen (n = 56) and in the Queich catchment (n = 17), respectively.

Aquatic Risks at the Landscape Scale: A Case Study for Pyrethroid Use in Pome Fruit Orchards in Belgium.

Procedures for environmental risk assessment for pesticides are under continuous development and subject to debate, especially at higher tier levels. Spatiotemporal dynamics of both pesticide exposure and effects at the landscape scale are largely ignored, which is a major flaw of the current risk assessment system. Furthermore, concrete guidance on risk assessment at landscape scales in the regulatory context is lacking.