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

Transcriptome and metabolome sequencing identifies glutamate and LPAR1 as potential factors of anlotinib resistance in thyroid cancer

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Anticancer Drugs. 2024 Jun 3. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001626. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of anlotinib resistance in thyroid carcinoma.METHODS: We constructed an anlotinib-resistant thyroid carcinoma cell line and observed the effect of drug resistance on the functional activity of these cell lines. Transcriptome sequencing and metabolomic sequencing combined with biosynthesis analysis were used to explore and screen possible drug resistance regulatory pathways.RESULTS: Through transcriptomic sequencing analysis of drug-resistant cell lines, it was found that the differentially expressed genes of drug-resistant strains were enriched mainly in the interleukin 17, transforming growth factor-β, calcium, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, and other key signaling pathways. A total of 354 differentially expressed metabolic ions were screened using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry to determine the number of metabolic ions in the drug-resistant strains. The results of the Venn diagram correlation analysis showed that glutamate is closely related to multiple pathways and may be an important regulatory factor of anlotinib resistance in thyroid carcinoma. In addition, eight common differentially expressed genes were screened by comparing the gene expression profiling interactive analysis database and sequencing results. Further quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction verification, combined with reports in the literature, showed that LPAR1 may be an important potential target.CONCLUSION: This is the first study in which the drug resistance of thyroid cancer to anlotinib was preliminarily discussed. We confirmed that anlotinib resistance in thyroid cancer promotes the progression of malignant biological behavior. We conclude that glutamate may be a potential factor for anlotinib resistance in thyroid cancer and that LPAR1 is also a potentially important target.PMID:38820067 | DOI:10.1097/CAD.0000000000001626

Localized Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Reductions Present Throughout the Dementia with Lewy Bodies Brain

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
J Parkinsons Dis. 2024 May 24. doi: 10.3233/JPD-240075. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Localized pantothenic acid deficiencies have been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), and Huntington's disease (HD), indicating downstream energetic pathway perturbations. However, no studies have yet been performed to see whether such deficiencies occur across the dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) brain, or what the pattern of such dysregulation may be.OBJECTIVE: Firstly, this study aimed to quantify pantothenic acid levels across ten regions of the brain in order to determine the localization of any pantothenic acid dysregulation in DLB. Secondly, the localization of pantothenic acid alterations was compared to that previously in AD, PDD, and HD brains.METHODS: Pantothenic acid levels were determined in 20 individuals with DLB and 19 controls by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) across ten brain regions. Case-control differences were determined by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, with the calculation of S-values, risk ratios, E-values, and effect sizes. The results were compared with those previously obtained in DLB, AD, and HD.RESULTS: Pantothenic acid levels were significantly decreased in six of the ten investigated brain regions: the pons, substantia nigra, motor cortex, middle temporal gyrus, primary visual cortex, and hippocampus. This level of pantothenic acid dysregulation is most similar to that of the AD brain, in which pantothenic acid is also decreased in the motor cortex, middle temporal gyrus, primary visual cortex, and hippocampus. DLB appears to differ from other neurodegenerative diseases in being the only of the four to not show pantothenic acid dysregulation in the cerebellum.CONCLUSIONS: Pantothenic acid deficiency appears to be a shared mechanism of several neurodegenerative diseases, although differences in the localization of this dysregulation may contribute to the differing clinical pathways observed in these conditions.PMID:38820022 | DOI:10.3233/JPD-240075

Critical Secondary Metabolites Confer the Broad-Spectrum Pathogenic Fungi Resistance Property of a Marine-Originating <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. HNBCa1

