Improving SWATH-MS analysis by deep-learning.

Data-independent acquisition (DIA) of tandem mass spectrometry spectra has emerged as a promising technology to improve coverage and quantification of proteins in complex mixtures. The success of DIA experiments is dependent on the quality of spectral libraries used for data base searching. Frequently, these libraries need to be generated by labor and time intensive data dependent acquisition (DDA) experiments. Recently, several algorithms have been published that allow the generation of theoretical libraries by an efficient prediction of retention time and intensity of the fragment ions. Sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) is a DIA method that can be applied at an unprecedented speed, but the fragmentation spectra suffer from a lower quality than data acquired on Orbitrap instruments. To reliably generate theoretical libraries that can be used in SWATH experiments, we developed deep-learning for SWATH analysis (dpSWATH), to improve the sensitivity and specificity of data generated by Q-TOF mass spectrometers. The theoretical library built by dpSWATH allowed us to increase the identification rate of proteins compared to traditional or library-free methods. Based on our analysis we conclude that dpSWATH is a superior prediction framework for SWATH-MS measurements than other algorithms based on Orbitrap data.

ImShot: An Open-Source Software for Probabilistic Identification of Proteins In Situ and Visualization of Proteomics Data.

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has developed into a powerful tool allowing label-free detection of numerous biomolecules in situ. In contrast to shotgun proteomics, proteins/peptides can be detected directly from biological tissues and correlated to its morphology leading to a gain of crucial clinical information. However, direct identification of the detected molecules is currently challenging for MALDI-IMS, thereby compelling researchers to use complementary techniques and resource intensive experimental setups. Despite these strategies, sufficient information could not be extracted because of lack of an optimum data combination strategy/software. Here, we introduce a new open-source software ImShot that aims at identifying peptides obtained in MALDI-IMS. This is achieved by combining information from IMS and shotgun proteomics (LC-MS) measurements of serial sections of the same tissue. The software takes advantage of a two-group comparison to determine the search space of IMS masses after deisotoping the corresponding spectra. Ambiguity in annotations of IMS peptides is eliminated by introduction of a novel scoring system that identifies the most likely parent protein of a detected peptide in the corresponding IMS dataset. Thanks to its modular structure, the software can also handle LC-MS data separately and display interactive enrichment plots and enriched Gene Ontology terms or cellular pathways. The software has been built as a desktop application with a conveniently designed graphic user interface to provide users with a seamless experience in data analysis. ImShot can run on all the three major desktop operating systems and is freely available under Massachusetts Institute of Technology license.

Discovery of Native Protein Complexes by Liquid Chromatography Followed by Quantitative Mass Spectrometry.

Discovering protein complexes in vivo is of vital importance to understand the evolution and function of biological systems. Proteomics analysis has evolved as a state-of-the-art technique in elucidating the above information. A combination of liquid chromatography (LC) and liquid chromatography coupled to shotgun mass spectrometry (LC-MS) provides the most exhaustive information in this regard. However, a significant amount of computational effort is required for the meaningful interpretation of the generated datasets. In this chapter we describe in detail the state-of-the-art pipeline to discover soluble protein complexes and provide practical advice focusing on typical situations a biologist faces while analyzing such proteomics datasets. Furthermore, we briefly describe two commonly used software packages to solve the described problem: Weka for training protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using machine learning (ML) and Cytoscape for clustering the interaction network.

The Integrity of the HMR complex is necessary for centromeric binding and reproductive isolation in Drosophila.

Postzygotic isolation by genomic conflict is a major cause for the formation of species. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms that result in the lethality of interspecies hybrids are still largely unclear. The genus Drosophila, which contains over 1600 different species, is one of the best characterized model systems to study these questions. We showed in the past that the expression levels of the two hybrid incompatibility factors Hmr and Lhr diverged in the two closely related Drosophila species, D. melanogaster and D. simulans, resulting in an increased level of both proteins in interspecies hybrids. The overexpression of the two proteins also leads to mitotic defects, a misregulation in the expression of transposable elements and decreased fertility in pure species. In this work, we describe a distinct six subunit protein complex containing HMR and LHR and analyse the effect of Hmr mutations on complex integrity and function. Our experiments suggest that HMR needs to bring together components of centromeric and pericentromeric chromatin to fulfil its physiological function and to cause hybrid male lethality.

Systematic functional analysis of SARS-CoV-2 proteins uncovers viral innate immune antagonists and remaining vulnerabilities.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evades most innate immune responses but may still be vulnerable to some. Here, we systematically analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on interferon (IFN) responses and autophagy. We show that SARS-CoV-2 proteins synergize to counteract anti-viral immune responses. For example, Nsp14 targets the type I IFN receptor for lysosomal degradation, ORF3a prevents fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, and ORF7a interferes with autophagosome acidification. Most activities are evolutionarily conserved. However, SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15 antagonizes IFN signaling less efficiently than the orthologs of closely related RaTG13-CoV and SARS-CoV-1. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 proteins counteract autophagy and type I IFN more efficiently than type II or III IFN signaling, and infection experiments confirm potent inhibition by IFN-γ and -λ1. Our results define the repertoire and selected mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 innate immune antagonists but also reveal vulnerability to type II and III IFN that may help to develop safe and effective anti-viral approaches.

