scholarly journals piNET: a versatile web platform for downstream analysis and visualization of proteomics data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrouz Shamsaei ◽  
Szymon Chojnacki ◽  
Marcin Pilarczyk ◽  
Mehdi Najafabadi ◽  
Chuming Chen ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTLarge proteomics data, including those generated by mass spectrometry, are being generated to characterize biological systems at the protein level. Computational methods and tools to identify and quantify peptides, proteins and post-translational modifications (PTMs) that are captured in modern mass spectrometers have matured over the years. On the other hand, tools for downstream analysis, interpretation and visualization of proteomics data sets, in particular those involving PTMs, require further improvement and integration to accelerate scientific discovery and maximize the impact of proteomics studies by connecting them better with biological knowledge across not only proteomics, but also other Omics domains. With the goal of addressing these challenges, the piNET server has been developed as a versatile web platform to facilitate mapping, annotation, analysis and visualization of peptide, PTM, and protein level quantitative data generated by either targeted, shotgun or other proteomics approaches. Building on our experience with large scale analysis of gene and protein expression profiles as part of the Library of Integrated Network Cellular Signatures (LINCS) project, piNET has been designed as a fast, versatile and easy to use web-based tool with three modules that provide mapping from peptides (with PTMs) to proteins, from PTM sites to modifying enzymes that target those sites, and finally from proteins (with PTMs) to pathways, and for further mechanistic insights to LINCS signatures of chemical and genetic perturbations. piNET is freely available at http://www.pinet-server.org.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (W1) ◽  
pp. W85-W93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrouz Shamsaei ◽  
Szymon Chojnacki ◽  
Marcin Pilarczyk ◽  
Mehdi Najafabadi ◽  
Wen Niu ◽  
...  

Abstract Rapid progress in proteomics and large-scale profiling of biological systems at the protein level necessitates the continued development of efficient computational tools for the analysis and interpretation of proteomics data. Here, we present the piNET server that facilitates integrated annotation, analysis and visualization of quantitative proteomics data, with emphasis on PTM networks and integration with the LINCS library of chemical and genetic perturbation signatures in order to provide further mechanistic and functional insights. The primary input for the server consists of a set of peptides or proteins, optionally with PTM sites, and their corresponding abundance values. Several interconnected workflows can be used to generate: (i) interactive graphs and tables providing comprehensive annotation and mapping between peptides and proteins with PTM sites; (ii) high resolution and interactive visualization for enzyme-substrate networks, including kinases and their phospho-peptide targets; (iii) mapping and visualization of LINCS signature connectivity for chemical inhibitors or genetic knockdown of enzymes upstream of their target PTM sites. piNET has been built using a modular Spring-Boot JAVA platform as a fast, versatile and easy to use tool. The Apache Lucene indexing is used for fast mapping of peptides into UniProt entries for the human, mouse and other commonly used model organism proteomes. PTM-centric network analyses combine PhosphoSitePlus, iPTMnet and SIGNOR databases of validated enzyme-substrate relationships, for kinase networks augmented by DeepPhos predictions and sequence-based mapping of PhosphoSitePlus consensus motifs. Concordant LINCS signatures are mapped using iLINCS. For each workflow, a RESTful API counterpart can be used to generate the results programmatically in the json format. The server is available at http://pinet-server.org, and it is free and open to all users without login requirement.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Fatimah ◽  
Muji Rahayu ◽  
Siti Aminah

