Biology subjects

Navarro, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Navarro, M..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Convergent Mitochondrial and Oxidative Stress Signatures in Spaceflight and Tauopathy: A Comparative Multi-Omics Reanalysis in Drosophila melanogaster

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a shared biological thread between terrestrial Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in the unique stress environment of spaceflight, making mitochondrial pathophysiology a compelling target for comparative investigation. In AD, mitochondrial impairment is closely linked to defective oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, calcium dysregulation, and neuronal injury, while spaceflight stressors such as microgravity and radiation disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis and increase oxidative stress. Understanding how the extreme stressors of spacelight affect mitochondrial function may provide insights into conserved mitochondrial stress responses and their implications for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Our study compares datasets from ground control Drosophila melanogaster RNA-seq with isolated radiation and microgravity exposure to discern conserved mitochondrial pathways and molecular signatures that may provide insights into AD mechanisms.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2026

"Dynamic SUMOylation Controls RNA Polymerase I Extranucleolar Organization and Antigenic Variation in Trypanosoma brucei"

Antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei relies on strict monoallelic expression of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes from a single telomeric expression site (ES), a process sustained by the extranucleolar RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcriptional body known as the expression site body (ESB). Although the ESB is essential for VSG expression, the mechanisms governing its assembly and maintenance remain poorly understood. Here, we identify SUMOylation as a central regulator of ESB organization and demonstrate that the balance between SUMO conjugation and deconjugation determines the transcriptional state of VSG expression sites. Ectopic expression of the SUMO protease TbSENP disrupted the highly SUMOylated nuclear focus associated with the active-ES, displaced Pol I from its extranucleolar compartment, and markedly increased VSG in situ switching frequency, indicating that continuous SUMOylation is required to preserve ESB integrity. Conversely, targeted recruitment of the SUMO-conjugating enzyme TbUBC9 to a silent ES locally restored SUMOylation, induced de novo formation of an extranucleolar Pol I compartment, activated transcription of the corresponding telomeric VSG gene, and generated stable antigenic switchers expressing the new surface coat. Local SUMOylation preceded Pol I redistribution, supporting a model in which SUMO-dependent interactions nucleate assembly of a transcriptionally competent ESB. Together, our findings identify SUMOylation as both a structural and regulatory determinant of nuclear organization in T. brucei and suggest that dynamic SUMO homeostasis governs the assembly, maintenance, and remodeling of this specialized transcriptional body. Significance StatementAntigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei depends on the monoallelic expression of Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) genes from a specialized RNA polymerase I transcriptional compartment known as the Expression Site Body (ESB). However, the molecular signals that govern transitions between active and silent expression sites have remained unknown. We show that SUMOylation acts as a reversible molecular switch: disruption of SUMO homeostasis dismantles ESB organization and promotes VSG switching, whereas localized SUMOylation is sufficient to nucleate a functional transcriptional compartment and activate a silent VSG expression site. Our findings establish SUMOylation as a central regulator of nuclear architecture and antigenic variation.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Strain-level diversity shapes competitive outcomes in Fusarium: a multi-omic synthesis of fungal warfare

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is driven by co-occurring Fusarium species. Yet the molecular bases of their competitive interactions, particularly at the strain level, remain largely unknown. We performed an integrated multi-omic investigation of four Fusarium isolates cultivated in monoculture, self-confrontation (SC) and inter-specific confrontation (C) assays: two Fusarium graminearum strains FgrI349 and FgrPH-1, and two Fusarium avenaceum strains FaveI494 and FaLH03. Light microscopy and quantitative colorimetry revealed marked phenotypic heterogeneity. the F. graminearum strains formed expansive, red-pigmented colonies with rapid radial growth, whereas the F. avenaceum isolates grew more slowly and displayed distinct colony morphologies and pigmentation patterns. Untargeted LC-HRMS detected 1,008 metabolites in monocultures and 938 metabolites in confrontation zones. Species-level chemical signatures were confirmed, and strain-specific metabolite sets were identified, with FaLH03 producing more than 60 % of the metabolites being made exclusively by a single strain, highlighting its exceptionally unique metabolic profile. RNA-seq uncovered extensive transcriptional reprogramming during competition. In self-confrontations, strain-specific differences persisted but no major morphological or metabolic shifts were observed. Inter-specific confrontations elicited partner-dependent responses: FgrI349 up-regulated 1,492 genes against FaveI494 (including secondary-metabolite biosynthesis, oxidoreductase activity and transport) but only 407 genes against FaLH03, while down-regulating secondary-metabolite genes in the conspecific confrontation. Conversely, the F. avenaceum isolates showed opposite trends; FaLH03 strongly repressed ribosome-biogenesis and cell-wall genes while inducing oxidative-metabolism pathways, whereas FaveI494 displayed a modest transcriptional response dominated by down-regulation of cell-division and chromosome-segregation genes. Gene-ontology enrichment highlighted an opponent-specific reversal of the secondary-metabolite biosynthetic process category in F. graminearum: down-regulated in intra-specific confrontation but up-regulated in both inter-specific encounters. Collectively, our results demonstrate that competitive outcomes are shaped more by strain identity than by species identity, with each strain deploying a distinct molecular arsenal, ranging from metabolite-mediated antagonism to targeted transcriptional shutdown, when confronted with a specific opponent. These findings refine our understanding of Fusarium community dynamics and provide a framework for developing strain-targeted biocontrol strategies against FHB.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Disruption of putrescine export in experimentally evolved Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum enhances symbiosis with Mimosa pudica

