This SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Cyclical expression of the Notch/Wnt regulator Nrarp requires modulation by Dll3 in somitogenesis.
Age, Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Identification of oscillatory genes in somitogenesis from functional genomic analysis of a human mesenchymal stem cell model.
Specimen part
View SamplesDuring somitogenesis, oscillatory expression of genes in the notch and wnt signaling pathways plays a key role in regulating segmentation. These oscillations in expression levels are elements of a species-specific developmental mechanism. To date, the periodicity and components of the human clock remain unstudied. Here we show that a human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) model can be induced to display oscillatory gene expression. We observed that the known cycling gene HES1 oscillated with a 5 hour period, consistent with available data on the rate of somitogenesis in humans. We also observed cycling of Hes1 expression in mouse C2C12 myoblasts with a period of 2 hours, consistent with previous in vitro and embryonic studies. Furthermore, we used microarray and quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) analysis to identify additional genes that display oscillatory expression both in vitro and in mouse embryos. We confirmed oscillatory expression of the notch pathway gene Maml3 and the wnt pathway gene Nkd2 by whole mount in situ hybridization analysis and Q-PCR. Expression patterns of these genes were disrupted in Wnt3atm1Amc mutants but not in Dll3pu mutants. Our results demonstrate that human and mouse in vitro models can recapitulate oscillatory expression observed in embryo and that a number of genes in multiple developmental pathways display dynamic expression in vitro.
Identification of oscillatory genes in somitogenesis from functional genomic analysis of a human mesenchymal stem cell model.
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View SamplesPhenotypic heterogeneity has been observed among mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) populations, but specific genes associated with this variability have not been defined. To study this question, we analyzed two distinct MSC populations isolated from the same umbilical cord blood (UCB) sample. These populations (UCB1 and UCB2) are from a single donor, minimizing differences contributed by genetic background. We characterized these UCB-MSCs for cell morphology, growth kinetics, immunophenotype and differentiation potential. UCB1 displayed rapid growth kinetics, higher population doublings, and increased adipogenic lineage differentiation compared to UCB2. To identify the MSC-specific and developmental genes associated with these phenotypic differences, we performed expression analysis using Affymetrix HG-U133 microarrays and compared them to bone marrow (BM) MSCs. First, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stromal derived factor 1 (SDF1/CXCL12) were up -regulated in UCB1 cells, potentially contributing to the higher growth kinetics observed in this circulating cell population. Second, we observed that peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPARG), a marker for adipogenic differentiation, was significantly increased in undifferentiated UCB1 cells. Moreover, significant expression of gene markers of blastocyst and gatrulation embryonic stages were detected in UCB1 and UCB2 cells, as were selected markers of early hematopoiesis, chondrogenesis, and cardiac differentiation. Comparison of UCB1, UCB2, and BM by microarray analysis clearly demonstrated clusters of developmental genes that displayed significant differences among these cells. Quantitative PCR analysis of selected genes validated the microarray results. Comparison of different UCB-derived adherent cells from a single donor has identified gene profiles potentially useful for therapeutic evaluation of MSC populations.
Identification of cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell populations with distinct growth kinetics, differentiation potentials, and gene expression profiles.
Specimen part
View SamplesDuring somitogenesis, oscillatory expression of genes in the notch and wnt signaling pathways plays a key role in regulating segmentation. These oscillations in expression levels are elements of a species-specific developmental mechanism. To date, the periodicity and components of the human clock remain unstudied. Here we show that a human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) model can be induced to display oscillatory gene expression. We observed that the known cycling gene HES1 oscillated with a 5 hour period, consistent with available data on the rate of somitogenesis in humans. We also observed cycling of Hes1 expression in mouse C2C12 myoblasts with a period of 2 hours, consistent with previous in vitro and embryonic studies. Furthermore, we used microarray and quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) analysis to identify additional genes that display oscillatory expression both in vitro and in mouse embryos. We confirmed oscillatory expression of the notch pathway gene Maml3 and the wnt pathway gene Nkd2 by whole mount in situ hybridization analysis and Q-PCR. Expression patterns of these genes were disrupted in Wnt3atm1Amc mutants but not in Dll3pu mutants. Our results demonstrate that human and mouse in vitro models can recapitulate oscillatory expression observed in embryo and that a number of genes in multiple developmental pathways display dynamic expression in vitro.
Identification of oscillatory genes in somitogenesis from functional genomic analysis of a human mesenchymal stem cell model.
Specimen part
View SamplesMutations in the Notch1 receptor and delta-like 3 (Dll3) ligand cause global disruptions in axial segmental patterning. Genetic interactions between members of the notch pathway have previously been shown to cause patterning defects not observed in single gene disruptions. We examined Dll3-Notch1 compound mouse mutants to screen for potential gene interactions. While mice heterozygous at either locus appeared normal, 30% of Dll3-Notch1 double heterozygous animals exhibited localized, stochastic segmental anomalies similar to human congenital vertebral defects. Unexpectedly, double heterozygous mice also displayed statistically significant decreases in mandibular height and elongated maxillary hard palate. Examination of somite-stage embryos and perinatal anatomy and histology did not reveal any organ defects, so we used microarray-based analysis of Dll3 and Notch1 mutant embryos to identify gene targets that may be involved in notch-regulated segmental or craniofacial development. Therefore, Dll3-Notch1 double heterozygous mice model human congenital scoliosis and craniofacial disorders.
Dll3 and Notch1 genetic interactions model axial segmental and craniofacial malformations of human birth defects.
Specimen part
View SamplesExpression of genes related to fibrosis was assessed in the liver of AIM+/+ and AM-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for various period. Overall, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of expression of fibrosis-related genes during the steatosis progression.
Circulating AIM prevents hepatocellular carcinoma through complement activation.
Specimen part
View SamplesIdentification of the difference in responsiveness to interleukin-1alpha between M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes.
Perivascular leukocyte clusters are essential for efficient activation of effector T cells in the skin.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
The atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK3 is essential for establishment of epithelial architecture.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesEstablishment and maintenance of epithelial architecture are essential for embryonic development and adult physiology. Here, we show that ERK3, a poorly characterized atypical MAPK, regulates epithelial architecture in vertebrates. In Xenopus embryonic epidermal epithelia, ERK3 knockdown impairs adherens and tight junction protein distribution, as well as tight junction barrier function, resulting in epidermal breakdown. Moreover, in human breast epithelial cancer cells, inhibition of ERK3 expression induces thickened epithelia with aberrant adherens and tight junctions. Microarray results suggest an involvement of TFAP2A, a transcription factor important for epithelial gene expression, in ERK3-dependent gene expression changes. TFAP2A knockdown phenocopies ERK3 knockdown in both Xenopus embryos and human cells, and ERK3 is required for full activation of TFAP2A-dependent transcription. Our findings thus reveal that ERK3 regulates epithelial architecture, possibly in cooperation with TFAP2A.
The atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK3 is essential for establishment of epithelial architecture.
Specimen part, Treatment
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