The genome and population genomics of allopolyploid Coffea arabica reveal the diversification history of modern coffee cultivars.

Coffea arabica, an allotetraploid hybrid of Coffea eugenioides and Coffea canephora, is the source of approximately 60% of coffee products worldwide, and its cultivated accessions have undergone several population bottlenecks. We present chromosome-level assemblies of a di-haploid C. arabica accession and modern representatives of its diploid progenitors, C. eugenioides and C. canephora. The three species exhibit largely conserved genome structures between diploid parents and descendant subgenomes, with no obvious global subgenome dominance. We find evidence for a founding polyploidy event 350,000-610,000 years ago, followed by several pre-domestication bottlenecks, resulting in narrow genetic variation. A split between wild accessions and cultivar progenitors occurred ~30.5 thousand years ago, followed by a period of migration between the two populations. Analysis of modern varieties, including lines historically introgressed with C. canephora, highlights their breeding histories and loci that may contribute to pathogen resistance, laying the groundwork for future genomics-based breeding of C. arabica.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index Is Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating European Women.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an inflammatory state of the lactating mammary gland, which is asymptomatic and may have negative consequences for child growth. The objectives of this study were to: (1) test the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and SCM and (2) assess the differences in nutrient intakes between women without SCM and those with SCM. One hundred and seventy-seven women with available data on human milk (HM) sodium potassium ratio (Na:K) and dietary intake data were included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between nutrient intake and the DII score in relation to SCM. Women without SCM had a lower median DII score (0.60) than women with moderate (1.12) or severe (1.74) SCM (p < 0.01). A one-unit increase in DII was associated with about 41% increased odds of having SCM, adjusting for country and mode of delivery, p = 0.001. Women with SCM had lower mean intakes of several anti-inflammatory nutrients. We show for the first time exploratory evidence that SCM may be associated with a pro-inflammatory diet and women with SCM have lower intakes of several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

In vivo transcriptomic profiling using cell encapsulation identifies effector pathways of systemic aging.

Sustained exposure to a young systemic environment rejuvenates aged organisms and promotes cellular function. However, due to the intrinsic complexity of tissues it remains challenging to pinpoint niche-independent effects of circulating factors on specific cell populations. Here, we describe a method for the encapsulation of human and mouse skeletal muscle progenitors in diffusible polyethersulfone hollow fiber capsules that can be used to profile systemic aging in vivo independent of heterogeneous short-range tissue interactions. We observed that circulating long-range signaling factors in the old systemic environment lead to an activation of Myc and E2F transcription factors, induce senescence, and suppress myogenic differentiation. Importantly, in vitro profiling using young and old serum in 2D culture does not capture all pathways deregulated in encapsulated cells in aged mice. Thus, in vivo transcriptomic profiling using cell encapsulation allows for the characterization of effector pathways of systemic aging with unparalleled accuracy.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction alters ER sterol sensing and mevalonate pathway activity.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induces a strong adaptive retrograde signaling response; however, many of the downstream effectors of this response remain to be discovered. Here, we studied the shared transcriptional responses to three different mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors in human primary skin fibroblasts using QuantSeq 3'-RNA-sequencing. We found that genes involved in the mevalonate pathway were concurrently downregulated, irrespective of the respiratory chain complex affected. Targeted metabolomics demonstrated that impaired mitochondrial respiration at any of the three affected complexes also had functional consequences on the mevalonate pathway, reducing levels of cholesterol precursor metabolites. A deeper study of complex I inhibition showed a reduced activity of endoplasmic reticulum-bound sterol-sensing enzymes through impaired processing of the transcription factor Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 2 and accelerated degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum cholesterol-sensors squalene epoxidase and HMG-CoA reductase. These adaptations of mevalonate pathway activity affected neither total intracellular cholesterol levels nor the cellular free (nonesterified) cholesterol pool. Finally, measurement of intracellular cholesterol using the fluorescent cholesterol binding dye filipin revealed that complex I inhibition elevated cholesterol on intracellular compartments. Taken together, our study shows that mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction elevates intracellular free cholesterol levels and therefore attenuates the expression of mevalonate pathway enzymes, which lowers endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis, disrupting the metabolic output of the mevalonate pathway. We conclude that intracellular disturbances in cholesterol homeostasis may alter systemic cholesterol management in diseases associated with declining mitochondrial function.

