Genome Database Research Articles

The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics

A genomic database of all Earth’s eukaryotic species could contribute to many scientific discoveries; however, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. In 2018, scientists across the world united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), aiming to produce a database of high-quality reference genomes containing all ~1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) sought to implement a new decentralised, equitable and inclusive model for producing reference genomes. For this, ERGA launched a Pilot Project establishing the first distributed reference genome production infrastructure and testing it on 98 eukaryotic species from 33 European countries. Here we outline the infrastructure and explore its effectiveness for scaling high-quality reference genome production, whilst considering equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational, national genomic resource projects and the EBP.

Phylogenomic and molecular marker based studies to clarify the evolutionary relationships amongst Anoxybacillus species and demarcation of the family Anoxybacillaceae and some of its constituent genera.

The family Anoxybacillaceae was recently proposed encompassing the genera Anoxybacillus, Geobacillus, Parageobacillus, Saccharococcus and Thermolongibacillus. Of these genera, Anoxybacillus contains >50% of the Anoxybacillaceae species. However, Anoxybacillus species form multiple unrelated clades in phylogenetic trees and their evolutionary relationships are unclear. To clarify the evolutionary relationships of Anoxybacillus and other Anoxybacillaceae species, detailed phylogenomic and comparative analyses were conducted on 38 Anoxybacillaceae species with available genomes. In a phylogenomic tree based on 1148 core proteins, all Anoxybacillus, Geobacillus, Parageobacillus, Saccharococcus and Thermolongibacillus species, excepting Anoxybacillus sediminis, formed a strongly supported clade representing the family Anoxybacillaceae. Five conserved signature indels (CSIs) reported here are also uniquely found in these species, providing robust means for the demarcation of family Anoxybacillaceae in molecular terms. In our phylogenomic tree and in the Genomic Taxonomy Database, Anoxybacillus species formed four distinct clades designated as Anoxybacillus sensu stricto (containing the type species A. pushchinoensis), Anoxybacillus_A, Anoxybacillus_B and Anoxybacillus_C. Our analyses have identified 17 novel CSIs which offer means to reliably distinguish species from these clades based upon multiple uniquely shared molecular characteristics. Additionally, we have identified three and seven CSIs specific for the genera Geobacillus and Brevibacillus, respectively. All seven Brevibacillus-specific CSIs are also shared by Anoxybacillus sediminis, which branches reliably with this genus. Based on the strong phylogenetic and molecular evidence presented here, we are proposing that the genus Anoxybacillus should be restricted to only the species from Anoxybacillus sensu stricto clade, whereas the species from Anoxybacillus_A, Anoxybacillus_B, and Anoxybacillus_C clades should be transferred into three novel genera Anoxybacteroides gen. nov., Paranoxybacillus gen. nov. and Thermaerobacillus gen. nov., respectively. Additionally, we are also proposing the transfer of Anoxybacillus sediminis to the genus Brevibacillus. The proposed changes, which reliably depict the evolutionary relationships among Anoxybacillaceae species, should be helpful in the studies of these organisms.

A comprehensive guide to bioinformatics tools and databases

The interest in the functional aspects of the genome has increased eventually with the expansion of genomic databases. In this review, various genetic alterations within the genome, such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), disease-associated mutations, neutral polymorphisms, and small insertions or deletions (INDELs), have been identified and characterized. These polymorphisms, particularly SNPs, have become widely employed in genetic analyses, serving as valuable molecular markers. They are applied across diverse genetic studies, including the reconstruction of haplotypes. In addition to experimental methods for investigating specific genetic variants, there has been a significant surge in bioinformatics research over the past decade, aimed at the molecular consequences of these genetic alterations. Haplotypes, which represent various alleles of a gene, can be reconstructed not only for entire chromosomes but also for specific genes, utilizing the information derived from SNPs. The computational approach to SNP and haplotype discovery has gained prominence due to the continuous expansion of sequence data within public databases. This growth enables more precise identification of SNPs. This article aims to introduce easily accessible and practical online tools for researchers. In summary, SNP and haplotype identification tools are indispensable in bioinformatics for studying genetic variation, population genetics, disease associations, and personalized medicine. They provide valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of various traits and diseases, helping advance our understanding of genetics and its applications in healthcare.

