Shocker─A Molecular Dynamics Protocol and Tool for Accelerating and Analyzing the Effects of Osmotic Shocks.

The process of osmosis, a fundamental phenomenon in life, drives water through a semipermeable membrane in response to a solute concentration gradient across this membrane. In vitro, osmotic shocks are often used to drive shape changes in lipid vesicles, for instance, to study fission events in the context of artificial cells. While experimental techniques provide a macroscopic picture of large-scale membrane remodeling processes, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a powerful tool to study membrane deformations at the molecular level. However, simulating an osmotic shock is a time-consuming process due to slow water diffusion across the membrane, making it practically impossible to examine its effects in classic MD simulations. In this article, we present Shocker, a Python-based MD tool for simulating the effects of an osmotic shock by selecting and relocating water particles across a membrane over the course of several pumping cycles. Although this method is primarily aimed at efficiently simulating volume changes in vesicles, it can also handle membrane tubes and double bilayer systems. Additionally, Shocker is force field-independent and compatible with both coarse-grained and all-atom systems. We demonstrate that our tool is applicable to simulate both hypertonic and hypotonic osmotic shocks for a range of vesicular and bilamellar setups, including complex multicomponent systems containing membrane proteins or crowded internal solutions.

Molecular dynamics simulation of an entire cell.

The ultimate microscope, directed at a cell, would reveal the dynamics of all the cell's components with atomic resolution. In contrast to their real-world counterparts, computational microscopes are currently on the brink of meeting this challenge. In this perspective, we show how an integrative approach can be employed to model an entire cell, the minimal cell, JCVI-syn3A, at full complexity. This step opens the way to interrogate the cell's spatio-temporal evolution with molecular dynamics simulations, an approach that can be extended to other cell types in the near future.

Martini 3 Coarse-Grained Force Field for Carbohydrates.

The Martini 3 force field is a full reparametrization of the Martini coarse-grained model for biomolecular simulations. Due to the improved interaction balance, it allows for a more accurate description of condensed phase systems. In the present work, we develop a consistent strategy to parametrize carbohydrate molecules accurately within the framework of Martini 3. In particular, we develop a canonical mapping scheme which decomposes arbitrarily large carbohydrates into a limited number of fragments. Bead types for these fragments have been assigned by matching physicochemical properties of mono- and disaccharides. In addition, guidelines for assigning bonds, angles, and dihedrals were developed. These guidelines enable a more accurate description of carbohydrate conformations than in the Martini 2 force field. We show that models obtained with this approach are able to accurately reproduce osmotic pressures of carbohydrate water solutions. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the model differentiates correctly the solubility of the polyglucoses dextran (water-soluble) and cellulose (water insoluble but soluble in ionic liquids). Finally, we demonstrate that the new building blocks can be applied to glycolipids. We show they are able to reproduce membrane properties and induce binding of peripheral membrane proteins. These test cases demonstrate the validity and transferability of our approach.

Backmapping triangulated surfaces to coarse-grained membrane models.

Many biological processes involve large-scale changes in membrane shape. Computer simulations of these processes are challenging since they occur across a wide range of spatiotemporal scales that cannot be investigated in full by any single current simulation technique. A potential solution is to combine different levels of resolution through a multiscale scheme. Here, we present a multiscale algorithm that backmaps a continuum membrane model represented as a dynamically triangulated surface (DTS) to its corresponding molecular model based on the coarse-grained (CG) Martini force field. Thus, we can use DTS simulations to equilibrate slow large-scale membrane conformational changes and then explore the local properties at CG resolution. We demonstrate the power of our method by backmapping a vesicular bud induced by binding of Shiga toxin and by transforming the membranes of an entire mitochondrion to near-atomic resolution. Our approach opens the way to whole cell simulations at molecular detail.

Serine Phosphorylation of L-Selectin Regulates ERM Binding, Clustering, and Monocyte Protrusion in Transendothelial Migration.

The migration of circulating leukocytes toward damaged tissue is absolutely fundamental to the inflammatory response, and transendothelial migration (TEM) describes the first cellular barrier that is breached in this process. Human CD14+ inflammatory monocytes express L-selectin, bestowing a non-canonical role in invasion during TEM. In vivo evidence supports a role for L-selectin in regulating TEM and chemotaxis, but the intracellular mechanism is poorly understood. The ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins anchor transmembrane proteins to the cortical actin-based cytoskeleton and additionally act as signaling adaptors. During TEM, the L-selectin tail within transmigrating pseudopods interacts first with ezrin to transduce signals for protrusion, followed by moesin to drive ectodomain shedding of L-selectin to limit protrusion. Collectively, interaction of L-selectin with ezrin and moesin fine-tunes monocyte protrusive behavior in TEM. Using FLIM/FRET approaches, we show that ERM binding is absolutely required for outside-in L-selectin clustering. The cytoplasmic tail of human L-selectin contains two serine (S) residues at positions 364 and 367, and here we show that they play divergent roles in regulating ERM binding. Phospho-S364 blocks direct interaction with ERM, whereas molecular modeling suggests phospho-S367 likely drives desorption of the L-selectin tail from the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane to potentiate ERM binding. Serine-to-alanine mutagenesis of S367, but not S364, significantly reduced monocyte protrusive behavior in TEM under flow conditions. Our data propose a model whereby L-selectin tail desorption from the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and ERM binding are two separable steps that collectively regulate protrusive behavior in TEM.

