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

Characterization of key aroma compounds in a novel Chinese rice wine Xijiao Huojiu during its biological-ageing-like process by untargeted metabolomics

Mon, 12/08/2024 - 12:00
Heliyon. 2024 Jul 10;10(14):e34396. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34396. eCollection 2024 Jul 30.ABSTRACTXijiao Huojiu (Xijiao), an ancient Chinese rice wine (ACRW), is produced using traditional methods, which involve biological-ageing-like process and result in distinctive sensory profiles. However, its aroma composition is still unclear. In this study, the aroma characteristics of three samples with varying ageing times were examined. Xijiao_SCT, with a short cellar time, exhibited a strong fruity and floral aroma and a less grain-like aroma. Conversely, Xijiao_LCT, which had a long cellar time, had a deep cocoa- and caramel-like aroma. A total of 27 key odorants that greatly influenced the aroma characteristics of Xijiao were identified. Comparative studies were used to identify 12 key odorants that distinguish Xijiao from modern Chinese rice wine (MCRW) and grape wines (GW). Additionally, 13 dominant latent ageing markers differentiated Xijiao_SCT from Xijiao_LCT. Our results suggested that ACRW and MCRW have overlapping but distinct volatile metabolomic profiles, highlighting the characteristics of ACRW during ageing process.PMID:39130457 | PMC:PMC11315155 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34396

Clinical applications of volatilomic assays

Mon, 12/08/2024 - 12:00
Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2024 Aug 12:1-20. doi: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2387038. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe study of metabolomics is revealing immense potential for diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and understanding of pathogenesis processes. Volatilomics is a subcategory of metabolomics interested in the detection of molecules that are small enough to be released in the gas phase. Volatile compounds produced by cellular processes are released into the blood and lymph, and can reach the external environment through different pathways, such as the blood-air interface in the lung that are detected in breath, or the blood-water interface in the kidney that leads to volatile compounds detected in urine. Besides breath and urine, additional sources of volatile compounds such as saliva, blood, feces, and skin are available. Volatilomics traces its roots back over fifty years to the pioneering investigations in the 1970s. Despite extensive research, the field remains in its infancy, hindered by a lack of standardization despite ample experimental evidence. The proliferation of analytical instrumentations, sample preparations and methods of volatilome sampling still make it difficult to compare results from different studies and to establish a common standard approach to volatilomics. This review aims to provide an overview of volatilomics' diagnostic potential, focusing on two key technical aspects: sampling and analysis. Sampling poses a challenge due to the susceptibility of human samples to contamination and confounding factors from various sources like the environment and lifestyle. The discussion then delves into targeted and untargeted approaches in volatilomics. Some case studies are presented to exemplify the results obtained so far. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion on the necessary steps to fully integrate volatilomics into clinical practice.PMID:39129534 | DOI:10.1080/10408363.2024.2387038

Multiomics-Based Biocargo Components Analysis in <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> Membrane Vesicles

Mon, 12/08/2024 - 12:00
Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2024.0031. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEnterococcus spp. have been shown to have gastrointestinal tract protective functions; our recent results suggest that membrane vesicles (MVs) play an important role in the gastric protection of Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). The specific function is determined by molecular compositions of MVs. To resolve biocargo components in E. faecium MVs (EfmMVs), MVs were isolated from E. faecium culture. Transcriptomics, label-free quantitative proteomics, and untargeted metabolomics were performed to obtain information about the complexity of ribonucleic acids (RNAs), proteins, and metabolites biocargo they carry, respectively. RNA-sequencing identified a total of 2122 transcripts. The top 20 transcripts accounted for 27.63% of total counts, which, including enzymes, participate in glycolysis, ribosomal proteins, DNA-directed RNA polymerases, protein-synthesizing relative enzymes, molecules associated with protein post-translational processing and transport, and peptidoglycan lyases. Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis identified a total of 711 proteins. The top 20 proteins accounted for 48.02% of all identified proteins, which including ribosomal proteins, enzymes participate in glycolysis, DNA-directed RNA polymerases, protein-synthesizing relative enzymes, peptidoglycan lyases, and autolysin. Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified a total of 519 metabolites. The top 20 metabolites accounted for 79.55% of all identified metabolites, which included amino acids, substrates, or products in the metabolism of amino acids, natural organic acids, products in the metabolism of organic acids, ketone compounds, and two other compounds. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicated that the identified biocargo components enriched in metabolism, genetic, and environmental information processing. Overall, we hope that the current exploration of multiple "-omics" analyses of this EfmMVs will provide useful information and further groundwork for future studies on E. faecium application.PMID:39129487 | DOI:10.1089/fpd.2024.0031

