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Selected Genes (selected + gene)
Selected AbstractsAssessment of selection mapping near the myostatin gene (GDF-8) in cattleANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 5 2009P. Wiener Summary Domestic species provide a unique opportunity to examine the effects of selection on the genome. The myostatin gene (GDF-8) has been under strong selection in a number of cattle breeds because of its influence on muscle conformation and association with the ,double-muscling' phenotype. This study examined genetic diversity near this gene in a set of breeds including some nearly fixed for the allele associated with double-muscling (MH), some where the allele is segregating at intermediate frequency and some where the allele is absent. A set of microsatellites and SNPs were used to examine patterns of diversity at the centromeric end of bovine chromosome 2, the region where GDF-8 is located, using various statistical methods. The putative position of a selected gene was moved across the genomic region to determine, by regression, a best position of reduced heterozygosity. Additional analyses examined extended homozygous regions and linkage disequilibrium patterns. While the SNP data was not found to be very informative for selection mapping in this dataset, analyses of the microsatellite data provided evidence of selection on GDF-8 in several breeds. These results suggested that, of the breeds examined, the allele was most recently introduced into the South Devon. Limitations to the selection-mapping approach were highlighted from the analysis of the SNP data and the situation where the MH allele was at intermediate frequency. [source] Time course analysis of gene expression during light-induced photoreceptor cell death and regeneration in albino zebrafishDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Sean C. Kassen Abstract Constant intense light causes apoptosis of rod and cone photoreceptors in adult albino zebrafish. The photoreceptors subsequently regenerate from proliferating inner nuclear layer (INL) progenitor cells that migrate to the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and differentiate into rods and cones. To identify gene expression changes during this photoreceptor regeneration response, a microarray analysis was performed at five time points during the light treatment. The time course included an early time point during photoreceptor death (16 h), later time points during progenitor cell proliferation and migration (31, 51, and 68 h) and a 96 h time point, which likely corresponds to the initial photoreceptor differentiation. Mean expression values for each gene were calculated at each time point relative to the control (0 h light exposure) and statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA identified 4567 genes exhibiting significant changes in gene expression along the time course. The genes within this data set were clustered based on their temporal expression patterns and proposed functions. Quantitative real-time PCR validated the microarray expression profiles for selected genes, including stat3 whose expression increased markedly during the light exposure. Based on immunoblots, both total and activated Stat3 protein expression also increased during the light treatment. Immunolocalization of Stat3 on retinal tissue sections demonstrated increased expression in photoreceptors and Müller glia by 16 h of light exposure. Some of the Stat3-positive Müller cells expressed PCNA at 31 h, suggesting that Stat3 may play a role in signaling a subset of Müller cells to proliferate during the regeneration response. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007. [source] Non-viral gene therapy for diabetic retinopathyDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 11 2006*Article first published online: 9 FEB 200, Toshiyuki Oshitari Abstract Diabetic retinopathy results from vascular abnormalities, such as an increase in the permeability of retinal vessels, and retinal neurodegeneration, which are irreversible changes that occur early in the course of diabetic retinopathy. To block the vascular and neuronal complications associated with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy, a reasonable strategy would be to prevent the increased vascular permeability and to block the neuronal cell death. The purpose of this review is to present the non-viral strategies being used to block the neurovascular abnormalities and neuronal cell death that are observed in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy in order to prevent the onset or the progression of the diabetic retinopathy. Some of the non-viral gene therapeutic techniques being used are electroporation of selected genes, injections of antisense oligonucleotides, and injections of small interference RNAs. The results obtained by these methods are discussed as is the potential of these therapeutic strategies to prevent the onset or the progression of the neurovascular abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy. Drug Dev. Res. 67:835,841, 2006. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Alterations in gene expression profiles and the DNA-damage response in ionizing radiation-exposed TK6 cells,,ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2-3 2005Gregory S. Akerman Abstract Identifying genes that are differentially expressed in response to DNA damage may help elucidate markers for genetic damage and provide insight into the cellular responses to specific genotoxic agents. We utilized cDNA microarrays to develop gene expression profiles for ionizing radiation-exposed human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. In order to relate changes in the expression profiles to biological responses, the effects of ionizing radiation on cell viability, cloning efficiency, and micronucleus formation were measured. TK6 cells were exposed to 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 Gy ionizing radiation and cultured for 4 or 24 hr. A significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in cloning efficiency was observed at all doses at 4 and 24 hr after exposure. Flow cytometry revealed significant decreases in cell viability at 24 hr in cells exposed to 5 (P < 0.001), 10 (P < 0.0001), and 20 Gy (P < 0.0001). An increase in micronucleus frequency occurred at both 4 and 24 hr at 0.5 and 1 Gy; however, insufficient binucleated cells were present for analysis at the higher doses. Gene expression profiles were developed from mRNA isolated from cells exposed to 5, 10, and 20 Gy using a 350 gene human cDNA array platform. Overall, more genes were differentially expressed at 24-hr than at the 4-hr time point. The genes upregulated (> 1.5-fold) or downregulated (< 0.67-fold) at 4 hr were those primarily involved in the cessation of the cell cycle, cellular detoxification pathways, DNA repair, and apoptosis. At 24 hr, glutathione-associated genes were induced in addition to genes involved in apoptosis. Genes involved in cell cycle progression and mitosis were downregulated at 24 hr. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to confirm the microarray results and to evaluate expression levels of selected genes at the low doses (0.5 and 1.0 Gy). The expression profiles reflect the cellular and molecular responses to ionizing radiation related to the recognition of DNA damage, a halt in progression through the cell cycle, activation of DNA-repair pathways, and the promotion of apoptosis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Differential effects of acute and chronic exercise on plasticity-related genes in the rat hippocampus revealed by microarrayEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Raffaella Molteni Abstract Studies were performed to determine the effects of acute and chronic voluntary periods of exercise on the expression of hippocampal genes. RNAs from rodents exposed to a running wheel for 3, 7 and 28 days were examined using a microarray with 1176 cDNAs expressed primarily in the brain. The expression of selected genes was quantified by Taqman RT-PCR or RNase protection assay. The largest up-regulation was observed in genes involved with synaptic trafficking (synapsin I, synaptotagmin and syntaxin); signal transduction pathways (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, CaM-KII; mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, MAP-K/ERK I and II; protein kinase C, PKC-,) or transcription regulators (cyclic AMP response element binding protein, CREB). Genes associated with the glutamatergic system were up-regulated (N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor, NMDAR-2A and NMDAR-2B and excitatory amino acid carrier 1, EAAC1), while genes related to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system were down-regulated (GABAA receptor, glutamate decarboxylase GAD65). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was the only trophic factor whose gene was consistently up-regulated at all timepoints. These results, together with the fact that most of the genes up-regulated have a recognized interaction with BDNF, suggest a central role for BDNF on the effects of exercise on brain plasticity. The temporal profile of gene expression seems to delineate a mechanism by which specific molecular pathways are activated after exercise performance. For example, the CaM-K signal system seems to be active during acute and chronic periods of exercise, while the MAP-K/ERK system seems more important during long-term exercise. [source] Development of a genetic system for hyperthermophilic Archaea: expression of a moderate thermophilic bacterial alcohol dehydrogenase gene in Sulfolobus solfataricusFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2003P Contursi Abstract The Escherichia coli/Sulfolobus solfataricus shuttle vector pEXSs was used as a cloning vehicle for the gene transfer and expression of two bacterial genes in Sulfolobus solfataricus. The alcohol dehydrogenase (adh) from the moderate thermophilic Bacillus stearothermophilus (strain LLDR) and a mutagenised version encoding a less thermostable ADH enzyme were the selected genes. S. solfataricus adh promoter and aspartate aminotransferase terminator were used to drive the heterologous gene expression and to guarantee the correct termination of the transcripts, respectively. The constructed vectors were found to be able to carry these ,passenger' genes without undergoing any rearrangements. The active transcription of bacillar mRNAs was ascertained in vivo by RT-PCR. Transformed S. solfataricus expressed functional exogenous ADHs that showed unaffected kinetic and chemical,physical features. [source] Genome dynamics in major bacterial pathogensFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2009Ole Herman Ambur Abstract Pathogenic bacteria continuously encounter multiple forms of stress in their hostile environments, which leads to DNA damage. With the new insight into biology offered by genome sequences, the elucidation of the gene content encoding proteins provides clues toward understanding the microbial lifestyle related to habitat and niche. Campylobacter jejuni, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogenic Neisseria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus are major human pathogens causing detrimental morbidity and mortality at a global scale. An algorithm for the clustering of orthologs was established in order to identify whether orthologs of selected genes were present or absent in the genomes of the pathogenic bacteria under study. Based on the known genes for the various functions and their orthologs in selected pathogenic bacteria, an overview of the presence of the different types of genes was created. In this context, we focus on selected processes enabling genome dynamics in these particular pathogens, namely DNA repair, recombination and horizontal gene transfer. An understanding of the precise molecular functions of the enzymes participating in DNA metabolism and their importance in the maintenance of bacterial genome integrity has also, in recent years, indicated a future role for these enzymes as targets for therapeutic intervention. [source] Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-associated lung cancers show chromosomal aberrations differing from primary lung cancerGENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 2 2008Sonja Hahtola Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients have an increased risk of certain secondary cancers, the most common of which are lung cancers, especially small cell lung cancer. To reveal the molecular pathogenesis underlying CTCL-associated lung cancer, we analyzed genomic aberrations in CTCL-associated and reference lung cancer samples. DNA derived from microdissected lung cancer cells of five CTCL-associated lung cancers and five reference lung cancers without CTCL association was analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis were performed for selected genes. In CTCL-associated lung cancer, CGH revealed chromosomal aberrations characterizing both lung cancer and CTCL, but also losses of 1p, and 19, and gains of 4q and 7, hallmarks of CTCL. LOH for the CTCL-associated NAV3 gene was detected in two of the four informative primary lung cancers. FISH revealed increased copy number of the KIT gene in 3/4 of CTCL-associated lung cancers and 1/5 of primary lung cancers. PDGFRA and VEGFR2 copy numbers were also increased. IHC showed moderate KIT expression when the gene copy number was increased. CTCL-associated lung cancer shows chromosomal aberrations different from primary lung cancer, especially amplifications of 4q, a chromosome arm frequently deleted in the latter tumor type. Copy numbers and expression of selected genes in chromosome 4 differed between CTCL-associated and reference lung cancers. These preliminary observations warrant further prospective studies to identify the common underlying factors between CTCL and CTCL-associated lung cancer. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045-2257/suppmat. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] cag Pathogenicity Island of Helicobacter pylori in Korean ChildrenHELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2002Jae Sung Ko Abstract Background.cag pathogenicity island is reported to be a major virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of cag pathogenicity island genes and gastric histology in Korean children with H. pylori gastritis. Methods.Helicobacter pylori DNA was extracted from antral biopsy specimens from 25 children with H. pylori gastritis. Specific polymerase chain reaction assays were used for four genes of cag pathogenicity island. The features of gastritis were scored in accordance with the updated Sydney System. Results.cagA was present in 23 (92%) of 25 children, and cagE in 24 (96%). Twenty-two (88%) children were cagT positive and 19 (76%) virD4 positive. All of the selected genes of the cag pathogenicity island were present in 17 (68%) children and completely deleted in one child. There were no differences in neutrophil activity and chronic inflammation between children infected with intact cag pathogenicity island strains and those with partially or totally deleted- cag pathogenicity island strains. Conclusion.cag pathogenicity island is not a uniform, conserved entity in Korea. Completeness of cag pathogenicity island may not be the major factor to determine the severity of H. pylori gastritis in children. [source] Whole genome analysis for liver metastasis gene signatures in colorectal cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 9 2007Dong Hyuk Ki Abstract Liver metastasis is one of the major causes of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. To understand this process, we investigated whether the gene expression profiling of matched colorectal carcinomas and liver metastases could reveal key molecular events involved in tumor progression and metastasis. We performed experiments using a cDNA microarray containing 17,104 genes with the following tissue samples: paired tissues of 25 normal colorectal mucosa, 27 primary colorectal tumors, 13 normal liver and 27 liver metastasis, and 20 primary colorectal tumors without liver metastasis. To remove the effect of normal cell contamination, we selected 4,583 organ-specific genes with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.0067% by comparing normal colon and liver tissues using significant analysis of microarray, and these genes were excluded from further analysis. We then identified and validated 46 liver metastasis-specific genes with an accuracy of 83.3% by comparing the expression of paired primary colorectal tumors and liver metastases using prediction analysis of microarray. The 46 selected genes contained several known oncogenes and 2 ESTs. To confirm that the results correlated with the microarray expression patterns, we performed RT-PCR with WNT5A and carbonic anhydrase II. Additionally, we observed that 21 of the 46 genes were differentially expressed (FDR = 2.27%) in primary tumors with synchronous liver metastasis compared with primary tumors without liver metastasis. We scanned the human genome using a cDNA microarray and identified 46 genes that may play an important role in the progression of liver metastasis in CRC. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predicting 5-fluorouracil chemosensitivity of liver metastases from colorectal cancer using primary tumor specimens: Three-gene expression model predicts clinical responseINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2006Ryusei Matsuyama Abstract We identified genes related to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity in colorectal cancer and utilized these genes for predicting the 5-FU sensitivity of liver metastases. Eighty-one candidate genes involved in 5-FU resistance in gastric and colon cancer cell lines were previously identified using a cDNA microarray. In this study, the mRNA expression levels of these 81 selected genes and the genes of 5-FU-related enzymes, including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), were measured using real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays of surgically resected materials from primary colorectal tumors in 22 patients. Clinical responses were estimated by evaluating the effects of 5-FU-based hepatic artery injection (HAI) chemotherapy for synchronous liver metastases. Four genes (TNFRSF1B, SLC35F5, NAG-1 and OPRT) had significantly different expression profiles in 5-FU-nonresponding and responding tumors (p < 0.05). A "Response Index" system using three genes (TNFRSF1B, SLC35F5 and OPRT) was then developed using a discriminate analysis; the results were well correlated with the individual chemosensitivities. Among the 11 cases with positive scores in our response index, 9 achieved a reduction in their liver metastases after 5-FU-based chemotherapy, whereas only 1 of the 11 cases with negative scores responded well to chemotherapy. Our "Response Index" system, consisting of TNFRSF1B, SLC35F5 and OPRT, has great potential for predicting the efficacy of 5-FU-based chemotherapy against liver metastases from colorectal cancer. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gene expression profiling of 30 cancer cell lines predicts resistance towards 11 anticancer drugs at clinically achieved concentrationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 7 2006Balazs Györffy Abstract Cancer patients with tumors of similar grading, staging and histogenesis can have markedly different treatment responses to different chemotherapy agents. So far, individual markers have failed to correctly predict resistance against anticancer agents. We tested 30 cancer cell lines for sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, methotrexate, mitomycin C, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, topotecan and vinblastine at drug concentrations that can be systemically achieved in patients. The resistance index was determined to designate the cell lines as sensitive or resistant, and then, the subset of resistant vs. sensitive cell lines for each drug was compared. Gene expression signatures for all cell lines were obtained by interrogating Affymetrix U133A arrays. Prediction Analysis of Microarrays was applied for feature selection. An individual prediction profile for the resistance against each chemotherapy agent was constructed, containing 42,297 genes. The overall accuracy of the predictions in a leave-one-out cross validation was 86%. A list of the top 67 multidrug resistance candidate genes that were associated with the resistance against at least 4 anticancer agents was identified. Moreover, the differential expressions of 46 selected genes were also measured by quantitative RT-PCR using a TaqMan micro fluidic card system. As a single gene can be correlated with resistance against several agents, associations with resistance were detected all together for 76 genes and resistance phenotypes, respectively. This study focuses on the resistance at the in vivo concentrations, making future clinical cancer response prediction feasible. The TaqMan-validated gene expression patterns provide new gene candidates for multidrug resistance. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the International Journal of Cancer website at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0020-7136/suppmat. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Proposed mechanism of inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 by ultra-high pressure in combination with tert -butylhydroquinoneJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008A.S. Malone Abstract Aims:, Investigating mechanisms of lethality enhancement when Escherichia coli O157:H7, and selected E. coli mutants, were exposed to tert -butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) during ultra-high pressure (UHP) treatment. Methods and Results:,Escherichia coli O157:H7 EDL-933, and 14 E. coli K12 strains with mutations in selected genes, were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide solution of TBHQ (15,30 ppm), and processed with UHP (400 MPa, 23 ± 2°C for 5 min). Treatment of wild-type E. coli strains with UHP alone inactivated 2·4,3·7 log CFU ml,1, whereas presence of TBHQ increased UHP lethality by 1·1,6·2 log CFU ml,1; TBHQ without pressure was minimally lethal (0,0·6 log reduction). Response of E. coli K12 mutants to these treatments suggests that iron,sulfur cluster-containing proteins ([Fe,S]-proteins), particularly those related to the sulfur mobilization (SUF system), nitrate metabolism, and intracellular redox potential, are critical to the UHP,TBHQ synergy against E. coli. Mutations in genes maintaining redox homeostasis and anaerobic metabolism were associated with UHP,TBHQ resistance. Conclusions:, The redox cycling activity of cellular [Fe,S]-proteins may oxidize TBHQ, potentially leading to the generation of bactericidal reactive oxygen species. Significance and Impact of the Study:, A mechanism is proposed for the enhanced lethality of UHP by TBHQ against E. coli O157:H7. The results may benefit food processors using UHP,based preservation, and biologists interested in piezophilic micro-organisms. [source] In GERD patients, mucosal repair associated genes are upregulated in non-inflamed oesophageal epitheliumJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009D. R. De Vries Abstract Previous studies addressing the effects of acid reflux and PPI therapy on gene expression in oesophageal epithelium concentrated on inflamed tissue. We aimed to determine changes in gene expression in non-inflamed oesophageal epithelium of GERD patients. Therefore, we included 20 GERD patients with pathological total 24-hr acid exposure of 6,12% and SAP , 95%. Ten patients discontinued PPI treatment (PPI-), 10 took pantoprazole 40 mg bid (PPI+). Ten age/sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Biopsies were taken from non-inflamed mucosa 6 cm and 16 cm proximal to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). Gene expression profiling of biopsies from 6 cm was performed on Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 arrays (Affymetrix). Genes exhibiting a fold change >1.4 (t-test P -value < 1E, 4) were considered differentially expressed. Results were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. In PPI- patients, 92 microarray probesets were deregulated. The majority of the corresponding genes were associated with cell,cell contacts, cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular motility, suggesting facilitation of a migratory phenotype. Genes encoding proteins with anti-apoptotic or anti-proliferative functions or stress-protective functions were also deregulated. No probesets were deregulated in PPI+ patients. QPCR analysis of 20 selected genes confirmed most of the deregulations in PPI- patients, and showed several deregulated genes in PPI+ patients as well. In the biopsies taken at 16 cm QPCR revealed no deregulations of the selected genes. We conclude that upon acid exposure, oesophageal epithelial cells activate a process globally known as epithelial restitution: up-regulation of anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and migration associated genes. Possibly this process helps maintaining barrier function. [source] DNA methylation and histone modification regulate silencing of OPG during tumor progression,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2009Tung-Ying Lu Abstract The identification of molecules that are down-regulated in malignant phenotype is important for understanding tumor biology and their role in tumor suppression. We compared the expression profile of four normal nasal mucosal (NNM) epithelia and a series of nasopharyngeal cancinoma (NPC) cell lines using cDNA microarray and confirmed the actual expression of the selected genes, and found osteoprotegerin (OPG) to be ubiquitously deficient in NPC cells. We also found OPG to be down-regulated in various cancer cell lines, including oral, cervical, ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, colon, renal, prostate cancer, and hepatoma. Administration of recombinant OPG (rOPG) brought about a reduction in cancer cell growth through apoptotic mechanism. We generated eleven monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against OPG to study OPG's expression and biological functions in cancer cells. OPG was detected in the tumor stromal regions, but not in the cancer cell per se in surgical specimens of liver cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) revealed that OPG was down-regulated in NPC tissues compared with normal nasal polyp (NNP) tissues. In addition, we showed OPG silencing to be associated with promoter methylation as well as histone modifications. In OPG-silenced cancer cell lines, the OPG gene promoter CpG dinucleotides were highly methylated. Compared to normal cells, silenced OPG gene in cancer cells were found to have reduced histone 3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) and increased histone 3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3). Taken together, these results suggest that OPG silencing in carcinoma cancer cells occurs through epigenetic repression. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 315,325, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Periodontal therapy alters gene expression of peripheral blood monocytesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 9 2007Panos N. Papapanou Abstract Aims: We investigated the effects of periodontal therapy on gene expression of peripheral blood monocytes. Methods: Fifteen patients with periodontitis gave blood samples at four time points: 1 week before periodontal treatment (#1), at treatment initiation (baseline, #2), 6-week (#3) and 10-week post-baseline (#4). At baseline and 10 weeks, periodontal status was recorded and subgingival plaque samples were obtained. Periodontal therapy (periodontal surgery and extractions without adjunctive antibiotics) was completed within 6 weeks. At each time point, serum concentrations of 19 biomarkers were determined. Peripheral blood monocytes were purified, RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, labelled and hybridized with AffymetrixU133Plus2.0 chips. Expression profiles were analysed using linear random-effects models. Further