We assessed the effect of RNAi-mediated MAP kinase cascade signaling blockade in primary human keratinocytes. Two sets of siRNA targeting different regions of the Erk1/2 genes were used, enabling identification of off-target siRNA effects.
Erk1/2 MAP kinases are required for epidermal G2/M progression.
Specimen part
View SamplesAbstract: Objective: Adenomyosis is a clinical disorder defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. We postulate that dysregulation of genes and pathways in eutopic endometrium may predispose to ectopic implantation. No study, to our knowledge, has examined the global transcriptome of isolated eutopic endometrium from women with clinically significant adenomyosis. Design: Laboratory-based study with full IRB approval and consents. Material and Methods: Endometrial sampling was performed on hysterectomy specimens (proliferative phase) from symptomatic women with pathologically-confirmed diffuse adenomyosis (n=3). Controls (n=5) were normo-ovulatory subjects without adenomyosis. All subjects were free from leiomyoma, endometriosis, and hormonal exposures. Isolated purified total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis using the Gene 1.0 ST Affymetrix platform. Data were analyzed with GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Validation of several genes was undertaken by QRT-PCR. Results: Comparison of transcriptomes of proliferative endometrium from women with and without adenomyosis revealed 140 up-regulated and 884 down-regulated genes in samples from women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Highly differentially expressed genes include those involved in regulation of apoptopsis, steroid hormone responsiveness, and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, as well as microRNAs of unknown significance. Affected canonical pathways included eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, estrogen receptor signaling, and mTOR signaling. Conclusions: The eutopic endometrium in patients with adenomyosis has fundamental abnormalities that may predispose to invasion and survival beyond the myometrial interface. Key Words: adenomyosis, endometrium, microarray, microRNA, endometriosis, apoptosis, signaling. Abstract: Objective: Adenomyosis is a clinical disorder defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. We postulate that dysregulation of genes and pathways in eutopic endometrium may predispose to ectopic implantation. No study, to our knowledge, has examined the global transcriptome of isolated eutopic endometrium from women with clinically significant adenomyosis. Design: Laboratory-based study with full IRB approval and consents. Material and Methods: Endometrial sampling was performed on hysterectomy specimens (proliferative phase) from symptomatic women with pathologically-confirmed diffuse adenomyosis (n=3). Controls (n=5) were normo-ovulatory subjects without adenomyosis. All subjects were free from leiomyoma, endometriosis, and hormonal exposures. Isolated purified total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis using the Gene 1.0 ST Affymetrix platform. Data were analyzed with GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Validation of several genes was undertaken by QRT-PCR. Results: Comparison of transcriptomes of proliferative endometrium from women with and without adenomyosis revealed 140 up-regulated and 884 down-regulated genes in samples from women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Highly differentially expressed genes include those involved in regulation of apoptopsis, steroid hormone responsiveness, and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, as well as microRNAs of unknown significance. Affected canonical pathways included eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, estrogen receptor signaling, and mTOR signaling. Conclusions: The eutopic endometrium in patients with adenomyosis has fundamental abnormalities that may predispose to invasion and survival beyond the myometrial interface. Key Words: adenomyosis, endometrium, microarray, microRNA, endometriosis, apoptosis, signaling.
Global Transcriptome Abnormalities of the Eutopic Endometrium From Women With Adenomyosis.
Age, Specimen part, Disease
View SamplesEpidemiological studies indicate that progestin-containing contraceptives may increase susceptibility to HIV and other infections; however, underlying mechanisms involving the upper female reproductive tract are undefined. To determine the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on gene expression and physiology of the human endometrial and cervical transformation zone (TZ), microarray analyses were performed on whole tissue biopsies. In endometrium, activated pathways included leukocyte chemotaxis, attachment, and inflammation in DMPA (z>2.5) and LNG-IUS (z>3.5) users, and regulation of pattern recognition receptors and other immune mediators. In cervical TZ, progestin treatment altered expression of tissue remodeling and viability genes, but not those of immune functions. Together, these results indicate that progestins influence expression of immune-related genes in endometrium that would be expected to result in the local recruitment of HIV target cells, and thus may increase HIV susceptibility. It is important to consider the upper reproductive tract in the assessment of effects of contraceptives that may influence susceptibility to pathogens, such as HIV.
