Circulating proteins linked to apoptosis processes and fast development of end-stage kidney disease in diabetes.

Many circulating proteins are associated with risk of ESKD, but their source and the biological pathways/disease processes they represent are unclear. Using OLINK proteomics platform, concentrations of 455 proteins were measured in plasma specimens obtained at baseline from 399 individuals with diabetes. Elevated concentrations of 46 circulating proteins were associated (P < 1 × 10-5) with development of ESKD (n = 143) during 7-15 years of follow-up.

Preanalytical considerations in quantifying circulating miRNAs that predict end-stage kidney disease in diabetes.

Our previous study identified 8 risk and 9 protective plasma miRNAs associated with progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in diabetes. This study aimed to elucidate preanalytical factors that influence the quantification of circulating miRNAs. Using the EdgeSeq platform, which quantifies 2,002 miRNAs in plasma, including ESKD-associated miRNAs, we compared miRNA profiles in whole plasma versus miRNA profiles in RNA extracted from the same plasma specimens.

Uptake rate of carrier screening among consanguineous couples.

Objective: To quantify the uptake rates of Carrier Screening (CS) in consanguineous couples and compare this rate to that of non-consanguineous couples.

Methods: We performed a matched case control study of 82 consanguineous couples seen at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical school who were offered carrier screening between January 1, 2012 and October 10, 2022. We then matched each consanguineous female patient to a non-consanguineous female control patient who was also offered CS at the time of their genetic counseling appointment.

Endogenous Production and Vibrational Analysis of Heavy-Isotope-Labeled Peptides from Cyanobacteria.

Stable isotope labeling is an extremely useful tool for characterizing the structure, tracing the metabolism, and imaging the distribution of natural products in living organisms using mass-sensitive measurement techniques. In this study, a cyanobacterium was cultured in N/ C-enriched media to endogenously produce labeled, bioactive oligopeptides. The extent of heavy isotope incorporation in these peptides was determined with LC-MS, while the overall extent of heavy isotope incorporation in whole cells was studied with nanoSIMS and AFM-IR.