Unraveling the role of TGFβ signaling in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection using Fbn1 mutant mouse models

Although abnormal TGFβ signaling is observed in several heritable forms of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections including Marfan syndrome, its precise role in aortic disease progression is still disputed. Using a mouse genetic approach and quantitative isobaric labeling proteomics, we sought to elucidate the role of TGFβ signaling in three Fbn1 mutant mouse models representing a range of aortic disease from microdissection (without aneurysm) to aneurysm (without rupture) to aneurysm and rupture. Results indicated that reduced TGFβ signaling and increased mast cell proteases were associated with microdissection. In contrast, increased abundance of extracellular matrix proteins, which could be reporters for positive TGFβ signaling, were associated with aneurysm. Marked reductions in collagens and fibrillins, and increased TGFβ signaling, were associated with aortic rupture. Our data indicate that TGFβ signaling performs context-dependent roles in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic disease.

The amniotic fluid proteome changes across gestation in humans and rhesus macaques

Amniotic fluid is a complex biological medium that offers protection to the fetus and plays a key role in normal fetal nutrition, organogenesis, and potentially fetal programming. Amniotic fluid is also critically involved in longitudinally shaping the in utero milieu during pregnancy. Yet, the molecular mechanism(s) of action by which amniotic fluid regulates fetal development is ill-defined partly due to an incomplete understanding of the evolving composition of the amniotic fluid proteome. Prior research consisting of cross-sectional studies suggests that the amniotic fluid proteome changes as pregnancy advances, yet longitudinal alterations have not been confirmed because repeated sampling is prohibitive in humans. We therefore performed serial amniocenteses at early, mid, and late gestational time-points within the same pregnancies in a rhesus macaque model. Longitudinally-collected rhesus amniotic fluid samples were paired with gestational-age matched cross-sectional human samples. Utilizing LC-MS/MS isobaric labeling quantitative proteomics, we demonstrate considerable cross-species similarity between the amniotic fluid proteomes and large scale gestational-age associated changes in protein content throughout pregnancy. This is the first study to compare human and rhesus amniotic fluid proteomic profiles across gestation and establishes a reference amniotic fluid proteome. The non-human primate model holds promise as a translational platform for amniotic fluid studies.

MicroRNA137-loaded lipid nanoparticles regulate synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex

Genome-wide association studies indicate that allele variants in MIR137, the host gene of microRNA137 (miR137), confer an increased risk of schizophrenia (SCZ). Aberrant expression of miR137 and its targets, many of which regulate synaptic functioning, are also associated with an increased risk of SCZ. Thus, miR137 represents an attractive target aimed at correcting the molecular basis for synaptic dysfunction in individuals with high genetic risk for SCZ. Advancements in nanotechnology utilize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to transport and deliver therapeutic RNA. However, there remains a gap in using LNPs to regulate gene and protein expression in the brain. To study the delivery of nucleic acids by LNPs to the brain, we found that LNPs released miR137 cargo and inhibited target transcripts of interest in neuroblastoma cells. Biodistribution of LNPs loaded with firefly luciferase mRNA remained localized to the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) injection site without circulating to off-target organs. LNPs encapsulating Cre mRNA preferentially co-expressed in neuronal over microglial or astrocytic cells. Using quantitative proteomics, we found miR137 modulated glutamatergic synaptic protein networks that are commonly dysregulated in SCZ. These studies support engineering the next generation of brain-specific LNPs to deliver RNA therapeutics and improve symptoms of central nervous system disorders.

Proteomic profiling of retina and retinal pigment epithelium combined embryonic tissue to facilitate ocular disease gene discovery

To expedite gene discovery in eye development and its associated defects, we previously developed a bioinformatics resource-tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery). However, iSyTE is presently limited to lens tissue and is predominantly based on transcriptomics datasets. Therefore, to extend iSyTE to other eye tissues on the proteome level, we performed high-throughput tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on mouse embryonic day (E)14.5 retina and retinal pigment epithelium combined tissue and identified an average of 3300 proteins per sample (n = 5). High-throughput expression profiling-based gene discovery approaches-involving either transcriptomics or proteomics-pose a key challenge of prioritizing candidates from thousands of RNA/proteins expressed. To address this, we used MS/MS proteome data from mouse whole embryonic body (WB) as a reference dataset and performed comparative analysis-termed "in silico WB-subtraction"-with the retina proteome dataset. In silico WB-subtraction identified 90 high-priority proteins with retina-enriched expression at stringency criteria of ≥ 2.5 average spectral counts, ≥ 2.0 fold-enrichment, false discovery rate < 0.01. These top candidates represent a pool of retina-enriched proteins, several of which are associated with retinal biology and/or defects (e.g., Aldh1a1, Ank2, Ank3, Dcn, Dync2h1, Egfr, Ephb2, Fbln5, Fbn2, Hras, Igf2bp1, Msi1, Rbp1, Rlbp1, Tenm3, Yap1, etc.), indicating the effectiveness of this approach. Importantly, in silico WB-subtraction also identified several new high-priority candidates with potential regulatory function in retina development. Finally, proteins exhibiting expression or enriched-expression in the retina are made accessible in a user-friendly manner at iSyTE ( https://research.bioinformatics.udel.edu/iSyTE/ ), to allow effective visualization of this information and facilitate eye gene discovery.

Proteomic profiling of retina and retinal pigment epithelium combined embryonic tissue to facilitate ocular disease gene discovery

To expedite gene discovery in eye development and its associated defects, we previously developed a bioinformatics resource-tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery). However, iSyTE is presently limited to lens tissue and is predominantly based on transcriptomics datasets. Therefore, to extend iSyTE to other eye tissues on the proteome level, we performed high-throughput tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on mouse embryonic day (E)14.5 retina and retinal pigment epithelium combined tissue and identified an average of 3,300 proteins per sample (n=5). High-throughput expression profiling-based gene discovery approaches-involving either transcriptomics or proteomics-pose a key challenge of prioritizing candidates from thousands of RNA/proteins expressed. To address this, we used MS/MS proteome data from mouse whole embryonic body (WB) as a reference dataset and performed comparative analysis-termed "in silico WB-subtraction"-with the retina proteome dataset. In silico WB-subtraction identified 90 high-priority proteins with retina-enriched expression at stringency criteria of ³2.5 average spectral counts, ³2.0 fold-enrichment, False Discovery Rate <0.01. These top candidates represent a pool of retina-enriched proteins, several of which are associated with retinal biology and/or defects (e.g., Aldh1a1, Ank2, Ank3, Dcn, Dync2h1, Egfr, Ephb2, Fbln5, Fbn2, Hras, Igf2bp1, Msi1, Rbp1, Rlbp1, Tenm3, Yap1, etc.), indicating the effectiveness of this approach. Importantly, in silico WB-subtraction also identified several new high-priority candidates with potential regulatory function in retina development. Finally, proteins exhibiting expression or enriched-expression in the retina are made accessible in a user-friendly manner at iSyTE (https://research.bioinformatics.udel.edu/iSyTE/), to allow effective visualization of this information and facilitate eye gene discovery.

Effects of ex vivo blood anticoagulation and preanalytical processing time on the proteome content of platelets

BACKGROUND

Ex vivo assays of platelet function critically inform mechanistic and clinical hematology studies, where effects of divergent blood processing methods on platelet composition are apparent, but unspecified.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we evaluate how different blood anticoagulation options and processing times affect platelet function and protein content ex vivo.

METHODS

Parallel blood samples were collected from healthy human donors into sodium citrate, acid citrate dextrose, EDTA or heparin, and processed over an extended time course for functional and biochemical experiments, including platelet proteome quantification with multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

Each anticoagulant had time-dependent effects on platelet function in whole blood. For instance, heparin enhanced platelet agonist reactivity, platelet-monocyte aggregate formation and platelet extracellular vesicle release, while EDTA increased platelet α-granule secretion. Following platelet isolation, TMT-MS quantified 3357 proteins amongst all prepared platelet samples. Altogether, >400 proteins were differentially abundant in platelets isolated from blood processed at 24 h versus 1 h post-phlebotomy, including proteins pertinent to membrane trafficking and exocytosis. Anticoagulant-specific effects on platelet proteomes included increased complement system and decreased α-granule proteins in platelets from EDTA-anticoagulated blood. Platelets prepared from heparinized blood had higher levels of histone and neutrophil-associated proteins in a manner related to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and platelet:NET interactions in whole blood ex vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that different anticoagulants routinely used for blood collection have varying effects on platelets ex vivo, where methodology-associated alterations in platelet proteome may influence mechanistic, translational and biomarker studies.

Mucus secretions from a conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cell culture

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the secretions collected from a conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cell culture are suitable surrogates for mucus studies.

DESIGN

Experimental.

SETTING

University research center.

