Integrative Molecular Phenotyping
INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR
PHENOTYPING
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY

PubMed

The Key Role of Glutamate Dehydrogenase 2 (GDH2) in the Control of Kernel Production in Maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.)

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Plants (Basel). 2023 Jul 11;12(14):2612. doi: 10.3390/plants12142612.ABSTRACTThe agronomic potential of glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (GDH2) in maize kernel production was investigated by examining the impact of a mutation on the corresponding gene. Mu-insertion homozygous and heterozygous mutant lines lacking GDH2 activity were isolated and characterized at the biochemical, physiological and agronomic levels. In comparison to the wild type and to the homozygous ghd2 mutants, the heterozygous gdh2 mutant plants were characterized by a decrease in the root amino acid content, whereas in the leaves an increase of a number of phenolic compounds was observed. On average, a 30 to 40% increase in kernel yield was obtained only in the heterozygous gdh2 mutant lines when plants were grown in the field over two years. The importance of GDH2 in the control of plant productivity is discussed in relation to the physiological impact of the mutation on amino acid content, with primary carbon metabolism mostly occurring in the roots and secondary metabolism occurring in the leaves.PMID:37514227 | DOI:10.3390/plants12142612

Integrative Metabolic and Transcriptomic Profiling in <em>Camellia oleifera</em> and <em>Camellia meiocarpa</em> Uncover Potential Mechanisms That Govern Triacylglycerol Degradation during Seed Desiccation

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Plants (Basel). 2023 Jul 8;12(14):2591. doi: 10.3390/plants12142591.ABSTRACTCamellia seed oil is a top-end quality of cooking oil in China. The oil quality and quantity are formed during seed maturation and desiccation. So far, it remains largely unresolved whether lipid degradation occurs and contributes to Camellia oil traits. In this study, three different Camellia germplasms, C. oleifera cv. Min 43 (M43), C. meiocarpa var. Qingguo (QG), and C. meiocarpa cv Hongguo (HG) were selected, their seed oil contents and compositions were quantified across different stages of seed desiccation. We found that at the late stage of desiccation, M43 and QG lost a significant portion of seed oil, while such an event was not observed in HG. To explore the molecular bases for the oil loss In M43, the transcriptomic profiling of M43 and HG was performed at the early and the late seed desiccation, respectively, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the lipid metabolic pathway were identified and analyzed. Our data demonstrated that different Camellia species have diverse mechanisms to regulate seed oil accumulation and degradation, and that triacylglycerol-to-terpenoid conversion could account for the oil loss in M43 during late seed desiccation.PMID:37514206 | DOI:10.3390/plants12142591

An Okinawan-Based Nordic Diet Leads to Profound Effects on Gut Microbiota and Plasma Metabolites Linked to Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Nutrients. 2023 Jul 24;15(14):3273. doi: 10.3390/nu15143273.ABSTRACTDietary interventions modify gut microbiota and clinical outcomes. Weight reduction and improved glucose and lipid homeostasis were observed after adopting an Okinawan-based Nordic diet (O-BN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to explore changes in metabolomics and gut microbiota during O-BN and correlate changes with clinical outcomes. A total of 30 patients (17 women), aged 57.5 ± 8.2 years, diabetes duration 10.4 ± 7.6 years, 90% over-weight, were included. Participants were provided an O-BN for 12 weeks. Before and after intervention, and 16 weeks afterwards, anthropometry and clinical data were estimated and questionnaires were collected, as well as samples of blood and stool. Plasma metabolomics were determined by gas- (GC-MS) or liquid- (LC-MS) chromatography-based mass spectrometry and fecal microbiota determination was based on 16S rRNA amplicons from regions V1-V2. During the intervention, weight (6.8%), waist circumference (6.1%), and levels of glucose, HbA1c, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol were decreased. Of 602 metabolites, 323 were changed for any or both periods; 199 (101 lipids) metabolites were decreased while 58 (43 lipids) metabolites were increased during the intervention. Changes in glucose homeostasis were linked to changes in, e.g., 1,5-anhydroglucitol, thyroxine, and chiro-inositol. Changes of microbe beta diversity correlated positively with food components and negatively with IL-18 (p = 0.045). Abundance differences at phylum and genus levels were found. Abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia correlated with anthropometry, HbA1c, lipids, inflammation, and food. Changes in metabolites and microbiota were reversed after the intervention. The O-BN-induced changes in metabolomics and gut microbiota correspond to clinical outcomes of reduced weight and inflammation and improved glucose and lipid metabolism.PMID:37513690 | DOI:10.3390/nu15143273

