NSAIDs and ACE that affect prostaglandin synthesis are widely used by pregnant women. Epidemiological studies have hypothesized a potential relation of testis dysgenesis syndromes such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias to exposure to these molecules during both the first and the second trimesters of gestation. To decipher whether the embryonic gonads themselves are targets for these molecules, we analysed the impact of precocious in utero exposure to NSAIDs and ACE alone or in combination on the early development of the testis during sex determination, using therapeutic doses similar to those administrated in human medications. We found that in utero exposure to ACE, aspirin or ibuprofen affects the germ cell proliferation in embryonic testis. The whole transcriptome of 13.5 dpc (days post coïtum) treated testis suggests different mechanisms of action of these drugs and a functional interaction between both molecules used in combination, in accelerating the germ cell differentiation. We identified that ACE and ibuprofen exposure through the up-regulation of Dnmt3L expression induces advanced epigenetic reprograming of the germline and enhanced glycogen storage within the testis cords through the activation of extracellular matrix genes expression. In addition, we identified for the first time the prostaglandin production pattern in the embryonic gonad and showed that PGD2, PGE2 and PGI2 were the targets of ACE and NSAIDs drugs. These features might affect the formation and maturation of postnatal testis and secondary reproductive organs leading to male infertility in adult age. Overall design: examination of the impact of in utero exposure to NSAIDs and ACE on testis organogenesis
Intergenerational effects on mouse sperm quality after in utero exposure to acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Specimen part, Cell line, Treatment, Subject
View SamplesAffymetrix expression profiling was used to evaluate the association between IL13R2 expression, and mesenchymal, proneural, classical and neural signature genes expression for glioma subclasses defined by Verhaak et al (Cancer Cell; 2010).
Glioma IL13Rα2 is associated with mesenchymal signature gene expression and poor patient prognosis.
Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesMicroglia (MG) and macrophages (MPs) represent a significant component of the inflammatory response to gliomas. When activated, MG/MP release a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines, however, they also secrete anti-inflammatory factors that limit their cytotoxic function. The balance between pro and anti-inflammatory functions dictates their antitumor activity. To evaluate potential variations in MG and MP function in gliomas, we isolated these cells (and other Gr1+ cells) from intracranial GL261 murine gliomas by FACS and evaluated their gene expression profiles by microarray analysis. As expected, arginase 1 (Arg1, M2 marker) was highly expressed by tumor-associated Gr1+, MG and MP. However, in contrast to MP and Gr1+ cells that expressed Arg1 shortly after tumor trafficking, Arg1 expression in MG was delayed and occurred in larger tumors. Interestingly, depletion of MPs in tumors did not prevent MG polarization, suggesting direct influence of tumor-specific factors on MG Arg1 upregulation. Finally, Arg1 expression was confirmed in human GBM samples, but most Arg1+ cells were neutrophils and not MPs. These findings confirm variations in tumor MG and MP polarization states and its dependency on tumor microenvironmental factors.
Characterization of Arginase Expression in Glioma-Associated Microglia and Macrophages.
Specimen part, Disease, Disease stage
View SamplesWe studied the synaptic activity-regulated gene expression response in the human genetic background using cultured human iPSC-derived (hiPSCd) neuronal networks and networks of hiPSCd neurons mixed with mouse primary neurons. Our results confirm that genetic changes affect the synaptic activity-regulated gene program, proposing a functional mechanism how they have driven evolution of human cognitive abilities. Overall design: We compared RNA profiles of untreated hiPSCd neurons and hiPSCd neurons treated with bicuculline and 4-aminopyridine for 1 or 4 hours. Samples were collected from hiPSCd neuron-only cultures and from co-cultures of hiPSCd neurons and mouse primary hippocampal neurons.
Networks of Cultured iPSC-Derived Neurons Reveal the Human Synaptic Activity-Regulated Adaptive Gene Program.
