The classical sacrococcygeal chordoma tumor presents with a typical morphology of lobulated myxoid tumor tissue with cords, strands and nests of tumor cells consisting of small non-vacuolated cells, intermediate cells with a wide range of vacuolization and large heavily vacuolated (physaliferous) cells. Because of its rare incidence, lack of suited model systems and technical limitations analysis was only performed on bulk tumor mass neglecting its heterogeneous composition. We aimed at elucidating the differences between small non-vacuolated and large physaliferous cells on the genomic and transcriptomic level. Secondly, we intended to clarify whether the observed cell types are derived from genetically distinct clones or rather represent different phenotypes. Using the chordoma cell line MUG-Chor1 we monitored morphological changes via time lapse experiments. We isolated pure fractions of each phenotype by means of laser microdissection or micromanipulation allowing phenotype-specific analysis. Pools of 100 cells each were genetically profiled after whole genome amplification by array comparative genomic hybridization. For expression analysis 20 cells each were subjected to whole transcriptom amplification, forwarded to RNA microarray analysis and qRT-PCR. Time lapse analysis unveiled small non-vacuolated cells to develop into large physaliferous cells via intermediate cells containing an increasing amount of vacuoles. Furthermore, we showed small and large physaliferous cells to proliferate at the same rate but intermediate cells to be the most proliferating cell phenotype. Small non-vacuolated and large physaliferous cells showed identical copy number variations. Despite their obvious morphological disparities we detected only modest changes in over all gene expression. However, verification of candidate genes yielded significant up-regulation of ALG11 (700-fold), PPP2CB (18.6-fold), and UCHL3 (18.7-fold) in large physaliferous cells.
Resolving tumor heterogeneity: genes involved in chordoma cell development identified by low-template analysis of morphologically distinct cells.
Cell line
View SamplesAD drug discovery has rarely been addressed in the context of aging even though sporadic AD accounts for 99% of the cases. Phenotypic screens based upon old age-associated brain toxicities were used to develop the potent AD drug candidate J147. Here, we hypothesized that J147 would be effective against both brain aging and AD-associated pathology in rapidly aging SAMP8 mice, a model for early sporadic AD. An inclusive and integrative multi-omics approach was used to investigate protein expression, RNA expression, metabolite levels as well as cognition in old and young SAMP8 mice. J147 not only reduced the cognitive deficits and associated metabolic changes observed in old SAMP8 mice, it restored the levels of multiple markers of AD, vascular pathology, synaptic function, and inflammation to those approaching the young phenotype. Our data show that a drug candidate selected upon the basis of preventing old age-related brain toxicities also reduces AD-associated pathology. Overall design: The aim of this project was to investigate whether the AD drug candidate J147 protects SAMP8 mice from aging and AD-associated pathology and to assay the associated metabolic changes. Three three-month old male SAMP8 mice were fed with vehicle diet and three three-month old male SAMP8 mice with J147 diet until they reached ten months old. Four three-month old male SAMP8 mice were used as young control group.
A comprehensive multiomics approach toward understanding the relationship between aging and dementia.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesHypoxia triggers aggressive cancer growth and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. Novel therapeutic strategies aim at targeting hypoxia activated signaling pathways. Tumor hypoxia not only affects neoplastic tumor cells but also the surrounding stroma cells. Therefore, a novel ex vivo model was established, which allows the study of hypoxia effects in fragments of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with preserved tumor microenvironment and 3D-structure. Microarray analysis identified 107 significantly regulated genes with at least two-fold expression change in hypoxic compared to normoxic fragments. However, only four genes were significantly regulated in both subtypes, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The hypoxic regulation of these four genes was verified in an independent set using quantitative PCR.
Hypoxia increases membrane metallo-endopeptidase expression in a novel lung cancer ex vivo model - role of tumor stroma cells.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesWe have investigated the regulation of anchorage-independent growth (AIG) by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in JB6 mouse epidermal cells in the context of wound repair versus carcinogenesis responses. bFGF induces an unusually efficient but reversible AIG response, relative to TPA-induced AIG which is irreversible. Distinct global gene expression profiles are associated with anchorage-independent colonies arising from bFGF-stimulated JB6 cells, relative to colonies arising from fully tumorigenic JB6 cells (RT101), including genes exhibiting reciprocal regulation patterns. Thus, while TPA exposure results in commitment to an irreversible and tumorigenic AIG phenotype, the AIG response to bFGF is reversible with essentially complete restoration of normal cell cycle check point control following removal of bFGF from growth medium. These results are consistent with the physiological role of bFGF in promoting wound healing, and suggest that natural mechanisms exist to reverse transformative cellular phenotypes associated with carcinogenesis.
