1. Guidance on the selection and use of DNA extraction methods : JRC technical reportTheo W. Prins, Wim Broothaerts, Malcolm Burns, Tina Demšar, Sophia Edelmann, Nina Papazova, Verena Peterseil, Isabel Taverniers, 2024, končno poročilo o rezultatih raziskav Povzetek: DNA extraction is at the forefront of further analytical measurements on DNA targets and affects the downstream results. This report from the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL) provides guidance on the selection and use of fit-for-purpose DNA extraction methods. It focusses on DNA extraction in the context of official controls on the presence and content of genetically modified organisms in food and feed. It provides guidance on protocols and selection support systems, validation approaches, assessment of DNA quality parameters and examples of practical solutions derived from collective experiences. There are many variations on the theme of DNA extraction, but there is no single protocol that works adequately across all food and feed matrices. Before using a new method in the laboratory, or in case of modifications to a protocol, validation or verification is needed to show that a chosen method is fit for purpose for use in routine analysis. This guidance is aimed to help the DNA analysis laboratories in fulfilling the standardisation requirements and support their daily operations.
Ključne besede: DNA extraction, GMO, detection in food and feed
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.09.2024; Ogledov: 137; Prenosov: 1168
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2. Metrological evaluation of DNA extraction method effects on the bacterial microbiome and resistome in sputumAleksander Benčič, Nataša Toplak, Simon Koren, Alexandra Bogožalec Košir, Mojca Milavec, Viktorija Tomič, Dane Lužnik, Tanja Dreo, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Targeted high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized the way we look at bacterial communities. It can be used for the species-specific detection of bacteria as well as for the determination of the microbiome and resistome and can be applied to samples from almost any environment. However, the results of targeted HTS can be influenced by many factors, which poses a major challenge for its use in clinical diagnostics. In this study, we investigated the impact of the DNA extraction method on the determination of the bacterial microbiome and resistome by targeted HTS using principles from metrology and diagnostics such as repeatability and analytical sensitivity. Sputum samples spiked with Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at three different concentrations (103–106 cells/mL) were used. DNA was extracted from each sample on 2 separate days in three replicates each using three different extraction methods based on cetrimonium bromide, magnetic beads, and silica membranes. All three spiked bacteria were detected in sputum, and the DNA extraction method had no significant effect on detection. However, the DNA extraction method had significant effects on the composition of the microbiome and the resistome. The sequencing results were repeatable in the majority of cases. The silica membrane-based DNA extraction kit provided the most repeatable results and the highest diversity of the microbiome and resistome. Targeted HTS has been shown to be a reliable tool for determining the microbiome and resistome; however, the method of DNA extraction should be carefully selected to minimize its impact on the results.
Ključne besede: targeted high-throughput sequencing, bacterial microbiome, resistome, bacteria detection, DNA extraction, metrology, diagnostics, repeatability
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.08.2024; Ogledov: 134; Prenosov: 86
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3. Transcriptome study and identification of potential marker genes related to the stable expression of recombinant proteins in CHO clonesAndrej Blejec, Marjanca Blas, Petra Nikolić, Dominik Gaser, Kristina Gruden, Aleš Belič, Špela Baebler, Uroš Jamnikar, Andrej Francky, Holger Laux, 2015, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have become the host of choice for the production of recombinant proteins, due to their capacity for correct protein folding, assembly, and posttranslational modifications. The most widely used system for recombinant proteins is the gene amplification procedure that uses the CHO-Dhfr expression system. However, CHO cells are known to have a very unstable karyotype. This is due to chromosome rearrangements that can arise from translocations and homologous recombination, especially when cells with the CHO-Dhfr expression system are treated with methotrexate hydrate. The present method used in the industry for testing clones for their long-term stability of recombinant protein production is empirical, and it involves their cultivation over extended periods of time prior to the selection of the most suitable clone for further bioprocess development. The aim of the present study was the identification of marker genes that can predict stable expression of recombinant genes in particular clones early in the development stage.
Results
The transcriptome profiles of CHO clones with stable and unstable recombinant protein production were investigated over 10-weeks of cultivation, using a DNA microarray. We identified 14 genes that were differentially expressed between the stable and unstable clones already at 2 weeks from the beginning of the cultivation. Their expression was validated by reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Furthermore, the k-nearest neighbour algorithm approach shows that the combination of the gene expression patterns of only five of these 14 genes is sufficient to predict stable recombinant protein production in clones in the early phases of cell-line development.