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Nutrients. 2023 Jul 19;15(14):3206. doi: 10.3390/nu15143206.ABSTRACTThe gestational period is an incredibly stressful time for a pregnant woman. Pregnant patients constantly seek effective and reliable compounds in order to achieve a healthy labor. Nowadays, increasing numbers of women use herbal preparations and supplements during pregnancy. One of the most popular and most frequently chosen herbs during pregnancy is the raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Raspberry extracts are allegedly associated with a positive effect on childbirth through the induction of uterine contractions, acceleration of the cervical ripening, and shortening of childbirth. The history of the consumption of raspberry leaves throughout pregnancy is vast. This review shows the current status of the use of raspberry leaves in pregnancy, emphasizing the effect on the cervix, and the safety profile of this herb. The majority of women apply raspberry leaves during pregnancy to induce and ease labor. However, it has not been possible to determine the exact effect of using raspberry extracts on the course of childbirth and the perinatal period. Additionally, it is unclear whether this herb has only positive effects. The currently available data indicate a weak effect of raspberry leaf extracts on labor induction and, at the same time, their possible negative impact on cervical ripening.PMID:37513625 | DOI:10.3390/nu15143206

Comparison of the Effects of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Liver Lipid Disorders in Obese Mice

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Nutrients. 2023 Jul 19;15(14):3200. doi: 10.3390/nu15143200.ABSTRACTObesity is a recognized epidemic worldwide, and the accumulation of excess free saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in cells induces cellular lipotoxic damage and increases the risk of a wide spectrum of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to combat SFA-induced cellular damage. However, the comparative studies of the two types of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) are still limited. We investigated the effects of different MUFAs and PUFAs in the human hepatocyte line L-02 cells in vitro, and in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice in vivo. The results of the in vitro study showed that SFAs induced significant cellular lipotoxic damage, but the combination of MUFAs/PUFAs with SFAs significantly improved the impaired cell viability. Particularly, oleic acid (OA) was superior to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) in terms of its anti-apoptotic effect and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In vivo, both olive-oil-enriched (HFD + OO) and fish-oil-enriched high-fat diets (HFD + FO) reduced hepatic steatosis and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice. However, FO induced an abnormal increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and an increase in the oxidative stress indicator Malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver-targeted lipidomic analysis showed that liver lipid metabolites under the two types of UFA dietary interventions differed from the HFD group, modulating the abundance of some lipid metabolites such as triglycerides (TGs) and glycerophospholipids. Furthermore, the FO diet significantly increased the abundance of the associated FA 20:5 long-chain lipid metabolites, whereas the OO diet regulated the unsaturation of all fatty acids in general and increased the abundance of FA 18:1 in the overall lipid metabolites, especially TGs, which may primarily contribute to the FO, and OO drove protection in NAFLD.PMID:37513618 | DOI:10.3390/nu15143200

The Effects of 12 Weeks Colostrum Milk Supplementation on the Expression Levels of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Metabolic Changes among Older Adults: Findings from the Biomarkers and Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Nutrients. 2023 Jul 18;15(14):3184. doi: 10.3390/nu15143184.ABSTRACTSenescence is a normal biological process that is accompanied with a series of deteriorations in physiological function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum milk supplementation on metabolic changes and the expression of various biomarkers on inflammation, antioxidant and oxidative damage, nutrient metabolism, and genomic stability among older adults. Older adults (50-69 years old) who participated in the 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial were instructed to consume the IgCo bovine colostrum-enriched skim milk or regular skim milk (placebo) twice daily. Following 12 weeks of intervention, participants in the intervention group had lower expression levels in pro-inflammatory mediators (CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α), with significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects of the group and time observed. However, no significant interaction effect was observed in the vitamin D, telomerase, 8-OHdG, MDA, and SOD activities. UPLC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that 22 metabolites were upregulated and 11 were downregulated in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, along with cysteine and methionine metabolism were identified as the potential metabolic pathways that are associated with bovine colostrum milk consumption. In conclusion, consuming bovine colostrum milk may induce metabolic changes and reduce the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators, thus improving the immune function in older adults.PMID:37513601 | DOI:10.3390/nu15143184

