Metagenomics is gradually being implemented for diagnosing infectious diseases. However, in-depth protocol comparisons for viral detection have been limited to individual sets of experimental workflows and laboratories. In this study, we present a benchmark of metagenomics protocols used in clinical diagnostic laboratories initiated by the European Society for Clinical Virology (ESCV) Network on NGS (ENNGS). A mock viral reference panel was designed to mimic low biomass clinical specimens. The panel was used to assess the performance of twelve metagenomic wet lab protocols currently in use in the diagnostic laboratories of participating ENNGS member institutions. Both Illumina and Nanopore, shotgun and targeted capture probe protocols were included. Performance metrics sensitivity, specificity, and quantitative potential were assessed using a central bioinformatics pipeline. Overall, viral pathogens with loads down to 104 copies/ml (corresponding to CT values of 31 in our PCR assays) were detected by all the evaluated metagenomic wet lab protocols. In contrast, lower abundant mixed viruses of CT values of 35 and higher were detected only by a minority of the protocols. Considering the reference panel as the gold standard, optimal thresholds to define a positive result were determined per protocol, based on the horizontal genome coverage. Implementing these thresholds, sensitivity and specificity of the protocols ranged from 67 to 100 % and 87 to 100 %, respectively. A variety of metagenomic protocols are currently in use in clinical diagnostic laboratories. Detection of low abundant viral pathogens and mixed infections remains a challenge, implying the need for standardization of metagenomic analysis for use in clinical settings.
- Klíčová slova
- Benchmark, Clinical viral metagenomics, Wet lab protocols,
- MeSH
- benchmarking * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metagenomika * metody normy MeSH
- senzitivita a specificita * MeSH
- virové nemoci diagnóza virologie MeSH
- viry * genetika klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- výpočetní biologie metody MeSH
- vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování metody normy MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
Cylindrospermopsin, a potent hepatotoxin produced by harmful cyanobacterial blooms, poses environmental and human health concerns. We used a 3D human liver in vitro model based on spheroids of HepG2 cells, in combination with molecular and biochemical assays, automated imaging, targeted LC-MS-based proteomics, and lipidomics, to explore cylindrospermopsin effects on lipid metabolism and the processes implicated in hepatic steatosis. Cylindrospermopsin (1 μM, 48 h) did not significantly affect cell viability but partially reduced albumin secretion. However, it increased neutral lipid accumulation in HepG2 spheroids while decreasing phospholipid levels. Simultaneously, cylindrospermopsin upregulated genes for lipogenesis regulation (SREBF1) and triacylglycerol synthesis (DGAT1/2) and downregulated genes for fatty acid synthesis (ACLY, ACCA, FASN, SCD1). Fatty acid uptake, oxidation, and lipid efflux genes were not significantly affected. Targeted proteomics revealed increased levels of perilipin 2 (adipophilin), a major hepatocyte lipid droplet-associated protein. Lipid profiling quantified 246 lipid species in the spheroids, with 28 significantly enriched and 15 downregulated by cylindrospermopsin. Upregulated species included neutral lipids, sphingolipids (e.g., ceramides and dihexosylceramides), and some glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines), while phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylinositols were mostly reduced. It suggests that cylindrospermopsin exposures might contribute to developing and progressing towards hepatic steatosis or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
- Klíčová slova
- Harmful cyanobacterial blooms, Hepatospheroids, LC-MS-Based lipid profiling, MAFLD, Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,
- MeSH
- alkaloidy * farmakologie MeSH
- bakteriální toxiny * metabolismus MeSH
- buněčné sféroidy účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- buňky Hep G2 MeSH
- homeostáza účinky léků MeSH
- játra * metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lipidomika MeSH
- lipogeneze účinky léků MeSH
- metabolismus lipidů * účinky léků MeSH
- proteomika MeSH
- toxiny kmene Cyanobacteria * MeSH
- uracil * analogy a deriváty metabolismus MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- alkaloidy * MeSH
- bakteriální toxiny * MeSH
- cylindrospermopsin MeSH Prohlížeč
- toxiny kmene Cyanobacteria * MeSH
- uracil * MeSH
Nitrite, as an electron acceptor, plays a good role in denitrifying phosphorus removal (DPR); however, high nitrite concentration has adverse affects on sludge performance. We investigated the precise mechanisms of responses of sludge to high nitrite stress, including surface characteristics, intracellular and extracellular components, microbial and metabolic responses. When the nitrite stress reached 90 mg/L, the sludge settling performance was improved, but the activated sludge was aging. FTIR and XPS analysis revealed a significant increase in the hydrophobicity of the sludge, resulting in improve settling performance. However, the intracellular carbon sources synthesis was inhibited. In addition, the components in the tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) of sludge were significantly reduced and indicated the disturb of metabolism. Notably, Exiguobacterium emerged as a new genus when face high nitrite stress that could maintaining survival in hostile environments. Moreover, metabolomic analysis demonstrated strong biological response to nitrite stress further supported above results that include the inhibited of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. More importantly, some lipids (PS, PA, LysoPA, LysoPC and LysoPE) were significantly upregulated that related enhanced membrane lipid remodeling. The comprehensive analyses provide novel insights into the high nitrite stress responses mechanisms in activated sludge systems.
