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

Metabolic Differences among Patients with Cirrhosis Using Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry Technology

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
J Proteome Res. 2024 Nov 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00437. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe hospitalization and mortality rates of patients gradually increase following the onset and progression of liver cirrhosis (LC). We aimed to help define clinical stage and better target interventions by detecting the expression of specific metabolites in patients with different stages of LC via Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive) technology. This noninterventional observation case-control study involved 139 patients with LC or acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in a Chinese hospital between October 2022 and April 2023. Serum specimens were analyzed for multiple metabolite levels using UPLC-Q-Exactive. Data were processed to screen for differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis and enrichment analysis were performed to assess cirrhosis progression biomarkers. Following univariate and multivariate analyses, a Venn diagram indicated nine significant DAMs in common among groups. STEM analysis showed 8'-hydroxyabscisic acid, HDCA, pyruvate-3-phosphate, indospicine, eplerenone, and DEHP as significant; their levels first peaked [Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B peaked] and then decreased with CTP grade aggravation. Significant differences among 8'-hydroxyabscisic acid, eplerenone, and DEHP were observed among LC comorbidities and between subgroups. Therefore, serum levels of six DAMs may characterize metabolomic changes, determine the severity of LC, and predict the development of ACLF.PMID:39485280 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00437

Human DCP1 is crucial for mRNA decapping and possesses paralog-specific gene regulating functions

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Elife. 2024 Nov 1;13:RP94811. doi: 10.7554/eLife.94811.ABSTRACTThe mRNA 5'-cap structure removal by the decapping enzyme DCP2 is a critical step in gene regulation. While DCP2 is the catalytic subunit in the decapping complex, its activity is strongly enhanced by multiple factors, particularly DCP1, which is the major activator in yeast. However, the precise role of DCP1 in metazoans has yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, in humans, the specific biological functions of the two DCP1 paralogs, DCP1a and DCP1b, remain largely unknown. To investigate the role of human DCP1, we generated cell lines that were deficient in DCP1a, DCP1b, or both to evaluate the importance of DCP1 in the decapping machinery. Our results highlight the importance of human DCP1 in decapping process and show that the EVH1 domain of DCP1 enhances the mRNA-binding affinity of DCP2. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses outline the distinct functions of DCP1a and DCP1b in human cells, regulating specific endogenous mRNA targets and biological processes. Overall, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism of human DCP1 in mRNA decapping and shed light on the distinct functions of its paralogs.PMID:39485278 | DOI:10.7554/eLife.94811

Immunometabolic Contributions of Atopobiaceae Family Members in Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Dysplasia and Cancer

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
J Infect Dis. 2024 Nov 1:jiae533. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiae533. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: In the cervicovaginal environment, HPV acquisition and cervical cancer progression are linked to non-Lactobacillus dominance, of which Atopobiaceae are key taxa. We hypothesize that Atopobiaceae modulates the cervicovaginal microenvironment to promote HPV persistence and progression to cancer. However, the extent to which Atopobiaceae impact the immunometabolic microenvironment is poorly understood.METHODS: We investigated Atopobiaceae in a cohort of primarily Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women who were HPV-negative (n=20), HPV-positive (n=31) without dysplasia, diagnosed with cervical dysplasia (n=38), or newly diagnosed with invasive cervical carcinoma (n=9). Microbiome data was integrated with clinical and demographic surveys, immunoproteomics, and metabolomics data.RESULTS: Atopobiaceae identified were Fannyhessea vaginae, Fannyhessea massiliense, Fannyhessea species type 2, Lancefieldella deltae, and an unclassified species. A higher prevalence of Atopobiaceae was observed in women who were Hispanic and had higher gravidity and parity. F. species type 2 and F. vaginae were observed with infections of high-risk HPV genotypes 31 and 52. Atopobiacaeae were negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and positively correlated to Sneathia, Dialister, Anaerococcus, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium/Gardnerella. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-12, TNFα), immune checkpoint proteins (PD-L1, LAG3), and cancer biomarkers (CEA, MIF, TRAIL) were positively associated with Atopobiaceae-rich profiles. Pro-oncogenic metabolites, including 4-hydroxybutyrate and sphingosine, were also elevated in women colonized by Atopobiaceae.CONCLUSIONS: Our data implicate Atopobiaceae in lipid modulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and immune evasion, which may contribute to cancer. This study highlights a key family of pathogenic cervicovaginal bacteria that could be exploited to monitor HPV persistence and/or targeted to prevent HPV-mediated cancer.PMID:39485269 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiae533