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
J Agric Food Chem. 2024 May 31. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02805. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTObtaining a microorganism strain with a broad-spectrum resistance property and highly efficient antifungal activity is important to the biocontrol strategy. Herein, a marine Streptomyces sp. HNBCa1 demonstrated a broad-spectrum resistance to 17 tested crop pathogenic fungi and exhibited a high biocontrol efficiency against mango anthracnose and banana fusarium wilt. To uncover the critical bioactive secondary metabolites basis, genome assembly and annotation, metabolomic analysis, and a semipreparative HPLC-based activity-guide method were employed. Finally, geldanamycin and ectoine involved in codifferential secondary metabolites were also found to be related to biosynthetic gene clusters in the genome of HNBCa1. Reblastatin and geldanamycin were uncovered in response to broad-spectrum resistance to the 17 crop pathogenic fungi. Our results suggested that reblastatin and geldanamycin were critical to maintaining the broad-spectrum resistance property and highly efficient antifungal activity of HNBCa1, which could be further developed as a biological control agent to control crop fungal diseases.PMID:38819965 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02805

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Risk of All-Cause Mortality in Women

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
JAMA Netw Open. 2024 May 1;7(5):e2414322. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14322.ABSTRACTIMPORTANCE: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, but data on underlying molecular mechanisms over long follow-up are limited.OBJECTIVES: To investigate Mediterranean diet adherence and risk of all-cause mortality and to examine the relative contribution of cardiometabolic factors to this risk reduction.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study included initially healthy women from the Women's Health Study, who had provided blood samples, biomarker measurements, and dietary information. Baseline data included self-reported demographics and a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The data collection period was from April 1993 to January 1996, and data analysis took place from June 2018 to November 2023.EXPOSURES: Mediterranean diet score (range, 0-9) was computed based on 9 dietary components.MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Thirty-three blood biomarkers, including traditional and novel lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoprotein, inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolism measurements, were evaluated at baseline using standard assays and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mortality and cause of death were determined from medical and death records. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for Mediterranean diet adherence and mortality risk, and mediation analyses were used to calculate the mediated effect of different biomarkers in understanding this association.RESULTS: Among 25 315 participants, the mean (SD) baseline age was 54.6 (7.1) years, with 329 (1.3%) Asian women, 406 (1.6%) Black women, 240 (0.9%) Hispanic women, 24 036 (94.9%) White women, and 95 (0.4%) women with other race and ethnicity; the median (IQR) Mediterranean diet adherence score was 4.0 (3.0-5.0). Over a mean (SD) of 24.7 (4.8) years of follow-up, 3879 deaths occurred. Compared with low Mediterranean diet adherence (score 0-3), adjusted risk reductions were observed for middle (score 4-5) and upper (score 6-9) groups, with HRs of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.70-0.84), respectively (P for trend < .001). Further adjusting for lifestyle factors attenuated the risk reductions, but they remained statistically significant (middle adherence group: HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85-0.99]; upper adherence group: HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82-0.98]; P for trend = .001). Of the biomarkers examined, small molecule metabolites and inflammatory biomarkers contributed most to the lower mortality risk (explaining 14.8% and 13.0%, respectively, of the association), followed by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (10.2%), body mass index (10.2%), and insulin resistance (7.4%). Other pathways, including branched-chain amino acids, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, glycemic measures, and hypertension, had smaller contributions (<3%).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with 23% lower risk of all-cause mortality. This inverse association was partially explained by multiple cardiometabolic factors.PMID:38819819 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14322

Metabolomics analysis reveals characteristic metabolites in different levels of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
J Sep Sci. 2024 Jun;47(11):e2400164. doi: 10.1002/jssc.202400164.ABSTRACTOxaliplatin (L-OHP), a third-generation platinum-based anti-tumor drug, finds widespread application in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite its efficacy, the drug's usage is curtailed by a litany of side effects, with L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) being the most debilitating. This condition can be classified into varying degrees of severity. Employing serum metabolomics, a high-sensitivity, high-throughput technique, holds promise as a method to identify biomarkers for clinical assessment and monitoring of OIPN patients across different severity levels. In our study, we analyzed serum metabolites in patients with different OIPN levels using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. By employing statistical analyses and pathway enrichment studies, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. Our findings characterized the serum metabolic profiles of patients with varying OIPN levels. Notably, pathway analysis revealed a significant correlation with lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. Multivariate statistical analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve evaluation pointed to anhalamine and glycochenodeoxycholic acid as potential biomarkers for OIPN C and A, which suggest that serum metabolomics may serve as a potent tool for exploring the metabolic status of patients suffering from diverse diseases and for discovering novel biomarkers.PMID:38819794 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.202400164

