Search
Now showing items 1-3 of 3
Dissertation
The anatomy of velvet worms (Onychophora) as revealed by a multimethodological approach and three-dimensional reconstructions
(2024)
Onychophorans, or velvet worms, comprise a small group of worm-like, multi-legged terrestrial invertebrates. Since their discovery in 1826, these organisms have been investigated from different perspectives, particularly in the field of morphology—a discipline that provides the basis for functional and evolutionary inferences. Onychophorans are currently classified within Ecdysozoa (moulting animals) and form together with Tardigrada (water bears) and Arthropoda a clade named Panarthropoda. Therefore, onychophorans ...
Dissertation
Functional characterization of disease-associated mutations in type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase
(2022-08)
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and while mainly associated with behavioral risk factors, they can also be linked to genetic disorders. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (PKG I) plays a pivotal role in the homeostasis of the vasculature by mediating NO/cGMP-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. A recently described genetic risk factor associated with PKG I results in heritable thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD). Although PKG isoforms Iα and Iβ ...