Platelet extracellular vesicles preserve lymphatic endothelial cell integrity and enhance lymphatic vessel function

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Commun Biol. 2024 Aug 11;7(1):975. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06675-8.ABSTRACTLymphatic vessels are essential for preventing the accumulation of harmful components within peripheral tissues, including the artery wall. Various endogenous mechanisms maintain adequate lymphatic function throughout life, with platelets being essential for preserving lymphatic vessel integrity. However, since lymph lacks platelets, their impact on the lymphatic system has long been viewed as restricted to areas where lymphatics intersect with blood vessels. Nevertheless, platelets can also exert long range effects through the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) upon activation. We observed that platelet EVs (PEVs) are present in lymph, a compartment to which they could transfer regulatory effects of platelets. Here, we report that PEVs in lymph exhibit a distinct signature enabling them to interact with lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). In vitro experiments show that the internalization of PEVs by LECs maintains their functional integrity. Treatment with PEVs improves lymphatic contraction capacity in atherosclerosis-prone mice. We suggest that boosting lymphatic pumping with exogenous PEVs offers a novel therapeutic approach for chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by defective lymphatics.PMID:39128945 | DOI:10.1038/s42003-024-06675-8

1,3-Disubstituted Thiourea Derivatives: Promising Candidates for Medicinal Applications with Enhanced Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cells

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Eur J Pharmacol. 2024 Aug 9:176885. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176885. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe distinct chemical structure of thiourea derivatives provides them with an advantage in selectively targeting cancer cells. In our previous study, we selected the most potent compounds, 2 and 8, with 3,4-dichloro- and 3-trifluoromethylphenyl substituents, respectively, across colorectal (SW480 and SW620), prostate (PC3), and leukemia (K-562) cancer cell lines, as well as non-tumor HaCaT cells. Our research has demonstrated their anticancer potential by targeting key molecular pathways involved in cancer progression, including caspase 3/7 activation, NF-κB (Nuclear Factor Kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation decrease, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) secretion, ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production, and metabolite profile alterations. Notably, these processes exhibited no significant alterations in HaCaT cells. The effectiveness of the studied compounds was also tested on spheroids (3D culture). Both derivatives 2 and 8 increased caspase activity, decreased ROS production and NF-κB activation, and suppressed the release of VEGF in cancer cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed intriguing shifts in cancer cell metabolic profiles, particularly in lipids and pyrimidines metabolism. Assessment of cell viability in 3D spheroids showed that SW620 cells exhibited better sensitivity to compound 2 than 8. In summary, structural modifications of the thiourea terminal components, particularly dihalogenophenyl derivative 2 and para-substituted analog 8, demonstrate their potential as anticancer agents while preserving safety for normal cells.PMID:39128803 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176885

A study on the effects of metacinnabar (β-HgS) on weight and appetite recovery in stressed mice

