Congratulations to Marina and Krista for the recent publications of work they contributed to! Check them out below!
Accessible and Generalizable in Vitro Luminescence Assay for Detecting GPCR Activation
Abstract: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) serve critical physiological roles as the most abundant family of receptors. Here, we describe the design of a generalizable and cell lysate-based method that leverages the interaction between an agonist-activated GPCR and a conformation-specific binder to reconstitute split nanoluciferase (NanoLuc) in vitro. This tool, In vitro GPCR split NanoLuc ligand Triggered Reporter (IGNiTR), has broad applications. We have demonstrated IGNiTR’s use with three Gs-coupled GPCRs, two Gi-coupled GPCRs and three classes of conformation-specific binders: nanobodies, miniG proteins, and G protein peptidomimetics. As an in vitro method, IGNiTR enables the use of synthetic G protein peptidomimetics and provides easily scalable and portable reagents for characterizing GPCRs and ligands. We tested three diverse applications of IGNiTR: (1) proof-of-concept GPCR ligand screening using dopamine receptor D1 IGNiTR; (2) detection of opioids for point-of-care testing; and (3) characterizing GPCR functionality during Nanodisc-based reconstitution processes. Due to IGNiTR’s unique advantages and the convenience of its cell lysate-based format, this tool will find extensive applications in GPCR ligand detection, screening, and GPCR characterization.
Check out the full paper here! Congratulations, Dr. Sarcinella!
New diagnostics for the spectrum of asymptomatic TB: from infection to subclinical disease
Abstract: TB remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, most infected immunocompetent individuals are asymptomatic and only 5–10% of these will eventually develop active TB during their lifetime (typically within 2 years after exposure). Therefore, rapid diagnosis and efficient management of asymptomatic infected individuals who are at the highest risk of progression and transmission remain major clinical and public health challenges. In recent years, there has been important scientific progress in our understanding of the spectrum of asymptomatic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections that not only includes the dynamic state of latent TB infection (LTBI), but also the preclinical state of incipient and subclinical TB. The latter is possibly as prevalent as symptomatically active TB and potentially contributes to global Mtb transmission in various settings. We summarize the latest developments and current challenges of the existing testing tools for LTBI and describe promising biomarkers and diagnostics for the spectrum of asymptomatic TB. Following the negative results of a recent clinical trial for a biomarker-guided preventive therapy approach, we also suggest some treatment options for incipient TB.
Check out the full text here! Congrats, Krista!