Metagenomics and Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Revealed the Probiotic and Postbiotic Derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DPUL F232 Alleviate Whey Protein-Induced Food Allergy by Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Regulating Key Metabolites

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
J Agric Food Chem. 2024 Nov 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c08203. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPostbiotics have emerged as a promising alternative to probiotics. However, it remains unclear whether postbiotics can exert regulatory effects on intestinal flora and metabolism as probiotics. Thus, we investigated the effects of probiotic and postbiotic in rats with whey protein-induced food allergy, which demonstrated that postbiotic intervention effectively alleviated allergy symptoms, reduced serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) levels, and regulated the type helper 1 cell/2 cell (Th1/Th2) balance in both serum and spleen. Metagenomic analysis revealed that postbiotics induced more significant changes in intestinal flora. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that both probiotics and postbiotics significantly up-regulated various differential metabolites, which were negatively correlated with immune indices, including malvidin-3-glucoside, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, nicotinamide, triterpenoids, pirbuterol, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. This study confirms that postbiotics can alleviate food allergies and regulate intestinal flora and metabolites, which provides a valuable reference for the use of postbiotics in mitigating allergic diseases through gut microbiota and metabolite modulation.PMID:39485064 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c08203

Hidden liver-joint axis: HBV infection causes rheumatoid arthritis via TRAFD1 with imbalance of HBV X protein and trans-ferulic acid

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Virulence. 2024 Nov 1:2422540. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2422540. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Liver metabolites are involved in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), indicating a connection between the liver and joints. However, the impact and mechanism of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a hepatotropic virus, on RA are still unclear.METHODS: We investigated the correlation between HBV and RA using Mendelian randomization analysis. Single-cell transcriptome analysis was conducted to investigate changes in cell subtypes in synovial tissue of HBV-RA patients. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were used to create a cell model, and the transcriptome was examined to identify the key downstream molecules of FMT regulated by HBx. CIA model was constructed using HBV transgenic, HBx transgenic, and TRADF1 knockout mice to investigate the impact and mechanism of HBV on CIA.RESULTS: The results of our study revealed a significant positive correlation between HBV and RA. The functional studies identified a crucial role of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in the progression of RA. The results suggest that HBV-encoded HBx may promote FMT in RA by upregulating TRAFD1. Furthermore, trans-ferulic acid (TFA) was identified by screening for common metabolites in the liver, joints, and peripheral blood using the metabolome and WGCNA. Interestingly, we found that TFA ameliorated HBx-induced RA by suppressing TRAFD1 expression.CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that hidden liver-joint axis, an imbalance between TFA and HBx, plays a critical role in HBV-induced RA, which could be a potential strategy for preventing RA development.PMID:39484999 | DOI:10.1080/21505594.2024.2422540

Functional antimicrobial peptide-loaded 3D scaffolds for infected bone defect treatment with AI and multidimensional printing

