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Tracing the molecular route to progression in miRNA-biogenesis-defective thyroid lesions.

Germline and somatic changes in DICER1 and DGCR8 microprocessors confer risk of developing benign and malignant thyroid lesions, yet the molecular events driving malignant transformation remain unclear. We trace the molecular trajectories from benignity to malignancy in DICER1- and DGCR8-mutated thyroid lesions using multiomic profiling on over 30 DICER1-/DGCR8-mutated samples. Our findings reveal a progressive, specific, and linear accumulation of genetic changes, which when combined with enhanced downregulation of miRNAs distinguished DICER1-/DGCR8-malignant lesions from their benign counterparts. Compensatory hypomethylation of miRNA-encoding genes characterized DICER1-/DGCR8-benign lesions, but as the tumors progressed to malignancy, methylation was partly reimposed, reversing the attempts to activate miRNA-encoded genes and further compromising miRNA production. Transcriptomic analyses revealed mutation-specific effects on the microenvironment, whereby DICER1 mutations activated canonical thyroid cancer progression pathways, whereas altered DGCR8 associated with immune-related changes. This work unveils specific molecular events underlying malignant progression of miRNA-biogenesis-related thyroid tumors and identifies potential biomarkers and disease etiology mechanisms.

MicroRNAs

Assessment of the trace organic molecular composition of industrial and municipal wastewater effluents by capillary gas chromatography/real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry: a preliminary report.

In summary, the use of HRGC/HRMS and ECC can provide valuable information on the organic constituents of refinery wastewater samples, even when present in extremely complex mixtures. In many cases, the low-resolution (nominal mass) spectra would not have been interpretable without the availability of the corresponding high-resolution (accurate mass and elemental composition) information, since, even with the use of capillary columns, the components of these complex mixtures were not chromatographically resolved. It is apparent that additional components in these fractions could be identified if additional data processing followed by detailed analysis of the ECC data set is carried out incorporating the retention index information derivable from the series of n-alkanes present, although the incomplete chemical fractionation of the samples is a complicating factor in these particular wastewater extracts.

California

Genomic characteristics and tracing analysis of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak associated with rotavirus C in a boarding high school.

BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses are major pathogens of childhood acute gastroenteritis, dominated by rotavirus A (RVA). Outbreaks caused by human rotavirus C (RVC) are rarely reported, and relevant genomic data remain scarce. This genomic investigation of an RVC outbreak improves our understanding of viral diversity and transmission dynamics. METHODS: We performed epidemiological surveys, nucleic acid testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on specimens from a 2025 RVC-associated gastroenteritis outbreak at a Chinese boarding high school. Sequence alignment, phylogenetic and molecular tracing analyses were conducted to explore RVC evolution via point mutation, segment reassortment and genomic recombination. RESULTS: This typical point-source campus outbreak was linked to an indoor student gathering matching the incubation period of RVC. Thirteen RVC FX strains were recovered from 11 rectal swabs and two vomitus samples. Their viral protein (VP) 4 and VP7 sequences shared high homology with Russian reference strains, carrying distinct amino acid variations. No segment reassortment or recombination was detected in VP4/VP7 genes. CONCLUSIONS: Dense, closed campus settings facilitate RVC clustered transmission. Limitations included absent screening of asymptomatic canteen staff. Rapid nucleic acid testing enabled timely pathogen identification for outbreak control. Greater attention should be paid to the public health risk of RVC. These whole-genome sequencing data enrich resources for studying RVC evolution and vaccine development.

Acute gastroenteritis outbreak

Nitrogen 15 tracer studies on the pathway of denitrification in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The pathway of anaerobic reduction of nitrite to nitrogen gas (N2) by cell suspensions of the denitrifier, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was studied using the techniques of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. While release of nitrous oxide (N2O) is not normally detected during the reduction of nitrite to N2 by this organism, 15N from [15N]nitrite nevertheless can be trapped quantitatively as 15N2O in a pool of added N2O. In such experiments the abundance of 15N in N2O always exceeds that in product N2, consistent with the absence of a major reductive route from nitrite to N2 which by-passes N2O. During the reduction of a mixture of [15N]nitrite and nitric oxide (NO), 15NO produced at most only in trace amounts. The final products are chiefly 15N2 and 14N2 with only a small fraction of the scrambled product, 14N15N. Much of the 14N15N can be accounted for as an artifact caused by traces of molecular oxygen, which promote the conversion of NO to nitrite by autooxidation and thereby degrade slightly the isotopic purity of [15N]nitrite. Nitrous oxide shows all the properties of a free obligatory intermediate during the denitrification of nitrite to N2 by P. aeruginosa, whereas NO does not. The inability to trap 15NO in a pool of NO indicates that NO is not a free obligatory intermediate in the reduction of nitrite. The small mole fractions of 14N15N produced from a mixture of [15N]nitrite and NO require that the main reductive pathways for these nitrogen oxides cannot share any freely diffusible mono-nitrogen intermediate in common. The simplest interpretation is that nitrite and NO are denitrified by separate pathways, at least prior to the formation of the first bi-nitrogen compound.

