1
|
Standardization of Data Analysis for RT-QuIC-Based Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020309. [PMID: 36839581 PMCID: PMC9962701 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a disease affecting cervids and is caused by prions accumulating as pathogenic fibrils in lymphoid tissue and the central nervous system. Approaches for detecting CWD prions historically relied on antibody-based assays. However, recent advancements in protein amplification technology provided the foundation for a new class of CWD diagnostic tools. In particular, real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) has rapidly become a feasible option for CWD diagnosis. Despite its increased usage for CWD-focused research, there lacks a consensus regarding the interpretation of RT-QuIC data for diagnostic purposes. It is imperative then to identify a standardized and replicable method for determining CWD status from RT-QuIC data. Here, we assessed variables that could impact RT-QuIC results and explored the use of maxpoint ratios (maximumRFU/backgroundRFU) to improve the consistency of RT-QuIC analysis. We examined a variety of statistical analyses to retrospectively analyze CWD status based on RT-QuIC and ELISA results from 668 white-tailed deer lymph nodes. Our results revealed an MPR threshold of 2.0 for determining the rate of amyloid formation, and MPR analysis showed excellent agreement with independent ELISA results. These findings suggest that the use of MPR is a statistically viable option for normalizing between RT-QuIC experiments and defining CWD status.
Collapse
|
2
|
A field-deployable diagnostic assay for the visual detection of misfolded prions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12246. [PMID: 35851406 PMCID: PMC9293997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16323-y] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic tools for the detection of protein-misfolding diseases (i.e., proteopathies) are limited. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) facilitate sensitive diagnostic techniques via visual color change for the identification of a variety of targets. In parallel, recently developed quaking-induced conversion (QuIC) assays leverage protein-amplification and fluorescent signaling for the accurate detection of misfolded proteins. Here, we combine AuNP and QuIC technologies for the visual detection of amplified misfolded prion proteins from tissues of wild white-tailed deer infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids. Our newly developed assay, MN-QuIC, enables both naked-eye and light-absorbance measurements for detection of misfolded prions. MN-QuIC leverages basic laboratory equipment that is cost-effective and portable, thus facilitating real-time prion diagnostics across a variety of settings. In addition to laboratory-based tests, we deployed to a rural field-station in southeastern Minnesota and tested for CWD on site. We successfully demonstrated that MN-QuIC is functional in a non-traditional laboratory setting by performing a blinded analysis in the field and correctly identifying all CWD positive and CWD not-detected deer at the field site in 24 h, thus documenting the portability of the assay. White-tailed deer tissues used to validate MN-QuIC included medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes, parotid lymph nodes, and palatine tonsils. Importantly, all of the white-tailed deer (n = 63) were independently tested using ELISA, IHC, and/or RT-QuIC technologies and results secured with MN-QuIC were 95.7% and 100% consistent with these tests for positive and non-detected animals, respectively. We hypothesize that electrostatic forces help govern the AuNP/prion interactions and conclude that MN-QuIC has great potential for sensitive, field-deployable diagnostics for CWD, with future potential diagnostic applications for a variety of proteopathies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Binczyk NM, Smith MJ, Nathoo N, Sim VL, Jeffery D, Jivraj I. Visual Disturbances and Headache as Presenting Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:e488-e490. [PMID: 34224528 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M Binczyk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (NMB, MJS, IJ), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology (NN, VLS), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; and Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (DJ), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiao K, Yang X, Zhou W, Chen C, Shi Q, Dong X. Validation and Application of Skin RT-QuIC to Patients in China with Probable CJD. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121642. [PMID: 34959597 PMCID: PMC8707901 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The definite diagnosis of human sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) largely depends on postmortem neuropathology and PrPSc detection in the brain. The development of real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples makes it possible for premortem diagnosis for sCJD. To test the diagnostic potential of RT-QuIC of skin specimens for probable sCJD, we collected the paired skin and CSF samples from 51 recruited living patients referred to the Chinese CJD surveillance center, including 34 probable sCJD, 14 non-CJD, and 3 genetic prion disease (gPrD). The samples were subjected to RT-QuIC assays using recombinant hamster PrP protein rHaPrP90-231 as the substrate. Using skin RT-QuIC assay, 91.2% (31/34) probable sCJD patients, and 1 T188K genetic CJD (gCJD) cases showed positive prion-seeding activity, while 85.7% (12/14) non-CJD patients were negative. CSF RT-QuIC positive seeding activity was only observed in 14 probable sCJD patients. Analysis of the reactivity of 38 positive skin RT-QuIC tests revealed that the positive rates in the preparations of 10−2, 10−3 and 10−4 diluted skin samples were 88.6% (39/44), 63.6% (28/44), and 25.0% (11/44), respectively. Eleven probable sCJD patients donated two skin specimens collected at different sites simultaneously. Although 95.5% (21/22) skin RT-QuIC elicited positive reaction, the reactivity varied. Our preliminary data indicate high sensitivity and specificity of skin RT-QuIC in prion detection for Chinese probable sCJD and highlight that skin prion-seeding activity is a reliable biomarker for premortem diagnosis of human prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Xuehua Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Cao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qi Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Dongzhimeinei, South Rd 16, Beijing 100700, China
- Correspondence: (Q.S.); (X.D.); Fax: +86-10-58900815 (X.D.)