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Mater Horiz. 2024 Nov 1. doi: 10.1039/d4mh01124d. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTInfection is the most prevalent complication of fractures, particularly in open fractures, and often leads to severe consequences. The emergence of bacterial resistance has significantly exacerbated the burden of infection in clinical practice, making infection control a significant treatment challenge for infectious bone defects. The implantation of a structural stent is necessary to treat large bone defects despite the increased risk of infection. Therefore, there is a need for the development of novel antibacterial therapies. The advancement in antibacterial biomaterials and new antimicrobial drugs offers fresh perspectives on antibacterial treatment. Although antimicrobial 3D scaffolds are currently under intense research focus, relying solely on material properties or antibiotic action remains insufficient. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the most promising new antibacterial therapy approaches. This review discusses the underlying mechanisms behind infectious bone defects and presents research findings on antimicrobial peptides, specifically emphasizing their mechanisms and optimization strategies. We also explore the potential prospects of utilizing antimicrobial peptides in treating infectious bone defects. Furthermore, we propose that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can be utilized for predicting the pharmacokinetic properties of AMPs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and by combining information from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and clinical studies with computational models driven by machine learning algorithms, scientists can gain a comprehensive understanding of AMPs' mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and optimizing treatment strategies tailored to individual patients, and through interdisciplinary collaborations between computer scientists, biologists, and clinicians, the full potential of AI in accelerating the discovery and development of novel AMPs will be realized. Besides, with the continuous advancements in 3D/4D/5D/6D technology and its integration into bone scaffold materials, we anticipate remarkable progress in the field of regenerative medicine. This review summarizes relevant research on the optimal future for the treatment of infectious bone defects, provides guidance for future novel treatment strategies combining multi-dimensional printing with new antimicrobial agents, and provides a novel and effective solution to the current challenges in the field of bone regeneration.PMID:39484845 | DOI:10.1039/d4mh01124d

Animal Wellness: The Power of Multiomics and Integrative Strategies: Multiomics in Improving Animal Health

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Vet Med Int. 2024 Oct 24;2024:4125118. doi: 10.1155/2024/4125118. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTThe livestock industry faces significant challenges, with disease outbreaks being a particularly devastating issue. These diseases can disrupt the food supply chain and the livelihoods of those involved in the sector. To address this, there is a growing need to enhance the health and well-being of livestock animals, ultimately improving their performance while minimizing their environmental impact. To tackle the considerable challenge posed by disease epidemics, multiomics approaches offer an excellent opportunity for scientists, breeders, and policymakers to gain a comprehensive understanding of animal biology, pathogens, and their genetic makeup. This understanding is crucial for enhancing the health of livestock animals. Multiomic approaches, including phenomics, genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, microbiomics, and metaproteomics, are widely employed to assess and enhance animal health. High-throughput phenotypic data collection allows for the measurement of various fitness traits, both discrete and continuous, which, when mathematically combined, define the overall health and resilience of animals, including their ability to withstand diseases. Omics methods are routinely used to identify genes involved in host-pathogen interactions, assess fitness traits, and pinpoint animals with disease resistance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) help identify the genetic factors associated with health status, heat stress tolerance, disease resistance, and other health-related characteristics, including the estimation of breeding value. Furthermore, the interaction between hosts and pathogens, as observed through the assessment of host gut microbiota, plays a crucial role in shaping animal health and, consequently, their performance. Integrating and analyzing various heterogeneous datasets to gain deeper insights into biological systems is a challenging task that necessitates the use of innovative tools. Initiatives like MiBiOmics, which facilitate the visualization, analysis, integration, and exploration of multiomics data, are expected to improve prediction accuracy and identify robust biomarkers linked to animal health. In this review, we discuss the details of multiomics concerning the health and well-being of livestock animals.PMID:39484643 | PMC:PMC11527549 | DOI:10.1155/2024/4125118

Chemical analysis of Alliin-Rich <em>Allium sativum</em> (Garlic) extract and its safety evaluation in <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em>