Polyamines are essential molecules across all domains of life, but their role as signaling molecules in host-microbe interactions is increasingly recognized. However, because they are produced by both the host and the microbe, their dual origin makes their functional dissection challenging. The plant pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum GMI1000 secretes large amounts of putrescine both in vitro and in the xylem sap of host plants. In this study, we investigated the genetic changes underlying its experimental evolution into a legume symbiont. We showed that the paeA gene (RSc2277), which was repeatedly mutated during this process, encodes a putrescine exporter. Mutations in paeA completely abolished putrescine excretion in vitro and enhanced bacterial proliferation within nodules during interaction with the legume Mimosa pudica. When these mutations occurred in symbionts already capable of intracellular infection, it further increased bacterial load in nodules and allowed the detection of nitrogenase activity. In addition, paeA-mutated symbionts modulated host gene expression towards a more functional symbiotic state by repressing defense-related genes and inducing nodule development genes. These nodule development genes include genes encoding leghemoglobins and an arginine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in plant putrescine biosynthesis. These results indicate that bacterial and plant putrescine have distinct functions in legume symbiosis and highlight the complex role of polyamines in plant-microbe interactions. ImportanceRhizobia, the nitrogen-fixing symbionts of legumes, emerged through repeated and independent horizontal transfers of some essential symbiotic genes. However, these transfers alone are often insufficient to convert the recipient bacterium into a functional legume symbiont. In a laboratory experiment, we evolved the plant pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum into a nodulating and intracellularly infecting symbiont of Mimosa pudica. This transition required genomic modifications in the recipient bacterium to activate its acquired symbiotic potential. Here, we demonstrated that one of these key adaptive modifications is the inactivation of bacterial putrescine export. This polyamine, when produced by the microsymbiont, appears to act as a negative signal for the plant. This study provides new insights into the distinct roles of bacterial- and plant-derived putrescine in plant-microbe interactions, highlighting their functional divergence despite being produced by both organisms.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

The carnosinase dipeptidase CNDP1 is a novel metabolic vulnerability in brain metastasis

Brain metastatic cells undergo metabolic adaptations, such as increased reliance on oxidative phosphorylation. Integrating proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of patient samples revealed a consistent upregulation of the carnosine dipeptidase-1 (CNDP1) in brain versus extracranial metastases. Carnosine is an abundant metabolite in brain and muscle, known to exert anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that CNDP1 inhibition suppresses both the establishment and maintenance of melanoma brain metastasis while its ectopic expression is sufficient to confer brain metastatic potential to poorly metastatic cells. CNDP1 suppression results in activation of the Integrated Stress Response via Heme-Regulated Inhibitor Kinase and reprogrammed translation towards preferential expression of mitochondrial and survival transcripts. We further show that CNDP1 upregulation supports mitochondrial activity by limiting the levels of its substrate carnosine, a copper ionophore, thus protecting metastatic cells from carnosine-induced copper toxicity. Our studies reveal a novel metabolic adaptation during brain metastasis, which can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2024

High Coverage Profiling of Tel1 Signaling Reveals a Predominant Non-Canonical Phospho-Motif