Anaerobiosis

Cloning and validating systems for high throughput molecular recording.

Molecular recording technologies record and store information about cellular history. Lineage tracing is one form of molecular recording and produces information describing cellular trajectories during mammalian development, differentiation and maintenance of adult stem cell niches, and tumor evolution. Our molecular recorder technology utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 barcode editing to generate mutations in genomically integrated, engineered DNA cassettes, which are read out by single-cell RNA sequencing and used to produce high-resolution lineage trees. Here, we describe optimized cloning and validation procedures to construct the molecular recorder lineage tracing system. We include information on considerations of technology design, cloning procedures, the generation of lineage tracing cell lines, and time course experiments to assess their performance.

Cloning, Molecular

Structure of beef heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase. Arrangement of subunits as disclosed by cross-linking reagents and selective labeling by radioactive ligands.

1. The following bifunctional reagents, dimethylsuberimidiate, dimethyladipimidate, methylmercaptobutyrimidate have been used to produce dimers between the neighboring subunits of beef heart F1-ATPase. 2. Treatment of beef heart F1-ATPase with dimethylsuberimidate or dimethyladipimidate resulted in the formation of four cross-linked products. Their molecular weights determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were 11 500, 105 000, 95 000 and 80 000, respectively. The products of molecular weight 115 000 and 105 000 were predominant and could be detected at the early stage of the cross-linking reaction. Treatment of beef heart F1-ATPase with methylmercaptobutyrimidate resulted in the accumulation of the product of molecular weight 115 000 and in traces of products of lower molecular weight. When the cross-linked products obtained with methylmercaptobutyrimidate were cleaved by beta-mercaptoethanol, the original gel electrophoresis pattern was restored. 3. Cross-linking of beef heart F1-ATPase by dimethylsuberimidate, dimethyladipimidate and methylmercaptobutyrimidate was accompanied by a loss of the ATPase activity. Cleavage of the cross-linked products obtained with methylmercaptobutyrimidate did not restore the original ATPase activity. 4. Identification of subunits A and B in the products of molecular weight 115 000 and 105 000 was achieved by specific labeling of subunit A with N-[14C]ethylmaleimide and of subunit B by chloronitro [14C]benzooxodiazole. Both products were able to bind N-[14C]ethylmaleimide; only the 105 000 dalton product was able to bind chloronitro [14C]benzooxodiazole. 5. The product of molecular weight 115 000 obtained by treatment of beef heart ATPase with methylmercaptobutyrimidate could bind N-[14C]ethylmaleimide. Its cleavage, following N-[14C]ethylmaleimide binding, yielded one labeled peptide identified with subunit A by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 6. The above results indicate that the product of molecular weight 115 000 is a dimer containing two subunits A and that the product of molecular weight 105 000 is a dimer containing one subunit A and one subunit B. It can therefore be concluded that, in beef heart F1-ATPase, the A subunits are close to each other and that subunit A is close to subunit B. In contrast the B sublnits are probably too far from each other to be cross-linked by dimethylsuberimidate, dimethyladipimidate or methylmercaptobutyrimidate.

Adenosine Triphosphatases

Demonstration of synthesis of beta-trace protein in different tissues of squirrel monkey.

