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Universitatsklinikum Bonn


Social network of synapses controls their actions

A recent study suggests that synaptic plasticity is a collective action, where the behavior of one synapse influences others. The researchers found that strong competition among neighboring spines affects their dynamics and influences the direction and extent of plasticity. Understanding how neurons manage synaptic resources may contri...

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2024

Gene scissors switch off with built-in timer

Researchers discovered a timer integrated into CRISPR gene scissors that enables them to switch themselves off after a viral attack. The CalpL protein triggers a signaling cascade to help the cell survive the viral attack, but breaking down cyclic oligoadenylates regulates the immune response and returns the cell to normal conditions.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 21, 2024

Human cells for cardiovascular research

Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have established a highly efficient and cost-effective way to generate functional endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for tests in cell culture dishes. The new method delivers endothelial cells more quickly, requires fewer additives, and is highly reproducible.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJul 30, 2024

Large genetic study on severe COVID-19

Researchers found that mutations in the TLR7 gene significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19, as well as changes in the TBK1, INFAR1, and IFIH1 genes. The study also suggests gender-specific differences in how genetic factors influence disease progression.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 24, 2024

Genetic diagnostics of ultra-rare diseases

A large multicenter study has identified 34 new genetic diseases using genetic diagnostics, including a novel AI-powered analysis tool called GestaltMatcher. The study analyzed the genetic data of 1,577 patients and found changes in 370 different genes, with 425 children diagnosed with rare diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 22, 2024

New pathway in immune defense discovered

Bonn researchers decode the interaction between monocytes and platelets, revealing a new intercellular communication mechanism that regulates monocyte function. This discovery has implications for treating immune disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia and other inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 8, 2024

Biomarker could improve prediction of response to immunotherapy in black skin cancer

Researchers have discovered a liquid biopsy biomarker that can identify the effectiveness of treatment at an early stage, enabling more individualized treatment for melanoma patients. The biomarker, SHOX2 methylation in circulating cell-free DNA, was found to be elevated in 60% of melanoma patients and correlated with response to therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2024

Baby thanks to "glazing" of ovarian tissue

Scientists at University Hospital Bonn develop innovative vitrification method to preserve eggs before cancer treatment, offering higher chances of successful pregnancies. The technique involves slow freezing and avoids ice crystals damage, allowing for undamaged egg return.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·TypeCase study·DateMay 14, 2024

Simulated High-altitude exposure for 24-hours is well tolerated by adolescents and adults with single-ventricle physiology after Fontan-palliation

Researchers investigated the effects of hypoxia on hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in patients with Fontan circulation. The study found that oxygen saturation levels remain stable during sleep and that prolonged high-altitude exposure is well-tolerated, offering new perspectives for patients with Fontan circulation.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2024

Simplified diagnosis of rare eye diseases

Researchers from Bonn, Berlin, Münster, and Mannheim provide an overview of an underestimated imaging technique that supports the diagnosis and monitoring of posterior uveitis and panuveitis. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a fast and non-invasive method for imaging the fundus of the eye, providing indications of active inflammation.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalBiomolecules·DateApr 25, 2024

How immune cells communicate to fight viruses

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have developed a novel technology to identify chemokine-producing cells and sensors, revealing that natural killer cells are the primary producers of Ccl3 during CMV infection. This discovery sheds light on the complex choreography of immune cells in defending against viruses.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 25, 2024

Targeted use of enfortumab vedotin for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology identified NECTIN4 amplification as a potential genomic biomarker for predicting treatment response to enfortumab vedotin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. The study found that over 90% of patients with NECTIN4 amplification showed tumor response to EV therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 24, 2024

AI to improve cataract surgery in the Global South

Researchers develop AI-assisted algorithm to analyze surgical videos of cataract surgeries in Global South, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and training. The algorithm can work with conventional image material and smartphone videos, addressing the need for resource-saving solutions in these countries.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateApr 15, 2024

Navigation software supports kidney research

Researchers developed a new computer method to clarify the question of whether protein excretion in the urine is caused by severely damaged or moderately damaged glomeruli. The technique uses three-dimensional image processing and a highly parallelized geometric algorithm to determine the fastest route on a two-dimensional map.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalKidney International·DateApr 10, 2024

New findings on the immune system

Bonn researchers uncover key factors controlling the development of T follicular helper cells (Tfh), a crucial component of immune response. The study reveals that transforming growth factor TGF-β induces expression of transcription factor Bcl6, chemokine receptor CXCR5, and c-Maf, which are essential for Tfh cell formation.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 1, 2024

Brain waves are part of memory

Scientists have gained new insights into spatial memory by discovering that different types of nerve cells become active together and are coordinated by brain waves. This discovery sheds light on the neural basis of human memory and may lead to the development of new therapies for memory impairments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2024