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Toxicol Rep. 2024 Oct 9;13:101760. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101760. eCollection 2024 Dec.ABSTRACTGarlic (Allium sativum) has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds. Despite its benefits, concerns about herbal extract toxicity have arisen, necessitating safety assessment . This study was designed to evaluate the chemical analysis and safety profile of Alliin-Rich Garlic Extract (ARGE) using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The ARGE was extracted from garlic cloves (Allium sativum Linn: UIH-23262) using a microwave-assisted method and characterized using UPLC-ESI-MS, 1H NMR, HPLC and IR. Its safety evaluation was determined using D. melanogaster (Harwich strain), and various assays were conducted on 1-3-day-old flies. Toxicological markers and oxidative stress were assessed to understand the impact of ARGE on the flies. Chemical profiling of ARGE using UPLC-ESI-MS, confirmed the presence of alliin (S-ally-L-cysteine-S-oxide), L-arginine, γ-glutamylmethionine, S-(2-carboxypropyl) glutathione, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(1-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(2-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamylphenylalanine, S-(allylthio) cysteine, γ-glutamyl-S-allylthiocysteine and eruboside B. HPLC confirmed an alliin content of 0.073 mg/g. Toxicological assessment in D. melanogaster revealed that ARGE enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing total thiol levels and GST activity, while reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. No significant alteration was observed in catalase activity and cellular metabolic rate. Histological examination revealed no alterations in the histoarchitecture of the brain, fat body or gut of D. melanogaster. The study demonstrated the safety of ARGE in D. melanogaster, supporting its potential as a safe herbal remedy.PMID:39484636 | PMC:PMC11525231 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101760

Polyphenol rewiring of the microbiome reduces methane emissions

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 22:2024.10.22.619724. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.22.619724.ABSTRACTMethane mitigation is regarded as a critical strategy to combat the scale of global warming. Currently, about 40% of methane emissions originate from microbial sources, which is causing strategies to suppress methanogens, either through direct toxic effects or by diverting their substrates and energy, to gain traction. Problematically, current microbial methane mitigation knowledge derives from rumen studies and lacks detailed microbiome-centered insights, limiting translation across ecosystems. Here we utilize genome-resolved metatranscriptomes and metabolomes to assess the impact of a proposed methane inhibitor, catechin, on greenhouse gas emissions for high-methane-emitting peatlands. In microcosms, catechin drastically reduced methane emissions by 72-84% compared to controls. Longitudinal sampling allowed for reconstruction of a novel catechin degradation pathway involving Actinomycetota and Clostridium, which break down catechin into smaller phenolic compounds within the first 21 days, followed by degradation of phenolic compounds by Pseudomonas_E from days 21 to 35. These genomes also co-expressed hydrogen-uptake genes, suggesting that hydrogenases may act as a hydrogen sink during catechin degradation, depriving methanogens of substrates. This was supported by decreased gene expression in hydrogenotrophic and hydrogen-dependent methylotrophic methanogens under catechin treatment. We also saw reduced gene expression from genomes inferred to be functioning syntrophically with hydrogen-utilizing methanogens. We propose that catechin metabolic redirection effectively starves hydrogen-utilizing methanogens, offering a potent avenue for curbing methane emissions across diverse environments including ruminants, landfills, and constructed or managed wetlands.PMID:39484614 | PMC:PMC11526919 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.22.619724

Tobacco smoke exposure is a driver of altered oxidative stress response and immunity in head and neck cancer

