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

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals gut microbiota dysbiosis and systemic disturbance in major depressive disorder

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Psychiatry Res. 2024 Feb 18;334:115804. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115804. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMajor depressive disorder (MDD) involves systemic changes in peripheral blood and gut microbiota, but the current understanding is incomplete. Herein, we conducted a multi-omics analysis of fecal and blood samples obtained from an observational cohort including MDD patients (n = 99) and healthy control (HC, n = 50). 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota showed structural alterations in MDD, as characterized by increased Enterococcus. Metagenomics sequencing of gut microbiota showed substantial functional alterations including upregulation in the superpathway of the glyoxylate cycle and fatty acid degradation and downregulation in various metabolic pathways in MDD. Plasma metabolomics revealed decreased amino acids and bile acids, together with increased sphingolipids and cholesterol esters in MDD. Notably, metabolites involved in arginine and proline metabolism were decreased while sphingolipid metabolic pathway were increased. Mass cytometry analysis of blood immune cell subtypes showed rises in proinflammatory immune subsets and declines in anti-inflammatory immune subsets in MDD. Furthermore, our findings revealed disease severity-related factors of MDD. Interestingly, we classified MDD into two immune subtypes that were highly correlated with disease relapse. Moreover, we established discriminative signatures that differentiate MDD from HC. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the MDD pathogenesis and provide valuable resources for the discovery of biomarkers.PMID:38417224 | DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115804

Strategy for Identifying a Robust Metabolomic Signature Reveals the Altered Lipid Metabolism in Pituitary Adenoma

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Anal Chem. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03796. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDespite the well-established connection between systematic metabolic abnormalities and the pathophysiology of pituitary adenoma (PA), current metabolomic studies have reported an extremely limited number of metabolites associated with PA. Moreover, there was very little consistency in the identified metabolite signatures, resulting in a lack of robust metabolic biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of PA. Herein, we performed a global untargeted plasma metabolomic profiling on PA and identified a highly robust metabolomic signature based on a strategy. Specifically, this strategy is unique in (1) integrating repeated random sampling and a consensus evaluation-based feature selection algorithm and (2) evaluating the consistency of metabolomic signatures among different sample groups. This strategy demonstrated superior robustness and stronger discriminative ability compared with that of other feature selection methods including Student's t-test, partial least-squares-discriminant analysis, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest recursive feature elimination. More importantly, a highly robust metabolomic signature comprising 45 PA-specific differential metabolites was identified. Moreover, metabolite set enrichment analysis of these potential metabolic biomarkers revealed altered lipid metabolism in PA. In conclusion, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic changes in PA and may have implications for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches targeting lipid metabolism in PA. We believe that the proposed strategy serves as a valuable tool for screening robust, discriminating metabolic features in the field of metabolomics.PMID:38417094 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03796

Multiomics Characterization of a Less Invasive Microfluidic-Based Cell Sorting Technique

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Proteome Res. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00773. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTFluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is a specialized technique to isolate specific cell subpopulations with a high level of recovery and accuracy. However, the cell sorting procedure can impact the viability and metabolic state of cells. Here, we performed a comparative study and evaluated the impact of traditional high-pressure charged droplet-based and microfluidic chip-based sorting on the metabolic and phosphoproteomic profile of different cell types. While microfluidic chip-based sorted cells more closely resembled the unsorted control group for most cell types tested, the droplet-based sorted cells showed significant metabolic and phosphoproteomic alterations. In particular, greater changes in redox and energy status were present in cells sorted with the droplet-based cell sorter along with larger shifts in proteostasis. 13C-isotope tracing analysis on cells recovering postsorting revealed that the sorter-induced suppression of mitochondrial TCA cycle activity recovered faster in the microfluidic chip-based sorted group. Apart from this, amino acid and lipid biosynthesis pathways were suppressed in sorted cells, with minimum impact and faster recovery in the microfluidic chip-based sorted group. These results indicate microfluidic chip-based sorting has a minimum impact on metabolism and is less disruptive compared to droplet-based sorting.PMID:38417049 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00773