A Multi-Scale Approach to Membrane Remodeling Processes.

We present a multi-scale simulation procedure to describe membrane-related biological processes that span over a wide range of length scales. At macroscopic length-scale, a membrane is described as a flexible thin film modeled by a dynamic triangulated surface with its spatial conformations governed by an elastic energy containing only a few model parameters. An implicit protein model allows us to include complex effects of membrane-protein interactions in the macroscopic description. The gist of this multi-scale approach is a scheme to calibrate the implicit protein model using finer scale simulation techniques e.g., all atom and coarse grain molecular dynamics. We previously used this approach and properly described the formation of membrane tubular invaginations upon binding of B-subunit of Shiga toxin. Here, we provide a perspective of our multi-scale approach, summarizing its main features and sketching possible routes for future development.

Endophilin-A regulates presynaptic Ca2+ influx and synaptic vesicle recycling in auditory hair cells.

Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) operate with high rates of neurotransmission; yet, the molecular regulation of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling at these synapses remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of endophilins-A1-3, endocytic adaptors with curvature-sensing and curvature-generating properties, in mouse IHCs. Single-cell RT-PCR indicated the expression of endophilins-A1-3 in IHCs, and immunoblotting confirmed the presence of endophilin-A1 and endophilin-A2 in the cochlea. Patch-clamp recordings from endophilin-A-deficient IHCs revealed a reduction of Ca2+ influx and exocytosis, which we attribute to a decreased abundance of presynaptic Ca2+ channels and impaired SV replenishment. Slow endocytic membrane retrieval, thought to reflect clathrin-mediated endocytosis, was impaired. Otoferlin, essential for IHC exocytosis, co-immunoprecipitated with purified endophilin-A1 protein, suggestive of a molecular interaction that might aid exocytosis-endocytosis coupling. Electron microscopy revealed lower SV numbers, but an increased occurrence of coated structures and endosome-like vacuoles at IHC active zones. In summary, endophilins regulate Ca2+ influx and promote SV recycling in IHCs, likely via coupling exocytosis to endocytosis, and contributing to membrane retrieval and SV reformation.

Enzyme-Compatible Dynamic Nanoreactors from Electrostatically Bridged Like-Charged Surfactants and Polyelectrolytes.

Reported is an unanticipated mechanism of attractive electrostatic interactions of fully neutralized polyacrylic acid (PAA) with like-charged surfactants. Amphiphilic polymer-surfactant complexes with high interfacial activity and a solubilization capacity exceeding that of conventional micelles are formed by bridging with Ca2+ ions. Incorporation of a protease into such dynamic nanoreactors results in a synergistically enhanced cleaning performance because of the improved solubilization of poorly water-soluble immobilized proteins. Competitive interfacial and intermolecular interactions on different time- and length-scales have been resolved using colorimetric analysis, dynamic tensiometry, light scattering, and molecular dynamic simulations. The discovered bridging association mechanism suggests reengineering of surfactant/polymer/enzyme formulations of modern detergents and opens new opportunities in advancing labile delivery systems.

Transcriptional characterization of the T cell population within the salmonid interbranchial lymphoid tissue.

Previously, our group has shown that the interbranchial lymphoid tissue (ILT) is a distinct structure largely consisting of T cells embedded in a meshwork of epithelial cells, with no direct resemblance to previously described lymphoid tissues. In this study, we aim to focus on the T cell population and the possibility of the ILT being a thymus analog. By characterizing structural responsiveness to Ag challenge, the presence of recombination activating genes, and different T cell-related transcripts, we attempt to further approach the immunological function of the ILT in salmonid gills. In addition to eight healthy individuals, a group of eight infectious salmon anemia virus-challenged fish were included to observe T cell responses related to infection. The results showed reduced size of ILT in the infected group, no expression of RAG-1 and -2, and a high degree of T cell diversity within the ILT. Taking into account that the ILT can be regarded as a strategically located T cell reservoir and possibly an evolutionary forerunner of mammalian MALTs right at the border to the external environment, the alteration in transcription observed may likely represent a shift in the T cell population to optimize local gill defense mechanisms.

Transcriptional response of immune genes in gills and the interbranchial lymphoid tissue of Atlantic salmon challenged with infectious salmon anaemia virus.