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Aug 9:118663. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118663. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Depression is a prevalent stress disorder, yet the underlying physiological mechanisms linking stress to appetite and weight loss remain elusive. While most antidepressants are associated with excessive weight and appetite gain, sertraline (SER) exhibits a lower risk of these side effects. Metacinnabar (β-HgS), the primary component of Tibetan medicine Zuotai, has been shown to enhance mice's resilience against external stress without causing excessive increases in weight or appetite. However, the precise physiological pathway through which β-HgS restores appetite and weight in stressed mice remains unclear.AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of β-HgS in ameliorating weight loss and appetite suppression induced by pressure stimulation in mice, as well as elucidate its potential mechanisms of action.METHODS: The present study employed chronic restraint stress (CRS) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) as experimental models to simulate environmental stress encountered in daily life. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted, including behavior tests, HE staining of rectal and hippocampal pathological sections, detection of depression-related biological indicators, analysis of intestinal flora diversity, as well as metabolomics analysis of hippocampal and intestinal contents.RESULT: Dysregulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism may represent the principal pathway underlying reduced appetite, body weight, neurotransmitter and appetite hormone levels, heightened inflammatory response, hippocampal and rectal tissue damage, as well as altered composition of intestinal microbiota in stressed mice. Following intervention with SER and β-HgS in stressed mice, the deleterious effects induced by stress can be ameliorated, in which the medium-dose β-HgS exhibited superior performance.CONCLUSION: The aforementioned research findings suggest that the stress-induced decrease in appetite and body weight in mice may be associated with dysregulation in glycerophospholipid metabolism connecting the gut-brain axis. β-HgS exhibits potential in ameliorating depressive-like symptoms in mice subjected to stress, while concurrently restoring their body weight and appetite without inducing excessive augmentation. Its therapeutic effect may also be attributed to its ability to modulate glycerophospholipid metabolism status and exert influence on the gut-brain axis.PMID:39128797 | DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118663

Differential utilization of vitamin B<sub>12</sub>-dependent and independent pathways for propionate metabolism across human cells

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
J Biol Chem. 2024 Aug 9:107662. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107662. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPropionic acid links the oxidation of branched-chain amino acids and odd-chain fatty acids to the TCA cycle. Gut microbes ferment complex fiber remnants, generating high concentrations of short chain fatty acids, acetate, propionate and butyrate, which are shared with the host as fuel sources. Analysis of vitamin B12-dependent propionate utilization in skin biopsy samples has been used to characterize and diagnose underlying inborn errors of cobalamin (or B12) metabolism. In these cells, the B12-dependent enzyme, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT), plays a central role in funneling propionate to the TCA cycle intermediate, succinate. Our understanding of the fate of propionate in other cell types, specifically, the involvement of the β-oxidation-like and methylcitrate pathways, is limited. In this study, we have used [14C]-propionate tracing in combination with genetic ablation or inhibition of MMUT, to reveal the differential utilization of the B12-dependent and independent pathways for propionate metabolism in fibroblast versus colon cell lines. We demonstrate that itaconate can be used as a tool to investigate MMUT-dependent propionate metabolism in cultured cell lines. While MMUT gates the entry of propionate carbons into the TCA cycle in fibroblasts, colon-derived cell lines exhibit a quantitatively significant or exclusive reliance on the β-oxidation-like pathway. Lipidomics and metabolomics analyses reveal that propionate elicits pleiotropic changes, including an increase in odd-chain glycerophospholipids, and perturbations in the purine nucleotide cycle and arginine/nitric oxide metabolism. The metabolic rationale and the regulatory mechanisms underlying the differential reliance on propionate utilization pathways at a cellular, and possibly tissue level, warrant further elucidation.PMID:39128713 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107662

A gut reaction? The role of the microbiome in aggression

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Brain Behav Immun. 2024 Aug 9:S0889-1591(24)00533-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.011. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTRecent research has unveiled conflicting evidence regarding the link between aggression and the gut microbiome. Here, we compared behavior profiles of control, germ-free (GF) and antibiotic-treated mice, as well as re-colonized GF mice to understand the impact of gut microbiome on aggression using the resident-intruder paradigm. Our findings revealed a link between gut microbiome depletion and higher aggression, accompanied by notable changes in urine metabolite profiles and brain gene expression. Our study extends beyond classical murine models to humanized mice to reveal the clinical relevance of early-life antibiotic use on aggression. Fecal microbiome transplant from infants exposed to antibiotics in early life (and sampled one month later) into mice led to increased aggression compared to mice receiving transplants from unexposed infants. This study sheds light on the role of the gut microbiome in modulating aggression and highlights its potential avenues of action, offering insights for development of therapeutic strategies for aggression-related disorders.PMID:39128572 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.011