analysis of gene ontology terms summarized the expression patterns into biologically relevant categories. Differential expression of selected genes was confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in a subset of patients. Results: Treatment resulted in a substantial improvement in clinical periodontal status and reduction in the levels of several periodontal pathogens. Expression profiling over time revealed more than 11,000 probe sets differentially expressed at a false discovery rate of <0.05. Approximately 1/3 of the patients showed substantial changes in expression in genes relevant to innate immunity, apoptosis and cell signalling. Conclusions: The data suggest that periodontal therapy may alter monocytic gene expression in a manner consistent with a systemic anti-inflammatory effect. [source] THE INFLUENCE OF SAE LOCUS KNOCKOUT ON EXOPROTEINS IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUSJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2010JUNNI TANG ABSTRACT The sae operon is a key regulator in Staphylococcus aureus, which is known as an important infective and toxigenic bacterial pathogen. For the exploration of virulence factors expressed in the secreted exoprotein fraction are being controlled by sae operon, the relationship between the sae locus and exoproteins was investigated in this study. The homologous recombination vector pBT2,sae was constructed and the sae deletion mutant strain was successfully obtained. The results showed that the sae locus played an important role in the production of thermonucleases and other exoproteins. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed different exoprotein profiles between parent strain and mutant strain, in which three bands were visibly weakened. The results revealed that sae locus was involved in the regulation on exoproteins, some of which play a known fundamental role in the virulence of S. aureus. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study presents that knocking out the sae gene locus in a specific Staphylococcus aureus strain results in reduced thermonuclease action, and also in reduced levels of proteins in the vicinity of 42 and 32 kDa molecular weight in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) gels, indicating that their production is dependent on the sae locus. Practically, these proteins are associated with virulence traits, and with the pathogen's response to the environment and in potential hosts, which could be helpful for understanding the pathogenicity of S. aureus and also for further studies on the role of selected genes in the pathogenicity of S. aureus. [source] Acute Activation of Hippocampal Glucocorticoid Receptors Results in Different Waves of Gene Expression Throughout TimeJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2006M. C. Morsink Abstract Several aspects of hippocampal cell function are influenced by adrenal-secreted glucocorticoids in a delayed, genomic fashion. Previously, we used Serial Analysis of Gene Expression to identify glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-induced transcriptional changes in the hippocampus at a fixed time point. However, because changes in mRNA levels are transient and most likely precede the effects on hippocampal cell function, the aim of the current study was to assess the transcriptional changes in a broader time window by generating a time curve of GR-mediated gene expression changes. Therefore, we used rat hippocampal slices obtained from adrenalectomised rats, substituted in vivo with low corticosterone pellets, predominantly occupying the hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptors. To activate GR, slices were treated in vitro with a high (100 nM) dose of corticosterone and gene expression was profiled 1, 3 and 5 h after GR-activation. Using Affymetrix GeneChips, a striking pattern with different waves of gene expression was observed, shifting from exclusively down-regulated genes 1 h after GR-activation to both up and down regulated genes 3 h after GR-activation. After 5 h, the response was almost back to baseline. Additionally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for validation of a selection of responsive genes including genes involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity such as the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1, monoamine oxidase A, LIMK1 and calmodulin 2. This permitted confirmation of GR-responsiveness of 15 out of 18 selected genes. In conclusion, direct activation of GR in hippocampal slices results in transient changes in gene expression. The pattern in which gene expression was modulated suggests that the fast genomic effects of glucocorticoids may be realised via transrepression, preceding a later wave of transactivation. Furthermore, we identified a number of interesting candidate genes which may underlie the glucocorticoid-mediated effects on hippocampal cell function. [source] Effect of vertebroplasty filler materials on viability and gene expression of human nucleus pulposus cellsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008Áron Lazáry Abstract Consequences of intradiscal cement leakage,often occurring after vertebral cement augmentation for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures,are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the influences of vertebroplasty filler materials (polymethylmethacrylate-, calcium phosphate- and calcium sulfate-based bone cement) on isolated nucleus pulposus cells. Cell viability of cultured human nucleus pulposus cells were measured after treatment with vertebroplasty filler materials. Gene expression profile of selected genes was determined with quantitative real-time PCR. The widely used polymethylmethacrylate and calcium phosphate cement significantly decreased cell number in a dose- and time-dependent manner while calcium sulfate cement affected cell viability less. Expression of genes involved in matrix metabolism of nucleus pulposus,aggrecan, collagens, small proteoglycans,as well as important transcription factors have also significantly changed due to treatment (e.g., 2.5-fold decrease in aggrecan expression was determined in cultures due to polymethylmethacrylate treatment). Our results suggest that vertebroplasty filler materials,depending on the type of applied material,can accelerate the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells resulting in a less flexible disc in case of intradiscal cement leakage. This process may increase the risk of a subsequent new vertebral fracture, the main complication of vertebral augmentation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:601,607, 2008 [source] Gene expression changes following androgen receptor elimination in LNCaP prostate cancer cellsMOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS, Issue 4 2003Iris E. Eder Abstract We have shown recently that inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) expression with an antisense AR oligonucleotide (ODN) inhibits LNCaP prostate tumor cells in vitro as well as in vivo. In this study, we investigated gene expression changes