Network Analyses Reveal Negative Link Between Changes in Adipose Tissue GDF15 and BMI During Dietary-induced Weight Loss.

CONTEXT: Adipose tissue (AT) transcriptome studies provide holistic pictures of adaptation to weight and related bioclinical settings changes. OBJECTIVE: To implement AT gene expression profiling and investigate the link between changes in bioclinical parameters and AT gene expression during 3 steps of a 2-phase dietary intervention (DI). METHODS: AT transcriptome profiling was obtained from sequencing 1051 samples, corresponding to 556 distinct individuals enrolled in a weight loss intervention (8-week low-calorie diet (LCD) at 800 kcal/day) followed with a 6-month ad libitum randomized DI. Transcriptome profiles obtained with QuantSeq sequencing were benchmarked against Illumina RNAseq. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to further confirm associations. Cell specificity was assessed using freshly isolated cells and THP-1 cell line. RESULTS: During LCD, 5 modules were found, of which 3 included at least 1 bioclinical variable. Change in body mass index (BMI) connected with changes in mRNA level of genes with inflammatory response signature. In this module, change in BMI was negatively associated with changes in expression of genes encoding secreted protein (GDF15, CCL3, and SPP1). Through all phases of the DI, change in GDF15 was connected to changes in SPP1, CCL3, LIPA and CD68. Further characterization showed that these genes were specific to macrophages (with LIPA, CD68 and GDF15 expressed in anti-inflammatory macrophages) and GDF15 also expressed in preadipocytes. CONCLUSION: Network analyses identified a novel AT feature with GDF15 upregulated with calorie restriction induced weight loss, concomitantly to macrophage markers. In AT, GDF15 was expressed in preadipocytes and macrophages where it was a hallmark of anti-inflammatory cells.

Longitudinal Human Milk miRNA Composition over the First 3 mo of Lactation in a Cohort of Healthy Mothers Delivering Term Infants.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional regulation. miRNAs can be secreted and found in many body fluids, and although they are particularly abundant in breastmilk, their functions remain elusive. Human milk (HM) miRNAs start to raise considerable interest, but a comprehensive understanding of the repertoire and expression profiles along lactation has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal profile of HM miRNA between the second week and third month postpartum. METHODS: We used a new sensitive technology to measure HM miRNAs in a cohort of 44 French mothers [mean ± SD age: 31 ± 3.5; BMI (in kg/m2) 21.8 ± 2.3] who delivered at term and provided HM samples at 3 time points (17 ± 3 d, 60 ± 3 d, and 90 ± 3 d) during follow-up visits. RESULTS: We detected 685 miRNAs, of which 35 showed a high and stable expression along the lactation period analyzed. We also described for the first time a set of 11 miRNAs with a dynamic expression profile. To gain insight into the potential functional relevance of this set of miRNAs, we selected miR-3126 and miR-3184 to treat undifferentiated Caco-2 human intestinal cells and then assessed differentially expressed genes and modulation of related biological pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study provides new insights into HM miRNA composition and, to our knowledge, the first description of its longitudinal dynamics in mothers who delivered at term. Our in vitro results obtained in undifferentiated Caco-2 human intestinal cells transfected with HM miRNAs also provide further support to the hypothesized mother-to-neonate signaling role of HM miRNAs. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01894893.