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 21:2024.10.17.618907. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.17.618907.ABSTRACTPURPOSE: Exposomes are critical drivers of carcinogenesis. However, how they modulate tumor behavior remains unclear. Extensive clinical data link cigarette smoke as a key exposome that promotes aggressive tumors, higher rates of metastasis, reduced response to chemoradiotherapy, and suppressed anti-tumor immunity. We sought to determine whether smoke itself can modulate aggressive tumor behavior in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through reprogramming the cellular reductive state.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using established human and murine HNSCC cell lines and syngeneic mouse models, we utilized conventional western blotting, steady state and flux metabolomics, RNA sequencing, quantitative proteomics and flow cytometry to analyze the impact of smoke exposure on HNSCC tumor biology.RESULTS: Cigarette smoke persistently activated Nrf2 target genes essential for maintenance of the cellular reductive state and survival under conditions of increased oxidative stress in HNSCC regardless of HPV status. In contrast to e-cigarette vapor, conventional cigarette smoke mobilizes cellular metabolism toward oxidative stress adaptation, resulting in development of cross-resistance to cisplatin. In parallel, smoke exposure modulates both expression of PDL1 and the secretory phenotype of HNSCC cells through activation of NF-κB resulting in an altered tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in syngeneic mouse models and altered PBMC differentiation that includes downregulated expression of antigen presentation and costimulatory genes in myeloid cells.CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoke exposome is a potent activator of the Nrf2 pathway and is a likely primary trigger for the tripartite phenotype of aggressive HNSCC consisting of: 1) reduced chemotherapy sensitivity, 2) enhanced metastatic potential and 3) suppressed anti-tumor immunity.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The smoke exposome drives aggressive tumor behavior, treatment resistance and suppressed immunity through coordinated metabolic reprogramming. Successfully targeting this adaptation is critical to improving survival in smokers with head and neck cancer.PMID:39484602 | PMC:PMC11526855 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.17.618907

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) elicited dose-dependent shifts in the murine urinary metabolome associated with hepatic AHR-mediated differential gene expression

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 25:2024.10.22.619714. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.22.619714.ABSTRACTEpidemiological evidence suggests an association between dioxin and dioxin-like compound (DLC) exposure and human liver disease. The prototypical DLC, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), has been shown to induce the progression of reversible hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis with periportal fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia in mice. Although the effects of TCDD toxicity are mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation, the underlying mechanisms of TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity are unresolved. In the present study, male C57BL/6NCrl mice were gavaged every 4 days for 28 days with 0.03 - 30 μg/kg TCDD and evaluated for liver histopathology and gene expression as well as complementary 1-dimensional proton magnetic resonance (1D- 1 H NMR) urinary metabolic profiling. Urinary trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine N -oxide (TMAO), and 1-methylnicotinamide (1MN) levels were altered by TCDD at doses ≤ 3 μg/kg; other urinary metabolites, like glycolate, urocanate, and 3-hydroxyisovalerate, were only altered at doses that induced moderate to severe steatohepatitis. Bulk liver RNA-seq data suggested altered urinary metabolites correlated with hepatic differential gene expression corresponding to specific metabolic pathways. In addition to evaluating whether altered urinary metabolites were liver-dependent, published single-nuclear RNA-seq (snRNA-seq), AHR ChIP-seq, and AHR knockout gene expression datasets provide further support for hepatic cell-type and AHR-regulated dependency, respectively. Overall, TCDD-induced liver effects were preceded by and occurred with changes in urinary metabolite levels due to AHR-mediated changes in hepatic gene expression.PMID:39484576 | PMC:PMC11526911 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.22.619714

Super Resolved Single-Cell Spatial Metabolomics from Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Imaging guided by Imaging Mass Cytometry

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 24:2024.10.21.619323. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.21.619323.ABSTRACTMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful technique for spatially resolved analysis of metabolites and other biomolecules within biological tissues. However, the inherent low spatial resolution of MSI often limits its ability to provide detailed cellular-level information. To address this limitation, we propose a guided super-resolution (GSR) approach that leverages high-resolution Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) images to enhance the spatial resolution of low-resolution MSI data. By using these detailed IMC images as guides, we improve the resolution of MSI images, creating high-resolution metabolite maps. This enhancement facilitates more precise analysis of cellular structures and tissue architectures, providing deeper insights into super-resolved spatial metabolomics at the single-cell level.PMID:39484548 | PMC:PMC11526965 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.21.619323

Ferroptosis Inhibition Combats Metabolic Derangements and Improves Cardiac Function in Pulmonary Artery Banded Pigs