ANIMAL(S)

Female rhesus macaque (n = 2).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Quantitative proteomic analysis using tandem mass tag mass spectrometry liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULT(S)

We identified 3,047 proteins, common proteins present in both primary endocervical cell cultures and the mucus of rhesus macaques. We found a 71% overlap in the top 500 most prevalent proteins in the samples. Cell culture secretions contained many essential mucus proteins, including MUC5B, the primary mucin of the endocervix.

CONCLUSION(S)

Similarities in secreted proteins suggest that conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cells could be used to study mucus secretion in vitro.

A clickable photoaffinity probe of betulinic acid identifies tropomyosin as a target

Target identification of bioactive compounds is important for understanding their mechanisms of action and provides critical insights into their therapeutic utility. While it remains a challenge, unbiased chemoproteomics strategy using clickable photoaffinity probes is a useful and validated approach for target identification. One major limitation of this approach is the efficient synthesis of appropriately substituted clickable photoaffinity probes. Herein, we describe an efficient and consistent method to prepare such probes. We further employed this method to prepare a highly stereo-congested probe based on naturally occurring triterpenoid betulinic acid. With this photoaffinity probe, we identified tropomyosin as a novel target for betulinic acid that can account for the unique biological phenotype on cellular cytoskeleton induced by betulinic acid.

Proteomic analysis distinguishes extracellular vesicles produced by cancerous versus healthy pancreatic organoids

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced and released by both healthy and malignant cells and bear markers indicative of ongoing biological processes. In the present study we utilized high resolution flow cytometry to detect EVs in the plasma of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and in the supernatants of PDAC and healthy control (HC) pancreatic organoid cultures. Using ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography, PDAC and HC pancreatic organoid EVs were isolated for mass spectrometry analysis. Proteomic and functional protein network analysis showed a striking distinction in that EV proteins profiled in pancreatic cancer organoids were involved in vesicular transport and tumorigenesis while EV proteins in healthy organoids were involved in cellular homeostasis. Thus, the most abundant proteins identified in either case represented non-overlapping cellular programs. Tumor-promoting candidates LAMA5, SDCBP and TENA were consistently upregulated in PDAC EVs. Validation of specific markers for PDAC EVs versus healthy pancreatic EVs will provide the biomarkers and enhanced sensitivity necessary to monitor early disease or disease progression, with or without treatment. Moreover, disease-associated changes in EV protein profiles provide an opportunity to investigate alterations in cellular programming with disease progression.

Phosphoproteomic quantitation and causal analysis reveal pathways in GPVI/ITAM-mediated platelet activation programs

Platelets engage cues of pending vascular injury through coordinated adhesion, secretion, and aggregation responses. These rapid, progressive changes in platelet form and function are orchestrated downstream of specific receptors on the platelet surface and through intracellular signaling mechanisms that remain systematically undefined. This study brings together cell physiological and phosphoproteomics methods to profile signaling mechanisms downstream of the immunotyrosine activation motif (ITAM) platelet collagen receptor GPVI. Peptide tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, sample multiplexing, synchronous precursor selection (SPS), and triple stage tandem mass spectrometry (MS3) detected >3000 significant (false discovery rate < 0.05) phosphorylation events on >1300 proteins over conditions initiating and progressing GPVI-mediated platelet activation. With literature-guided causal inference tools, >300 site-specific signaling relations were mapped from phosphoproteomics data among key and emerging GPVI effectors (ie, FcRγ, Syk, PLCγ2, PKCδ, DAPP1). Through signaling validation studies and functional screening, other less-characterized targets were also considered within the context of GPVI/ITAM pathways, including Ras/MAPK axis proteins (ie, KSR1, SOS1, STAT1, Hsp27). Highly regulated GPVI/ITAM targets out of context of curated knowledge were also illuminated, including a system of >40 Rab GTPases and associated regulatory proteins, where GPVI-mediated Rab7 S72 phosphorylation and endolysosomal maturation were blocked by TAK1 inhibition. In addition to serving as a model for generating and testing hypotheses from omics datasets, this study puts forth a means to identify hemostatic effectors, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets relevant to thrombosis, vascular inflammation, and other platelet-associated disease states.

Equivalence of human and bovine dentin matrix molecules for dental pulp regeneration: proteomic analysis and biological function

OBJECTIVE

To compare proteomics and biological function of human dentin matrix molecules (hDMMs) and bovine dentin matrix molecules (bDMMs).

DESIGN

Dentin powder from human or bovine teeth (n = 4) was demineralized in 10% (v/v) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for 7 days. The extracts were dialyzed, lyophilized and proteins were characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and shotgun proteomic analysis. To study biological function, mouse-derived undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD21) were treated with 0.01, 0.1 or 1 μg/mL of hDMMs or bDMMs and proliferation was measured after 24 hours and 48 hours using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell migration was assessed after 24 hours using a Boyden chamber. Alizarin Red S staining was used to evaluate mineral formation.

RESULTS

There were 307 proteins identified, of which 93 proteins were common to both species. Gene Ontology functional analysis demonstrated similar pattern of biological process in both species which consisted mainly of tissue development and biomineralization. hDMMs and bDMMs both enhanced cell proliferation. After 24 hours, all concentrations of bDMMs promoted cell proliferation (p ≤ 0.05), while hDMMs did not affect proliferation. After 48 hours, groups with 1μg/mL of bDMMs and 0.01μg/mL of hDMMs had increased cell proliferation compared to control (p ≤ 0.0001). All concentrations of hDMMs and bDMMs enhanced cell migration and mineralization (p ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

bDMMs has similar biological functions as hDMMs. Moreover, bDMMs stimulated cell proliferation, migration and differentiation similar to hDMMs.

MS/MS in silico subtraction-based proteomic profiling as an approach to facilitate disease gene discovery: application to lens development and cataract

While the bioinformatics resource-tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery) effectively identifies human cataract-associated genes, it is currently based on just transcriptome data, and thus, it is necessary to include protein-level information to gain greater confidence in gene prioritization. Here, we expand iSyTE through development of a novel proteome-based resource on the lens and demonstrate its utility in cataract gene discovery. We applied high-throughput tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to generate a global protein expression profile of mouse lens at embryonic day (E)14.5, which identified 2371 lens-expressed proteins. A major challenge of high-throughput expression profiling is identification of high-priority candidates among the thousands of expressed proteins. To address this problem, we generated new MS/MS proteome data on mouse whole embryonic body (WB). WB proteome was then used as a reference dataset for performing "in silico WB-subtraction" comparative analysis with the lens proteome, which effectively identified 422 proteins with lens-enriched expression at ≥ 2.5 average spectral counts, ≥ 2.0 fold enrichment (FDR < 0.01) cut-off. These top 20% candidates represent a rich pool of high-priority proteins in the lens including known human cataract-linked genes and many new potential regulators of lens development and homeostasis. This rich information is made publicly accessible through iSyTE (https://research.bioinformatics.udel.edu/iSyTE/), which enables user-friendly visualization of promising candidates, thus making iSyTE a comprehensive tool for cataract gene discovery.

Biomechanical Rigidity and Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Segmental Regions of the Trabecular Meshwork at Physiologic and Elevated Pressures

Purpose

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the trabecular meshwork (TM) modulates resistance to aqueous humor outflow, thereby regulating IOP. Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is associated with changes in the ECM of the TM. The elastic modulus of glaucomatous TM is larger than age-matched normal TM; however, the biomechanical properties of segmental low (LF) and high flow (HF) TM regions and their response to elevated pressure, are unknown.

Methods

We perfused human anterior segments at two pressures using an ex vivo organ culture system. After extraction, we measured the elastic modulus of HF and LF TM regions by atomic force microscopy and quantitated protein differences by proteomics analyses.

Results

The elastic modulus of LF regions was 2.3-fold larger than HF regions at physiological (1×) pressure, and 7.4-fold or 3.5-fold larger than HF regions at elevated (2×) pressure after 24 or 72 hours, respectively. Using quantitative proteomics, comparisons were made between HF and LF regions at 1× or 2× pressure. Significant ECM protein differences were observed between LF and HF regions perfused at 2×, and between HF regions at 1× compared to 2× pressures. Decorin, TGF-β–induced protein, keratocan, lumican, dermatopontin, and thrombospondin 4 were common differential candidates in both comparisons.

Conclusions

These data show changes in biomechanical properties of segmental regions within the TM in response to elevated pressure, and levels of specific ECM proteins. Further studies are needed to determine whether these ECM proteins are specifically involved in outflow resistance and IOP homeostasis.

