Marine oomycetes have recently been shown to be concurrently infected by (-)ssRNA viruses of the order Bunyavirales. In this work, even higher virus variability was found in a single isolate of Phytophthora condilina, a recently described member of Phytophthora phylogenetic Clade 6a, which was isolated from brackish estuarine waters in southern Portugal. Using total and small RNA-seq the full RdRp of 13 different potential novel bunya-like viruses and two complete toti-like viruses were detected. All these viruses were successfully confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using total RNA as template, but complementarily one of the toti-like and five of the bunya-like viruses were confirmed when dsRNA was purified for RT-PCR. In our study, total RNA-seq was by far more efficient for de novo assembling of the virus sequencing but small RNA-seq showed higher read numbers for most viruses. Two main populations of small RNAs (21 nts and 25 nts-long) were identified, which were in accordance with other Phytophthora species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using small RNA sequencing to identify viruses in Phytophthora spp.
- MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Genome, Viral MeSH
- RNA, Small Untranslated genetics MeSH
- Open Reading Frames MeSH
- Phytophthora virology MeSH
- RNA, Viral genetics MeSH
- RNA Viruses classification genetics isolation & purification MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, RNA * MeSH
- RNA-Seq MeSH
- Virus Diseases virology MeSH
- Computational Biology MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Portugal MeSH
Small RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is being increasingly used for profiling of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), a new group of promising biomarkers. Unfortunately, small RNA-Seq protocols are prone to biases limiting quantification accuracy, which motivated development of several novel methods. Here, we present comparison of all small RNA-Seq library preparation approaches that are commercially available for quantification of miRNAs in biofluids. Using synthetic and human plasma samples, we compared performance of traditional two-adaptor ligation protocols (Lexogen, Norgen), as well as methods using randomized adaptors (NEXTflex), polyadenylation (SMARTer), circularization (RealSeq), capture probes (EdgeSeq), or unique molecular identifiers (QIAseq). There was no single protocol outperforming others across all metrics. Limited overlap of measured miRNA profiles was documented between methods largely owing to protocol-specific biases. Methods designed to minimize bias largely differ in their performance, and contributing factors were identified. Usage of unique molecular identifiers has rather negligible effect and, if designed incorrectly, can even introduce spurious results. Together, these results identify strengths and weaknesses of all current methods and provide guidelines for applications of small RNA-Seq in biomarker research.
This study describes the application of high-throughput sequencing of small RNA analysis of the efficacy of using Ribavirin to eliminate Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1, Grapevine fleck virus and Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus from Vitis vinifera cv. Riesling. The original plant used for sanitation by Ribavirin treatment was one naturally infected with all the viruses mentioned above as confirmed by RT-PCR. A tissue cultures of the plant were established and plantlets obtained were sanitized using Ribavirin. Three years after sanitation, a small RNA sequencing method for virus detection, targeting 21, 22 and 24 nt-long viral small RNAs (vsRNAs), was used to analyze both the mother plant and the sanitized plants. The results showed that the mother plant was infected by the three mentioned viruses and additionally by two viroids - Hop stunt viroid and Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1. After Ribavirin treatment, the plants contained only the two viroids, with the complete elimination of all the viruses previously present.
- MeSH
- Plant Diseases prevention & control virology MeSH
- Ribavirin pharmacology MeSH
- RNA, Viral genetics MeSH
- Plant Viruses drug effects genetics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA MeSH
- Vitis virology MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
In this study, we employed short- and long-read sequencing technologies to delineate the transcriptional architecture of the human monkeypox virus and to identify key regulatory elements that govern its gene expression. Specifically, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis to annotate the transcription start sites (TSSs) and transcription end sites (TESs) of the virus by utilizing Cap Analysis of gene expression sequencing on the Illumina platform and direct RNA sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore technology device. Our investigations uncovered significant complexity in the use of alternative TSSs and TESs in viral genes. In this research, we also detected the promoter elements and poly(A) signals associated with the viral genes. Additionally, we identified novel genes in both the left and right variable regions of the viral genome.IMPORTANCEGenerally, gaining insight into how the transcription of a virus is regulated offers insights into the key mechanisms that control its life cycle. The recent outbreak of the human monkeypox virus has underscored the necessity of understanding the basic biology of its causative agent. Our results are pivotal for constructing a comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of the human monkeypox virus, providing valuable resources for future studies.
