1
|
Hu X, Li H, Chen M, Qian J, Jiang H. Reference-informed evaluation of batch correction for single-cell omics data with overcorrection awareness. Commun Biol 2025; 8:521. [PMID: 40158033 PMCID: PMC11954866 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-07947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Batch effect correction (BEC) is fundamental to integrate multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, and its success is critical to empower in-depth interrogation for biological insights. However, no simple metric is available to evaluate BEC performance with sensitivity to data overcorrection, which erases true biological variations and leads to false biological discoveries. Here, we propose RBET, a reference-informed statistical framework for evaluating the success of BEC. Using extensive simulations and six real data examples including scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq datasets with different numbers of batches, batch effect sizes and numbers of cell types, we demonstrate that RBET evaluates the performance of BEC methods more fairly with biologically meaningful insights from data, while other methods may lead to false results. Moreover, RBET is computationally efficient, sensitive to overcorrection and robust to large batch effect sizes. Thus, RBET provides a robust guideline on selecting case-specific BEC method, and the concept of RBET is extendable to other modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Hu
- Center for Data Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Li
- Center for Data Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junbin Qian
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hangjin Jiang
- Center for Data Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Souza JLN, Lopes CDA, Leal-Silva T, Vieira-Santos F, Amorim CCO, Padrão LDLS, Antunes Porto AR, Fujiwara RT, Russo RC, Bueno LL. Evaluation of reference genes for gene expression analysis by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in different tissues from mice infected by Ascaris suum. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106567. [PMID: 38364877 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Human ascariasis is the most prevalent helminth infection, affecting 445 million people worldwide. To better understand the impact of the immune system on the pathophysiology of individuals infected with Ascaris suum, mice have been used as experimental models. The RT-qPCR technique is a critical auxiliary tool of investigation used to quantify mRNA levels. However, proper normalization using reference genes is essential to ensure reliable outcomes to avoid analytical errors and false results. Despite the importance of reference genes for experimental A. suum infection studies, no specific reference genes have been identified yet. Therefore, we conducted a study to assess five potential reference genes (GAPDH, 18s, ACTB, B2M, and HPRT1) in different tissues (liver, lungs, small and large intestines) affected by A. suum larval migration in C57BL/6j mice. Tissue collection was carried out to analyze parasite burden and confirm the presence of larvae during the peak of migration in each tissue. Upon confirmation, we analyzed different genes in the tissues and found no common gene with stable expression. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing different genes and using different software programs to ensure reliable relative expression results. Based on our findings, B2M was ranked as the ideal reference gene for the liver, while 18S was the most stable gene in the lung and small intestine. ACTB, or a combination of ACTB with GAPDH, was deemed suitable as reference genes for the large intestine due to their stable expression and less variation between the control and infected groups. To further demonstrate the impact of using different reference genes, we normalized the expression of a chemokine gene (CXCL9) in all tissues. Significant differences in CXCL9 expression levels were observed between different groups in all tissues except for the large intestine. This underscores the importance of selecting appropriate reference genes to avoid overestimating target gene expression levels and encountering normalization-related issues that can lead to false results. In conclusion, our study highlights the significance of using reliable reference genes for accurate RT-qPCR analysis, especially in the context of A. suum infection studies in different tissues. Proper normalization is crucial to ensure the validity of gene expression data and avoid potential pitfalls in interpreting results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila de Almeida Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thais Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Chiara Cássia Oliveira Amorim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiza de Lima Silva Padrão
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Rafaela Antunes Porto
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo Castro Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hebenstreitova K, Salaba O, Trubac J, Kufnerova J, Vanek D. The Influence of Tanning Chemical Agents on DNA Degradation: A Robust Procedure for the Analysis of Tanned Animal Hide-A Pilot Study. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:147. [PMID: 38276276 PMCID: PMC10817434 DOI: 10.3390/life14010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Illegal wildlife trade is currently on the rise, and it is becoming one of the most lucrative crime sectors. The rarer the species, the higher the demand. Wildlife trade falls under international regulations, such as the CITES convention. Proving that this convention has been violated is a complex process and can be very difficult to do. DNA analysis methods remain (in many cases) the only way to determine whether a certain specimen originated from a protected animal species, a specific individual, or a species in which it is legal to trade. Tanned animal hides are a specific type of specimen. With this type of biological material, obtaining amplifiable DNA is often difficult. This pilot study aimed to map the effect of the chemicals used in the tanning process on the degradation of the DNA yielded from such samples. The DNA was quantified using two different approaches: qPCR and Qubit fluorometry. The degree of DNA fragmentation was assessed by determining the degradation index. The results indicate that reagents containing chromium have the greatest influence on DNA degradation. However, by using the presented protocol, enough amplifiable DNA can be obtained from hides treated with aluminum-based reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Hebenstreitova
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Charles University, Benátská 2, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Salaba
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Trubac
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Charles University, Benátská 2, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Kufnerova
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Charles University, Benátská 2, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- CRL Radiocarbon Laboratory, Department of Radiation Dosimetry, Nuclear Physic Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Truhlářce 38, 180 86 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Vanek
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Charles University, Benátská 2, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Forensic DNA Service, Budínova 2, 180 81 Prague, Czech Republic