Application of spatial omics in gastric cancer

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Jul 30;262:155503. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155503. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTGastric cancer (GC), a globally prevalent and lethal malignancy, continues to be a key research focus. However, due to its considerable heterogeneity and complex pathogenesis, the treatment and diagnosis of gastric cancer still face significant challenges. With the rapid development of spatial omics technology, which provides insights into the spatial information within tumor tissues, it has emerged as a significant tool in gastric cancer research. This technology affords new insights into the pathology and molecular biology of gastric cancer for scientists. This review discusses recent advances in spatial omics technology for gastric cancer research, highlighting its applications in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor heterogeneity, tumor genesis and development mechanisms, and the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Moreover, this article highlights spatial omics' potential in precision medicine and summarizes existing challenges and future directions. It anticipates spatial omics' continuing impact on gastric cancer research, aiming to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients. With this review, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview to scientists and clinicians in gastric cancer research, motivating further exploration and utilization of spatial omics technology. Our goal is to improve patient outcomes, including survival rates and quality of life.PMID:39128411 | DOI:10.1016/j.prp.2024.155503

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses provide insights into the fruit softening disorder of papaya fruit under postharvest heat stress

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem. 2024 Aug 6;460(Pt 3):140771. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140771. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHeat stress in summer causes softening disorder in papaya but the molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, papaya fruit stored at 35 °C showed a softening disorder termed rubbery texture. Analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the fruit stored at 25 °C and 35 °C. The DEGs and DAMs related to lignin biosynthesis were upregulated, while those related to ethylene biosynthesis, sucrose metabolism, and cell wall degradation were downregulated under heat stress. Co-expression network analysis highlighted the correlation between the DEGs and metabolites associated with lignin biosynthesis, ethylene biosynthesis, and cell wall degradation under heat stress. Finally, the correlation analysis identified the key factors regulating softening disorder under heat stress. The study's findings reveal that heat stress inhibited papaya cell wall degradation and ethylene production, delaying fruit ripening and softening and ultimately resulting in a rubbery texture.PMID:39128369 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140771

Unraveling the spoilage characteristics of refrigerated pork using high-throughput sequencing coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS-based non-targeted metabolomics

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem. 2024 Aug 8;460(Pt 3):140797. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140797. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe spoilage of refrigerated pork involves nutrient depletion and the production of spoilage metabolites by spoilage bacteria, yet the microbe-metabolite interactions during this process remain unclear. This study employed 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to reveal the core microbiota and metabolite profiles of pork during refrigeration. A total of 45 potential biomarkers were screened through random forest model analysis. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that eleven pathways, including biogenic amine metabolism, pentose metabolism, purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation, were potential mechanisms of pork spoilage. Correlation analysis revealed nine metabolites-histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, D-gluconic acid, UDP-d-glucose, xanthine, glutamine, phosphatidylcholine, and hexadecanoic acid-as spoilage biomarkers, with Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Photobacterium playing significant roles. This study provides new insights into the changes in microbial and metabolic characteristics during the spoilage of refrigerated pork.PMID:39128367 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140797

Chlamydia trachomatis L2 434/Bu readily activates glycolysis under hypoxia for efficient metabolism

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2024 Aug 6;736:150461. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150461. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTo understand why Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) (L2/434/Bu) favors hypoxia, we examined the dynamics of infected cells using a glycolysis-related PCR array and metabolomic analysis, along with the perturbation of nucleotide synthesis. Our findings revealed that, compared to normoxia, hypoxia with infection significantly and selectively upregulates the expression of genes related to glycolysis, glycogen degradation, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, hypoxia induced a significant decrease in metabolite levels, particularly methionine-related metabolites, independent of infection, indicating efficient metabolism under hypoxia. Additionally, the perturbation of nucleotide synthesis with adenosine derivatives impaired Ct growth. Collectively, our results suggest that Ct favors a hypoxic environment with efficient metabolism, in which Ct readily activates glycolysis responsible for stable nucleotide synthesis as well as ATP supply.PMID:39128263 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150461