- MeSH
- Genome, Viral MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Transcription Initiation Site * MeSH
- Promoter Regions, Genetic MeSH
- RNA, Viral genetics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, RNA * methods MeSH
- Gene Expression Profiling MeSH
- Transcriptome * MeSH
- Monkeypox virus genetics MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The mechanism of action of various viruses has been the primary focus of many studies. Yet, the data on RNA modifications in any type of virus are scarce. Methods for the sensitive analysis of RNA modifications have been developed only recently and they have not been applied to viruses. In particular, the RNA composition of HIV-1 virions has never been determined with sufficiently exact methods. Here, we reveal that the RNA of HIV-1 virions contains surprisingly high amount of the 1-methyladenosine. We are the first to use a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC/MS) of virion RNA, which we combined with m1A profiling and deep sequencing. We found that m1A was present in the tRNA, but not in the genomic HIV-1 RNA and the abundant 7SL RNA. We were able to calculate that an HIV-1 virion contains per 2 copies of genomic RNA and 14 copies of 7SL RNA also 770 copies of tRNA, which is approximately 10 times more than thus far expected. These new insights into the composition of the HIV-1 virion can help in future studies to identify the role of nonprimer tRNAs in retroviruses. Moreover, we present a promising new tool for studying the compositions of virions.
- MeSH
- Adenosine analogs & derivatives metabolism MeSH
- Chromatography, Liquid methods MeSH
- Genome, Viral genetics MeSH
- HIV-1 genetics physiology MeSH
- Mass Spectrometry methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- RNA, Small Cytoplasmic genetics MeSH
- RNA, Transfer genetics metabolism MeSH
- RNA, Viral genetics metabolism MeSH
- Base Sequence MeSH
- Virus Assembly genetics MeSH
- Signal Recognition Particle genetics MeSH
- Virion genetics metabolism MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid malignancies with heterogeneous genotypes and phenotypes, characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and a high risk of progression towards acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Prognosis for patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), as is azacytidine, the main drug used as frontline therapy for MDS is mostly based on cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) of the initial myeloid clone. Although the critical influence of the epigenetic landscape upon cancer cells survival and development as well on tumour environment establishment is currently recognized and approached within current clinical practice in MDS, the heterogenous response of the patients to epigenetic therapy is suggesting a more complex mechanism of action, as is the case of RNA methylation. In this sense, the newly emerging field of epitranscriptomics could provide a more comprehensive perspective upon the modulation of gene expression in malignancies, as is the proof-of-concept of MDS. We initially did RNA methylation sequencing on MDS patients (n = 6) treated with azacytidine and compared responders with non-responders. Afterwards, the genes identified were assessed in vitro and afterwards validated on a larger cohort of MDS patients treated with azacytidine (n = 58). Our data show that a more accurate prognosis could be based on analysing the methylome and thus we used methylation sequencing to differentially split high-grade MDS patients with identical demographical and cytogenetic features, between azacytidine responders and non-responders.
- MeSH
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic therapeutic use pharmacology MeSH
- Azacitidine * pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Epigenesis, Genetic drug effects MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- RNA Methylation MeSH
- DNA Methylation * drug effects MeSH
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes * genetics drug therapy pathology MeSH
- Prognosis MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, RNA MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Gene Expression Profiling MeSH
- Transcriptome genetics drug effects MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
UNLABELLED: In an attempt to explore infectious agents associated with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs), we employed our high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis pipeline, RNA CoMPASS, to investigate the presence of ectopic organisms within a number of NPC cell lines commonly used by NPC and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) researchers. Sequencing data sets from both CNE1 and HONE1 were found to contain reads for human papillomavirus 18 (HPV-18). Subsequent real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis on a panel of NPC cell lines identified HPV-18 in CNE1 and HONE1 as well as three additional NPC cell lines (CNE2, AdAH, and NPC-KT). Further analysis of the chromosomal integration arrangement of HPV-18 in NPCs revealed patterns identical to those observed in HeLa cells. Clustering based on human single nucleotide variation (SNV) analysis of two separate HeLa cell lines and several NPC cell lines demonstrated two distinct clusters with CNE1, as well as HONE1 clustering with the two HeLa cell lines. In addition, duplex-PCR-based genotyping showed that CNE1, CNE2, and HONE1 do not have a HeLa cell-specific L1 retrotransposon insertion, suggesting that these three HPV-18(+) NPC lines are likely products of a somatic hybridization with HeLa cells, which is also consistent with our RNA-seq-based gene level SNV analysis. Taking all of these findings together, we conclude that a widespread HeLa contamination may exist in many NPC cell lines, and authentication of these cell lines is recommended. Finally, we provide a proof of concept for the utility of an RNA-seq-based approach for cell authentication. IMPORTANCE: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines are important model systems for analyzing the complex life cycle and pathogenesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Using an RNA-seq-based approach, we found HeLa cell contamination in several NPC cell lines that are commonly used in the EBV and related fields. Our data support the notion that contamination resulted from somatic hybridization with HeLa cells, likely occurring at the point of cell line establishment. Given the rarity of NPCs, the long history of NPC cell lines, and the lack of rigorous cell line authentication, it is likely that the actual prevalence and impact of HeLa cell contamination on the EBV field might be greater. We therefore recommend cell line authentication prior to performing experiments using NPC cell lines to avoid inaccurate conclusions. The novel RNA-seq-based cell authentication approach reported here can serve as a comprehensive method for validating cell lines.