The Influence of FUT2 and FUT3 Polymorphisms and Nasopharyngeal Microbiome on Respiratory Infections in Breastfed Bangladeshi Infants from the Microbiota and Health Study.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in young children. The aim of our study was to examine whether variation in maternal FUT2 (α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2) and FUT3 (α1,3/4-fucosyltransferase 3) genes, which shape fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk, are associated with the occurrence of ARIs in breastfed infants as well as the influence of the nasopharyngeal microbiome on ARI risk. Occurrences of ARIs were prospectively recorded in a cohort of 240 breastfed Bangladeshi infants from birth to 2 years. Secretor and Lewis status was established by sequencing of FUT2/3 genes. The nasopharyngeal microbiome was characterized by shotgun metagenomics, complemented by specific detection of respiratory pathogens; 88.6% of mothers and 91% of infants were identified as secretors. Maternal secretor status was associated with reduced ARI incidence among these infants in the period from birth to 6 months (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47 to 0.94; P = 0.020), but not at later time periods. The nasopharyngeal microbiome, despite precise characterization to the species level, was not predictive of subsequent ARIs. The observed risk reduction of ARIs among infants of secretor mothers during the predominant breastfeeding period is consistent with the hypothesis that fucosylated oligosaccharides in human milk contribute to protection against respiratory infections. However, we found no evidence that modulation of the nasopharyngeal microbiome influenced ARI risk. IMPORTANCE The observed risk reduction of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among infants of secretor mothers during the predominant breastfeeding period is consistent with the hypothesis that fucosylated oligosaccharides in human milk contribute to protection against respiratory infections. Respiratory pathogens were only weak modulators of risk, and the nasopharyngeal microbiome did not influence ARI risk, suggesting that the associated protective effects of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are not conveyed via changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome. Our observations add to the evidence for a role of fucosylated HMOs in protection against respiratory infections in exclusively or predominantly breastfed infants in low-resource settings. There is no indication that the nasopharyngeal microbiome substantially modulates the risk of subsequent mild ARIs. Larger studies are needed to provide mechanistic insights on links between secretor status, HMOs, and risk of respiratory infections.

Time of Lactation and Maternal Fucosyltransferase Genetic Polymorphisms Determine the Variability in Human Milk Oligosaccharides.

Rationale: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) vary among mothers and genetic factors contribute to this variability. We assessed changes in HMO concentrations during the first year of lactation and the relationship with FUT2 Secretor group and FUT3 Lewis group defining genetic polymorphisms. Methods: Milk samples were collected from lactating mothers participating in the LIFE Child cohort in Leipzig, Germany. The concentrations of 24 HMOs in milk samples collected at 3 months (N = 156), 6 months (N = 122), and 12 months (N = 28) were measured using liquid chromatography. Concentrations of HMOs were compared at all time-points and were tested for their associations with FUT2 and FUT3 genetic variations by sPLS regression. Results: FUT2 SNP rs601338 was found to predominantly define the Secretor status Se-: 11.8% and it was highly correlated with 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL, p < 0.001) and lacto-N-fucosylpentaose-I (LNFP-I, p < 0.001). FUT3 SNPs rs28362459 and rs812936 were found to define Lewis status (Le-: 5.9%) and correlated with lacto-N-fucosylpentaose-II (LNFP-II, p < 0.001). A polygenic score predicted the abundance of 2'FL levels within Secretors' milk (adj. R 2 = 0.58, p < 0.001). Mean concentrations of most of the individual HMOs, as well as the sums of the measured HMOs, the fucosylated HMOs, and the neutral HMOs were lower at 6 and 12 months compared to 3 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Secretor and Lewis status defined by specific FUT2 and FUT3 SNPs are confirmed to be good proxies for specific individual HMOs and milk group variabilities. The polygenic score developed here is an opportunity for clinicians to predict 2'FL levels in milk of future mothers. These results show opportunities to strengthen our understanding of factors controlling FUT2 and FUT3 functionality, the temporal changes and variability of HMO composition during lactation and eventually their significance for infant development.

DNA methylation during human adipogenesis and the impact of fructose.