Coordinated responses to individual tumor antigens by IgG antibody and CD8+ T cells following cancer vaccination

Background

One of today’s greatest hurdles for cancer immunotherapy is the absence of information regarding which tumor antigens are already recognized by patients receiving immunotherapies, and whether those therapies then boost or generate an immune response against tumor proteins. For CD8+ T cells in particular, patient-specific immune recognition and responses at the level of individual tumor antigens are rarely characterized. Because of this, some immunologists have turned to serum antibodies as an alternative measure of antigen-specific anti-tumor immunity. In this work, we sought to simultaneously interrogate serum IgG and CD8+ T cell recognition of individual tumor antigens to determine whether antigen-specific serum IgG antibodies provide a window into the behavior of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Using antibody-based assays to evaluate immune response repertoires and focus T cell antigen exploration could afford substantial advantages for discovering and monitoring the anti-cancer immune responses of patients enrolled on clinical trials.

Methods

We vaccinated female BALB/c mice with a novel combination of an autophagosome-enriched vaccine derived from 4T1 mammary carcinoma along with poly-I:C adjuvant, then screened serum for IgG binding to arrays of 15mer peptides containing known mutation sites in 4T1. Simultaneously, we primed CD8+ T cell cultures from these same animals with 8-11mer peptides derived from these antigens. These primed T cells were then stimulated to measure recognition of the peptides or live 4T1 cells by IFNγ release.

Results

Vaccinated animals demonstrate increases in antigen-specific CD8+ T cell recognition of 4T1 tumor cells and peptides. For proteins confirmed in 4T1 cells and vaccine by mass spectrometry, there is a correlation between this increased CD8+ T cell IFNγ release and serum IgG binding to individual peptide antigens.

Conclusions

These results suggest it is possible to observe some features of a patient’s antigen-specific T cell repertoire via an antibody surrogate, which has implications for tumor antigen discovery and clinical monitoring of antigen-specific anti-tumor immunity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-018-0331-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Extended Multiplexing of Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) Labeling Reveals Age and High Fat Diet Specific Proteome Changes in Mouse Epididymal Adipose Tissue

The lack of high-throughput methods to analyze the adipose tissue protein composition limits our understanding of the protein networks responsible for age and diet related metabolic response. We have developed an approach using multiple-dimension liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and extended multiplexing (24 biological samples) with tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling to analyze proteomes of epididymal adipose tissues isolated from mice fed either low or high fat diet for a short or a long-term, and from mice that aged on low versus high fat diets. The peripheral metabolic health (as measured by body weight, adiposity, plasma fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests) deteriorated with diet and advancing age, with long-term high fat diet exposure being the worst. In response to short-term high fat diet, 43 proteins representing lipid metabolism (e.g. AACS, ACOX1, ACLY) and red-ox pathways (e.g. CPD2, CYP2E, SOD3) were significantly altered (FDR < 10%). Long-term high fat diet significantly altered 55 proteins associated with immune response (e.g. IGTB2, IFIT3, LGALS1) and rennin angiotensin system (e.g. ENPEP, CMA1, CPA3, ANPEP). Age-related changes on low fat diet significantly altered only 18 proteins representing mainly urea cycle (e.g. OTC, ARG1, CPS1), and amino acid biosynthesis (e.g. GMT, AKR1C6). Surprisingly, high fat diet driven age-related changes culminated with alterations in 155 proteins involving primarily the urea cycle (e.g. ARG1, CPS1), immune response/complement activation (e.g. C3, C4b, C8, C9, CFB, CFH, FGA), extracellular remodeling (e.g. EFEMP1, FBN1, FBN2, LTBP4, FERMT2, ECM1, EMILIN2, ITIH3) and apoptosis (e.g. YAP1, HIP1, NDRG1, PRKCD, MUL1) pathways. Using our adipose tissue tailored approach we have identified both age-related and high fat diet specific proteomic signatures highlighting a pronounced involvement of arginine metabolism in response to advancing age, and branched chain amino acid metabolism in early response to high fat feeding. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005953.

Solution-Phase Crosstalk and Regulatory Interactions Between Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) are adult adherent stromal stem cells currently being assessed in clinical trials for acute graft versus host disease with demonstrated immunomodulatory capabilities and the potential to ameliorate detrimental autoimmune and inflammation-related processes. Anti-CD3/anti-CD28 (3/28) activation of T cells within the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) compartment was performed in the presence or absence of MAPCs. Liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize the differential secretion of proteins, and transcriptional profiling was used to monitor mRNA expression changes in both cell populations. Overall, 239 secreted and/or ectodomain-shed proteins were detected in the secretomes of PBMCs and MAPCs. In addition, 3/28 activation of PBMCs induced differential expression of 2,925 genes, and 22% of these transcripts were differentially expressed on exposure to MAPCs in Transwell. MAPCs exposed to 3/28-activated PBMCs showed differential expression of 1,247 MAPC genes. Crosstalk was demonstrated by reciprocal transcriptional regulation. Secretome proteins and transcriptional signatures were used to predict molecular activities by which MAPCs could dampen local and systemic inflammatory responses. These data support the hypothesis that MAPCs block PBMC proliferation via cell cycle arrest coupled to metabolic stress in the form of tryptophan depletion, resulting in GCN2 kinase activation, downstream signaling, and inhibition of cyclin D1 translation. These data also provide a plausible explanation for the immune privilege reported with administration of donor MAPCs. Although most components of the major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation pathway were markedly transcriptionally upregulated, cell surface expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR is minimal on MAPCs exposed to 3/28-activated PBMCs.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study documents experiments quantifying solution-phase crosstalk between multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The secretome and transcriptional changes quantified suggest mechanisms by which MAPCs are hypothesized to provide both local and systemic immunoregulation of inflammation. The potential impact of these studies includes development of a robust experimental framework to be used for preclinical evaluation of the specific mechanisms by which beneficial effects are obtained after treatment of patients with MAPCs.

Androgen metabolites impact CSF amines and axonal serotonin via MAO-A and -B in male macaques

A number of studies have shown that mutations or deletions of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) gene cause elevated CNS serotonin and elevated impulsive aggression in humans and animal models. In addition, low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) has been documented in a limited number of violent criminal populations and in macaques that exhibit impulsive aggression. To reconcile these different analyses, we hypothesized that CSF 5HIAA reflected degradation of serotonin by the activity of MAO-A; and that low MAO-A activity would result in lower CSF 5HIAA, but overall higher serotonin in the CNS. To test this hypothesis, male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) were castrated, rested for 5-7months, and then treated for 3months with [1] placebo, [2] testosterone (T), [3] dihydrotestosterone (DHT; non-aromatizable androgen) and 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD) (steroidal aromatase inhibitor), or [4] flutamide (FLUT; androgen antagonist) and ATD (n=5/group). These treatments enable isolation of androgen and estrogen activities. In the dorsal raphe, MAO-A and MAO-B expressions were determined with in situ hybridization (ISH) and protein expression of aromatase was determined with immunohistochemistry (IHC). CSF concentrations of 5HIAA, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and homovanillic acid (HVA) were determined with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). From the same animals, previously published data on serotonin axon density were used as a proxy for CNS serotonin. Aromatase conversion of T to estrogen (E) suppressed MAO-A (positive pixel area, p=0.0045), but androgens increased MAO-B (positive pixel area, p=0.014). CSF 5HIAA was suppressed by conversion of T to E (Cohen's d=0.6). CSF 5HIAA was positively correlated with MAO-A-positive pixel area (r(2)=0.78). CSF 5HIAA was inversely correlated with serotonin axon-positive pixel area (r(2)=0.69). In summary, CSF 5HIAA reflects MAO-A activity rather than global serotonin. Low CSF 5HIAA may, in this paradigm, reflect higher serotonin activity. Androgens lower MAO-A activity via metabolism to E, thus elevating CNS serotonin and decreasing CSF 5HIAA. Since androgens increase certain types of aggression, these data are consistent with studies demonstrating that lower MAO-A activity is associated with elevated serotonin and increased aggression.

Effect of inoculum source on the enrichment of microbial communities on two lignocellulosic bioenergy crops under thermophilic and high-solids conditions

AIMS

Culturing compost-derived microbial communities on biofuel feedstocks under industrial conditions is a technique to enrich for organisms and lignocellulolytic enzymes for bioenergy feedstock deconstruction. In this study, microbial communities from green waste compost (GWC) and grape pomace compost (GPC) were cultured on switchgrass and eucalyptus to observe the impact of inoculation on feedstock decomposition and microbial community structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Respiration was monitored as a measure of microbial activity, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to characterize microbial community structure. The enriched community structure and respiration were influenced by the choice of feedstock, compost type, and application of thermophilic, high-solids conditions. However, the effect of compost source was significantly less than the effects of the other culture variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are subtle differences in potentially lignocellulolytic taxa between GPC- and GWC-derived communities, these differences do not affect the decomposition rates for these communities on switchgrass or eucalyptus.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results are useful for designing future experiments to discover lignocellulolytic micro-organisms from compost. They suggest that such work may be better served by deemphasizing screening of compost sources and instead focusing on how compost-derived communities adapt to the feedstocks and process conditions relevant to biofuel production.