New monitoring option for rare eye disease

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have developed a new imaging method to monitor intermediate uveitis, a rare inflammatory eye disease. The new technique uses optical coherence tomography angiography to detect blood flow in the retinal vessels, allowing for early detection of deterioration and potential treatment adjustments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

News on drug-induced skin swelling

A study by Bonn researchers identified a new genetic risk locus for ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, which is associated with increased bradykinin signaling. The discovery provides new insights into the pathophysiology of this condition and may lead to the development of new prevention, diagnostics, and therapy approaches.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 31, 2024

Creating exam questions with ChatGPT

A study by UKB researchers found that ChatGPT-generated exam questions were virtually indistinguishable from those created by experienced medical lecturers. The students were unable to correctly identify the origin of the question in almost half of the cases, highlighting the potential of AI-powered tools for medical studies.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalAcademic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Rare genetic variants better assessed

Researchers have developed gene-specific classification criteria for assessing the medical relevance of unclear genetic variants that can lead to hereditary colorectal cancer. The new criteria are expected to reclassify a significant proportion of these variants as harmless, providing relief to carriers worldwide.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateDec 6, 2023

Malfunction in spermatogenesis

A study by Bonn researchers found that cylicins play a crucial role in sperm structure and development, leading to defects in head and tail shape. The absence of these proteins renders mice infertile, while similar variants in humans are linked to male infertility.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournaleLife·DateNov 28, 2023

Possible cause of male infertility

Researchers from Universitatsklinikum Bonn have found that a loss of the structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice, leading to infertility. The study suggests that mutations in the Actl7b gene could be a cause of male infertility in humans.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 27, 2023

New findings on hair loss in men

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified five rare genetic variants associated with male-pattern hair loss. The researchers analyzed the genetic sequences of 72,469 male participants from the UK Biobank project and found associations between rare variants in genes such as EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2023

Secretomics uncovers blood-brain barrier mystery

Using a sensitive mass spectrometry-based secretome approach, researchers have identified hundreds of molecules that are cleaved from the cell surface of astrocytes, providing a unique database of MMP-2/-9 substrates specific to blood-brain barrier formation and maintenance. This discovery sheds light on the molecular processes essenti...

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 19, 2023

Study at University Hospital Bonn improves prediction of therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at University Hospital Bonn have developed a new approach to predict therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating two simple blood parameters, CRP and albumin. This method improves the prediction of treatment response, especially in patients with disease control in the first follow-up.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 22, 2023

Restoration of immune defense in liver disease

A research team led by Prof. Zeinab Abdullah has discovered the molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of T-cell immunity in patients with chronic liver disease. By targeting a single immune receptor, they were able to reconstitute the immune responses to vaccination against Hepatitis B and COVID-19 in these patients.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMar 2, 2023

Tracking down leaks in the blood-brain barrier

Bonn researchers create micropipette-based local perfusion of capillaries to analyze BBB transport at the cellular level, providing insights into epilepsy and drug development. The approach reveals the barrier's integrity remains largely intact, offering a tool for evaluating active ingredients' brain penetration.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2023

Unraveling the protein map of the cell's powerhouse

A study has provided systematic insight into the organization of proteins in mitochondria, a crucial cell compartment responsible for energy production. The researchers created a high-resolution image of the organization of mitochondrial proteins using complexome profiling, revealing protein complexes that enable cellular processes.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2023

AI improves colorectal cancer screening in Lynch syndrome

Researchers found that AI-assisted colonoscopy significantly improved adenoma detection rates in patients with Lynch syndrome, detecting flat adenomas more effectively than standard examinations. The study suggests that AI-assisted real-time colonoscopy is a promising approach to optimize endoscopic surveillance for LS patients.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalUnited European Gastroenterology Journal·DateDec 26, 2022

Secret structure in the wiring diagram of the brain

Scientists have discovered a hidden structure in the connections between neurons in the brain, which is crucial for the stability of the neuronal network. By combining mathematical models with experimental recordings, researchers found that the relative ratios of connection strengths are more important than absolute values.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2022

Appetite change in depression

Researchers found that appetite changes in depression are linked to specific changes in the brain's reward system, including a weaker connection between the reward system and areas processing taste stimuli. The study suggests precision medicine approaches could lead to more targeted therapies for individual symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateAug 24, 2022

Comparison of two nano rulers

Scientists at University Hospital Bonn compared PELDOR and FRET spectroscopy methods to measure distances in protein molecules. While most results were comparable, inconsistencies were found in two cases, highlighting the importance of re-measurement with another nano ruler.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022