The colibactin-producing <em>Escherichia coli</em> alters the tumor microenvironment to immunosuppressive lipid overload facilitating colorectal cancer progression and chemoresistance

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Gut Microbes. 2024 Jan-Dec;16(1):2320291. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2320291. Epub 2024 Feb 28.ABSTRACTIntratumoral bacteria flexibly contribute to cellular and molecular tumor heterogeneity for supporting cancer recurrence through poorly understood mechanisms. Using spatial metabolomic profiling technologies and 16SrRNA sequencing, we herein report that right-sided colorectal tumors are predominantly populated with Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli (CoPEC) that are locally establishing a high-glycerophospholipid microenvironment with lowered immunogenicity. It coincided with a reduced infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes that produce the cytotoxic cytokines IFN-γ where invading bacteria have been geolocated. Mechanistically, the accumulation of lipid droplets in infected cancer cells relied on the production of colibactin as a measure to limit genotoxic stress to some extent. Such heightened phosphatidylcholine remodeling by the enzyme of the Land's cycle supplied CoPEC-infected cancer cells with sufficient energy for sustaining cell survival in response to chemotherapies. This accords with the lowered overall survival of colorectal patients at stage III-IV who were colonized by CoPEC when compared to patients at stage I-II. Accordingly, the sensitivity of CoPEC-infected cancer cells to chemotherapies was restored upon treatment with an acyl-CoA synthetase inhibitor. By contrast, such metabolic dysregulation leading to chemoresistance was not observed in human colon cancer cells that were infected with the mutant strain that did not produce colibactin (11G5∆ClbQ). This work revealed that CoPEC locally supports an energy trade-off lipid overload within tumors for lowering tumor immunogenicity. This may pave the way for improving chemoresistance and subsequently outcome of CRC patients who are colonized by CoPEC.PMID:38417029 | DOI:10.1080/19490976.2024.2320291

Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Highlight the Flavonoid Compounds Response to Alkaline Salt Stress in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Leaves

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Agric Food Chem. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07139. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTGlycyrrhiza uralensis is a saline-alkali-tolerant plant whose aerial parts are rich in flavonoids; however, the role of these flavonoids in saline-alkali tolerance remains unclear. Herein, we performed physiological, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses in G. uralensis leaves under alkaline salt stress for different durations. Alkaline salt stress stimulated excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and consequently destroyed the cell membrane, causing cell death, and G. uralensis initiated osmotic regulation and the antioxidant system to respond to stress. In total, 803 metabolites, including 244 flavonoids, were detected via metabolomics analysis. Differentially altered metabolites and differentially expressed genes were coenriched in flavonoid-related pathways. Genes such as novel.4890, Glyur001511s00039602, and Glyur000775s00025737 were highly expressed, and flavonoid metabolites such as 2'-hydroxygenistein, apigenin, and 3-O-methylquercetin were upregulated. Thus, flavonoids as nonenzymatic antioxidants play an important role in stress tolerance. These findings provide novel insights into the response of G. uralensis to alkaline salt stress.PMID:38416716 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07139

Identifying potential dietary treatments for inherited metabolic disorders using Drosophila nutrigenomics

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Cell Rep. 2024 Feb 27;43(3):113861. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113861. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTInherited metabolic disorders are a group of genetic conditions that can cause severe neurological impairment and child mortality. Uniquely, these disorders respond to dietary treatment; however, this option remains largely unexplored because of low disorder prevalence and the lack of a suitable paradigm for testing diets. Here, we screened 35 Drosophila amino acid disorder models for disease-diet interactions and found 26 with diet-altered development and/or survival. Using a targeted multi-nutrient array, we examine the interaction in a model of isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency, an infant-lethal disorder. We show that dietary cysteine depletion normalizes their metabolic profile and rescues development, neurophysiology, behavior, and lifelong fly survival, thus providing a basis for further study into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this disorder. Our work highlights the diet-sensitive nature of metabolic disorders and establishes Drosophila as a valuable tool for nutrigenomic studies for informing potential dietary therapies.PMID:38416643 | DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113861