Analysis of Metabolites in Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Nutrients. 2023 Jul 14;15(14):3143. doi: 10.3390/nu15143143.ABSTRACT(1) Background: Many studies have attempted to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of gout, but consistent and high levels of evidence are lacking. In this study, metabolomics was used to summarize the changes of metabolites in the literature and explore the potential value of metabolites in predicting the occurrence and development of gout. (2) Methods: We searched the databases including the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Date, Wanfang Data, and CNKI, and the screening was fulfilled on 30 July 2022. The records were screened according to the inclusion criteria and the risk of bias was assessed. Qualitative analysis was performed for all metabolites, and meta-analysis was performed for metabolite concentrations using random effects to calculate the Std mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 2738 records were identified, 33 studies with 3422 participants were included, and 701 metabolites were identified. The qualitative analysis results showed that compared with the healthy control group, the concentration of 56 metabolites increased, and 22 metabolites decreased. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that 17 metabolites were statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Metabolites are associated with gout. Some specific metabolites such as uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, KYNA, guanosine, adenosine, creatinine, LB4, and DL-2-Aminoadipic acid have been highlighted in the development of gout.PMID:37513561 | DOI:10.3390/nu15143143

An Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Study the Variation between Wild and Cultivated Soybeans

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 19;28(14):5507. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145507.ABSTRACTThe differential metabolite profiles of four wild and ten cultivated soybeans genotypes were explored using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Ground soybean seed samples were extracted with methanol and water, and metabolic features were obtained using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) in both positive and negative ion modes. The UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the two different extracts resulted in the putative identification of 98 metabolites belonging to several classes of phytochemicals, including isoflavones, organic acids, lipids, sugars, amino acids, saponins, and other compounds. The metabolic profile was significantly impacted by the polarity of the extraction solvent. Multivariate analysis showed a clear difference between wild and cultivated soybean cultivars. Unsupervised and supervised learning algorithms were applied to mine the generated data and to pinpoint metabolites differentiating wild and cultivated soybeans. The key identified metabolites differentiating wild and cultivated soybeans were isoflavonoids, free amino acids, and fatty acids. Catechin analogs, cynaroside, hydroxylated unsaturated fatty acid derivatives, amino acid, and uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine were upregulated in the methanol extract of wild soybeans. In contrast, isoflavonoids and other minor compounds were downregulated in the same soybean extract. This metabolic information will benefit breeders and biotechnology professionals to develop value-added soybeans with improved quality traits.PMID:37513379 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145507

Apple Pomace Compositional Data Highlighting the Proportional Contribution of Polymeric Procyanidins

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 18;28(14):5494. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145494.ABSTRACTRecent years have seen an increase in research focusing on the amelioration of apple pomace waste for use in the food and nutraceutical industries. Much of this work has concentrated on the characterisation of the polyphenol composition of apple pomace materials to determine their role in conferring nutritional and health benefits. Although apples contain substantial quantities of polymeric procyanidins (condensed tannins), this class of compounds has received limited attention in apple research. This study quantified the polymeric procyanidins in apple pomace extracts using a rapid, methyl-cellulose precipitation (MCP) approach for the first time. In addition, a non-targeted metabolomics approach was applied to determine the most abundant phenolic classes present. Polymeric procyanidins were found to be the most abundant type of polyphenol in apple pomace extracts and were generally oligomeric in nature. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was most strongly correlated with the polymeric procyanidin concentration. Noting that polymeric procyanidins may not cross the cell layer to exert antioxidant activity in vivo, their presence in apple pomace extracts may therefore overestimate the FRAP. This work highlights the importance of polymeric procyanidins in the phenolic diversity of apple pomaces, and it is proposed that in future studies, rapid MCP assays may be used for their quantification.PMID:37513366 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145494