FDX1 downregulation activates mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inducing ROS production

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Redox Biol. 2024 Aug 5;75:103302. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103302. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming can lead to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) is a small mitochondrial protein and recent studies have shown that FDX1 plays an important role in tumor cuproptosis, but its role in HCC is still elusive. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression and novel functions of FDX1 in HCC.METHODS: FDX1 expression was first analyzed in publicly available datasets and verified by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot. In vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to explore the functions of FDX1. Non-targeted metabolomics and RNA-sequencing were used to determine molecular mechanism. mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus transfection, Mito-Tracker Red and Lyso-Tracker Green staining, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining, etc. were used to analyze mitophagy or ROS levels. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) and patient-derived organoid (PDO) models were used to analyze effect of FDX1 overexpression.RESULTS: FDX1 expression is significantly downregulated in HCC tissues. FDX1 downregulation promotes HCC cell proliferation, invasion in vitro and growth, metastasis in vivo. In addition, FDX1 affects metabolism of HCC cells and is associated with autophagy. We then confirmed that FDX1 deficiency increases ROS levels, activates mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HCC cells. Interestingly, scavenging ROS attenuates the tumor-promoting role and mitophagy of FDX1 downregulation. The results of HTVi and PDO models both find that FDX1 elevation significantly inhibits HCC progression. Moreover, low FDX1 expression is associated with shorter survival and is an independent risk factor for prognosis in HCC patients.CONCLUSIONS: Our research had investigated novel functions of FDX1 in HCC. Downregulation of FDX1 contributes to metabolic reprogramming and leads to ROS-mediated activation of mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. FDX1 is a potential prognostic biomarker and increasing FDX1 expression may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit HCC progression.PMID:39128228 | DOI:10.1016/j.redox.2024.103302

Multigenerational effects of disperse blue 79 at environmentally relevant concentrations on zebrafish (Danio rerio) fecundity: An integrated approach

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
J Hazard Mater. 2024 Aug 8;478:135442. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135442. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe brominated azo dye (BAD) Disperse Blue (DB79) is a widespread environmental pollutant. The long-term toxicological effects of DB79 and the mechanisms thereof must be understood to allow assessment of the risks of DB79 pollution. A dual-omics approach employing in silico analysis, bioinformatics, and in vitro bioassays was used to investigate the transgenerational (F0-F2) toxicity of DB79 in zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations and identify molecular initiating events and key events associated with DB79-induced fertility disorders. Exposure to 500 µg/L DB79 decreased fecundity in the F0 and F1 generations by > 30 % and increased the condition factor of the F1 generation 1.24-fold. PPARα/RXR and PXR ligand binding activation were found to be critical molecular initiating events associated with the decrease in fecundity. Several key events (changes in fatty acid oxidation and uptake, lipoprotein metabolism, and xenobiotic metabolism and transport) involved in lipid dysregulation and xenobiotic disposition were found to be induced by DB79 through bioinformatic annotation using dual-omics data. The biomolecular underpinnings of decreased transgenerational fertility in zebrafish attributable to BAD exposure were elucidated and novel biomolecular targets in the adverse outcome pathway framework were identified. These results will inform future studies and facilitate the development of mitigation strategies.PMID:39128150 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135442

MRMQuant: Automated MRM Data Quantitation for Large-Scale Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

Sun, 11/08/2024 - 12:00
Anal Chem. 2024 Aug 11. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02462. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMultiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is a powerful and popular technique used for metabolite quantification in targeted metabolomics. Accurate and consistent quantitation of metabolites from the MRM data is essential for subsequent analyses. Here, we developed an automated tool, MRMQuant, for targeted metabolomic quantitation using high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry MRM data to provide users with an easy-to-use tool for accurate MRM data quantitation with minimal human intervention. This tool has many user-friendly functions and features to inspect and correct the quantitation results as required. MRMQuant possesses the following features to ensure accurate quantitation: (1) dynamic signal smoothing, (2) automatic deconvolution of coeluted peaks, (3) absolute quantitation via standard curves and/or internal standards, (4) visualized inspection and correction, (5) corrections applicable to multiple samples, and (6) batch-effect correction.PMID:39127919 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02462