Untargeted metabolomics-based identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica L. seed extracts in drug discovery through molecular docking and assessment of their anticancer potential

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Sci Food Agric. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13421. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Mangifera indica L. (mango), a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds have potential to be used in disease-preventing and health-promoting products. The present investigation reveals and uncovers bioactive metabolites with remarkable therapeutic efficiency from mango (Family: Anacardiaceae) seeds.RESULTS: Biological activity was determined by antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer assays, and metabolite profiling was performed on the gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) platforms. Validation of active metabolites was carried out by in silico molecular docking (Molinspiration Cheminformatics Server and PASS). Extracted and identified metabolites were screened; 54 compounds associated with various groups were selected for the in silico interaction study.CONCLUSIONS: Molecular docking revealed lead molecules with a potential binding energy score, its efficacy and stable modulation with a selected protein domain. Investigation, directed by in vitro and in silico analysis, confirms mango seeds as an excellent source of potential metabolites as a therapeutic agent. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.PMID:38416598 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.13421

Discovery of metabolite biomarkers for odontogenic keratocysts

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Metabolomics. 2024 Feb 28;20(2):30. doi: 10.1007/s11306-024-02101-6.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are locally aggressive and have a high rate of recurrence, but the pathogenesis of OKCs is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the serum metabolomic profile of OKCs and discover potential biomarkers.METHODS: Metabolomic analysis was performed on 42 serum samples from 22 OKC patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry to identify dysregulated metabolites in the OKC samples. LASSO regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to select and validate metabolic biomarkers and develop diagnostic models.RESULTS: A total of 73 metabolites were identified in the serum samples, and 24 metabolites were dysregulated in the OKC samples, of which 4 were upregulated. Finally, a diagnostic panel of 10 metabolites was constructed that accurately diagnosed OKCs (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, area under the curve of 1.00).CONCLUSION: This study is the first to investigate the metabolic characteristics and potential metabolic biomarkers in the serum of OKC patients using GC‒MS. Our study provides further evidence to explore the pathogenesis of OKC.PMID:38416246 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-024-02101-6

Unveiling the impact of harvest time on Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun maturity by NMR-Based metabolomics and LC-MS/MS analysis

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Sci Food Agric. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13418. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun maturity (DM) is an important factor influencing its quality. However, there are few studies on the impact of harvest time on its maturation. In this study, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was applied to investigate the dynamic metabolic changes of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun at six different harvest stages of stage 1 (S1), stage 2 (S2), stage 3 (S3), stage 4 (S4), stage 5 (S5) and stage 6 (S6).RESULTS: Principal component analysis (PCA) showed distinct segregation of samples obtained from S1, S2, and S3 compared to those derived from S4, S5, and S6. Interestingly, these samples from the two periods were obtained before and after frost, indicating that frost descent might be important for DM. Eight differential metabolites responsible for good separation of different groups were identified by the PCA loading plot and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). In addition, quantitative analysis of these metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determined the effects of harvest time on these metabolite contents, two of which, sucrose and allantoin, were considered as potential biomarkers to determine DM.CONCLUSION: The work demonstrated that NMR-based metabolomics approach could serve as powerful tool to identify differential metabolites during harvesting processes, which also offered a fresh insight for understanding the DM and the potential mechanism of quality formation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.PMID:38415792 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.13418

