Glomerular podocytes are highly differentiated cells that are key components of the kidney filtration units. The podocyte cytoskeleton builds the basis for the dynamic podocyte cytoarchitecture and plays a central role for proper podocyte function. Recent studies implicate that immunosuppressive agents including the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus have a protective role directly on the stability of the podocyte cytoskeleton. To elucidate mechanisms underlying mTOR-inhibitor mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements, we carried out microarray gene expression studies to identify target genes and corresponding pathways in response to everolimus. We analyzed the effect of everolimus in a puromycin aminonucleoside experimental in vitro model of podocyte injury. Upon treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside, microarray analysis revealed gene clusters involving cytoskeletal-associated pathways, adhesion, migration and extracellular matrix composition to be affected. Everolimus is capable of protecting podocytes from injury, both on the transcriptome and protein level. Rescued genes included TUBB2B and DCDC2, both involved in microtubule structure formation in neuronal cells but not identified in podocytes so far. Confirming gene expression data, Western-blot analysis in cultured podocytes showed an increase of TUBB2B and DCDC2 protein after everolimus treatment, and immunohistochemistry in healthy control kidneys confirmed a podocyte-specific expression. Microtubule-inhibitor experiments led to a maldistribution of TUBB2B and DCDC2 as well as an aberrant reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Tubb2bbrdp/brdp mice showed a delay in glomerular podocyte and capillary development. Taken together, our study suggests that off-target, non-immune mediated effects of the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus on the podocyte cytoskeleton might involve regulation of microtubules, revealing a potential novel role of TUBB2B and DCDC2 in glomerular podocyte development
Everolimus Stabilizes Podocyte Microtubules via Enhancing TUBB2B and DCDC2 Expression.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesPost-traumatic stress disorder is a concerning psycho behavioral disorder thought to emerge from the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. For soldiers exposed to combat, the risk of developing this disorder is two-fold and diagnosis is often late, when much sequela has set in. To be able to identify and diagnose in advance those at “risk” of developing PTSD, would greatly taper the gap between late sequelae and treatment. Therefore, this study sought to test the hypothesis that the transcriptome can be used to track the development of PTSD in this unique and susceptible cohort of individuals. Gene expression levels in peripheral blood samples from 85 Canadian infantry soldiers (n = 58 subjects negative for PTSD symptoms and n = 27 subjects with PTSD symptoms) were determined by RNA sequencing technology following their return from deployment to Afghanistan. Count-based gene expression quantification, normalization and differential analysis (with thorough correction for confounders) revealed significant differences in two genes, LRP8 and GOLM1 . These preliminary results provide a proof-of-principle for the diagnostic utility of blood-based gene expression profiles for tracking symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers returning from tour. It is also the first to report transcriptome-wide expression profiles alongside a post-traumatic symptom checklist. Overall design: Peripheral blood samples from 85 Canadian infantry soldiers (n = 58 subjects negative for PTSD symptoms and n = 27 subjects with PTSD symptoms)
Using Next-Generation Sequencing Transcriptomics To Determine Markers of Post-traumatic Symptoms: Preliminary Findings from a Post-deployment Cohort of Soldiers.
Sex, Subject
View SamplesM cells are the main site of bacterial translocation in the intestine. We used the in vitro M cell model to study the effect of the commensal bacteria; Lactobacillus salivarius, Eschericha coli and Bacteroides fragilis, on M cell gene expression.
Differential intestinal M-cell gene expression response to gut commensals.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesAnalysis of the regulation of gene expression profiles by retinoblastoma-1 in Sertoli cells. Conditional knockout of Rb1 in Sertoli cells led to progressive infertiliy in male mice that occured between 10 and 14 weeks of age. Results of gene expression studies performed on 6 week-old purified Sertoli cells helped elucidate the key role of RB1 in mature, differentiated Sertoli cells.
Retinoblastoma protein plays multiple essential roles in the terminal differentiation of Sertoli cells.
Age, Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Ulipristal blocks ovulation by inhibiting progesterone receptor-dependent pathways intrinsic to the ovary.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesUlipristal acetate (UPA), also referred to as VA/CDB-2914, is a new and promising emergency contraceptive. It is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) that has been approved in Europe and the USA for emergency contraception.
Ulipristal blocks ovulation by inhibiting progesterone receptor-dependent pathways intrinsic to the ovary.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesPrevious studies have shown that PR is a critical regulator of ovulation. The PR-null mice (PRKO) failed to ovulate due to a failure in the rupture of the preovulatory follicles.
Ulipristal blocks ovulation by inhibiting progesterone receptor-dependent pathways intrinsic to the ovary.
Specimen part
View SamplesExperimental Design
Quorum-sensing antagonistic activities of azithromycin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1: a global approach.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesThis study describes a temporal profile of gene expression from normal human fetal testes and ovaries. Gonads from 34 fetuses between 9 weeks and 20 weeks of gestation were obtained from the Department of Pathology and the Birth Defects Research Laboratory at the University of Washington. Relative transcript levels were determined using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Plus 2.0 arrays.
Global gene expression in the human fetal testis and ovary.
Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Broadly permissive intestinal chromatin underlies lateral inhibition and cell plasticity.
Specimen part
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