Hypothalamic KISS1 expression, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and neurotransmitter innervation vary with stress and sensitivity in macaques

The present study examined the effect of short-term psychosocial and metabolic stress in a monkey model of stress-induced amenorrhaea on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. KISS1 expression was determined by in situ hybridisation in the infundibular arcuate nucleus. Downstream of KISS1, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) axons in lateral areas rostral to the infundibular recess, serum luteinising hormone (LH) and serum oestradiol were measured by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Upstream of KISS1, norepinephrine axons in the rostral arcuate nucleus and serotonin axons in the anterior hypothalamus and periaqueductal grey were measured by immunohistochemistry. Female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) characterised as highly stress resilient (HSR) or stress sensitive (SS) were examined. After characterisation of stress sensitivity, monkeys were either not stressed, or mildly stressed for 5 days before euthanasia in the early follicular phase. Stress consisted of 5 days of 20% food reduction in a novel room with unfamiliar conspecifics. There was a significant increase in KISS1 expression in HSR and SS animals in the presence versus absence of stress (P = 0.005). GnRH axon density increased with stress in HSR and SS animals (P = 0.015), whereas LH showed a gradual but nonsignificant increase with stress. Oestradiol trended higher in HSR animals and there was no effect of stress (P = 0.83). Norepinephrine axon density (marked with dopamine β-hydroxylase) increased with stress in both HSR and SS groups (P ≤ 0.002), whereas serotonin axon density was higher in HSR compared to SS animals and there was no effect of stress (P = 0.03). The ratio of dopamine β-hydroxylase/oestradiol correlated with KISS1 (P = 0.052) and GnRH correlated with serum LH (P = 0.039). In conclusion, oestradiol inhibited KISS1 in the absence of stress, although stress increased norepinephrine, which may over-ride oestradiol inhibition of KISS1 expression. We speculate that neural pathways transduce stress to KISS1 neurones, which changes their sensitivity to oestradiol.

Proteomic analysis of cervical vaginal fluid proteins among women in recurrent preterm labor

OBJECTIVE

Proteomic analysis of four cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) proteins to identify biomarkers of recurrent preterm birth (rPTB) in at-risk women prior to onset of preterm labor.

METHODS

Nested case control study from 2007 to 2011 of women with prior spontaneous preterm birth(s) (PTB) who underwent serial CVF sampling. Mass spectrometry analysis was used and ELISA analysis was performed to validate candidates.

RESULTS

108 patients were enrolled and 10 cases and 20 gestational age matched controls were analyzed after exclusions. Of 748 CVF proteins identified, 72 had statistically significant (p < 0.05) expression differences and 38 were highly differentially expressed (p < 0.01). Four candidate proteins were abundant and involved in immune/inflammatory response, but ELISA analysis did not confirm altered expression patterns.

CONCLUSION

The lack of confirmation of potential biomarkers identified by mass spectrometry and ELISA demonstrates the challenges of validating PTB biomarkers and suggests that a panel of biomarkers would improve the predictive value of CVF testing.

Swyer Syndrome : A Case Report with Literature Review

Gonadoblastomas are known to develop in dysgenetic gonads, especially so, if Y chromosome material is present. A 20-years- old girl who noticed breast development since the age of 12 years presented with primary amenorhoea, distension of lower abdomen and intermittent pain for two months. She had breakthrough bleeding with six months of estrogen replacement. Tanner breast stage was fi ve and pubic hair stage was also fi ve. Examination revealed a mass in the lower abdomen extending into hypogastrium, umbilical and lumbar regions. Her gonadotropin levels were grossly elevated. Karyotyping showed 46XY. CT scan of abdomen showed a 17X11 cm mass in the pelvis without visible gonads. Surgical excision of the mass along with bilateral salpingophorectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a dysgerminoma, while the right gonad lodged gonadoblastoma. She was diagnosed as a rare case of Swyer syndrome. Keywords: Dysgerminoma, gonadoblastoma, Swyer syndrome, XY gonadal dysgenesis.

Swyer syndrome: a case report with literature review

Gonadoblastomas are known to develop in dysgenetic gonads, especially so, if Y chromosome material is present. A 20-years-old girl who noticed breast development since the age of 12 years presented with primary amenorhoea, distension of lower abdomen and intermittent pain for two months. She had breakthrough bleeding with six months of estrogen replacement. Tanner breast stage was five and pubic hair stage was also five. Examination revealed a mass in the lower abdomen extending into hypogastrium, umbilical and lumbar regions. Her gonadotropin levels were grossly elevated. Karyotyping showed 46XY. CT scan of abdomen showed a 17X11 cm mass in the pelvis without visible gonads. Surgical excision of the mass along with bilateral salpingophorectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a dysgerminoma, while the right gonad lodged gonadoblastoma. She was diagnosed as a rare case of Swyer syndrome.

Long-term ovariectomy decreases serotonin neuron number and gene expression in free ranging macaques

The serotonin system responds to the ovarian steroids, estradiol (E) and progesterone (P), in women and female animal models. In macaques, ovarian steroid administration to ovariectomized (Ovx) individuals improves serotonin neural function through actions on pivotal serotonin-related genes and proteins, such as TPH2 (tryptophan hydroxylase 2), SERT (serotonin reuptake transporter), and the 5HT1A autoreceptor. In addition, ovarian steroid administration reduces gene and protein expression in the caspase-independent pathway and reduces DNA fragmentation in serotonin neurons. This study examines the hypothesis that long-term ovariectomy will lead to a loss of serotonin neurons and compromised gene expression in serotonin neurons. Female Japanese macaques were ovariectomized or tubal ligated (n=5/group) at 3 years of age and returned to their natal troop. After 3 years, the animals were collected, administered a fenfluramine challenge to determine global serotonin availability, and then euthanized. Fev, TPH2, SERT, and 5HT1A expression were examined with digoxigenin in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative image analysis. Cell number, positive pixel area, and average pixel density were determined. In the Ovx group, Fev, TPH2, SERT, and 5HT1A showed a significant decease in average and total cell number and positive pixel area. The reduction in Fev-positive neurons suggests that there were fewer serotonin neurons in Ovx animals compared to ovary-intact animals. The decrease in TPH2 in the Ovx animals was consistent with earlier results in 5-month Ovx animals, but it may be due to the decrease in cell number rather than a decrease in expression on an individual cell basis. The decrease in SERT and 5HT1A in long-term Ovx differed from previous studies in short-term Ovx. In summary, long-term ovarian steroid loss resulted in fewer serotonin neurons and overall lower Fev, TPH2, SERT, and 5HT1A gene expression. This may be due to serotonin cell death or to a negative impact on a long-term developmental process in young female macaques.

Enrichment, isolation and characterization of fungi tolerant to 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate

AIMS

  This work aimed to characterize microbial tolerance to 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), an ionic liquid that has emerged as a novel biomass pretreatment for lignocellulosic biomass.

METHODS AND RESULTS

  Enrichment experiments performed using inocula treated with [C2mim][OAc] under solid and liquid cultivation yielded fungal populations dominated by Aspergilli. Ionic liquid-tolerant Aspergillus isolates from these enrichments were capable of growing in a radial plate growth assay in the presence of 10% [C2mim][OAc]. When a [C2mim][OAc]-tolerant Aspergillus fumigatus strain was grown in the presence of switchgrass, endoglucanases and xylanases were secreted that retained residual enzymatic activity in the presence of 20% [C2mim][OAc].

CONCLUSIONS

  The results of the study suggest that tolerance to ionic liquids is a general property of the Aspergilli.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

  Tolerance to an industrially important ionic liquid was discovered in a fungal genera that is widely used in biotechnology, including biomass deconstruction.

Ovarian steroid regulation of the midbrain corticotropin releasing factor and urocortin systems in macaques

A significant number of postmenopausal women report increased anxiety and vulnerability to stress, which has been linked to decreased secretion of ovarian steroids. Communication between the serotonin system and the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system determines stress sensitivity or resilience. This study examines the effects of the ovarian steroids, estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) on the CRF system components that impact serotonin neurons in the midbrain of nonhuman primates. Ovariectomized rhesus macaques were treated with placebo, E alone for 1 month, or E supplemented with P for the last 2 weeks. Quantitative (q)RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were employed. E±P treatment decreased CRF-R1 and increased CRF-R2 gene expression in hemi-midbrain blocks and in laser captured serotonin neurons. Also in hemi-midbrains, E treatment increased urocortin 1 (UCN1) and CRFBP gene expression, but supplemental P treatment reversed these effects. E±P decreased CRF fiber density in the dorsal, interfascicular and median raphe nuclei and decreased CRF-R1 immunostaining in the dorsal raphe. E increased CRF-R2 immunostaining in the dorsal and median raphe. E±P increased UCN1 immunostaining in the cell bodies and increased UCN1 fiber density in the caudal linear nucleus. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), but not ERα was detected in the nucleus of UCN1-positive neurons. While the mechanism of ovarian hormone regulation of the midbrain CRF system requires further investigation, these studies clearly demonstrate another pathway by which ovarian hormones may have positive effects on anxiety and mood regulation.