Conclusions
The exact molecular mechanisms that cause unstable recombinant protein production are not fully understood. However, the expression profiles of some genes in clones with stable and unstable recombinant protein production allow prediction of such instability early in the cell-line development stage. We have thus developed a proof-of-concept for a novel approach to eliminate unstable clones in the CHO-Dhfr expression system, which saves time and labour-intensive work in cell-line development.
Ključne besede: CHO cell line, stable recombinant protein production, gene expression, RT-qPCR, DNA microarray, mMarker genes
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 29.07.2024; Ogledov: 221; Prenosov: 279
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4. Multiplex quantification of four DNA targets in one reaction with Bio-Rad droplet digital PCR system for GMO detectionDavid Dobnik, Dejan Štebih, Andrej Blejec, Dany Morisset, Jana Žel, 2016, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The advantages of the digital PCR technology are already well documented until now. One way to achieve better cost efficiency of the technique is to use it in a multiplexing strategy. Droplet digital PCR platforms, which include two fluorescence filters, support at least duplex reactions and with some developments and optimization higher multiplexing is possible. The present study not only shows a development of multiplex assays in droplet digital PCR, but also presents a first thorough evaluation of several parameters in such multiplex digital PCR. Two 4-plex assays were developed for quantification of 8 different DNA targets (7 genetically modified maize events and maize endogene). Per assay, two of the targets were labelled with one fluorophore and two with another. As current analysis software does not support analysis of more than duplex, a new R- and Shiny-based web application analysis tool (http://bit.ly/ddPCRmulti) was developed that automates the analysis of 4-plex results. In conclusion, the two developed multiplex assays are suitable for quantification of GMO maize events and the same approach can be used in any other field with a need for accurate and reliable quantification of multiple DNA targets.
Ključne besede: digital PCR, DNA targets, GMO detection
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 232; Prenosov: 142
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5. Assessment of the real-time PCR and different digital PCR platforms for DNA quantificationJernej Pavšič, Jana Žel, Mojca Milavec, 2016, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Digital PCR (dPCR) is beginning to supersede real-time PCR (qPCR) for quantification of nucleic acids in many different applications. Several analytical properties of the two most commonly used dPCR platforms, namely the QX100 system (Bio-Rad) and the 12.765 array of the Biomark system (Fluidigm), have already been evaluated and compared with those of qPCR. However, to the best of our knowledge, direct comparison between the three of these platforms using the same DNA material has not been done, and the 37 K array on the Biomark system has also not been evaluated in terms of linearity, analytical sensitivity and limit of quantification. Here, a first assessment of qPCR, the QX100 system and both arrays of the Biomark system was performed with plasmid and genomic DNA from human cytomegalovirus. With use of PCR components that alter the efficiency of qPCR, each dPCR platform demonstrated consistent copy-number estimations, which indicates the high resilience of dPCR. Two approaches, one considering the total reaction volume and the other considering the effective reaction size, were used to assess linearity, analytical sensitivity and variability. When the total reaction volume was considered, the best performance was observed with qPCR, followed by the QX100 system and the Biomark system. In contrast, when the effective reaction size was considered, all three platforms showed almost equal limits of detection and variability. Although dPCR might not always be more appropriate than qPCR for quantification of low copy numbers, dPCR is a suitable method for robust and reproducible quantification of viral DNA, and a promising technology for the higher-order reference measurement method.