The sites of synthesis of the low molecular weight beta-trace protein, present in a seven times higher concentration in normal human CSF than in normal human serum, have been studied by means of a radioactive immunoprecipitation method. Adult squirrel monkey tissues were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium in the presence of 14C-labelled valine, threonine and leucine for 24 hours. Synthesis could be demonstrated in cultures of white CNS matter, whereas cultures of grey CNS matter, peripheral nerve, skeletal muscle, kidney and ovary did not show any signs of synthesis. Some cultures of spinal cord, basal ganglia, genital organs except ovary, and liver showed a probable synthesis of beta-trace protein. By means of autoradiography, the synthesis of beta-trace protein in white CNS matter could be confirmed.

Animals

Structural studies of a branchiopod crustacean (Lepidurus bilobatus) extracellular hemoglobin. Evidence for oxygen-binding domains.

The extracellular hemoglobin of the notostracan branchiopod Lepidurus bilobatus has an apparent molecular weight of 680,000 and may exist in a dissociation-association equilibrium dependent on pH and ligand state. The pigment contains one heme per 18,000 g protein. However, attempts to dissociate the hemoglobin by harsh denaturing conditions results in a 33-34,000 molecular weight polypeptide chain as well as traces of some 62-64,000 molecular weight material. Limited proteolysis of this hemoglobin with subtilisin produces 14,800 and 16,500 dalton heme-containing polypeptides (domains) which bind oxygen reversibly. These domains, isolated by column chromatography, have a heme content similar to the intact pigment. It is proposed that the intact 34,000 dalton subunit of Lepidurus hemoglobin consists of two linearly linked oxygen binding domains. Oxygen binding properties of the intact hemoglobin show a low oxygen affinity with a slight Bohr effect. In contrast, the isolated domains display a relatively high oxygen affinity and lack a Bohr effect between pH 7.0 and 8.0. It is apparent that the intact 34,000 dalton polypeptide is necessary for the expression of the heterotropic interactions of the native pigment.

Animals

Characterisation of the mobility on isoelectric focusing of individual proteins in CSF and serum by immunofixation.

The mobility of 17 different proteins in CSF and serum on isoelectric focusing was investigated by subsequent immunofixation using monospecific antisera. Individual proteins yielded identical, often complex band patterns in normal CSF and serum, except transferrin which gave one to two additional bands between pH 5.8-6.4, and the low molecular wieght beta-trace protein and gamma-trace protein, which gave three bands at pH 7.4, 8.0, and 8.4, and a single band at pH 9.5, respectively, on investigation of CSF but not serum. Polyclonal IgC migrated as multiple bands between pH 4.7-8.6. Oligoclonal IgG in CSF in multiple sclerosis and neurosyphilis migrated between pH 8.6-9.5 and was easily discriminated from other proteins.

Blood Proteins

A kinetic study in vitro of the reoxidation of interchain disulfide bonds in a human immunoglobulin IgGLk. Correlation between sulfhydryl disappearance and intermediates in covalent assembly of H2L2.

After reduction by dithiothreitol and removal of the reductant by molecular sieve chromatography, the four interchain disulfide bonds of the human IgGlk protein Fro reoxidize in the presence of oxygen and trace metal ions. The six molecular components of the reoxidation--L (light chain), H (heavy chain), HL, H2, H2L, H2L2--are quantitatively determined from polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate and the time-dependent sulfhydryl titer is measured with 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The rates of H2L2 covalent assembly depend on pH in an unexpected way: If the reduced protein is chromatographed at pH 3.2 and then adjusted to pH 7.5 (25 degrees, ionic strength equals 0.14), H2L2 formation proceeds rapidly, with half-times ranging between 20 and 40 min. In contrast, if chromatography is carried out at pH 5.5 before adjusting to the same final conditions, the half-times for H2L2 formation are considerably longer (120-180 min). The half-times in the former case approach the somewhat faster rates of H2L2 assembly observed in pulse-chase experiments with various types of mouse, IgG-producing cells [Baumal, et al. (1971) J. Exp. Med. 134, 1316-1334]. To facilitate comparison of experiments and models, we plot the concentrations of the six components against the corresponding number of sulfhydryl equivalents per mole of Fro. The respective plots for the pH 3.2 leads to 7.5 and 5.5 leads to 7.5 experiments are very similar despite the rate differences. Moreover, these plots differ significantly from the calculated plot for a hypothetical random reoxidation in which the intrinsic probability for formation of each correct HL and H2 disulfide bond is assumed equal and independent. It is concluded that the in vitro reoxidation of Fro (i) is other than random; (ii) involved a pathway of pathways with HL, H2, and H2L precursors; and (iii) involves at least some kinetic cooperativity in bond formation, since no model bases solely on independent bond formation adequately accounts for the results. The models were used also to examine the cellular assembly pathways of mouse IgG proteins.