BACKGROUND: Increased adipogenesis and altered adipocyte function contribute to the development of obesity and associated comorbidities. Fructose modified adipocyte metabolism compared to glucose, but the regulatory mechanisms and consequences for obesity are unknown. Genome-wide methylation and global transcriptomics in SGBS pre-adipocytes exposed to 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mM fructose, added to a 5-mM glucose-containing medium, were analyzed at 0, 24, 48, 96, 192, and 384 h following the induction of adipogenesis. RESULTS: Time-dependent changes in DNA methylation compared to baseline (0 h) occurred during the final maturation of adipocytes, between 192 and 384 h. Larger percentages (0.1% at 192 h, 3.2% at 384 h) of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were found in adipocytes differentiated in the glucose-containing control media compared to adipocytes differentiated in fructose-supplemented media (0.0006% for 10 mM, 0.001% for 5 mM, and 0.005% for 2.5 mM at 384 h). A total of 1437 DMRs were identified in 5237 differentially expressed genes at 384 h post-induction in glucose-containing (5 mM) control media. The majority of them inversely correlated with the gene expression, but 666 regions were positively correlated to the gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate that DNA methylation regulates or marks the transformation of morphologically differentiating adipocytes (seen at 192 h), to the more mature and metabolically robust adipocytes (as seen at 384 h) in a genome-wide manner. Lower (2.5 mM) concentrations of fructose have the most robust effects on methylation compared to higher concentrations (5 and 10 mM), suggesting that fructose may be playing a signaling/regulatory role at lower concentrations of fructose and as a substrate at higher concentrations.

AMPK promotes induction of the tumor suppressor FLCN through activation of TFEB independently of mTOR.

AMPK is a central regulator of energy homeostasis. AMPK not only elicits acute metabolic responses but also promotes metabolic reprogramming and adaptations in the long-term through regulation of specific transcription factors and coactivators. We performed a whole-genome transcriptome profiling in wild-type (WT) and AMPK-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and primary hepatocytes that had been treated with 2 distinct classes of small-molecule AMPK activators. We identified unique compound-dependent gene expression signatures and several AMPK-regulated genes, including folliculin (Flcn), which encodes the tumor suppressor FLCN. Bioinformatics analysis highlighted the lysosomal pathway and the associated transcription factor EB (TFEB) as a key transcriptional mediator responsible for AMPK responses. AMPK-induced Flcn expression was abolished in MEFs lacking TFEB and transcription factor E3, 2 transcription factors with partially redundant function; additionally, the promoter activity of Flcn was profoundly reduced when its putative TFEB-binding site was mutated. The AMPK-TFEB-FLCN axis is conserved across species; swimming exercise in WT zebrafish induced Flcn expression in muscle, which was significantly reduced in AMPK-deficient zebrafish. Mechanistically, we have found that AMPK promotes dephosphorylation and nuclear localization of TFEB independently of mammalian target of rapamycin activity. Collectively, we identified the novel AMPK-TFEB-FLCN axis, which may function as a key cascade for cellular and metabolic adaptations.-Collodet, C., Foretz, M., Deak, M., Bultot, L., Metairon, S., Viollet, B., Lefebvre, G., Raymond, F., Parisi, A., Civiletto, G., Gut, P., Descombes, P., Sakamoto, K. AMPK promotes induction of the tumor suppressor FLCN through activation of TFEB independently of mTOR.

Genome-wide gene-based analyses of weight loss interventions identify a potential role for NKX6.3 in metabolism.

Hundreds of genetic variants have been associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using observational cohorts. However, the genetic contribution to efficient weight loss in response to dietary intervention remains unknown. We perform a GWAS in two large low-caloric diet intervention cohorts of obese participants. Two loci close to NKX6.3/MIR486 and RBSG4 are identified in the Canadian discovery cohort (n = 1166) and replicated in the DiOGenes cohort (n = 789). Modulation of HGTX (NKX6.3 ortholog) levels in Drosophila melanogaster leads to significantly altered triglyceride levels. Additional tissue-specific experiments demonstrate an action through the oenocytes, fly hepatocyte-like cells that regulate lipid metabolism. Our results identify genetic variants associated with the efficacy of weight loss in obese subjects and identify a role for NKX6.3 in lipid metabolism, and thereby possibly weight control.