Ključne besede: real-time PCR, molecular diagnostics, human cytomegalovirus, DNA quantification, digital PCR
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 229; Prenosov: 137
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6. Droplet volume variability as a critical factor for accuracy of absolute quantification using droplet digital PCRAlexandra Bogožalec Košir, Carla Divieto, Jernej Pavšič, Stefano Pavarelli, David Dobnik, Tanja Dreo, Roberto Bellotti, Maria Paola Sassi, Jana Žel, 2017, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Accurate and precise nucleic-acid quantification is crucial for clinical and diagnostic decisions, as overestimation or underestimation can lead to misguided treatment of a disease or incorrect labelling of the products. Digital PCR is one of the best tools for absolute nucleic-acid copy-number determination. However, digital PCR needs to be well characterised in terms of accuracy and sources of uncertainty. With droplet digital PCR, discrepancies between the droplet volume assigned by the manufacturer and measured by independent laboratories have already been shown in previous studies. In the present study, we report on the results of an inter-laboratory comparison of different methods for droplet volume determination that is based on optical microscopy imaging and is traceable to the International System of Units. This comparison was conducted on the same DNA material, with the examination of the influence of parameters such as droplet generators, supermixes, operators, inter-cartridge and intra-cartridge variability, and droplet measuring protocol. The mean droplet volume was measured using a QX200™ AutoDG™ Droplet Digital™ PCR system and two QX100™ Droplet Digital™ PCR systems. The data show significant volume differences between these two systems, as well as significant differences in volume when different supermixes are used. We also show that both of these droplet generator systems produce droplets with significantly lower droplet volumes (13.1%, 15.9%, respectively) than stated by the manufacturer and previously measured by other laboratories. This indicates that to ensure precise quantification, the droplet volumes should be assessed for each system.
Ključne besede: droplet digital PCR, droplet volume, DNA quantification, optical microscopy imaging
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 221; Prenosov: 182
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7. RECQ1 helicase silencing decreases the tumour growth rate of U87 glioblastoma cell xenografts in zebrafish embryosMiloš Vittori, Barbara Breznik, Katja Hrovat, Saša Kenig, Tamara Lah Turnšek, 2017, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: RECQ1 helicase has multiple roles in DNA replication, including restoration of the replication fork and DNA repair, and plays an important role in tumour progression. Its expression is highly elevated in glioblastoma as compared to healthy brain tissue. We studied the effects of small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-induced silencing of RECQ1 helicase on the increase in cell number and the invasion of U87 glioblastoma cells. RECQ1 silencing reduced the rate of increase in the number of U87 cells by 30%. This corresponded with a 40% reduction of the percentage of cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and an accumulation of cells in the G1 phase. These effects were confirmed in vivo, in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, by implanting DsRed-labelled RECQ1 helicase-silenced and control U87 cells. The growth of resulting tumours was quantified by monitoring the increase in xenograft fluorescence intensity during a three-day period with fluorescence microscopy. The reduced rate of tumour growth, by approximately 30% in RECQ1 helicase-silenced cells, was in line with in vitro measurements of the increase in cell number upon RECQ1 helicase silencing. However, RECQ1 helicase silencing did not affect invasive behaviour of U87 cells in the zebrafish brain. This is the first in vivo confirmation that RECQ1 helicase is a promising molecular target in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Ključne besede: cancer, cell cycle, DNA damage, intravital imaging, RNA interference, theranostics
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 232; Prenosov: 171
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8. Inter-laboratory assessment of different digital PCR platforms for quantification of human cytomegalovirus DNAJernej Pavšič, Alison S. Devonshire, Andrej Blejec, Carole A. Foy, Fran Van Heuverswyn, Gerwyn M. Jones, Heinz Schimmel, Jana Žel, Jim F. Huggett, Nicholas Redshaw, Maria Karczmarczyk, Erkan Mozioglu, Sema Akyürek, Müslüm Akgöz, Mojca Milavec, 2017, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is an important tool in pathogen detection. However, the use of different qPCR components, calibration materials and DNA extraction methods reduces comparability between laboratories, which can result in false diagnosis and discrepancies in patient care. The wider establishment of a metrological framework for nucleic acid tests could improve the degree of standardisation of pathogen detection and the quantification methods applied in the clinical context. To achieve this, accurate methods need to be developed and implemented as reference measurement procedures, and to facilitate characterisation of suitable certified reference materials. Digital PCR (dPCR) has already been used for pathogen quantification by analysing nucleic acids. Although dPCR has the potential to provide robust and accurate quantification of nucleic acids, further assessment of its actual performance characteristics is needed before it can be implemented in a metrological framework, and to allow adequate estimation of measurement uncertainties. Here, four laboratories demonstrated reproducibility (expanded measurement uncertainties below 15%) of dPCR for quantification of DNA from human cytomegalovirus, with no calibration to a common reference material. Using whole-virus material and extracted DNA, an intermediate precision (coefficients of variation below 25%) between three consecutive experiments was noted. Furthermore, discrepancies in estimated mean DNA copy number concentrations between laboratories were less than twofold, with DNA extraction as the main source of variability. These data demonstrate that dPCR offers a repeatable and reproducible method for quantification of viral DNA, and due to its satisfactory performance should be considered as candidate for reference methods for implementation in a metrological framework.