- Klíčová slova
- Denitrifying phosphorus removal, Intracellular carbon sources, Metabolomic, Nitrite stress, Surface properties,
- MeSH
- bioreaktory mikrobiologie MeSH
- denitrifikace * MeSH
- dusitany * metabolismus MeSH
- fosfor * metabolismus MeSH
- metabolomika * MeSH
- mikrobiota účinky léků MeSH
- odpad tekutý - odstraňování metody MeSH
- odpadní vody * mikrobiologie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- dusitany * MeSH
- fosfor * MeSH
- odpadní vody * MeSH
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has gained growing attention as a strategy for monitoring biodiversity in ecology. However, taxa identifications produced through metabarcoding require sophisticated processing of high-throughput sequencing data from taxonomically informative DNA barcodes. Various sets of universal and taxon-specific primers have been developed, extending the usability of metabarcoding across archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Accordingly, a multitude of metabarcoding data analysis tools and pipelines have also been developed. Often, several developed workflows are designed to process the same amplicon sequencing data, making it somewhat puzzling to choose one among the plethora of existing pipelines. However, each pipeline has its own specific philosophy, strengths and limitations, which should be considered depending on the aims of any specific study, as well as the bioinformatics expertise of the user. In this review, we outline the input data requirements, supported operating systems and particular attributes of thirty-two amplicon processing pipelines with the goal of helping users to select a pipeline for their metabarcoding projects.
- Klíčová slova
- amplicon data analysis, bioinformatics, environmental DNA, metabarcoding, pipeline, review,
- MeSH
- analýza dat MeSH
- Archaea genetika klasifikace MeSH
- Bacteria genetika klasifikace MeSH
- environmentální DNA genetika MeSH
- Eukaryota genetika klasifikace MeSH
- metagenomika metody MeSH
- software * MeSH
- taxonomické DNA čárové kódování * metody MeSH
- výpočetní biologie * metody MeSH
- vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- environmentální DNA MeSH
BACKGROUND: Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS)-deficient homocystinuria (HCU) is an inherited disorder of sulfur amino acid metabolism with varying severity and organ complications, and a limited knowledge about underlying pathophysiological processes. Here we aimed at getting an in-depth insight into disease mechanisms using a transgenic mouse model of HCU (I278T). METHODS: We assessed metabolic, proteomic and sphingolipidomic changes, and mitochondrial function in tissues and body fluids of I278T mice and WT controls. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of methionine-restricted diet (MRD) in I278T mice. RESULTS: In WT mice, we observed a distinct tissue/body fluid compartmentalization of metabolites with up to six-orders of magnitude differences in concentrations among various organs. The I278T mice exhibited the anticipated metabolic imbalance with signs of an increased production of hydrogen sulfide and disturbed persulfidation of free aminothiols. HCU resulted in a significant dysregulation of liver proteome affecting biological oxidations, conjugation of compounds, and metabolism of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors and lipids. Liver sphingolipidomics indicated upregulation of the pro-proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling pathway. Liver mitochondrial function of HCU mice did not seem to be impaired compared to controls. MRD in I278T mice improved metabolic balance in all tissues and substantially reduced dysregulation of liver proteome. CONCLUSION: The study highlights distinct tissue compartmentalization of sulfur-related metabolites in normal mice, extensive metabolome, proteome and sphingolipidome disruptions in I278T mice, and the efficacy of MRD to alleviate some of the HCU-related biochemical abnormalities.
