Human Seroprevalence for Dengue, Ross River, and Barmah Forest viruses in Australia and the Pacific: A systematic review spanning seven decades.

BACKGROUND: Dengue (DENV), Ross River (RRV) and Barmah Forest viruses (BFV) are the most common human arboviral infections in Australia and the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and are associated with debilitating symptoms. All are nationally notifiable in Australia, but routine surveillance is limited to a few locations in the PICTs. Understanding the level of human exposure to these viruses can inform disease management and mitigation strategies. To assess the historic and current seroprevalence of DENV, RRV and BFV in Australia and the PICTs we conducted a systematic literature review of all published quantitative serosurveys. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures were adopted to produce a protocol to systematically search for published studies reporting the seroprevalence of DENV, RRV and BFV in Australia and the PICTs. Data for author, research year, location, study population, serosurvey methods and positive tests were extracted. A total of 41 papers, reporting 78 serosurveys of DENV, RRV and BFV including 62,327 samples met the inclusion criteria for this review. Seroprevalence varied depending on the assay used, strategy of sample collection and location of the study population. Significant differences were observed in reported seropositivity depending on the sample collection strategy with clinically targeted sampling reporting the highest seroprevalence across all three viruses. Non-stratified seroprevalence showed wide ranges in reported positivity with DENV 0.0% - 95.6%, RRV 0.0% - 100.0%, and BFV 0.3% - 12.5%. We discuss some of the causes of variation including serological methods used, selection bias in sample collection including clinical or environmental associations, and location of study site. We consider the extent to which serosurveys reflect the epidemiology of the viruses and provide broad recommendations regarding the conduct and reporting of arbovirus serosurveys. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Human serosurveys provide important information on the extent of human exposure to arboviruses across: (1) time, (2) place, and (3) person (e.g., age, gender, clinical presentation etc). Interpreting results obtained at these scales has the potential to inform us about transmission cycles, improve diagnostic surveillance, and mitigate future outbreaks. Future research should streamline methods and reduce bias to allow a better understanding of the burden of these diseases and the factors associated with seroprevalence. Greater consideration should be given to the interpretation of seroprevalence in studies, and increased rigour applied in linking seroprevalence to transmission dynamics.

Pathways Activated by Infected and Bystander Chondrocytes in Response to Ross River Virus Infection.

Old world alphaviruses, such as Ross River virus (RRV), cause debilitating arthralgia during acute and chronic stages of the disease. RRV-induced cartilage degradation has been implicated as a cause of joint pain felt by RRV patients. Chondrocytes are a major cell type of cartilage and are involved in the production and maintenance of the cartilage matrix. It is thought that these cells may play a vital role in RRV disease pathogenesis. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to examine the transcriptomes of RRV-infected and bystander chondrocytes in the same environment. RRV containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) allowed for the separation of RRV-infected (GFP+) and bystander uninfected cells (GFP-). We found that whereas GFP+ and GFP- populations commonly presented similar gene expression profiles during infection, there were also unique signatures. For example, RIMS2 and FOXJ1 were unique to GFP+ cells, whilst Aim2 and CCL8 were only found in bystander chondrocytes. This indicates that careful selection of potential therapeutic targets is important to minimise adverse effects to the neighbouring uninfected cell populations. Our study serves as a resource to provide more information about the pathways and responses elicited by RRV in cells which are both infected and stimulated because of neighbouring infected cells.

Development of EndoScreen Chip, a Microfluidic Pre-Endoscopy Triage Test for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

The current endoscopy and biopsy diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and its premalignant condition Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not cost-effective. To enable EAC screening and patient triaging for endoscopy, we developed a microfluidic lectin immunoassay, the EndoScreen Chip, which allows sensitive multiplex serum biomarker measurements. Here, we report the proof-of-concept deployment for the EAC biomarker Jacalin lectin binding complement C9 (JAC-C9), which we previously discovered and validated by mass spectrometry. A monoclonal C9 antibody (m26 3C9) was generated and validated in microplate ELISA, and then deployed for JAC-C9 measurement on EndoScreen Chip. Cohort evaluation (n = 46) confirmed the expected elevation of serum JAC-C9 in EAC, along with elevated total serum C9 level. Next, we asked if the small panel of serum biomarkers improves detection of EAC in this cohort when used in conjunction with patient risk factors (age, body mass index and heartburn history). Using logistic regression modeling, we found that serum C9 and JAC-C9 significantly improved EAC prediction from AUROC of 0.838 to 0.931, with JAC-C9 strongly predictive of EAC (vs. BE OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-15.6, p = 0.014; vs. Healthy OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.2-13.7, p = 0.024). This proof-of-concept study confirms the microfluidic EndoScreen Chip technology and supports the potential utility of blood biomarkers in improving triaging for diagnostic endoscopy. Future work will expand the number of markers on EndoScreen Chip from our list of validated EAC biomarkers.

Integrating statistical and mechanistic approaches with biotic and environmental variables improves model predictions of the impact of climate and land-use changes on future mosquito-vector abundance, diversity and distributions in Australia.