that occur after AR signaling blockade, either through AR elimination by antisense treatment or through complete androgen receptor inhibition by androgen deprivation combined with the antiandrogen bicalutamide, in order to search for genes that are directly or indirectly regulated through the AR. Gene expression changes were investigated with cDNA NIH 10K gene microarrays in response to treatment over 48 h. Expression of selected genes was further analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and radioimmunoassay. A comparison of antisense-treated and androgen-deprived cells revealed several concordances such as significant downregulation of prostate-specific genes, cell-cycle regulatory genes, genes of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, and several cytoskeletal genes. However, there were also several genes that were differentially regulated. Among the genes that were exclusively changed by treatment with the antisense AR ODN were the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and the phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase type I alpha (PIP5KIA). On the other hand, complete androgen receptor blockade induced changes in the expression of the prostate overexpressed gene 1 and the S100 calcium binding protein P. In summary, we identified a cohort of interesting genes whose expression was highly affected by elimination of the AR in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Further investigations are warranted to clarify their role in the AR signaling pathway and their susceptibility as a target for the treatment of prostate cancer. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Intervention with polyphenol-rich fruit juices results in an elevation of glutathione S -transferase P1 (hGSTP1) protein expression in human leucocytes of healthy volunteersMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 12 2006Thomas Hofmann Abstract Polyphenols are probably antigenotoxic on account of their antioxidant activities and might alter phase I and II enzymes in a way that results in chemoprotection. We investigated the hypothesis that polyphenols enhance expression of glutathione S -transferases (GSTs), which increases carcinogen detoxification and thereby provides protection against oxidative stress. HGSTP1 protein expression and GST polymorphisms were determined in leucocytes obtained during an intervention study with healthy subjects consuming two fruit juices in an 8 wk trial (polyphenol-free run in phase, juice intervention phase, washout phase, second juice intervention phase, each treatment regime lasted for 2 wk). The study had originally shown that juice intervention significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage in leucocytes at week 8 (Bub, A., Watzl, B., Blockhaus, M., Briviba, K. et al., J. Nutr. Biochem. 2003, 14, 90,98). We reanalysed the levels of DNA damage based on GST genotypes. We also treated leucocytes in vitro with mixtures of polyphenols and determined cytotoxicity and expression of 96 genes related to drug metabolism. Key results with leucocytes of the intervention study were that the initial content of hGSTP1 protein was first suppressed at weeks 4 and 6. At week 8, however, hGSTP1 protein expression was significantly increased. HGSTP1 protein levels and DNA damage were inversely correlated (p = 0.005), but there was no difference for cells obtained from subjects with hGSTM1*1 and hGSTM1*0 genotypes, nor was there any difference between cells from subjects consuming the two different juices. The treatment of leucocytes with polyphenol mixtures in vitro did not result in modulated GST gene expression or total GST activity, but in an up-regulation of other biotransformation enzymes (e. g., members of the cytochrom P450 and the sulphotransferase family). In conclusion, in vitro treatment of leucocytes led to a modulated mRNA expression of selected genes, not directly related to oxidative defence systems. In vivo, however, we observed a delayed enhancement of hGSTP1, which could be associated with an initial repression of oxidative DNA damage in leucocytes from human subjects, consuming juices with high levels of polyphenols. [source] Tannerella forsythia infection-induced calvarial bone and soft tissue transcriptional profilesMOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010V. Bakthavatchalu Summary Tannerella forsythia is associated with subgingival biofilms in adult periodontitis, although the molecular mechanisms contributing to chronic inflammation and loss of periodontal bone remain unclear. We examined changes in the host transcriptional profiles during a T. forsythia infection using a murine calvarial model of inflammation and bone resorption. Tannerella forsythia was injected into the subcutaneous soft tissue over calvariae of BALB/c mice for 3 days, after which the soft tissues and calvarial bones were excised. RNA was isolated and Murine GeneChip® (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) array analysis of transcript profiles showed that 3226 genes were differentially expressed in the infected soft tissues (P < 0.05) and 2586 genes were differentially transcribed in calvarial bones after infection. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of transcription levels of selected genes corresponded well with the microarray results. Biological pathways significantly impacted by T. forsythia infection in calvarial bone and soft tissue included leukocyte transendothelial migration, cell adhesion molecules (immune system), extracellular matrix,receptor interaction, adherens junction, and antigen processing and presentation. Histologic examination revealed intense inflammation and increased osteoclasts in calvariae compared with controls. In conclusion, localized T. forsythia infection differentially induces transcription of a broad array of host genes, and the profiles differ between inflamed soft tissues and calvarial bone. [source] Transcription profile in mouse four-cell, morula, and blastocyst: Genes implicated in compaction and blastocoel formationMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007Xiang-Shun Cui Abstract To gain insight into early embryo development, we utilized microarray technology to compare gene expression profiles in four-cell (4C), morula (MO), and blastocyst (BL) stage embryos. Differences in spot intensities were normalized, and grouped by using Avadis Prophetic software platform (version 3.3, Strand Genomics Ltd.) and categories were based on the PANTHER and gene ontology (GO) classification system. This technique identified 622 of 7,927 genes as being more highly expressed in MO when compared to 4C (P,<,0.05); similarly, we identified 654 of 9,299 genes as being more highly expressed in BL than in MO (P,<,0.05). Upregulation of genes for cytoskeletal, cell adhesion, and cell junction proteins were identified in the MO as compared to the 4C stage embryos, this means they could be involved in the cell compaction necessary for the development to the MO. Genes thought to be involved in ion channels, membrane traffic, transfer/carrier proteins, and lipid metabolism were also identified as being expressed at a higher level in the BL stage embryos than in the MO. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm differential expression of selected genes. The identification of the genes being expressed in here will provide insight into the complex gene regulatory networks effecting compaction and blastocoel formation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Transcriptional profiling of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots identifies novel, dehydration-responsive genesPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 5 2007MOHSEN MOHAMMADI ABSTRACT We used a long-oligonucleotide microarray to identify transcripts that increased or decreased in abundance in roots of dehydration-tolerant hexaploid bread wheat, in response to withholding of water. We observed that the major classes of dehydration-responsive genes (e.g. osmoprotectants, compatible solutes, proteases, glycosyltransferases/hydrolases, signal transducers components, ion transporters) were generally similar to those observed previously in other species and osmotic stresses. More specifically, we highlighted increases in transcript expression for specific genes including those putatively related to the synthesis of asparagine, trehalose, oligopeptide transporters, metal-binding proteins, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt and transcription factors. Conversely, we noted a decrease in transcript abundance for diverse classes of glutathione and sulphur-related enzymes, specific amino acids, as well as MATE-efflux carrier proteins. From these data, we identified a novel, dehydration-induced putative AP2/ERF transcription factor, which we predict to function as a transcriptional repressor. We also identified a dehydration-induced ,little protein' (LitP; predicted mass: 8 kDa) that is highly conserved across spermatophytes. Using qRT-PCR, we compared the expression patterns of selected genes between two related wheat genotypes that differed in their susceptibility to dehydration, and confirmed that these novel genes were highly inducible by water limitation in both genotypes, although the magnitude of induction differed. [source] Involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway in experimental and human osteoarthritis: Prominent role of Wnt-induced signaling protein 1ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2009Arjen B. Blom Objective Wnt signaling pathway proteins are involved in embryonic development of cartilage and bone, and, interestingly, developmental processes appear to be recapitulated in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. The present study was undertaken to characterize the expression pattern of Wnt and Fz genes during experimental OA and to determine the function of selected genes in experimental and human OA. Methods Longitudinal expression analysis was performed in 2 models of OA. Levels of messenger RNA for genes from the Wnt/,-catenin pathway were determined in synovium and cartilage, and the results were validated using immunohistochemistry. Effects of selected genes were assessed in vitro using recombinant protein, and in vivo by adenoviral overexpression. Results Wnt-induced signaling protein 1 (WISP-1) expression was strongly increased in the synovium and cartilage of mice with experimental OA. Wnt-16 and Wnt-2B were also markedly up-regulated during the course of disease. Interestingly, increased WISP-1 expression was also found in human OA cartilage and synovium. Stimulation of macrophages and chondrocytes with recombinant WISP-1 resulted in interleukin-1,independent induction of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanase. Adenoviral overexpression of WISP-1 in murine knee joints induced MMP and aggrecanase expression and resulted in cartilage damage. Conclusion This study included a comprehensive characterization of Wnt and Frizzled gene expression in experimental and human OA articular joint tissue. The data demonstrate, for the first time, that WISP-1 expression is a feature of experimental and human OA and that WISP-1 regulates chondrocyte and macrophage MMP and aggrecanase expression and is capable of inducing articular cartilage damage in models of OA. [source] Novel markers of inflammation identified in tumor necrosis factor receptor,associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) by transcriptomic analysis of effects of TRAPS-associated tumor necrosis factor receptor type I mutations in an endothelial cell lineARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2009Susana L. Rebelo Objective To analyze the effects of tumor necrosis factor receptor,associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS),associated mutant tumor necrosis factor receptor type I (TNFRI) expression in a cell type directly relevant to the inflammation in TRAPS, and to identify novel markers associated with mutant TNFRI expression. Methods Transcriptome analysis on 30,000 human genes was performed on SK-Hep-1 human endothelial cells transfected with either wild-type (WT) or TRAPS-associated mutant TNFRI. Quantitative reverse transcriptase,polymerase chain reaction and protein expression levels measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay verified transcriptional changes for selected genes both in supernatants from cells expressing mutant TNFRI and in patient plasma. Results Cells expressing mutant TNFRI showed up-regulation of multiple proinflammatory genes relative to WT transfectants, including genes for pentraxin 3, granulocyte,macrophage colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, CCL2, and CCL5, which were also expressed as proteins. In addition, the expression of most of these markers was increased in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from TRAPS patients relative to those from healthy controls. The cysteine mutations (C33Y and C52F), which are associated with a more severe clinical phenotype, induced more genes than the low-penetrance mutation R92Q, which is associated with a milder phenotype. The expression of most genes was induced by a death domain (DD),dependent mechanism, since they were not induced by expression of TNFRI mutants with an inactivated DD. Conclusion TRAPS-associated TNFRI mutants induce the expression of multiple genes encoding inflammatory molecules, cellular receptors, transcription factors, and regulators of apoptosis in endothelial cells that require the cytoplasmic signaling properties of the receptor. Different mutants have specific expression profiles, indicating mutation-specific effects. The expression of some of these markers was also elevated in samples from TRAPS patients. [source] Effect of oral glucosamine on cartilage and meniscus in normal and chymopapain-injected knees of young rabbitsARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2002Theodore R. Oegema Jr. Objective To determine if oral glucosamine (GlcN) improves joint biology after acute damage by a protease. Methods The effect of 8 weeks of dietary GlcN (20 or 100 mg/kg/day) on knee joint cartilage was evaluated