Naive pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonic germ cells (EGCs) are derived from the preimplantation epiblast and primordial germ cells (PGCs), respectively. We investigated whether differences exist between ESCs and EGCs, in view of their distinct developmental origins. PGCs are programmed to undergo global DNA demethylation; however, we find that EGCs and ESCs exhibit equivalent global DNA methylation levels. Importantly, inhibition of Erk and Gsk3b by 2i conditions leads to pronounced reduction in DNA methylation in both cell types. This is driven by Prdm14 and is associated with downregulation of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. However, genomic imprints are maintained in 2i, and we report derivation of EGCs with intact genomic imprints. Collectively, our findings establish that culture in 2i instills a naive pluripotent state with a distinctive epigenetic configuration that parallels molecular features observed in both the preimplantation epiblast and nascent PGCs.
Naive pluripotency is associated with global DNA hypomethylation.
Sex, Specimen part
View SamplesA long form (tRNase ZL) of tRNA 3' processing endoribonuclease (tRNase Z, or 3' tRNase) can cleave any target RNA at any desired site under the direction of artificial small guide RNA (sgRNA). We discovered in human kidney 293 cell extracts various new small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including 5'-half-tRNAs and 28S rRNA fragments, co-immunoprecipitated with tRNase ZL, and demonstrated that two of these ncRNAs work as sgRNAs for tRNase ZL in vivo as well as in vitro. In order to find genuine mRNA targets of tRNase ZL guided by ncRNAs, we performed DNA microarray analysis for mRNAs from the 293 cells transfected with the tRNase ZL expression plasmid, and found that PPM1F and DYNC1H1 mRNAs are its genuine targets.
Modulation of gene expression by human cytosolic tRNase Z(L) through 5'-half-tRNA.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesThis experiment was designed to look for in vitro IL-3 gene signature in donor blood at two different time points (6 and 24 hours). RNA from lysed whole blood cells was used for the sequencing. Overall design: Lysed whole blood from seven healthy donors was stimulated with recombinant human IL-3 for 6 hours, or 24 hours, prior to RNA extraction for next-generation sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Unstimulated samples were included as controls.
A potential association between IL-3 and type I and III interferons in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Sex, Age, Specimen part, Disease, Treatment, Subject, Time
View SamplesProstate organogenesis involves epithelial growth in response to inductive signalling from specialised subsets of mesenchyme. To identify regulators and morphogens active in mesenchyme, we performed transcriptomic analysis using Tag-seq, RNA-seq, and single cell RNA-seq and defined new mesenchymal subsets and markers. We documented transcript expression using Tag-seq and RNA-seq in female rat Ventral Mesenchymal Pad (VMP) as well as adjacent urethra comprised of smooth muscle and peri-urethral mesenchyme. Transcripts enriched in VMP were identified in Tag-seq data from microdissected tissue, and RNA-seq data derived from cell populations and single cells. We identified 400 transcripts as enriched or specific to the VMP using bio-informatic comparisons of Tag-seq and RNA-seq data. Comparison with single cell RNA-seq identified transcripts yielded 45 transcriptscommon to both approaches. Cell subset analysis showed that VMP and adjacent mesenchyme were composed of distinct cell types and that each tissue was comprised of two subgroups. Markers for these subgroups were highly subset specific. Thirteen transcripts were validated by qPCR to confirm cell specific expression in microdissected tissues, as well as expression in neonatal prostate. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that Ebf3 and Meis2 showed a restricted expression pattern in VMP condensed mesenchyme. Taken together, we demonstrate that the VMP shows limited cellular heterogeneity and that our high-resolution transcriptomic analysis identified new mesenchymal subset markers associated with prostate organogenesis. Overall design: Tag-sequencing, RNA-sequencing and single-cell RNA-sequencing on 2 female inductive mesenchymal tissues of the developing prostate/urogenital tract.