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 24:2024.04.24.590907. doi: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590907.ABSTRACTRight heart failure (RHF) is a leading cause of mortality in multiple cardiovascular diseases and preclinical and human data suggest impaired metabolism is a significant contributor to right-sided cardiac dysfunction. Ferroptosis is a nonapopotic form of cell death driven by impaired metabolism. Rodent data suggests ferroptosis inhibition can restore mitochondrial electron transport chain function and enhance cardiac contractility in left heart failure models, but the effects of ferroptosis inhibition in translational large animal models of RHF are unknown. Here, we showed ferrostatin-1 mediated ferroptosis antagonism improve right heart structure and function in pulmonary artery banded pigs. Molecularly, ferrostatin-1 restored mitochondrial cristae structure and combatted downregulation of electron transport chain proteins. Metabolomics and lipidomics analyses revealed ferrostatin-1 improved fatty acid metabolism. Thus, these translational data suggest ferroptosis may be a therapeutic target for RHF.PMID:39484509 | PMC:PMC11526868 | DOI:10.1101/2024.04.24.590907

Urinary biochemical ecology reveals microbiome-metabolite interactions and metabolic markers of recurrent urinary tract infection

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 23:2024.10.22.619727. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.22.619727.ABSTRACTRecurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a major clinical challenge in postmenopausal women and their increasing prevalence underscores the need to define interactions between the host and the urinary microbiome that may underlie rUTI susceptibility. A body of work has identified the taxonomic profile of the female urinary microbiome associate with aging, menopause, and urinay disease. However, how this microbial community engages with the host niche, including the local biochemical environment of the urogenital tract, in health and disease is yet to be fully defined. This study directly assesses differences in the biochemical environment of the urine, or biochemical ecology, associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and defines a microbe-metabolite association network of the female urinary microbiome. By integrating metagenomic and metabolomic data collected from a controlled cohort of women with rUTI, we find that distinct metabolites, such as methionine sulfoxide (Met-SO) and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), are associated with differences in urinary microbiome diversity. We observe associations between microbial and biochemical beta diversity and unique metabolic networks of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and uroprotective Lactobacillus species, highlighting potential metabolite-driven ecological shifts that may influence UTI susceptibility. We identify a urinary lipid signature of active rUTI that can accurately distinguish (AUC = 0.987) cases controls. Finally, using time-to-relapse data we identify deoxycholic acid (DCA) as a new prognostic indicator for rUTI recurrence. Together these findings suggest that systemic metabolic processes may influence susceptibility, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention and the development of more accurate diagnostic and prognostic to improve patient outcomes.PMID:39484483 | PMC:PMC11526914 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.22.619727

Protein catabolites as blood-based biomarkers of aging physiology: Findings from the Dog Aging Project

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 21:2024.10.17.618956. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.17.618956.ABSTRACTOur understanding of age-related physiology and metabolism has grown through the study of systems biology, including transcriptomics, single-cell analysis, proteomics and metabolomics. Studies in lab organisms in controlled environments, while powerful and complex, fall short of capturing the breadth of genetic and environmental variation in nature. Thus, there is now a major effort in geroscience to identify aging biomarkers and to develop aging interventions that might be applied across the diversity of humans and other free-living species. To meet this challenge, the Dog Aging Project (DAP) is designed to identify cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns of aging in complex systems, and how these are shaped by the diversity of genetic and environmental variation among companion dogs. Here we surveyed the plasma metabolome from the first year of sampling of the Precision Cohort of the DAP. By incorporating extensive metadata and whole genome sequencing information, we were able to overcome the limitations inherent in breed-based estimates of genetic and physiological effects, and to probe the physiological and dietary basis of the age-related metabolome. We identified a significant effect of age on approximately 40% of measured metabolites. Among other insights, we discovered a potentially novel biomarker of age in the post-translationally modified amino acids (ptmAAs). The ptmAAs, which can only be generated by protein hydrolysis, covaried both with age and with other biomarkers of amino acid metabolism, and in a way that was robust to diet. Clinical measures of kidney function mediated about half of the higher ptmAA levels in older dogs. This work identifies ptmAAs as robust indicators of age in dogs, and points to kidney function as a physiological mediator of age-associated variation in the plasma metabolome.PMID:39484426 | PMC:PMC11526923 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.17.618956