Previously, it has been assumed that fish lack organized mucosa-associated lymphoid structures. Recently, an interbranchial lymphoid tissue (ILT) was described in salmonid gills at a site with substantial exposure to antigen. In this study, immune responses were examined in gills, mid-kidney and the laser-dissected ILT of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) infected with infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). A strong innate response was observed in gills and mid-kidney and even in the laser-dissected ILT, despite the fact that no virus could be traced in this tissue. A small delayed increase in IgT transcripts, exclusively in the ILT, could indicate that this tissue has a role as a secondary lymphoid organ with clonal expansion of IgT expressing B-cells. Compared to the other examined tissues, gills displayed the earliest replication of the virus, further supporting this tissue as the main entry route for infection with ISAV.

Transcription of the tyrosinase gene family in an Atlantic salmon leukocyte cell line (SHK-1) is influenced by temperature, but not by virus infection or bacterin stimulation.

The present study was performed to address putative links between the immune and pigmentary systems. A pigment-producing leukocyte-like cell-line (SHK-1 cells) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) was exposed to different temperatures, poly I:C, bacterin or infected with virus (infectious pancreatic necrosis virus or infectious salmon anaemia virus). The effect of this stimulation regarding the transcription-pattern of the tyrosinase gene family (melanin genes) and the immune-related genes MHC class II and IFN-1 was analysed using real-time RT-qPCR. At 10°C cultivation, tyrosinase and dopachrome tautomerase remained unregulated. At 15°C, a moderate up-regulation was induced, while at 20°C, these genes were up-regulated in an exponential manner over time. Temperature did not affect the transcription of the immune-related genes. Virus infections, poly I:C or bacterin had no influence on the transcription of the melanogenesis-related genes, but triggered the immune-related genes. Our findings revealed no connections between the pigmentary and immune systems, but demonstrated a hereto undiscovered temperature-effect on the tyrosinase gene family.

Immune parameters correlating with reduced susceptibility to pancreas disease in experimentally challenged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Two strains of Atlantic salmon (Salmon salar) with different susceptibility to infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) were challenged with salmon pancreas disease virus (SPDV), the etiological agent of salmon pancreas disease (PD), by cohabitation. Serum and tissues were sampled at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 8 weeks post-challenge. Experimental challenge with SAV did not cause mortality, but virus loads and assessment of histopathology indicated that the fish more resistant to ISAV (ISAHi) also was more resistant to PD. Eight weeks post-challenge, the ISAHi strain had higher titres of SAV-neutralising antibodies than the less resistant strain (ISALo). Transcript levels of four adaptive and six innate immune parameters were analysed by real-time RT-PCR in heart, head kidney (HK) and gills of both strains. Secretory IgM (sIgM) and CD8 levels differed most between the two salmon strains. The ISAHi strain had significantly higher levels of sIgM in HK at all samplings, and significantly higher CD8 levels in gills at most samplings. In heart, both sIgM and CD8 levels increased significantly during the challenge, but the increase appeared earlier for the ISALo strain. By hierarchical clustering analysis of mRNA levels, a clear segregation was observed between the two strains prior to the virus challenge. As the viral infection developed, the clustering divide between fish strains disappeared, first for innate and later for adaptive parameters. At eight weeks post-challenge, the divide had however reformed for adaptive parameters. Possible pair-wise correlation between transcript levels of immune parameters was evaluated by a non-parametric statistical test. For innate parameters, the extent of correlation peaked at 3 wpc in all tissues; this came rapidly for ISALo and more gradual for ISAHi. The ISAHi strain tended to show higher correlation for innate parameters in heart and gill than ISALo at early sampling times. For adaptive immune parameters, little correlation was observed in general, except for ISAHi in heart at 6 wpc. Overall, the observed differences in immune parameters may provide important clues to the causes underlying the observed difference in susceptibility to PD.

Enrichment of previously uncultured bacteria from natural complex communities by adhesion to solid surfaces.

The adhesion to inert solid surfaces was explored as a novel approach for the enrichment of previously uncultured bacteria from natural microbial communities. Enrichments on solid steel, glass and synthetic polymeric surfaces were established using samples from five freshwater lakes, a marine microbial mat and an alpine soil, and were subsequently analysed by molecular fingerprinting and sequencing of their 16S rRNA gene fragments. The majority of the enriched phylotypes grouped with the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria or Bacteroidetes and in several cases were related to typical biofilm-forming species and genera. Most enrichments were most closely related to previously uncultured phylotypes and none had previously been cultivated from the original environments even when applying improved high throughput liquid cultivation techniques. Of the 13 phylotypes enriched from freshwater samples, seven were previously unknown, three matched so-far uncultured environmental clones, and three were identical to previously cultivated bacteria. Of the 17 phylotypes recovered from soil, 12 were previously unknown with five of these phylotypes representing novel genera, whereas five phylotypes were identical to previously cultured soil bacteria. The feasibility of the biofilm-enrichment approach was exemplified by the successful isolation of a not-yet cultured Betaproteobacterium that constituted a discernible component of the alpine soil microbial community in situ and exhibited only 93% similarity to its closest cultured relative. Based on these results, cultivation on solid surfaces represents a promising approach to recover isolates that have so far escaped cultivation as suspended cultures in liquid media.