Changes to Australia's climate and land-use patterns could result in expanded spatial and temporal distributions of endemic mosquito vectors including Aedes and Culex species that transmit medically important arboviruses. Climate and land-use changes greatly influence the suitability of habitats for mosquitoes and their behaviors such as mating, feeding and oviposition. Changes in these behaviors in turn determine future species-specific mosquito diversity, distribution and abundance. In this review, we discuss climate and land-use change factors that influence shifts in mosquito distribution ranges. We also discuss the predictive and epidemiological merits of incorporating these factors into a novel integrated statistical (SSDM) and mechanistic species distribution modelling (MSDM) framework. One potentially significant merit of integrated modelling is an improvement in the future surveillance and control of medically relevant endemic mosquito vectors such as Aedes vigilax and Culex annulirostris, implicated in the transmission of many arboviruses such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, and exotic mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. We conducted a focused literature search to explore the merits of integrating SSDMs and MSDMs with biotic and environmental variables to better predict the future range of endemic mosquito vectors. We show that an integrated framework utilising both SSDMs and MSDMs can improve future mosquito-vector species distribution projections in Australia. We recommend consideration of climate and environmental change projections in the process of developing land-use plans as this directly impacts mosquito-vector distribution and larvae abundance. We also urge laboratory, field-based researchers and modellers to combine these modelling approaches. Having many different variations of integrated (SDM) modelling frameworks could help to enhance the management of endemic mosquitoes in Australia. Enhanced mosquito management measures could in turn lead to lower arbovirus spread and disease notification rates.

Mosquito antiviral defense mechanisms: a delicate balance between innate immunity and persistent viral infection.

Mosquito-borne diseases are associated with major global health burdens. Aedes spp. and Culex spp. are primarily responsible for the transmission of the most medically important mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue virus, West Nile virus and Zika virus. Despite the burden of these pathogens on human populations, the interactions between viruses and their mosquito hosts remain enigmatic. Viruses enter the midgut of a mosquito following the mosquito's ingestion of a viremic blood meal. During infection, virus recognition by the mosquito host triggers their antiviral defense mechanism. Of these host defenses, activation of the RNAi pathway is the main antiviral mechanism, leading to the degradation of viral RNA, thereby inhibiting viral replication and promoting viral clearance. However, whilst antiviral host defense mechanisms limit viral replication, the mosquito immune system is unable to effectively clear the virus. As such, these viruses can establish persistent infection with little or no fitness cost to the mosquito vector, ensuring life-long transmission to humans. Understanding of the mosquito innate immune response enables the discovery of novel antivectorial strategies to block human transmission. This review provides an updated and concise summary of recent studies on mosquito antiviral immune responses, which is a key determinant for successful virus transmission. In addition, we will also discuss the factors that may contribute to persistent infection in mosquito hosts. Finally, we will discuss current mosquito transmission-blocking strategies that utilize genetically modified mosquitoes and Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for resistance to pathogens.

Conditioned medium from tonsil­derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes adiponectin production.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are often considered to be a good source for the development of regenerative medicine. Previously, we reported that tonsil­derived MSC conditioned medium (T­MSC CM) produces visceral fat reducing effects. As reduced visceral adiposity is closely associated with an increase in circulating adiponectin, the present study investigated the effects of T­MSC CM on adiponectin production. T­MSC CM was collected from previously isolated and characterized T­MSCs and injected into senescence­accelerated mouse prone 6 mice, which exhibit characteristics of aging and obesity. The results demonstrated a reduction in mouse weight and epididymal adipose tissue (eAT) mass following injection of T­MSC CM. Significant increases in adiponectin expression in the eAT, and total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin in the circulation were observed in the T­MSC CM­injected mice compared with control mice using reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and ELISA. In 3T3­L1 adipocytes, T­MSC CM treatment increased adiponectin secretion and multimerization, as detected using western blotting under non­reducing and non­heat­denaturing conditions. Furthermore, glucose oxidase was used to induce oxidative stress in 3T3­L1 adipocytes and it was observed that T­MSC CM reduced reactive oxygen species production and the expression of certain oxidative stress markers. In addition, the results also demonstrated that the production of HMW adiponectin was increased, which indicates that T­MSC CM may enhance adiponectin multimerization via amelioration of oxidative stress. Further studies are required to elucidate anti­oxidant molecules secreted from T­MSCs, and these results highlight the potential therapeutic relevance of T­MSC CM for the treatment of obesity or obesity­associated diseases.

Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) is required for the secretion of high molecular weight adiponectin and affects lipid accumulation.