Multiple hot-deck imputation for network inference from RNA sequencing data.

Motivation: Network inference provides a global view of the relations existing between gene expression in a given transcriptomic experiment (often only for a restricted list of chosen genes). However, it is still a challenging problem: even if the cost of sequencing techniques has decreased over the last years, the number of samples in a given experiment is still (very) small compared to the number of genes. Results: We propose a method to increase the reliability of the inference when RNA-seq expression data have been measured together with an auxiliary dataset that can provide external information on gene expression similarity between samples. Our statistical approach, hd-MI, is based on imputation for samples without available RNA-seq data that are considered as missing data but are observed on the secondary dataset. hd-MI can improve the reliability of the inference for missing rates up to 30% and provides more stable networks with a smaller number of false positive edges. On a biological point of view, hd-MI was also found relevant to infer networks from RNA-seq data acquired in adipose tissue during a nutritional intervention in obese individuals. In these networks, novel links between genes were highlighted, as well as an improved comparability between the two steps of the nutritional intervention. Availability and implementation: Software and sample data are available as an R package, RNAseqNet, that can be downloaded from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). Contact: alyssa.imbert@inra.fr or nathalie.villa-vialaneix@inra.fr. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Protein quantitative trait locus study in obesity during weight-loss identifies a leptin regulator.

Thousands of genetic variants have been associated with complex traits through genome-wide association studies. However, the functional variants or mechanistic consequences remain elusive. Intermediate traits such as gene expression or protein levels are good proxies of the metabolic state of an organism. Proteome analysis especially can provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of complex traits like obesity. The role of genetic variation in determining protein level variation has not been assessed in obesity. To address this, we design a large-scale protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) analysis based on a set of 1129 proteins from 494 obese subjects before and after a weight loss intervention. This reveals 55 BMI-associated cis-pQTLs and trans-pQTLs at baseline and 3 trans-pQTLs after the intervention. We provide evidence for distinct genetic mechanisms regulating BMI-associated proteins before and after weight loss. Finally, by functional analysis, we identify and validate FAM46A as a trans regulator for leptin.

Transcriptome profiling from adipose tissue during a low-calorie diet reveals predictors of weight and glycemic outcomes in obese, nondiabetic subjects.

Background: A low-calorie diet (LCD) reduces fat mass excess, improves insulin sensitivity, and alters adipose tissue (AT) gene expression, yet the relation with clinical outcomes remains unclear.Objective: We evaluated AT transcriptome alterations during an LCD and the association with weight and glycemic outcomes both at LCD termination and 6 mo after the LCD.Design: Using RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we analyzed transcriptome changes in AT from 191 obese, nondiabetic patients within a multicenter, controlled dietary intervention. Expression changes were associated with outcomes after an 8-wk LCD (800-1000 kcal/d) and 6 mo after the LCD. Results were validated by using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 350 subjects from the same cohort. Statistical models were constructed to classify weight maintainers or glycemic improvers.Results: With RNAseq analyses, we identified 1173 genes that were differentially expressed after the LCD, of which 350 and 33 were associated with changes in body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) and Matsuda index values, respectively, whereas 29 genes were associated with both endpoints. Pathway analyses highlighted enrichment in lipid and glucose metabolism. Classification models were constructed to identify weight maintainers. A model based on clinical baseline variables could not achieve any classification (validation AUC: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.64). However, clinical changes during the LCD yielded better performance of the model (AUC: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.87]). Adding baseline expression to this model improved the performance significantly (AUC: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96; Delong's P = 0.012). Similar analyses were performed to classify subjects with good glycemic improvements. Baseline- and LCD-based clinical models yielded similar performance (best AUC: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.86). The addition of expression changes during the LCD improved the performance substantially (AUC: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.92; P = 0.058).Conclusions: This study investigated AT transcriptome alterations after an LCD in a large cohort of obese, nondiabetic patients. Gene expression combined with clinical variables enabled us to distinguish weight and glycemic responders from nonresponders. These potential biomarkers may help clinicians understand intersubject variability and better predict the success of dietary interventions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00390637.

