Residual serum fibrinogen as a universal biomarker for all serotypes of Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe neuromuscular weakness. Diagnostic confirmation of MG is typically delayed and secured in about 85% and 50% of patients with generalized and ocular MG, respectively with serum antibodies. We have identified a sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarker for various MG serotypes with quantitative proteomics. Serum proteomes of 18 individuals (MG patients, healthy controls (HC), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were quantified in a pilot study and occurrence of high residual fibrinogen was validated by immunoblotting and further investigated by targeted mass spectrometry on the sera of 79 individuals (31 MG of various serotypes, 30 HC, 18 RA). Initial proteomic analysis identified high residual fibrinogen in MG patient sera which was then validated by antibody-based testing. Subsequently, a blinded study of independent samples showed 100% differentiation of MG patients from controls. A final serological quantification of 14 surrogate peptides derived from α-, β-, and γ-subunits of fibrinogen in 79 individuals revealed fibrinogen to be highly specific and 100% sensitive for MG (p < 0.00001), with a remarkable average higher abundance of > 1000-fold over control groups. Our unanticipated discovery of high levels of residual serum fibrinogen in all MG patients can secure rapid bedside diagnosis of MG.

Deciphering Network Crosstalk: The Current Status and Potential of miRNA Regulatory Networks on the HSP40 Molecular Chaperone Network

Molecular chaperone networks fulfill complex roles in protein homeostasis and are essential for maintaining cell health. Hsp40s (commonly referred to as J-proteins) have critical roles in development and are associated with a variety of human diseases, yet little is known regarding the J-proteins with respect to the post-transcriptional mechanisms that regulate their expression. With relatively small alterations in their abundance and stoichiometry altering their activity, post-transcriptional regulation potentially has significant impact on the functions of J-proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large group of non-coding RNAs that form a complex regulatory network impacting gene expression. Here we review and investigate the current knowledge and potential intersection of miRNA regulatory networks with the J-Protein chaperone network. Analysis of datasets from the current version of TargetScan revealed a great number of predicted microRNAs targeting J-proteins compared to the limited reports of interactions to date. There are likely unstudied regulatory interactions that influence chaperone biology contained within our analysis. We go on to present some criteria for prioritizing candidate interactions including potential cooperative targeting of J-Proteins by multiple miRNAs. In summary, we offer a view on the scope of regulation of J-Proteins through miRNAs with the aim of guiding future investigations by identifying key regulatory nodes within these two complex cellular networks.

Proceedings of the 14th annual RiboWest conference: perspectives and outcome

The RiboWest Conference brings together RNA researchers in Canada with the 2-fold goals of fostering internationally competitive RNA research and of training the next generation of scientists. The 14th Annual RiboWest conference (RiboWest 2018) was held at the University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Alberta) from June 10th to 13th, 2018. This meeting was focused on all major aspects of RNA research, ranging from understanding the cellular role of RNA, studying RNA interactions and structures, and employing them as a therapeutic tool. The invited keynote speakers (5) provided insights into the wide-range of RNA-based research. One of the unique features of this conference was that the majority of the oral presentations were given by the trainees (undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral researchers). Hosted by the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI) at the University of Lethbridge as the leading center of RNA research in Western Canada, the RiboWest 2018 was well attended by researchers from across the country (>110 attendees in total). This conference proceedings editorial presents the overview of the conference, and briefly introduces articles published in this special issue of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.