The stability of the genome relies on Phosphatidyl Inositol 3-Kinase-related Kinases (PIKKs) that sense DNA damage and trigger elaborate downstream signaling responses. In S. cerevisiae, the Tel1 kinase (ortholog of human ATM) is activated at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and short telomeres. Despite the well-established roles of Tel1 in the control of telomere maintenance, suppression of chromosomal rearrangements, activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and repair of DSBs, the substrates through which Tel1 controls these processes remain incompletely understood. Here we performed an in depth phosphoproteomic screen for Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events. To achieve maximal coverage of the phosphoproteome, we developed a scaled-up approach that accommodates large amounts of protein extracts and chromatographic fractions. Compared to previous reports, we expanded the number of detected Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events by over 10-fold. Surprisingly, in addition to the identification of phosphorylation sites featuring the canonical motif for Tel1 phosphorylation (S/T-Q), the results revealed a novel motif (D/E-S/T) highly prevalent and enriched in the set of Tel1-dependent events. This motif is unique to Tel1 signaling and not shared with the Mec1 kinase, providing clues to how Tel1 plays specialized roles in DNA repair and telomere length control. Overall, these findings define a Tel1-signaling network targeting numerous proteins involved in DNA repair, chromatin regulation, and telomere maintenance that represents a framework for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of Tel1 action.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2024

ESPRESSO: Spatiotemporal omics based on organelle phenotyping

Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have been instrumental to improving our understanding of complex biological systems. Despite fast-pace advancements, a crucial dimension is still left to explore: time. To capture this key parameter, we introduce ESPRESSO (Environmental Sensor Phenotyping RElayed by Subcellular Structures and Organelles), a pioneering technique that provides high-dimensional phenotyping resolved in space and time. Through a novel paradigm, ESPRESSO combines fluorescent labeling, advanced microscopy and bioimage and data analysis to extract morphological and functional information of the organelle network unveiling phenotypic changes over time at the single-cell level. In this work, we present ESPRESSOs methodology and its application across numerous cellular systems, showcasing its ability to discern cell types, stress response, differentiation and immune cells polarization. We then correlate ESPRESSO phenotypic changes with gene expression and demonstrate its applicability to 3D cultures, offering a path to revolutionizing biological exploration, providing invaluable insights into cellular states in both space and time.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2024

In-Depth Mapping of DNA-PKcs Signaling Uncovers Conserved Features of Its Kinase Specificity

DNA-PKcs is a DNA damage sensor kinase with established roles in DNA double-strand break repair via non-homologous end joining. Recent studies have revealed additional roles of DNA-PKcs in the regulation of transcription, translation and DNA replication. However, the substrates through which DNA-PKcs regulates these processes remain largely undefined. Here we utilized quantitative phosphoproteomics to generate a high coverage map of DNA-PKcs signaling in response to ionizing radiation and mapped its interplay with the ATM kinase. Beyond the detection of the canonical S/T-Q phosphorylation motif, we uncovered a non-canonical mode of DNA-PKcs signaling targeting S/T-{psi}-D/E motifs. Cross-species analysis in mouse pre-B and human HCT116 cell lines revealed splicing factors and transcriptional regulators phosphorylated at this novel motif, several of which contain SAP domains. These findings expand the list of DNA-PKcs and ATM substrates and establish a novel preferential phosphorylation motif for DNA-PKcs that connects it to proteins involved in nucleotide processes and interactions.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2023

SUMO chains depolymerization induces slender to stumpy differentiation in T. brucei bloodstream parasites

Trypanosoma brucei are extracellular protozoan parasites transmitted by tsetse flies that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Inside the mammalian host, differentiation from a bloodstream replicative slender form into a quiescent stumpy form allows the persistence of the parasite and the spread of the infection. SUMOylation is a reversible and dynamic post-translational modification of proteins that regulates diverse nuclear processes, such as DNA replication, repair and transcription. SUMO can be attached to its target proteins either as a single monomer or forming polymeric chains. We found that transgenic cell lines able to conjugate SUMO just as a monomer are attenuated in vivo. SUMO chain mutant monomorphic parasites display relapsing and remitting waves of parasitemia, at variance with wild-type parasites that cause unremitting parasitemia and mice death. Furthermore, when mice are infected with an analogous SUMO chain mutant generated in a differentiation-competent pleomorphic background, stumpy cells can be observed at unusually low parasitemia values. Our study reveals that SUMO depolymerization could represent a coordinated signal triggered during a quiescence activation program.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2023

MetFinder: a neural network-based tool for automated quantitation of metastatic burden in histological sections from animal models

