1
|
Procopio N, Bonicelli A. From flesh to bones: Multi-omics approaches in forensic science. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2200335. [PMID: 38683823 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in omics techniques have revolutionised the study of biological systems, enabling the generation of high-throughput biomolecular data. These innovations have found diverse applications, ranging from personalised medicine to forensic sciences. While the investigation of multiple aspects of cells, tissues or entire organisms through the integration of various omics approaches (such as genomics, epigenomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) has already been established in fields like biomedicine and cancer biology, its full potential in forensic sciences remains only partially explored. In this review, we have presented a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art analytical platforms employed in omics research, with specific emphasis on their application in the forensic field for the identification of the cadaver and the cause of death. Moreover, we have conducted a critical analysis of the computational integration of omics approaches, and highlighted the latest advancements in employing multi-omics techniques for forensic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Procopio
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Experimental Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Andrea Bonicelli
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Experimental Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gent L, Chiappetta ME, Hesketh S, Palmowski P, Porter A, Bonicelli A, Schwalbe EC, Procopio N. Bone Proteomics Method Optimization for Forensic Investigations. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1844-1858. [PMID: 38621258 PMCID: PMC11077585 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The application of proteomic analysis to forensic skeletal remains has gained significant interest in improving biological and chronological estimations in medico-legal investigations. To enhance the applicability of these analyses to forensic casework, it is crucial to maximize throughput and proteome recovery while minimizing interoperator variability and laboratory-induced post-translational protein modifications (PTMs). This work compared different workflows for extracting, purifying, and analyzing bone proteins using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS including an in-StageTip protocol previously optimized for forensic applications and two protocols using novel suspension-trap technology (S-Trap) and different lysis solutions. This study also compared data-dependent acquisition (DDA) with data-independent acquisition (DIA). By testing all of the workflows on 30 human cortical tibiae samples, S-Trap workflows resulted in increased proteome recovery with both lysis solutions tested and in decreased levels of induced deamidations, and the DIA mode resulted in greater sensitivity and window of identification for the identification of lower-abundance proteins, especially when open-source software was utilized for data processing in both modes. The newly developed S-Trap protocol is, therefore, suitable for forensic bone proteomic workflows and, particularly when paired with DIA mode, can offer improved proteomic outcomes and increased reproducibility, showcasing its potential in forensic proteomics and contributing to achieving standardization in bone proteomic analyses for forensic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gent
- School
of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic
Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Elena Chiappetta
- School
of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic
Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
- Department
of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata
di Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Stuart Hesketh
- School
of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Palmowski
- NUPPA
Facility, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1
7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Porter
- NUPPA
Facility, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1
7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Bonicelli
- School
of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic
Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Edward C. Schwalbe
- Department
of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1
8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Noemi Procopio
- School
of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic
Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Topitsch A, Halstenbach T, Rothweiler R, Fretwurst T, Nelson K, Schilling O. Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics of Poly(methylmethacrylate)-Embedded Bone. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1810-1820. [PMID: 38634750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a widely employed technique in proteomics research for studying the proteome biology of various clinical samples. Hard tissues, such as bone and teeth, are routinely preserved using synthetic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) embedding resins that enable histological, immunohistochemical, and morphological examination. However, the suitability of PMMA-embedded hard tissues for large-scale proteomic analysis remained unexplored. This study is the first to report on the feasibility of PMMA-embedded bone samples for LC-MS/MS analysis. Conventional workflows yielded merely limited coverage of the bone proteome. Using advanced strategies of prefractionation by high-pH reversed-phase liquid chromatography in combination with isobaric tandem mass tag labeling resulted in proteome coverage exceeding 1000 protein identifications. The quantitative comparison with cryopreserved samples revealed that each sample preparation workflow had a distinct impact on the proteomic profile. However, workflow replicates exhibited a high reproducibility for PMMA-embedded samples. Our findings further demonstrate that decalcification prior to protein extraction, along with the analysis of solubilization fractions, is not preferred for PMMA-embedded bone. The biological applicability of the proposed workflow was demonstrated using samples of human PMMA-embedded alveolar bone and the iliac crest, which revealed anatomical site-specific proteomic profiles. Overall, these results establish a crucial foundation for large-scale proteomics studies contributing to our knowledge of bone biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Topitsch
