The zebrafish has the capacity to regenerate its heart after severe injury. While the function of a few genes during this process has been studied, we are far from fully understanding how genes interact to coordinate heart regeneration. To enable systematic insights into this phenomenon, we generated and integrated a dynamic co-expression network of heart regeneration in the zebrafish and linked systems-level properties to the underlying molecular events. Across multiple post-injury time points, the network displays topological attributes of biological relevance. We show that regeneration steps are mediated by modules of transcriptionally coordinated genes, and by genes acting as network hubs. We also established direct associations between hubs and validated drivers of heart regeneration with murine and human orthologs. The resulting models and interactive analysis tools are available at http://infused.vital-it.ch. Using a worked example, we demonstrate the usefulness of this unique open resource for hypothesis generation and in silico screening for genes involved in heart regeneration.
Analysis of the dynamic co-expression network of heart regeneration in the zebrafish.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe response of human neutrophils to the emerging pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus has not been described. However, M. abscessus infections are frequently associated with neutrophil-rich abscesses. To better understand the reponse of neutrophils to M. abscessus we performed gene expression analysis using Affymetrix HG-U133A Plus 2.0 microarrays. Human neutrophils from healthy donors were stimulated with isogenic rough and smooth morphotypes of M. abscessus. Staphylococcus aureus was used as a control. Gene expression was compared to neutrophils left unstimulated. Neutrophils from four individual donors were isolated on separate days and stimulated with freshly prepared bacteria. Neutrophils (stimulated and control) were left for 2 hours before total RNA was isolated, and biotinylated cRNA was prepared by standard methods. Analysis indicates that M. abscessus morphotypes induce a limited number of genes, when compared to S. aureus, which are enriched in genes for cytokines and chemokines, including neutrophil-specific chemokines. These data suggest that neutrophils have a limited response to M. abscessus, which may contribute to neutrophil-rich abscess formation.overall_design = Human neutrophils from healthy donors were exposed to rough Mab (ATCC 19977T), smooth Mab (ATCC 19977T) and S. aureus (CF clinical strain) for two hours; control cells were exposed to saline.
Mycobacterium abscessus induces a limited pattern of neutrophil activation that promotes pathogen survival.
Specimen part, Disease, Treatment
View SamplesBackground: Clinical trial and epidemiological data support that the cardiovascular effects of estrogen are complex, including a mixture of both potentially beneficial and harmful effects. In animal models, estrogen protects females from vascular injury and inhibits atherosclerosis. These effects are mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs), which when bound to estrogen can bind to DNA to directly regulate transcription. ERs can also activate several cellular kinases by inducing a rapid non-nuclear signaling cascade. However, the biologic significance of this rapid signaling pathway has been unclear.
Rapid estrogen receptor signaling is essential for the protective effects of estrogen against vascular injury.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesGlioblastoma (GBM) patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOXs) were derived from organotypic spheroids obtained from patient tumor samples. To detect whether gene expression profiles of GBM patient tumors are retained in PDOXs, we performed genome-wide transcript analysis by human-specific microarrays . In parallel, we analyzed GBM cell cultures and corresponding intracranial xenografts from stem-like (NCH421k, NCH644) and adherent GBM cell lines (U87, U251). PDOXs show a better transcriptomic resemblance with patient tumors than other preclinical models. The major difference is largely explained by the depletion of human-derived non-malignant cells.
Patient-derived organoids and orthotopic xenografts of primary and recurrent gliomas represent relevant patient avatars for precision oncology.
Specimen part, Disease
View SamplesWe generated genome-wide RNASeq data from freshly isolated airway epithelial cells of asthmatics and non-asthmatics. This data was paired with genome-wide genetic and methylation data from the same individuals allowing for an integrated analysis of genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic signatures in asthma. Overall design: examination of genome-wide genome-wide gene expression levels and comparison to phenotypes
DNA methylation in lung cells is associated with asthma endotypes and genetic risk.
Specimen part, Disease, Subject
View SamplesThe main goal of our study is to identify the molecular events that determine the gonadal identity in mammals. Although testis and ovary arise from a common embryonic primordium, they represent outcomes of opposing fate determination. This decision to differentiate into a testis or an ovary hinges upon the balance between two antagonizing factors, pro-testis SOX9 and pro-ovary -catenin.
Gonadal Identity in the Absence of Pro-Testis Factor SOX9 and Pro-Ovary Factor Beta-Catenin in Mice.
Specimen part
View SamplesAndrogen Receptor (AR) is essential for the growth and progression of prostate cancer in both hormone-sensitive and hormone-refractory disease. We have designed a sequence-specific DNA binding polyamide (1) that targets the consensus androgen response element (ARE). This polyamide binds the PSA promoter ARE, inhibits androgen-induced expression of PSA and several other AR-regulated genes in cultured prostate cancer cells, and reduces AR occupancy at the PSA promoter and enhancer. Down-regulation of PSA by this polyamide was comparable to that produced by the synthetic anti-androgen bicalutamide (Casodex) at the same concentration. Genome-wide expression analysis reveals that a similar number of transcripts are affected by treatment with the polyamide and with bicalutamide. Direct inhibition of AR-DNA binding by sequence-specific DNA binding small molecules could offer an alternative approach to antagonizing AR activity. A polyamide (2) that targets a different DNA sequence is included as a control.
Suppression of androgen receptor-mediated gene expression by a sequence-specific DNA-binding polyamide.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesAnalysis of dexamethasone-stimulated A549 lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells treated with a glucocorticoid response (GR) element (GRE) specific DNA binding polyamide. Polyamide designed to target the sequence 5'-WGWWCW-3' and disrupt GR-mediated gene expression. Effects of the GR antagonist mifepristone also examined.
Repression of DNA-binding dependent glucocorticoid receptor-mediated gene expression.
Cell line
View SamplesTranslation and mRNA decay are intimately connected processes, and translational inhibition often precedes and stimulates transcript degradation. Here, we have focused on methods that allow determination of mRNA stability on a transcriptome-wide scale. We describe experimental and computational methods for the two most commonly used approaches (transcriptional inhibition and metabolic labeling), and we discuss associated caveats. Overall design: Metabolic labeling time courses (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hr) using 4SU were performed in HEK293.
Determining mRNA half-lives on a transcriptome-wide scale.
Treatment, Subject
View SamplesCalcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD) is characterized by sclerosis of the aortic valve leaflets and recent clinical studies have linked several other risk factors to this disease, including male sex. In this study we examined potential sex-related differences in gene expression profiles between porcine male and female valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to explore possible differences in CAVD propensity on the cellular level.
Sex-related differences in gene expression by porcine aortic valvular interstitial cells.
Sex, Specimen part
View Samples