A Study of Greek Graviera Cheese by NMR-Based Metabolomics

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 18;28(14):5488. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145488.ABSTRACTGraviera is a very popular yellow hard cheese produced in mainland Greece and the Aegean islands, and in three PDO (protected denomination of origin) locations. Apart from geographic location, type of milk and production practices are also factors that affect cheese composition, and make this dairy product unique in taste and aroma. In this work, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics has been used to determine the metabolite profile (40 compounds) of graviera cheese produced in different geographic locations, with emphasis on cheeses produced on the island of Crete. Organic acids and amino acids were the main components quantified in the polar cheese fraction, while the fatty acid (FA) composition of the lipid fraction was also obtained. Analysis of variance (Anova) of the dataset showed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and linoleic acid differentiate gravieras produced in different areas of Crete, and that the total amino acid content was higher in cheeses produced in eastern Crete. Targeted discriminant analysis models classified gravieras produced in mainland Greece, Cyclades and Crete based on differences in 1,2-diglycerides, sterols, GABA and FA composition. Targeted and untargeted orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were capable of differentiating gravieras produced in the island of Crete and hold promise as the basis for the authentication of PDO graviera products.PMID:37513360 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145488

Exploring the Mechanisms behind the Anti-Tumoral Effects of Model C-Scorpionate Complexes

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 17;28(14):5451. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145451.ABSTRACTThe growing worldwide cancer incidence, coupled to the increasing occurrence of multidrug cancer resistance, requires a continuous effort towards the identification of new leads for cancer management. In this work, two C-scorpionate complexes, [FeCl2(κ3-Tpm)] (1) and [Co(κ3-TpmOH)2](NO3)2 (2), (Tpm = hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl)methane and TpmOH = 2,2,2-tris(pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol), were studied as potential scaffolds for future anticancer drug development. Their cytotoxicity and cell migration inhibitory activity were analyzed, and an untargeted metabolomics approach was employed to elucidate the biological processes significantly affected by these two complexes, using two tumoral cell lines (B16 and HCT116) and a non-tumoral cell line (HaCaT). While [FeCl2(κ3-Tpm)] did not display a significant cytotoxicity, [Co(κ3-TpmOH)2](NO3)2 was particularly cytotoxic against the HCT116 cell line. While [Co(κ3-TpmOH)2](NO3)2 significantly inhibited cell migration in all tested cell lines, [FeCl2(κ3-Tpm)] displayed a mixed activity. From a metabolomics perspective, exposure to [FeCl2(κ3-Tpm)] was associated with changes in various metabolic pathways involving tyrosine, where iron-dependent enzymes are particularly relevant. On the other hand, [Co(κ3-TpmOH)2](NO3)2 was associated with dysregulation of cell adhesion and membrane structural pathways, suggesting that its antiproliferative and anti-migration properties could be due to changes in the overall cellular adhesion mechanisms.PMID:37513324 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145451

Quantitative Profiling of Serum Carnitines Facilitates the Etiology Diagnosis and Prognosis Prediction in Heart Failure