Disulfides

Crystal structure analysis of the tetragonal crystal form are preliminary molecular model of pig-heart citrate synthase.

The crystal structure of pig heart citrate synthase was analyzed at 0.35-nm resolution. Chain tracing was possible and an initial molecular model constructed. The dimensions of the dimer molecule (located on a crystallographic diad) are 7.5 x 6.0 x 9.0 nm. The chain folding is characterized by the predominance of helices and the absence of sheet structure. The electron density accounts for 355 residues per monomer, so that about 80 residues must be disordered in the crystal. The disordered segment in probably N-terminal. The ordered part consists of two closely associated domains, a large domain with 300 residues and a C-terminal domain of 55 residues consisting of 3(anti)parallel helices. The large domain is built from 12 helical segments, some of which are buried in the interior of the molecule. Inhibitor binding studies with citrate and CoA revealed citrate binding sites but showed no electron density for CoA. It is suggested that CoA binds to the disordered, flexible N-terminal domain. Experiments of limited proteolysis with trypsin showed that under conditions a segment of Mr 9000 is cleaved off selectively. The remaining 35 000-Mr part is dimeric.

Animals

Biochemical and serological characteristics of soluble yeast phase antigens of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Soluble antigens of whole yeast-phase cells were extracted with a 0.1 M phosphate buffer containing 0.1 M sodium chloride and 0.02% iodacetate. After being separated by differential filtration into fractions less than or greater than 50,000 daltons these antigens were purified by molecular sieve and chromatographic separations on ionic exchange resins. Two high molecular weight fractions obtained from diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE) at pH 8.0 and 7.0 with tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris) buffer were M antigens; those obtained at pH 4.0 and 4.0 with salt were H antigens. The four fractions had protein to carbohydrate ratios of 7.3, 14.0, 8.4, and 6.5 respectively, and all had essentially the same amino acid composition with no methionine and tyrosine and little histodine, arginine, phenylalanine and lysine. They had high concentrations of glucose, less mannose and traces of galactose. The low molecular weight fractions had the new complex "Y antigen", M antigen with protein to carbohydrate ratios of 1.4, 1.4 and 0.3 respectively. The amino acid and sugar composition of Y antigen strongly resembled the composition of the low molecular weight H and M antigens. Unlike the high molecular weight antigens, these low molecular weight antigens had methionine in relatively high concentrations; they had the same sugars as their respective high molecular weight counterparts. The yeast phase antigens differed from their respective mycelial counterparts in the following ways: glucose was the major sugar in the yeast phase with less amounts of mannose and traces of galactose, whereas in the mycelial antigens, mannose was the major sugar, with lesser amounts of galactose, and hexosamine. The H and M antigens of the yeast phase had high concentrations of glycine and alanine, whereas in the mycelial phase, these antigens had high concentrations of threonine and proline; the H and M antigens of the yeast phase had 5 to 16 times the protein to carbohydrate ratio observed for the same antigens of histoplasmin.

Amino Acids

Purification of antigen-dependent macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) from lymph draining a tuberculin reaction.

An antigen-dependent factor showing migration inhibition (MIF) and gold uptake stimulation (GUS) activities which has been previously described (Lowe & Lachmann, 1974) has been further purified from efferent lymph collected from cannulated nodes of BCG-sensitized sheep undergoing a delayed hypersensitivity response to PPD. During purification, fractions containing MIF activity also exhibited GUS activity. Initial purification by salt precipitation showed that antigen-dependent MIF activity was in the 40-90% ammonium sulphate precipitate. Non-specific activity and contaminating immunoglobulin were found in the 0--20% and 20--40% precipitates. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 and affinity chromatography on Concanvalin A-Sepharose have shown that antigen-dependent MIF is a glycoprotein of approximately 70,000 molecular weight (Lowe & Lachmann, 1974). Traces of contaminating antibody in the glycoprotein fraction were removed by immuno-adsorption on monospecific anti-sheep IgG-Sepharose. Antigen-dependent MIF was also purified by affinity chromatography on PPD-Sepharose. The eluted fractions with all the antigen-specific activity, contained less than 1% of the applied material. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the major protein component in the purified MIF preparation has a molecular weight and electrophoretic mobility identical with that of sheep albumin. Although this represents a high degree of purification of antigen-dependent MIF it seems that albumin is still present as a contaminant and that the protein associated with MIF activity is present in trace quantities.