A ternary correlation multi-symptom network strategy based on in vivo chemical profile identification and metabolomics to explore the molecular basis of Ephedra herb against viral pneumonia

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
J Sep Sci. 2024 Jun;47(11):e2400090. doi: 10.1002/jssc.202400090.ABSTRACTEphedra herb (EH), an important medicine prescribed in herbal formulas by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, has been widely used in the treatment of viral pneumonia in China. However, the molecular basis of EH in viral pneumonia remains unclear. In this study, a ternary correlation multi-symptom network strategy was established based on in vivo chemical profile identification and metabolomics to explore the molecular basis of EH against viral pneumonia. Results showed that 143 compounds of EH and 70 prototype components were identified in vivo. EH could reduce alveolar-capillary barrier disruption in rats with viral pneumonia and significantly downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Plasma metabolomics revealed that EH may be involved in the regulation of arachidonic acid, tryptophan, tyrosine, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism. The multi-symptom network showed that 12 compounds have an integral function in the treatment of viral pneumonia by intervening in many pathways related to viruses, immunity and inflammation, and lung injury. Further verification demonstrated that sinapic acid and frambinone can regulate the expression of related genes. It has been shown to be a promising representative of the pharmacological constituents of ephedra.PMID:38819782 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.202400090

Littorina snails and Microphallus trematodes: Diverse consequences of the trematode-induced metabolic shifts

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Parasitol Res. 2024 May 31;123(6):229. doi: 10.1007/s00436-024-08244-8.ABSTRACTThe intricate relationships between parasites and hosts encompass a wide range of levels, from molecular interactions to population dynamics. Parasites influence not only the physiological processes in the host organism, but also the entire ecosystem, affecting mortality of individuals, the number of offspring through parasitic castration, and matter and energy cycles. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern host-parasite relationships and their impact on host physiology and environment remains challenging. In this study, we analyzed how infection with Microphallus trematodes affects the metabolome of two Littorina snail species inhabiting different intertidal zone shore levels. We applied non-targeted GC-MS-based metabolomics to analyze biochemical shifts induced by trematode infection in a host organism. We have identified changes in energy, amino acid, sugar, and lipid metabolism. In particular, we observed intensified amino acid catabolism and nitrogenous catabolites (glutamine, urea) production. These changes primarily correlated with infection and interspecies differences of the hosts rather than shore level. The changes detected in the host metabolism indicate that other aspects of life may have been affected, both within the host organism and at a supra-organismal level. Therefore, we explored changes in microbiota composition, deviations in the host molluscs behavior, and acetylcholinesterase activity (ACE, an enzyme involved in neuromuscular transmission) in relation to infection. Infected snails displayed changes in their microbiome composition. Decreased ACE activity in snails was associated with reduced mobility, but whether it is associated with trematode infection remains unclear. The authors suggest a connection between the identified biochemical changes and the deformation of the shell of molluscs, changes in their behavior, and the associated microbiome. The role of parasitic systems formed by microphallid trematodes and Littorina snails in the nitrogen cycle at the ecosystem level is also assumed.PMID:38819740 | DOI:10.1007/s00436-024-08244-8

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal CmMYB308 as a key regulator in the pink flower color variation of 'Dante Purple' chrysanthemum

