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Salas-Veizaga DM, Rocabado-Villegas LR, Linares-Pastén JA, Gudmundsdottir EE, Hreggvidsson GO, Álvarez-Aliaga MT, Adlercreutz P, Nordberg Karlsson E. A novel glycoside hydrolase 43-like enzyme from Clostridium boliviensis is an endo-xylanase and a candidate for xylooligosaccharide production from different xylan substrates. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0222323. [PMID: 38497645 PMCID: PMC11022575 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02223-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
An uncharacterized gene encoding a glycoside hydrolase family 43-like enzyme from Clostridium boliviensis strain E-1 was identified from genomic sequence data, and the encoded enzyme, CbE1Xyn43-l, was produced in Escherichia coli. CbE1Xyn43-l (52.9 kDa) is a two-domain endo-β-xylanase consisting of a C-terminal CBM6 and a GH43-like catalytic domain. The positions of the catalytic dyad conserved in GH43, the catalytic base (Asp74), and proton donor (Glu240) were identified in alignments including GH43-enzymes of known 3D-structure from different subfamilies. CbE1Xyn43-l is active at pH 7.0-9.0, with optimum temperature at 65°C, and a more than 7 days' half-life in irreversible deactivation studies at this temperature. The enzyme hydrolyzed birchwood xylan, quinoa stalks glucuronoarabinoxylan, and wheat arabinoxylan with xylotriose and xylotetraose as major hydrolysis products. CbE1Xyn43-l also released xylobiose from pNPX2 with low turnover (kcat of 0.044 s-1) but was inactive on pNPX, showing that a degree of polymerization of three (DP3) was the smallest hydrolyzable substrate. Divalent ions affected the specific activity on xylan substrates, which dependent on the ion could be increased or decreased. In conclusion, CbE1Xyn43-l from C. boliviensis strain E-1 is the first characterized member of a large group of homologous hypothetical proteins annotated as GH43-like and is a thermostable endo-xylanase, producing xylooligosaccharides of high DP (xylotriose and xylotetraose) producer. IMPORTANCE The genome of Clostridium boliviensis strain E-1 encodes a number of hypothetical enzymes, annotated as glycoside hydrolase-like but not classified in the Carbohydrate Active Enzyme Database (CAZy). A novel thermostable GH43-like enzyme is here characterized as an endo-β-xylanase of interest in the production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOs) from different xylan sources. CbE1Xyn43-l is a two-domain enzyme composed of a catalytic GH43-l domain and a CBM6 domain, producing xylotriose as main XO product. The enzyme has homologs in many related Clostridium strains which may indicate a similar function and be a previously unknown type of endo-xylanase in this evolutionary lineage of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martin Salas-Veizaga
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fármaco Bioquímicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Adlercreutz
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Purić E, Nilsson UJ, Anderluh M. Galectin-8 inhibition and functions in immune response and tumor biology. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38613488 DOI: 10.1002/med.22041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Galectins are among organisms' most abundantly expressed lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) that specifically bind β-galactosides. They act not only outside the cell, where they bind to extracellular matrix glycans, but also inside the cell, where they have a significant impact on signaling pathways. Galectin-8 is a galectin family protein encoded by the LGALS8 gene. Its role is evident in both T- and B-cell immunity and in the innate immune response, where it acts directly on dendritic cells and induces some pro-inflammatory cytokines. Galectin-8 also plays an important role in the defense against bacterial and viral infections. It is known to promote antibacterial autophagy by recognizing and binding glycans present on the vacuolar membrane, thus acting as a danger receptor. The most important role of galectin-8 is the regulation of cancer growth, metastasis, tumor progression, and tumor cell survival. Importantly, the expression of galectins is typically higher in tumor tissues than in noncancerous tissues. In this review article, we focus on galectin-8 and its function in immune response, microbial infections, and cancer. Given all of these functions of galectin-8, we emphasize the importance of developing new and selective galectin-8 inhibitors and report the current status of their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvin Purić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marko Anderluh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Sridhar S, Kiema T, Schmitz W, Widersten M, Wierenga RK. Structural enzymology studies with the substrate 3S-hydroxybutanoyl-CoA: bifunctional MFE1 is a less efficient dehydrogenase than monofunctional HAD. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:655-674. [PMID: 38458818 PMCID: PMC10988713 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multifunctional enzyme, type-1 (MFE1) catalyzes the second and third step of the β-oxidation cycle, being, respectively, the 2E-enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECH) reaction (N-terminal part, crotonase fold) and the NAD+-dependent, 3S-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) reaction (C-terminal part, HAD fold). Structural enzymological properties of rat MFE1 (RnMFE1) as well as of two of its variants, namely the E123A variant (a glutamate of the ECH active site is mutated into alanine) and the BCDE variant (without domain A of the ECH part), were studied, using as substrate 3S-hydroxybutanoyl-CoA. Protein crystallographic binding studies show the hydrogen bond interactions of 3S-hydroxybutanoyl-CoA as well as of its 3-keto, oxidized form, acetoacetyl-CoA, with the catalytic glutamates in the ECH active site. Pre-steady state binding experiments with NAD+ and NADH show that the kon and koff rate constants of the HAD active site of monomeric RnMFE1 and the homologous human, dimeric 3S-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HsHAD) for NAD+ and NADH are very similar, being the same as those observed for the E123A and BCDE variants. However, steady state and pre-steady state kinetic data concerning the HAD-catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction of the substrate 3S-hydroxybutanoyl-CoA show that, respectively, the kcat and kchem rate constants for conversion into acetoacetyl-CoA by RnMFE1 (and its two variants) are about 10 fold lower as when catalyzed by HsHAD. The dynamical properties of dehydrogenases are known to be important for their catalytic efficiency, and it is discussed that the greater complexity of the RnMFE1 fold correlates with the observation that RnMFE1 is a slower dehydrogenase than HsHAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Sridhar
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluFinland
| | | | - Werner Schmitz
- Theodor Boveri Institute of Biosciences (Biocenter)University of WürzburgGermany
| | | | - Rik K. Wierenga
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluFinland
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Emmenegger TM, Pfyffer D, Curt A, Schading-Sassenhausen S, Hupp M, Ashburner J, Friston K, Weiskopf N, Thompson A, Freund P. Longitudinal motor system changes from acute to chronic spinal cord injury. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16196. [PMID: 38258488 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In acute spinal cord injury (SCI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals tissue bridges and neurodegeneration for 2 years. This 5-year study aims to track initial lesion changes, subsequent neurodegeneration, and their impact on recovery. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study enrolled acute SCI patients and healthy controls who were assessed clinically-and by MRI-regularly from 3 days postinjury up to 60 months. We employed histologically cross-validated quantitative MRI sequences sensitive to volume, myelin, and iron changes, thereby reflecting indirectly processes of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. General linear models tracked lesion and remote changes in volume, myelin- and iron-sensitive magnetic resonance indices over 5 years. Associations between lesion, degeneration, and recovery (using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure [SCIM] questionnaire and the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury total motor score) were assessed. RESULTS Patients' motor scores improved by an average of 12.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.70-19.00) points, and SCIM by 26.08 (95% CI = 17.00-35.20) points. Within 3-28 days post-SCI, lesion size decreased by more than two-thirds (3 days: 302.52 ± 185.80 mm2 , 28 days: 76.77 ± 88.62 mm2 ), revealing tissue bridges. Cervical cord and corticospinal tract volumes transiently increased in SCI patients by 5% and 3%, respectively, accompanied by cervical myelin decreases and iron increases. Over time, progressive atrophy was observed in both regions, which was linked to early lesion dynamics. Tissue bridges, reduced swelling, and myelin content decreases were predictive of long-term motor score recovery and improved SCIM score. CONCLUSIONS Studying acute changes and their impact on longer follow-up provides insights into SCI trajectory, highlighting the importance of acute intervention while indicating the potential to influence outcomes in the later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim M Emmenegger
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John Ashburner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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Cameirão C, Costa D, Rufino J, Pereira JA, Lino-Neto T, Baptista P. Diversity, Composition, and Specificity of the Philaenus spumarius Bacteriome. Microorganisms 2024; 12:298. [PMID: 38399702 PMCID: PMC10893442 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) was recently classified as a pest due to its ability to act as a vector of the phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa. This insect has been reported to harbour several symbiotic bacteria that play essential roles in P. spumarius health and fitness. However, the factors driving bacterial assemblages remain largely unexplored. Here, the bacteriome associated with different organs (head, abdomen, and genitalia) of males and females of P. spumarius was characterized using culturally dependent and independent methods and compared in