Extended lifespan and reduced adiposity in mice lacking the FAT10 gene.

The HLA-F adjacent transcript 10 (FAT10) is a member of the ubiquitin-like gene family that alters protein function/stability through covalent ligation. Although FAT10 is induced by inflammatory mediators and implicated in immunity, the physiological functions of FAT10 are poorly defined. We report the discovery that FAT10 regulates lifespan through pleiotropic actions on metabolism and inflammation. Median and overall lifespan are increased 20% in FAT10ko mice, coincident with elevated metabolic rate, preferential use of fat as fuel, and dramatically reduced adiposity. This phenotype is associated with metabolic reprogramming of skeletal muscle (i.e., increased AMP kinase activity, ß-oxidation and -uncoupling, and decreased triglyceride content). Moreover, knockout mice have reduced circulating glucose and insulin levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity in metabolic tissues, consistent with elevated IL-10 in skeletal muscle and serum. These observations suggest novel roles of FAT10 in immune metabolic regulation that impact aging and chronic disease.

Profile and persistence of the virus-specific neutralizing humoral immune response in human survivors of Sudan ebolavirus (Gulu).

To better understand humoral immunity following ebolavirus infection, a serological study of the humoral immune response against the individual viral proteins of Sudan ebolavirus (Gulu) in human survivors was performed. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for full-length recombinant viral proteins NP, VP30, VP40, and GP1-649 (GP lacking the transmembrane domain) of Sudan ebolavirus (Gulu) was used as well as a plaque reduction neutralization test. Serum samples from human survivors, which were collected up to 10 years following recovery, were screened and analyzed. Results demonstrate that samples obtained 10 years following infection contain virus-specific antibodies that can neutralize virus. Neutralization correlates well with immunoreactivity against the viral proteins NP, VP30, and GP1-649. Sera from individuals who died or those with no documented infection but immunoreactive to ebolavirus did not neutralize. This work provides insight into the duration, profile of immunoreactivity, and neutralization capacity of the humoral immune response in ebolavirus survivors.

Profiling the native specific human humoral immune response to Sudan Ebola virus strain Gulu by chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Ebolavirus, a member of the family Filoviridae, causes high lethality in humans and nonhuman primates. Research focused on protection and therapy for Ebola virus infection has investigated the potential role of antibodies. Recent evidence suggests that antibodies can be effective in protection from lethal challenge with Ebola virus in nonhuman primates. However, despite these encouraging results, studies have not yet determined the optimal antibodies and composition of an antibody cocktail, if required, which might serve as a highly effective and efficient prophylactic. To better understand optimal antibodies and their targets, which might be important for protection from Ebola virus infection, we sought to determine the profile of viral protein-specific antibodies generated during a natural cycle of infection in humans. To this end, we characterized the profile of antibodies against individual viral proteins of Sudan Ebola virus (Gulu) in human survivors and nonsurvivors of the outbreak in Gulu, Uganda, in 2000-2001. We developed a unique chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for this purpose based on the full-length recombinant viral proteins NP, VP30, and VP40 and two recombinant forms of the viral glycoprotein (GP(1-294) and GP(1-649)) of Sudan Ebola virus (Gulu). Screening results revealed that the greatest immunoreactivity was directed to the viral proteins NP and GP(1-649), followed by VP40. Comparison of positive immunoreactivity between the viral proteins NP, GP(1-649), and VP40 demonstrated a high correlation of immunoreactivity between these viral proteins, which is also linked with survival. Overall, our studies of the profile of immunorecognition of antibodies against four viral proteins of Sudan Ebola virus in human survivors may facilitate development of effective monoclonal antibody cocktails in the future.

Chemiluminescent DNA optical fibre sensor for Brettanomyces bruxellensis detection.

Food and beverage industries require rapid tests to limit economic losses and one way to do so is via molecular tests. In the present work, DNA capture and secondary probes, were designed to target the ITS (Internal Transcribed) sequences of Brettanomyces bruxellensis, a yeast responsible for the production of off flavours in both wine and beer. ITS1 and ITS2 were found to contain distinct regions with sufficient sequence divergence to make them suitable as specific identification target sites. The dot blot technique was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the capture probe. Both probes were, thereafter, adapted to construct an optical fibre genosensor, which produced neither false positives nor false negatives, and was both repeatable and faster with respect to traditional methods, the latter requiring at least one week to detect B. bruxellensis.