PSIX-18 Multiomic analysis to identify host and microbiome contributions to digestibility in beef cattle

Abstract This study evaluated beef heifers selected for high (efficient) or low (inefficient) digestible fiber intake (DFI). Initial analysis showed that high DFI animals had reduced methane production versus low-DFI under a high forage diet. Using the same cohort of animals maintained on a further 4 diets of varying forage:concentrate ratios, we employed multi-kingdom amplicon sequencing and metagenome shotgun sequencing of rumen digesta and feces alongside RNA sequencing of rumen epimural samples to evaluate the compositional and functional interplay between different microbial groups, and their relationship with host gene expression in cattle divergent for DFI. Samples were collected from 16 cattle during 2 metabolism trials, comprising 5 diets. Amplicon sequencing analysis was conducted using QIIME2; 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA reads were analyzed using the SILVA database, while LSU (fungal) sequences were analyzed using a custom D1/D2 database. Additional analysis of archaeal 16S rRNA sequences was conducted using the Rumen and Intestinal Methanogens (RIM) database. Metagenome shotgun reads underwent a two-pass classification with Kraken2 using a database of prokaryotic genomes derived from the GTDB taxonomy, with the unclassified output undergoing classification using a custom database containing all NCBI protozoa, fungi, and phage genomes, enriched with selected rumen-specific ciliate and fungal genomes. Downstream analysis of taxonomic data from all microbiome work was conducted in R, and differentially abundant taxa were identified using ANCOM-BC and Aldex2. Functional analysis of metagenome contigs using the CAZY database implemented in dbCAN3 is ongoing. RNA-seq data were analyzed using the ARS-UCD reference genome, with identification of DE genes conducted using DeSeq2. Preliminary results indicate no major effect of DFI ranking on host gene expression, bacterial 16S rRNA, or metagenome compositional profiles. Several bacterial genera were differentially abundant between digestibility groups (P < 0.05), but these were all minor (< 0.01%) members of the microbiome. Fungal and methanogen communities different significantly (P < 0.05) according to DFI group, with efficient (high DFI) containing and more diverse communities under high-grain diet (P < 0.05). The same difference showed a tendency toward significance for the 18S rRNA protozoa data (P < 0.1). These preliminary data indicate that the microbial factors underpinning divergence in efficiency measured by DFI vary according to diet and may be more prominent in the non-bacterial fraction of the microbiome. Ongoing functional analysis of metagenome data as well as integration of multiomic data will provide deeper insight into these relationships and how they contribute to feed digestibility and efficiency in cattle.

The Genome-Wide Identification of the Dihydroflavonol 4-Reductase (DFR) Gene Family and Its Expression Analysis in Different Fruit Coloring Stages of Strawberry.

Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) significantly influences the modification of flower color. To explore the role of DFR in the synthesis of strawberry anthocyanins, in this study, we downloaded the CDS sequences of the DFR gene family from the Arabidopsis genome database TAIR; the DFR family of forest strawberry was compared; then, a functional domain screen was performed using NCBI; the selected strawberry DFR genes were analyzed; and the expression characteristics of the family members were studied by qRT-PCR. The results showed that there are 57 members of the DFR gene family in strawberry, which are mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and chloroplast; most of them are hydrophilic proteins; and the secondary structure of the protein is mainly composed of α-helices and random coils. The analysis revealed that FvDFR genes mostly contain light, hormone, abiotic stress, and meristem response elements. From the results of the qRT-PCR analysis, the relative expression of each member of the FvDFR gene was significantly different, which was expressed throughout the process of fruit coloring. Most genes had the highest expression levels in the full coloring stage (S4). The expression of FvDFR30, FvDFR54, and FvDFR56 during the S4 period was 8, 2.4, and 2.4 times higher than during the S1 period, indicating that the DFR gene plays a key role in regulating the fruit coloration of strawberry. In the strawberry genome, 57 members of the strawberry DFR gene family were identified. The higher the DFR gene expression, the higher the anthocyanin content, and the DFR gene may be the key gene in anthocyanin synthesis. Collectively, the DFR gene is closely related to fruit coloring, which lays a foundation for further exploring the function of the DFR gene family.

Zol & fai: large-scale targeted detection and evolutionary investigation of gene clusters.