MitoRS, a method for high throughput, sensitive, and accurate detection of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to numerous pathological states, in particular related to metabolism, brain health and ageing. Nuclear encoded gene polymorphisms implicated in mitochondrial functions can be analyzed in the context of classical genome wide association studies. By contrast, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants are more challenging to identify and analyze for several reasons. First, contrary to the diploid nuclear genome, each cell carries several hundred copies of the circular mitochondrial genome. Mutations can therefore be present in only a subset of the mtDNA molecules, resulting in a heterogeneous pool of mtDNA, a situation referred to as heteroplasmy. Consequently, detection and quantification of variants requires extremely accurate tools, especially when this proportion is small. Additionally, the mitochondrial genome has pseudogenized into numerous copies within the nuclear genome over the course of evolution. These nuclear pseudogenes, named NUMTs, must be distinguished from genuine mtDNA sequences and excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Here we describe a novel method, named MitoRS, in which the entire mitochondrial genome is amplified in a single reaction using rolling circle amplification. This approach is easier to setup and of higher throughput when compared to classical PCR amplification. Sequencing libraries are generated at high throughput exploiting a tagmentation-based method. Fine-tuned parameters are finally applied in the analysis to allow detection of variants even of low frequency heteroplasmy. The method was thoroughly benchmarked in a set of experiments designed to demonstrate its robustness, accuracy and sensitivity. The MitoRS method requires 5 ng total DNA as starting material. More than 96 samples can be processed in less than a day of laboratory work and sequenced in a single lane of an Illumina HiSeq flow cell. The lower limit for accurate quantification of single nucleotide variants has been measured at 1% frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The MitoRS method enables the robust, accurate, and sensitive analysis of a large number of samples. Because it is cost effective and simple to setup, we anticipate this method will promote the analysis of mtDNA variants in large cohorts, and may help assessing the impact of mtDNA heteroplasmy on metabolic health, brain function, cancer progression, or ageing.

Network Analysis of Metabolite GWAS Hits: Implication of CPS1 and the Urea Cycle in Weight Maintenance.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE: Weight loss success is dependent on the ability to refrain from regaining the lost weight in time. This feature was shown to be largely variable among individuals, and these differences, with their underlying molecular processes, are diverse and not completely elucidated. Altered plasma metabolites concentration could partly explain weight loss maintenance mechanisms. In the present work, a systems biology approach has been applied to investigate the potential mechanisms involved in weight loss maintenance within the Diogenes weight-loss intervention study. METHODS AND RESULTS: A genome wide association study identified SNPs associated with plasma glycine levels within the CPS1 (Carbamoyl-Phosphate Synthase 1) gene (rs10206976, p-value = 4.709e-11 and rs12613336, p-value = 1.368e-08). Furthermore, gene expression in the adipose tissue showed that CPS1 expression levels were associated with successful weight maintenance and with several SNPs within CPS1 (cis-eQTL). In order to contextualize these results, a gene-metabolite interaction network of CPS1 and glycine has been built and analyzed, showing functional enrichment in genes involved in lipid metabolism and one carbon pool by folate pathways. CONCLUSIONS: CPS1 is the rate-limiting enzyme for the urea cycle, catalyzing carbamoyl phosphate from ammonia and bicarbonate in the mitochondria. Glycine and CPS1 are connected through the one-carbon pool by the folate pathway and the urea cycle. Furthermore, glycine could be linked to metabolic health and insulin sensitivity through the betaine osmolyte. These considerations, and the results from the present study, highlight a possible role of CPS1 and related pathways in weight loss maintenance, suggesting that it might be partly genetically determined in humans.

