Transcriptome Analysis of Co-Cultures of THP-1 Human Macrophages with Inactivated Germinated Trichophyton rubrum Conidia

Although most mycoses are superficial, the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum can cause systemic infections in patients with a weakened immune system, resulting in serious and deep lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the transcriptome of a human monocyte/macrophage cell line (THP-1) co-cultured with inactivated germinated T. rubrum conidia (IGC) in order to characterize deep infection. Analysis of macrophage viability by lactate dehydrogenase quantification showed the activation of the immune system after 24 h of contact with live germinated T. rubrum conidia (LGC). After standardization of the co-culture conditions, the release of the interleukins TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-12 was quantified. The greater release of IL-12 was observed during co-culturing of THP-1 with IGC, while there was no change in the other cytokines. Next-generation sequencing of the response to T. rubrum IGC identified the modulation of 83 genes; of these, 65 were induced and 18 were repressed. The categorization of the modulated genes showed their involvement in signal transduction, cell communication, and immune response pathways. In total, 16 genes were selected for validation and Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.98, indicating a high correlation between RNA-seq and qPCR. Modulation of the expression of all genes was similar for LGC and IGC co-culture; however, the fold-change values were higher for LGC. Due to the high expression of the IL-32 gene in RNA-seq, we quantified this interleukin and observed an increased release in co-culture with T. rubrum. In conclusion, the macrophages-T. rubrum co-culture model revealed the ability of these cells to modulate the immune response, as demonstrated by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the RNA-seq gene expression profile. The results obtained permit to identify possible molecular targets that are modulated in macrophages and that could be explored in antifungal therapies involving the activation of the immune system.

Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 isolated in Brazil revealed to be more invasive and inflammatory in murine colon compared to ST19 strains

Salmonella Typhimurium (ST313) has caused an epidemic of invasive disease in sub-Saharan Africa and has been recently identified in Brazil. As the virulence of this ST is poorly understood, the present study aimed to (i) perform the RNA-seq in vitro of S. Typhimurium STm30 (ST313) grown in Luria-Bertani medium at 37°C; (ii) compare it with the RNA-seq of the S. Typhimurium SL1344 (ST19) and S. Typhimurium STm11 (ST19) strains under the same growing conditions; and (iii) examine the colonization capacity and expression of virulence genes and cytokines in murine colon. The STm30 (ST313) strain exhibited stronger virulence and was associated with a more inflammatory profile than the strains SL1344 (ST19) and STm11 (ST19), as demonstrated by transcriptome and in vivo assay. The expression levels of the hilA, sopD2, pipB, and ssaS virulence genes, other Salmonella pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2 genes or effectors, and genes of the cytokines IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-12 were increased during ST313 infection in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, S. Typhimurium STm30 (ST313) isolated from human feces in Brazil express higher levels of pathogenesis-related genes at 37°C and has stronger colonization and invasion capacity in murine colon due to its high expression levels of virulence genes, when compared with the S. Typhimurium SL1344 (ST19) and STm11 (ST19) strains. STm30 (ST313) also induces stronger expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in this organ, suggesting that it causes more extensive tissue damage.

Estrous cycle impacts microRNA content in extracellular vesicles that modulate bovine cumulus cell transcripts during in vitro maturation†

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by ovarian follicle cells. Extracellular vesicles are an important form of intercellular communication, since they carry bioactive contents, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA capable of modulating mRNA translation. Thus, EVs can play a role in follicle and oocyte development. However, it is not clear if EV contents vary with the estrous cycle stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the bovine miRNA content in EVs obtained from follicles at different estrous cycle stages, which are associated with different progesterone (P4) levels in the follicular fluid (FF). We collected FF from 3 to 6 mm follicles and evaluated the miRNA profile of the EVs and their effects on cumulus-oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation. We observed that EVs from low P4 group have a higher abundance of miRNAs predicted to modulate pathways, such as MAPK, RNA transport, Hippo, Cell cycle, FoxO, oocyte meiosis, and TGF-beta. Additionally, EVs were taken up by cumulus cells and, thus, affected the RNA global profile 9 h after EV supplementation. Cumulus cells supplemented with EVs from low P4 presented upregulated genes that could modulate biological processes, such as oocyte development, immune responses, and Notch signaling compared with genes of cumulus cells in the EV free media or with EVs from high P4 follicles. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EV miRNA contents are distinct in follicles exposed to different estrous cycle stage. Supplementation with EVs impacts gene expression and biological processes in cumulus cells.

Deep sequencing applied to the analysis of viromes in patients with beta-thalassemia

To date, blood banks apply routine diagnosis to a specific spectrum of transfusion-transmitted viruses. Even though this measure is considered highly efficient to control their transmission, the threat imposed by emerging viruses is increasing globally, which can impact transfusion safety, especially in the light of the accelerated viral discovery by novel sequencing technologies. One of the most important groups of patients, who may indicate the presence of emerging viruses in the field of blood transfusion, is the group of individuals who receive multiple transfusions due to hereditary hemoglobinopathies. It is possible that they harbor unknown or unsuspected parenterally-transmitted viruses. In order to elucidate this, nucleic acids from 30 patients with beta-thalassemia were analyzed by Illumina next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Three major viral families: Anelloviridae, Flaviviridae and Hepadnaviridae were identified. Among them, anelloviruses were the most representative, being detected with high number of reads in all tested samples. Human Pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1, or GBV-C), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) were also identified. HBV and HCV detection was expected due to the high seroprevalence in patients with beta thalassemia. Our results do not confirm the presence of emerging or unsuspected viruses threatening the transfusion safety at present, but can be used to actively search for viruses that threaten blood transfusion safety. We believe that the application of viral metagenomics in multiple-transfused patients is highly useful to monitor possible viral transfusion threats and for the annotation of their virome composition.