Ammonium Sulfate

Interactions between "fever" proteins and normal serum proteins in febrile cancer patients.

When analyzed by cationic discontinuous electrophoresis in urea-containing polyacrylamide gels, plasma or serum from febrile individuals contains trace quanitites of five protein bands that are not recognizable in the blood of normal individuals. These proteins appear and disappear in parallel in sequential samples. Cerebrospinal fluid from febrile and nonfebrile individuals contains a protein band that is electrophoretically identical with only one of these proteins. Since the trace proteins migrate, in urea-containing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as if they has molecular size of less than or equal to30,000 daltons, their absence from cerebrospinal fluid implies the existence, in vivo, of interactions between them and other serum proteins. Under nondissociating conditions, four of the bands appear to circulate in physical interaction with one another. In molecular sieve chromatography at neutral pH in lipid-free sera, the trace proteins have an approximate molecular size of 165,000 daltons; in lipemic sera they have a molecular weight of larger than or equal to200,000 daltons. Their behavior in gel filtration and in ion-exchange chromatography excludes extensive interaction with any of the following: immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, alpha2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, and albumin. Interactions between these and other serum proteins are reduced by high concentrations of urea and by low PH. The mechanisms responsible for the observed protein-protein associations would appear to include electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and weak hydrophobic interaction.

Blood Proteins

The role of metal ions in oxygen activation.

The reaction of oxygen with a common organic molecule is a spin-forbidden process catalyzed by transition metal ions. Some reactions of this type were proved to be trace metal catalyzed. It is therefore reasonable to assume that all reactions of molecular oxygen with organic molecules are induced by trace metals; in the absolute absence of transition metal ions these reactions would not proceed at all. Based on detailed studies of two well known oxygen reactions the mechanism of trace metal catalysis was formulated. The experimental results are consistent with the conception that transition metal ions associate with all species present in the system to form complexes or clusters of various composition and stability. Some of them are redox reactive and represent true intermediates of the catalyzed reaction.

Chemical Phenomena

Impairment of the M-protein and unmasking of a superficial type-specific antigen by proteolytic treatment of influenza A virions with preservation of host-specific antigenicity.

Influenza PR8 particles resulting from strong treatment with caseinase C are spikeless, devoid of neuraminidase and hemagglutinin 1 and 2 glycopeptides, and contain a Schiff-negative polypeptide of about 13,000 molecular weight which exists as traces in intact virions. Their M-protein polypeptide content is reduced to 50% of its original value, but there is no evidence of particle disruption nor of lipid release. They fix complement in the presence of both anti-M-protein antiserum and antiserum raised against a host polysaccharide. During exposure to caseinase C, an antigen is unmasked. It is type-specific and its identity with the M-protein is discussed.

Antigens, Viral

Natural plant enzyme inhibitors. VI. Studies on trypsin inhibitors of Colocasia antiquorum tubers.

A trypsin inhibitor was purified from the tubers of Colocasia antiquorum. The inhibitor acted on bovine trypsin, human trypsin and weakly on bovine chymotrypsin. The inhibitor, which had a molecular weight of 40 000, contained trace amounts of carbohydrates. The purified inhibitor was stable over a pH range of 2.0--12.0 and was more thermostable than the crude preparations. Trinitrobenzene sulphonate treatment resulted in the inactivation of the inhibitor. Chymotrypsin, pepsin and pronase digested the inhibitor. Pretreatment with trypsin at neutral pH resulted in the partial loss of antitryptic activity, whereas treatment at pH 3.7 led to complete inactivation. Evidence for the formation of a trypsin-inhibitor complex at pH 7.6 is provided. During the plant growth, in the early phase (0--40 days) there was a gradual increase in protein content and in antitryptic activity. The middle phase (40--55 days) was characterized by a rapid fall and abolition of the antitryptic activity and a diminution in protein content in the tubers. The immature tubers had low antitryptic activity compared to the mature ones. Mild heat treatment caused a sharp rise in antitryptic activity in the extracts of immature tubers but not with the mature tuber preparations.

Chymotrypsin