Background: FGF signaling controls numerous processes during cell lineage specification, organogenesis and terminal differentiation. In lens, FGF signaling was implicated as the key pathway that controls lens fiber cell differentiation, but little is known about its full range and spectrum of regulated genes. Results: Herein, we employed rat lens epithelial explant system and performed RNA and microRNA expression profiling in cells induced to differentiate by FGF2. The primary data were collected at explants grown overnight in the presence of 5 ng/ml of FGF2, followed by a treatment with 100 ng/ml of FGF2 and collection of samples at 2, 4, 12 and 24 hours. Global analysis identified extensive FGF2-regulated cellular responses that were both independent and dependent on microRNAs (miRNAs). We identified a total number of 131 FGF2-regulated miRNAs. Forty-four of these microRNAs had at least two predicted and inversely regulated target RNA molecules. The genes regulated by the highest number of miRs include Nfib, Nfat5, c-Maf, Ets1 and N-Myc, all encoding DNA-binding transcription factors. Analysis of RNA data revealed that activated FGF signaling influenced other major signaling pathways known to regulate lens differentiation including BMP/TGF-, Notch, and Wnt signaling. In the early response phase (2-4 hours), miRNAs targeted expression of batteries of genes that control transcription, cell death, cell proliferation, cell junction, and protein serine/threonine kinase activity. In late stages (12-24 hours), the main miRNA targets included regulators of cell cycle arrest and cellular differentiation. Specific miRNA:mRNA interaction networks were identified for c-Maf, N-Myc, and Nfib (DNA-binding transcription factors); Cnot6, Dicer1, Fbx33 and Wdr47 (RNA processing); Ash1l, Med1/PBP and Kdm5b (chromatin remodeling); and c-Maf, Ets1 and Stc1 (FGF signaling). MicroRNAs including miR-9, -143, -155, -455 and -543 downregulated expression of c-Maf in the 3-UTR luciferase reporter asssays. The functional requirement for miRNAs in lens was further demonstrated via disrupted lens fiber cell differentiation in lenses with inactivated Dicer1. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate for the first time global impact of activated FGF signaling in lens cell culture system and identified novel gene regulatory networks (GRNs) connected by multiple miRNAs.
Identification and characterization of FGF2-dependent mRNA: microRNA networks during lens fiber cell differentiation.
Specimen part
View SamplesEndometriosis is characterized by progesterone resistance and is associated with infertility. Krppel-like Factor 9 (KLF9) is a progesterone receptor (PGR)-interacting protein, and mice null for Klf9 are subfertile. Whether loss of KLF9 contributes to progesterone resistance of eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate KLF9 and PGR co-regulation of human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) transcriptome network.
Krüppel-like factor 9 and progesterone receptor coregulation of decidualizing endometrial stromal cells: implications for the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Specimen part
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 SamplesNuclear FTY720-P is a potent inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) that enhances histone acetylations and regulates expression of a restricted set of genes independently of its known effects on canonical signaling through sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. We found that FTY720 is phosphorylated in Era-negative breast cancer cells by nuclear sphingosine kinase 2 and accumulates these cells.
The phosphorylated prodrug FTY720 is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reactivates ERα expression and enhances hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
Cell line
View SamplesBecause most human stroke victims are elderly, studies of experimental stroke in the aged rather than the young rat model may be optimal for identifying clinically relevant cellular responses, as well for pinpointing beneficial interventions.
Transcriptomics of post-stroke angiogenesis in the aged brain.