Sex-Dependent Changes to the Intestinal and Hepatic Abundance of Drug Transporters and Metabolizing Enzymes in the SOD1<sup>G93A</sup> Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Mol Pharm. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01089. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by death and dysfunction of motor neurons that result in a rapidly progressing loss of motor function. While there are some data on alterations at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in ALS and their potential impact on CNS trafficking of drugs, little is reported on the impact of this disease on the expression of drug-handling proteins in the small intestine and liver. This may impact the dosing of the many medicines that individuals with ALS are prescribed. In the present study, a proteomic evaluation was performed on small intestine and liver samples from postnatal day 120 SOD1G93A mice (a model of familial ALS that harbors a human mutant form of superoxide dismutase 1) and wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 7/genotype/sex). Untargeted, quantitative proteomics was undertaken using either label-based [tandem mass tag (TMT)] or label-free [data-independent acquisition (DIA)] acquisition strategies on high-resolution mass spectrometric instrumentation. Copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) was significantly higher in SOD1G93A samples compared to the WT samples for both sexes and tissues, therefore representing a potential biomarker for ALS in this mouse model. Relative to WT mice, male SOD1G93A mice had significantly different proteins (Padj < 0.05, |fold-change|>1.2) in the small intestine (male 22, female 1) and liver (male 140, female 3). This included an up-regulation of intestinal transporters for dietary glucose [solute carrier (SLC) SLC5A1] and cholesterol (Niemann-Pick c1-like 1), as well as for several drugs (e.g., SLC15A1), in the male SOD1G93A mice. There was both an up-regulation (e.g., SLCO2A1) and down-regulation (ammonium transporter rh type b) of transporters in the male SOD1G93A liver. In addition, there was both an up-regulation (e.g., phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) and down-regulation (e.g., carboxylesterase 1) of metabolizing enzymes in the male SOD1G93A liver. This proteomic data set identified male-specific changes to key small intestinal and hepatic transporters and metabolizing enzymes that may have important implications for the bioavailability of nutrients and drugs in individuals with ALS.PMID:38415587 | DOI:10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01089

Multiomics Evaluation of Human iPSCs and iPSC-Derived Neurons

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Proteome Res. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00790. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHuman induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into neurons, providing living human neurons to model brain diseases. However, it is unclear how different types of molecules work together to regulate stem cell and neuron biology in healthy and disease states. In this study, we conducted integrated proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics analyses with confident identification, accurate quantification, and reproducible measurements to compare the molecular profiles of human iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons. Proteins, lipids, and metabolites related to mitosis, DNA replication, pluripotency, glycosphingolipids, and energy metabolism were highly enriched in iPSCs, whereas synaptic proteins, neurotransmitters, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cardiolipins, and axon guidance pathways were highly enriched in neurons. Mutations in the GRN gene lead to the deficiency of the progranulin (PGRN) protein, which has been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Using this multiomics platform, we evaluated the impact of PGRN deficiency on iPSCs and neurons at the whole-cell level. Proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics analyses implicated PGRN's roles in neuroinflammation, purine metabolism, and neurite outgrowth, revealing commonly altered pathways related to neuron projection, synaptic dysfunction, and brain metabolism. Multiomics data sets also pointed toward the same hypothesis that neurons seem to be more susceptible to PGRN loss compared to iPSCs, consistent with the neurological symptoms and cognitive impairment from patients carrying inherited GRN mutations.PMID:38415376 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00790

Sevoflurane Alters Serum Metabolites in Elders and Aging Mice and Increases Inflammation in Hippocampus

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
J Inflamm Res. 2024 Feb 23;17:1241-1253. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S448959. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTPURPOSE: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a central nervous system complication that occurs after anesthesia, particularly among the elderly. However, the neurological pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sevoflurane exposure on serum metabolites and hippocampal gene expression in elderly patients and aging mice by metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis and to explore the pathogenesis of sevoflurane induced POCD.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human serum samples from five patients over 60 years old were collected before sevoflurane anesthesia and 1 hour after anesthesia. Besides, mice aged at 12 months (n=6 per group) were anesthetized with sevoflurane for 2 hours or with sham procedure. Subsequently, serum and hippocampal tissues were harvested for analysis. Further investigation into the relationship between isatin and neuroinflammation was conducted using BV2 microglial cells.RESULTS: Sevoflurane anesthesia led to the activation of inflammatory pathways, an increased presence of hippocampal astrocytes and microglia, and elevated expression of neuroinflammatory cytokines. Comparative analysis identified 12 differential metabolites that exhibited changes in both human and mouse serum post-sevoflurane anesthesia. Notably, isatin levels were significantly decreased after anesthesia. Notably, isatin levels significantly decreased after anesthesia, a factor known to stimulate proliferation and proinflammatory gene expression in microglia-the pivotal cell type in inflammatory responses.CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane-induced alterations in serum metabolites in both elderly patients and aging mice, subsequently contributing to increased inflammation in the hippocampus.PMID:38415263 | PMC:PMC10898602 | DOI:10.2147/JIR.S448959