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 11;28(14):5345. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145345.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: The perturbation of fatty acid metabolism in heart failure (HF) has been a critical issue. It is unclear whether the amounts of circulating carnitines will benefit primary etiology diagnosis and prognostic prediction in HF. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic values of serum carnitine profiles between ischemic and non-ischemic derived heart failure.METHODS: HF patients (non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: DCM-HF, n = 98; ischemic heart disease: IHD-HF, n = 63) and control individuals (n = 48) were enrolled consecutively. The serum carnitines were quantitatively measured using the UHPLC-MS/MS method. All patients underwent a median follow-up of 28.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed during the prognosis evaluation.RESULTS: Amongst 25 carnitines measured, all of them were increased in HF patients, and 20 acylcarnitines were associated with HF diagnosis independently. Seven acylcarnitines were confirmed to increase the probability of DCM diagnosis independently. The addition of isobutyryl-L-carnitine and stearoyl-L-carnitine to conventional clinical factors significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) from 0.771 to 0.832 (p = 0.023) for DCM-HF diagnosis (calibration test for the composite model: Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 7.376, p = 0.497 > 0.05). Using a multivariate COX survival analysis adjusted with clinical factors simultaneously, oleoyl L-carnitine >300 nmol/L (HR = 2.364, 95% CI = 1.122-4.976, p = 0.024) and isovaleryl-L-carnitine <100 nmol/L (HR = 2.108, 95% CI = 1.091-4.074, p = 0.026) increased the prediction of all-cause mortality independently, while linoleoyl-L-carnitine >420 nmol/L, succinyl carnitine >60 nmol/L and isovaleryl-L-carnitine <100 nmol/L increased the risk of HF rehospitalization independently.CONCLUSIONS: Serum carnitines could not only serve as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in HF but also benefit the identification of HF primary etiology and prognosis.PMID:37513217 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145345

Metabolomics and Proteomics Responses of Largemouth Bass (<em>Micropterus salmoides</em>) Muscle under Organic Selenium Temporary Rearing

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Molecules. 2023 Jul 9;28(14):5298. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145298.ABSTRACTOrganic selenium has been widely studied as a nutritional supplement for animal feed. However, there are few studies on the effect of organic selenium on flesh quality. In this study, the effects of organic selenium (yeast selenium (YS), Se 0.002 mg/L) on the metabolism and protein expression in Micropterus salmoides muscle under temporary fasting condition (6 weeks) were investigated. The muscle structure was observed through a microscope, and regulatory pathways were analyzed using proteomics and metabolomics methods. Electron microscopy showed that YS made the muscle fibers of M. salmoides more closely aligned. Differential analysis identified 523 lipid molecules and 268 proteins. The numbers of upregulated and downregulated proteins were 178 and 90, respectively, including metabolism (46.15%), cytoskeleton (11.24%) and immune oxidative stress (9.47%), etc. Integrated analyses revealed that YS enhanced muscle glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. In the YS group, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid was increased, and that of docosahexaenoic acid was decreased. YS slowed down protein degradation by downregulating ubiquitin and ubiquitin ligase expression. These results suggest that organic selenium can improve M. salmoides muscle quality through the aforementioned pathways, which provides potential insights into the improvement of the quality of aquatic products, especially fish.PMID:37513172 | DOI:10.3390/molecules28145298

Optimizing Crop Production with Bacterial Inputs: Insights into Chemical Dialogue between <em>Sphingomonas sediminicola</em> and <em>Pisum sativum</em>

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Microorganisms. 2023 Jul 21;11(7):1847. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11071847.ABSTRACTThe use of biological inputs is an interesting approach to optimize crop production and reduce the use of chemical inputs. Understanding the chemical communication between bacteria and plants is critical to optimizing this approach. Recently, we have shown that Sphingomonas (S.) sediminicola can improve both nitrogen supply and yield in pea. Here, we used biochemical methods and untargeted metabolomics to investigate the chemical dialog between S. sediminicola and pea. We also evaluated the metabolic capacities of S. sediminicola by metabolic profiling. Our results showed that peas release a wide range of hexoses, organic acids, and amino acids during their development, which can generally recruit and select fast-growing organisms. In the presence of S. sediminicola, a more specific pattern of these molecules took place, gradually adapting to the metabolic capabilities of the bacterium, especially for pentoses and flavonoids. In turn, S. sediminicola is able to produce several compounds involved in cell differentiation, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing to shape its environment, as well as several molecules that stimulate pea growth and plant defense mechanisms.PMID:37513019 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms11071847

Mass Spectrometry Analysis Reveals Lipids Induced by Oxidative Stress in <em>Candida albicans</em> Extracellular Vesicles

