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

Bioinert UHPLC system improves sensitivity and peak shapes for ionic metabolites

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
J Chromatogr A. 2024 Dec 6;1740:465588. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465588. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe analysis of ionic compounds by liquid chromatography is challenging due to the interaction of analytes with the metal surface of the instrument and the column, leading to poor peak shape and decreased sensitivity. The use of bioinert materials in the chromatographic system minimizes these unrequired interactions. In this work, the ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with bioinert components was connected to a high-resolution mass spectrometer to develop a method for untargeted metabolomic analysis. 81 standards of metabolites were used for the development and optimization of the method. In comparison to the conventional chromatographic system, the application of bioinert technology resulted in significantly improved peak shapes and increased sensitivity, especially for metabolites containing phosphate groups. The calibration curves were constructed for the evaluation of the method performance, showing a wide dynamic range, low limit of detection, and linear regression coefficients higher than 0.99 for all standards. The optimized method was applied to the analysis of NIST SRM 1950 human plasma, which allowed the detection of 156 metabolites and polar lipids based on the combination of mass accuracy in the full-scan mass spectra in both polarity modes, characteristic fragment ions in MS/MS, and logical chromatographic behavior leading to the high confidence level of annotation/identification. We have demonstrated an improvement in the peak shapes and sensitivity of ionic metabolites using bioinert technology, which indicates the potential for the analysis of other ionic compounds, e.g., molecules containing phosphate groups.PMID:39662336 | DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465588

Comparative metabolomics reveals eggshell translucency formation using LC-MS Analysis

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Poult Sci. 2024 Dec 5;104(1):104623. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104623. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEggshell translucency is the common problem on eggshell that become more severe with age. They are important because it influence consumer preferences and the economic value of eggs. The reason for the eggshell translucency is currently believed to be the eggshell membrane (ESM). In this study, we screened translucency eggs and normal eggs and used metabolomics to study liver metabolism in different eggshell translucency and discuss important liver lipids and phosphatidyl metabolites. Liver samples were taken for Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS) during the formation of eggshell membranes in hens, that is, when eggs form eggshell membranes in the oviduct isthmus. The results showed that we identified two essential metabolic pathways through differential metabolite pathway analysis, which were glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism related to amino acids metabolism and the PPAR metabolic pathway related to lipid metabolism. Furthermore, this study helps us understand the process of translucency egg production in poultry. This laid the foundation for in-depth research on eggshell translucency. These results may and provide support for future breeding.PMID:39662257 | DOI:10.1016/j.psj.2024.104623

Omics based technology application in poultry meat research

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Poult Sci. 2024 Dec 5;104(1):104643. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104643. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOmics techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, analyze entire sets of biological molecules to seek comprehensive knowledge on a particular phenotype. These approaches have been extensively utilized to identify both biomarkers and biological mechanisms for various physiological conditions in livestock and poultry. The purpose of this symposium was not only to focus on how recent omics technologies can be used to gather, integrate, and interpret data produced by various methodologies in poultry research, but also to highlight how omics and bioinformatics have increased our understanding of poultry meat quality problems and other complex traits. This Poultry Science Association symposium paper includes 5 sections that cover: 1) functional annotation of cis-regulatory elements in the genome informs genetic control of complex traits in poultry, 2) mass spectrometry for proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, 3) proteomic approaches to investigate meat quality, 4) spatial transcriptomics and metabolomics studies of wooden breast disease, and 5) multiomics analyses on chicken meat quality and spaghetti meat. These topics provide insights into the molecular components that contribute to the structure, function, and dynamics of the underlying mechanisms influencing meat quality traits, including chicken breast myopathies. This information will ultimately contribute to improving the quality and composition of poultry products.PMID:39662255 | DOI:10.1016/j.psj.2024.104643

The synergistic effect of pulsed red light and leonurus inhibits primary dysmenorrhea induced by oxytocin in mice by modulating calcium signaling and inhibiting inflammatory responses