Thunbergia's Flowers Secondary Metabolites a Natural Armor Against Kidney Damage by Diclofenac

Sat, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
Cell Biochem Biophys. 2024 Aug 10. doi: 10.1007/s12013-024-01397-4. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNephrotoxicity is a common side effect arising from exposure to drugs or toxins. The study investigates the therapeutic effects of Thunbergia alata and Thunbergia erecta flowers on diclofenac-induced renal injury. Secondary metabolite characterization by positive mode high-resolution-ESI (LC-HR-ESI-MS) was followed by assessing their renal protection against diclofenac-induced damage and molecular docking studies. Using positive LC-HR-ESI-MS, 18 compounds from T. erecta and T. alata were identified. Diclofenac administration induced significant deterioration of all parameters in the kidney in addition to renal tissue contents of several inflammatory markers. The flower extracts of T. alata and T. erecta showed a clear improvement in the treated groups compared to the diclofenac-control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological examinations followed by immunohistochemical determination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression. Furthermore, a protein-protein network to understand the complex interplay between the target proteins and their counterparts was done in addition to a molecular docking study of the de-replicated compounds in the active sites of NF-κB, TGF-β1, and VEGFR.PMID:39127861 | DOI:10.1007/s12013-024-01397-4

An image-based screen for secreted proteins involved in breast cancer G0 cell cycle arrest

Sat, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
Sci Data. 2024 Aug 10;11(1):868. doi: 10.1038/s41597-024-03697-z.ABSTRACTSecreted proteins regulate the balance between cellular proliferation and G0 arrest and therefore play important roles in tumour dormancy. Tumour dormancy presents a significant clinical challenge for breast cancer patients, where non-proliferating, G0-arrested cancer cells remain at metastatic sites, below the level of clinical detection, some of which can re-enter proliferation and drive tumour relapse. Knowing which secreted proteins can regulate entry into and exit from G0 allows us to manipulate their signalling to prevent tumour relapse. To identify novel secreted proteins that can promote breast cancer G0 arrest, we performed a secretome-wide, image-based screen for proteins that increase the fraction of cells in G0 arrest. From a secretome library of 1282 purified proteins, we identified 29 candidates that promote G0 arrest in non-transformed and transformed breast epithelial cells. The assay we have developed can be adapted for use in other perturbation screens in other cell types. All datasets have been made available for re-analysis and our candidate proteins are presented for alternative bioinformatic refinement or further experimental follow up.PMID:39127790 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-024-03697-z

Multi-omics analysis reveals genes and metabolites involved in Streptococcus suis biofilm formation

Sat, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
BMC Microbiol. 2024 Aug 10;24(1):297. doi: 10.1186/s12866-024-03448-5.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen. Biofilm formation largely explains the difficulty in preventing and controlling S. suis. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of S. suis biofilm formation.RESULTS: In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of S. suis in biofilm and planktonic states were performed to identify key genes and metabolites involved in biofilm formation. A total of 789 differential genes and 365 differential metabolites were identified. By integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, five main metabolic pathways were identified, including amino acid pathway, nucleotide metabolism pathway, carbon metabolism pathway, vitamin and cofactor metabolism pathway, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis metabolic pathway.CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights for exploring the molecular mechanism of S. suis biofilm formation.PMID:39127666 | DOI:10.1186/s12866-024-03448-5