Insights into the multifactorial nature of preterm birth: proteomic profiling of the maternal serum glycoproteome and maternal serum peptidome among women in preterm labor

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify peptide classifiers that predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) among women in preterm labor (PTL) and to demonstrate specific protein pathways that are activated in PTL.

STUDY DESIGN

Serum from 110 women with PTL between 20 weeks and 33 weeks 6 days of gestation was subjected to glycoprotein purification, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry peptide profiling, 2-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and pathway analysis. Women were divided into 2 groups: delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (SPTB group) and delivery at > or =34 weeks' gestation (PTL group).

RESULTS

Twenty-three peptide masses were identified that discriminated PTL from SPTB in 97% of cases. Fifty-two proteins were present differentially between PTL and SPTB; 48 of 52 proteins were classified into 1 of 4 functional pathways that were involved with PTL: (1) complement/coagulation cascade, (2) inflammation/immune response, (3) fetal-placental development, and (4) extracellular matrix proteins.

CONCLUSION

Among women in PTL, proteomic analysis of serum peptides and glycoproteins classifies women who will deliver preterm and identifies specific protein pathways at work among individuals with "idiopathic" PTL.

Nonlinear cancer response at ultralow dose: a 40800-animal ED(001) tumor and biomarker study

Assessment of human cancer risk from animal carcinogen studies is severely limited by inadequate experimental data at environmentally relevant exposures and by procedures requiring modeled extrapolations many orders of magnitude below observable data. We used rainbow trout, an animal model well-suited to ultralow-dose carcinogenesis research, to explore dose-response down to a targeted 10 excess liver tumors per 10000 animals (ED(001)). A total of 40800 trout were fed 0-225 ppm dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) for 4 weeks, sampled for biomarker analyses, and returned to control diet for 9 months prior to gross and histologic examination. Suspect tumors were confirmed by pathology, and resulting incidences were modeled and compared to the default EPA LED(10) linear extrapolation method. The study provided observed incidence data down to two above-background liver tumors per 10000 animals at the lowest dose (that is, an unmodeled ED(0002) measurement). Among nine statistical models explored, three were determined to fit the liver data well-linear probit, quadratic logit, and Ryzin-Rai. None of these fitted models is compatible with the LED(10) default assumption, and all fell increasingly below the default extrapolation with decreasing DBP dose. Low-dose tumor response was also not predictable from hepatic DBP-DNA adduct biomarkers, which accumulated as a power function of dose (adducts = 100 x DBP(1.31)). Two-order extrapolations below the modeled tumor data predicted DBP doses producing one excess cancer per million individuals (ED(10)(-6)) that were 500-1500-fold higher than that predicted by the five-order LED(10) extrapolation. These results are considered specific to the animal model, carcinogen, and protocol used. They provide the first experimental estimation in any model of the degree of conservatism that may exist for the EPA default linear assumption for a genotoxic carcinogen.

Stress sensitive female macaques have decreased fifth Ewing variant (Fev) and serotonin-related gene expression that is not reversed by citalopram

Female cynomolgus monkeys exhibit different degrees of reproductive dysfunction with moderate metabolic and psychosocial stress. When stressed with a paradigm of relocation and diet for 60 days or two menstrual cycles, highly stress resilient monkeys (HSR) continued to ovulate during the stress cycles whereas stress sensitive monkeys (SS) did not. After cessation of stress, monkeys characterized as HSR or SS were administered placebo (PL) or S-citalopram (CIT) for 15 weeks at doses that normalized ovarian steroid secretion in the SS animals and that maintained blood CIT levels in a therapeutic range. After euthanasia, the brain was perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. The pontine midbrain was blocked and sectioned at 25 microm. The expression of four genes pivotal to serotonin neural function was assessed in the four groups of monkeys (n=4/group). Fev (fifth Ewing variant) ETS transcription factor, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), and the 5HT1A autoreceptor were determined at 7-8 levels of the dorsal raphe nucleus with in situ hybridization (ISH) using radiolabeled- and digoxygenin-incorporated riboprobes. Positive pixel area and cell number were measured with Slidebook 4.2 in the digoxigenin assay for Fev. Optical density (OD) and positive pixel area were measured with NIH Image software in the radiolabeled assays for TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A. All data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. SS monkeys had significantly fewer Fev-positive cells and lower Fev-positive pixel area in the dorsal raphe than HSR monkeys. SS monkeys also had significantly lower levels of TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A mRNAs in the dorsal raphe nucleus than HSR monkeys. However, CIT did not alter the expression of either Fev, TPH2, SERT or 5HT1A mRNAs. These data suggest that SS monkeys have fewer serotonin (5-HT) neurons than HSR monkeys, and that they have deficient Fev expression, which in turn, leads to deficient TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A expression. In addition, the therapeutic effect of CIT is probably achieved through mechanisms other than alteration of 5-HT-related gene expression.

Quantification of isotopically overlapping deamidated and 18o-labeled peptides using isotopic envelope mixture modeling

A robust peptide quantification method was developed where overlapping peptide isotopic distributions were fit with predicted peptide isotopic envelope mixture models (IEMMs). Application to two difficult quantitative problems was demonstrated. The first was the quantification of deamidation, where masses of isotopic peaks differ by 1 Da, and the second was (18)O labeling, where the isotopic peaks are shifted 2 and 4 Da. In both cases, peptide quantification cannot be performed by simple integration of extracted ion chromatograms, because the isotopic envelopes of mass-shifted peptides are normally not resolved. To test the methodology for quantification of deamidation, several synthetic peptides and their corresponding deamidated forms were mixed at various ratios (1:0, 1:2, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1, and 20:1) and analyzed using the IEMM method, resulting in a high correlation (R(2) = 0.96) between measured and known percentages of deamidation. The IEMM method was then incorporated into a workflow for deamidation quantification in a large-scale proteomics experiment. A series of normal (3 day, 2 year, 35 year, and 70 year) and cataractous (93 year) human lenses were analyzed using two-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and deamidation quantities of several gammaS-crystallin peptides ([N14-Q16], N53, [Q63-Q70], and N143) were determined. Two peptides (N53 and [Q63-Q70]) had more extensive deamidation in the water-insoluble portions of normal lens samples, and deamidation at N143 was more extensive in the 93 year water-insoluble cataractous sample. The utility of the technique for analysis of (18)O-labeled peptides was examined using mixtures of labeled BSA peptides in known (16)O/(18)O ratios (10:1, 4:1, 1:1, 1:4, and 1:10). The methodology allowed for accurate measurements of ratios of (16)O/(18)O peptides over the wide range of relative abundances.

Proteomic identification of salivary biomarkers of type-2 diabetes

The identification of biomarkers to noninvasively detect prediabetes/diabetes will facilitate interventions designed to prevent or delay progression to frank diabetes and its attendant complications. The purpose of this study was to characterize the human salivary proteome in type-2 diabetes to identify potential biomarkers of diabetes. Whole saliva from control and type-2 diabetic individuals was characterized by multidimensional liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS). Label-free quantification was used to identify differentially abundant protein biomarkers. Selected potential biomarkers were then independently validated in saliva from control, diabetic, and prediabetic subjects by Western immunoblotting and ELISA. Characterization of the salivary proteome identified a total of 487 unique proteins. Approximately 33% of these have not been previously reported in human saliva. Of these, 65 demonstrated a greater than 2-fold difference in abundance between control and type-2 diabetes samples. A majority of the differentially abundant proteins belong to pathways regulating metabolism and immune response. Independent validation of a subset of potential biomarkers utilizing immunodetection confirmed their differential expression in type-2 diabetes, and analysis of prediabetic samples demonstrated a trend of relative increase in their abundance with progression from the prediabetic to the diabetic state. This comprehensive proteomic analysis of the human salivary proteome in type-2 diabetes provides the first global view of potential mechanisms perturbed in diabetic saliva and their utility in detection and monitoring of diabetes. Further characterization of these markers in a larger cohort of subjects may provide the basis for new, noninvasive tests for diabetes screening, detection, and monitoring.