Background : Egg  is one of the animal protein source, which has delicious taste, easy to digest and highly nutritious. Besides its affordable price, its supply availability is unquestionable as well. However, due to its short storability, it requires special treatment, such as preserving, to store it for long period. One way to preserve the egg is by pickling egg, which generally requires seven to ten days of marinating. During the process of marinating, there will be a visual change of egg white and yolk. Their structures  will be more solid (the occurrence of thickening process) because salinization will lead to protein denaturalization. Consequently, it has an influence as well towards the content of egg white protein of duck egg. This study is aimed to explore the impact of various time of pickling egg towards egg white protein of duck egg. Method  : The study where takes place in a laboratories, is a true experimental study for the reason that the researcher must provide intervention, hence all of potentially confounding variables are manageable. Samples that had been used in this study are duck eggs which were bought from North Brebes. This study is expected to generate data from four various time of pickling egg and control (no treatment). Since there are four samples, accordingly the number of data resulted are twenty. The resulted data will be descriptively presented in table, graph, presentation, and narration. Result  : Protein level examination within duck white egg shows changes  in protein levels that occurs in every variation of pickling egg time, where the average results of the assay of duck egg white protein is 14.94% without treatment (control), in five days of pickling time is 13.68%, in seven days of pickling time is 13.29%, in nine days of pickling time is 12.87% and eleven days of pickling time is 12.78%. Conclusion  : There is a significant impact among the period of pickling time to the protein level degradation of duck white egg. Keywords : Duck egg, period of pickling time, level protein of duck white egg.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 722-734
Author(s):  
Adele Soltani ◽  
Arefeh Jafarian ◽  
Abdolamir Allameh

micro (mi)-RNAs are vital regulators of multiple processes including insulin signaling pathways and glucose metabolism. Pancreatic β-cells function is dependent on some miRNAs and their target mRNA, which together form a complex regulative network. Several miRNAs are known to be directly involved in β-cells functions such as insulin expression and secretion. These small RNAs may also play significant roles in the fate of β-cells such as proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Among the miRNAs, miR-7, miR-9, miR-375, miR-130 and miR-124 are of particular interest due to being highly expressed in these cells. Under diabetic conditions, although no specific miRNA profile has been noticed, the expression of some miRNAs and their target mRNAs are altered by posttranscriptional mechanisms, exerting diverse signs in the pathobiology of various diabetic complications. The aim of this review article is to discuss miRNAs involved in the process of stem cells differentiation into β-cells, resulting in enhanced β-cell functions with respect to diabetic disorders. This paper will also look into the impact of miRNA expression patterns on in vitro proliferation and differentiation of β-cells. The efficacy of the computational genomics and biochemical analysis to link the changes in miRNA expression profiles of stem cell-derived β-cells to therapeutically relevant outputs will be discussed as well.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko ◽  
Maria Oczkowicz ◽  
Artur Gurgul ◽  
Tomasz Szmatoła ◽  
Monika Bugno-Poniewierska

Abstract Background MicroRNAs indirectly orchestrate myriads of essential biological processes. A wide diversity of miRNAs of the neurodevelopmental importance characterizes the brain tissue, which, however, exhibits region-specific miRNA profile differences. One of the most conservative regions of the brain is periaqueductal grey (PAG) playing vital roles in significant functions of this organ, also those observed to be sex-influenced. The domestic pig is an important livestock species but is also believed to be an excellent human model. This is of particular importance for neurological research because of the similarity of pig and human brains as well as difficult access to human samples. However, the pig PAG profile has not been characterized so far. Moreover, molecular bases of sex differences connected with brain functioning, including miRNA expression profiles, have not been fully deciphered yet. Methods Thus, in this study, we applied next-generation sequencing to characterize pig PAG expressed microRNAs. Furthermore, we performed differential expression analysis between females and males to identify changes of the miRNA profile and reveal candidates underlying sex-related differences. Results As a result, known brain-enriched, and new miRNAs which will expand the available profile, were identified. The downstream analysis revealed 38 miRNAs being differentially expressed (DE) between female and male samples. Subsequent pathway analysis showed that they enrich processes vital for neuron growth and functioning, such as long-term depression and axon guidance. Among the identified sex-influenced miRNAs were also those associated with the PAG physiology and diseases related to this region. Conclusions The obtained results broaden the knowledge on the porcine PAG miRNAome, along with its dynamism reflected in different isomiR signatures. Moreover, they indicate possible mechanisms associated with sex-influenced differences mediated via miRNAs in the PAG functioning. They also provide candidate miRNAs for further research concerning, i.e., sex-related bases of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the nervous system. Graphical abstract