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Plant Cell Rep. 2024 May 31;43(6):157. doi: 10.1007/s00299-024-03244-5.ABSTRACTCmMYB308 was identified as a key regulator in chrysanthemum flower color variation from purple to pink by conducting transcriptome and metabolome analysis. CmMYB308 can inhibit anthocyanin biosynthesis by suppressing the expression of CmPAL, CmC4H, and Cm4CL. Flower color variation is a widespread natural occurrence that plays a significant role in floral breeding. We discovered a variation in the flower of the chrysanthemum cultivar 'Dante Purple' (abbreviated as 'DP'), where the flower color shifted from purple to pink. We successfully propagated these pink flowers through tissue culture and designated them as DPM. By conducting transcriptome and metabolome analysis, we identified a reduction in the expression of critical genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis-CmPAL, CmC4H, and Cm4CL-in the DPM. This downregulation led to an accumulation of phenylalanine and cinnamic acid within the general phenylpropanoid pathway (GPP), which prevented their conversion into cyanidin and cyanidin 3-glucoside. As a result, the flowers turned pink. Additional transformation and biochemical experiments confirmed that the upregulation of CmMYB308 gene expression in the DPM directly suppressed CmPAL-1 and CmC4H genes, which indirectly affected Cm4CL-3 expression and ultimately inhibited anthocyanin biosynthesis in the DPM. This study offers a preliminary insight into the molecular mechanism underlying chrysanthemum flower color mutation, paving the way for genetic improvements in chrysanthemum flower color breeding.PMID:38819475 | DOI:10.1007/s00299-024-03244-5

Mixotrophic culture enhances fucoxanthin production in the haptophyte Pavlova gyrans

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024 May 31;108(1):352. doi: 10.1007/s00253-024-13199-y.ABSTRACTFucoxanthin is a versatile substance in the food and pharmaceutical industries owing to its excellent antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Several microalgae, including the haptophyte Pavlova spp., can produce fucoxanthin and are potential industrial fucoxanthin producers, as they lack rigid cell walls, which facilitates fucoxanthin extraction. However, the commercial application of Pavlova spp. is limited owing to insufficient biomass production. In this study, we aimed to develop a mixotrophic cultivation method to increase biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans OPMS 30543X. The effects of culturing OPMS 30543X with different organic carbon sources, glycerol concentrations, mixed-nutrient conditions, and light intensities on the consumption of organic carbon sources, biomass production, and fucoxanthin accumulation were analyzed. Several organic carbon sources, such as glycerol, glucose, sucrose, and acetate, were examined, revealing that glycerol was well-consumed by the microalgae. Biomass and fucoxanthin production by OPMS 30543X increased in the presence of 10 mM glycerol compared to that observed without glycerol. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher levels of the metabolites related to the glycolytic, Calvin-Benson-Bassham, and tricarboxylic acid cycles under mixotrophic conditions than under autotrophic conditions. Cultures grown under mixotrophic conditions with a light intensity of 100 µmol photons m-2 s-1 produced more fucoxanthin than autotrophic cultures. Notably, the amount of fucoxanthin produced (18.9 mg/L) was the highest reported thus far for Pavlova species. In conclusion, the use of mixotrophic culture is a promising strategy for increasing fucoxanthin production in Pavlova species. KEY POINTS: • Glycerol enhances biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans • Metabolite levels increase under mixotrophic conditions • Mixotrophic conditions and medium-light intensity are appropriate for P. gyrans.PMID:38819468 | DOI:10.1007/s00253-024-13199-y

The <em>Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA</em> operon protects magnesium-dependent enzymes by supporting manganese efflux

