The spatial and temporal control of Hox gene transcription is essential for patterning the vertebrate body axis. Although this process involves changes in histone posttranslational modifications, the existence of particular three-dimensional (3D) architectures remained to be assessed in vivo. Using high-resolution chromatin conformation capture methodology, we examined the spatial configuration of Hox clusters in embryonic mouse tissues where different Hox genes are active. When the cluster is transcriptionally inactive, Hox genes associate into a single 3D structure delimited from flanking regions. Once transcription starts, Hox clusters switch to a bimodal 3D organization where newly activated genes progressively cluster into a transcriptionally active compartment. This transition in spatial configurations coincides with the dynamics of chromatin marks, which label the progression of the gene clusters from a negative to a positive transcription status. This spatial compartmentalization may be key to process the collinear activation of these compact gene clusters.
The dynamic architecture of Hox gene clusters.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus is an emerging key contributor to genomic function. We have developed 4C technology, or 3C-on-chip, which allows for an unbiased genome-wide search for DNA loci that contact a given locus in the nuclear space. We demonstrate here that active and inactive genes are engaged in many long-range intrachromosomal interactions and can also form interchromosomal contacts. The active b-globin locus in fetal liver contacts mostly transcribed, but not necessarily tissue-specific, loci elsewhere on chromosome 7, while the inactive locus in fetal brain contacts different, transcriptionally silent, loci. A housekeeping gene in a gene dense region on chromosome 8 forms long-range contacts predominantly with other active gene clusters, both in cis and in trans, and many of these intra- and interchromosomal interactions are conserved between the tissues analyzed. Our data demonstrate that chromosomes fold into areas of active chromatin and areas of inactive chromatin and establish 4C technology as a powerful tool to study nuclear architecture.
Nuclear organization of active and inactive chromatin domains uncovered by chromosome conformation capture-on-chip (4C).
Specimen part
View SamplesXist is indispensable for X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female mammalian cells. However, how Xist RNA directs chromosome-wide transcriptional inactivation of the X chromosome is largely unknown. Here, to study chromosome inactivation by Xist, we generated a system where ectopic Xist expression can be induced from several genomic contexts in aneuploid mouse ES cells. We found that ectopic Xist expression from any location on the X chromosome faithfully recapitulated endogenous XCI, showing the potency of Xist to initiate XCI. Genes that escape XCI remain consistently transcriptionally active upon ectopic XCI, regardless of their position relative to Xist transgenes, and the enrichment of CTCF at their promoters is implicated in directing XCI escape. Xist expression from autosomes facilitates their transcriptional silencing to different degrees, and gene density in proximity of the Xist transcription locus plays a central role in determining the efficiency of gene inactivation. We also show that the enrichment of LINE elements together with a specific chromatin environment facilitates Xist-mediated silencing of both X-linked and autosomal genes. These findings provide new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms that mediate XCI and identify genomic features that promote Xist-mediated chromosome-wide gene inactivation Overall design: 60 RNA-seq from mouse embryonic stem cells and fully differentiated neurons in which ectopic Xist epression is either triggered (plus samples) or not (minus samples) upon doxycycline treatment.
Genetic and epigenetic features direct differential efficiency of Xist-mediated silencing at X-chromosomal and autosomal locations.
Sex, Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Allelic exclusion of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus is independent of its nuclear localization in mature B cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe IgH locus encodes for part of the antibody exposed by B cells and is important for the immune system. In B cells, one allele produces protein, the other must remain silenced. It was proposed that both alleles reside in different nuclear compartments and that this is important to maintain mono-allelic productivity. Here we challenge this concept. We provide detailed genome-wide contact maps, which show that IgH adopts different nuclear locations in immune versus other cells but also demonstrate that in B cells both alleles reside in the same environment. Nuclear positioning is therefore not important to maintain allelic exclusion.
Allelic exclusion of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus is independent of its nuclear localization in mature B cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesTo describe normal cardiac and brain development during late first and early second trimester in human fetuses using microarray and pathways analysis and the creation of a corresponding normal database. RNA from recovered tissues was used for transcriptome analysis with Affymetrix 1.0 ST microarray chip. From the amassed data we investigated differences in cardiac and brain development within the 10-18 GA period dividing the sample by GA in three groups: 10-12 (H1), 13-15(H2) and 16-18(H3) weeks. A fold change of 2 or above adjusted for a false discovery rate of 5% was used as initial cut-off to determine differential gene expression for individual genes. Test for enrichment to identify functional groups were carried out using the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Array analysis correctly identified the cardiac specific genes, and transcripts reported to be differentially expressed were confirmed by qRT-PCR.
Metabolic gene profile in early human fetal heart development.