Many universally and conditionally important genes are genomically aggregated within clusters. Here, we introduce fai and zol, which together enable large-scale comparative analysis of different types of gene clusters and mobile-genetic elements (MGEs), such as biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) or viruses. Fundamentally, they overcome a current bottleneck to reliably perform comprehensive orthology inference at large scale across broad taxonomic contexts and thousands of genomes. First, fai allows the identification of orthologous instances of a query gene cluster of interest amongst a database of target genomes. Subsequently, zol enables reliable, context-specific inference of ortholog groups for individual protein-encoding genes across gene cluster instances. In addition, zol performs functional annotation and computes a variety of evolutionary statistics for each inferred ortholog group. Importantly, in comparison to tools for visual exploration of homologous relationships between gene clusters, zol can scale to thousands of gene cluster instances and produce detailed reports that are easy to digest. To showcase fai and zol, we apply them for: (i) longitudinal tracking of a virus in metagenomes, (ii) discovering novel population-level genetic insights of two common BGCs in the fungal species Aspergillus flavus, and (iii) uncovering large-scale evolutionary trends of a virulence-associated gene cluster across thousands of genomes from a diverse bacterial genus.

Lack of a genetic risk continuum between pubertal timing in the general population and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Pubertal timing is a highly heritable trait in the general population. Recently, a large-scale exome-wide association study has implicated rare variants in six genes (KDM4C, MC3R, MKRN3, PDE10A, TACR3, and ZNF483) as genetic determinants of pubertal timing within the general population. Two of the genes (TACR3, MKRN3) are already implicated in extreme disorders of pubertal timing. This observation suggests that there may be a pervasive "genetic risk continuum" wherein genes that govern pubertal timing in the general population, by extension, may also be causal for rare Mendelian disorders of pubertal timing. Hence, we hypothesized that the four novel genes linked to pubertal timing in the population will also contribute to idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), a genetic disorder characterized by absent puberty. Exome sequencing data from 1322 unrelated IHH probands were reviewed for rare sequence variants (RSVs) (minor allele frequency bins: <1%; <0.1%; <0.01%) in the six genes linked to puberty in the general population. A gene-based rare variant association testing (RVAT) was performed between the IHH cohort and a reference public genomic sequences repository-the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). As expected, RVAT analysis showed that RSVs in TACR3, a known IHH gene, were significantly enriched in the IHH cohort compared to gnomAD cohort across all three MAF bins. However, RVAT analysis of the remaining five genes failed to show any RSV enrichment in the IHH cohort across all MAF bins. Our findings argue strongly against a pervasive genetic risk continuum between pubertal timing in the general population and extreme pubertal phenotypes. The biologic basis of such distinct genetic architectures' merits further evaluation.

Digitizing DNA Sequences Using Multiset-Based Nucleotide Frequencies for Machine Learning-Based Mutation Detection

Investigating algebraic structures in a non-conventional framework supplements mathematics for hard-nosed practical applications to the fields of theoretical biology and computer science. One such algebraic structure is multigroup whose underlying set is a multiset. The genome is the entire set of DNA instructions found within a cell which contains all the information needed for an individual to develop and function. DNA and RNA are the hereditary materials that play a vital role in the metabolism process of living things, especially protein synthesis. In genomic database DNA sequences are stored in the form of string or text data types. The only data that works with machine learning algorithms is numerical. Thus, it is necessary to transform DNA sequence strings to numerical values. This article is organized in the following manner. Firstly, we prove that standard genetic code is a multigroup and genome architecture of the whole population can be interpreted as the sum of multisets. Next, it is described how a numerical representation of DNA bases relates to its algebraic representation. We further employed Gated Recurrent Unit, Long Short-Term Memory, and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory to identify changes between the DNA sequences. Experimental results show that GRU with multiset-based numerical values for DNA bases offers 98% accuracy on testing data. This novel technique will aid in the detection of mutations in complex diseases.