Unique responses of midbrain CART neurons in macaques to ovarian steroids

CART (cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript) is a neuropeptide involved in the control of several physiological processes, such as response to psychostimulants, food intake, depressive diseases and neuroprotection. It is robustly expressed in the brain, mainly in regions that control emotional and stress responses and it is regulated by estrogen in the hypothalamus. There is a distinct population of CART neurons located in the vicinity of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus of the midbrain that also colocalize urocortin-1. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the distribution of CART immunoreactive neurons in the monkey midbrain, 2) to examine the effects of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) on midbrain CART mRNA and peptide expression and 3) to determine whether midbrain CART neurons contain steroid receptors. Adult female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were spayed and either treated with placebo (OVX), estrogen alone (E), progesterone alone (P) or E+P. Animals were prepared (a) for RNA extraction followed by microarray analysis and quantitative (q) RT-PCR (n=3/group); (b) for immunohistochemical analysis of CART and CART+tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), CART+estrogen receptors (ER) or CART+progesterone receptors (n=5/group) and (c) for Western blots (n=3/group). Both E- and E+P-administration decreased CART gene expression on the microarray and with qRT-PCR. Stereological analysis of CART immunostaining at five levels of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus indicated little effect of E or E+P administration on the area of CART immunostaining. However, P administration increased CART-immunopositive area in comparison to the OVX control group with Student's t-test, but not with ANOVA. CART 55-102 detection on Western blot was unchanged by hormone administration. ERbeta and PR were detected in CART neurons and CART fibers appeared to innervate TPH-positive serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe. In summary, E decreased CART mRNA, but this effect did not translate to the protein level. Moreover, P administration alone had a variable effect on CART mRNA, but it caused an increase in CART immunostaining. Together, the data suggest that CART neurons in the midbrain have a unique steroid response, which may be mediated by nuclear receptors, neuroactive steroids or interneurons.

Neuroprotective actions of ovarian hormones without insult in the raphe region of rhesus macaques

Using a nonhuman primate model of surgical menopause, our laboratory has shown that ovarian hormone treatment (HT) improves 5-HT neural function in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). We further hypothesize that HT may increase 5-HT neuronal resilience. Recent data from microarray analysis indicated that HT regulates gene expression in pathways that lead to apoptosis. In this study, we questioned whether HT alters protein expression in caspase-dependent and independent pathways. Ovariectomized monkeys received Silastic implants containing placebo (empty), estrogen (E) or E+ progesterone (P). A small block of the midbrain containing the DRN was dissected and subjected to subcellular fractionation, yielding cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial fractions (n=4/group). The pro-apoptotic protein, c-jun n-terminal kinase (JNK1) and its phosphorylation were decreased by E+P treatment in the cytosolic fraction. Downstream of JNK are proteins in the caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. First, in the caspase-dependent pathway, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial fractions were immunoblotted for Bcl-2 family members, cytochrome c, Apaf1 and XIAP. However, the expression of these proteins did not differ among treatments. Pro-caspase 3 was decreased by E+P, but there was no evidence of active caspase in any group. Then, we examined the involvement of a protein in the caspase-independent pathway, called apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). AIF mRNA (n=3/group) and AIF mitochondrial protein tended to decrease with hormone treatment. However, AIF protein in the nuclear fraction in E+P treated monkeys was significantly reduced. This indicates that HT is reducing the translocation of AIF from mitochondria to nucleus, thus inhibiting AIF-mediated apoptosis. AIF was immunocytochemically localized to large 5-HT-like neurons of the dorsal raphe. These data suggest that in the absence of global trauma or ischemia, HT may act through the caspase-independent pathway to promote neuroprotection in the 5-HT system.

Proteomic analysis of cervical-vaginal fluid: identification of novel biomarkers for detection of intra-amniotic infection

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is associated with preterm birth and perinatal mortality. To identify potential biomarkers, we performed a comprehensive survey of the cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) proteome from a primate IAI model utilizing multidimensional protein identification technology (LC/LC-MS/MS) and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses. Analyses of CVF proteome identified 205 unique proteins and differential expression of 27 proteins in controls and IAI samples. Protein expression signatures and immunodetection of specific biomarkers identified can be employed for noninvasive detection of IAI.

Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis of the Human Amniotic Fluid Proteome: Gestational Age-Dependent Changes

Amniotic fluid (AF) is a significant contributor to fetal health and constitutes a potential rich source of biomarkers for diagnosis of maternal and fetal disorders. In this study, we performed a comprehensive survey of the proteins expressed in AF, combining gel and liquid-based fractionation approaches coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis. Two-dimensional Liquid Chromatography (2D-LC) analysis identified 118 nonredundant proteins with high confidence. One- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestion identified 101 proteins. Combining both sets resulted in 219 proteins, of which 96 are unique to AF; 70, 18, and 35 proteins are present in serum, cervico-vaginal fluid, and all three fluids, respectively. Fluorescence two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) comparison of first-, second-, and third-trimester AF samples revealed that maximal differences in the relative abundance of AF proteins occur between the first and second trimesters. A systematic analysis of proteins present both in AF and maternal serum could lead to the development of new noninvasive diagnostic procedures to monitor fetal status.

Identification of novel protein biomarkers of preterm birth in human cervical-vaginal fluid

Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the diagnosis of preterm labor (PTL) that leads to preterm birth is difficult, and there is a pressing need for improved diagnosis. We utilized multidimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/LC-MS/MS; MudPIT) and Fluorescence two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to identify potential biomarkers of PTL and SPTB. MudPIT analysis identified 205 proteins in cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF), 28 of which exhibited significant differences in pairwise and progressive comparisons. Calgranulins, annexins, S100 calcium-binding protein A7, and epidermal fatty acid binding protein were abundant in CVF and differentially present in PTL and SPTB samples, as were the serum proteins alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin, serotransferrin, and vitamin D binding protein. 2D-DIGE identified 17 proteins that were significantly differentially present in PTL and SPTB. Immunoblotting with specific antibodies confirmed the differences and trends of selected markers. Further characterization and quantification of these markers in a larger cohort of subjects may provide the basis for new tests for the early, noninvasive positive prediction of SPTB.

Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis of Human Cervical−Vaginal Fluid

Cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) is a potential rich source of biomarkers for enhancing our understanding of human parturition and pathologic conditions affecting pregnancy. In this study, we performed a comprehensive survey of the CVF proteome in pregnancy utilizing multidimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) coupled with mass spectrometry and gel-electrophoresis-based protein separation and identification. In total, 150 unique proteins were identified using multiple protein identification algorithms. Metabolism (32%) and immune response-related (22%) proteins are the major functional categories represented in the CVF proteome. A comparison of the CVF, serum, and amniotic fluid proteomes showed that 77 proteins are unique to CVF, while 56 and 17 CVF proteins also occur in serum and amniotic fluid, respectively. This data set provides a foundation for evaluation of these proteins as potential CVF biomarkers for noninvasive diagnosis of pregnancy-related disorders.

Proteomic analysis of maternal serum in down syndrome: identification of novel protein biomarkers

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality. Definitive diagnosis requires invasive amniocentesis, and current maternal serum-based testing requires a false-positive rate of about 5% to detect 85% of affected pregnancies. We have performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify potential serum biomarkers to detect DS. First- and second-trimester maternal serum samples of DS and gestational age-matched controls were analyzed using multiple, complementary proteomic approaches, including fluorescence 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), 2-dimensional liquid chromatography-chromatofocusing (2D-CF), multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT; LC/LC-MS/MS), and MALDI-TOF-MS peptide profiling. In total, 28 and 26 proteins were differentially present in first- and second-trimester samples, respectively. Of these, 19 were specific for the first trimester and 16 for the second trimester, and 10 were differentially present in both trimesters. Analysis of MALDI-TOF-MS peptide profiles with pattern-recognition software also discriminated between DS and controls in both trimesters, with an average recognition capability approaching 96%. A majority of the biomarkers identified are serum glycoproteins that may play a role in cellular differentiation and growth of fetus. Further characterization and quantification of these markers in a larger cohort of subjects may provide the basis for new tests for improved DS screening.