- MeSH
- Genome * MeSH
- HeLa Cells chemistry MeSH
- DNA Contamination MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor chemistry MeSH
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms genetics MeSH
- Polymerase Chain Reaction MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, RNA MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetically heterogeneous hereditary renal disease. X-Linked AS (XLAS) is responsible for 80% to 85% of familial cases and is caused by mutations in the COL4A5 collagen gene. To date, indirect molecular diagnosis for XLAS is not well defined, and mutation screening of the COL4A5 gene is time consuming and complicated because of its large size and high allelic heterogeneity. Our aim is to facilitate XLAS genetic testing. METHODS: For linkage analysis, we tested the applicability of 4 microsatellite markers defining a 1.2-megabase region flanking the COL4A5 gene. For mutation screening of the COL4A5 gene, we describe a new strategy based on direct sequencing of hair root COL4A5 messenger RNA (mRNA). RESULTS: Three microsatellite markers proved accurate (DXS1120, DXS6802, and DXS1210) and 1 was discarded (DXS6797) because it was difficult to interpret. The mutation screening method provides results in 4 days, and when applied to 29 patients suspected of having XLAS, it identified mutations in 76% (22 of 29 patients). This study correlates COL4A5 mutations with effects at the mRNA level and suggests that mutations affecting mRNA splicing of the COL4A5 gene (41%; 9 of 22 patients) are more common than previously described. Many splicing mutations did not alter the canonical 5' and 3' splice sites. CONCLUSIONS: A more reliable linkage analysis and a simple, fast, and efficient mutation screening are now available for the genetic testing of patients with XLAS.
- MeSH
- Nephritis, Hereditary diagnosis genetics MeSH
- Genetic Linkage genetics MeSH
- Genetic Testing methods MeSH
- Collagen Type IV genetics MeSH
- DNA, Complementary genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microsatellite Repeats genetics MeSH
- RNA genetics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA methods MeSH
- Hair Follicle physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
Východiska: Nádorový genom dětských pacientů se vyznačuje řadou charakteristik, které jej značně odlišují od malignit dospělého věku. Mezi tyto charakteristiky patří nízká mutační nálož, významná role epigenetických změn a také četnost výskytu fúzních genů jakožto řídicích prvků kancerogeneze. Fúzní geny vznikají v důsledku několika typů chromozomálních přestaveb, jako jsou translokace, delece, inzerce či inverze, a mohou mít celou řadu funkčních dopadů. Ačkoli byly v minulosti studovány především v kontextu hematologických malignit, jejich význam v diagnostice a terapii solidních nádorů neustále narůstá. Materiál a metody: U 250 pacientů se solidními nádory z Kliniky dětské onkologie Fakultní nemocnice Brno byla provedena analýza fúzních genů metodou cíleného RNA sekvenování. Sekvenační knihovny byly připraveny s pomocí sady TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer Panel (Illumina, USA), který pokrývá 1385 klinicky relevantních genů. Sekvenace knihoven proběhla s využitím NextSeq Mid Output Kit (150 cyklů) na platformě NextSeq 500 (Illumina, USA). Sekvenační čtení byla namapována na referenční genom hg38 s pomocí STAR aligneru s parametry nastavenými tak, aby umožnily detekci fúzních genů. Pro vyhledání fúzních genů byly použity nástroje Arriba a STARfusion a identifikované fúzní geny byly manuálně ověřeny v softwaru IGV. Výsledky: Klinicky relevantní fúzní geny byly identifikovány u 25 % pacientů. Největší podíl identifikovaných fúzí tvořily fúze asociované se sarkomy, jako jsou EWSR1-FLI1, PAX3-FOXO1 nebo SS18-SSX1/2. Druhou největší skupinu představovaly fúze typické pro nádory CNS, zejména KIAA1549-BRAF či jiné fúze aktivující Ras/MAPK signalizaci. U pacientky s renálním karcinomem byla identifikována dosud nepopsaná fúze DVL3-TFE3. Celkem 33 % identifikovaných fúzních genů bylo terapeuticky cílitelných a u 2/3 pacientů s terapeuticky cílitelnou fúzí byla nasazena odpovídající léčba. Závěr: Analýza fúzních genů má velký přínos v diagnostice, prognostické stratifikaci a terapeutickém plánování pediatrických onkologických pacientů. Použití vysokokapacitních přístupů, jako je RNA sekvenování, umožňuje identifikaci nových fúzních genů a tím také hlubší porozumění komplexním změnám doprovázejícím vznik a rozvoj nádorových onemocnění.
