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- Dimitroff, George, et al.
(author)
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(1,3;1,4)-beta-Glucan Biosynthesis by the CSLF6 Enzyme : Position and Flexibility of Catalytic Residues Influence Product Fine Structure
- 2016
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In: Biochemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0006-2960 .- 1520-4995. ; 55:13, s. 2054-2061
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cellulose synthase-like F6 (CslF6) genes encode polysaccharide synthases responsible for (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucan biosynthesis in cereal grains. However, it is not clear how both (1,3)- and (1,4) -linkages are incorporated into a single polysaccharide chain and how the frequency and arrangement of the two linkage types that define the fine structure of the polysaccharide are controlled. Through transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, two CSLF6 orthologs from different cereal species were shown to mediate the synthesis of (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucans with very different fine structures. Chimeric cDNA constructs with interchanged sections of the barley and sorghum CslF6 genes were developed to identify regions of the synthase enzyme responsible for these differences. A single amino acid residue upstream of the TED motif in the catalytic region was shown to dramatically change the fine structure of the polysaccharide produced. The structural basis of this effect can be rationalized by reference to a homology model of the enzyme and appears to be related to the position and flexibility of the TED motif in the active site of the enzyme. The region and amino acid residue identified provide opportunities to manipulate the solubility of (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucan in grains and vegetative tissues of the grasses and, in particular, to enhance the solubility of dietary fibers that are beneficial to human health.
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- Fortier, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Is rigorous retrospective harmonization possible? : Application of the DataSHaPER approach across 53 large studies
- 2011
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In: International Journal of Epidemiology. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0300-5771 .- 1464-3685. ; 40:5, s. 1314-1328
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Methods This article examines the value of using the DataSHaPER for retrospective harmonization of established studies. Using the DataSHaPER approach, the potential to generate 148 harmonized variables from the questionnaires and physical measures collected in 53 large population-based studies (6.9 million participants) was assessed. Variable and study characteristics that might influence the potential for data synthesis were also explored. Results Out of all assessment items evaluated (148 variables for each of the 53 studies), 38% could be harmonized. Certain characteristics of variables (i.e. relative importance, individual targeted, reference period) and of studies (i.e. observational units, data collection start date and mode of questionnaire administration) were associated with the potential for harmonization. For example, for variables deemed to be essential, 62% of assessment items paired could be harmonized. Conclusion The current article shows that the DataSHaPER provides an effective and flexible approach for the retrospective harmonization of information across studies. To implement data synthesis, some additional scientific, ethico-legal and technical considerations must be addressed. The success of the DataSHaPER as a harmonization approach will depend on its continuing development and on the rigour and extent of its use. The DataSHaPER has the potential to take us closer to a truly collaborative epidemiology and offers the promise of enhanced research potential generated through synthesized databases.
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- Krause, Karolin R, et al.
(author)
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Paper II : Thematic framework analysis of registry-based randomized controlled trials provided insights for designing trial ready registries
- 2023
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In: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. - : Pergamon Press. - 0895-4356 .- 1878-5921. ; 159, s. 330-343
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Registry-based randomized controlled trials (RRCTs) are increasingly used, promising to address challenges associated with traditional RCTs. We identified strengths and limitations reported in planned and completed RRCTs to inform future RRCTs.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted an environmental scan of literature discussing conceptual or methodological strengths and limitations of using registries for trial design and conduct (n=12), followed by an analysis of RRCT protocols (n=13) and reports (n=77) identified from a scoping review. Using framework analysis, we developed and refined a conceptual framework of RRCT-specific strengths and limitations. We mapped and interpreted strengths and limitations discussed by authors of RRCT articles using framework codes and quantified the frequencies at which these were mentioned. RESULTS: Our conceptual framework identified six main RRCT strengths and four main RRCT limitations. Considering implications for RRCT conduct and design, we formulated ten recommendations for registry designers, administrators, and trialists planning future RRCTs. CONCLUSION: Consideration and application of empirically underpinned recommendations for future registry design and trial conduct may help trialists utilize registries and RRCTs to their full potential.
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- Pettersson-Kymmer, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
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HLA and KIR Associations of Cervical Neoplasia
- 2018
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In: Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press. - 0022-1899 .- 1537-6613. ; 218:12, s. 2006-2015
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and we recently reported human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles showing strong associations with cervical neoplasia risk and protection. HLA ligands are recognised by killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) expressed on a range of immune cell subsets, governing their proinflammatory activity. We hypothesized that the inheritance of particular HLA-KIR combinations would increase cervical neoplasia risk.Methods: Here, we used HLA and KIR dosages imputed from SNP genotype data from 2,143 cervical neoplasia cases and 13,858 healthy controls of European decent.Results: Four novel HLA alleles were identified in association with cervical neoplasia: HLA-DRB3*9901 (OR=1.24, P=2.49×10-9), HLA-DRB5*0101 (OR=1.29, P=2.26×10-8), HLA-DRB5*9901 (OR=0.77, P=1.90×10-9) and HLA-DRB3*0301 (OR=0.63, P=4.06×10-5), due to their linkage disequilibrium with known cervical neoplasia-associated HLA-DRB1 alleles. We also found homozygosity of HLA-C1 group alleles is a protective factor for HPV16-related cervical neoplasia (C1/C1, OR=0.79, P=0.005). This protective association was restricted to carriers of either KIR2DL2 (OR=0.67, P=0.00045) or KIR2DS2 (OR=0.69, P=0.0006).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HLA-C1 group alleles play a role in protecting against HPV16-related cervical neoplasia, mainly through a KIR-mediated mechanism.