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 115a, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Translational Implantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tim Halstenbach
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Translational Implantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - René Rothweiler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Translational Implantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Fretwurst
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Translational Implantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Nelson
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Translational Implantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 115a, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mazzatenta A, Pietrangelo T, Demontis R, D’Ovidio C. Volabolomic Fingerprinting for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation: A Novel Physiological Approach. Biomolecules 2024; 14:286. [PMID: 38540706 PMCID: PMC10968422 DOI: 10.3390/biom14030286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Death is a multifaceted process wherein each individual cell and tissue has a metabolic homeostasis and a time of functional cessation defined by the dying process as well as by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Decomposition is physiologically associated with the release of different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and these form volaboloma mortis. The main purpose of this study was to record the volabolomic fingerprint produced by volatile molecules during the physiological decomposition process of human tissue and muscle cells. The volatile chemical signature has important implications for an open issue in forensics and pathology, namely the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), which decreases in accuracy with the passage of time. Volatile metabolites emitted from human tissues and muscle cells at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h were recorded in real time with an electronic nose sensor device. The key findings were the continuous sampling of VOCs emitted from tissues and cells. These showed a common behavior as time progressed; particularly, after 48 h the distributions became dispersed, and after 72 h they became more variable. Volabolomic fingerprinting associated with time progression relevant to the study of PMIs was reconstructed. Additionally, there may be broader applications, such as in dog training procedures for detecting human remains, and perhaps even for studying scavenger and insect attractants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mazzatenta
- Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Medicine and Aging Sciences Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gilbert C, Bathany K, Claverol S, Scanvion Q, Hedouin V, Bertrand B, Tokarski C. Successive Protein Extraction Using Hydroxylamine to Increase the Depth of Proteome Coverage in Fresh, Forensic, and Archaeological Bones. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3247-3252. [PMID: 38349005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Proteomics is continually being applied to a wider range of applications, now including the analysis of archaeological samples and anatomical specimens, particularly collagen-containing tissues such as bones and teeth. Here, we present the application of a chemical digestion-based proteomics sample preparation protocol to the analysis of fresh, anatomical, and archaeological samples. We describe and discuss two protocols: one that uses hydroxylamine as an additional step of the proteomic workflow, applied to the insoluble fraction, and another that applies hydroxylamine directly on demineralized bones and teeth. We demonstrate the additional information that can be extracted using both protocols, including an increase in the sequence coverage and number of peptides detected in modern and archaeological samples and an increase in the number of proteins identified in archaeological samples. By targeting research related to collagens or extracellular matrix proteins, the use of this protocol will open new insights, considering both fresh and ancient mineralized samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Gilbert
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
- Proteome Platform, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Katell Bathany
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
- Proteome Platform, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Quentin Scanvion
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Institut de Médecine Légale, EA 7367 UTML - Unité de Taphonomie Médico-Légale, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Valery Hedouin
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Institut de Médecine Légale, EA 7367 UTML - Unité de Taphonomie Médico-Légale, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Benoit Bertrand
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Institut de Médecine Légale, EA 7367 UTML - Unité de Taphonomie Médico-Légale, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Caroline Tokarski
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
- Proteome Platform, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang W, Zhao S, Liu H, Pan M, Dong H. The Role of Protein Degradation in Estimation Postmortem Interval and Confirmation of Cause of Death in Forensic Pathology: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1659. [PMID: 38338938 PMCID: PMC10855206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that proteins are important bio-macromolecules in human organisms, and numerous proteins are widely used in the clinical practice, whereas their application in forensic science is currently limited. This limitation is mainly attributed to the postmortem degradation of targeted proteins, which can significantly impact final conclusions. In the last decade, numerous methods have been established to detect the protein from a forensic perspective, and some of the postmortem proteins have been applied in forensic practice. To better understand the emerging issues and challenges in postmortem proteins, we have reviewed the current application of protein