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
J Bacteriol. 2024 May 31:e0005224. doi: 10.1128/jb.00052-24. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMicrobes encounter a myriad of stresses during their life cycle. Dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in host-microbe interactions. Bacterial metal ion homeostasis is tightly regulated by dedicated metalloregulators that control uptake, sequestration, trafficking, and efflux. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA (YS) complex operon, but not deletion of the individual genes, causes hypersensitivity to manganese (Mn). YqgC is an integral membrane protein of unknown function, and SodA is a Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The YS strain has reduced expression of two Mn efflux proteins, MneP and MneS, consistent with the observed Mn sensitivity. The YS strain accumulated high levels of Mn, had increased reactive radical species (RRS), and had broad metabolic alterations that can be partially explained by the inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes. Although the YS operon deletion strain and an efflux-deficient mneP mneS double mutant both accumulate Mn and have similar metabolic perturbations, they also display phenotypic differences. Several mutations that suppressed Mn intoxication of the mneP mneS efflux mutant did not benefit the YS mutant. Further, Mn intoxication in the YS mutant, but not the mneP mneS strain, was alleviated by expression of Mg-dependent, chorismate-utilizing enzymes of the menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan (MST) family. Therefore, despite their phenotypic similarities, the Mn sensitivity in the mneP mneS and the YS deletion mutants results from distinct enzymatic vulnerabilities.IMPORTANCEBacteria require multiple trace metal ions for survival. Metal homeostasis relies on the tightly regulated expression of metal uptake, storage, and efflux proteins. Metal intoxication occurs when metal homeostasis is perturbed and often results from enzyme mis-metalation. In Bacillus subtilis, Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the most abundant Mn-containing protein and is important for oxidative stress resistance. Here, we report novel roles for MnSOD and a co-regulated membrane protein, YqgC, in Mn homeostasis. Loss of both MnSOD and YqgC (but not the individual proteins) prevents the efficient expression of Mn efflux proteins and leads to a large-scale perturbation of the metabolome due to inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes, including key chorismate-utilizing MST (menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan) family enzymes.PMID:38819154 | DOI:10.1128/jb.00052-24

Gestational Exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> and Specific Constituents, Meconium Metabolites, and Neonatal Neurobehavioral Development: A Cohort Study

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Environ Sci Technol. 2024 May 31. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00074. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTExposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy has been inversely associated with neonatal neurological development. However, the associations of exposure to specific PM2.5 constituents with neonatal neurological development remain unclear. We investigated these associations and examined the mediating role of meconium metabolites in a Chinese birth cohort consisting of 294 mother-infant pairs. Our results revealed that exposure to PM2.5 and its specific constituents (i.e., organic matter, black carbon, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium) in the second trimester, but not in the first or third trimester, was inversely associated with the total neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) scores. The PM2.5 constituent mixture in the second trimester was also inversely associated with NBNA scores, and sulfate was identified as the largest contributor. Furthermore, meconium metabolome analysis identified four metabolites, namely, threonine, lysine, leucine, and saccharopine, that were associated with both PM2.5 constituents and NBNA scores. Threonine was identified as an important mediator, accounting for a considerable proportion (14.53-15.33%) of the observed inverse associations. Our findings suggest that maternal exposure to PM2.5 and specific constituents may adversely affect neonatal behavioral development, in which meconium metabolites may play a mediating role.PMID:38819024 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c00074

CropMetabolome: a comprehensive metabolome database for major crops cross eight categories

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Plant J. 2024 May 31. doi: 10.1111/tpj.16858. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTChemical compositions of crops are of great agronomical importance, as crops serve as resources for nutrition, energy, and medicines for human and livestock. For crop metabolomics research, the lack of crop reference metabolome and high-quality reference compound mass spectra, as well as utilities for metabolic profiling, has hindered the discovery and functional study of phytochemicals in crops. To meet these challenging needs, we have developed the Crop Metabolome database (abbreviated as CropMetabolome) that is dedicated to the construction of crop reference metabolome, repository, and dissemination of crop metabolomic data, and profiling and analytic tools for metabolomics research. CropMetabolome contains a metabolomics database for more than 50 crops (belonging to eight categories) that integrated self-generated raw mass spectral data and public-source datasets. The reference metabolome for 59 crop species was constructed, which have functions that parallel those of reference genome in genomic studies. CropMetabolome also contains 'Standard compound mass spectral library', 'Flavonoids library', 'Pesticide library', and a set of related analytical tools that enable metabolic profiling based on a reference metabolome (CropRefMetaBlast), annotation and identification of new metabolites (CompoundLibBlast), deducing the structure of novel flavonoid derivatives (FlavoDiscover), and detecting possible residual pesticides in crop samples (PesticiDiscover). In addition, CropMetabolome is a repository to share and disseminate metabolomics data and a platform to promote collaborations to develop reference metabolome for more crop species. CropMetabolome is a comprehensive platform that offers important functions in crop metabolomics research and contributes to improve crop breeding, nutrition, and safety. CropMetabolome is freely available at https://www.cropmetabolome.com/.PMID:38818975 | DOI:10.1111/tpj.16858