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 906
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Mikłosz ◽  
Bartłomiej Łukaszuk ◽  
Adrian Chabowski ◽  
Jan Górski

Endothelial lipase (EL) is an enzyme capable of HDL phospholipids hydrolysis. Its action leads to a reduction in the serum high-density lipoprotein concentration, and thus, it exerts a pro-atherogenic effect. This study examines the impact of a single bout exercise on the gene and protein expression of the EL in skeletal muscles composed of different fiber types (the soleus—mainly type I, the red gastrocnemius—mostly IIA, and the white gastrocnemius—predominantly IIX fibers), as well as the diaphragm, and the heart. Wistar rats were subjected to a treadmill run: 1) t = 30 [min], V = 18 [m/min]; 2) t = 30 [min], V = 28 [m/min]; 3) t = 120 [min], V = 18 [m/min] (designated: M30, F30, and M120, respectively). We established EL expression in the total muscle homogenates in sedentary animals. Resting values could be ordered with the decreasing EL protein expression as follows: endothelium of left ventricle > diaphragm > red gastrocnemius > right ventricle > soleus > white gastrocnemius. Furthermore, we observed that even a single bout of exercise was capable of inducing changes in the mRNA and protein level of EL, with a clearer pattern observed for the former. After 30 min of running at either exercise intensity, the expression of EL transcript in all the cardiovascular components of muscles tested, except the soleus, was reduced in comparison to the respective sedentary control. The protein content of EL varied with the intensity and/or duration of the run in the studied whole tissue homogenates. The observed differences between EL expression in vascular beds of muscles may indicate the muscle-specific role of the lipase.


Author(s):  
Qiao Li ◽  
Manran Liu ◽  
Yan Sun ◽  
Ting Jin ◽  
Pengpeng Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Hypoxia is a key hallmark of TNBC. Metabolic adaptation promotes progression of TNBC cells that are located within the hypoxic tumor regions. However, it is not well understood regarding the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of metabolic adaptions by hypoxia. Methods RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gene expression profiles in MDA-MB-231 cell line (20% O2 and 1% O2). Expressions of Slc6a8, which encodes the creatine transporter protein, were detected in breast cancer cells and tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect SLC6A8 protein abundances in tumor tissues. Clinicopathologic correlation and overall survival were evaluated by chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Cell viability assay and flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V/PI double staining were performed to investigate the impact of SLC6A8-mediated uptake of creatine on viability of hypoxic TNBC cells. TNBC orthotopic mouse model was used to evaluate the effects of creatine in vivo. Results SLC6A8 was aberrantly upregulated in TNBC cells in hypoxia. SLC6A8 was drastically overexpressed in TNBC tissues and its level was tightly associated with advanced TNM stage, higher histological grade and worse overall survival of TNBC patients. We found that SLC6A8 was transcriptionally upregulated by p65/NF-κB and mediated accumulation of intracellular creatine in hypoxia. SLC6A8-mediated accumulation of creatine promoted survival and suppressed apoptosis via maintaining redox homeostasis in hypoxic TNBC cells. Furthermore, creatine was required to facilitate tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. Mechanistically, intracellular creatine bolstered cell antioxidant defense by reducing mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption rates to reduce accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, ultimately activating AKT-ERK signaling, the activation of which protected the viability of hypoxic TNBC cells via mediating the upregulation of Ki-67 and Bcl-2, and the downregulation of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3. Conclusions Our study indicates that SLC6A8-mediated creatine accumulation plays an important role in promoting TNBC progression, and may provide a potential therapeutic strategy option for treatment of SLC6A8 high expressed TNBC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Quilbe ◽  
Olivier Moralès ◽  
Martha Baydoun ◽  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
Rami Mustapha ◽  
...  