Use of Maize (Zea maysL.) Mutator Transposon-Induced Mutants of theBonnMuResource for Forward and Reverse Genetics Studies

TheBonnMuresource represents a tagged collection of maize (Zea maysL.)Mutator(Mu) transposon-induced mutants, designed for functional genomics studies. Here, we describe the use of theBonnMucollection for identifying and characterizing mutations. Specifically, we describe workflows for use in both reverse and forward genetics strategies in maize. For reverse genetics, users first acquire aBonnMuF2stock of interest based on data accessible at the Maize Genetics and Genomics Database (MaizeGDB). We provide details here for their subsequent propagation and for the confirmation ofMuinsertions by genotyping via PCR, with the ultimate goal of establishing genotype–phenotype relationships of interest. For forward genetics studies, we describe a workflow that involves a combined approach of Mutant-Seq (Mu-Seq) and bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-Seq), to identify the causal gene underlying a mutant phenotype of interest.

BonnMu: A Resource for Functional Genomics in Maize (Zea mays L.).

The BonnMu resource is a public transposon-tagged population designed for reverse and forward genetics studies in maize (Zea mays L.). The resource was created by crossing an active Mutator (Mu) transposon line into different inbred lines to induce insertional mutations. The resulting F1 generation was self-pollinated to generate segregating BonnMu F2 stocks. The Mu-tagged BonnMu F2 stocks have insertions in 83% of all annotated maize gene models, and Mu insertion positions and photos of the seedling phenotypes of the segregating BonnMu F2 stocks are deposited in the Maize Genetics and Genomics Database (MaizeGDB), with seeds available to the community. Here, we discuss the creation, expansion, and application of the BonnMu resource for identifying and characterizing mutations induced by Mu transposons, which represents a useful tool for functional genomics studies in maize.

Transcriptomic Characterization of Male Formosan Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) Reproductive Tract and Evaluation of Domestic Cat (Felis catus) as a Potential Model Species.

The Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) is an endemic animal of Taiwan. Due to their reduced population and behavior, very little is known about this enigmatic species. To unravel male pangolin reproduction, in the present study, we built a complete genomic database of the male Formosan pangolin reproductive tract and revealed highly expressing genes as well as critical signaling pathways and their associated biological processes in both the testis and the epididymis. Moreover, we evaluated the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a potential model species for male pangolin reproduction by comparing their testicular transcriptomes. We demonstrated a clear tissue-specific gene expression supporting the unique biological signature of each reproductive tissue and identified critical genes of the different reproductive organs. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed unique pathways in the testis as well as a clear epididymal transition. Furthermore, domestic cats, despite being the closest domestic species to pangolin, demonstrated their unfitness as a male reproduction model species as clear differences in spermatid differentiation and metabolism were observed. These results enable a better understanding of male pangolin reproduction characteristics and may inspire improvements in in Formosan pangolin conservation strategies.

Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and miRNA-22 Regulation of Kruppel-Like Factor (KLF) Gene Family in Chicken (Gallus gallus).

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a class of fundamental transcription factors that are widely present in various eukaryotes from nematodes to humans, named after their DNA binding domain which is highly homologous to the Krüppel factor in fruit flies. To investigate the composition, organization, and evolutionary trajectory of KLF gene family members in chickens, in our study, we leveraged conserved sequences of KLF genes from representative classes across fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals as foundational sequences. Bioinformatic tools were employed to perform homology alignment on the chicken genome database, ultimately identifying the KLF family members present in chickens. The gene structure, phylogenetic analysis, conserved base sequences, physicochemical properties, collinearity analysis, and protein structure were then analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Additionally, the impact of miRNA-22, related to poultry lipid metabolism, on the expression of the KLF gene family in the liver, heart, and muscle of Qingyuan partridge chickens was explored. The results showed that: (1) compared to fish, the KLF family in birds is more closely related to mammals and amphibians; (2) KLFs within the same subgroups are likely to be derived from a common ancestral gene duplication; (3) KLF3/8/12 in the same subgroup may have some similar or overlapping functions; (4) the motif 4 of KLF5 was most likely lost during evolution; (5) KLF9 may perform a similar function in chickens and pigs; (6) there are collinear relationships between certain KLF genes, indicating that there are related biomolecular functions between these KLF genes; (7) all members of the KLF family in chickens are non-transmembrane proteins; and (8) interference and overexpression of miRNA-22 in Qingyuan partridge chickens can affect the expression levels of KLF genes in liver, heart, and muscle.

Unique Signatures of Highly Constrained Genes Across Publicly Available Genomic Databases.