Differential protein expression and metabolite profiling in glaucoma: Insights from a multi-omics analysis

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Biofactors. 2024 May 31. doi: 10.1002/biof.2079. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTVarious substances within the aqueous humor (AH) can directly or indirectly impact intraocular tissues associated with intraocular pressure (IOP), a critical factor in glaucoma development. This study aims to investigate individual changes in these AH substances and the interactions among altered components through a multi-omics approach. LC/MS analysis was conducted on AH samples from patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS, n = 5), exfoliation glaucoma (XFG, n = 4), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, n = 11), and cataracts (control group, n = 7). Subsequently, differentially expressed proteins and metabolites among groups, alterations in their network interactions, and their biological functions were examined. Both data-independent acquisition and data-dependent acquisition methods were employed to analyze the AH proteome and metabolome, and the results were integrated for a comprehensive analysis. In the proteomics analysis, proteins upregulated in both the XFG and POAG groups were associated with lipid metabolism, complement activation, and extracellular matrix regulation. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant changes in amino acids related to antioxidant processes in the glaucoma groups. Notably, VTN, APOA1, C6, and L-phenylalanine exhibited significant alterations in the glaucoma groups. Integration of individual omics analyses demonstrated that substances associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism, altered in the glaucoma groups, showed robust interactions within a complex network involving PLG, APOA1, and L-phenylalanine or C3, APOD, and L-valine. These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing IOP regulation and may contribute to the development of new biomarkers for managing glaucoma.PMID:38818964 | DOI:10.1002/biof.2079

A circular network of adenosine-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction as coregulators of acute myocardial infarction

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Int J Med Sci. 2024 May 19;21(7):1353-1365. doi: 10.7150/ijms.97066. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTThis study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms and associated pathways of myocardial infarction (MI). We employed a variety of analytical methods, including Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, transcriptome microarray data analysis, gene function and pathway enrichment analysis, untargeted metabolomic mass spectrometry analysis, and gene-metabolite interaction network analysis. The MR analysis results revealed a significant impact of mitochondrial DNA copy number on MI and coronary artery bypass grafting. Transcriptome analysis unveiled numerous differentially expressed genes associated with myocardial ischemia, with enrichment observed in cardiac function and energy metabolism pathways. Metabolomic analysis indicated a significant downregulation of mitochondrial regulation pathways in ischemic myocardium. T500 metabolite quantification analysis identified 90 differential metabolites between MI and Sham groups, emphasizing changes in metabolites associated with energy metabolism. Gene-metabolite interaction network analysis revealed the significant roles of key regulatory molecules such as HIF1A, adenosine, TBK1, ATP, NRAS, and EIF2AK3, in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. In summary, this study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms of MI and highlights interactions at multiple molecular levels, contributing to the establishment of new theoretical foundations for the diagnosis and treatment of MI.PMID:38818463 | PMC:PMC11134589 | DOI:10.7150/ijms.97066

Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the protective effect and mechanism of salidroside on testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Front Pharmacol. 2024 May 16;15:1377836. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1377836. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTTesticular torsion is a critical urologic condition for which testicular detorsion surgery is considered irreplaceable as well as the golden method of reversal. However, the surgical treatment is equivalent to a blood reperfusion process, and no specific drugs are available to treat blood reperfusion injuries. Salidroside (SAL) is one of the main effective substances in rhodiola, which has been shown to have antioxidant and antiapoptosis activities. This study was designed to determine whether SAL exerted a protective effect on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, the I/R injury model of the testes and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model were used for verification, and SAL was administered at doses of 100 mg/kg and 0.05 mmol/L, respectively. After the experiments, the testicular tissue and TM4 Sertoli cells were collected for histopathologic and biochemical analyses. The results revealed that SAL improves the structure of testicular tissue and regulates the oxidation-antioxidation system. To further understand the molecular mechanisms of SAL in treating testicular I/R injuries, transcriptomics and metabonomics analyses were integrated. The results show that the Nfr2/HO-1/GPX4/ferroptosis signaling pathway is enriched significantly, indicating that it may be the main regulatory pathway for SAL in the treatment of testicular I/R injuries. Thereafter, transfection with Nrf2 plasmid-liposome was used to reverse verify that the Nfr2/HO-1/GPX4/ferroptosis signaling pathway was the main pathway for SAL anti-testicular I/R injury treatment. Thus, it is suggested that SAL can protect against testicular I/R injuries by regulating the Nfr2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and that SAL may be a potential drug for the treatment of testicular I/R injuries.PMID:38818379 | PMC:PMC11137215 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2024.1377836

Neocarzilin Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation via BST-2 Degradation, Resulting in Lipid Raft-Trapped EGFR

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
JACS Au. 2024 May 8;4(5):1833-1840. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00039. eCollection 2024 May 27.ABSTRACTNeocarzilin (NCA) is a natural product exhibiting potent antimigratory as well as antiproliferative effects. While vesicle amine transport protein 1 (VAT-1) was previously shown to inhibit migration upon NCA binding, the molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired proliferation remained elusive. We here introduce a chemical probe closely resembling the structural and stereochemical features of NCA and unravel bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) as one of the targets responsible for the antiproliferative effect of NCA in cancer cells. The antiproliferative mechanism of NCA was confirmed in corresponding BST-2 knockout (KO) HeLa cells, which were less sensitive to compound treatment. Vice versa, reconstitution of BST-2 in the KO cells again reduced proliferation upon NCA addition, comparable to that of wild-type (wt) HeLa cells. Whole proteome mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of NCA-treated wt and KO cancer cells revealed regulated pathways and showed reduced levels of BST-2 upon NCA treatment. In-depth analysis of BST-2 levels in response to proteasome and lysosome inhibitors unraveled a lysosomal degradation path upon NCA treatment. As BST-2 mediates the release of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) from lipid rafts to turn on proliferation signaling pathways, reduced BST-2 levels led to attenuated phosphorylation of STAT3. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy confirmed increased colocalization of EGFR and lipid rafts in the presence of NCA. Overall, NCA represents a versatile anticancer natural product with a unique dual mode of action and unconventional inhibition of proliferation via BST-2 degradation.PMID:38818080 | PMC:PMC11134574 | DOI:10.1021/jacsau.4c00039

The Human Blood <em>N</em>-Glycome: Unraveling Disease Glycosylation Patterns

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
JACS Au. 2024 May 8;4(5):1696-1708. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00043. eCollection 2024 May 27.ABSTRACTMost of the proteins in the circulation are N-glycosylated, shaping together the total blood N-glycome (TBNG). Glycosylation is known to affect protein function, stability, and clearance. The TBNG is influenced by genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors, in part epigenetically imprinted, and responds to a variety of bioactive signals including cytokines and hormones. Accordingly, physiological and pathological events are reflected in distinct TBNG signatures. Here, we assess the specificity of the emerging disease-associated TBNG signatures with respect to a number of key glycosylation motifs including antennarity, linkage-specific sialylation, fucosylation, as well as expression of complex, hybrid-type and oligomannosidic N-glycans, and show perplexing complexity of the glycomic dimension of the studied diseases. Perspectives are given regarding the protein- and site-specific analysis of N-glycosylation, and the dissection of underlying regulatory layers and functional roles of blood protein N-glycosylation.PMID:38818049 | PMC:PMC11134357 | DOI:10.1021/jacsau.4c00043

