Integrins are peculiar, because they can be repeatedly folded over and extended: When folded over, integrins cannot connect to the ECM, as the carabiner is buried. As a solution, nature provided integrins with special features. However, cells do not always stay in place, sometimes migrating over long distances to their final destination-just think of immune cells that have to travel from the lymph node to a skin wound. Integrins operate like molecular carabiners that lock the cells to the network of collagen fibers or other ECM proteins and thus provide a strong focal point of attachment for the cell. In order to adhere to this meshwork, nearly every human cell possesses integrins. The ECM mainly consists of a network of protein fibers such as collagen and other filamentous extracellular proteins. The results have been published in the online edition of the Journal of Cell Biology. The research team led by Professor Christof Hauck in the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz, have now identified a key enzyme called PPM1F that regulates integrin detachment from the ECM. How human cells balance attachment to versus detachment from the ECM is an unresolved question. The ECM forms a kind of extra-cellular protein meshwork the integrins are surface proteins, which cells use to attach to this extracellular support structure. Credit: Tanja Grimm, University of Konstanzįor cells to assemble into tissues and whole organs, the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as integrins are required. Because of the strong adhesion to the extracellular matrix, this cell can hardly move. It shows numerous matrix contacts, which contain the active, extended integrin carabiner (coloured in the yellow-green dots and the continuous ring). Upon removal of PPM1F, the cell can no longer detach from the ECM. The selective functionalization of light alkanes offers the possibility of expanded and more efficient use of natural gas, as the functionalization of larger hydrocarbons (e.g., long chain alkanes or arenes) could afford less expensive processes that are more environmentally benign as well as access to entirely new compounds, and the selective C–H functionalization of more complex organic compounds offers strategies for improved routes to prepare high-value fine chemicals.The pictured cell originated from a malignant brain tumour. The selective functionalization of light alkanes offers the possibility of expanded and more efficient use of natural gas, as the functionalization of larger hydrocarbons (e.g., long chain alkanes or arenes) could afford less expensive processes that are more environmentally benign as well as access to entirely new compounds, and the selective C–H functionalization of more complex organic compounds offers strategies for improved routes to prepare high-value fine chemicals.ĪB - For many years, the development of new methods and catalytic processes for the functionalization of C–H bonds has been among the primary challenges in the field of synthetic chemistry. N2 - For many years, the development of new methods and catalytic processes for the functionalization of C–H bonds has been among the primary challenges in the field of synthetic chemistry. RhIII Complexes Supported by “Capping Arene” Ligands T2 - Combined computational and experimental efforts to elucidate mechanisms, principles, and catalysts T1 - Studies of C–H activation and functionalization
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