Core biomarkers analysis benefit for diagnosis on human intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Sat, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Aug 10;24(1):525. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06730-6.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: The pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis were at high risk of fetal distress, preterm birth and unexpected stillbirth. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) was mainly caused by disorder of bile acid metabolism, whereas the specific mechanism was obscure.METHODS: We performed proteomics analysis of 10 ICP specimens and 10 placenta specimens from patients without ICP through data-independent acquisition (DIA) technique to disclose differentially expressed proteins. We executed metabolomic analysis of 30 ICP specimens and 30 placenta specimens from patients without ICP through UPLC-MS/MS to identify differentially expressed metabolites. Enrichment and correlation analysis was used to obtain the direct molecular insights of ICP development. The ICP rat models were constructed to validate pathological features.RESULTS: The heatmap of proteomics analysis showed the top 30 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated proteins. The metabolomic analysis revealed 20 richer and 4 less abundant metabolites in ICP samples compared with placenta specimens from patients without ICP, and enrichment pathways by these metabolites included primary bile acid biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, bile secretion, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, purine metabolism and metabolic pathways. Combined analysis of multiple omics results demonstrated that bile acids such as Glycohyocholic acid, Glycine deoxycholic acid, beta-Muricholic acid, Noncholic acid, cholic acid, Gamma-Mercholic Acid, alpha-Muricholic acid and Glycochenodeoxycholic Aicd were significantly associated with the expression of GLRX3, MYL1, MYH7, PGGT1B, ACTG1, SP3, LACTB2, C2CD5, APBB2, IPO9, MYH2, PPP3CC, PIN1, BLOC1S1, DNAJC7, RASAL2 and ATCN3 etc. The core protein ACAT2 was involved in lipid metabolic process and animal model showed that ACAT2 was up-regulated in placenta and liver of pregnant rats and fetal rats. The neonates had low birth weight and Safranin O-Fast green FCF staining of animal models showed that poor osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of fetal rats.CONCLUSION: Multiple metabolites-alpha-Muricholic acid, beta-Muricholic acid, Glycine deoxycholic acid and Glycochenodeoxycholic Acid etc. were perfect biomarkers to predict occurrence of ICP. Bile acids were significantly associated with varieties of protein expression and these proteins were differentially expressed in ICP samples. Our study provided several biomarkers for ICP detection and potential therapeutic targets for ICP development.PMID:39127651 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-024-06730-6

Understanding the side effects of chronic silodosin administration via untargeted metabolomics approach

Sat, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
Ann Pharm Fr. 2024 Aug 8:S0003-4509(24)00109-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pharma.2024.08.002. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Precision medicine, which looks for high efficacy and low toxicity in therapies, has increased in popularity with omics technology. This study endeavors to unearth innovative low-toxicity therapeutic This work aims to discover novel and low-toxicity therapy options by understanding examining the complex relationship between silodosin-induced side effects and the metabolomic profiles associated with its administration.MATERIALS AND METHODS: LC-Q-TOF/MS/MS was used for analyzing plasma samples from control and silodosin-treated rats. The plasma samples of the control group and silodosin-treated rats were analyzed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Employing XCMS and MetaboAnalyst software, MS/MS data processed to detect compounds and investigate metabolic pathways. MATLAB 2019b was used for data categorization and multivariate analysis. A thorough comparison of METLIN and HMDB databases revealed 41 m/z values with significant differences between the drug-treated and control groups (p<0.01 and fold analysis≥1.5).RESULTS: According to multivariate data analysis, 17-betaβ-estradiol, taurocholic acid, L-kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, D-glutamine, L-arginine, prostaglandin H2, prostaglandine G2, 15-keto-prostaglandin E2, calcidiol, thromboxane A2, 5'-methylthioadenosine, L-methionine and S-adenosylmethionine levels changed significantly compared to the control group. Differences in the metabolisms of glycerophospholipid, tyrosine, phenylalanine, arachidonic acid, cysteine and methionine, and biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, and aminoacyl-tRNA have been successfully demonstrated by metabolic pathway analysis. According to this study, vitamin D, L-glutamine, and L-arginine supplements can be recommended to prevent side effects such as fatigue, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome IFIS, blurred vision, and dizziness in the treatment of silodosin. Silodosin treatment negatively affected the immune system by affecting the kynurenine and tryptophan metabolism pathways.CONCLUSIONS: The study is a guide for silodosin treatments that offer low side effects and high therapeutic effect within the scope of precision medicine.PMID:39127320 | DOI:10.1016/j.pharma.2024.08.002

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