Secretion of high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is dependent on post-translational modification (PTM) of conserved lysines in the collagenous domain. The present study aims to characterize the enzymes responsible for the PTM of conserved lysines which leads to HMW adiponectin secretion, and to define its significance in relation to obesity. Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) was knocked down in HEK cells modified for the stable expression of adiponectin (adiponectin expressing human embryonic kidney cells, Adipo-HEK) as well as in Simpson Golabi-Behmel-Syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes. Knockdown of GLT25D1 caused a significant decrease in HMW adiponectin in Adipo-HEK cells with no change in total adiponectin. Knockdown in the SGBS cells caused an increase in lipid accumulation yet inhibited adipogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation with adiponectin and mass spectrometry showed that adiponectin formed a protein complex with lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3) and GLT25D1. Transient overexpression of GLT25D1 showed that the intracellular retention of LH3 was dependent on GLT25D1. To determine whether changes in GLT25D1 were significant in obesity, mice were fed a standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks. GLT25D1 was significantly decreased in mice fed HFD which coincided with a decrease in HMW adiponectin. We conclude that GLT25D1 regulates HMW adiponectin secretion and lipid accumulation, consistent with changes in mice after high-fat feeding. These results suggest a novel function of GLT25D1 leading to decreased HMW adiponectin secretion in early obesity.

Identification of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis.

Adipose tissue expansion occurs through a combination of hypertrophy of existing adipocytes and generation of new adipocytes via the process of hyperplasia, which involves the proliferation and subsequent differentiation of preadipocytes. Deficiencies in hyperplasia contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and the association of obesity with chronic cardiometabolic diseases. Thus, increased understanding of hyperplastic pathways may be expected to afford novel therapeutic strategies. We have reported that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 promotes proliferation and differentiation of human preadipocytes and recently demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) is a central, proximal effector. Herein, we describe the identification and characterization of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1, a secreted collagen-binding glycoprotein, as a novel downstream effector in human primary and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome preadipocytes. CPX-1 expression increased after treatment of preadipocytes with FGF-1, BAMBI knockdown, or induction of differentiation. CPX-1 knockdown compromised preadipocyte differentiation coincident with reduced collagen expression. Furthermore, preadipocytes differentiated on matrix derived from CPX-1 knockdown cells exhibited reduced Glut4 expression and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Finally, CPX-1 expression was increased in adipose tissue from obese mice and humans. Collectively, these findings establish CPX-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis situated downstream of FGF-1/BAMBI that may contribute to hyperplastic adipose tissue expansion via affecting extracellular matrix remodeling.-Kim, Y.-H., Barclay, J. L., He, J., Luo, X., O'Neill, H. M., Keshvari, S., Webster, J. A., Ng, C., Hutley, L. J., Prins, J. B., Whitehead, J. P. Identification of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis.

Different characteristics and nucleotide binding properties of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) isoforms.

We recently reported that Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a rate-limiting enzyme in de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, clustered into macrostructures in response to decreased nucleotide levels and that there were differences between the IMPDH isoforms, IMPDH1 and IMPDH2. We hypothesised that the Bateman domains, which are present in both isoforms and serve as energy-sensing/allosteric modules in unrelated proteins, would contribute to isoform-specific differences and that mutations situated in and around this domain in IMPDH1 which give rise to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) would compromise regulation. We employed immuno-electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of IMPDH macrostructures and live-cell imaging to follow clustering of an IMPDH2-GFP chimera in real-time. Using a series of IMPDH1/IMPDH2 chimera we demonstrated that the propensity to cluster was conferred by the N-terminal 244 amino acids, which includes the Bateman domain. A protease protection assay suggested isoform-specific purine nucleotide binding characteristics, with ATP protecting IMPDH1 and AMP protecting IMPDH2, via a mechanism involving conformational changes upon nucleotide binding to the Bateman domain without affecting IMPDH catalytic activity. ATP binding to IMPDH1 was confirmed in a nucleotide binding assay. The RP-causing mutation, R224P, abolished ATP binding and nucleotide protection and this correlated with an altered propensity to cluster. Collectively these data demonstrate that (i) the isoforms are differentially regulated by AMP and ATP by a mechanism involving the Bateman domain, (ii) communication occurs between the Bateman and catalytic domains and (iii) the RP-causing mutations compromise such regulation. These findings support the idea that the IMPDH isoforms are subject to distinct regulation and that regulatory defects contribute to human disease.

Identification of BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) as a potent negative regulator of adipogenesis and modulator of autocrine/paracrine adipogenic factors.

Adipose tissue dysfunction underpins the association of obesity with type 2 diabetes. Adipogenesis is required for the maintenance of adipose tissue function. It involves the commitment and subsequent differentiation of preadipocytes and is coordinated by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors. We previously reported that fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) primes primary human preadipocytes and Simpson Golabi Behmel syndrome (SGBS) preadipocytes and increases adipogenesis through a cascade involving extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Here, we aimed to use the FGF-1 system to identify novel adipogenic regulators. Expression profiling revealed bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) as a putative FGF-1 effector. BAMBI is a transmembrane protein and modulator of paracrine factors that regulate adipogenesis, including transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily members (TGF-ß and BMP) and Wnt. Functional investigations established BAMBI as a negative regulator of adipogenesis and modulator of the anti- and proadipogenic effects of Wnt3a, TGF-ß1, and BMP-4. Further studies showed that BAMBI expression levels are decreased in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Collectively, these findings establish BAMBI as a novel, negative regulator of adipogenesis that can act as a nexus to integrate multiple paracrine signals to coordinate adipogenesis. Alterations in BAMBI may play a role in the (patho)physiology of obesity, and manipulation of BAMBI may present a novel therapeutic approach to improve adipose tissue function.