Cellular dichotomy between anchorage-independent growth responses to bFGF and TPA reflects molecular switch in commitment to carcinogenesis.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesUsing a macrophage cell line, we demonstrate the ability of amorphous silica particles to stimulate inflammatory protein secretion and induce cytotoxicity. Whole genome microarray analysis of early gene expression changes induced by 10nm and 500nm particles showed that the magnitude of change for the majority of genes correlated more tightly with particle surface area than either particle mass or number. Gene expression changes that were size-specific were also identified, however the overall biological processes represented by all gene expression changes were nearly identical, irrespective of particle diameter. Our results suggest that on an equivalent nominal surface area basis, common biological modes of action are expected for nano- and supranano-sized silica particles.
Macrophage responses to silica nanoparticles are highly conserved across particle sizes.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesBisphenol-A is a widespread endocrine disruptor chemical. In utero or perinatal exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), leads to impaired glucose metabolism during adulthood. To investigate the consequences of the exposure to bisphenol-A during development in pancreatic beta-cell growth
Maternal Exposure to Bisphenol-A During Pregnancy Increases Pancreatic β-Cell Growth During Early Life in Male Mice Offspring.
Sex, Specimen part
View SamplesPhenotypic changes induced by extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in the recovery of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). miRNAs are potential candidates for cell reprogramming towards a pro-regenerative phenotype. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether miRNA de-regulation inhibits the regenerative potential of MSCs and derived-EVs in a model of glycerol-induced AKI in SCID mice. For this purpose, we generated MSCs depleted of Drosha, a critical enzyme of miRNA maturation, to alter miRNA expression within MSCs and EVs. Drosha knock-down MSCs (MSC-Dsh) maintained the phenotype and differentiation capacity. They produced EVs that did not differ from those of wild type cells in quantity, surface molecule expression and internalization within renal tubular epithelial cells. However, EVs derived from MSC-Dsh (EV-Dsh) showed global down-regulation of miRNAs. Whereas, wild type MSCs and derived EVs were able to induce morphological and functional recovery in AKI, MSC-Dsh and EV-Dsh were ineffective. RNA sequencing analysis showed that genes deregulated in the kidney of AKI mice were restored by treatment with MSCs and EVs but not by MSC-Dsh and EV-Dsh. Gene Ontology analysis showed that down-regulated genes in AKI were associated with fatty acid metabolism. The up-regulated genes in AKI were involved in inflammation, ECM-receptor interaction and cell adhesion molecules. These alterations were reverted by treatment with wild type MSCs and EVs, but not by the Drosha counterparts. In conclusion, miRNA depletion in MSCs and EVs significantly reduced their intrinsic regenerative potential in AKI, suggesting a critical role of miRNAs. Overall design: RNA-seq
AKI Recovery Induced by Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Carrying MicroRNAs.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesBrown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and the browning of white adipose tissue are important components of energy expenditure. An RNAseq-based analysis of the mouse BAT transcriptome led us to identify GPR120 as a gene induced by thermogenic activation. GPR120, a G protein-coupled receptor binding unsaturated long-chain fatty acids, is known to mediate some beneficial metabolic actions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. We show that pharmacological activation of GPR120 induces BAT activity and promotes the browning of white fat in mice, whereas GRP120-null mice show impaired browning in response to cold. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce brown and beige adipocyte differentiation and thermogenic activation, and these effects require GPR120. GPR120 activation induces the release of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) by brown and beige adipocytes and increases blood FGF21 levels. The effects of GPR120 activation are impaired in FGF21-null mice and cells. Thus, the lipid sensor GPR120 constitutes a novel pathway of brown fat activation and involves FGF21. Overall design: eight adult male C57BL6 mice were maintained at thermoneutral temperature (29C). After two weeks, a subset of four mice was placed at 4C environment temperature for 24h. RNAseq was performed on the BAT tissues of these 2 groups.
The kallikrein-kinin pathway as a mechanism for auto-control of brown adipose tissue activity.
Sex, Specimen part, Subject
View SamplesStrategies to enhance islet b-cell survival and regeneration while refraining inflammation through manipulation of molecular targets would provide means to stably replenish the deteriorating functional b-cell mass detected in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM and T2DM). Herein we report that over expression of the islet enriched transcription factor Pax4 refrains development of hyperglycemia in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model of T1DM through reduced insulitis, decreased b-cell apoptosis correlating with diminished DNA damage and increased proliferation. Transcriptomics revealed up regulation of genes involved in immunomodulation, cell cycle and ER homeostasis in islets over expressing Pax4 as compared to the T2DM-linked mutant variant Pax4R129W. Pax4 but not Pax4R129W protected islets from thapsigargin-mediated ER-stress apoptosis. Collectively, Pax4 is a critical signaling hub coordinating regulation of distinct molecular pathways resulting in improved b-cell fitness whereas Pax4R129W sensitizes to death under stress. More importantly we highlight potential common pharmacological targets for the treatment of DM.
PAX4 preserves endoplasmic reticulum integrity preventing beta cell degeneration in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Age, Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Transcriptome-based network analysis reveals a spectrum model of human macrophage activation.
Specimen part, Subject, Time
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