Diagnosis of most diseases relies on expert histopathological evaluation of tissue sections by an experienced pathologist. By using standardized staining techniques and an expanding repertoire of markers, a trained eye is able to recognize disease-specific patterns with high accuracy and determine a diagnosis. As efforts to study mechanisms of metastasis and novel therapeutic approaches multiply, researchers need accurate, high-throughput methods to evaluate effects on tumor burden resulting from specific interventions. However, current methods of quantifying tumor burden are low in either resolution or throughput. Artificial neural networks, which can perform in-depth image analyses of tissue sections, provide an opportunity for automated recognition of consistent histopathological patterns. In order to increase the outflow of data collection from preclinical studies, we trained a deep neural network for quantitative analysis of melanoma tumor content on histopathological sections of murine models. This AI-based algorithm, made freely available to academic labs through a web-interface called MetFinder, promises to become an asset for researchers and pathologists interested in accurate, quantitative assessment of metastasis burden.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Delineation of dynorphin and kappa opioid receptor circuit elements in alcohol consumption

Alcohol use disorder is complex and multi-faceted, involving the coordination of multiple signaling systems across numerous brain regions. Previous work has indicated that both the insular cortex and dynorphin (DYN)/Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) systems contribute to excessive alcohol use. More recently, we identified a microcircuit in the medial aspect of the insular cortex that signals through DYN/KOR. Here, we explored the role of insula DYN/KOR circuit components on alcohol intake in a long-term intermittent access (IA) procedure. Using a combination of conditional knockout strategies and site-directed pharmacology, we discovered distinct and sex-specific roles for insula DYN and KOR in alcohol drinking and related behavior. Our findings show that insula DYN deletion blocked escalated consumption and decreased overall intake of and preference for alcohol in male and female mice. This effect was specific to alcohol in male mice, as DYN deletion did not impact sucrose intake. Further, insula KOR antagonism reduced alcohol intake and preference during the early phase of IA in male mice only. Alcohol consumption was not affected by insula KOR knockout in either sex. In addition, we found that long-term IA decreased the intrinsic excitability of DYN and deep layer pyramidal neurons (DLPN) in the insula of male mice. Excitatory synaptic transmission was also impacted by IA, as it drove an increase in excitatory synaptic drive in both DYN neurons and DLPN. Combined, our findings suggest there is a dynamic interplay between excessive alcohol consumption and insula DYN/KOR microcircuitry. Significance StatementThe insular cortex is a complex region that serves as an integratory hub for sensory inputs. In our previous work, we identified a microcircuit in the insula that signals through the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin (DYN). Both the insula and DYN/KOR systems have been implicated in excessive alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we utilize converging approaches to determine how insula DYN/KOR microcircuit components contribute to escalated alcohol consumption. Our findings show that insula DYN/KOR systems regulate distinct phases of alcohol consumption in a sex-specific manner, which may contribute to the progression to AUD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Gut microbiota and age shape susceptibility to clostridial enteritis in lorikeets under human care

BackgroundEnteritis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in lorikeets that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. In this study, we examine gut microbiota in two lorikeet flocks with enteritis (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - CZA; Denver Zoo - DZ). Since 2012, the CZA flock has experienced repeated outbreaks of enteritis despite extensive diet, husbandry, and clinical modifications. In 2018, both CZA and DZ observed a spike in enteritis. Recent research has revealed that the gut microbiota can influence susceptibility to enteropathogens. We hypothesized that a dysbiosis, or alteration in the gut microbial community, was making some lorikeets more susceptible to enteritis, and our goal was to characterize this dysbiosis and determine the features that predicted susceptibility. ResultsWe employed 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the cloacal microbiota in lorikeets (CZA n = 67, DZ n = 24) over time. We compared the microbiota of healthy lorikeets, to lorikeets with enteritis, and lorikeets susceptible to enteritis, with "susceptible" being defined as healthy birds that subsequently developed enteritis. Based on sequencing data, culture, and toxin gene detection in intestinal contents, we identified Clostridium perfringens type A (CZA and DZ) and C. colinum (CZA only) at increased relative abundances in birds with enteritis. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry further identified the presence of gram-positive bacilli and C. perfringens, respectively, in the necrotizing intestinal lesions. Finally, using Random Forests and LASSO models, we identified several features (young age and the presence of Rhodococcus fascians and Pseudomonas umsongensis) associated with susceptibility to clostridial enteritis. ConclusionsWe identified C. perfringens type A and C. colinum associated with lorikeet necrohemorrhagic enteritis at CZA and DZ. Susceptibility testing of isolates lead to an updated clinical treatment plan which ultimately resolved the outbreaks at both institutions. This work provides a foundation for understanding gut microbiota features that are permissive to clostridial colonization and host factors (e.g. age, prior infection) that shape responses to infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Ecological relevance of abundant and rare taxa in a high-diverse elastic hypersaline microbial mat, using a small-scale sampling