People living with HIV display increased anti-apolipoprotein A1 auto-antibodies, inflammation, and kynurenine metabolites: a case-control study

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Front Cardiovasc Med. 2024 Feb 13;11:1343361. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1343361. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: This study aimed to study the relationship between auto-antibodies against apolipoprotein A1 (anti-apoA1 IgG), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and the tryptophan pathways in HIV-related cardiovascular disease.DESIGN: This case-control study conducted in South Africa consisted of control volunteers (n = 50), people living with HIV (PLWH) on ART (n = 50), and untreated PLWH (n = 44). Cardiovascular risk scores were determined, vascular measures were performed, and an extensive biochemical characterisation (routine, metabolomic, and inflammatory systemic profiles) was performed.METHODS: Anti-apoA1 IgG levels were assessed by an in-house ELISA. Inflammatory biomarkers were measured with the Meso Scale Discovery® platform, and kynurenine pathway metabolites were assessed using targeted metabolomic profiling conducted by liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS).RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk scores and vascular measures exhibited similarities across the three groups, while important differences were observed in systemic inflammatory and tryptophan pathways. Anti-apoA1 IgG seropositivity rates were 15%, 40%, and 70% in control volunteers, PLWH ART-treated, and PLWH ART-naïve, respectively. Circulating anti-apoA1 IgG levels were significantly negatively associated with CD4+ cell counts and positively associated with viremia and pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IFNγ, TNFα, MIPα, ICAM-1, VCAM-1). While circulating anti-apoA1 IgG levels were associated with increased levels of kynurenine in both control volunteers and PLWH, the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was significantly increased in PLWH ART-treated.CONCLUSION: HIV infection increases the humoral response against apoA1, which is associated with established HIV severity criteria and kynurenine pathway activation.PMID:38414919 | PMC:PMC10896987 | DOI:10.3389/fcvm.2024.1343361

Coordinated metabolic responses to cyclophilin D deletion in the developing heart

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
iScience. 2024 Feb 9;27(3):109157. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109157. eCollection 2024 Mar 15.ABSTRACTIn the embryonic heart, the activation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) coincides with the closure of the cyclophilin D (CypD) regulated mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). However, it remains to be established whether the absence of CypD has a regulatory effect on mitochondria during cardiac development. Using a variety of assays to analyze cardiac tissue from wildtype and CypD knockout mice from embryonic day (E)9.5 to adult, we found that mitochondrial structure, function, and metabolism show distinct transitions. Deletion of CypD altered the timing of these transitions as the mPTP was closed at all ages, leading to coupled ETC activity in the early embryo, decreased citrate synthase activity, and an altered metabolome particularly after birth. Our results suggest that manipulating CypD activity may control myocyte proliferation and differentiation and could be a tool to increase ATP production and cardiac function in immature hearts.PMID:38414851 | PMC:PMC10897919 | DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2024.109157

Multi-omics revealed rumen microbiota metabolism and host immune regulation in Tibetan sheep of different ages