terms of diversity and composition. The bacteriome of P. spumarius is enriched in Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria phyla, as well as in Candidatus Sulcia and Cutibacterium genera. The most frequent isolates were Curtobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobiaceae sp.1. Males display a more diverse bacterial community than females, but no differences in diversity were found in distinct organs. However, the organ shapes the bacteriome structure more than sex, with the Microbacteriaceae family revealing a high level of organ specificity and the Blattabacteriaceae family showing a high level of sex specificity. Several symbiotic bacterial genera were identified in P. spumarius for the first time, including Rhodococcus, Citrobacter, Halomonas, Streptomyces, and Providencia. Differences in the bacterial composition within P. spumarius organs and sexes suggest an adaptation of bacteria to particular insect tissues, potentially shaped by their significance in the life and overall fitness of P. spumarius. Although more research on the bacteria of P. spumarius interactions is needed, such knowledge could help to develop specific bacterial-based insect management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cameirão
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.A.P.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Daniela Costa
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.); (T.L.-N.)
| | - José Rufino
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Research Centre in Digitalization and Intelligent Robotics (CeDRI), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - José Alberto Pereira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.A.P.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Teresa Lino-Neto
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.C.); (T.L.-N.)
| | - Paula Baptista
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.A.P.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
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Li S, Schmid KT, de Vries DH, Korshevniuk M, Losert C, Oelen R, van Blokland IV, Groot HE, Swertz MA, van der Harst P, Westra HJ, van der Wijst MGP, Heinig M, Franke L. Identification of genetic variants that impact gene co-expression relationships using large-scale single-cell data. Genome Biol 2023; 24:80. [PMID: 37072791 PMCID: PMC10111756 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies show how genetic variants affect downstream gene expression. Single-cell data allows reconstruction of personalized co-expression networks and therefore the identification of SNPs altering co-expression patterns (co-expression QTLs, co-eQTLs) and the affected upstream regulatory processes using a limited number of individuals. RESULTS We conduct a co-eQTL meta-analysis across four scRNA-seq peripheral blood mononuclear cell datasets using a novel filtering strategy followed by a permutation-based multiple testing approach. Before the analysis, we evaluate the co-expression patterns required for co-eQTL identification using different external resources. We identify a robust set of cell-type-specific co-eQTLs for 72 independent SNPs affecting 946 gene pairs. These co-eQTLs are replicated in a large bulk cohort and provide novel insights into how disease-associated variants alter regulatory networks. One co-eQTL SNP, rs1131017, that is associated with several autoimmune diseases, affects the co-expression of RPS26 with other ribosomal genes. Interestingly, specifically in T cells, the SNP additionally affects co-expression of RPS26 and a group of genes associated with T cell activation and autoimmune disease. Among these genes, we identify enrichment for targets of five T-cell-activation-related transcription factors whose binding sites harbor rs1131017. This reveals a previously overlooked process and pinpoints potential regulators that could explain the association of rs1131017 with autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSION Our co-eQTL results highlight the importance of studying context-specific gene regulation to understand the biological implications of genetic variation. With the expected growth of sc-eQTL datasets, our strategy and technical guidelines will facilitate future co-eQTL identification, further elucidating unknown disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Genomics Coordination Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Katharina T Schmid
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dylan H de Vries
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maryna Korshevniuk
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Corinna Losert
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roy Oelen
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irene V van Blokland
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hilde E Groot
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Morris A Swertz
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Genomics Coordination Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pim van der Harst
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harm-Jan Westra
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Matthias Heinig
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Computer Science, School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany.