To date, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ADKP) is a devastating disease for which the incidence rate is close to the mortality rate. The survival rate has evolved only 2–5% in 45 years, highlighting the failure of current therapies. Otherwise, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), based on the use of an adapted photosensitizer (PS) has already proved its worth and has prompted a growing interest in the field of oncology. We have developed a new photosensitizer (PS-FOL/PS2), protected by a recently published patent (WO2019 016397-A1, 24 January 2019). This photosensitizer is associated with an addressing molecule (folic acid) targeting the folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) with a high affinity. Folate binds to FOLR1, in a specific way, expressed in 100% of ADKP or over-expressed in 30% of cases. The first objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this PS2-PDT in four ADKP cell lines: Capan-1, Capan-2, MiapaCa-2, and Panc-1. For this purpose, we first evaluated the gene and protein expression of FOLR1 on four ADKP cell lines. Subsequently, we evaluated PS2’s efficacy in our cell lines and we assessed the impact of PDT on the secretome of cancer cells and its impact on the immune system. Finally, we evaluate the PDT efficacy on a humanized SCID mouse model of pancreatic cancer. In a very interesting way, we observed a significant increase in the proliferation of activated-human PBMC when cultured with conditioned media of ADKP cancer cells subjected to PDT. Furthermore, to evaluate in vivo the impact of this new PS, we analyzed the tumor growth in a humanized SCID mice model of pancreatic cancer. Four conditions were tested: Untreated, mice (nontreated), mice with PS (PS2), mice subjected to illumination (Light only), and mice subjected to illumination in the presence of PS (PDT). We noticed that the mice subjected to PDT presented a strong decrease in the growth of the tumor over time after illumination. Our investigations have not only suggested that PS2-PDT is an effective therapy in the treatment of PDAC but also that it activates the immune system and could be considered as a real adjuvant for anti-cancer vaccination. Thus, this new study provides new treatment options for patients in a therapeutic impasse and will provide a new arsenal in the fight against PDAC.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Mao ◽  
Tracy Chaplin ◽  
Bryan D. Young

Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare variant of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Little is known about the underlying pathogenesis of S. To address this issue, we used Affymetrix 10K SNP microarray to analyse 13 DNA samples isolated from 8 SS patients and qPCR with ABI TaqMan SNP genotyping assays for the validation of the SNP microarray results. In addition, we tested the impact of SNP loss of heterozygosity (LOH) identified in SS cases on the gene expression profiles of SS cases detected with Affymetrix GeneChip U133A. The results showed: (1) frequent SNP copy number change and LOH involving 1, 2p, 3, 4q, 5q, 6, 7p, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12q, 13, 14, 16q, 17, and 20, (2) reduced SNP copy number at FAT gene (4q35) in 75% of SS cases, and (3) the separation of all SS cases from normal control samples by SNP LOH gene clusters at chromosome regions of 9q31q34, 10p11q26, and 13q11q12. These findings provide some intriguing information for our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this tumour and suggest the possibility of presence of functional SNP LOH in SS tumour cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 331 ◽  
pp. e91
Author(s):  
R. Attard ◽  
P. Dingli ◽  
A.C. Spek ◽  
K. Cassar ◽  
R. Farrugia ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (45) ◽  
pp. 11525-11530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo E. Guerin ◽  
Guillaume Stirnemann ◽  
David Giganti

An immense repertoire of protein chemical modifications catalyzed by enzymes is available as proteomics data. Quantifying the impact of the conformational dynamics of the modified peptide remains challenging to understand the decisive kinetics and amino acid sequence specificity of these enzymatic reactions in vivo, because the target peptide must be disordered to accommodate the specific enzyme-binding site. Here, we were able to control the conformation of a single-molecule peptide chain by applying mechanical force to activate and monitor its specific cleavage by a model protease. We found that the conformational entropy impacts the reaction in two distinct ways. First, the flexibility and accessibility of the substrate peptide greatly increase upon mechanical unfolding. Second, the conformational sampling of the disordered peptide drives the specific recognition, revealing force-dependent reaction kinetics. These results support a mechanism of peptide recognition based on conformational selection from an ensemble that we were able to quantify with a torsional free-energy model. Our approach can be used to predict how entropy affects site-specific modifications of proteins and prompts conformational and mechanical selectivity.


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