Publicly available genomic databases and genetic constraint scores are crucial in understanding human population variation and the identification of variants that are likely to have a deleterious impact causing human disease. We utilized the one of largest publicly available databases, gnomAD, to determine genes that are highly constrained for only LoF, only missense, and both LoF/missense variants, identified their unique signatures, and explored their causal relationship with human conditions. Those genes were evaluated for unique patterns including their chromosomal location, tissue level expression, gene ontology analysis, and gene family categorization using multiple publicly available databases. Those highly constrained genes associated with human disease, we identified unique patterns of inheritance, protein size, and enrichment in distinct molecular pathways. In addition, we identified a cohort of highly constrained genes that are currently not known to cause human disease, that we suggest will be candidates to pursue as novel disease-associated genes. In summary, these insights not only elucidate biological pathways of highly constrained genes that expand our understanding of critical cellular proteins but also advance research in rare diseases.

Revolutionizing soybean genomics: How CRISPR and advanced sequencing are unlocking new potential.

Soybean Glycine max L., paleopolyploid genome, poses challenges to its genetic improvement. However, the development of reference genome assemblies and genome sequencing has completely changed the field of soybean genomics, allowing for more accurate and successful breeding techniques as well as research. During the single-cell revolution, one of the most advanced sequencing tools for examining the transcriptome landscape is single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Comprehensive resources for genetic improvement of soybeans may be found in the SoyBase and other genomics databases. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology provides promising prospects for precise genetic modifications in soybean. This method has enhanced several soybean traits, including as yield, nutritional value, and resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. With base editing techniques that allow for precise DNA modifications, the use of CRISPR-Cas9 is further increased. With the availability of the reference genome for soybeans and the following assembly of wild and cultivated soybeans, significant chromosomal rearrangements and gene duplication events have been identified, offering new perspectives on the complex genomic structure of soybeans. Furthermore, major single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to stachyose and sucrose content have been found through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), providing important tools for enhancing soybean carbohydrate profiles. In order to open up new avenues for soybean genetic improvement, future research approaches include investigating transcriptional divergence processes, enhancing genetic resources, and incorporating CRISPR-Cas9 technologies.

Correlation Between Subgenome-biased DNA Loss and DNA Transposon Activation Following Hybridization in the Allotetraploid Xenopus Frogs

Abstract In certain tetraploid species resulting from interspecific hybridization, one parent's subgenome is known to selectively undergo DNA loss. The molecular mechanisms behind this remain unclear. In our study, we compared the genomes of a standard diploid species with two allotetraploid species from the Xenopus genus, both possessing L (longer) and S (shorter) homoeologous subgenomes. We observed substantial gene losses and intergenic DNA deletions in both the S and L subgenomes of the tetraploid species. Gene losses were around 1,000 to 3,000 for L and 4,000 to 6,000 for S, with especially prominent losses in the S subgenome. Many of these losses likely occurred shortly after interspecific hybridization in both L/S subgenomes. We also deduced frequent large inversions in the S subgenome. Upon reassessing transposon dynamics using updated genome databases, we reaffirmed heightened DNA transposon activity during the hybridization, as previously reported. We next investigated whether S subgenome-biased DNA loss could be correlated with the activation of DNA transposons following hybridization. Notably, distinct patterns were observed in the dynamics of DNA transposons between the L and S subgenomes. Several DNA transposon subfamilies correlated positively with DNA deletions in the S subgenome and negatively in the L subgenome. Based on these results, we propose a model that, upon and after hybridization between two related diploid Xenopus species, the mixture of their genomes resulted in the derepression of DNA transposons, especially in the S subgenome, leading to selective DNA loss in the S subgenome.