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
J Photochem Photobiol B. 2024 Dec 8;262:113079. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.113079. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDespite increasing evidence suggesting that red light photobiomodulation (R-PBM) and leonurus play important roles in analgesic and anti-inflammatory processes, data on their combined effect on primary dysmenorrhea (PD) are scarce. In this study, we reported the pain assessment of red light at various modes combined with leonurus on the oxytocin-induced model of PD mice. The combined intervention of pulsed R-PBM and leonurus decreased pain responses and PGF2α/PGE2 levels, alleviated uterine swelling and inflammatory infiltration, enhanced antioxidant levels (T-AOC, GSH-PX, SOD), and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA, LPO) in the uterus, with its synergistic effect surpassing either treatment alone or the combination of continuous wave R-PBM with leonurus. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated significant changes in differentially expressed genes associated with calcium signaling (Cav1, Cacna1c, Kcnmb1, Cnn1, and Myh11) and inflammatory response (Ptgs2, Jun, Fos, IL1rn, and IL17b) in the combination group, with concurrent downregulation of MLCK, COX-2, p-JNK/JNK, and IL17b protein levels, and upregulation of IL1rn, suggesting that the combined intervention of pulsed R-PBM and leonurus may alleviate pain through disruption of calcium homeostasis and induction of ROS-mediated inflammatory responses. Metabolomics studies of plasma revealed significant changes in lipid metabolism after the combined intervention, consistent with the transcriptomic findings. Hence, pulsed R-PBM combined leonurus has the potential to be an effective therapeutic approach for PD, as well as an alternative option for painful and inflammatory diseases; however, further exploration of its underlying mechanism is still necessary.PMID:39662253 | DOI:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.113079

Lipidomics and spatial metabolomics reveal the heterogeneity in lipid distribution within pecan kernels

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem. 2024 Dec 4;467:142368. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142368. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a globally important nut crop, yet the processes of lipid biosynthesis and spatial lipid distribution within its embryo remain poorly understood. This study employed UHPLC-MS/MS and MALDI-MSI to profile lipids in developing pecan embryos, identifying 401 lipid molecules, including a high abundance of glycerolipids (148) and glycerophospholipids (144). Differential diacylglycerols showed gradual uptrends, highlighting their role in synthesizing glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. Unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, were enriched in triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylcholines. MALDI-MSI revealed the spatial distribution of phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), suggesting heterogeneous lipid distribution within embryos. The proportion of linoleic and linolenic acids is higher in the kernel coat, whereas the proportion of oleic acid is relatively higher in the cotyledons. Differences in lipid content were also observed between the inner and outer cotyledons. This study provides the first comprehensive map of lipid distribution in pecan embryos, offering new insights into lipid metabolism regulation.PMID:39662248 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142368

Letter to the Editor - Untargeted metabolomics and mendelian randomization analysis identify alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid as novel biomarkers of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Clin Nutr. 2024 Dec 6;44:124. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.12.010. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:39662117 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnu.2024.12.010

A new perspective on GC-MS urinary metabolomics analysis and efficient risk assessment of urolithiasis: morning urine organic acid profiles

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Kidney Blood Press Res. 2024 Dec 11:1-21. doi: 10.1159/000542263. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis is characterized by a high morbidity and recurrence rate, primarily attributed to metabolic disorders. The identification of more metabolic biomarkers would provide valuable insights into the etiology of stone formation and the assessment of disease risk. The present study aimed to seek potential organic acid (OA) biomarkers from morning urine samples and explore new methods based on machine learning (ML) for metabolic risk prediction of urolithiasis.METHODS: Morning urine samples were collected from 117 healthy controls and 156 urolithiasis patients. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to obtain metabolic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and ML were carried out to screen robust markers and establish a prediction evaluation model.RESULTS: There were 25 differential metabolites identified, such as palmitic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, glyoxylate, and ketoglutarate, mainly involving arginine and proline metabolism, fatty acid degradation, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism. The urinary organic acid markers significantly improved the performance of the ML model. The sensitivity and specificity were up to 87.50% and 84.38%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was significantly improved (AUC = 0.9248).CONCLUSION: The results suggest that OA profiles in morning urine can improve the accuracy of predicting urolithiasis risk, and possibly help to understand the involvement of metabolic perturbations in metabolic pathways of stone formation and to provide new insights.PMID:39662072 | DOI:10.1159/000542263