We evaluated the microbial diversity and metabolome profile of an uncommon hypersaline elastic microbial mat from Cuatro Cienegas Basin (CCB) in the Chihuahuan Desert of Coahuila, Mexico. We collected ten samples on a small scale transect (1.5-meters) and described its microbial diversity through NGS-based ITS and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. A very low number of taxa comprised a considerable proportion of the mat and were shared across all sampling points, whereas the rare biosphere was more phylogenetically diverse (Faiths Phylogenetic Diversity (FPD) index) and phylogenetically disperse (using a null model distribution of Phylogenetic Species Clustering (nmdPSC)) than the abundant (high read count) taxa for both analyzed libraries. We also found a distinctive metabolome profile for each sample and were able to tentatively annotate several classes of compounds with relevant biological properties.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

SFARI Genes and where to find them; classification modelling to identify genes associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder from RNA-seq data

MotivationAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong, yet heterogeneous, genetic component. Among the various methods that are being developed to help reveal the underlying molecular aetiology of the disease, one that is gaining popularity is the combination of gene expression and clinical genetic data. For ASD, the SFARI-gene database comprises lists of curated genes in which presumed causative mutations have been identified in patients. In order to predict novel candidate SFARI-genes we built classification models combining differential gene expression data for ASD patients and unaffected individuals with a genes status in the SFARI-gene list. ResultsSFARI-genes were not found to be significantly associated with differential gene expression patterns, nor were they enriched in gene co-expression network modules that had a strong correlation with ASD diagnosis. However, network analysis and machine learning models that incorporate information from the whole gene co-expression network were able to predict novel candidate genes that share features of existing SFARI genes and have support for roles in ASD in the literature. We found a statistically significant bias related to the absolute level of gene expression for existing SFARI genes and their scores. It is essential that this bias be taken into account when studies interpret ASD gene expression data at gene, module and whole-network levels. AvailabilitySource code is available from GitHub (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4463693) and the accompanying data from The University of Edinburgh DataStore (https://doi.org/10.7488/ds/2980) Contactian.simpson@ed.ac.uk

genomics↗

bioRxiv2020

Assessment of the use and quick preparation of saliva for rapid microbiological diagnosis of COVID-19.

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of direct real time RT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 in heated saliva samples, avoiding the RNA isolation step. Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs together with saliva samples were obtained from 51 patients clinically diagnosed as potentially having COVID-19. Two different methods were compared: 1. RNA was extracted from 500 l of sample using a MagNA Pure Compact Instrument with an elution volume of 50l and 2. 700{micro}L of saliva were heat-inactivated at 96{degrees}C for 15 minutes, and directly subjected to RT-PCR. One step real time RT-PCR was performed using 5 l of extracted RNA or directly from 5 l of heated sample. RT-PCR was performed targeting the SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) gene region. Diagnostic performance was assessed using the results of the RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs as the gold standard. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 81.08%, 92.86%, 96.77% and 65.00%, respectively when RNA extraction was included in the protocol with saliva, whereas sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 83.78%, 92.86%, 68.42% and 96.88%, respectively, for the heat-inactivation protocol. However, when the analysis was performed exclusively on saliva samples with a limited time from the onset of symptoms (<9 days, N=28), these values were 90%, 87.5%, 44% and 98.75% for the heat-inactivation protocol. The study showed that RT-PCR can be performed using saliva in an RNA extraction free protocol, showing good sensitivity and specificity.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Healthcare professionals and students awareness of Chagas disease: design and validation of ChaLKS (Chagas Level of Knowledge Scale)