Specimen part, Subject
View SamplesSynaptic activity drives changes in gene expression to promote long-lasting adaptations of neuronal structure and function. One example of such an adaptive response is the buildup of acquired neuroprotection, a synaptic activity- and gene transcription-mediated increase in the resistance of neurons against harmful conditions. A hallmark of acquired neuroprotection is the stabilization of mitochondrial structure and function. We therefore re-examined previously identified sets of synaptic activity-regulated genes to identify genes that are directly linked to mitochondrial function. In mouse and rat primary hippocampal cultures synaptic activity caused an upregulation of glycolytic genes and a concomitant downregulation of genes required for oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis and maintenance. Changes in metabolic gene expression were induced by action potential bursting, but not by glutamate bath application activating extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. The specific pattern of gene expression changes suggested that synaptic activity promotes a shift of neuronal energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation toward aerobic glycolysis, also known as Warburg effect. The ability of neurons to upregulate glycolysis has, however, been debated. We therefore used FACS sorting to show that, in mixed neuron glia co-cultures, activity-dependent regulation of metabolic gene expression occurred in neurons. Changes in gene expression were accompanied by changes in the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of the key metabolic enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase. Finally, increased synaptic activity caused an increase in the ratio of L-lactate production to oxygen consumption in primary hippocampal cultures. Based on these data we suggest the existence of a synaptic activity-mediated neuronal Warburg effect that may promote mitochondrial homeostasis and neuroprotection. Overall design: We compared the mRNA expression profile of primary hippocampal neurons after 4h of basal synaptic activity vs. 4h of action potential bursting. Two independent experiments with independent cell preparations were performed.
Synaptic Activity Drives a Genomic Program That Promotes a Neuronal Warburg Effect.
Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesThe formation of long-term memory requires signaling from the synapse to the nucleus to mediate neuronal activity-dependent gene transcription. Synapse-to-nucleus communication is initiated by influx of calcium ions through synaptic NMDA receptors and/or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and involves the activation of transcription factors by calcium/calmodulin signaling in the nucleus. Recent studies have drawn attention to a new family of transcriptional regulators, the so-called calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) proteins. CAMTAs are expressed at particularly high levels in the mouse and human brain, and we reasoned that, as calmodulin-binding transcription factors, CAMTAs may regulate the formation of long-term memory by coupling synaptic activity and calcium/calmodulin signaling to memory-related transcriptional responses. This hypothesis is supported by genetic studies that reported a correlation between CAMTA gene polymorphisms or mutations and cognitive capability in humans. Here, we show that acute knock-down of CAMTA1, but not CAMTA2, in the hippocampus of adult mice results in impaired performance in two memory tests, contextual fear conditioning and object-place recognition test. Short-term memory and neuronal morphology were not affected by CAMTA knock-down. Gene expression profiling in the hippocampus of control and CAMTA knock-down mice revealed a number of putative CAMTA1 target genes related to synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Patch clamp recordings in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures provided further evidence for CAMTA1-dependent changes in electrophysiological properties. In summary, our study provides experimental evidence that confirms previous human genetic studies and establishes CAMTA1 as a regulator of long-term memory formation. Overall design: We compared the mRNA expression profile of three groups, i.e. mice infected with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) expressing a non-targeting control shRNA, mice infected with a rAAV expressing Camta1 targeting shRNA sequence A, and mice infected with a rAAV expressing Camta1 targeting shRNA sequence B. Three animals were used per group.