technologies at postmortem in forensic practice. Meanwhile, we discuss the application of proteins in identifying the cause of death, and postmortem interval (PMI). Finally, we highlight the interpretability and limitations of postmortem protein challenges. We believe that utilizing the multi-omics method can enhance the comprehensiveness of applying proteins in forensic practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Huine Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Meichen Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Egashira K, Ino Y, Nakai Y, Ohira T, Akiyama T, Moriyama K, Yamamoto Y, Kimura M, Ryo A, Saito T, Inaba Y, Hirano H, Kumagai K, Kimura Y. Identification of gravity-responsive proteins in the femur of spaceflight mice using a quantitative proteomic approach. J Proteomics 2023; 288:104976. [PMID: 37482271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Although the microgravity (μ-g) environment that astronauts encounter during spaceflight can cause severe acute bone loss, the molecular mechanism of this bone loss remains unclear. To investigate the gravity-response proteins involved in bone metabolism, it is important to comprehensively determine which proteins exhibit differential abundance associated with mechanical stimuli. However, comprehensive proteomic analysis using small bone samples is difficult because protein extraction in mineralized bone tissue is inefficient. Here, we established a high-sensitivity analysis system for mouse bone proteins using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. This system successfully detected 40 proteins in the femoral diaphysis showing differential abundance between mice raised in a μ-g environment, where the bone mass was reduced by gravity unloading, and mice raised in an artificial 1-gravity environment on the International Space Station. Additionally, 22 proteins, including noncollagenous bone matrix proteins, showed similar abundance between the two groups in the mandible, where bone mass was unaltered due to mastication stimuli, suggesting that these proteins are responsive to mechanical stimuli. One of these proteins, SPARCL1, is suggested to promote osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. We expect these findings to lead to new insights into the mechanisms of bone metabolism induced by mechanical stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE: We aimed to investigate the gravity-response proteins involved in bone metabolism. To this end, we established a comprehensive analysis system for mouse bone proteins using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry, which is particularly useful in comprehensively analyzing the bone proteome using small sample volumes. In addition, a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the femoral diaphysis and mandible, which exhibit different degrees of bone loss in mice raised on the International Space Station, identified proteins that respond to mechanical stimuli. SPARCL1, a mechanical stimulus-responsive protein, was consequently suggested to be involved in osteoclast differentiation associated with bone remodeling. Our findings represent an important step toward elucidating the molecular mechanism of bone metabolism induced by mechanical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Egashira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Yoko Ino
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakai
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Tomoko Akiyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kayano Moriyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yu Yamamoto
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kimura
- R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Saito
- Yokohama Brain and Spine Center, Yokohama 235-0012, Japan
| | - Yutaka Inaba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hirano
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ken Kumagai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marrone A, La Russa D, Barberio L, Murfuni MS, Gaspari M, Pellegrino D. Forensic Proteomics for the Discovery of New post mortem Interval Biomarkers: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14627. [PMID: 37834074 PMCID: PMC10572818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating the time since death (post mortem interval, PMI) represents one of the most important tasks in daily forensic casework. For decades, forensic scientists have investigated changes in post mortem body composition, focusing on different physical, chemical, or biological aspects, to discover a reliable method for estimating PMI; nevertheless, all of these attempts remain unsuccessful considering the currently available methodical spectrum characterized by great inaccuracies and limitations. However, recent promising approaches focus on the post mortem decomposition of biomolecules. In particular, significant advances have been made in research on the post mortem degradation of proteins. In the present study, we investigated early post mortem changes (during the first 24 h) in the proteome profile of the pig skeletal muscle looking for new PMI specific biomarkers. By mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, we were able to identify a total of nine potential PMI biomarkers, whose quantity changed constantly and progressively over time, directly or inversely proportional to the advancement of post mortem hours. Our preliminary study underlines the importance of the proteomic approach in the search for a reliable method for PMI determination and highlights the need to characterize a large number of reliable marker proteins useful in forensic practice for PMI estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniele La Russa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Laura Barberio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Stella Murfuni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gao M, Du Z, Dong Q, Su S, Tian L. DAP1 regulates osteoblast autophagy via the ATG16L1-LC3 axis in Graves' disease-induced osteoporosis. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:711. [PMID: 37735431 PMCID: PMC10512661 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to uncover a critical protein and its mechanisms in modulating autophagy in Graves' disease (GD)-induced osteoporosis (OP). METHODS We discovered the target protein, death-associated protein 1 (DAP1), using bone proteomics analysis. Furthermore, genetic overexpression and knockdown (KD) of DAP1 in bone and MC3T3-E1 cells revealed DAP1 effects on autophagy and osteogenic markers, and autophagic vacuoles in cells were detected using transmission electron microscopy and the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (MAP1LC3/LC3) dual fluorescence system. An autophagy polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array kit was used to identify the key molecules associated with DAP1-regulated autophagy. RESULTS DAP1 levels were significantly higher in the bone tissue of GD mice and MC3T3-E1 cells treated with triiodothyronine (T3). DAP1 overexpression reduced LC3 lipidation, autophagic vacuoles, RUNX family transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN) expression in MC3T3-E1 cells, whereas DAP1 KD reversed these changes. In vivo experiments revealed that GD mice with DAP1 KD had greater bone mass than control mice. DAP1-overexpressing (OE) cells had lower levels of phosphorylated autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) and LC3 lipidation, whereas DAP1-KD cells had higher levels. CONCLUSIONS DAP1 was found to be a critical regulator of autophagy homeostasis in GD mouse bone tissue and T3-treated osteoblasts because it negatively regulated autophagy and osteogenesis in osteoblasts via the ATG16L1-LC3 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Gao
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
- Department Pediatrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Zouxi Du
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Qianqian Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Shan Su
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Limin Tian
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, No. 204 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brockbals L, Garrett-Rickman S, Fu S, Ueland M, McNevin D, Padula MP. Estimating the time of human decomposition based on skeletal muscle biopsy samples utilizing an untargeted LC-MS/MS-based proteomics approach. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5487-5498. [PMID: 37423904 PMCID: PMC10444689 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic medico-legal investigations to understand case circumstances (e.g. narrowing down list of missing persons or include/exclude suspects). Due to the complex decomposition chemistry, estimation of PMI remains challenging and currently often relies on the subjective visual assessment of gross morphological/taphonomic changes of a body during decomposition or entomological data. The aim of the current study was to investigate the human decomposition process up to 3 months after death and propose novel time-dependent biomarkers (peptide ratios) for the estimation of decomposition time. An untargeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomics workflow (ion mobility separated) was utilized to analyse skeletal muscle, collected repeatedly from nine body donors decomposing in an open eucalypt woodland environment in Australia. Additionally, general analytical considerations for large-scale proteomics studies for PMI determination are raised and discussed. Multiple peptide ratios (human origin) were successfully proposed (subgroups < 200 accumulated degree days (ADD), < 655 ADD and < 1535 ADD) as a first step towards generalised, objective biochemical estimation of decomposition time. Furthermore, peptide ratios for donor-specific intrinsic factors (sex and body mass) were found. Search of peptide data against a bacterial database did not yield any results most likely due to the low abundance of bacterial proteins within the collected human biopsy samples. For comprehensive time-dependent modelling, increased donor number would be necessary along with targeted confirmation of proposed peptides. Overall, the presented results provide valuable information that aid in the understanding and estimation of the human decomposition processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lana Brockbals
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Samara Garrett-Rickman
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Dennis McNevin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Matthew P Padula
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fontcuberta-Rigo M, Nakamura M, Puigbò P. Phylobone: a comprehensive database of bone extracellular matrix proteins in human and model organisms. Bone Res 2023; 11:44. [PMID: 37580331 PMCID: PMC10425349 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00281-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone extracellular matrix (ECM) contains minerals deposited on highly crosslinked collagen fibrils and hundreds of non-collagenous proteins. Some of these proteins are key to the regulation of bone formation and regeneration via signaling pathways, and play important regulatory and structural roles. However, the complete list of bone extracellular matrix proteins, their roles, and the extent of individual and cross-species variations have not been fully captured in both humans and model organisms. Here, we introduce the most comprehensive resource of bone extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that can be used in research fields such as bone regeneration, osteoporosis, and mechanobiology. The Phylobone database (available at https://phylobone.com ) includes 255 proteins potentially expressed in the bone extracellular matrix (ECM) of humans and 30 species of vertebrates. A bioinformatics pipeline was used to identify the evolutionary relationships of bone ECM proteins. The analysis facilitated the identification of potential model organisms to study the molecular mechanisms of bone regeneration. A network analysis showed high connectivity of bone ECM proteins. A total of 214 functional protein domains were identified, including collagen and the domains involved in bone formation and resorption. Information from public drug repositories was used to identify potential repurposing of existing drugs. The Phylobone database provides a platform to study bone regeneration and osteoporosis in light of (biological) evolution, and will substantially contribute to the identification of molecular mechanisms and drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margalida Fontcuberta-Rigo
- Medicity Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Miho Nakamura
- Medicity Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, 20520, Turku, Finland.