Immune responses in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) following protective vaccination against infectious salmon anemia (ISA) and subsequent ISA virus infection.

Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is an orthomyxoviral disease that has had devastating effects on farmed Atlantic salmon. ISA is still a disease resulting in continued loss of revenues and therefore development of effective vaccines is of great importance. Commercial vaccines against ISA are available, but the efficacy is poorly described. There is little information about vaccine-induced immune factors preventing ISA virus (ISAV) infection today. In this study we assessed the protective effects and immunogenicity of vaccines containing three different quantities of the inactivated ISAV antigen. Our findings indicated that immunization induced effective protection in Atlantic salmon with a relative percent survival (RPS) as high as 86. The level of protection was correlated to the amount of ISAV antigen in the vaccine, and fish immunized with high antigen amounts produced detectable ISAV-specific and neutralizing antibodies. While ISAV infection was detectable in non-vaccinated control fish challenged by cohabitation, no infection was detected in fish immunized with high antigen amounts. After challenge, transcriptional analysis of selected immune-related genes demonstrated activation of innate immune responses in ISAV-infected control fish, but not in vaccine protected fish. This study furthers the knowledge about vaccine efficacy and vaccine-induced immunity to ISAV challenge in Atlantic salmon.

Early embryonic gene expression profiling of zebrafish prion protein (Prp2) morphants.

BACKGROUND: The Prion protein (PRNP/Prp) plays a crucial role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), scrapie and mad cow disease. Notwithstanding the importance in human and animal disease, fundamental aspects of PRNP/Prp function and transmission remains unaccounted for. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome contains three Prp encoding genes assigned prp1, prp2 and prp3. Currently, the second paralogue is believed to be the most similar to the mammalian PRNP gene in structure and function. Functional studies of the PRNP gene ortholog was addressed by prp2 morpholino (MO) knockdown experiments. Investigation of Prp2 depleted embryos revealed high mortality and apoptosis at 24 hours post fertilization (hpf) as well as impaired brain and neuronal development. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, a genome-wide transcriptome analysis was carried out in viable 24 hpf morphants. The resulting changes in gene expression profiles revealed 249 differently expressed genes linked to biological processes like cell death, neurogenesis and embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The current study contributes to the understanding of basic Prp functions and demonstrates that the zebrafish is an excellent model to address the role of Prp in vertebrates. The gene knockdown of prp2 indicates an essential biological function for the zebrafish ortholog with a morphant phenotype that suggests a neurodegenerative action and gene expression effects which are apoptosis related and effects gene networks controlling neurogenesis and embryo development.

Enhancer detection in the zebrafish using pseudotyped murine retroviruses.

Vectors based on murine retroviruses are among the most efficient means to insert reporter constructs into the context of a vertebrate chromosome with the aim to visualize cis-regulatory information available to a basal promoter at the site of insertion. In combination with using the zebrafish embryo as a readout for the activity of regulatory elements, enhancer detection becomes a powerful technique for gene discovery and for the mapping of the extent of regulatory domains in a vertebrate genome. Our laboratory has performed the only large-scale enhancer detection screen to date in any vertebrate and we describe in this paper the methods we developed to generate viral particles, to insert reporter constructs into the zebrafish germ line, the screening of detection events in heterozygous F1 embryos, and the isolation of genomic sequence flanking the inserted vector for the purpose of genomic mapping. Given sufficient scale, the technology described here can be used to obtain cis-regulatory information across the entire zebrafish genome for any given basal promoter.

Large-scale enhancer detection in the zebrafish genome.

Murine retroviral vectors carrying an enhancer detection cassette were used to generate 95 transgenic lines of fish in which reporter expression is observed in distinct patterns during embryonic development. We mapped 65 insertion sites to the as yet unfinished zebrafish genome sequence. Many integrations map close to previously known developmental genes, including transcription factors of the Pax, Hox, Sox, Pou, Otx, Emx, zinc-finger and bHLH gene families. In most cases, the activated provirus is located in, or within a 15 kb interval around, the corresponding transcriptional unit. The exceptions include four insertions into a gene desert on chromosome 20 upstream of sox11b, and an insertion upstream of otx1. In these cases, the activated insertions are found at a distance of between 32 kb and 132 kb from the coding region. These as well as seven other insertions described here identify genes that have recently been associated with ultra conserved non-coding elements found in all vertebrate genomes.