Integrated systems biology identifies disruptions in mitochondrial function and metabolism as key contributors to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 25:2024.10.25.619450. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.25.619450.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for ∼50% of HF cases, with no effective treatments. The ZSF1-obese rat model recapitulates numerous clinical features of HFpEF including hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, exercise intolerance, and LV diastolic dysfunction. Here, we utilized a systems-biology approach to define the early metabolic and transcriptional signatures to gain mechanistic insight into the pathways contributing to HFpEF development.METHODS: Male ZSF1-obese, ZSF1-lean hypertensive controls, and WKY (wild-type) controls were compared at 14w of age for extensive physiological phenotyping and LV tissue harvesting for unbiased metabolomics, RNA-sequencing, and assessment of mitochondrial morphology and function. Utilizing ZSF1-lean and WKY controls enabled a distinction between hypertension-driven molecular changes contributing to HFpEF pathology, versus hypertension + metabolic syndrome.RESULTS: ZSF1-obese rats displayed numerous clinical features of HFpEF. Comparison of ZSF1-lean vs WKY (i.e., hypertension-exclusive effects) revealed metabolic remodeling suggestive of increased aerobic glycolysis, decreased β-oxidation, and dysregulated purine and pyrimidine metabolism with few transcriptional changes. ZSF1-obese rats displayed worsened metabolic remodeling and robust transcriptional remodeling highlighted by the upregulation of inflammatory genes and downregulation of the mitochondrial structure/function and cellular metabolic processes. Integrated network analysis of metabolomic and RNAseq datasets revealed downregulation of nearly all catabolic pathways contributing to energy production, manifesting in a marked decrease in the energetic state (i.e., reduced ATP/ADP, PCr/ATP). Cardiomyocyte ultrastructure analysis revealed decreased mitochondrial area, size, and cristae density, as well as increased lipid droplet content in HFpEF hearts. Mitochondrial function was also impaired as demonstrated by decreased substrate-mediated respiration and dysregulated calcium handling.CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the integrated omics approach applied here provides a framework to uncover novel genes, metabolites, and pathways underlying HFpEF, with an emphasis on mitochondrial energy metabolism as a potential target for intervention.PMID:39484400 | PMC:PMC11527111 | DOI:10.1101/2024.10.25.619450

Metabolic rewiring in fat-depleted Drosophila reveals triglyceride:glycogen crosstalk and identifies cDIP as a new regulator of energy metabolism

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Res Sq [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 18:rs.3.rs-4505077. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4505077/v1.ABSTRACTTissues store excess nutrients as triglyceride or glycogen, but how these reserves are sensed and communicate remains poorly understood. Here we identify molecular players orchestrating this metabolic balance during fat depletion. We show fat body (FB)-specific depletion of fatty acyl-CoA synthase FASN1 in Drosophila causes near-complete fat loss and metabolic remodeling that dramatically elevates glycogen storage and carbohydrate metabolism. Proteomics and metabolomics identify key factors necessary for rewiring including glycolysis enzymes and target-of-brain-insulin (tobi). FASN1-deficient flies are viable but starvation sensitive, oxidatively stressed, and infertile. We also identify CG10824/cDIP as upregulated in FASN1-depleted Drosophila. cDIP is a leucine-rich-repeat protein with homology to secreted adipokines that fine-tune energy signaling, and is required for fly development in the absence of FASN1. Collectively, we show fat-depleted Drosophila rewire their metabolism to complete development, and identify cDIP as a putative new cytokine that signals fat insufficiency and may regulate energy homeostasis.PMID:39483909 | PMC:PMC11527204 | DOI:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4505077/v1

