Comparative proximity biotinylation implicates the small GTPase RAB18 in sterol mobilization and biosynthesis

Loss of functional RAB18 causes the autosomal recessive condition Warburg Micro syndrome. To better understand this disease, we used proximity biotinylation to generate an inventory of potential RAB18 effectors. A restricted set of 28 RAB18 interactions were dependent on the binary RAB3GAP1-RAB3GAP2 RAB18-guanine nucleotide exchange factor complex. Twelve of these 28 interactions are supported by prior reports, and we have directly validated novel interactions with SEC22A, TMCO4, and INPP5B. Consistent with a role for RAB18 in regulating membrane contact sites, interactors included groups of microtubule/membrane-remodeling proteins, membrane-tethering and docking proteins, and lipid-modifying/transporting proteins. Two of the putative interactors, EBP and OSBPL2/ORP2, have sterol substrates. EBP is a Δ8-Δ7 sterol isomerase, and ORP2 is a lipid transport protein. This prompted us to investigate a role for RAB18 in cholesterol biosynthesis. We found that the cholesterol precursor and EBP-product lathosterol accumulates in both RAB18-null HeLa cells and RAB3GAP1-null fibroblasts derived from an affected individual. Furthermore, de novo cholesterol biosynthesis is impaired in cells in which RAB18 is absent or dysregulated or in which ORP2 expression is disrupted. Our data demonstrate that guanine nucleotide exchange factor-dependent Rab interactions are highly amenable to interrogation by proximity biotinylation and may suggest that Micro syndrome is a cholesterol biosynthesis disorder.

A finite element model of skin subjected to a flash fire

A variable property, multiple layer finite element model was developed to predict skin temperatures and times to second and third degree burns under simulated flash fire conditions. A sensitivity study of burn predictions to variations in thermal physical properties of skin was undertaken using this model. It was found that variations in these properties over the ranges used in multiple layer skin models had minimal effects on second degree burn predictions, but large effects on third degree burn predictions. It was also found that the blood perfusion source term in Pennes' bioheat transfer equation could be neglected in predicting second and third degree burns due to flash fires. The predictions from this model were also compared with those from the closed form solution of this equation, which has been used in the literature for making burn predictions from accidents similar to flash fires.

Dynamic torquemeter calibration of bicycle ergometers

Bicycle ergometers as widely used in both clinical testing and exercise physiology studies are mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical devices. They are thus subject to change and error, creating a need for repeated calibration. We have developed a compact inexpensive torquemeter that permits dynamic calibration of the entire range of an ergometer. The torquemeter continuously measures the input torque at the pedal shaft of the ergometer and thus includes all work done in the drivetrain. It also permits adjustment of electrically braked ergometers to a specified torque using internal adjustments to give correct scale readings. The torquemeter depends on a high carbon steel torsion spring whose ends are rotated in angular deflection by increasing applied torque. Relative rotation is sensed through a multiturn potentiometer, the resistance of which is measured externally through a slip ring contact.