BackgroundThere are few studies evaluating awareness of Chagas disease among healthcare professionals attending migrants from Latin America or working in Chagas-endemic areas. The objective of this study was to design and validate instruments for assessing knowledge about Chagas disease among healthcare students and residents as well as students and professionals of social and other health science disciplines.\n\nPrincipal findingsTwo validated scales were obtained: the 10-item Chagas Level of Knowledge Scale for healthcare professionals (ChaLKS-Medical) and the 8-item ChaLKS-Social&Health for potential aid workers from those fields. Both scales were considered adequate in terms of readability, internal consistency, construct validity and discriminant validity.\n\nThe mean number of correct answers on the ChaLKS-Medical among respondents from non-healthcare versus healthcare sectors was 1.80 (standard deviation [SD] 2.55) versus 7.00 (SD 2.32) (p<0.001). The scores on the ChaLKS-Social&Health also discriminated between the knowledge levels in these two groups (1.76 [SD 2.47] versus 6.78 [SD 1.55], p<0.001). Knowledge among medical/pharmacy students and residents on the ChaLKS-Medical was acceptable (mean 5.8 [SD 2.1] and 7.4 [SD 2.2], respectively; p<0.001). Respondents knowledge on Chagas disease was greater in those who had previously received information on the disease; this was true in both respondents from the healthcare sector (mean correct answers, ChaLKS-Medical: 7.2 [SD 2.1] versus 4.3 [2.6], p<0.001) and in potential aid workers (mean correct answers, ChaLKS-Social&Health: 5.1 [SD 2.5] versus 1.1 [SD 1.9], p=0.001).\n\nConclusionsThe metric properties of both scales are adequate for their use in supporting aid operations in Chagas-endemic countries or in providing health and social care to migrant populations in non-endemic countries. The results of these scales also provide orientation regarding the knowledge gaps to be filled in future health professionals training programs.\n\nAuthor summaryChagas disease is endemic to much of Latin America, but it is still largely unrecognized in Europe, in part because of the lack of professional training in tropical medicine and global health among healthcare professionals. Few studies have evaluated awareness of Chagas disease among healthcare professionals and medical students, and to our knowledge none have done so in aid workers or volunteers working with Latin American populations. The aim of our study was to design and validate instruments for assessing knowledge about Chagas disease among healthcare students and professionals as well as potential aid workers. Two validated scales were obtained: the Chagas Level of Knowledge Scale for healthcare professionals (ChaLKS-Medical) and the ChaLKS-Social&Health for potential aid workers in social and other health fields. The two scales could be especially useful to reinforce training on Chagas disease among medical students and health and social aid workers working in Chagas-endemic regions or with migrants from those countries, regardless of whether their mission is related to Chagas or not. Moreover, this could reinforce the cross-cutting nature of programs in areas endemic to Chagas and other neglected tropical diseases.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2019

Molecular architecture of a membrane-spanning hormone acyltransferase required for metabolic regulation

Integral membrane proteins represent a large and essential portion of the proteome that often prove challenging for structural studies. We demonstrate a synergistic approach to structurally model topologically complex integral membrane proteins by combining co-evolutionary constraints and computational modeling with biochemical validation. We report the first structural model of a eukaryotic membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT), ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), which modifies the metabolism-regulating hormone ghrelin. Our structure suggests an unanticipated strategy for trans-membrane protein acylation, with catalysis occurring in an internal channel as GOAT acts as an "enzyme inside a pore". Our structure opens the door to structure-guided inhibitor design targeting GOAT and other MBOAT family members while validating the power of our approach to generate predictive structural models for other experimentally challenging integral membrane proteins.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2018

The Notch and EGFR signaling regulate caspase inhibitor Diap1 to match supply with intestinal demand

The regenerative activity of adult stem cells carries a high risk of cancer, particularly in highly renewable tissues. To guarantee that the correct organ size is attained and to cope with the continual risk of cancer, developing tissues often use programmed cell death (PCD) as an adaptive mechanism to cull excess and abnormal cells. Members of the family of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) inhibit caspases and cell death and are often overexpressed in cancer. Here, we show that Diap1 is expressed in committed progenitor (enteroblast) cells in the adult Drosophila intestine. Blocking endogenous caspases uncovered that more than half of enteroblasts produced by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are actively eliminated by apoptosis in the physiological intestine and also led to tumorigenesis. We find that antagonistic interplay between the Notch and EGFR signaling on Diap1 regulation governs the enteroblast cell death or survival decision via the conserved Klumpfuss/WT1-Lozenge/RUNX axis, which also regulates of differentiation plasticity of enteroblasts. These data provide new insights into how apoptosis drives adult tissue renewal and protection against tumors.

cell biology↗