in 2.2-kg male NZW rabbits with and without damage introduced by intraarticular injection of chymopapain (CP). Cartilage was evaluated histologically and scored according to the Mankin scale. Analyses of total hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents and reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of selected genes were performed. Results After 8 weeks, there was no effect of GlcN on the GAG content of normal cartilage. Both levels of GlcN treatment significantly increased the sulfated GAG content in the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle in damaged and contralateral knees, but did not change the collagen content. In CP-injected knees, there was still some loss of surface proteoglycan (PG) that was not completely corrected by dietary GlcN. Even after 8 weeks, levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) detected by RT-PCR showed changes indicative of damage and repair, such as elevated type II collagen mRNA, and these levels were not influenced by GlcN treatment. Meniscal GAG content was increased in the contralateral knee of rabbits receiving high-dose GlcN, but was decreased in those receiving no GlcN or low-dose GlcN. Neither diet nor treatment affected the meniscal collagen content. Conclusion These results suggest that oral GlcN treatment might be useful in a situation where GlcN is limiting, such as where there is a rapid replacement of cartilage PG. [source] Gene expression in arcuate nucleus-median eminence of rats treated with leptin or ciliary neurotrophic factorBIOFACTORS, Issue 2 2007Suresh Ambati Abstract Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leptin are cytokine-like hormones and act on their corresponding receptors in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). The present study was designed to assess effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of leptin and CNTF on gene expression in micropunched hypothalamic arcuate nucleus-median eminence (ARCME) complex samples from rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with lateral cerebroventricular cannulas for administration of control, 10 ,g/d leptin or 5 ,g/d CNTF for four days. Real-time Taqman RT-PCR was used to quantitatively compare the mRNA levels of selected genes in the ARC-ME complex. Leptin and CNTF increased ARC-ME mRNA levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by 64.5 and 124.7% (p < 0.01), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) by 258.9 and 1063.9% (p < 0.01), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) by 102.7 and 123.1% (p < 0.01), and proopiomelanocortin (POMC2) by 374.1 and 264.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. Leptin increased growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) by 309.9% (p < 0.01), while CNTF increased janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mRNA by 31.7% (p < 0.01) and decreased gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1) by 59.7% (p < 0.01), mitogen activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) by 19.4% (p < 0.05) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by 74.5% (p < 0.05). Significant reduction in daily food intake and body weights by both the treatments was observed. Also, decrease in weights of fat pads was concomitant with lowered serum insulin and leptin levels. Our findings show that leptin and CNTF engage both convergent and divergent pathways involved in feeding, cellular signaling, inflammation, and other related regulatory systems. [source] Prediction of in vitro response to interferon-, in renal cell carcinoma cell linesCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Toru Shimazui We analyzed the correlation between interferon-, (IFN,) response and gene expression profiles to predict IFN, sensitivity and identified key molecules regulating the IFN, response in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. To classify eight RCC cell lines of the SKRC series into three subgroups according to IFN, sensitivity, that is, sensitive, resistant and intermediate group, responses to IFN, (300,3000 IU/mL) were quantified by WST-1 assay. Microarray, followed by supervised hierarchical clustering analysis, was applied to selected genes according to IFN, sensitivity. In order to find alteration of expression profiles induced by IFN,, sequential microarray analyses were performed at 3, 6, and 12 h after IFN, treatment of RCC cell lines and mRNA expression level was confirmed using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. According to the sequential microarray analysis between IFN,-sensitive and -resistant line, seven genes were selected as candidates for IFN,-sensitivity-related genes in RCC cell lines. Among these seven genes, we further developed a model to predict tumor inhibition with four genes, that is, adipose differentiation-related protein, microphthalmia associated transcription factor, mitochondrial tumor suppressor 1, and troponin T1 using multiple linear regression analysis (coefficient = 0.948, P = 0.0291) and validated the model using other RCC cell lines including six primary cultured RCC cells. The expression levels of the combined selected genes may provide predictive information on the IFN, response in RCC. Furthermore, the IFN, response to RCC might be modulated by regulation of the expression level of these molecules. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 529,534) [source] Gene expression profiling of human promyelocytic cells in response to infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilumCELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005José De La Fuente Summary Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) causes human, equine and canine granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever of ruminants. The rickettsia parasitizes granulocytes and bone marrow progenitor cells, and can be propagated in human promyelocytic and tick cell lines. In this study, microarrays of synthetic polynucleotides of 21 329 human genes were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in HL-60 human promyelocytic cells in response to infection with A. phagocytophilum. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of selected genes confirmed the results of the microarray analysis. Six genes in the A. phagocytophilum -infected cells were found to be upregulated greater than 30-fold, while expression of downregulated genes most often did not change more than sixfold. Genes that were found to be differentially regulated in infected cells were those essential for cellular mechanisms including growth and differentiation, cell transport, signalling and communication and protective response against infection, some of which are most likely necessary for infection and multiplication of A. phagocytophilum in host cells. The differentially regulated genes described herein provide new information on the gene expression profiles in A. phagocytophilum -infected HL-60 cells, thus expanding in a global manner the existing information on the response of mammalian cells to A. phagocytophilum infection. [source] |