Metabolomics in Context of Alpha-Ketoglutarate and Lactate in Neonates with Birth Asphyxia

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Clin Lab. 2024 Dec 1;70(12). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240717.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Neonatal birth/perinatal asphyxia is a critical condition that can adversely affect many different bodily tissues, particularly the brain; depending on duration and severity of asphyxia, leading to difficulties and lifelong disabilities. These can be avoided by early detection of the biochemical derangements and prompt intervention. Serum alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and cord blood lactate have been found to be associated with birth asphyxia and may have potential to act as biomarkers for birth asphyxia.METHODS: Serum levels of α-KG and cord blood lactate were estimated in 34 birth asphyxiated neonates with clinical evidence of asphyxia. The levels were also analyzed in 46 apparently healthy controls, and data was compared among different groups by using appropriate statistical analysis. Serum α-KG was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cord blood lactate by blood gas autoanalyzer (BGA) in the serum samples.RESULTS: Serum α-KG levels were found to be increased in birth asphyxiated neonates as compared to healthy controls (p-value = 0.06). Correlation of serum α-ketoglutarate (ng/mL) levels with outcome (discharged/expired) in birth asphyxiated neonates was not found to be statistically significant (r value = 0.156, p-value = 0.384). A statisti-cally significant correlation was not found between severity of birth asphyxia and levels of serum α-ketoglutarate (ng/mL) (r value = 0.029, p-value = 0.86). Also, correlation of cord blood lactate levels (mmol/L) with severity in birth asphyxiated neonates was not found to be statistically significant (r value = 0.326, p-value = 0.10). Correlation between cord blood lactate levels (mmol/L) and outcome in birth asphyxiated neonates (discharged/ expired) was not found to be statistically significant (r value = 0.03, p-value = 0.87), while correlation of cord pH levels and severity of birth asphyxia in cases was found to be highly statistically significant (r value = -0.60, p-value < 0.01) Conclusions: Serum α-KG and cord blood lactate bear the potential to act as biomarkers in neonates with birth asphyxia.PMID:39662007 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240717

High-precision chemical quantum sensing in flowing monodisperse microdroplets

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Sci Adv. 2024 Dec 13;10(50):eadp4033. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp4033. Epub 2024 Dec 11.ABSTRACTA method is presented for high-precision chemical detection that integrates quantum sensing with droplet microfluidics. Using nanodiamonds (ND) with fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers as quantum sensors, rapidly flowing microdroplets containing analyte molecules are analyzed. A noise-suppressed mode of optically detected magnetic resonance is enabled by pairing controllable flow with microwave control of NV electronic spins, to detect analyte-induced signals of a few hundredths of a percent of the ND fluorescence. Using this method, paramagnetic ions in droplets are detected with low limit-of-detection using small analyte volumes, with exceptional measurement stability over >103 s. In addition, these droplets are used as microconfinement chambers by co-encapsulating ND quantum sensors with various analytes such as single cells, suggesting wide-ranging applications including single-cell metabolomics and real-time intracellular measurements from bioreactors. Important advances are enabled by this work, including portable chemical testing devices, amplification-free chemical assays, and chemical imaging tools for probing reactions within microenvironments.PMID:39661672 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adp4033

SRC kinase drives multidrug resistance induced by KRAS-G12C inhibition

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Sci Adv. 2024 Dec 13;10(50):eadq4274. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adq4274. Epub 2024 Dec 11.ABSTRACTDirect targeting of the KRAS-G12C-mutant protein using covalent inhibitors (G12Ci) acts on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, drug resistance is an emerging concern in this approach. Here, we show that MRTX849, a covalent inhibitor targeting the KRAS-G12C mutation, leads to the reactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in MRTX849-resistant NSCLC and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A genome-wide CRISPR screen revealed that the adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter ABCC1 mediates MRTX849 resistance. Functional studies demonstrated that the transcription factor JUN drives ABCC1 expression, resulting in multidrug resistance. An unbiased drug screen identified the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib that potentiates MRTX849 efficacy by inhibiting SRC-dependent JUN activation, avoiding multidrug resistance and tumor suppression in vitro as well as in suitable preclinical mouse models and patient-derived organoids. SRC inhibitors (DGY-06-116, dasatinib, and bosutinib) also exhibit synergistic effects with MRTX849 in eliminating various tumor cell lines carrying KRAS-G12C mutations. Thus, SRC inhibitors amplify the therapeutic utility of G12Ci.PMID:39661665 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adq4274