Exploring the potential role of microbiota and metabolites in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Front Microbiol. 2024 Oct 16;15:1487393. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1487393. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTThe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease seriously affects the respiratory system function and quality of life of patients. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques to analyze the respiratory microbiota and serum metabolites of COPD and AECOPD patients. The results showed that the microbial diversity in the respiratory tract of AECOPD patients was significantly lower than that of COPD patients, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella and Neisseria in the respiratory tract of AECOPD patients was significantly lower than that of COPD patients. However, the relative abundance of Haemophilus_D, Veillonella_A and Pseudomonas_E, in AECOPD patients was significantly higher than that of COPD patients, and the ability of respiratory microbiota in AECOPD patients to participate in alanine metabolism was significantly lower than that of COPD patients. Metabolome results further revealed that the serum alanine levels in AECOPD patients were significantly lower than those in COPD patients, and these differential metabolites were mainly involved in linoleic acid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. In summary, the structural characteristics of respiratory microbiota in COPD and AECOPD patients are different from those in healthy populations, and their microbiota diversity decreases and microbial community structure and function will also undergo changes when acute exacerbations occur. In addition, the predicted microbial community function and metabolomics results indicate that the onset of AECOPD is mainly related to energy and amino acid metabolism disorders, especially alanine metabolism.PMID:39483760 | PMC:PMC11526122 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1487393

Metabolic adaptations of <em>Shewanella eurypsychrophilus</em> YLB-09 for survival in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Front Microbiol. 2024 Oct 17;15:1467153. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467153. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTElucidation of the adaptation mechanisms and survival strategies of deep-sea microorganisms to extreme environments could provide a theoretical basis for the industrial development of extreme enzymes. There is currently a lack of understanding of the metabolic adaptation mechanisms of deep-sea microorganisms to high-pressure environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic regulatory mechanisms enabling a strain of the deep-sea bacterium Shewanella eurypsychrophilus to thrive under high-pressure conditions. To achieve this, we used nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analyses of S. eurypsychrophilus strain YLB-09, which was previously isolated by our research group and shown to be capable of tolerating high pressure levels and low temperatures. We found that high-pressure conditions had pronounced impacts on the metabolic pattern of YLB-09, as evidenced by alterations in energy, amino acid, and glycerolipid metabolism, among other processes. YLB-09 adapted to the high-pressure conditions of the deep sea by switching from aerobic intracellular energy metabolism to trimethylamine N-oxide respiration, altering the amino acid profile, and regulating the composition and the fluidity of cell membrane. The findings of our study demonstrate the capacity of microorganisms to alter their metabolism in response to elevated pressure, thereby establishing a foundation for a more profound understanding of the survival mechanisms of life in high-pressure environments.PMID:39483757 | PMC:PMC11527400 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467153

Development and applications of metabolic models in plant multi-omics research

Fri, 01/11/2024 - 11:00
Front Plant Sci. 2024 Oct 17;15:1361183. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1361183. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTPlant growth and development are characterized by systematic and continuous processes, each involving intricate metabolic coordination mechanisms. Mathematical models are essential tools for investigating plant growth and development, metabolic regulation networks, and growth patterns across different stages. These models offer insights into secondary metabolism patterns in plants and the roles of metabolites. The proliferation of data related to plant genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in the last decade has underscored the growing importance of mathematical modeling in this field. This review aims to elucidate the principles and types of metabolic models employed in studying plant secondary metabolism, their strengths, and limitations. Furthermore, the application of mathematical models in various plant systems biology subfields will be discussed. Lastly, the review will outline how mathematical models can be harnessed to address research questions in this context.PMID:39483677 | PMC:PMC11524811 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2024.1361183

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