| | - Lude Franke
- Genetics Department, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Artificial intelligence-based (AI) technologies such as machine learning (ML) systems are playing an increasingly relevant role in medicine and healthcare, bringing about novel ethical and epistemological issues that need to be timely addressed. Even though ethical questions connected to epistemic concerns have been at the center of the debate, it is going unnoticed how epistemic forms of injustice can be ML-induced, specifically in healthcare. I analyze the shortcomings of an ML system currently deployed in the USA to predict patients' likelihood of opioid addiction and misuse (PDMP algorithmic platforms). Drawing on this analysis, I aim to show that the wrong inflicted on epistemic agents involved in and affected by these systems' decision-making processes can be captured through the lenses of Miranda Fricker's account of hermeneutical injustice. I further argue that ML-induced hermeneutical injustice is particularly harmful due to what I define as an automated hermeneutical appropriation from the side of the ML system. The latter occurs if the ML system establishes meanings and shared hermeneutical resources without allowing for human oversight, impairing understanding and communication practices among stakeholders involved in medical decision-making. Furthermore and very much crucially, an automated hermeneutical appropriation can be recognized if physicians are strongly limited in their possibilities to safeguard patients from ML-induced hermeneutical injustice. Overall, my paper should expand the analysis of ethical issues raised by ML systems that are to be considered epistemic in nature, thus contributing to bridging the gap between these two dimensions in the ongoing debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pozzi
- Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
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Haferkamp J, Montealegre-Mora F, Heinrich M, Eisert J, Gross D, Roth I. Efficient Unitary Designs with a System-Size Independent Number of Non-Clifford Gates. Commun Math Phys 2022; 397:995-1041. [PMID: 36743125 PMCID: PMC9886645 DOI: 10.1007/s00220-022-04507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many quantum information protocols require the implementation of random unitaries. Because it takes exponential resources to produce Haar-random unitaries drawn from the full n-qubit group, one often resorts to t-designs. Unitary t-designs mimic the Haar-measure up to t-th moments. It is known that Clifford operations can implement at most 3-designs. In this work, we quantify the non-Clifford resources required to break this barrier. We find that it suffices to inject O ( t 4 log 2 ( t ) log ( 1 / ε ) ) many non-Clifford gates into a polynomial-depth random Clifford circuit to obtain an ε -approximate t-design. Strikingly, the number of non-Clifford gates required is independent of the system size - asymptotically, the density of non-Clifford gates is allowed to tend to zero. We also derive novel bounds on the convergence time of random Clifford circuits to the t-th moment of the uniform distribution on the Clifford group. Our proofs exploit a recently developed variant of Schur-Weyl duality for the Clifford group, as well as bounds on restricted spectral gaps of averaging operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Haferkamp
- Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - M. Heinrich
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Quantum Technology Research Group, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J. Eisert
- Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - D. Gross
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I. Roth
- Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Quantum Research Centre, Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Poulsen CS, Ekstrøm CT, Aarestrup FM, Pamp SJ. Library Preparation and Sequencing Platform Introduce Bias in Metagenomic-Based Characterizations of Microbiomes. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0009022. [PMID: 35289669 PMCID: PMC9045301 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00090-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomics is increasingly used to describe microbial communities in biological specimens. Ideally, the steps involved in the processing of the biological specimens should not change the microbiome composition in a way that it could lead to false interpretations of inferred microbial community composition. Common steps in sample preparation include sample collection, storage, DNA isolation, library preparation, and DNA sequencing. Here, we assess the effect of three library preparation kits and two DNA sequencing platforms. Of the library preparation kits, one involved a PCR step (Nextera), and two were PCR free (NEXTflex and KAPA). We sequenced the libraries on Illumina HiSeq and NextSeq platforms. As example microbiomes, two pig fecal samples and two sewage samples of which aliquots were stored at different storage conditions (immediate processing and storage at -80°C) were assessed. All DNA isolations were performed in duplicate, totaling 80 samples, excluding controls. We found that both library preparation and sequencing platform had systematic effects on the inferred microbial community composition. The different sequencing platforms introduced more variation than library preparation and freezing the samples. The results highlight that all sample processing steps need to be