Lower serum uric acid levels are associated with depressive symptoms in a Japanese general population: A population-based cross-sectional study

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
PLoS One. 2024 Dec 11;19(12):e0311971. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311971. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTUric acid (UA) is a final product of purine metabolism and has neuroprotective effects. It has not been established whether serum UA levels are associated with depressive disorder. Thus, we investigated whether serum UA levels are associated with depressive symptoms in a Japanese general population. We used the Iwaki Health Promotion Project 2022 data (737 subjects) in this cross-sectional study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Subjects with CES-D scores ≥16 were assigned to the Depression group. We compared characteristics and laboratory data (including serum UA) between the Depression and Non-depression groups and performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate whether their serum UA levels were associated with depressive symptoms, after adjusting for possible confounding factors. We analyzed the cases of 705 subjects: the Depression group (n = 142) and the Non-depression group (n = 563). The Depression group's serum UA levels were significantly lower than those of the Non-depression group. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lower serum UA levels were significantly associated with the depressive symptoms. In conclusion, lower serum UA levels in this Japanese general population were significantly associated with the depressive symptoms.PMID:39661619 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0311971

Restricting lysine normalizes toxic catabolites associated with ALDH7A1 deficiency in cells and mice

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Cell Rep. 2024 Dec 10;43(12):115069. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115069. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLysine metabolism converges at α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH7A1). Rare loss-of-function mutations in ALDH7A1 cause a toxic accumulation of lysine catabolites, including piperideine-6-carboxylate (P6C), that are thought to cause fatal seizures in children unless strictly managed with dietary lysine reduction. In this study, we perform metabolomics and expression analysis of tissues from Aldh7a1-deficient mice, which reveal tissue-specific differences in lysine metabolism and other metabolic pathways. We also develop a fluorescent biosensor to characterize lysine transporter activity and identify competitive substrates that reduce the accumulation of lysine catabolites in ALDH7A1-deficient HEK293 cells. Lastly, we show that intravenous administration of lysine α-oxidase from Trichoderma viride reduces lysine and P6C levels by >80% in mice. Our results improve our understanding of lysine metabolism and make inroads toward improving therapeutic strategies for lysine catabolic disorders.PMID:39661514 | DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115069

The BRAHMA-associated SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex controls Arabidopsis seed quality and physiology

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Plant Physiol. 2024 Dec 11:kiae642. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiae642. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) chromatin remodeling complex is involved in various aspects of plant development and stress responses. Here, we investigated the role of BRM (BRAHMA), a core catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, in Arabidopsis thaliana seed biology. brm-3 seeds exhibited enlarged size, reduced yield, increased longevity, and enhanced secondary dormancy, but did not show changes in primary dormancy or salt tolerance. Some of these phenotypes depended on the expression of DOG1, a key regulator of seed dormancy, as they were restored in the brm-3 dog1-4 double mutant. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that BRM and DOG1 synergistically modulate the expression of numerous genes. Some of the changes observed in the brm-3 mutant, including increased glutathione levels, depended on a functional DOG1. We demonstrated that the BRM-containing chromatin remodeling complex directly controls secondary dormancy through DOG1 by binding and remodeling its 3' region, where the promoter of the long non-coding RNA asDOG1 is located. Our results suggest that BRM and DOG1 cooperate to control seed physiological properties and that BRM regulates DOG1 expression through asDOG1. This study reveals chromatin remodeling at the DOG1 locus as a molecular mechanism controlling the interplay between seed viability and dormancy.PMID:39661382 | DOI:10.1093/plphys/kiae642

Rounded Turn SLIM Design for High-Resolution Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Small Molecules