The importance of carcinogen dose in chemoprevention studies: quantitative interrelationships between, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene dose, chlorophyllin dose, target organ DNA adduct biomarkers and final tumor outcome

Chlorophyllin (CHL) is a potent antimutagen in vitro, an effective anti-carcinogen in several animal models, and significantly reduced urinary biomarkers of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) exposure in a human population. Here we report an expanded analysis of CHL chemoprevention using the potent environmental hydrocarbon dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP). A dose-dose matrix design employed over 12 000 rainbow trout to evaluate the interrelationships among dietary carcinogen dose, anti-carcinogen dose, carcinogen-DNA adduct levels at exposure and eventual tumor outcome in two target organs. Included was an evaluation of the pharmaceutical CHL preparation (Derifil), used previously in a study of individuals chronically exposed to AFB(1). CHL was pre-, co- and post-fed at doses of 0-6000 p.p.m. and co-fed with DBP at doses of 0-371.5 p.p.m. for 4 weeks. This protocol generated a total of 21 dose-dose treatment groups, each evaluated with three or more replicates of 100 animals. The DBP-only treatment produced dose-responsive increases in liver and stomach DBP-DNA adducts, whereas increasing CHL co-treatment doses produced successive inhibition in liver (49-83%) and stomach (47-75%) adduct levels at each DBP dose examined. The remaining 8711 trout were necropsied, 10 months later. DBP treatment alone produced a logit incidence versus log [DBP] dose-response curve in stomach that was linear; CHL co-treatment provided dose-dependent tumor inhibition which ranged from 30 to 68% and was predictable from the adduct response. The Derifil CHL preparation was also found to effectively reduce DNA adduction and final tumor incidence in stomach (as well as liver), with a potency compatible with its total chlorin content. Liver tumor incidence in the DBP-only groups appeared to plateau near 60%. At DBP doses of <or=80 p.p.m., increasing CHL doses generally reduced tumor incidence and multiplicity consistent with early DNA adducts as biomarkers. At 225 p.p.m. DBP, however, very high CHL doses were required to reduce tumor incidence below the 60% plateau. Apparent tumor multiplicity in liver was neither linear nor monotonic with DBP dose, but peaked at 80 p.p.m. DBP and declined at 225 p.p.m., where it was increased by all but one CHL dose. Consequently, the effects of a given CHL dose and the predictivity of DNA adducts as biomarkers were highly dependent on carcinogen dose. These results underscore the critical importance of establishing carcinogen-end point dose-response relationships in chemoprevention studies, and the potential otherwise for misleading interpretations in chemoprevention studies carried out solely at high-carcinogen dose.

Detection of intra-amniotic infection in a rabbit model by proteomics-based amniotic fluid analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to identify intra-amniotic infection caused by several different organisms in a rabbit model by using proteomics.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty infected and 18 uninfected amniotic fluid samples were subjected to proteomic analysis by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI-TOF, Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, Calif), 1- and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

RESULTS

Detailed SELDI-TOF spectra revealed a constitutive 4.0 kd peak in all animals. Infected samples also displayed a signature double peak at 3.6 kd. A SELDI-TOF signature profile for intra-amniotic infection predicted positive amniotic fluid and/or fetal cultures with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 83%. Similar proteomic profiles were obtained regardless of the infecting organism. The 3.6 kd peak appeared to contain rabbit calgranulin C and rabbit calcyclin, members of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic fluid proteomic analysis was able to detect intra-amniotic infection in this experimental rabbit model. S100 proteins may be involved in the host inflammatory response to intra-amniotic infection.

Serotonin-related gene expression in female monkeys with individual sensitivity to stress

Female cynomolgus monkeys exhibit different degrees of reproductive dysfunction with moderate metabolic and psychosocial stress. In this study, the expression of four genes pivotal to serotonin neural function was assessed in monkeys previously categorized as highly stress resistant (n=3; normal menstrual cyclicity through two stress cycles), medium stress resistant (n=5; ovulatory in the first stress cycle but anovulatory in the second stress cycle), or low stress resistant (i.e. stress-sensitive; n=4; anovulatory as soon as stress is initiated). In situ hybridization and quantitative image analysis was used to measure mRNAs coding for SERT (serotonin transporter), 5HT1A autoreceptor, MAO-A and MAO-B (monoamine oxidases) at six levels of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Optical density (OD) and positive pixel area were measured with NIH Image software. In addition, serotonin neurons were immunostained and counted at three levels of the DRN. Finally, each animal was genotyped for the serotonin transporter long polymorphic region (5HTTLPR). Stress sensitive animals had lower expression of SERT mRNA in the caudal region of the DRN (P<0.04). SERT mRNA OD in the caudal DRN was positively correlated with serum progesterone during a pre-stress control cycle (P<0.0007). 5HT1A mRNA OD signal tended to decline in the stress-sensitive group, but statistical difference between averages was lacking in analysis of variance. However, 5HT1A mRNA signal was positively correlated with control cycle progesterone (P<0.009). There was significantly less MAO-A mRNA signal in the stress-sensitive group (P<0.007) and MAO-A OD was positively correlated with progesterone from a pre-stress control cycle (P<0.007). MAO-B mRNA exhibited a similar downward trend in the stress-sensitive group. MAO-B OD also correlated with control cycle progesterone (P<0.003). There were significantly fewer serotonin neurons in the stress-sensitive group. All animals contained only the long form of the 5HTTLPR. Thus, all serotonin-related mRNAs examined in the dorsal raphe to date were lower (SERT, MAO-A) or exhibited a lower trend (5HT1A, MAO-B) in the stress sensitive animals, which probably reflects the lower number of serotonin neurons present.

Identification of Protein Modifications Using MS/MS de Novo Sequencing and the OpenSea Alignment Algorithm

Algorithms that can robustly identify post-translational protein modifications from mass spectrometry data are needed for data-mining and furthering biological interpretations. In this study, we determined that a mass-based alignment algorithm (OpenSea) for de novo sequencing results could identify post-translationally modified peptides in a high-throughput environment. A complex digest of proteins from human cataractous lens, a tissue containing a high abundance of modified proteins, was analyzed using two-dimensional liquid chromatography, and data was collected on both high and low mass accuracy instruments. The data were analyzed using automated de novo sequencing followed by OpenSea mass-based sequence alignment. A total of 80 modifications were detected, 36 of which were previously unreported in the lens. This demonstrates the potential to identify large numbers of known and previously unknown protein modifications in a given tissue using automated data processing algorithms such as OpenSea.

Diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection by proteomic profiling and identification of novel biomarkers

CONTEXT

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is commonly associated with preterm birth and adverse neonatal sequelae. Early diagnosis of IAI, however, has been hindered by insensitive or nonspecific tests.

OBJECTIVE

To identify unique protein signatures in rhesus monkeys with experimental IAI, a proteomics-based analysis of amniotic fluid was used to develop diagnostic biomarkers for subclinical IAI in amniotic fluid and blood of women with preterm labor.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Surface-enhanced laser desorption-ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gel electrophoresis, and tandem mass spectrometry were used to characterize amniotic fluid peptides in 19 chronically instrumented pregnant rhesus monkeys before and after experimental IAI. Candidate biomarkers were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Polyclonal antibodies were generated from synthetic peptides for validation of biomarkers of IAI. Amniotic fluid peptide profiles identified in experimental IAI were subsequently tested in a cohort of 33 women admitted to Seattle, Wash, hospitals between June 25, 1991, and June 30, 1997, with preterm delivery at 35 weeks or earlier associated with subclinical IAI (n = 11), preterm delivery at 35 weeks or earlier without IAI (n = 11), and preterm contractions with subsequent term delivery at later than 35 weeks (n = 11).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Identification of peptide biomarkers for occult IAI.

RESULTS

Protein expression profiles in amniotic fluid showed unique signatures of overexpression of polypeptides in the 3- to 5-kDa and 10- to 12-kDa molecular weight ranges in all animals after infection and in no animal prior to infection. In women, the 10- to 12-kDa signature was identified in all 11 patients with subclinical IAI, in 2 of 11 with preterm delivery without IAI, and in 0 of 11 with preterm labor and term delivery without infection (P<.001). Peptide fragment analysis of the diagnostic peak in amniotic fluid identified calgranulin B and a unique fragment of insulinlike growth factor binding protein 1, which were also expressed in maternal serum. Mapping of other amniotic fluid proteins differentially expressed in IAI identified several immunoregulators not previously described in amniotic fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

This proteomics-based characterization of the differential expression of amniotic fluid proteins in IAI identified a distinct proteomic profile in an experimental primate chorioamnionitis model that detected subclinical IAI in a human cohort with preterm labor. These diagnostic protein expression signatures, complemented by immunodetection of specific biomarkers in amniotic fluid and in maternal serum, might have application in the early detection of IAI.

High-Throughput Identification of Proteins and Unanticipated Sequence Modifications Using a Mass-Based Alignment Algorithm for MS/MS de Novo Sequencing Results

With the increasing availability of de novo sequencing algorithms for interpreting high-mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data, there is a growing need for programs that accurately identify proteins from de novo sequencing results. De novo sequences derived from tandem mass spectra of peptides often contain ambiguous regions where the exact amino acid order cannot be determined. One problem this poses for sequence alignment algorithms is the difficulty in distinguishing discrepancies due to de novo sequencing errors from actual genomic sequence variation and posttranslational modifications. We present a novel, mass-based approach to sequence alignment, implemented as a program called OpenSea, to resolve these problems. In this approach, de novo and database sequences are interpreted as masses of residues, and the masses, rather than the amino acid codes, are compared. To provide further flexibility, the masses can be aligned in groups, which can resolve many de novo sequencing errors. The performance of OpenSea was tested with three types of data: a mixture of known proteins, a mixture of unknown proteins that commonly contain sequence variations, and a mixture of posttranslationally modified known proteins. In all three cases, we demonstrate that OpenSea can identify more peptides and proteins than commonly used database-searching programs (SEQUEST and ProteinLynx) while accurately locating sequence variation sites and unanticipated posttranslational modifications in a high-throughput environment.