considered when comparing studies. Standardization of sample processing is key to generating comparable data within a study, and comparisons of differently generated data, such as in a meta-analysis, should be performed cautiously. IMPORTANCE Previous research has reported effects of sample storage conditions and DNA isolation procedures on metagenomics-based microbiome composition; however, the effect of library preparation and DNA sequencing in metagenomics has not been thoroughly assessed. Here, we provide evidence that library preparation and sequencing platform introduce systematic biases in the metagenomic-based characterization of microbial communities. These findings suggest that library preparation and sequencing are important parameters to keep consistent when aiming to detect small changes in microbiome community structure. Overall, we recommend that all samples in a microbiome study are processed in the same way to limit unwanted variations that could lead to false conclusions. Furthermore, if we are to obtain a more holistic insight from microbiome data generated around the world, we will need to provide more detailed sample metadata, including information about the different sample processing procedures, together with the DNA sequencing data at the public repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper S. Poulsen
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Claus T. Ekstrøm
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank M. Aarestrup
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sünje J. Pamp
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Carrabotta M, Laginestra MA, Durante G, Mancarella C, Landuzzi L, Parra A, Ruzzi F, Toracchio L, De Feo A, Giusti V, Pasello M, Righi A, Lollini PL, Palmerini E, Donati DM, Manara MC, Scotlandi K. Integrated Molecular Characterization of Patient-Derived Models Reveals Therapeutic Strategies for Treating CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:708-720. [PMID: 34903601 PMCID: PMC9359717 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Capicua-double homeobox 4 (CIC-DUX4)-rearranged sarcomas (CDS) are extremely rare, highly aggressive primary sarcomas that represent a major therapeutic challenge. Patients are treated according to Ewing sarcoma protocols, but CDS-specific therapies are strongly needed. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed on patient samples to identify a selective signature that differentiates CDS from Ewing sarcoma and other fusion-driven sarcomas. This signature was used to validate the representativeness of newly generated CDS experimental models-patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and PDX-derived cell lines-and to identify specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Annotation analysis of differentially expressed genes and molecular gene validation highlighted an HMGA2/IGF2BP/IGF2/IGF1R/AKT/mTOR axis that characterizes CDS and renders the tumors particularly sensitive to combined treatments with trabectedin and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. Trabectedin inhibited IGF2BP/IGF2/IGF1R activity, but dual inhibition of the PI3K and mTOR pathways was required to completely dampen downstream signaling mediators. Proof-of-principle efficacy for the combination of the dual AKT/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 (dactolisib) with trabectedin was obtained in vitro and in vivo using CDS PDX-derived cell lines, demonstrating a strong inhibition of local tumor growth and multiorgan metastasis. Overall, the development of representative experimental models (PDXs and PDX-derived cell lines) has helped to identify the unique sensitivity of the CDS to AKT/mTOR inhibitors and trabectedin, revealing a mechanism-based therapeutic strategy to fight this lethal cancer. SIGNIFICANCE This study identifies altered HMGA2/IGF2BP/IGF2 signaling in CIC-DUX4 sarcomas and provides proof of principle for combination therapy with trabectedin and AKT/mTOR dual inhibitors to specifically combat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Carrabotta
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Durante
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Mancarella
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Parra
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruzzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lisa Toracchio
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Feo
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Giusti
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Pasello
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Righi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Palmerini
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Novel Therapy Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Maria Donati