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Anal Chem. 2024 Dec 11. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03808. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTVarious rounded turn designs in Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulation (SLIM) were explored via ion trajectory simulations. The optimized design was integrated into a SLIM ion mobility (IM) system coupled with a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) for further experimental investigation. The SLIM-TOF IM-MS system was assessed for IM resolution and ion transmission efficiency across a wide m/z range using various RF frequencies and buffer gas combinations. High ion transmission efficiency and high resolution ion mobility (HRIM) separation were achieved for Agilent tune mix ions through a ∼12.8 m serpentine separation path in both nitrogen and helium. In helium, ion transmission for low m/z ions was enhanced at higher RF trapping frequency, enabling the detection of ions with m/z below 50 and all 17 amino acids from a standard mixture. Lossless ion transmission was observed for glycine (m/z 76) in both passthrough and HRIM modes. HRIM resolution was benchmarked using L-isoleucine, L-leucine, and various other isobaric and isomeric metabolites with m/z values of 60-89. This work demonstrates a rounded turn SLIM design that enables HRIM measurements for small molecule analytes, with a particular focus on metabolomics, where IM offers a means to enhance the speed, robustness, and specificity of analytical workflows.PMID:39661157 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03808

All-trans retinoic acid potentiates cell death induced by quizartinib in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD mutations

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Ann Hematol. 2024 Dec 11. doi: 10.1007/s00277-024-06089-w. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3-ITD mutation represents a quarter of AML patients and is associated with high relapse rate and dismal prognosis. FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were developed in order to target this genetic alteration and among these TKIs, AC220 (quizartinib) combined with chemotherapy has already shown an increased overall survival for patients with AML with FLT3-ITD mutation. Even though this increase in overall survival was significant, it remains discrete, and relapse rate is still high, so there is an unmet medical need. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is well known for its effectiveness in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment and has already been shown to have synergistic effects combined with another TKI, sorafenib. In this study, quizartinib, a more potent FLT3-TKI, was tested in combination with ATRA in the AML FLT3-ITD positive cell lines MOLM-13 and MV4-11. ATRA has effectively improved AC220 induced cell death via caspase activation. In addition, ATRA in combination with AC220 treatment notably enhanced BECN1 cleavage compared to AC220 treatment alone. Finally, in a xenotransplantation model ATRA plus AC220 was more efficient to reduce the leukemic burden than monotherapy with ATRA or AC220. Taken together, our results are a proof of the concept that ATRA and AC220 have synergistic anti-leukemic effects.PMID:39661129 | DOI:10.1007/s00277-024-06089-w

Multi-omics analysis reveals the interplay between intratumoral bacteria and glioma

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
mSystems. 2024 Dec 11:e0045724. doi: 10.1128/msystems.00457-24. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEmerging evidence highlights the potential impact of intratumoral microbiota on cancer. However, the microbial composition and function in glioma remains elusive. Consequently, our study aimed to investigate the microbial community composition in glioma tissues and elucidate its role in glioma development. We parallelly performed microbial profiling, transcriptome sequencing, and metabolomics detection on tumor and adjacent normal brain tissues obtained from 50 glioma patients. We employed immunohistochemistry, multicolor immunofluorescence, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) staining to observe the presence and location of bacteria. Furthermore, an animal model was employed to validate the impact of key bacteria on glioma development. Six genera were found to be significantly enriched in glioma tissues compared to adjacent normal brain tissues, including Fusobacterium, Longibaculum, Intestinimonas, Pasteurella, Limosilactobacillus, and Arthrobacter. Both bacterial RNA and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were observed in glioma tissues. Integrated microbiomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics revealed that genes associated with intratumoral microbes were enriched in multiple synapse-associated pathways and that metabolites associated with intratumoral microbes were (R)-N-methylsalsolinol, N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid, and N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid. Further mediation analysis suggested that the intratumoral microbiome may affect the expression of neuron-related genes through bacteria-associated metabolites. In addition, both in vivo and in vitro models of glioma show that Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes glioma proliferation and upregulates CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL2 levels. Our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between intratumoral bacteria and glioma.IMPORTANCE: Our study adopted a multi-omics approach to unravel the impact of intratumoral microbes on neuron-related gene expression through bacteria-associated metabolites. Importantly, we found bacterial RNA and LPS signals within glioma tissues, which were traditionally considered sterile. We identified key microbiota within glioma tissues, including Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we identified the crucial role of Fn in promoting glioma progression, suggesting that Fn could be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for glioma patients. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate interplay between intratumoral bacteria and glioma, offering novel inspiration to the realm of glioma biology.PMID:39660865 | DOI:10.1128/msystems.00457-24