| | - Xiaoping Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China; (K.X.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (C.C.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Dongzhimeinei, South Rd 16, Beijing 100700, China
- Center for Global Public Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing 102206, China
- Correspondence: (Q.S.); (X.D.); Fax: +86-10-58900815 (X.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li M, Larsen PA. Primate-specific retrotransposons and the evolution of circadian networks in the human brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:988-1004. [PMID: 34592258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm of the human brain is attuned to sleep-wake cycles that entail global alterations in neuronal excitability. This periodicity involves a highly coordinated regulation of gene expression. A growing number of studies are documenting a fascinating connection between primate-specific retrotransposons (Alu elements) and key epigenetic regulatory processes in the primate brain. Collectively, these studies indicate that Alu elements embedded in the human neuronal genome mediate post-transcriptional processes that unite human-specific neuroepigenetic landscapes and circadian rhythm. Here, we review evidence linking Alu retrotransposon-mediated posttranscriptional pathways to circadian gene expression. We hypothesize that Alu retrotransposons participate in the organization of circadian brain function through multidimensional neuroepigenetic pathways. We anticipate that these pathways are closely tied to the evolution of human cognition and their perturbation contributes to the manifestation of human-specific neurological diseases. Finally, we address current challenges and accompanying opportunities in studying primate- and human-specific transposable elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manci Li
- University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
| | - Peter A Larsen
- University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prospective Study Demonstrates Utility of EP-QuIC in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Diagnoses. Can J Neurol Sci 2020; 48:127-129. [PMID: 32646535 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Prospectively acquired Canadian cerebrospinal fluid samples were used to assess the performance characteristics of three ante-mortem tests commonly used to support diagnoses of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The utility of the end-point quaking-induced conversion assay as a test for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease diagnoses was compared to that of immunoassays designed to detect increased amounts of the surrogate markers 14-3-3γ and hTau. The positive predictive values of the end-point quaking-induced conversion, 14-3-3γ, and hTau tests conducted at the Prion Diseases Section of the Public Health Agency of Canada were 96%, 68%, and 66%, respectively.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
In sheep, scrapie is a fatal neurologic disease that is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion (designated PrPSc). The normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) is encoded by an endogenous gene, PRNP, that is present in high concentrations within the CNS. Although a broad range of functions has been described for PrPC, its entire range of functions has yet to be fully elucidated. Accumulation of PrPSc results in neurodegeneration. The PRNP gene has several naturally occurring polymorphisms, and there is a strong correlation between scrapie susceptibility and PRNP genotype. The cornerstone of scrapie eradication programs is the selection of scrapie-resistant genotypes to eliminate classical scrapie. Transmission of classical scrapie in sheep occurs during the prenatal and periparturient periods when lambs are highly susceptible. Initially, the scrapie agent is disseminated throughout the lymphoid system and into the CNS. Shedding of the scrapie agent occurs before the onset of clinical signs. In contrast to classical scrapie, atypical scrapie is believed to be a spontaneous disease that occurs in isolated instances in older animals within a flock. The agent that causes atypical scrapie is not considered to be naturally transmissible. Transmission of the scrapie agent to species other than sheep, including deer, has been experimentally demonstrated as has the transmission of nonscrapie prion agents to sheep. The purpose of this review is to outline the current methods for diagnosing scrapie in sheep and the techniques used for studying the pathogenesis and host range of the scrapie agent. Also discussed is the US scrapie eradication program including recent updates.