Progestin-Containing Contraceptives Alter Expression of Host Defense-Related Genes of the Endometrium and Cervix.
Specimen part
View SamplesContext: Endometrium in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents altered gene expression indicating progesterone resistance and predisposing to reduced endometrial receptivity and endometrial cancer. Objective: We hypothesized that an altered endocrine/metabolic environment in PCOS may result in an endometrial disease phenotype affecting the gene expression of different endometrial cell populations, including stem cells and their differentiated progeny. Design and setting: A prospective study conducted at an academic medical center. Patients and Main Outcome Measures: Proliferative phase endometrium was obtained from 6 overweight/obese PCOS (NIH criteria) and 6 overweight/obese controls. Microarray analysis was performed on fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-isolated endometrial epithelial cells (eEP), endothelial cells (eEN), stromal fibroblasts (eSF) and mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC). Gene expression data were validated using microfluidic Q-RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The comparison between eEPPCOS and eEPCtrl showed dysregulation of inflammatory genes and genes with oncogenic potential (CCL2, IL-6, ORM1, TNAIFP6, SFRP4, SPARC). eSFPCOS and eSFCtrl showed upregulation of inflammatory genes (C4A/B, CCL2, ICAM1, TNFAIP3). Similarly, in eMSCPCOS vs. eMSCCtrl the most upregulated genes were related to inflammation and cancer (IL-8, ICAM1, SPRR3, LCN2). IHC scoring showed increased expression of CCL2 in eEPPCOS and eSFPCOS compared to eEPCtrl and eSFCtrl and IL-6 in eEPPCOS compared to eEPCtrl. Conclusions: Isolated endometrial cell populations in women with PCOS showed altered gene expression revealing inflammation and pro-oncogenic changes, independent of BMI, especially in eEPPCOS and eMSCPCOS, compared to controls. The study reveals an endometrial disease phenotype in women with PCOS with potential negative effects on endometrial function and long-term health.
Mesenchymal stem/progenitors and other endometrial cell types from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) display inflammatory and oncogenic potential.
Sex, Specimen part
View SamplesThe development of CRISPR-Cas systems for targeting DNA and RNA in diverse organisms has transformed biotechnology and biological research. Moreover, the CRISPR revolution has highlighted bacterial adaptive immune systems as a rich and largely unexplored frontier for discovery of new genome engineering technologies. In particular, the class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems, which use single RNA-guided DNA-targeting nucleases such as Cas9, have been widely applied for targeting DNA sequences in eukaryotic genomes. Here, we report DNA-targeting and transcriptional control with class I CRISPR-Cas systems. Specifically, we repurpose the effector complex from type I variants of class 1 CRISPR-Cas systems, the most prevalent CRISPR loci in nature, that target DNA via a multi-component RNA-guided complex termed Cascade. We validate Cascade expression, complex formation, and nuclear localization in human cells and demonstrate programmable CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-mediated targeting of specific loci in the human genome. By tethering transactivation domains to Cascade, we modulate the expression of targeted chromosomal genes in both human cells and plants. This study expands the toolbox for engineering eukaryotic genomes and establishes Cascade as a novel CRISPR-based technology for targeted eukaryotic gene regulation. Overall design: Examination of transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression with Cascade-mediated activation of endogenous genes.
Targeted transcriptional modulation with type I CRISPR-Cas systems in human cells.
Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesHuman oviduct serves as a conduit for sperm in the peri-ovulatory phase and to nurture and facilitate transport of the developing embryo en route to the uterus for subsequent nidation during the luteal phase of the cycle. Interactions between the embryo and oviductal epithelial surface proteins and secreted products during the four day embryo transit are largely undefined. Herein, we have investigated gene expression in human oviduct in the early luteal vs. follicular phase to identify candidate genes and biomolecular processes that may participate in maturation and transport of the embryo as it traverses this tissue. Oviductal RNA was isolated, processed, and hybridized to oligonucleotide arrays. Resulting data were analyzed by bioinformatic approaches and revealed that 650 genes were significantly downregulated and 683 genes were significantly upregulated in the luteal vs. follicular phase. Real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry confirmed select gene expression and cellular protein localization. The data demonstrate downregulation of genes involved in macrophage recruitment, immunomodulation, and matrix-degeneration and upregulation of ion transport and secretions as well as anti-angiogenic and early pregnancy recognition genes in luteal vs. follicular phase oviduct. Together, these data suggest a unique hormonally regulated environment during embryo development, maturation and transport through human oviduct.