Regionalization of intestinal microbiota and metabolites in the small intestine of the Bactrian camel

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Front Immunol. 2024 Nov 26;15:1464664. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1464664. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Peyer's patches (PPs) are crucial antigen-inductive sites of intestinal mucosal immunity. Prior research indicated that, in contrast to other ruminants, PPs in the small intestine of Bactrian camels are found in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and display polymorphism. Using this information, we analyzed the microbial and metabolic characteristics in various segments of the Bactrian camel's small intestine to further elucidate how the immune system varies across different regions.METHODS: In this study, the microbiota and metabolite of 36 intestinal mucosal samples, including duodenal (D-PPs), jejunal (J-PPs), and ileal PPs (I-PPs), were profiled for six Bactrian camels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To confirm meaningful associations, we conducted connection analyses on the significantly different objects identified in each group's results. ELISA was used to analyze the levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the same tissues.RESULTS: The microbiota and metabolite profiles of J-PPs and I-PPs were found to be similar, whereas those of D-PPs were more distinct. In J-PPs and I-PPs, the dominant bacterial genera included Clostridium, Turicibacter, and Shigella. In contrast, D-PPs had a significant increase in the abundance of Prevotella, Fibrobacter, and Succinobacter. Regarding the metabolomics, D-PPs exhibited high levels of polypeptides, acetylcholine, and histamine. On the other hand, J-PPs and I-PPs were characterized by an enrichment of free amino acids, such as L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, and L-serine. These metabolic differences mainly involve amino acid production and metabolic processes. Furthermore, the distribution of intestinal immunoglobulins highlighted the specificity of D-PPs. Our results indicated that proinflammatory microbes and metabolites were significantly enriched in D-PPs. In contrast, J-PPs and I-PPs contained substances that more effectively enhance immune responses, as evidenced by the differential distribution of IgA, IgG, and IgM.DISCUSSION: The intestinal microenvironment of Bactrian camels displays distinct regional disparities, which we propose are associated with variations in immunological function throughout different segments of the small intestine. This study highlights the specific traits of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites in Bactrian camels, offering a valuable reference for understanding the relationship between regional intestinal immunity and the general health and disease of the host.PMID:39660142 | PMC:PMC11628504 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1464664

Dietary protein re-alimentation following restriction improves protein deposition via changing amino acid metabolism and transcriptional profiling of muscle tissue in growing beef bulls

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Anim Nutr. 2024 Jul 23;19:117-130. doi: 10.1016/j.aninu.2024.04.028. eCollection 2024 Dec.ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop a compensatory growth model using growing beef cattle by changing dietary protein and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of compensatory protein deposition in muscle tissue. Twelve Charolais bulls were randomly assigned to one of two groups with two periods: 1) a control group (CON) fed a 13% crude protein (CP) diet for 6 weeks; 2) a treatment group (REC) fed a 7% CP diet for 4 weeks (restriction period) and fed a 13% CP diet in the following 2 weeks (re-alimentation period). Growth performance, digestibility, nitrogen balance, targeted metabolomics of amino acids (AA) in plasma, and transcriptional profiling in muscle tissue were analyzed. Protein restriction decreased average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05), while protein re-alimentation increased ADG relative to the CON (P < 0.05). Compared to the CON, REC reduced retained N (P < 0.05), and protein re-alimentation increased retained N and N utilization efficiency (P < 0.05), due to reduced urinary urea, hippuric acid, and creatinine excretions (P < 0.05). Ruminal NH3-N in the REC was lower than that in the CON in the protein re-alimentation period (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in microbial protein and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations. Dietary protein restriction decreased plasma valine and aspartic acid concentrations relative to the CON (P < 0.05), and increased proline and 3-methyl-L-histidine concentrations (P < 0.05). After dietary protein re-alimentation, REC increased plasma citrulline concentrations (P < 0.05). The transcriptional profiling revealed that REC upregulated the AA transporter SLC3A1, and protein re-alimentation downregulated SLC7A8 in the muscle cell membrane. Within the muscle cell, upregulated cytosolic arginine sensor for mTORC1 subunit 2 (CASTOR2) inhibited protein synthesis by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 phosphorylation in the protein restriction period, while DNA-damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) activated the mTOR signaling pathway and promoted protein synthesis in the protein re-alimentation period. In summary, the targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses demonstrated that protein re-alimentation following restriction can promote protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown by regulating AA metabolism and functional transcripts related to AA transporters and the mTOR signaling pathway.PMID:39659991 | PMC:PMC11630643 | DOI:10.1016/j.aninu.2024.04.028