Sex, Age, Specimen part
View SamplesAlthough small RNAs efficiently control transposition activity of most transposons in the host genome, such immune system is not always applicable against new transposon's invasions. Here we explored a possibility to introduce potentially mobile copy of the Penelope retroelement previously implicated in hybrid dysgenesis syndrome in Drosophila virilis into the genomes of two distant Drosophila species. The consequences of such introduction were monitored at different phases after experimental colonization as well as in D. virilis species which is apparently in the process of ongoing Penelope invasion. We investigated the expression of Penelope and biogenesis of Penelope-derived small RNAs in D. virilis and D. melanogaster strains originally lacking active copies of this element after experimental Penelope invasion. These strains were transformed by constructs containing intact Penelope copies. We show that immediately after transformation, which imitates the first stage of retroelement invasion, Penelope undergoes transposition predominantly in somatic tissues, and may produce siRNAs that are apparently unable to completely silence its activity. However, at the later stages of colonization Penelope copies may jump into one of the piRNA-clusters, which results in production of homologous piRNAs that are maternally deposited and can silence euchromatic transcriptionally active copies of Penelope in trans and, hence, prevent further amplification of the invader in the host genome. Intact Penelope copies and different classes of Penelope-derived small RNAs were found in most geographical strains of D. virilis collected throughout the world. Importantly, all strains of this species containing full-length Penelope tested do not produce gonadal sterility in dysgenic crosses and, hence, exhibit neutral cytotype. In order to understand whether RNA interference mechanism able to target Penelope operates in related species of the virilis group we correlated the presence of full-length and potentially active Penelope with the occurrence of piRNAs homologous to this TE in the ovaries of species comprising the group. It was demonstrated, that Penelope-derived piRNAs are present in all virilis group species containing full-length but transcriptionally silent copies of this element that probably represent the remnants of its previous invasions taking place in the course of the virilis species divergent evolution. Overall design: piRNA size profile (23-29nt) was examined in D. melanogaster strains, where Penelope-piRNAs are detected by Northern blot
Evolution and dynamics of small RNA response to a retroelement invasion in Drosophila.
Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesWe and others have previously shown that glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes express hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). HIFs bind to hypoxia response elements in target genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, which is continually produced by podocytes throughout life. To further assess function of HIFs in podocyte biology, podocin-Cre mice were mated with floxed von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mice to selectively delete VHL, a component of an E3 ligase complex responsible for degradation of HIFs in normoxia.
Deletion of von Hippel-Lindau in glomerular podocytes results in glomerular basement membrane thickening, ectopic subepithelial deposition of collagen {alpha}1{alpha}2{alpha}1(IV), expression of neuroglobin, and proteinuria.
Sex, Age, Specimen part
View SamplesTargeted interference of sin3a-tgif1 function by SID decoy treatment inhibits WNT signaling and invasion in triple negative breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with scrambled SID control, 2.5M SID peptide or untreated for 24h.
Targeted interference of SIN3A-TGIF1 function by SID decoy treatment inhibits Wnt signaling and invasion in triple negative breast cancer cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesGM-CSF derived bone marrow cultures contain several subsets of CD11c+MHCII+ mononuclear phagocytes
GM-CSF Mouse Bone Marrow Cultures Comprise a Heterogeneous Population of CD11c(+)MHCII(+) Macrophages and Dendritic Cells.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesHistone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) is expressed in B cells, and its overexpression has been observed in B-lymphoproliferative disorders, including B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). We examined HDAC9 protein expression and copy number alterations in primary B-NHL samples, identifying high HDAC9 expression among various lymphoma entities and HDAC9 copy number gains in 50% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To study the role of HDAC9 in lymphomagenesis, we generated a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model that constitutively expressed an HDAC9 transgene throughout B-cell development under the control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) enhancer (E). Here, we report that the E-HDAC9 GEM model develops splenic marginal zone lymphoma and lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) with progression towards aggressive DLBCL, with gene expression profiling supporting a germinal center cell origin, as is also seen in human B-NHL tumors. Analysis of E-HDAC9 tumors suggested that HDAC9 might contribute to lymphomagenesis by altering pathways involved in growth and survival, as well as modulating BCL6 activity and p53 tumor suppressor function. Epigenetic modifications play an important role in the germinal center response, and deregulation of the B-cell epigenome as a consequence of mutations and other genomic aberrations are being increasingly recognized as important steps in the pathogenesis of a variety of B-cell lymphomas. A thorough mechanistic understanding of these alterations will inform the use of targeted therapies for these malignancies. These findings strongly suggest a role for HDAC9 in B-NHL and establish a novel GEM model for the study of lymphomagenesis and, potentially, preclinical testing of therapeutic approaches based on histone deacetylase inhibitors.
Deregulated expression of HDAC9 in B cells promotes development of lymphoproliferative disease and lymphoma in mice.
Specimen part
View Samples