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Microorganisms. 2023 Jun 27;11(7):1669. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11071669.ABSTRACTCandida albicans is a commensal fungus in healthy humans that causes infection in immunocompromised individuals through the secretion of several virulence factors. The successful establishment of infection is owing to elaborate strategies to cope with defensive molecules secreted by the host, including responses toward oxidative stress. Extracellular vesicle (EV) release is considered an alternative to the biomolecule secretory mechanism that favors fungal interactions with the host cells. During candidiasis establishment, the host environment becomes oxidative, and it impacts EV release and cargo. To simulate the host oxidative environment, we added menadione (an oxidative stress inducer) to the culture medium, and we explored C. albicans EV metabolites by metabolomics analysis. This study characterized lipidic molecules transported to an extracellular milieu by C. albicans after menadione exposure. Through Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses, we identified biomolecules transported by EVs and supernatant. The identified molecules are related to several biological processes, such as glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid pathways, which may act at different levels by tuning compound production in accordance with cell requirements that favor a myriad of adaptive responses. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the role of EVs in fungal biology and host-pathogen interactions.PMID:37512842 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms11071669

Endogenous CO<sub>2</sub> Overpressure Effect on Higher Alcohols Metabolism during Sparkling Wine Production

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Microorganisms. 2023 Jun 22;11(7):1630. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11071630.ABSTRACTHigher alcohols produced by yeast during the fermentation of sparkling wine must have the greatest impact on the smell and taste of wine. At present, the metabolic response to methanol and higher alcohols formation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under endogenous CO2 overpressure has not been fully elucidated. In this work, a proteomics and metabolomics approach using a OFFGEL fractionator and the LTQ Orbitrap for the protein identification, followed by a metabolomic study for the detection and quantification of both higher alcohols (GC-FID and SBSE-TD-GC-MS) and amino acids (HPLC), was carried out to investigate the proteomic and metabolomic changes of S. cerevisiae in relation to higher alcohols formation under a CO2 overpressure condition in a closed bottle. The control condition was without CO2 overpressure in an open bottle. Methanol and six higher alcohols were detected in both conditions, and we have been able to relate to a total of 22 proteins: 15 proteins in the CO2 overpressure condition and 22 proteins in the control condition. As for the precursors of higher alcohols, 18 amino acids were identified in both conditions. The metabolic and proteomic profiles obtained in both conditions were different, so CO2 overpressure could be affecting the metabolism of higher alcohols. Furthermore, it was not possible to establish direct correlations in the condition under CO2 overpressure; however, in the condition without pressure it was possible to establish relationships. The data presented here can be considered as a platform that serves as a basis for the S. cerevisiae metabolome-proteome with the aim of understanding the behavior of yeast under conditions of second fermentation in the production of sparkling wines.PMID:37512803 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms11071630

Integrated NMR and MS Analysis of the Plasma Metabolome Reveals Major Changes in One-Carbon, Lipid, and Amino Acid Metabolism in Severe and Fatal Cases of COVID-19

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Metabolites. 2023 Jul 24;13(7):879. doi: 10.3390/metabo13070879.ABSTRACTBrazil has the second-highest COVID-19 death rate worldwide, and Rio de Janeiro is among the states with the highest rate in the country. Although vaccine coverage has been achieved, it is anticipated that COVID-19 will transition into an endemic disease. It is concerning that the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical evolution from mild to severe disease, as well as the mechanisms leading to long COVID-19, are not yet fully understood. NMR and MS-based metabolomics were used to identify metabolites associated with COVID-19 pathophysiology and disease outcome. Severe COVID-19 cases (n = 35) were enrolled in two reference centers in Rio de Janeiro within 72 h of ICU admission, alongside 12 non-infected control subjects. COVID-19 patients were grouped into survivors (n = 18) and non-survivors (n = 17). Choline-related metabolites, serine, glycine, and betaine, were reduced in severe COVID-19, indicating dysregulation in methyl donors. Non-survivors had higher levels of creatine/creatinine, 4-hydroxyproline, gluconic acid, and N-acetylserine, indicating liver and kidney dysfunction. Several changes were greater in women; thus, patients' sex should be considered in pandemic surveillance to achieve better disease stratification and improve outcomes. These metabolic alterations may be useful to monitor organ (dys) function and to understand the pathophysiology of acute and possibly post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.PMID:37512587 | DOI:10.3390/metabo13070879