Ion channel modulator DPI-201-106 significantly enhances antitumor activity of DNA damage response inhibitors in glioblastoma

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Neurooncol Adv. 2024 Nov 19;6(1):vdae187. doi: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae187. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Glioblastoma, a lethal high-grade glioma, has not seen improvements in clinical outcomes in nearly 30 years. Ion channels are increasingly associated with tumorigenesis, and there are hundreds of brain-penetrant drugs that inhibit ion channels, representing an untapped therapeutic resource. The aim of this exploratory drug study was to screen an ion channel drug library against patient-derived glioblastoma cells to identify new treatments for brain cancer.METHODS: Seventy-two ion channel inhibitors were screened in patient-derived glioblastoma cells, and cell viability was determined using the ViaLight Assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were determined with flow cytometry using PI and Annexin V staining, respectively. Protein and phosphoprotein expression was determined using mass spectrometry and analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed using intracranial xenograft models of GBM6 and WK1 cells.RESULTS: The voltage-gated sodium channel modulator, DPI-201-106, was revealed to reduce glioblastoma cell viability in vitro by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Phosphoproteomics indicated that DPI-201-106 may impact DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. Combination treatment of DPI-201-106 with the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib or the PARP inhibitor niraparib demonstrated synergistic effects in multiple patient-derived glioblastoma cells both in vitro and in intracranial xenograft mouse models, extending survival of glioblastoma-bearing mice.CONCLUSIONS: DPI-201-106 enhances the efficacy of DDR inhibitors to reduce glioblastoma growth. As these drugs have already been clinically tested in humans, repurposing DPI-201-106 in novel combinatorial approaches will allow for rapid translation into the clinic.PMID:39659830 | PMC:PMC11630809 | DOI:10.1093/noajnl/vdae187

Integrated microbiomic and metabolomic dynamics of Yi traditional fermented liquor

Wed, 11/12/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem X. 2024 Nov 16;24:102016. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.102016. eCollection 2024 Dec 30.ABSTRACTThis study examines the microbial community composition, metabolite characteristics, and the relationship between the two during the fermentation process of Yi traditional fermented liquor. Yi traditional fermented foods have a profound historical and cultural background, with significant ethnic characteristics. As a case in point, Yi traditional fermented liquor is typically prepared using local plants or traditional Chinese herbs as fermentation substrates and undergoes a lengthy fermentation process, resulting in a fermented beverage that is reputed to have beneficial effects on human health. These foods are not only characterised by a distinctive flavor profile, but are also perceived to possess certain health benefits in the context of traditional ethnic medicine and wellness practices. The community composition of bacteria and fungi was analyzed using 16S rRNA and ITS1 sequencing technologies, which revealed that microbial diversity was higher in the early stages of fermentation but gradually decreased as fermentation progressed. A total of 130 major volatile flavor compounds and 26 key metabolites were identified at different stages of fermentation. These included acids, sugars, amino acids and flavonoids, which significantly influence the flavor and nutritional value of the fermented products. The study indicates a significant correlation between specific microbial populations (such as yeasts) and key metabolites (such as flavonoids and amino acids). These findings emphasise the significance of the interplay between microbial communities and metabolites in shaping the quality and efficacy of fermented products. They offer a scientific foundation for optimizing traditional fermented food production processes.PMID:39659683 | PMC:PMC11629247 | DOI:10.1016/j.fochx.2024.102016

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