Application of matrix solid-phase dispersion in the determination of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene content of experimental animal diets used in a large-scale tumor study

A method utilizing matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was developed for isolation and determination of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) in experimental rainbow-trout diets used in a large-scale carcinogenesis study. A 0.5 g sample of moist ration containing 0-225 ppm DBP (dry basis) was mixed with 2 g C18 sorbent and benzo[a]pyrene internal standard was added to the mixture. Extraction and clean-up were accomplished in a single step by extracting the sample mixture with hexane-benzene 4:1 from a cartridge containing 2 g Florisil. DBP was quantified by HPLC on a C5 bonded phase column with fluorescence detection. Mean analytical recovery of DBP from control diet spiked at three concentration levels was 101 to 107% with relative standard deviations of 1 to 7%. The limit of detection of DBP was equivalent to 0.014 ppm in the ration. Application of the method to verification of DBP levels in trout rations from the carcinogenesis study is described. Control ration (0 ppm DBP) was screened for possible DBP contamination and none was found. This is the first report on analysis of DBP in experimental animal diets.

Use of three different marker systems to estimate genetic diversity of Indian elite rice varieties

Genetic diversity among 42 Indian elite rice varieties, which is important for selection of parents for conventional breeding and hybrid program, was evaluated using three different types of DNA markers and parentage analysis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence tagged microsatellite site (STMS) markers resulted in mean heterozygosity values of 0.429, 0.675 and 0.882 over all loci, respectively, and marker index values of 2.21, 4.05 and 5.49, respectively. The three molecular marker systems together provide wider genome coverage and, therefore, would be a better indicator of the genetic relationships among the 42 elite rice cultivars than those revealed using individual molecular markers. A total of 153 bands (91%) were polymorphic out of 168 bands amplified, considering all the markers together. The average genetic similarity coefficient across all the 861 cultivar pairs was 0.70 while the average coefficient of parentage was 0.10. Cluster analysis revealed that there was a very poor correlation (correlation coefficient <0.1) between dendrograms generated using coefficients of parentage and molecular marker generated genetic similarities, which can be attributed to selection pressure, genetic drift, sampling of loci and unknown relationships among supposedly unrelated ancestors.

Marker assisted selection of bacterial blight resistance genes in rice

Bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is one of the most important diseases affecting rice production in Asia. We were interested in surveying rice genotypes that are popularly used in the Indian breeding program for conferring resistance to bacterial blight, using 11 STMS and 6 STS markers. The basis of selection of these DNA markers was their close linkage to xa5, xa13, and Xa21 genes and their positions on the rice genetic map relative to bacterial blight resistance genes. Eight lines were found to contain the xa5 gene while two lines contained Xa21 gene and none of the lines contained the xa13 gene with the exception of its near-isogenic line. Using the polymorphic markers obtained in the initial survey, marker-assisted selection was performed in the F3 population of a cross between IR-64 and IET-14444 to detect lines containing multiple resistance genes. Of the 59 progeny lines analyzed, eight lines contained both the resistance genes, xa5 and Xa4.

On-screen vector-based ultrasound assessment of vesical neck movement

OBJECTIVE

We sought to develop a vector-based assessment to determine the magnitude and direction of bladder neck movements, as well as to assess whether probe movement relative to the pubis needs to be taken into account.

STUDY DESIGN

Ten nulliparous continent, 10 primiparous continent, and 10 primiparous stress-incontinent women were recruited. Perineal ultrasound scanning was performed in standing women while they were resting, performing the Valsalva maneuver, coughing, and performing Kegel exercises. A direct on-screen assessment of bladder neck displacement from rest to the peak of dynamic activity relative to the pubic axis was made. Transducer movement was assessed by measuring the displacement of the pubic bone.

RESULTS

The method was feasible because measurements were possible in all 30 subjects. Vesical neck and pubic point movement in millimeters (+/- SD) and the percentage error if pubic point movement is not accounted for are as follow: strain, vesical neck 16.9 +/- 6.1 and pubic point 4.8 +/- 3.9, 28%; cough, vesical neck 10.2 +/- 5.4, pubic point 2.9 +/- 3.4, 33%; Kegel exercise, vesical neck 7.0 +/- 3.6 and pubic point 0.7 +/- 1.4, 37%. Similar discrepancies in angle were found and are presented. Uncorrected direction of vesical neck and pubic point movement in degrees and the percentage error if pubic point movement is not accounted for are as follow: strain, vesical neck 169.4 +/- 18.5 and pubic point 214.0 +/- 56.7, 18%; cough, vesical neck 162.0 +/- 12.8, pubic point 238.4 +/- 27.4, 22%; Kegel exercise, vesical neck -0.9 +/- 12.7 and pubic point -4.8 +/- 20.6, 87%. Test-retest reliability correlations were more than an r value of 0.7 in all measures and 86% of the measurements greater than 0.8.

CONCLUSION

The vector-based system provides a simple method for quantifying distance and direction of vesical neck motion, as well as localizing the resting vesical neck position.

Influence of beta-naphthoflavone on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene metabolism, DNA adduction, and tumorigenicity in rainbow trout

Metabolism, DNA adduction, and tumor induction by 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) were examined in cultured trout liver cells and in vivo in trout. Modulating CYP1A1 activity indicated this enzyme plays a significant role in metabolizing DMBA to water-soluble compounds in isolated trout liver cells. The major DMBA metabolites identified in trout liver cells were 10-, 11-, 8,9-, and 5,6-DMBA dihydrodiols, and DMBA, 2- or 3- or 4-phenol; 7-OH-methyl-12-methyl-benz(a)anthracene and 12-OH-methyl-7-methyl-benz(a)anthracene were minor metabolites. A very small amount of DMBA-3,4-dihydrodiol was detected, and polar metabolites, which did not migrate with any DMBA metabolite standards, were observed. Incubating trout hepatocytes with DMBA-3, 4-dihydrodiol produced three prominent, nonpolar adducts indistinguishable from those in mouse embryo cells. However, DMBA-DNA adducts, formed in trout in vivo or in trout liver cells exposed to DMBA, were predominantly more polar than those formed in mouse embryo fibroblasts, and levels of DMBA-DNA adducts formed in trout liver cells were not significantly altered by modulating CYP1A1 activity. No significant repair of DMBA-DNA adducts was detected in cultured trout liver cells over a 48-h period, supporting previous studies indicating that fish are less efficient than mammals in repairing polyaromatic hydrocarbon DNA adducts. Compared to animals receiving DMBA alone, beta-naphthoflavone pretreatment in vivo did not affect hepatic CYP1A1, DMBA-DNA adducts, nor hepatic tumor response; but did significantly reduce tumor response in two other target organs. These results collectively indicate that DMBA bioactivation to DNA-binding metabolites in trout liver cells and mouse embryo cells predominantly involve different metabolic pathways to form the DNA-binding intermediates.

Inhibition of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene-induced multi-organ carcinogenesis by dietary chlorophyllin in rainbow trout

Cancer chemoprevention by dietary chlorophyllin (CHL) was investigated in a rainbow trout multi-organ tumor model. In study 1, duplicate groups of 130 juvenile trout were treated for 2 weeks with control diet, 500 p.p.m. dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P) or 500 p.p.m. DB[a,l]P + 2052 p.p.m. CHL, then returned to control diet. DB[a,l]P alone proved somewhat toxic but induced high tumor incidences in liver (61%), stomach (91%) and swimbladder (53%) 11 months after initiation. CHL co-feeding abrogated DB[a,l]P acute toxicity and reduced tumor incidences to 18% in liver, 34% in stomach and 3% in swimbladder (P Collapse

Key Words

• chlorophyllin
• aflatoxin b1
• heterocyclic amine
• trout
• salmonella assay
• dna adduct
• anticarcinogen

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MESH Headings

• Animals
• Anticarcinogenic Agents/administration & dosage
• Anticarcinogenic Agents/pharmacology
• Benzopyrenes/toxicity
• Carcinogens/toxicity
• Chlorophyllides/administration & dosage
• Chlorophyllides/pharmacology
• Diet
• Mutagenicity Tests
• Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
• Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
• Oncorhynchus mykiss

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Grants

• ES00210 NIEHS NIH HHS
• P30 ES003850 NIEHS NIH HHS
• R29 CA065525 NCI NIH HHS
• ES03850 NIEHS NIH HHS
• R01 CA065525 NCI NIH HHS
• ES04766 NIEHS NIH HHS
• R01 CA065525-06A1 NCI NIH HHS
• P30 ES000210 NIEHS NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

A P Reddy Department of Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
U Harttig
M C Barth
W M Baird
M Schimerlik
J D Hendricks
G S Bailey

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