- Klíčová slova
- Cystathionine beta-synthase, Homocystinuria, Metabolomics, Methionine restriction, Proteomics,
- MeSH
- cystathionin-beta-synthasa * metabolismus nedostatek genetika MeSH
- homocystinurie * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- játra * metabolismus MeSH
- lipidomika metody MeSH
- metabolomika * metody MeSH
- mitochondrie metabolismus MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech * MeSH
- myši transgenní * MeSH
- myši MeSH
- proteom metabolismus MeSH
- proteomika * metody MeSH
- sfingolipidy * metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- cystathionin-beta-synthasa * MeSH
- proteom MeSH
- sfingolipidy * MeSH
Cadmium contamination can lead to a decrease in crop yield and quality. However, Cd-tolerant rice can improve rice resistance genes, improve crop tolerance to heavy metals, and protect plants from oxidative damage. In this study, Japonica rice: Chunyou 987 and Indica rice: Chuanzhong you 3607 were used to reveal the molecular response mechanism of Cd-tolerant rice under cadmium concentration of 3 mg/kg through comparative experiments combined with physiology and proteomics. The results showed that compared with indica rice, japonica rice showed more robust resistance to Cd stress and effectively retained many Cd ions in roots. Moreover, it enhanced its enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidative stress mechanism, which increased the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 47.37%, 21.75%, and 55.42%, respectively. The contents of non-enzymatic antioxidant substances ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys), proline (PRO), anthocyanins (OPC), and flavonoids were increased by 25.32%, 42.67%, 21.43%, 50.81%, 33.23%, and 72.16%, respectively. Through proteomics analysis, it was found that in response to the damage caused by cadmium stress, Japonica rice makes Photosynthesis functional proteins (psbO and PetH), Photosynthesis antenna proteins (LHCA and ASCAB9), Carbon fixation functional proteins (PEPC and OsAld), Porphyrin metabolism functional proteins (OsRCCR1 and SE5), Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate The expression of metabolism functional proteins (CATC and GLO4.) and Glutathione metabolism functional proteins (APX8 and OsGSTU13) were significantly up-regulated, which stimulated the antioxidant stress mechanism and photosynthetic system, and constructed a robust energy supply system to ensure the normal metabolic activities of life. Strengthening the mechanisms of plant homeostasis. In summary, this study revealed the molecular mechanism of tolerance to Cd stress in japonica rice, and the results of this study will provide a possible way to improve Cd-resistant rice seedlings.
- Klíčová slova
- Antioxidation, Cd contamination, Energy metabolism, Oryza sativa, Proteome,
- MeSH
- antioxidancia metabolismus MeSH
- fotosyntéza účinky léků MeSH
- fyziologický stres účinky léků MeSH
- kadmium * toxicita MeSH
- kořeny rostlin účinky léků MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * toxicita MeSH
- oxidační stres * účinky léků MeSH
- proteomika * MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny genetika metabolismus MeSH
- rýže (rod) * účinky léků genetika fyziologie MeSH
- superoxiddismutasa metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antioxidancia MeSH
- kadmium * MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny MeSH
- superoxiddismutasa MeSH
Spatial transcriptomics is revolutionizing modern biology, offering researchers an unprecedented ability to unravel intricate gene expression patterns within tissues. From pioneering techniques to newly commercialized platforms, the field of spatial transcriptomics has evolved rapidly, ushering in a new era of understanding across various disciplines, from developmental biology to disease research. This dynamic expansion is reflected in the rapidly growing number of technologies and data analysis techniques developed and introduced. However, the expanding landscape presents a considerable challenge for researchers, especially newcomers to the field, as staying informed about these advancements becomes increasingly complex. To address this challenge, we have prepared an updated review with a particular focus on technologies that have reached commercialization and are, therefore, accessible to a broad spectrum of potential new users. In this review, we present the fundamental principles of spatial transcriptomic methods, discuss the challenges in data analysis, provide insights into experimental considerations, offer information about available resources for spatial transcriptomics, and conclude with a guide for method selection and a forward-looking perspective. Our aim is to serve as a guiding resource for both experienced users and newcomers navigating the complex realm of spatial transcriptomics in this era of rapid development. We intend to equip researchers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to the cutting-edge research that spatial transcriptomics offers.
- Klíčová slova
- Commercial platforms, Selection guide, Spatial transcriptomics, Technologies,
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- stanovení celkové genové exprese * metody MeSH
- transkriptom * MeSH
- výpočetní biologie metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Introduction. The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can induce prolonged colonization of the lungs of susceptible patients, resulting in conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.Hypothesis. Analysis of the A. fumigatus secretome released during sub-lethal infection of G. mellonella larvae may give an insight into products released during prolonged human colonisation.Methodology. Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with A. fumigatus, and the metabolism of host carbohydrate and proteins and production of fungal virulence factors were analysed. Label-free qualitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify fungal proteins in larvae at 96 hours post-infection and also to identify changes in the Galleria proteome as a result of infection.Results. Infected larvae demonstrated increasing concentrations of gliotoxin and siderophore and displayed reduced amounts of haemolymph carbohydrate and protein. Fungal proteins (399) were detected by qualitative proteomic analysis in cell-free haemolymph at 96 hours and could be categorized into seven groups, including virulence (n = 25), stress response (n = 34), DNA repair and replication (n = 39), translation (n = 22), metabolism (n = 42), released intracellular (n = 28) and cellular development and cell cycle (n = 53). Analysis of the Gallerial proteome at 96 hours post-infection revealed changes in the abundance of proteins associated with immune function, metabolism, cellular structure, insect development, transcription/translation and detoxification.Conclusion. Characterizing the impact of the fungal secretome on the host may provide an insight into how A. fumigatus damages tissue and suppresses the immune response during long-term pulmonary colonization.