Specimen part
View SamplesBackground: During early embryonic development, one of the two X chromosomes in mammalian female cells is inactivated to compensate for a potential imbalance in transcript levels with male cells containing a single X chromosome. We use mouse female Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) with nonrandom XCI and polymorphic X chromosomes to study the dynamics of gene silencing over the inactive X chromosome (Xi) by high-resolution allele-specific RNA-Seq. Results: Induction of XCI by differentiation of female ESCs shows that genes proximal to the X-inactivation center (XIC) are silenced earlier than distal genes, while lowly expressed genes show faster XCI dynamics than highly expressed genes. The active X chromosome shows a minor but significant increase in gene activity during differentiation, resulting in complete dosage compensation in differentiated cell types. Genes escaping XCI show little or no silencing during early propagation of XCI. Using allele-specific RNA-Seq of Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) generated from the female ESCs, we identify three regions distal to the XIC that stably escape XCI during differentiation of the female ESCs, as well as during propagation of the NPCs. These regions coincide with Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) as determined in the undifferentiated female ESCs. Also the previously characterized human gene clusters escaping XCI correlate with TADs. Conclusions: Together, the dynamics of gene silencing observed over the Xi during XCI provide further insight in the formation and maintenance of the repressive Xi complex. The association of regions of escape with TADs, in mouse and human, suggests a regulatory role for TADs during propagation of XCI. Overall design: 19 RNA-Seq profiles of mouse ESCs, EpiSCs and NPCs, mostly from distant crosses to allow allele specific mapping. 1 HiC profile of an undifferentiated mouse female ESC line containing a Tsix mutation. Mainly focusing on X inactivation.
Dynamics of gene silencing during X inactivation using allele-specific RNA-seq.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesIdentification of host responses at the gene transcription level provides a molecular profile of the events that occur following infection. Brucella abortus is a facultative intracellular pathogen of macrophages that induces chronic infection in humans and domestic animals. Using microarray technology, the response of macrophages 4 hours following B. abortus infection was analyzed to identify early intracellular infection events that occur in macrophages. Of the more than 6,000 genes, we identified over 140 genes that were reproducibly differentially transcribed. First, an increase in the transcription of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-, IL-1, IL-1, and members of the SCY family of proteins, was evident that may constitute a general host recruitment of antibacterial defenses. Alternatively, Brucella may subvert newly arriving macrophages for additional intracellular infection. Second, transcription of receptors and cytokines associated with antigen presentation, e.g., MHC class II and IL-12p40, were not evident at this 4 hour period of infection. Third, Brucella inhibited transcription of various host genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycling, and intracellular vesicular trafficking. Identification of macrophage genes whose transcription was inhibited suggests that Brucella utilizes specific mechanisms to target certain cell pathways. In conclusion, these data suggest that B. abortus can alter macrophage pathways to recruit additional macrophages for future infection while simultaneously inhibiting apoptosis and innate immune mechanisms within the macrophage permitting intracellular survival of the bacterium. These results provide insights into the pathogenic strategies used by Brucella to survive long-term within a hostile environment.
Microarray analysis of mRNA levels from RAW264.7 macrophages infected with Brucella abortus.
Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Brucella melitensis, B. neotomae and B. ovis elicit common and distinctive macrophage defense transcriptional responses.
Specimen part
View SamplesBrucella dynamically engage macrophages while trafficking to an intracellular replicative niche as macrophages, the first line of innate host defense, attempt to eliminate organisms. Brucella melitensis, B. neotomae, and B. ovis are highly homologous, yet exhibit a range of host pathogenicity and specificity. RAW 264.7 macrophages infected with B. melitensis, and B. ovis exhibit divergent patterns of bacterial persistence and clearance; conversely, B. melitensis and B. neotomae exhibit similar patterns of infection. Evaluating early macrophage interaction with Brucella spp. allows discovery of host entry and intracellular translocation mechanisms, rather than bacterial replication. Microarray analysis of macrophage transcript levels following a 4 hr Brucella spp. infection revealed 130 probe sets altered compared to uninfected macrophages; specifically, 72 probe sets were increased and 58 probe sets were decreased with any Brucella spp. Interestingly, much of the inflammatory response was not regulated by the number of Brucella gaining intracellular entry, as macrophage transcript levels were often equivalent among B. melitensis, B. ovis, and B. neotomae infections. An additional 33 probe sets were identified with altered macrophage transcript levels among Brucella spp. infections that may correlate with species specific host defenses and intracellular survival. Gene ontological categorization unveiled genes altered among species are involved in cell growth and maintenance, response to external stimuli, transcription regulation, transporter activity, endopeptidase inhibitor activity and G-protein mediated signaling. Host transcript profiles provide a foundation to understand variations in Brucella spp. infections, while structure of the macrophage response and intracellular niche of Brucella spp. will be revealed through piecewise consideration of host signaling pathways.
Brucella melitensis, B. neotomae and B. ovis elicit common and distinctive macrophage defense transcriptional responses.
Specimen part
View Samples