The development of silk glands and transcriptome aberration induced by cyantraniliprole in Bombyx mori

Bombyx mori is an insect species of great economic importance, and its silk gland is a vital organ for the synthesis and secretion of silk protein. However, long-term artificial domestication of B. mori has resulted in high sensitivity to chemical toxins, especially insecticides. Cyantraniliprole (Cya), a second-generation ryanodine receptor modulator insecticide, is widely utilized in agriculture for pest control. In this study, the impact of Cya toxicity on the development of silk glands in the 5th instar larvae of B. mori was assessed using Cya LC5, LC10 and LC20, as well as a starvation treatment group for comparison. Short-term exposure (24 h) to different concentrations of Cya resulted in delayed development of silk glands in B. mori. Meanwhile, the body weight, silk gland weight, silk gland index and cocoon quality were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner, except for the Cya LC5 treatment. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis revealed that Cya LC10 induced disruption of the nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum in the posterior silk gland (PSG) cells, leading to the formation of intracellular vacuoles. Transcriptome sequencing of PSGs identified 2152 genes that were differentially expressed after exposure to Cya LC10, with 1153 down-regulated genes and 999 up-regulated genes. All differentially expressed genes were subjected to functional annotation using gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database, and it was found that protein synthesis-related pathways were significantly enriched, with the majority of genes being down-regulated. Furthermore, the transcription levels of genes involved in “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum”, “protein export”, “proteasome” and “DNA replication” were quantified using qRT-PCR. Our findings suggested that short-term exposure to Cya LC10 resulted in disruption of DNA replication, as well as protein transport, processing and hydrolysis in the PSG cells of B. mori. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the safe utilization of Cya in sericulture production.

Abstract P367: Cross-Species Epigenomic Maps of Intergenic Loci for Hypertension and Blood Pressure

Many non-coding SNPs identified in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) likely affect BP-related gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. This study analyzes the comparative genomic and epigenomic landscapes in human and rat kidney tissues, including kidney proximal tubule (PT) and medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL), focusing on the major challenge of identifying conserved regulatory elements in intergenic regions. The purpose of our study is to identify BP gene regulatory elements in intergenic regions that are conserved from human to rat for in vivo validation and mechanistic studies. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-resolution, genome-wide epigenomic maps of key BP-relevant tissues, using ATAC-seq, Hi-C, CUT&amp;Tag, DNA methylation profiling and RNA-seq. We are creating visualization hubs for human and rat, integrating our data within the UCSC Genome Browser environment. UCSC contains extensive data for humans but very little for rats, particularly for the updated genome assemblies. To address this gap, we integrated our results with data from the Rat Genome Database (RGD). To date, we harmonized ATAC-seq data from human and rat PT and mTAL and displayed these data in RGD’s JBrowse2 genome browser for unique comparative genome views. Based on our initial analysis of data density and intensity, we are developing a novel pattern recognition algorithm to identify epigenomic marks that are conserved across rat and human genomes. Existing algorithms predominantly focus on the conservation of coding genes, gene families, and genomic sequences. Here, average normalized peak intensities for ATAC-seq data across tissues were subject to canonical correlation between human and rat to identify conserved epigenomic patterns within the BP GWAS loci. Here we present an example of a human BP locus in the intergenic region between NPR3 and TARS1 on chromosome 5 which has a region of conserved synteny with rat chromosome 2. Comparative analysis and visualization of this region show significant correlation between ATAC-seq peaks from rat and human PT and mTAL at this locus, with predicted conserved regulatory elements. These visualizations can uncover novel biological insights and identify potential regulatory targets for intervention. This work underscores the importance of advanced visualization techniques in understanding hypertension pathogenesis, facilitating cross-species comparisons, and enhancing the utility of genomic databases.

Exploring shared mechanisms between ulcerative colitis and psoriasis and predicting therapeutic natural compounds through bioinformatics and molecular docking

IntroductionPrevious studies have suggested a potential correlation between psoriasis (PS) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, studies exploring the shared mechanisms of both diseases remain limited. Current treatments primarily involve using immunosuppressive drugs, which can lead to potential side effects and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated favorable efficacy in treating UC and PS with fewer side effects. This study aims to elucidate the shared biological mechanisms underlying UC and PS and to predict natural compounds effective for treating both disorders. MethodWe collected and validated differentially expressed genes associated with UC and PS from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, aiding in identifying core targets. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were utilized to analyze the functions and genomic enrichment of the identified core targets. The CIBERSORT method was employed to assess the correlation of core targets with immune cells. Compounds with potential therapeutic values were selected from the Coremine and TCMSP databases, and their therapeutic efficacy was predicted via molecular docking. ResultsIn UC and PS, 20 common core targets were identified, with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), cluster of differentiation 274 (CD274), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) emerging as the most relevant targets shared between both conditions. Elevated levels of macrophages and dendritic cells were observed in UC and PS, with CXCL10 exhibiting the closest association with macrophages. UC and PS shared common signaling pathways, including IL-17, TNF, and chemokine signaling pathways, among others. Molecular docking revealed that quercetin, baicalen, irisolidone, rutaecarpine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and others held potential as natural compounds for treating both disorders. ConclusionMMP9, MMP1, and CXCL10, central mediators in the inflammatory pathways of UC and PS, establish a shared mechanism by triggering cytokine and chemokine activation, leading to tissue damage and positioning them as promising therapeutic targets for both conditions. Compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, irisolidone, rutaecarpine, and so on may be key drugs for treating both conditions. These findings suggest the potential advancement of therapeutic strategies and the enhancement of patient care by exploring shared mechanisms and predicting promising natural compounds for treating UC and PS.