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Front Microbiol. 2024 Feb 13;15:1339889. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1339889. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTThe rumen microbiota and metabolites play an important role in energy metabolism and immune regulation of the host. However, the regulatory mechanism of rumen microbiota and metabolite interactions with host on Tibetan sheep's plateau adaptability is still unclear. We analyzed the ruminal microbiome and metabolome, host transcriptome and serum metabolome characteristics of Tibetan sheep at different ages. Biomarkers Butyrivibrio, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Prevotella, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were found in 4 months, 1.5 years, 3.5 years, and 6 years Tibetan sheep, respectively. The rumen microbial metabolites were mainly enriched in galactose metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation pathways, and had significant correlation with microbiota. These metabolites further interact with mRNA, and are co-enriched in arginine and proline metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, propanoate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, gap junction pathway. Meanwhile, serum metabolites also have a similar function, such as chemical carcinogenesis - reactive oxygen species, limonene and pinene degradation, and cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, thus participating in the regulation of the body's immune and energy-related metabolic processes. This study systematically revealed that rumen microbiota, metabolites, mRNA and serum metabolites of Tibetan sheep were involved in the regulation of fermentation metabolic function and immune level of Tibetan sheep at different ages, which provided a new perspective for plateau adaptability research of Tibetan sheep at different ages.PMID:38414776 | PMC:PMC10896911 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1339889

Molecular insight into thymoquinone mechanism of action against <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em>

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Front Microbiol. 2024 Feb 13;15:1353875. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1353875. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTNatural products are promising antimicrobials, usually having multiple and different cellular targets than synthetic antibiotics. Their influence on bacteria at various metabolic and functional levels contributes to higher efficacy even against drug-resistant strains. One such compound is a naturally occurring p-benzoquinone - thymoquinone. It is effective against different bacteria, including multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its antibacterial mechanism of action was studied in several bacterial species except mycobacteria. To get an insight into the antimycobacterial activity of thymoquinone at the molecular level, we performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyzes of bacteria exposed to this compound. The expression of genes coding stress-responsive sigma factors revealed that thymoquinone rapidly induces the production of sigE transcripts. At the same time, prolonged influence results in the overexpression of all sigma factor genes and significantly upregulates sigF. The metabolomic analysis confirmed that the antimycobacterial activity of thymoquinone was related to the depletion of NAD and ATP pools and the downregulation of plasma membrane lipids. This state was observed after 24 h and was persistent the next day, suggesting that bacteria could not activate catabolic mechanisms and produce energy. Additionally, the presence of a thymoquinone nitrogen derivative in the bacterial broth and the culture was reported.PMID:38414774 | PMC:PMC10896893 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1353875

Unique pathways downstream of TLR-4 and TLR-7 activation: sex-dependent behavioural, cytokine, and metabolic consequences

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Front Cell Neurosci. 2024 Feb 13;18:1345441. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1345441. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Post-infection syndromes are characterised by fatigue, muscle pain, anhedonia, and cognitive impairment; mechanistic studies exploring these syndromes have focussed on pathways downstream of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 activation. Here, we investigated the mechanistic interplay between behaviour, metabolism, and inflammation downstream of TLR-7 activation compared to TLR-4 activation in male and female CD1 mice.METHODS: Animals received either a TLR-4 (LPS; 0.83 mg/kg) or TLR-7 (R848, 5 mg/kg) agonist, or saline, and behaviour was analysed in an Open Field (OF) at 24 h (n = 20/group). Plasma, liver, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were collected for gene expression analysis at 24 h and 1H-NMR metabolomics.RESULTS: TLR-4 and TLR-7 activation decreased distance travelled and rearing in the OF, but activation of each receptor induced distinct cytokine responses and metabolome profiles. LPS increased IL-1β expression and CXCL1 in the PFC, but TLR7 activation did not and strongly induced PFC CXCL10 expression. Thus, TLR7 induced sickness behaviour is independent of IL-1β expression. In both cases, the behavioural response to TLR activation was sexually dimorphic: females were more resilient. However, dissociation was observed between the resilient female mice behaviour and the levels of gene cytokine expression, which was, in general, higher in the female mice. However, the metabolic shifts induced by immune activation were better correlated with the sex-dependent behavioural dimorphisms; increased levels of antioxidant potential in the female brain are intrinsic male/female metabolome differences. A common feature of both TLR4 and TLR7 activation was an increase in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the PFC, which is likely be an allostatic response to the challenges as sickness behaviour is inversely correlated with NAA levels.DISCUSSION: The results highlight how the cytokine profile induced by one PAMP cannot be extrapolated to another, but they do reveal how the manipulation of the conserved metabolome response might afford a more generic approach to the treatment of post-infection syndromes.PMID:38414751 | PMC:PMC10896997 | DOI:10.3389/fncel.2024.1345441