- Third Orthopaedic Clinic and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Ingham AC, Kielsen K, Mordhorst H, Ifversen M, Aarestrup FM, Müller KG, Pamp SJ. Microbiota long-term dynamics and prediction of acute graft-versus-host disease in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Microbiome 2021; 9:148. [PMID: 34183060 PMCID: PMC8240369 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01100-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) exhibit changes in their gut microbiota and are experiencing a range of complications, including acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). It is unknown if, when, and under which conditions a re-establishment of microbial and immunological homeostasis occurs. It is also unclear whether microbiota long-term dynamics occur at other body sites than the gut such as the mouth or nose. Moreover, it is not known whether the patients' microbiota prior to HSCT holds clues to whether the patient would suffer from severe complications subsequent to HSCT. Here, we take a holobiont perspective and performed an integrated host-microbiota analysis of the gut, oral, and nasal microbiota in 29 children undergoing allo-HSCT. RESULTS The bacterial diversity decreased in the gut, nose, and mouth during the first month and reconstituted again 1-3 months after allo-HSCT. The microbial community composition traversed three phases over 1 year. Distinct taxa discriminated the microbiota temporally at all three body sides, including Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Blautia spp. in the gut. Of note, certain microbial taxa appeared already changed in the patients prior to allo-HSCT as compared with healthy children. Acute GvHD occurring after allo-HSCT could be predicted from the microbiota composition at all three body sites prior to HSCT. The reconstitution of CD4+ T cells, TH17, and B cells was associated with distinct taxa of the gut, oral, and nasal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals for the first time bacteria in the mouth and nose that may predict aGvHD. Monitoring of the microbiota at different body sites in HSCT patients and particularly through involvement of samples prior to transplantation may be of prognostic value and could assist in guiding personalized treatment strategies. The identification of distinct bacteria that have a potential to predict post-transplant aGvHD might provide opportunities for an improved preventive clinical management, including a modulation of microbiomes. The host-microbiota associations shared between several body sites might also support an implementation of more feasible oral and nasal swab sampling-based analyses. Altogether, the findings suggest that the microbiota and host factors together could provide actionable information to guiding precision medicine. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cäcilia Ingham
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Present address: Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Kielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Department of Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Mordhorst
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marianne Ifversen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank M Aarestrup
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Klaus Gottlob Müller
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Department of Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sünje Johanna Pamp
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Present address: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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12
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Mendes MA, Petrella R, Cucinotta M, Vignati E, Gatti S, Pinto SC, Bird DC, Gregis V, Dickinson H, Tucker MR, Colombo L. The RNA-dependent DNA methylation pathway is required to restrict SPOROCYTELESS/NOZZLE expression to specify a single female germ cell precursor in Arabidopsis. Development 2020; 147:dev194274. [PMID: 33158925 PMCID: PMC7758631 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In higher plants, the female germline is formed from the megaspore mother cell (MMC), a single cell in the premeiotic ovule. Previously, it was reported that mutants in the RNA-dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway might be involved in restricting the female germline to a single nucellus cell. We show that the DRM methyltransferase double mutant drm1drm2 also presents ectopic enlarged cells, consistent with supernumerary MMC-like cells. In wild-type ovules, MMC differentiation requires SPOROCYTELESS/NOZZLE (SPL/NZZ), as demonstrated by the spl/nzz mutant failing to develop an MMC. We address the poorly understood upstream regulation of SPL/NZZ in ovules, showing that the RdDM pathway is important to restrict SPL/NZZ expression. In ago9, rdr6 and drm1drm2 mutants, SPL/NZZ is expressed ectopically, suggesting that the multiple MMC-like cells observed might be attributable to the ectopic expression of SPL/NZZ. We show that the ovule identity gene, SEEDSTICK, directly regulates AGO9 and RDR6 expression in the ovule and therefore indirectly regulates SPL/NZZ expression. A model is presented describing the network required to restrict SPL/NZZ expression to specify a single MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Mendes
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Rosanna Petrella
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mara Cucinotta
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vignati
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Gatti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara C Pinto
- LAQV REQUIMTE, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Dayton C Bird
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Veronica Gregis
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Hugh Dickinson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Matthew R Tucker