Ključne besede: digital PCR, DNA quantification, inter-laboratory assessment, human cytomegalovirus, virus reference materials
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 229; Prenosov: 151
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9. Expression of DNA-damage response and repair genes after exposure to DNA-damaging agents in isogenic head and neck cells with altered radiosensitivityVesna Todorović, Blaž Grošelj, Maja Čemažar, Ajda Prevc, Martina Nikšić Žakelj, Primož Strojan, Gregor Serša, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Increased radioresistance due to previous irradiation or radiosensitivity due to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection can be observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The DNA-damage response of cells after exposure to DNA-damaging agents plays a crucial role in determining the fate of exposed cells. Tightly regulated and interconnected signaling networks are activated to detect, signal the presence of and repair the DNA damage. Novel therapies targeting the DNA-damage response are emerging; however, an improved understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in tumor radioresistance and radiosensitivity is needed. Materials and methods: In this study, we exposed isogenic human HNSCC cell lines with altered radiosensitivity to DNA-damaging agents: radiation, cisplatin and bleomycin. We investigated transcriptional alterations in the DNA-damage response by using a pathway-focused panel and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Results: In general, the isogenic cell lines with altered radiosensitivity significantly differed from one another in the expression of genes involved in the DNA-damage response. The radiosensitive (HPV-positive) cells showed overall decreases in the expression levels of the studied genes. In parental cells, upregulation of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes was observed following exposure to DNA-damaging agents, especially radiation. In contrast, radioresistant cells exhibited a distinct pattern of gene downregulation after exposure to cisplatin, whereas the levels in parental cells were unchanged. Exposure of radioresistant cells to bleomycin did not significantly affect the expression of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes. Conclusions: Our analysis identified several possible targets: NBN, XRCC3, ATR, GADD45A and XPA. These putative targets should be studied and potentially exploited for sensibilization to ionizing radiation and/or cisplatin in HNSCC. The use of predesigned panels of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes proved to offer a convenient and quick approach to identify possible therapeutic targets.
Ključne besede: DNA-damaging agents, gene expression, head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 351; Prenosov: 131
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10. PLANiTS : a curated sequence reference dataset for plant ITS DNA metabarcodingElisa Banchi, Claudio Gennaro Ametrano, Samuele Greco, David Stanković, Lucia Muggia, Alberto Pallavicini, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: DNA metabarcoding combines DNA barcoding with high-throughput sequencing to identify different taxa within environmental communities. The ITS has already been proposed and widely used as universal barcode marker for plants, but a comprehensive, updated and accurate reference dataset of plant ITS sequences has not been available so far. Here, we constructed reference datasets of Viridiplantae ITS1, ITS2 and entire ITS sequences including both Chlorophyta and Streptophyta. The sequences were retrieved from NCBI, and the ITS region was extracted. The sequences underwent identity check to remove misidentified records and were clustered at 99% identity to reduce redundancy and computational effort. For this step, we developed a script called ‘better clustering for QIIME’ (bc4q) to ensure that the representative sequences are chosen according to the composition of the cluster at a different taxonomic level. The three datasets obtained with the bc4q script are PLANiTS1 (100 224 sequences), PLANiTS2 (96 771 sequences) and PLANiTS (97 550 sequences), and all are pre-formatted for QIIME, being this the most used bioinformatic pipeline for metabarcoding analysis. Being curated and updated reference databases, PLANiTS1, PLANiTS2 and PLANiTS are proposed as a reliable, pivotal first step for a general standardization of plant DNA metabarcoding studies. The bc4q script is presented as a new tool useful in each research dealing with sequences clustering.
Ključne besede: DNA metabarcoding, reference datasets
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 19.07.2024; Ogledov: 254; Prenosov: 142
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