Editorial: Transcriptome &amp; metabolic profiling: an insight into the abiotic stress response crosstalk in plants

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Front Plant Sci. 2024 Feb 13;15:1370817. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1370817. eCollection 2024.NO ABSTRACTPMID:38414642 | PMC:PMC10896995 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2024.1370817

Urinary metabolic profiles during <em>Helicobacter pylori</em> eradication in chronic gastritis

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
World J Clin Cases. 2024 Feb 16;12(5):951-965. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i5.951.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor for chronic gastritis, affecting approximately half of the global population. H. pylori eradication is a popular treatment method for H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis, but its mechanism remains unclear. Urinary metabolomics has been used to elucidate the mechanisms of gastric disease treatment. However, no clinical study has been conducted on urinary metabolomics of chronic gastritis.AIM: To elucidate the urinary metabolic profiles during H. pylori eradication in patients with chronic gastritis.METHODS: We applied LC-MS-based metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the relationships between urinary metabolites and H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis via a clinical follow-up study.RESULTS: Our study revealed the different urinary metabolic profiles of H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis before and after H. pylori eradication. The metabolites regulated by H. pylori eradication therapy include cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, citric acid, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, and hippuric acid, which were involved in four metabolic pathways: (1) Phenylalanine metabolism; (2) phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; (3) citrate cycle; and (4) glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology revealed that MPO, COMT, TPO, TH, EPX, CMA1, DDC, TPH1, and LPO were the key proteins involved in the biological progress of H. pylori eradication in chronic gastritis.CONCLUSION: Our research provides a new perspective for exploring the significance of urinary metabolites in evaluating the treatment and prognosis of H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis patients.PMID:38414611 | PMC:PMC10895622 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i5.951

Refined metabolite profiling in the collateral circulation of chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries: Insights from a metabolomics investigation

Wed, 28/02/2024 - 12:00
Atheroscler Plus. 2024 Feb 12;55:63-73. doi: 10.1016/j.athplu.2024.02.001. eCollection 2024 Mar.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND AIMS: To investigate the disparities in coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and peripheral serum metabolites among patients presenting with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries, a non-targeted metabolic approach was employed.METHODS: A cohort of 22 patients diagnosed with CTO of coronary arteries in the context of coronary heart disease (CHD) was selected for blood sample collection from CCC and peripheral arteries. The patients were categorized into two groups, namely CTO-C and CTO-P. The Waters UPLC I-Class Plus is combined with the Q Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometer for metabolite separation and detection. The acquired raw data from mass spectrometry is subsequently imported into Compound Discoverer 3.2 software for comprehensive analysis, which seamlessly integrates the BGI Metabolome Database (BMDB), mzCloud database, and ChemSpider online database. Subsequently, the identified differential metabolites were subjected to a metabolic pathway enrichment analysis, as documented in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.RESULTS: A total of 403 differential metabolites were identified in CCC and peripheral serum samples from patients with CTO of coronary arteries in CHD. Compared to the CTO-P group, the CTO-C group exhibited decreased levels of metabolites such as Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), deoxyacetone, while demonstrating increased levels of metabolites including Progesterone, androstanone, l-threonine. The biosynthesis pathway of steroid hormones emerges as the key metabolic pathway significantly associated with differential metabolites.CONCLUSIONS: Through metabolomics analysis, distinct differences in the CCC and peripheral serum metabolites have been identified among patients with CTO of coronary artery. Notably, a significant association between the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and CCC has been observed.PMID:38414557 | PMC:PMC10897845 | DOI:10.1016/j.athplu.2024.02.001

Pages