Background: Pediatric cancer genome significantly differs from the genome of adult malignancies and is characterized by low tumor mutational burden, the great importance of epigenetic changes, and also the frequent occurrence of fusion genes. Fusion genes arise as a result of several types of chromosomal rearrangements, such as translocations, deletions, insertions, or inversions, and can have a variety of functional impacts. In the past, they were studied mainly in the context of hematological malignancies; however, their importance in the diagnostics and therapy of solid tumors is increasing. Materials and methods: In 250 patients with solid tumors from the Department of Pediatric Oncology of University Hospital Brno, an analysis of fusion genes was performed using targeted RNA sequencing. Sequencing libraries were prepared using the TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer Panel (Illumina), which covers 1 385 clinically relevant genes, and sequenced using the NextSeq Mid Output Kit (150 cycles) on the NextSeq 500 platform (Illumina). Sequencing reads were mapped to hg38 using the STAR aligner with parameters set to allow fusion genes detection. Arriba and STARfusion tools were used to search for fusion genes, which were subsequently manually verified in the IGV software. Results: Clinically relevant fusion genes were identified in 25% of patients. The largest proportion of fusions identified were fusions associated with sarcomas, such as EWSR1-FLI1, PAX3-FOXO1, or SS18-SSX1/2. The second-largest group was represented by CNS tumor fusions, especially KIAA1549-BRAF or other Ras/MAPK-associated fusions. A previously undescribed DVL3-TFE3 fusion was identified in a renal carcinoma patient. 33% of the identified fusion genes were therapeutically targetable, and 2/3 of patients received corresponding treatment. Conclusion: The analysis of fusion genes is of great benefit in the diagnostics, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic planning of pediatric cancer patients. The use of high-throughput approaches such as RNA sequencing enables the identification of novel fusion genes as well as a deeper understanding of the complex changes that are involved in the development of the disease.
Závěrečná zpráva o řešení grantu Agentury pro zdravotnický výzkum MZ ČR
Nestr.
Hereditary neuropathies (IPN) are a group of inherited peripheral neuropathies, which are characterized by distal muscle weakness, foot deformities and muscle atrophy. We have gathered a few families in whom the cause of the disease remained unknown – even after using a variety of methods like linkage analysis, targeted massively parallel sequencing of a gene panel and whole exome sequencing (WES). The aim of the project is to implement advanced analyses, clarify the causes of CMT disease in this group of patients with previously unexplained cause of hereditary neuropathy. We will use new possibilities and methods such as whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Firstly, we will focus on four larger families, with clinically well documented inherited peripheral neuropathy and multiple affected members. Secondly, other families will also be included in the project (up to ten families).
Dědičné neuropatie, včetně nejčastější formy Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), jsou skupinou onemocnění, pro které je charakteristické distální postižení končetin - svalová slabost a deformity nohou i rukou, svalové atrofie. V naší laboratoři je díky dlouholeté diagnostice této skupiny chorob pro celou ČR shromážděn velký soubor pacientů. Máme vybráno několik velkých rodin (minimálně 4), u kterých příčina onemocnění doposud není známa, a to i po provedení vyšetření nejčastějších genových poruch spojených s CMT, genového mapovaní na SNP čipech, nejnovější metody masivně paralelního sekvenování vyšetřením panelů všech genů, které jsou v současnosti spojovány s CMT a celoexomového sekvenování. Cílem projektu je provedení dalších moderních analýz v těchto rodinách, a tím objasnění příčiny dědičné neuropatie. Využijeme zcela nové možnosti a metody a to celogenomové sekvenování a transkriptomové sekvenování. V první fázi se zaměříme na objasnění příčiny u čtyř velkých rodin, ve druhé fázi budou do projektu zahrnuty i další rodiny (celkem až 10 rodin).
- MeSH
- Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy diagnosis genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, RNA methods MeSH
- Whole Genome Sequencing methods MeSH
- RNA-Seq MeSH
- Rare Diseases diagnosis genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Conspectus
- Patologie. Klinická medicína
- NML Fields
- genetika, lékařská genetika
- neurologie
- NML Publication type
- závěrečné zprávy o řešení grantu AZV MZ ČR