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- Pham, Trang A.T., et al.
(author)
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Analysis of cell wall synthesis and metabolism during early germination of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei conidial cells induced in vitro
- 2019
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In: The Cell Surface. - : Elsevier BV. - 2468-2330. ; 5, s. 100030-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As an obligate biotroph, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) cannot be grown in an axenic culture, and instead must be cultivated on its host species, Hordeum vulgare (barley). In this study an in vitro system utilizing n-hexacosanal, a constituent of the barley cuticle and known inducer of Bgh germination, was used to cultivate Bgh and differentiate conidia up to the appressorial germ tube stage for analysis. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of the appressorial germ tube stage revealed that there was a significant shift towards energy and protein production during the pre-penetrative phase of development, with an up-regulation of enzymes associated with cellular respiration and protein synthesis, modification and transport. Glycosidic linkage analysis of the cell wall polysaccharides demonstrated that during appressorial development an increase in 1,3- and 1,4-linked glucosyl residues and xylosyl residues was detected along with a significant decrease in galactosyl residues. The use of this in vitro cultivation method demonstrates that it is possible to analyse the pre-penetrative processes of Bgh development in the absence of a plant host.
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- Schwerdt, Julian, et al.
(author)
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Phylogenomic Analyses of Nucleotide-Sugar Biosynthetic and Interconverting Enzymes Illuminate Cell Wall Composition in Fungi
- 2021
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In: mBio. - : American Society for Microbiology. - 2161-2129 .- 2150-7511. ; 12:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The fungi are an enormously successful eukaryotic lineage that has colonized every aerobic habitat on Earth. This spectacular expansion is reflected in the dynamism and diversity of the fungal cell wall, a matrix of polysaccharides and glycoproteins pivotal to fungal life history strategies and a major target in the development of antifungal compounds. Cell wall polysaccharides are typically synthesized by Leloir glycosyltransferases, enzymes that are notoriously difficult to characterize, but their nucleotide-sugar substrates are well known and provide the opportunity to inspect the monosaccharides available for incorporation into cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins. In this work, we have used phylogenomic analyses of the enzymatic pathways that synthesize and interconvert nucleotide-sugars to predict potential cell wall monosaccharide composition across 491 fungal taxa. The results show a complex evolutionary history of these cell wall enzyme pathways and, by association, of the fungal cell wall. In particular, we see a significant reduction in monosaccharide diversity during fungal evolution, most notably in the colonization of terrestrial habitats. However, monosaccharide distribution is also shown to be varied across later-diverging fungal lineages. IMPORTANCE This study provides new insights into the complex evolutionary history of the fungal cell wall. We analyzed fungal enzymes that convert sugars acquired from the environment into the diverse sugars that make up the fundamental building blocks of the cell wall. Species-specific profiles of these nucleotide-sugar interconverting (NSI) enzymes for 491 fungi demonstrated multiple losses and gains of NSI proteins, revealing the rich diversity of cell wall architecture across the kingdom. Pragmatically, because cell walls are essential to fungi, our observations of variation in sugar diversity have important implications for the development of antifungal compounds that target the sugar profiles of specific pathogens.
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| 10. |
- Zhang, Rongqi, et al.
(author)
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Field Synopsis of Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors of Sporadic Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Adenoma
- 2023
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In: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. - : American Association For Cancer Research (AACR). - 1055-9965 .- 1538-7755. ; 32:8, s. 1048-1060
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: To systematically appraise and synthesize avail-able epidemiologic evidence on the associations of environmental and genetic factors with the risk of sporadic early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) and early-onset advanced colorectal adenoma (EOCRA).Methods: Multiple databases were comprehensively searched to identify eligible observational studies. Genotype data from UK Biobank were incorporated to examine their associations with EOCRC in a nested case-control design. Meta-analyses of envi-ronmental risk factors were performed, and the strength of evidence was graded based on predefined criteria. Meta-analyses of genetic associations were conducted using the allelic, recessive, and dom-inant models, respectively.Results: A total of 61 studies were included, reporting 120 environmental factors and 62 genetic variants. We found 12 risk factors (current overweight, overweight in adolescence, high waist circumference, smoking, alcohol, sugary beverages intake, seden-tary behavior, red meat intake, family history of colorectal cancer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome) and three protective factors (vitamin D, folate, and calcium intake) for EOCRC or EOCRA. No significant associations between the exam-ined genetic variants and EOCRC risk were observed.Conclusions: Recent data indicate that the changing patterns of traditional colorectal cancer risk factors may explain the rising incidence of EOCRC. However, research on novel risk factors for EOCRC is limited; therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility of EOCRC having different risk factors than late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC).Impact: The potential for the identified risk factors to enhance the identification of at-risk groups for personalized EOCRC screen-ing and prevention and for the prediction of EOCRC risk should be comprehensively addressed by future studies.
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