Bayesian integrative analysis and prediction with application to atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease

Integrative multi-omics approach for identifying molecular signatures and pathways and deriving and validating molecular scores for COVID-19 severity and status

BACKGROUND

There is still more to learn about the pathobiology of COVID-19. A multi-omic approach offers a holistic view to better understand the mechanisms of COVID-19. We used state-of-the-art statistical learning methods to integrate genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics data obtained from 123 patients experiencing COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms for the purpose of identifying molecular signatures and corresponding pathways associated with the disease.

RESULTS

We constructed and validated molecular scores and evaluated their utility beyond clinical factors known to impact disease status and severity. We identified inflammation- and immune response-related pathways, and other pathways, providing insights into possible consequences of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The molecular scores we derived were strongly associated with disease status and severity and can be used to identify individuals at a higher risk for developing severe disease. These findings have the potential to provide further, and needed, insights into why certain individuals develop worse outcomes.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of the DUF34 Protein Family Suggests Role as a Metal Ion Chaperone or Insertase

Members of the DUF34 (domain of unknown function 34) family, also known as the NIF3 protein superfamily, are ubiquitous across superkingdoms. Proteins of this family have been widely annotated as "GTP cyclohydrolase I type 2" through electronic propagation based on one study. Here, the annotation status of this protein family was examined through a comprehensive literature review and integrative bioinformatic analyses that revealed varied pleiotropic associations and phenotypes. This analysis combined with functional complementation studies strongly challenges the current annotation and suggests that DUF34 family members may serve as metal ion insertases, chaperones, or metallocofactor maturases. This general molecular function could explain how DUF34 subgroups participate in highly diversified pathways such as cell differentiation, metal ion homeostasis, pathogen virulence, redox, and universal stress responses.