Building the lab together - from day one.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of starting a new laboratory? In this article, we interview Hans-Georg-Sprenger, who recently started his own research group "Molecular Metabolism & Energy Homeostasis" at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne. From the first PhD student to the first experiments, and from early discoveries and troubleshooting to the first bachelor's thesis defense, the people in the laboratory are central. For Hans-Georg Sprenger, helping others build their skills and independence is what makes mentoring so fulfilling.

White and Brown Adipose Tissue Share a Common Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitor Population.

Adipose tissue heterogeneity has emerged as a central factor in regulating adipose tissue function in physiology and pathophysiology, yet tools to model and study this diversity remain limited. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on cultured primary white and brown preadipocytes to assess how conditions impact progenitor identity. We identified two major subpopulations in both depots: committed adipogenic precursors (CAPs) and fibro-adipogenic progenitor-like cells (FAPLs).

Haem biosynthesis regulates BCAA catabolism and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

The distinctive colour of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is attributed to its high content of haem-rich mitochondria. However, the mechanisms by which BAT regulates intracellular haem levels remain largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that haem biosynthesis is the primary source of haem in brown adipocytes.

Intranasal recombinant protein subunit vaccine targeting TLR3 induces respiratory tract IgA and CD8 T cell responses and protects against respiratory virus infection.

Background: Intranasal vaccines against respiratory viruses are desired due to ease of administration and potential to protect against virus infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Methods: We tested a cationic liposomal adjuvant delivering the TLR3 agonist Poly (I:C) (CAF®09b) for intranasal administration, by formulating this with SARS-CoV-2 spike trimeric protein and assessing airway mucosal immune responses in mice. The vaccine was further evaluated in SARS-CoV-2 virus challenge models, using mice expressing the human ACE2 receptor and Syrian hamsters.

Genetic gradual reduction of OGT activity unveils the essential role of O-GlcNAc in the mouse embryo.

The reversible glycosylation of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins (O-GlcNAcylation) is catalyzed by a single enzyme, namely O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). The mammalian Ogt gene is X-linked, and it is essential for embryonic development and for the viability of proliferating cells. We perturbed OGT's function in vivo by creating a murine allelic series of four single amino acid substitutions, reducing OGT's catalytic activity to a range of degrees.

[Use of nicotine pouches in childhood and adolescence].

Unlike Swedish snus, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco. Nicotine pouches are placed under the upper lip so that nicotine and other ingredients can be absorbed through the oral mucosa. Since 2021, they have been subject to the Foodstuffs Act in Germany and are not marketable due to their high nicotine content.

ZBTB48 is a priming factor regulating B-cell-specific CIITA expression.

The class-II transactivator (CIITA) is the master regulator of MHC class-II gene expression and hence the adaptive immune response. Three cell type-specific promoters (pI, pIII, and pIV) are involved in the regulation of CIITA expression, which can be induced by IFN-γ in non-immune cells. While key regulatory elements have been identified within these promoters, our understanding of the transcription factors regulating CIITA expression is incomplete.

[Binge drinking in early adolescence : Results of the "Präventionsradar" from 2016 to 2023].

Introduction: In Germany, no other psychotropic substance is consumed as often and in such large quantities during adolescence as alcohol. This work aims to examine trends in binge drinking in early adolescence from 2016 to 2023.

Method: Based on seven waves of the "Präventionsradar," which is a school-based epidemiological study in lower secondary education, the lifetime as well as the 30-day prevalence of binge drinking (for girls 4, for boys 5 alcoholic drinks on one occasion) were determined for the period from 2016 to 2023 for 12- to 15-year-olds.

[Use of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and shishas among children and adolescents: Results of the "Präventionsradar" from 2016 to 2023].

Aim: To measure trends in the use of various smoking products among children and adolescents from 2016 to 2023.

Method: The data is based on seven waves of the "Präventionsradar", a school-based epidemiological study in grades 5 to 10. The primary endpoints of the study were the lifetime and monthly prevalence of the use of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha and the use of at least two of these smoking products (combined use).

