Publications by authors named "Udo Schmidt-Edelkraut"

Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluates a new computational tool, MH BRCA, for classifying genetic variants in hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC), demonstrating a high accuracy in identifying pathogenic variants.
  • The tool showed a 99.98% agreement with existing classification databases, significantly reducing uncertainty in variant interpretation and identifying several cases with potential family risks for HBOC.
  • The findings also suggest a strong link between the classification of variants and their predicted efficacy in PARP inhibitor treatment, underscoring the importance of accurate variant assessment in clinical settings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The glycoprotein Prominin-1 and the carbohydrate Lewis X stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (LeX-SSEA1) both have been extensively used as cell surface markers to purify neural stem cells (NSCs). While Prominin-1 labels a specialized membrane region in NSCs and ependymal cells, the specificity of LeX-SSEA1 expression and its biological significance are still unknown. To address these issues, we have here monitored the expression of the carbohydrate in neonatal and adult NSCs and in their progeny.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Neural stem cells (NSCs) and imprinted genes play an important role in brain development. On historical grounds, these two determinants have been largely studied independently of each other. Recent evidence suggests, however, that NSCs can reset select genomic imprints to prevent precocious depletion of the stem cell reservoir.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Activation of γ-aminobutyric A receptors (GABA(A)Rs) in the subependymal zone (SEZ) induces hyperpolarization and osmotic swelling in precursors, thereby promoting surface expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cell cycle entry. However, the mechanisms underlying the GABAergic modulation of cell swelling are unclear. Here, we show that GABA(A)Rs colocalize with the water channel aquaporin (AQP) 4 in prominin-1 immunopositive (P(+)) precursors in the postnatal SEZ, which include neural stem cells.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Imprinted genes and neural stem cells (NSC) play an important role in the developing and mature brain. A central theme of imprinted gene function in NSCs is cell survival and G1 arrest to control cell division, cell-cycle exit, migration and differentiation. Moreover, genomic imprinting can be epigenetically switched off at some genes to ensure stem cell quiescence and differentiation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Imprinted genes play a critical role in brain development and mental health, although the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The family of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins directs the proliferation, differentiation, and specification of distinct neuronal progenitor populations. Here, we identified the bHLH factor gene Tcf4 as a direct target gene of Zac1/Plagl1, a maternally imprinted transcriptional regulator, during early neurogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cell-fate decisions and differentiation of embryonic and adult neural stem cells (NSC) are tightly controlled by lineage-restricted and temporal factors that interact with cell-intrinsic programs and extracellular signals through multiple regulatory loops. Imprinted genes are important players in neurodevelopment and mental health although their molecular and cellular functions remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the paternally expressed transcriptional regulator Zac1 (zinc finger protein regulating apoptosis and cell cycle arrest) is transiently induced during astroglial and neuronal differentiation of embryonic and adult NSC lines.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Udo Schmidt-Edelkraut"

  • Udo Schmidt-Edelkraut's research primarily focuses on the relationship between genetic variants, neural stem cells, and brain development, highlighting the implications of imprinted genes in these processes.
  • His studies explore how computational tools like MH BRCA improve the interpretation of BRCA1/2 variants in the context of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and their predictive value for PARP inhibitor therapy.
  • Additionally, Schmidt-Edelkraut investigates the role of various signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators, particularly in neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, contributing to the understanding of neurodevelopment and potential mental health outcomes.