- Klíčová slova
- Aspergillus, Galleria mellonella, fungal–host interactions, gliotoxin, proteomics,
- MeSH
- Aspergillus fumigatus * metabolismus MeSH
- aspergilóza mikrobiologie metabolismus MeSH
- faktory virulence metabolismus MeSH
- fungální proteiny * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- hemolymfa mikrobiologie metabolismus MeSH
- larva * mikrobiologie MeSH
- můry * mikrobiologie MeSH
- proteom analýza MeSH
- proteomika MeSH
- sekretom metabolismus MeSH
- virulence MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- faktory virulence MeSH
- fungální proteiny * MeSH
- proteom MeSH
BACKGROUND: Morganella spp are opportunistic pathogens involved in various infections. Intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics (including colistin) combined with the emergence of carbapenemase producers reduces the number of active antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to characterise genetic features related to the spread of carbapenem-resistant Morganella spp. METHODS: This comparative genomic study included extensively drug-resistant Morganella spp isolates collected between Jan 1, 2013, and March 1, 2021, by the French National Reference Center (NRC; n=68) and European antimicrobial resistance reference centres in seven European countries (n=104), as well as one isolate from Canada, two reference strains from the Pasteur Institute collection (Paris, France), and two colistin-susceptible isolates from Bicêtre Hospital (Kremlin-Bicêtre, France). The isolates were characterised by whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biochemical tests. Complete genomes from GenBank (n=103) were also included for genomic analysis, including phylogeny and determination of core genomes and resistomes. Genetic distance between different species or subspecies was performed using average nucleotide identity (ANI). Intrinsic resistance mechanisms to polymyxins were investigated by combining genetic analysis with mass spectrometry on lipid A. FINDINGS: Distance analysis by ANI of 275 isolates identified three groups: Morganella psychrotolerans, Morganella morganii subspecies sibonii, and M morganii subspecies morganii, and a core genome maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree showed that the M morganii isolates can be separated into four subpopulations. On the basis of these findings and of phenotypic divergences between isolates, we propose a modified taxonomy for the Morganella genus including four species, Morganella psychrotolerans, Morganella sibonii, Morganella morganii, and a new species represented by a unique environmental isolate. We propose that M morganii include two subspecies: M morganii subspecies morganii (the most prevalent) and M morganii subspecies intermedius. This modified taxonomy was supported by a difference in intrinsic resistance to tetracycline and conservation of metabolic pathways such as trehalose assimilation, both only present in M sibonii. Carbapenemase producers were mostly identified among five high-risk clones of M morganii subspecies morganii. The most prevalent carbapenemase corresponded to NDM-1, followed by KPC-2, and OXA-48. A cefepime-zidebactam combination was the most potent antimicrobial against the 172 extensively drug-resistant Morganella spp isolates in our collection from different European countries, which includes metallo-β-lactamase producers. Lipid A analysis showed that the intrinsic resistance to colistin was associated with the presence of L-ARA4N on lipid A. INTERPRETATION: This global characterisation of, to our knowledge, the widest collection of extensively drug-resistant Morganella spp highlights the need to clarify the taxonomy and decipher intrinsic resistance mechanisms, and paves the way for further genomic comparisons. FUNDING: None.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky * farmakologie MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- beta-laktamasy * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- enterobakteriální infekce * mikrobiologie epidemiologie MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- genom bakteriální * genetika MeSH
- genomika MeSH
- karbapenemy farmakologie MeSH
- kolistin farmakologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
- mnohočetná bakteriální léková rezistence genetika MeSH
- Morganella * genetika MeSH
- sekvenování celého genomu MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa epidemiologie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antibakteriální látky * MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny * MeSH
- beta-laktamasy * MeSH
- carbapenemase MeSH Prohlížeč
- karbapenemy MeSH
- kolistin MeSH
Hookworms are parasites, closely related to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, that are a major economic and health burden worldwide. Primarily three hookworm species (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum) infect humans. Another 100 hookworm species from 19 genera infect primates, ruminants, and carnivores. Genetic data exist for only seven of these species. Genome sequences are available from only four of these species in two genera, leaving 96 others (particularly those parasitizing wildlife) without any genomic data. The most recent hookworm genomes were published 5 years ago, leaving the field in a dusk. However, assembling genomes from single hookworms may bring a new dawn. Here we summarize advances, challenges, and opportunities for studying these neglected but important parasitic nematodes.
- Klíčová slova
- Ancylostoma, Necator, genome, genomics, hookworms, sequencing,
- MeSH
- Ancylostomatoidea genetika MeSH
- genom u helmintů * genetika MeSH
- genomika * MeSH
- infekce oblými hlísty * parazitologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