Medium-chain fatty acids inhibit mitochondrial metabolism in astrocytes promoting astrocyte-neuron lactate and ketone body shuttle systems.

Medium-chain triglycerides have been used as part of a ketogenic diet effective in reducing epileptic episodes. The health benefits of the derived medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are thought to result from the stimulation of liver ketogenesis providing fuel for the brain. We tested whether MCFAs have direct effects on energy metabolism in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human astrocytes and neurons. Using single-cell imaging, we observed an acute pronounced reduction of the mitochondrial electrical potential and a concomitant drop of the NAD(P)H signal in astrocytes, but not in neurons. Despite the observed effects on mitochondrial function, MCFAs did not lower intracellular ATP levels or activate the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase. ATP concentrations in astrocytes were unaltered, even when blocking the respiratory chain, suggesting compensation through accelerated glycolysis. The MCFA decanoic acid (300 µM) promoted glycolysis and augmented lactate formation by 49.6%. The shorter fatty acid octanoic acid (300 µM) did not affect glycolysis but increased the rates of astrocyte ketogenesis 2.17-fold compared with that of control cells. MCFAs may have brain health benefits through the modulation of astrocyte metabolism leading to activation of shuttle systems that provide fuel to neighboring neurons in the form of lactate and ketone bodies.-Thevenet, J., De Marchi, U., Santo Domingo, J., Christinat, N., Bultot, L., Lefebvre, G., Sakamoto, K., Descombes, P., Masoodi, M., Wiederkehr, A. Medium-chain fatty acids inhibit mitochondrial metabolism in astrocytes promoting astrocyte-neuron lactate and ketone body shuttle systems.

Circadian and feeding rhythms differentially affect rhythmic mRNA transcription and translation in mouse liver.

Diurnal oscillations of gene expression are a hallmark of rhythmic physiology across most living organisms. Such oscillations are controlled by the interplay between the circadian clock and feeding rhythms. Although rhythmic mRNA accumulation has been extensively studied, comparatively less is known about their transcription and translation. Here, we quantified simultaneously temporal transcription, accumulation, and translation of mouse liver mRNAs under physiological light-dark conditions and ad libitum or night-restricted feeding in WT and brain and muscle Arnt-like 1 (Bmal1)-deficient animals. We found that rhythmic transcription predominantly drives rhythmic mRNA accumulation and translation for a majority of genes. Comparison of wild-type and Bmal1 KO mice shows that circadian clock and feeding rhythms have broad impact on rhythmic gene expression, Bmal1 deletion affecting surprisingly both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Translation efficiency is differentially regulated during the diurnal cycle for genes with 5'-Terminal Oligo Pyrimidine tract (5'-TOP) sequences and for genes involved in mitochondrial activity, many harboring a Translation Initiator of Short 5'-UTR (TISU) motif. The increased translation efficiency of 5'-TOP and TISU genes is mainly driven by feeding rhythms but Bmal1 deletion also affects amplitude and phase of translation, including TISU genes. Together this study emphasizes the complex interconnections between circadian and feeding rhythms at several steps ultimately determining rhythmic gene expression and translation.

HTSstation: a web application and open-access libraries for high-throughput sequencing data analysis.

The HTSstation analysis portal is a suite of simple web forms coupled to modular analysis pipelines for various applications of High-Throughput Sequencing including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, 4C-seq and re-sequencing. HTSstation offers biologists the possibility to rapidly investigate their HTS data using an intuitive web application with heuristically pre-defined parameters. A number of open-source software components have been implemented and can be used to build, configure and run HTS analysis pipelines reactively. Besides, our programming framework empowers developers with the possibility to design their own workflows and integrate additional third-party software. The HTSstation web application is accessible at http://htsstation.epfl.ch.