Age and Sex Affects the Frequency and Mutation Type of FGFR2 Alterations in Cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE FGFR2 alterations are infrequent but currently represent the most common targetable mutation in cholangiocarcinoma. We performed a large-scale genomic analysis to assess associations between FGFR2 and other driver gene alterations in cholangiocarcinoma with patient demographics. METHODS Clinical and molecular data for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were abstracted from the Foundation Medicine (FMI) and Genomics, Evidence, Neoplasia, Information, Exchange (GENIE) genomic databases. The Chi-squared test was used to assess the association between sex and alterations in driver genes. FGFR2 fusion partners were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Across both FMI (N = 7,859) and GENIE (N = 1,395) cohorts, FGFR2 rearrangements were more frequent in female than male patients with cholangiocarcinoma (odds ratio, 1.69 and 2.45). By contrast, FGFR2 missense mutations, TP53 mutations, and KRAS mutations were not associated with sex. Stratifying patients by age groups showed that FGFR2 rearrangements were specifically enriched in younger ages (&lt;45 years). Although the most common FGFR2 fusion partners were shared across both sexes, a subset of fusion partners was recurrent and uniquely associated with female or male patients. CONCLUSION FGFR2 rearrangements but not other driver alterations in cholangiocarcinoma are concentrated in young female patients, where the prevalence reached nearly 20% across two large patient cohorts. These results suggest that the molecular basis of FGFR2 rearrangements may be distinct between sexes. These results indicate the importance of genetic testing in cholangiocarcinoma, particularly for younger patients, and suggest that patient recruitment strategies in trials for FGFR2-targeting therapies should seek to reduce barriers to enhance the enrollment of young female patients.

Cooperative genomic lesions in HRAS-mutant cancers predict resistance to farnesyltransferase inhibitors.

In the clinical development of farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) for HRAS-mutant tumors, responses varied by cancer type. Co-occurring mutations may affect responses. We aimed to uncover cooperative genetic events specific to HRAS-mutant tumors and to study their effect on sensitivity to FTIs. Using targeted sequencing data from the MSK-IMPACT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Genomic Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange databases, we identified comutations that were observed predominantly in HRAS-mutant versus KRAS-mutant or NRAS-mutant cancers. HRAS-mutant cancers had a higher frequency of coaltered mutations (48.8%) in the MAPK, PI3K, or RTK pathway genes, compared with KRAS-mutant (41.4%) and NRAS-mutant (38.4%) cancers (p < 0.05). Class 3 BRAF, NF1, PTEN, and PIK3CA mutations were more prevalent in HRAS-mutant lineages. To study the effects of comutations on sensitivity to FTIs, HrasG13R was transfected into "RASless" (Kraslox/lox/Hras-/-/Nras-/-/RERTert/ert) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), which sensitized nontransfected MEFs to tipifarnib. Comutation in the form of Pten or Nf1 deletion and Pik3caH1047R transduction led to resistance to tipifarnib in HrasG13R-transfected MEFs in the presence or absence of KrasWT, whereas BrafG466E transduction led to resistance to tipifarnib only in the presence of KrasWT. Combined treatment with tipifarnib and MEK inhibition sensitized cells to tipifarnib in all settings, including in MEFs with PI3K pathway comutations. HRAS-mutant tumors demonstrate lineage-dependent MAPK or PI3K pathway alterations, which confer resistance to tipifarnib. The combined use of FTIs and MEK inhibition is a promising strategy for HRAS-mutant tumors.