Collapse
|
8
|
The Predictive Value of Endpoint Quaking-Induced Conversion in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Can J Neurol Sci 2019; 46:595-598. [PMID: 31266552 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2019.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal neurological illness for which accurate diagnosis is paramount. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) is a prion-specific assay with high sensitivity and specificity for CJD. The Canadian endpoint quaking-induced conversion (EP-QuIC) test is similar, but unlike RT-QuIC there is little data regarding its diagnostic utility in clinical practice. In this exploratory predictive value analysis of EP-QuIC in CJD, the negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) was 100% and 83%, respectively, with one false-positive result identified. Re-testing this sample with an optimized EP-QuIC protocol eliminated this false-positive result, leading to a PPV of 100%.
Collapse
|
9
|
Graveline J, Bose G, MacLean HJ. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presenting with encephalopathy, rigidity, and hyperekplexia. Neurol Clin Pract 2019; 9:e36-e38. [PMID: 31750031 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Graveline
- Division of Neurology, the Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gauruv Bose
- Division of Neurology, the Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather J MacLean
- Division of Neurology, the Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
An Evaluation of Rapidly Progressive Dementia Culminating in a Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Case Rep Infect Dis 2018; 2018:2374179. [PMID: 30345127 PMCID: PMC6174731 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2374179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly progressive dementia is a curious and elusive clinical description of a pattern of cognitive deficits that progresses faster than typical dementia syndromes. The differential diagnosis and clinical workup for rapidly progressive dementia are quite extensive and involve searching for infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic, metabolic, and neurodegenerative causes. We present the case of a previously highly functional 76-year-old individual who presented with a 6-month history of rapidly progressive dementia. His most prominent symptoms were cognitive impairment, aphasia, visual hallucinations, and ataxia. Following an extensive battery of tests in hospital, the differential diagnosis remained probable CJD versus autoimmune encephalitis. He clinically deteriorated and progressed to akinetic mutism and myoclonus. He passed away 8 weeks after his initial presentation to hospital, and an autopsy confirmed a diagnosis of sporadic CJD. We use this illustrative case as a framework to discuss the clinical and diagnostic considerations in the workup for rapidly progressive dementia. We also discuss CJD and autoimmune encephalitis, the two main diagnostic possibilities in our patient, in more detail.
Collapse
|
11
|
ThermoMixer-Aided Endpoint Quaking-Induced Conversion (EP-QuIC) Permits Faster Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (sCJD) Identification than Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC). J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00423-18. [PMID: 29695523 PMCID: PMC6018336 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00423-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
|
12
|
Altered rPrP substrate structures and their influence on real-time quaking induced conversion reactions. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 143:20-27. [PMID: 29031681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterially-produced recombinant prion protein (rPrP) has traditionally been used for in vitro fibrillation assays and reagent development for prion disease research. In recent years, it has also been used as a substrate for real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC), a very sensitive method of detecting the presence of the misfolded, disease-associated isoform of the prion protein (PrPd). Multi-centre trials have demonstrated that RT-QuIC is a suitably reliable and robust technique for clinical practice; however, in the absence of a commercial supplier of rPrP as a substrate for RT-QuIC, laboratories have been required to independently generate this key component of the assay. No harmonized method for producing the protein has been agreed upon, in part due to the variety of substrates that have been applied in RT-QuIC. METHODS This study examines the effects of two different rPrP refolding protocols on the production, QuIC performance, and structure characteristics of two constructs of rPrP commonly used in QuIC: full length hamster and a sheep-hamster chimeric rPrP. RESULTS Under the described conditions, the best performing substrate was the chimeric sheep-hamster rPrP produced by shorter guanidine-HCl exposure and faster gradient elution. CONCLUSIONS The observation that different rPrP production protocols influence QuIC performance indicates that caution should be exercised when comparing inter-laboratory QuIC results.
Collapse
|