Noninvasive neuromodulation of the prefrontal cortex in young women with obesity: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity is associated with reduced neurocognitive performance. Individuals with obesity show decreased activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key brain region relevant to the regulation of eating behavior. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potential technique to correct these abnormalities. However, there is limited information to date, particularly in clinical settings and regarding long-term effects of tDCS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DLPFC-targeted tDCS in young women with obesity.

SUBJECT/METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled parallel-design clinical trial conducted in 38 women, aged 20-40 years, with BMI 30-35 kg/m2.

STUDY DESIGN

Phase I: target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II: tDCS only (ten sessions, 2 weeks), Phase III: tDCS + hypocaloric diet (six sessions, 30% energy intake reduction, 2 weeks, inpatient), Phase IV: follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

change in body weight.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

change in eating behavior and appetite. Additional analyses: effect of Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene variability. Data were analyzed as linear mixed models.

RESULTS

There was no group difference in change in body weight during the tDCS intervention. At follow-up, the active group lost less weight than the sham group. In addition, the active group regained weight at 6-month follow-up, compared with sham. Genetic analysis indicated that COMT Met noncarriers were the subgroup that accounted for this paradoxical response in the active group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that in young women with class I obesity, tDCS targeted to the DLPFC does not facilitate weight loss. Indeed, we found indications that tDCS could have a paradoxical effect in this population, possibly connected with individual differences in dopamine availability. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Appetite effects of prefrontal stimulation depend on COMT Val158Met polymorphism: A randomized clinical trial

The regulation of appetite is supported by dopamine-modulated brain circuits. Recent studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at increasing the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce appetite, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and response variability is large. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual differences in Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism can influence tDCS effects on appetite. Thirty-eight adult women with obesity, classified as carriers or non-carriers of the Met allele, underwent a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled tDCS intervention involving three phases: Phase I, target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II, tDCS only (10 sessions, two weeks), and Phase III, tDCS + hypocaloric diet: (6 sessions, two weeks, 30% energy intake reduction, inpatient). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and mixed ANCOVA. Appetite was evaluated using visual analogue scales. We found that Met-carriers receiving active tDCS were the only participants who experienced a significant reduction of appetite over time. Conversely, Met non-carriers maintained high levels of appetite during the intervention; this effect was driven by a delayed paradoxical rise in appetite after stimulation. Working memory task performance at phase I correlated with subsequent appetite change in a COMT-dependent manner: speed improvements during the task predicted appetite increase in Met carriers and appetite reduction in Met non-carriers. Our findings suggest that genotype differences impacting dopamine levels influence prefrontal tDCS effects on appetite. This source of variability should be considered in the design of future studies.

Dual RNA-Seq Analysis of Trichophyton rubrum and HaCat Keratinocyte Co-Culture Highlights Important Genes for Fungal-Host Interaction

The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is the major fungal pathogen of skin, hair, and nails that uses keratinized substrates as the primary nutrients during infection. Few strategies are available that permit a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of T. rubrum with the host because of the limitations of models mimicking this interaction. Dual RNA-seq is a powerful tool to unravel this complex interaction since it enables simultaneous evaluation of the transcriptome of two organisms. Using this technology in an in vitro model of co-culture, this study evaluated the transcriptional profile of genes involved in fungus-host interactions in 24 h. Our data demonstrated the induction of glyoxylate cycle genes, ERG6 and TERG_00916, which encodes a carboxylic acid transporter that may improve the assimilation of nutrients and fungal survival in the host. Furthermore, genes encoding keratinolytic proteases were also induced. In human keratinocytes (HaCat) cells, the SLC11A1, RNASE7, and CSF2 genes were induced and the products of these genes are known to have antimicrobial activity. In addition, the FLG and KRT1 genes involved in the epithelial barrier integrity were inhibited. This analysis showed the modulation of important genes involved in T. rubrum–host interaction, which could represent potential antifungal targets for the treatment of dermatophytoses.

Analysis of the presence of the GJB6 mutations in patients heterozygous for GJB2 mutation in Brazil

Mutations in the GJB2 gene, mainly 35delG, are responsible for most autosomal recessive inherited genetic hearing loss. The audiometric standard of these hearing losses remains inconsistent and other genes, such as GJB6, have been involved in association with GJB2. The objective of the study was to identify the deletions del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854) in patients heterozygous for 35delG/GJB2 and analyze the phenotype they present. 101 patients with mild to profound degree of sensorineural hypoacusis were evaluated. The allele-specific PCR technique was used to identify 35delG. The del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854) were identified through the PCR multiplex technique. 90% of the subjects presented a normal genotype for the analyzed mutations; 6.93% were shown to be heterozygous for 35delG/GJB2 and 1% presented compound heterozygosis GJB2/GJB6). The data found reinforced the hypothesis of an interaction of more than one gene as the cause of autosomal recessive genetic hearing loss and emphasized the importance of an early diagnosis for appropriate intervention.