A gap analysis of UK biobank publications reveals SNPs associated with intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Comput Struct Biotechnol J. 2024 May 10;23:2200-2210. doi: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.001. eCollection 2024 Dec.ABSTRACTBreast cancer is a multifaceted disease and a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in females across the globe. In 2020 alone, 2.3 million women were diagnosed and 685,000 died of breast cancer worldwide. With the number of diagnoses projected to increase to 3 million per year by 2040 it is essential that new methods of detection and disease stratification are sought to decrease this global cancer burden. Although significant improvements have been made in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of breast cancer remains poor in some patient groups (i.e. triple negative breast cancer), necessitating research into better patient stratification, diagnosis and drug discovery. The UK Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical and epidemiological database with a wide variety of multiomics data (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) offers huge potential to uncover groundbreaking discoveries in breast cancer research leading to improved patient stratification. Combining genomic, proteomic, and metabolic profiles of breast cancer in combination with histological classification, can aid treatment decisions through accurate diagnosis and prognosis prediction of tumor behaviour. Here, we systematically reviewed PubMed publications reporting the analysis of UK Biobank data in breast cancer research. Our analysis of UK Biobank studies in the past five years identified 125 publications, of which 76 focussed on genomic data analysis. Interestingly, only two studies reported the analysis of metabolomics and proteomics data, with none performing multiomics analysis of breast cancer. A meta-analysis of the 76 publications identified 2870 genetic variants associated with breast cancer across 445 genes. Subtype analysis revealed differential genetic alteration in 13 of the 445 genes and the identification of 59 well-established breast cancer genes. in differential pathways. Pathway interaction analyses illuminated their involvement in general cancer biomolecular pathways (e.g. DNA damage repair, Gene expression). While our meta-analysis only measured genetic differences in breast cancer due to current usage of UK Biobank data, minimal multi-omics analyses have been performed and the potential for harnessing multi-omics strategies within the UK Biobank cohort holds promise for unravelling the biological signatures of distinct breast cancer subtypes further in the future.PMID:38817965 | PMC:PMC11137368 | DOI:10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.001

Comprehensive multi-omics analysis provides biological insights and therapeutic strategies for small-cell lung cancer

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
MedComm (2020). 2024 May 29;5(6):e569. doi: 10.1002/mco2.569. eCollection 2024 Jun.ABSTRACTIntegration of multi-omics analysis into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) research. In the research of small-cell lung cancer, the integration of multi-omics analysis has become an important research direction. Multi-omics analysis includes the study of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other levels, which can help us to understand the pathogenesis and development process of diseases more comprehensively as well as develop novel therapeutics and biomarkers for further precision oncology.PMID:38817653 | PMC:PMC11137328 | DOI:10.1002/mco2.569

Targeted complement inhibition using bispecific antibodies that bind local antigens and endogenous complement regulators

Fri, 31/05/2024 - 12:00
Front Immunol. 2024 May 16;15:1288597. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1288597. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTComplement activation protects against infection but also contributes to pathological mechanisms in a range of clinical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. Complement-inhibitory drugs, either approved or in development, usually act systemically, thereby increasing the risk for infections. We therefore envisioned a novel class of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) which are capable of site-directed complement inhibition by bringing endogenous complement regulators in the vicinity of defined cell surface antigens. Here, we analyzed a comprehensive set of obligate bsAbs designed to crosslink a specific target with either complement regulator factor H (FH) or C4b-binding protein (C4BP). The bsAbs were assessed for their capacity to inhibit complement activation and cell lysis in an antigen-targeted manner. We observed that the bsAbs inhibited classical, lectin, and alternative pathway complement activation in which sufficient endogenous serum FH and C4BP could be recruited to achieve local inhibition. Importantly, the bsAbs effectively protected antigen-positive liposomes, erythrocytes, and human leukocytes from complement-mediated lysis. In conclusion, localized complement inhibition by bsAbs capable of recruiting endogenous human complement regulators (such as FH or C4BP) to cell surfaces potentially provides a novel therapeutic approach for the targeted treatment of complement-mediated diseases.PMID:38817607 | PMC:PMC11137741 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1288597

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