Mouse models of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a genetically highly heterogeneous disease. Yet, to date, the vast majority of patients receive standardized frontline chemo-immune-therapy consisting of an anthracycline backbone. Using these regimens, approximately 65% of patients can be cured, whereas the remaining 35% of patients will face relapsed or refractory disease, which, even in the era of CAR-T cells, is difficult to treat.

Heme biosynthesis regulates BCAA catabolism and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

With age, people tend to accumulate body fat and reduce energy expenditure . Brown (BAT) and beige adipose tissue dissipate heat and increase energy expenditure via the activity of the uncoupling protein UCP1 and other thermogenic futile cycles . The activity of brown and beige depots inversely correlates with BMI and age , suggesting that promoting thermogenesis may be an effective approach for combating age-related metabolic disease .

An inducible Cd79b mutation confers ibrutinib sensitivity in mouse models of Myd88-driven diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive lymphoma and constitutes a highly heterogenous disease. Recent comprehensive genomic profiling revealed the identity of numerous molecularly defined DLBCL subtypes, including a cluster which is characterized by recurrent aberrations in MYD88, CD79B, and BCL2, as well as various lesions promoting a block in plasma cell differentiation, including PRDM1, TBL1XR1, and SPIB. Here, we generated a series of autochthonous mouse models to mimic this DLBCL cluster and specifically focused on the impact of Cd79b mutations in this setting.

The effects of auditory cues and weighted pens on handwriting in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Micrographia, or small handwriting, is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Weighted pens have previously been recommended to improve handwriting, but there is limited research supporting their effectiveness. Additionally, previous research has demonstrated that music as an auditory cue can reduce variability in fine motor movements, but its effect on handwriting in people with PD remains unknown.

[Use of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and shishas among children and adolescents: Results of the 'Präventionsradar' from 2016 to 2023].

Aim: To measure trends in the use of various smoking products among children and adolescents from 2016 to 2023.

Method: The data is based on seven waves of the "Präventionsradar", a school-based epidemiological study in grades 5 to 10. The primary endpoints of the study were the lifetime and monthly prevalence of the use of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha and the use of at least two of these smoking products (combined use).

Regional Socioeconomic Deprivation in Germany and Adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines among Children and Adolescents.

To examine the relationship between regional socioeconomic deprivation and adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines among children and adolescents, a cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 17,433 students aged 9-17 participated in a survey in winter 2021/2022. Daily screen time (ST), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sleep behavior were outcome variables.

Dissemination and Evaluation of an Opioid Hazard Awareness Training for Stone, Sand, and Gravel Miners.

Objective: In response to elevated risk factors, an opioid hazard awareness training for the sand, stone, and gravel mining sector was developed and embedded in annual safety training.

Methods: After positive results from a prior study among Massachusetts workers, a revised training was disseminated across the United States. Two hundred post-training surveys were obtained and compared with results from the Massachusetts cohort.

MYD88L265P augments proximal B-cell receptor signaling in large B-cell lymphomas via an interaction with DOCK8.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease with at least 5 recognized molecular subtypes. Cluster 5 (C5)/MCD tumors frequently exhibit concurrent alterations in the toll-like receptor (TLR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway members, MYD88L265P and CD79B, and have a less favorable prognosis. In healthy B cells, the synergy between TLR and BCR signaling pathways integrates innate and adaptive immune responses and augments downstream NF-κB activation.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people with and without pre-existing mental health problems.

The objective was to examine pandemic-related changes in depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents and young adults in Germany considering pre-existing depression and anxiety problems. In this cross-sectional study, 11,523 adolescents and young adults aged 14-21 years who perceived an impact of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on their mental health reported the frequencies of depression and anxiety symptoms retrospectively for different pre-pandemic and pandemic phases. Data were collected using web-based questionnaires between January 5th and February 20th, 2022.