The availability of antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 represents a major step for the mass surveillance of the incidence of infection, especially regarding COVID-19 asymptomatic and/or early-stage patients. Recently, we reported the development of a Bioelectric Recognition Assay-based biosensor able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein expressed on the surface of the virus in just three minutes, with high sensitivity and selectivity. The working principle was established by measuring the change of the electric potential of membrane-engineered mammalian cells bearing the human chimeric spike S1 antibody after attachment of the respective viral protein. In the present study, we applied the novel biosensor to patient-derived nasopharyngeal samples in a clinical set-up, with absolutely no sample pretreatment. More importantly, membrane-engineered cells were pre-immobilized in a proprietary biomatrix, thus enabling their long-term preservation prior to use as well as significantly increasing their ease-of-handle as test consumables. The plug-and-apply novel biosensor was able to detect the virus in positive samples with a 92.8% success rate compared to RT-PCR. No false negative results were recorded. These findings demonstrate the potential applicability of the biosensor for the early, routine mass screening of SARS-CoV-2 on a scale not yet realized.

Emissions from modern gasoline engines represent an environmental and health risk. In this study, we aimed to compare the toxicity of organic compound mixtures extracted from particulate matter (PM extracts) produced by neat gasoline (E0) and a blend containing 15% ethanol (E15), which is offered as an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels. Human lung BEAS-2B cells were exposed to PM extracts, and biomarkers of genotoxicity, such as DNA damage evaluated by comet assay, micronuclei formation, levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX, the expression of genes relevant to the DNA damage response, and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were determined. Results showed that both PM extracts significantly increased the level of oxidized DNA lesions. The E0 extract exhibited a more pronounced effect, possibly due to the higher content of nitrated PAHs. Other endpoints were not substantially affected by any of the PM extracts. Gene expression analysis revealed mild but coordinated induction of genes related to DNA damage response, and a strong induction of PAH-inducible genes, indicating activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Our data suggest that the addition of ethanol into the gasoline diminished the oxidative DNA damage, but no effect on other genotoxicity biomarkers was observed. Activated AhR may play an important role in the toxicity of gasoline PM emissions.

Bottom‐up proteomics relies on efficient and repeatable sample preparation for accurate protein identification and precise quantification. This study evaluates the performance of adapted SPEED (Sample Preparation by Easy Extraction and Digestion) protocol, a simplified, detergent‐free approach tailored for various biological matrices, including lysis‐resistant samples. Protein extraction and denaturation steps were refined for 8 biological matrices enabling standardized, cheap, and scalable proteomics analysis on 96‐well plates. For tissue samples requiring downstream applications like Western blotting, we used a low‐detergent RIPA buffer. Notably, the protocols demonstrate remarkable down‐scalability, enabling robust proteomics measurements from as few as 3000 cells per sample for preparation and even down to 300 cells per LC‐MS/MS analysis. Key advancements include a 30‐min nanoLC‐MS/MS run, achieving a 15–20 samples‐per‐day throughput, and leveraging the power of diaPASEF using thoroughly optimized DIA‐windows to enhance proteome coverage. These adaptations streamline workflows, enabling proteomics analyses in matrices with challenging physical and biochemical properties. This study underscores the importance of early‐stage optimization and feasibility testing in proteomics pipelines to inform study design and sample selection. By showcasing robust, scalable adaptations of the SPEED protocol, we provide a foundation for reproducible, high‐throughput proteomic studies across diverse biological contexts.

Collagen type I (COL(I)) is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is involved in cell signaling and migration through cell receptors. Collagen degradation produces bioactive peptides (matrikines), which influence cellular processes. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of nine most abundant, naturally occurring urinary COL(I)-derived peptides on human endothelial cells at physiological concentrations, using cell migration assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, flow cytometry, and AlphaFold 3. While none of the peptides significantly altered endothelial migration by themselves at physiological concentrations, full-length COL(I) increased cell migration, which was inhibited by Peptide 1 (²²⁹NGDDGEAGKPGRPGERGPpGp²⁴⁹). This peptide uniquely contains the DGEA and GRPGER motifs, interacting with integrin α2β1. Flow cytometry confirmed the presence of integrin α2β1 on human endothelial cells, and AlphaFold 3 modeling predicted an interaction between Peptide 1 and integrin α2. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics investigating signaling pathways revealed that COL(I) triggered phosphorylation events linked to integrin α2β1 activation and cell migration, which were absent in COL(I) plus peptide 1-treated cells. These findings identify Peptide 1 as a biologically active COL(I)-derived peptide at a physiological concentration capable of modulating collagen-induced cell migration, and provide a foundation for further investigation into its mechanisms of action and role in urine excretion.

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable; gaps in our understanding of MM molecular pathogenesis and drugs’ resistance mechanisms are involved in the failure of therapies. This study aims to identify proteins significantly impacting MM patients’ response to commonly used therapeutic regimens. Bone marrow CD138+ selected plasma cells were isolated from patients who had achieved Response (Responders, R) and those who were Non‐Responders (NR) to their primary MM therapy. We used LC‐MS/MS to investigate the proteomic profile of MM samples, followed by bioinformatics analysis. We identified 1190 proteins, of which 230 showed a statistically significant difference between R and NR, with 27 proteins being upregulated and 203 downregulated in R compared to NR. Pathway enrichment analysis identified pathways related to the immune response and protein synthesis regulation, closely associated with MM progression and response to therapy. The results were validated through individual RNA dataset analysis, corroborating the differential expression of several proteins, including proteins associated with MM (e.g., MIF, ILF3) as well as novel findings (e.g., DCPS and SET). Collectively, proteomics data obtained from R and NR to MM therapy displayed significant changes in the immune system and protein synthesis regulation, supporting their potential role in progression and therapeutic response of MM.

Collagen type I (COL(I)) is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is involved in cell signalling and migration through cell receptors. Collagen degradation produces bioactive peptides (matrikines), which influence cellular processes. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of nine most abundant, naturally occurring urinary COL(I)-derived peptides on human endothelial cells at physiological concentrations, using cell migration assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, flow cytometry, and AlphaFold3. While none of the peptides significantly altered endothelial migration by themselves at physiological concentrations, full-length COL(I) increased cell migration, which was inhibited by Peptide 1 ( ²²⁹ NGDDGEAGKPGRPGERGPpGp ²⁴⁹ ). This peptide uniquely contains the DGEA and GRPGER motifs, interacting with integrin α2β1. Flow cytometry confirmed the presence of integrin α2β1 on human endothelial cells, and AlphaFold3 modelling predicted an interaction between Peptide 1 and integrin α2. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics investigating signalling pathways revealed that COL(I) triggered phosphorylation events linked to integrin α2β1 activation and cell migration, which were absent in COL(I) plus peptide 1-treated cells. These findings identify Peptide 1 as a biologically active COL(I)-derived peptide at a physiological concentration capable of modulating collagen-induced cell migration, and provide a foundation for further investigation into its mechanisms of action and role in urine excretion.