The calmodulin-binding transcription activator CAMTA1 is required for long-term memory formation in mice.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesChronic non-healing venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a widespread debilitating disease with high morbidity and associated costs, as approximately $15 billion annually are spent on the care of VLUs. Despite their socioeconomic burden, there is a paucity of novel treatments targeted towards healing VLUs, which can be attributed to both lack of pathophysiologic insight into VLU development as well as lack of knowledge regarding biologic actions of VLU-targeted therapies. Currently, the bioengineered bilayered living cellular construct (BLCC) skin substitute is the only FDA-approved biologic treatment for healing VLUs. To elucidate the mechanisms through which the BLCC promotes healing of chronic VLUs, we conducted a clinical trial (NCT01327937) in which patients with non-healing VLUs were treated with either standard care (compression therapy) or with BLCC together with standard care. Tissue was collected from the VLU edge before and 1 week after treatment, and samples underwent comprehensive microarray, mRNA and protein analyses. Ulcers treated with BLCC skin substitute displayed three distinct patterns suggesting the mechanisms by which BLCC shifted a non-healing into a healing tissue response: it modulated inflammatory and growth factor signaling; it activated keratinocytes; and it attenuated Wnt/-catenin signaling. In these ways, BLCC application orchestrated a shift of the chronic non-healing ulcer microenvironment into a distinctive healing milieu resembling that of an acute, healing wound. Our findings also provide first patient-derived in vivo evidence of specific biologic processes that can be targeted in the design of therapies to promote healing of chronic VLUs.
A bioengineered living cell construct activates an acute wound healing response in venous leg ulcers.
Specimen part, Disease stage, Time
View SamplesGlioblastoma (GBM) derived sphere lines and adherent cell lines are an important tool for research in basic and translational neuro-oncology. Documentation of their genetic identity has become a requirement for scientific journals and grant applications to exclude cross-contamination and misidentification that lead to misinterpretation of results. Here, we report expression data for 26 samples including 4 GBM derived sphere lines (4 x 3 replicates), 2 GBM derived sphere lines passaged through intracranial transplantation (2x 1), 2 adherent GBM derived cell lines (2 + 2 x 3 replicates), 4 corresponding glioblastoma tumors and 2 non-tumor brain tissues.
DNA fingerprinting of glioma cell lines and considerations on similarity measurements.
Disease
View SamplesThe majority of babies in the US are formula-fed instead of breast fed. There are major differences in the composition of formulas and breast milk and yet little is known about metabolic differences in babies as the result of feeding these very different diets and how that might affect development or disease risk in later life. One concern is that soy-based formulas might have adverse health effects in babies as a result of the presence of low levels of estrogenic phytochemicals genistein and daidzein which are normally present in soy beans. In the current study, we used a piglet model to look at this question. Piglets were either fed breast milk from the sow or were fed two different infant formulas (cows milk-based or soy-based) from age 2 days to 21 days when pigs are normally weaned onto solid food. Blood glucose and lipids were measured. Formula-fed pigs were found to have lower cholesterol than breast fed piglets and in addition had larger stores of iron in their liver.Microarray analysis was carried out to see if changes in liver gene expression could explain these effects of formula feeding. It was found that overall gene expression profiles were influenced by formula feeding compared to breast fed neonates. Gender-independent and unique effects of formula influenced cholesterol and iron metabolism. Further, soy formula feeding in comparison to milk-based formula failed to reveal any estrogenic actions on hepatic gene expression in either male or female pigs.
Formula feeding alters hepatic gene expression signature, iron and cholesterol homeostasis in the neonatal pig.
Sex
View SamplesThis paper describes the first time a high-content environmental chemicals screen using pancreatic ß-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and discovered that a commonly used pesticide, propargite, induces pancreatic ß-cell DNA damage and necrosis. More interestingly, we found out the genetic background of ß-like cells affects their response to propargite-induced toxicity, based on isogenic hPSC platform, including for variants GWAS identified associated with T1D, since isogenic GSTT1-/- and PTPN2-/- pancreatic ß-like cells are hypersensitive to propargite-induced ß-cell death both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our study identified an environmental chemical that contributes to the loss of ß-cells and provides an innovative platform for using hPSC-derived cells to explore gene-environment interactions that impact diabetes disease progression. Overall design: RNA-seq was used to compare the gene expression in DMSO, DMSO+GSH, Propargite and Propargite+GSH treated hESC derived INS-GFP+ cells.
A hPSC-based platform to discover gene-environment interactions that impact human β-cell and dopamine neuron survival.
Specimen part, Subject
View Samples