Investigation of Seasonal Variation in Fatty Acid and Mineral Concentrations of Pecorino Romano PDO Cheese: Imputation of Missing Values for Enhanced Classification and Metabolic Profile Reconstruction

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Metabolites. 2023 Jul 24;13(7):877. doi: 10.3390/metabo13070877.ABSTRACTSeasonal variation in fatty acids and minerals concentrations was investigated through the analysis of Pecorino Romano cheese samples collected in January, April, and June. A fraction of samples contained missing values in their fatty acid profiles. Probabilistic principal component analysis, coupled with Linear Discriminant Analysis, was employed to classify cheese samples on a production season basis while accounting for missing data and quantifying the missing fatty acid concentrations for the samples in which they were absent. The levels of rumenic acid, vaccenic acid, and omega-3 compounds were positively correlated with the spring season, while the length of the saturated fatty acids increased throughout the production seasons. Concerning the classification performances, the optimal number of principal components (i.e., 5) achieved an accuracy in cross-validation equal to 98%. Then, when the model was tasked with imputing the lacking fatty acid concentration values, the optimal number of principal components resulted in an R2 value in cross-validation of 99.53%.PMID:37512584 | DOI:10.3390/metabo13070877

Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analysis of the Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line HT29 in Hypoxia and Reoxygenation

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Metabolites. 2023 Jul 23;13(7):875. doi: 10.3390/metabo13070875.ABSTRACTThe poor availability of oxygen and nutrients in malignant tumors drives the activation of various molecular responses and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. Hypoxic tumor regions often exhibit resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One approach to enhance cancer therapy is to indirectly increase tumor oxygen availability through targeted metabolic reprogramming. Thus, understanding the underlying metabolic changes occurring during hypoxia and reoxygenation is crucial for improving therapy efficacy. In this study, we utilized the HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line as a hypoxia-reoxygenation model to investigate central carbon and lipid metabolism. Through quantitative NMR spectroscopy and flow injection analysis - differential mobility spectroscopy-tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-DMS-MS/MS) analysis, we observed alterations in components of mitochondrial metabolism, redox status, specific lipid classes, and structural characteristics of lipids during hypoxia and up to 24 h of reoxygenation. These findings contribute to our understanding of the metabolic changes occurring during reoxygenation and provide the basis for functional studies aimed at metabolic pathways in cancer cells.PMID:37512582 | DOI:10.3390/metabo13070875

Metabolite Profiling in a Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model and Individuals with Diabetes: A Combined Mass Spectrometry and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study

Sat, 29/07/2023 - 12:00
Metabolites. 2023 Jul 23;13(7):874. doi: 10.3390/metabo13070874.ABSTRACTMass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques have been used extensively for metabolite profiling. Although combining these two analytical modalities has the potential of enhancing metabolite coverage, such studies are sparse. In this study we test the hypothesis that combining the metabolic information obtained using liquid chromatography (LC) MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy improves the discrimination of metabolic disease development. We induced metabolic syndrome in male mice using a high-fat diet (HFD) exposure and performed LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy on plasma samples collected after 1 and 8 weeks of dietary intervention. In an orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) analysis, we observed that combining MS and NMR was stronger than each analytical method alone at determining effects of both HFD feeding and time-on-diet. We then tested our metabolomics approach on plasma from 56 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS) cohort. All metabolic pathways impacted by HFD feeding in mice were confirmed to be affected by diabetes in the MDCS cohort, and most prominent HFD-induced metabolite concentration changes in mice were also associated with metabolic syndrome parameters in humans. The main drivers of metabolic disease discrimination emanating from the present study included plasma levels of xanthine, hippurate, 2-hydroxyisovalerate, S-adenosylhomocysteine and dimethylguanidino valeric acid. In conclusion, our combined NMR-MS approach provided a snapshot of metabolic imbalances in humans and a mouse model, which was improved over employment of each analytical method alone.PMID:37512581 | DOI:10.3390/metabo13070874

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