Biology subjects

Maia, T. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Maia, T. M..

6 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

A multi-year longitudinal harmonization of quality controls in mass spectrometry proteomics core facilities

Quality control procedures play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and consistency of data generated in mass spectrometry-based proteomics laboratories. However, the lack of standardized quality control practices across laboratories poses challenges for data comparability and reproducibility. In response, we conducted a harmonization study within proteomics laboratories of the Core for Life alliance with the aim to establish a common quality control framework, which facilitates comprehensive quality assessment and identification of potential sources of performance drift. Through collaborative efforts, we developed a consensus quality control standard for longitudinal assessment and we adopted a common processing software. We generated a 4-year longitudinal dataset from multiple instruments and laboratories, which enabled us to assess intra- and inter-laboratory variability, to identify causes of performance drift, and to establish community reference values for several quality control parameters. Our study enhances data comparability and reliability and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the proteomics community to ensure the integrity of proteomics data.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2024

High-throughput nano-flow proteomics using a dual-column electrospray source

With current trends in proteomics, especially regarding clinical and low input (to single cell) samples, it is increasingly important to both maximize the throughput of the analysis and maintain as much sensitivity as possible. The new generation of mass spectrometers (MS) are taking a huge leap in sensitivity, allowing to analyze samples with shorter liquid chromatography (LC) methods while digging as deep in the proteome. However, the throughput can be doubled by implementing a dual column nano-LC-MS configuration. For this purpose, we used a dual-column setup with a two-outlet electrospray source, and compared it to a classic dual-column setup with a single-outlet source.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2023

Integrating multiple omics levels using the human protein complexome as a framework, a multi-omics study of inborn errors of metabolism

Proteins organize into functional assemblies that drive diverse biological activities. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset of manually curated annotations for the human protein complexome, we investigated biological perturbations at the protein complex level. Using proteomics and transcriptomics data from fibroblasts of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and control samples, we globally mapped information onto complex subunits to discern affected processes. Across the patient cohort (consisting of organic acidaemias, fatty acid oxidation defects and mitochondrial respiratory chain defect IEMs), mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation emerged as the most perturbed pathway, identified through proteomics datasets. Simultaneously, metabolomics highlighted significant regulation of phospholipids in patients with Fatty Acid and Mitochondrial IEM. Moreover, proteomics analysis also revealed the dysregulation of protein complexes involved in histone (de)acetylation, a finding validated through Western Blot analysis measuring histone acetylation levels. This introduces a novel epigenetic dimension to IEM and metabolic research, suggesting avenues for further exploration. Our study demonstrates a multiomics data integration concept that maps proteomics and transcriptomics data onto model organism complexomes. This integrative approach can be extended to metabolomics and lipidomics, associating information with complexes having metabolic functions, such as enzymatic complexes. This global strategy for identifying disease-relevant perturbations offers a systems-wide perspective on molecular-level physiological and pathological changes. Such insights are crucial for devising clinical intervention strategies and prioritizing druggable pathways and complexes. The presented methodology provides a foundation for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiomics data to comprehensively understand cellular machinery alterations and facilitate targeted therapeutic approaches.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2023

Benchmarking DIA data analysis workflows

Data independent acquisition (DIA) has become a well-established method in LC-MS driven proteomics. Nonetheless, there are still a lot of possibilities at the data analysis level. By benchmarking different DIA analysis workflows using a ground-truth sample, consisting of a differential spike-in of UPS2 in a constant yeast background, we provide a roadmap for DIA data analysis of shotgun samples based on whether sensitivity, precision or accuracy is of the essence. Three different commonly used DIA software tools (DIA-NN, EncyclopeDIA and SpectronautTM) were tested in both spectral library mode and spectral library-free mode. In spectral library mode we used the independent spectral library prediction tools PROSIT and MS2PIP together with DeepLC, next to the classical DDA-based spectral libraries. In total we benchmarked 12 DIA workflows. DIA-NN in library-free mode or using in silico predicted libraries, together with Spectronaut in library-free mode, shows the highest sensitivity maintaining a high reproducibility and accuracy. In general, DIA-NN shows the best reproducibility, while the accuracy is comparable for all DIA workflows.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2022

Immunopeptidomics-based design of highly effective mRNA vaccine formulations against Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne intracellular bacterial pathogen leading to human listeriosis. Despite a high mortality rate and increasing antibiotic resistance no clinically approved vaccine against Listeria is available. Attenuated Listeria strains offer protection and are tested as antitumor vaccine vectors, but would benefit from a better knowledge on immunodominant vector antigens. To identify novel antigens, we screened for Listeria epitopes presented on the surface of infected human cell lines by mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics. In between more than 15,000 human self-peptides, we detected 68 Listeria epitopes from 42 different bacterial proteins, including several known antigens. Peptide epitopes presented on different cell lines were often derived from the same bacterial surface proteins, classifying these antigens as potential vaccine candidates. Encoding these highly presented antigens in lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccine formulations resulted in specific CD8+ T-cell responses and high levels of protection in vaccination challenge experiments in mice. Our results pave the way for the development of a clinical mRNA vaccine against Listeria and aid to improve attenuated Listeria vaccines and vectors, demonstrating the power of immunopeptidomics for next-generation bacterial vaccine development.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

Optineurin links Hace1-dependent Rac ubiquitylation to integrin-mediated mechanotransduction to control bacterial invasion and cell division

Extracellular matrix (ECM) elasticity is perceived by cells via focal adhesion structures, which transduce mechanical cues into chemical signalling to conform cell behaviour. Although the contribution of ECM compliance to the control of cell migration or division has been extensively studied, little has been reported regarding infectious processes. We have studied how mechanical properties of the ECM impact invasion of cells by the extraintestinal Escherichia coli pathogen UTI89. We show that UTI89 takes advantage, via its CNF1 toxin, of integrin mechanoactivation to trigger its invasion into cells. We identified OPTN as a protein regulated by ECM stiffness whose function is required for bacterial invasion and integrin mechanical coupling and for stimulation of HACE1 E3 ligase activity towards the Rac1 GTPase. We showed that OPTN knockdown cells display enhanced Rac1 activation, strong mechanochemical adhesion signalling and increased cyclin D1 translation, together with enhanced cell proliferation independent of ECM stiffness. Despite such features, OPTN knockdown cells displayed defective traction force buildup associated with limited cellular invasion by UTI89. Together, our data indicate that OPTN, through a new role in mechanobiology, supports CNF1-producing uropathogenic E. coli invasion and links HACE1-mediated ubiquitylation of Rac1 to ECM mechanical properties and integrin mechanotransduction.

cell biology↗