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 1010062, Japan.
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808579, Japan.
| | - Pere Puigbò
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland.
- Eurecat, Technology Center of Catalonia. Nutrition and Health Unit, Reus, 43204, Catalonia, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University Rovira i Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ho M, Dasari S, Visram A, Drake MT, Charlesworth MC, Johnson KL, Pujari GP, Jevremovic D, Kourelis T. An atlas of the bone marrow bone proteome in patients with dysproteinemias. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:63. [PMID: 37105956 PMCID: PMC10140150 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease is a significant cause of morbidity but there is a paucity of data on the impact of malignant plasma cells on adjacent trabecular bone within the BM. Here, we characterize the proteome of trabecular bone tissue from BM biopsies of 56 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering (SMM), newly diagnosed (NDMM), relapsed MM (RMM), and normal controls. Proteins involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and immunity pathways were decreased in SMM and active MM. Among the proteins most decreased were immunoglobulins, type IV collagen, and TIMP3, suggesting increased immunoparesis and decreased ECM remodelling within trabecular bone. Proteins most increased in SMM/MM were APP (enhances osteoclast activity), ENPP1 (enhances bone mineralization), and MZB1 (required for normal plasmablast differentiation). Pathway analyses showed that proteins involved in gamma -carboxylation, a pathway implicated in osteocalcin function, osteoblast differentiation, and normal hematopoiesis, were also overexpressed in SMM/MM. This study is the first comprehensive proteomic atlas of the BM bone proteome in dysproteinemias. We identify new key proteins and pathways for MM bone disease and potentially impaired hematopoiesis, and show for the first time that gamma -carboxylation pathways are increased in the bone tissue of SMM/MM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ho
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Surendra Dasari
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alissa Visram
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew T Drake
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Rochester, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dragan Jevremovic
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Hematopathology, Rochester, USA
| | - Taxiarchis Kourelis
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ho M, Dasari S, Visram A, Drake M, Charlesworth C, Johnson K, Pujari G, Jevremovic D, Kourelis T. An atlas of the bone marrow bone proteome in patients with dysproteinemias. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2468383. [PMID: 36747663 PMCID: PMC9900982 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2468383/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease is a significant cause of morbidity but there is a paucity of data on the impact of malignant plasma cells on adjacent trabecular bone within the BM. Here, we characterize the proteome of trabecular bone tissue from BM biopsies of 56 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering (SMM), newly diagnosed (NDMM), relapsed MM (RMM), and normal controls. Proteins involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and immunity pathways were decreased in SMM and active MM. Among the proteins most decreased were immunoglobulins, type IV collagen, and TIMP3, suggesting increased immunoparesis and decreased ECM remodelling within trabecular bone. Proteins most increased in SMM/MM were APP (enhances osteoclast activity), ENPP1 (enhances bone mineralization), and MZB1 (required for normal plasmablast differentiation). Pathway analyses showed that proteins involved in gamma -carboxylation, a pathway implicated in osteocalcin function, osteoblast differentiation, and normal hematopoiesis, were also overexpressed in SMM/MM. This study is the first comprehensive proteomic atlas of the BM bone proteome in dysproteinemias. We identify new key proteins and pathways for MM bone disease and potentially impaired hematopoiesis, and show for the first time that gamma -carboxylation pathways are increased in the bone tissue of SMM/MM.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gent L, Schwalbe EC, Procopio N. The impact of maceration on the 'Osteo-ome'; a pilot investigation. J Proteomics 2023; 271:104754. [PMID: 36243311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The bone proteome, i.e., the 'osteo-ome', is a rich source of information for forensic studies. There have been advances in the study of biomolecule biomarkers for age-at-death (AAD) and post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations, by looking at changes in protein abundance and post-translational modifications (PTMs) at the peptide level. However, the extent to which other post-mortem factors alter the proteome, including 'maceration' procedures adopted in human taphonomy facilities (HTFs) to clean bones for osteological collections, is poorly understood. This pilot study aimed to characterise the impact of these 'cleaning' methods for de-fleshing skeletons on bone biomolecules, and therefore, what further impact this may have on putative biomarkers in future investigations. Three specific maceration procedures, varying in submersion time (one week or two days) and water temperature (55 °C or 87 °C) were conducted on six bovid tibiae from three individual bovines; the proteome of fresh and macerated bones of each individual was compared. The maceration at 87 °C for two days had the greatest proteomic impact, decreasing protein relative abundances and inducing specific PTMs. Overall, these results suggest that routinely-employed maceration procedures are harsh, variable and potentially threaten the viability of discovering new forensic biomarkers in macerated skeletal remains. SIGNIFICANCE: For the first time, the application of bone proteomics in understanding maceration procedures was conducted to help address the risks for experimental confounding associated with this post-mortem cleaning technique. This pilot study demonstrates that recent advances in biomarker discovery for post-mortem interval and age-at-death estimation using bone proteomics has potential for confounding by differing and destructive bone-cleaning methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gent
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, UK
| | - Edward C Schwalbe
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
A novel method for determining postmortem interval based on the metabolomics of multiple organs combined with ensemble learning techniques. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:237-249. [PMID: 35661238 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Determining postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most challenging and essential endeavors in forensic science. Developments in PMI estimation can take advantage of machine learning techniques. Currently, applying an algorithm to obtain information on multiple organs and conducting joint analysis to accurately estimate PMI are still in the early stages. This study aimed to establish a multi-organ stacking model that estimates PMI by analyzing differential compounds of four organs in rats. In a total of 140 rats, skeletal muscle, liver, lung, and kidney tissue samples were collected at each time point after death. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to determine the compound profiles of the samples. The original data were preprocessed using multivariate statistical analysis to determine discriminant compounds. In addition, three interrelated and increasingly complex patterns (single organ optimal model, single organ stacking model, multi-organ stacking model) were established to estimate PMI. The accuracy and generalized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multi-organ stacking model were the highest at 93% and 0.96, respectively. Only 1 of the 14 external validation samples was misclassified by the multi-organ stacking model. The results demonstrate that the application of the multi-organ combination to the stacking algorithm is a potential forensic tool for the accurate estimation of PMI.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bonicelli A, Mickleburgh HL, Chighine A, Locci E, Wescott DJ, Procopio N. The 'ForensOMICS' approach for postmortem interval estimation from human bone by integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. eLife 2022; 11:e83658. [PMID: 36583441 PMCID: PMC9803353 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined use of multiple omics allows to study complex interrelated biological processes in their entirety. We applied a combination of metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics to human bones to investigate their combined potential to estimate time elapsed since death (i.e., the postmortem interval [PMI]). This 'ForensOMICS' approach has the potential to improve accuracy and precision of PMI estimation of skeletonized human remains, thereby helping forensic investigators to establish the timeline of events surrounding death. Anterior midshaft tibial bone was collected from four female body donors before their placement at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility owned by the Forensic Anthropological Center at Texas State (FACTS). Bone samples were again collected at selected PMIs (219-790-834-872days). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to obtain untargeted metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles from the pre- and post-placement bone samples. The three omics blocks were investigated independently by univariate and multivariate analyses, followed by Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for Omics studies (DIABLO), to identify the reduced number of markers describing postmortem changes and discriminating the individuals based on their PMI. The resulting model showed that pre-placement metabolome, lipidome and proteome profiles were clearly distinguishable from post-placement ones. Metabolites in the pre-placement samples suggested an extinction of the energetic metabolism and a switch towards another source of fuelling (e.g., structural proteins). We were able to identify certain biomolecules with an excellent potential for PMI estimation, predominantly the biomolecules from the metabolomics block. Our findings suggest that, by targeting a combination of compounds with different postmortem stability, in the future we could be able to estimate both short PMIs, by using metabolites and lipids, and longer PMIs, by using proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonicelli
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA) – Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Noemi Procopio