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Lucia Colombo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visibility of tobacco products at the point of sale (PoS), in settings where open display of tobacco is allowed, is one of the last remaining ways in which the tobacco industry can legally promote their products. The aim of this study was to map the visibility of tobacco products and advertisement both inside and outside retailers, among different types of retailers. SETTING The study was conducted in two districts in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS All potential tobacco retailers were visited within the districts, and were mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. INTERVENTION Observational data was collected for each tobacco retailer using a checklist with characteristics of the internal and external visibility of tobacco products and advertisement. Retailers were categorised into supermarkets, hospitality industry, tobacconists and 'other retailers' (convenience stores, office supply stores, gas stations, drug stores and telephone communication stores). Data were collected in April-May 2017. RESULTS Eighty-two tobacco retailers were identified. Among all retailers, 52.4% had external and 91.5% internal visibility of tobacco products. Tobacconists had the highest level of internal and external visibility of tobacco products (both 100%), followed by 'other retailers' (100% and 56% respectively) and supermarkets (79% and 47%, respectively). Retailers in the hospitality industry had low external visibility (28%), but high internal visibility (90%), as 83% sold tobacco through vending machines. CONCLUSION Visibility of tobacco products was high among all types of retailers, including those previous studies show are commonly visited by youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien A W Nuyts
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirte A G Kuipers
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alp Cakir
- Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc C Willemsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Expertise Center for Tobacco Control (NET), Trimbos Instituut, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonore M Veldhuizen
- Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton E Kunst
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wilkes P, Disney M, Vicari MB, Calders K, Burt A. Estimating urban above ground biomass with multi-scale LiDAR. Carbon Balance Manag 2018; 13:10. [PMID: 29943069 PMCID: PMC6020103 DOI: 10.1186/s13021-018-0098-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban trees have long been valued for providing ecosystem services (mitigation of the "heat island" effect, suppression of air pollution, etc.); more recently the potential of urban forests to store significant above ground biomass (AGB) has also be recognised. However, urban areas pose particular challenges when assessing AGB due to plasticity of tree form, high species diversity as well as heterogeneous and complex land cover. Remote sensing, in particular light detection and ranging (LiDAR), provide a unique opportunity to assess urban AGB by directly measuring tree structure. In this study, terrestrial LiDAR measurements were used to derive new allometry for the London Borough of Camden, that incorporates the wide range of tree structures typical of an urban setting. Using a wall-to-wall airborne LiDAR dataset, individual trees were then identified across the Borough with a new individual tree detection (ITD) method. The new allometry was subsequently applied to the identified trees, generating a Borough-wide estimate of AGB. RESULTS Camden has an estimated median AGB density of 51.6 Mg ha-1 where maximum AGB density is found in pockets of woodland; terrestrial LiDAR-derived AGB estimates suggest these areas are comparable to temperate and tropical forest. Multiple linear regression of terrestrial LiDAR-derived maximum height and projected crown area explained 93% of variance in tree volume, highlighting the utility of these metrics to characterise diverse tree structure. Locally derived allometry provided accurate estimates of tree volume whereas a Borough-wide allometry tended to overestimate AGB in woodland areas. The new ITD method successfully identified individual trees; however, AGB was underestimated by ≤ 25% when compared to terrestrial LiDAR, owing to the inability of ITD to resolve crown overlap. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis identified assigning wood density values as the largest source of uncertainty when estimating AGB. CONCLUSION Over the coming century global populations are predicted to become increasingly urbanised, leading to an unprecedented expansion of urban land cover. Urban areas will become more important as carbon sinks and effective tools to assess carbon densities in these areas are therefore required. Using multi-scale LiDAR presents an opportunity to achieve this, providing a spatially explicit map of urban forest structure and AGB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Wilkes
- Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- NERC National Centre for Earth Observation,
Leicester, UK
| | - Mathias Disney
- Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- NERC National Centre for Earth Observation,
Leicester, UK
| | - Matheus Boni Vicari
- Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Kim Calders
- Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- Earth Observation, Climate and Optical Group, National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW UK
- Computational & Applied Vegetation Ecology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrew Burt
- Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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