MALDI-IMS combined with shotgun proteomics identify and localize new factors in male infertility.

Spermatogenesis is a complex multi-step process involving intricate interactions between different cell types in the male testis. Disruption of these interactions results in infertility. Combination of shotgun tissue proteomics with MALDI imaging mass spectrometry is markedly potent in revealing topological maps of molecular processes within tissues. Here, we use a combinatorial approach on a characterized mouse model of hormone induced male infertility to uncover misregulated pathways. Comparative testicular proteome of wild-type and mice overexpressing human P450 aromatase (AROM+) with pathologically increased estrogen levels unravels gross dysregulation of spermatogenesis and emergence of pro-inflammatory pathways in AROM+ testis. In situ MS allowed us to localize misregulated proteins/peptides to defined regions within the testis. Results suggest that infertility is associated with substantial loss of proteomic heterogeneity, which define distinct stages of seminiferous tubuli in healthy animals. Importantly, considerable loss of mitochondrial factors, proteins associated with late stages of spermatogenesis and steroidogenic factors characterize AROM+ mice. Thus, the novel proteomic approach pinpoints in unprecedented ways the disruption of normal processes in testis and provides a signature for male infertility.

Mapping protein networks in yeast mitochondria using proximity-dependent biotin identification coupled to proteomics.

Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) permits biotinylation of proteins interacting directly, indirectly, or just localized in proximity of a protein of interest (bait). Here, we describe how BioID coupled to proteomics and network biology can be used to map protein proximities in yeast mitochondria, aiding in visualization of complex protein-protein interaction landscapes. For complete information on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Singh et al., 2020.

Molecular Connectivity of Mitochondrial Gene Expression and OXPHOS Biogenesis.

Mitochondria contain their own gene expression systems, including membrane-bound ribosomes dedicated to synthesizing a few hydrophobic subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. We used a proximity-dependent biotinylation technique, BioID, coupled with mass spectrometry to delineate in baker's yeast a comprehensive network of factors involved in biogenesis of mitochondrial encoded proteins. This mitochondrial gene expression network (MiGENet) encompasses proteins involved in transcription, RNA processing, translation, or protein biogenesis. Our analyses indicate the spatial organization of these processes, thereby revealing basic mechanistic principles and the proteins populating strategically important sites. For example, newly synthesized proteins are directly handed over to ribosomal tunnel exit-bound factors that mediate membrane insertion, co-factor acquisition, or their mounting into OXPHOS complexes in a special early assembly hub. Collectively, the data reveal the connectivity of mitochondrial gene expression, reflecting a unique tailoring of the mitochondrial gene expression system.

Msp1 cooperates with the proteasome for extraction of arrested mitochondrial import intermediates.

The mitochondrial AAA ATPase Msp1 is well known for extraction of mislocalized tail-anchored ER proteins from the mitochondrial outer membrane. Here, we analyzed the extraction of precursors blocking the import pore in the outer membrane. We demonstrate strong genetic interactions of Msp1 and the proteasome with components of the TOM complex, the main translocase in the outer membrane. Msp1 and the proteasome both contribute to the removal of arrested precursor proteins that specifically accumulate in these mutants. The proteasome activity is essential for the removal as proteasome inhibitors block extraction. Furthermore, the proteasomal subunit Rpn10 copurified with Msp1. The human Msp1 homologue has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, and we show that the lack of the Caenorhabditis elegans Msp1 homologue triggers an import stress response in the worm, which indicates a conserved role in metazoa. In summary, our results suggest a role of Msp1 as an adaptor for the proteasome that drives the extraction of arrested and mislocalized proteins at the mitochondrial outer membrane.

Molecular Wiring of a Mitochondrial Translational Feedback Loop.

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system comprises complexes assembled from subunits derived from mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression. Both genetic systems are coordinated by feedback loops, which control the synthesis of specific mitochondrial encoded subunits. Here, we studied how this occurs in the case of cytochrome b, a key subunit of mitochondrial complex III. Our data suggest the presence of a molecular rheostat consisting of two translational activators, Cbp3-Cbp6 and Cbs1, which operates at the mitoribosomal tunnel exit to connect translational output with assembly efficiency. When Cbp3-Cbp6 is engaged in assembly of cytochrome b, Cbs1 binds to the tunnel exit to sequester the cytochrome b-encoding mRNA, repressing its translation. After mediating complex III assembly, binding of Cbp3-Cbp6 to the tunnel exit replaces Cbs1 and the bound mRNA to permit cytochrome b synthesis. Collectively, the data indicate the molecular wiring of a feedback loop to regulate synthesis of a mitochondrial encoded protein.