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Systematic Review on Post-Mortem Protein Alterations: Analysis of Experimental Models and Evaluation of Potential Biomarkers of Time of Death. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061490. [PMID: 35741301 PMCID: PMC9222196 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is a very complex issue due to numerous variables that may affect the calculation. Several authors have investigated the quantitative and qualitative variations of protein expression on post-mortem biological samples in certain time intervals, both in animals and in humans. However, the literature data are very numerous and often inhomogeneous, with different models, tissues and proteins evaluated, such that the practical application of these methods is limited to date. The aim of this paper was to offer an organic view of the state of the art about post-mortem protein alterations for the calculation of PMI through the analysis of the various experimental models proposed. The purpose was to investigate the validity of some proteins as “molecular clocks” candidates, focusing on the evidence obtained in the early, intermediate and late post-mortem interval. This study demonstrates how the study of post-mortem protein alterations may be useful for estimating the PMI, although there are still technical limits, especially in the experimental models performed on humans. We suggest a protocol to homogenize the study of future experimental models, with a view to the next concrete application of these methods also at the crime scene.
Collapse
|
18
|
Ntasi G, Palomo IR, Marino G, Piaz FD, Sirano F, Cappellini E, Birolo L, Petrone P. Molecular signatures written in bone proteins of 79 AD victims from Herculaneum and Pompeii. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8401. [PMID: 35624181 PMCID: PMC9142588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12042-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive proteomic analysis was performed on a set of 12 bones of human victims of the eruption that in AD 79 rapidly buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, allowing the detection of molecular signatures imprinted in the surviving protein components. Bone collagen survived the heat of the eruption, bearing a piece of individual biological history encoded in chemical modifications. Here we show that the human bone proteomes from Pompeii are more degraded than those from the inhabitants of Herculaneum, despite the latter were exposed to temperatures much higher than those experienced in Pompeii. The analysis of the specimens from Pompeii shows lower content of non-collagenous proteins, higher deamidation level and higher extent of collagen modification. In Pompeii, the slow decomposition of victims' soft tissues in the natural dry-wet hydrogeological soil cycles damaged their bone proteome more than what was experienced at Herculaneum by the rapid vanishing of body tissues from intense heat, under the environmental condition of a permanent waterlogged burial context. Results herein presented are the first proteomic analyses of bones exposed to eruptive conditions, but also delivered encouraging results for potential biomarkers that might also impact future development of forensic bone proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Ntasi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ismael Rodriguez Palomo
- Evolutionary Genomics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gennaro Marino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Humanities, University Suor Orsola Benincasa, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dal Piaz
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Cappellini
- Evolutionary Genomics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leila Birolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. .,Task Force Di Ateneo "Metodologie Analitiche per la Salvaguardia dei Beni Culturali", University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Petrone
- Task Force Di Ateneo "Metodologie Analitiche per la Salvaguardia dei Beni Culturali", University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Anatomy and Histology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bonicelli A, Di Nunzio A, Di Nunzio C, Procopio N. Insights into the Differential Preservation of Bone Proteomes in Inhumed and Entombed Cadavers from Italian Forensic Caseworks. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:1285-1298. [PMID: 35316604 PMCID: PMC9087355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Bone is a hard biological tissue and a precious reservoir of information in forensic investigations as it retains key biomolecules commonly used for identification purposes. Bone proteins have recently attracted significant interest for their potential in estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) and age at death (AAD). However, the preservation of such proteins is highly dependent on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can hinder the potential application of molecular techniques to forensic sciences. The present study aims at investigating the effects that two commonly used types of burial practices (entombment and inhumation) have on bone protein survival. The sample consists of 14 exhumed individuals from cemeteries in Southern Italy with different AADs (29-85 years) and PMIs (1-37 years). LC-MS/MS analyses show that 16 proteins are better preserved under the entombed conditions and 4 proteins are better preserved under the inhumed conditions, whereas no clear differences are detected for post-translational protein modifications. Furthermore, several potential "stable" protein markers (i.e., proteins not affected by the burial environment) are identified for PMI and AAD estimation. Overall, these results show that the two burial environments play a role in the differential preservation of noncollagenous proteins, confirming the potential of LC-MS/MS-based proteomics in forensic sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonicelli
- Forensic
Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied
Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle
Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Aldo Di Nunzio
- Chemical
Sciences Department, University of Naples
Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Di Nunzio
- Legal
Medicine Department, University of Catanzaro
Magna Graecia, 88100 Germaneto, Italy
| | - Noemi Procopio
- Forensic
Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied
Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle
Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sguazzi G, Mickleburgh HL, Ghignone S, Voyron S, Renò F, Migliario M, Sellitto F, Lovisolo F, Camurani G, Ogbanga N, Gino S, Procopio N. Microbial DNA in human nucleic acid extracts: Recoverability of the microbiome in DNA extracts stored frozen long-term and its potential and ethical implications for forensic investigation. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 59:102686. [PMID: 35338895 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human DNA samples can remain unaltered for years and preserve important genetic information for forensic investigations. In fact, besides human genetic information, these extracts potentially contain additional valuable information: microbiome signatures. Forensic microbiology is rapidly becoming a significant tool for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI), and establishing cause of death and personal identity. To date, the possibility to recover unaltered microbiome signatures from human DNA extracts has not been proven. This study examines the microbiome signatures within human DNA extracts obtained from six cadavers with different PMIs, which were stored frozen for 5-16 years. Results demonstrated that the microbiome can be co-extracted with human DNA using forensic kits designed to extract the human host's DNA from different tissues and fluids during decomposition. We compared the microbial communities identified in these samples with microbial DNA recovered from two human cadavers donated to the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University (FACTS) during multiple decomposition stages, to examine whether the microbial signatures recovered from "old" (up to 16 years) extracts are consistent with those identified in recently extracted microbial DNA samples. The V4 region of 16 S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq for all DNA extracts. The results obtained from the human DNA extracts were compared with each other and with the microbial DNA from the FACTS samples. Overall, we found that the presence of specific microbial taxa depends on the decomposition stage, the type of tissue, and the depositional environment. We found no indications of contamination in the microbial signatures, or any alterations attributable to the long-term frozen storage of the extracts, demonstrating that older human DNA extracts are a reliable source of such microbial signatures. No shared Core Microbiome (CM) was identified amongst the total 18 samples, but we identified certain species in association with the different decomposition stages, offering potential for the use of microbial signatures co-extracted with human DNA samples for PMI estimation in future. Unveiling the new significance of older human DNA extracts brings with it important ethical-legal considerations. Currently, there are no shared legal frameworks governing the long-term storage and use of human DNA extracts obtained from crime scene evidence for additional research purposes. It is therefore important to create common protocols on the storage of biological material collected at crime scenes. We review existing legislation and guidelines, and identify some important limitations for the further development and application of forensic microbiomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sguazzi
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Lanino, 1-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Department of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden; Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP) - Turin Unit - National Research Council (CNR), 1-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Samuele Voyron
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP) - Turin Unit - National Research Council (CNR), 1-10125 Turin, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, V.le P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Renò
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Migliario
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Sellitto
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Flavia Lovisolo
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Camurani
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nengi Ogbanga
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA; Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|