Identification of genes expressed in a mesenchymal subset regulating prostate organogenesis using tissue and single cell transcriptomics.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesCigarette smoking is the leading cause of emphysema in the United States. Alveolar macrophages play a critical role in the inflammation-mediated remodeling of the lung parenchyma in emphysema. However, the exact gene pathways and the role of DNA methylation in moderating this pathological transformation are not known. In order to more exactly understand this process, we compared genome-wide expression and methylation signatures of alveolar macrophages isolated from heavy smokers with those isolated from non-smoking controls. We found enrichment of differential methylation in genes from immune system and inflammatory pathways as determined by standard pathway analysis. Consistent with recent findings, significant methylation changes were particularly enriched in the areas flanking CpG islands (CpG shores). Analysis of matching gene expression data demonstrated a parallel enrichment for changes in immune system and inflammatory pathways. We conclude that alveolar macrophages from the lungs of smokers demonstrate coordinated changes in DNA methylation and gene expression that link to inflammation pathways. We suggest that further studies of DNA methylation in immune and inflammation-related gene expression are needed to understand the pathogenesis of emphysema and other smoking-related diseases.
Coordinated DNA methylation and gene expression changes in smoker alveolar macrophages: specific effects on VEGF receptor 1 expression.
Specimen part, Disease
View SamplesThe purpose of this experiment was to assess the genes upregulated when pDCs were stimulated with TLR7 agonist imiquimod and TLR9 agonist CpG C. Overall design: pDCs were isolated from six healthy donors by FACS sorting, and were stimulated with CpG and imiquimod for 18 hours, after which RNA was extracted for next generation sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Unstimulated samples were included as controls.
A cytotoxic anti-IL-3Rα antibody targets key cells and cytokines implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesThe goal of this study is to determine if pDCs reconstituted from T cell depleted allogeneic STAT1-/- bone marrow express genes that contribute to Graft versus host disease (GVHD) resistance as compared to STAT1+/+ bone marrow
Absence of STAT1 in donor-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells results in increased STAT3 and attenuates murine GVHD.
Specimen part
View SamplesStatus Epilepticus (SE) is an abnormally prolonged seizure that results from either a failure of mechanisms that terminate seizures or from initiating mechanisms that inherently lead to prolonged seizures.
Induction of Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase After Status Epilepticus Modifies Hippocampal Gene Expression in Male Mice.
Specimen part
View SamplesMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor with high mortality rates. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), identified in the majority of MCC, may drive tumorigenesis via viral T antigens. However, mechanisms underlying pathogenesis in MCPyV-negative MCC remain poorly understood. To nominate genes contributing to pathogenesis of MCPyV-negative MCC, we performed DNA microarray analysis on 30 MCCs. MCPyV status of MCCs was determined by PCR for viral DNA and RNA. 1593 probe-sets were differentially expressed between MCPyV-negative and -positive MCC, with significant differential expression defined as at least 2-fold change in either direction and p-value of 0.05. MCPyV-negative tumors showed decreased RB1 expression, whereas MCPyV-positive tumors were enriched for immune response genes. Validation studies included immunohistochemistry demonstration of decreased RB protein expression in MCPyV-negative tumors and increased peritumoral CD8+ T lymphocytes surrounding MCPyV-positive tumors. In conclusion, our data suggest that loss of RB1 expression may play an important role in tumorigenesis of MCPyV-negative MCC. Functional and clinical validation studies are needed to determine whether this tumor suppressor pathway represents an avenue for targeted therapy.
Distinct gene expression profiles of viral- and nonviral-associated merkel cell carcinoma revealed by transcriptome analysis.
Specimen part
View SamplesG-CSF is a hemopoietic growth factor that has a role in steady state granulopoiesis, as well as in mature neutrophil activation and function. We developed a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to the murine G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR), which antagonizes binding of murine G-CSF and inhibits G-CSFR signalling. Anti-G-CSFR rapidly halts the progression of established disease in collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAbIA). Neutrophil accumulation in joints is inhibited, without rendering animals neutropenic, suggesting an effect on homing to inflammatory sites. Neutrophils in the blood and arthritic joints of anti-G-CSFR treated mice show alterations in cell adhesion receptors, while anti-G-CSFR suppresses local production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines known to drive tissue damage. Our aim in this study was to use differential gene expression analysis of joint and blood neutrophils to more thoroughly understand the effect of G-CSFR blockade on the inflammatory response following anti-G-CSFR therapy in CAbIA.
Therapeutic Targeting of the G-CSF Receptor Reduces Neutrophil Trafficking and Joint Inflammation in Antibody-Mediated Inflammatory Arthritis.
Sex, Specimen part, Disease, Disease stage, Treatment
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