The human oviduct transcriptome reveals an anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, secretory and matrix-stable environment during embryo transit.
Specimen part
View SamplesExposure of eEC and eSF to SP in vitro increases expression of genes and secreted proteins associated with cellular migration, proliferation, viability and inhibition of cell death.
Seminal plasma induces global transcriptomic changes associated with cell migration, proliferation and viability in endometrial epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesA population of endometrial cells displaying key properties of mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC) has been identified in human endometrium. eMSC co-express CD146 and PDGFRB surface markers, have a perivascular location, and likely represent the reservoir of progenitors giving rise to the endometrial stromal fibroblast lineage. Endometrial stromal cells isolated from 16 oocyte donors and 3 benign gynecologic surgery subjects were FACS sorted into four populations: CD146+/PDGFRB+ (eMSC); CD146+/PDGFRB- (endothelial cells); CD146-/PDGFRB+ (stromal fibroblasts); CD146-/PDGFRB- (mixed population) then subjected to gene expression analysis on Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST arrays, and differentially expressed genes compared between eMSC, stromal fibroblast, and endothelial cell populations. Ninety-two genes were validated by multiplex quantitative RT-PCR on seventy of these sorted cell populations. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the perivascular location of eMSCs.Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering showed eMSC clustering discretely near stromal fibroblasts and separately from endothelial cells. eMSC expressed pericyte markers and genes involved hypoxia response, inflammation, proteolysis, and angiogenesis/vasculogenesis all relevant to endometrial tissue breakdown and regeneration. Additionally, eMSC displayed distinct gene profiles for cell-cell communication and regulation of gene expression. Overall, the phenotype of the eMSC is that of a multipotent pericyte responsive to hypoxic, proteolytic, and inflammatory stimuli, able to induce angiogenesis, migrate and differentiate into lineage cells, and potentially respond to estradiol and progesterone. Identifying the pathways and gene families described herein in the context of the endometrial niche, will be valuable in understanding normal and abnormal endometrial development in utero and differentiation in adult uterus.
Perivascular human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells express pathways relevant to self-renewal, lineage specification, and functional phenotype.
Age, Specimen part
View SamplesBovine papillomavirus (BPV) is the causative agent of papillomatosis in cattle. The disease causes cutaneous and mucosal lesions that can be minimized or lead to the appearance of malignant tumors. This study aims to identify possible molecular mechanisms that are behind the pathological processes associated with bovine papillomatosis through the identification of genes related to the development of the lesions. For this, next-generation RNA sequencing was used to assess differentially expressed genes in infected by BPV and non-infected bovines. Three animals with papillomatosis lesion and three without papillomatosis lesion were studied. The Galaxy platform was used to analyze the data generated by the sequencing. The Illumina output files were converted to FASTQ format. Quality evaluation was performed using FastQC and the sequence quality cut was performed using Trimmomatic. TopHat and Bowtie were used to map and align the reads with the reference genome. The abundance of the expressed genes was verified using Cuffilinks. Cuffdiff was used for differential expression analysis. Functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) databases. RNA-sequencing generated a total of 121,722,238 of reads. In the gene expression analysis, a total of 13,421 genes expressed were identified and of these 1343 were differentially expressed. The functional annotation of differentially significant genes showed that many genes presented functions or they were related to metabolic pathways associated with the progression of papillomatosis lesions and cancer development in cattle. Although more studies are needed, this is the first study that focused on a large-scale evaluation of gene expression associated with the BPV infection, which is important to identify possible mechanisms regulated by the host genes that are necessary the development of the lesion Overall design: Analysis of three BPV infected and three BPV non-infected samples
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of bovine papillomatosis.
Age, Specimen part, Treatment, Subject
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Integrative analysis reveals relationships of genetic and epigenetic alterations in osteosarcoma.
Sex, Age, Specimen part, Cell line
View Samples