- Bulovka University Hospital, Budínova 2, 180 81 Prague, Czech Republic
- 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Úvalu 84, 150 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lucas Nascimento Souza J, Cavalcante Silva F, da Silva CG, Maria Fortaleza Neves Bomfim I, Rocha de Medeiros H, Giotto Zaros L. Analysis of the stability of the reference genes GAPDH, SDHA and RPL-19 in sheep from a semi-arid region infected by gastrointestinal nematodes. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:147. [PMID: 37679739 PMCID: PMC10483723 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03709-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzing the stability of reference genes already described as universal is an important methodology to lead gene expression analysis because different studies have shown that the expression of universal reference genes may vary between experimental treatments. In this sense, the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) and Ribosomal Protein L-19 (RPL-19) reference genes (already described in other studies with sheep from different regions, breeds and infectious agents or in organisms evolutionarily close to sheep) were investigated in the abomasum, small and large intestines of resistant and susceptible crossbred sheep groups to gastrointestinal nematode infections in the Semi-arid region in Northeast of Brazil. The animals were naturally infected to determine the resistance or susceptibility status by counting eggs per gram (EPG) of feces from the gastrointestinal tract after 33 weeks of observations of infection evolution. Relative gene expression was performed by RT-qPCR methodology using Sybr green and relative gene expression stability was tested by different software programs such as REST, BestKeeper, geNorm and Normfinder. Our results showed the susceptible animals had increase in egg counts per gram of feces than resistant animals (p < 0.001), and both groups showed a mixed infection by nematodes of the genus Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum and Trichuris. Furthermore, we show the importance of analyzing different genes in different software programs and the importance to choose ideal reference genes. In this sense, GAPDH was the most stable gene in the abomasum, whereas SDHA was the most stable in the small and large intestines. In addition, we discuss about variables which can interfere in relative expression such as breed, species, climate and tissue. However, utilizing other reference genes already described in other studies with the same and different variables should be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza
- Graduate Program in Parasitary Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cavalcante Silva
- Graduate Program in Animal Production, Jundiaí Agricultural School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Carlikelly Gleicy da Silva
- Graduate Program in Parasitary Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique Rocha de Medeiros
- Jundiaí Agricultural School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Lilian Giotto Zaros
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lindlöf A. The Vulnerability of the Developing Brain: Analysis of Highly Expressed Genes in Infant C57BL/6 Mouse Hippocampus in Relation to Phenotypic Annotation Derived From Mutational Studies. Bioinform Biol Insights 2022; 16:11779322211062722. [PMID: 35023907 PMCID: PMC8743926 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211062722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus has been shown to have a major role in learning and memory, but also to participate in the regulation of emotions. However, its specific role(s) in memory is still unclear. Hippocampal damage or dysfunction mainly results in memory issues, especially in the declarative memory but, in animal studies, has also shown to lead to hyperactivity and difficulty in inhibiting responses previously taught. The brain structure is affected in neuropathological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, and also by depression and stress. The hippocampus structure is far from mature at birth and undergoes substantial development throughout infant and juvenile life. The aim of this study was to survey genes highly expressed throughout the postnatal period in mouse hippocampus and which have also been linked to an abnormal phenotype through mutational studies to achieve a greater understanding about hippocampal functions during postnatal development. Publicly available gene expression data from C57BL/6 mouse hippocampus was analyzed; from a total of 5 time points (at postnatal day 1, 10, 15, 21, and 30), 547 genes highly expressed in all of these time points were selected for analysis. Highly expressed genes are considered to be of potential biological importance and appear to be multifunctional, and hence any dysfunction in such a gene will most likely have a large impact on the development of abilities during the postnatal and juvenile period. Phenotypic annotation data downloaded from Mouse Genomic Informatics database were analyzed for these genes, and the results showed that many of them are important for proper embryo development and infant survival, proper growth, and increase in body size, as well as for voluntary movement functions, motor coordination, and balance. The results also indicated an association with seizures that have primarily been characterized by uncontrolled motor activity and the development of proper grooming abilities. The complete list of genes and their phenotypic annotation data have been compiled in a file for easy access.
Collapse
|
6
|
Berruien NNA, Murray JF, Smith CL. Pregnancy influences the selection of appropriate reference genes in mouse tissue: Determination of appropriate reference genes for quantitative reverse transcription PCR studies in tissues from the female mouse reproductive axis. Gene 2021; 801:145855. [PMID: 34293448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Selecting stably expressed reference genes which are not affected by physiological or pathophysiological conditions is crucial for reliable quantification in gene expression studies. This study examined the expression stability of a panel of twelve reference genes in tissues from the female mouse reproductive axis and the uterus. Gene expression studies were carried out using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). cDNA was synthesised from RNA extracted from hypothalami, pituitaries, ovaries and uteri of female mice at ages representing weaning, puberty and adulthood as well as pregnancy (13 ± 1 days post-coitus) (n = a minimum of 3 at each age and at pregnancy). The reference genes examined included 18 s, Actb, Atp5b, B2m, Canx, Cyc1, Eif4a2, Gapdh, Rpl13a, Sdha, Ubc and Ywhaz. The RT-qPCR raw data were imported into the qBASE+ software to analyse the expression stability using GeNorm. These data were also subsequently analysed using other software packages (Delta CT, Normfinder, BestKeeper). A comprehensive ranking was conducted considering all stability rankings generated from the different software analyses. B2m and Eif4a2 deviated from the acceptable range for amplification efficiency and therefore were excluded from the further analyses. The stability of the reference genes is influenced by the software used for the analysis with BestKeeper providing markedly different results than the other analyses. GeNorm analysis of tissues taken at different ages but not including pregnant animals, indicated that the expression of the reference genes is tissue specific with the most stable genes being: in the hypothalamus, Canx and Actb; in the pituitary, Sdha and Cyc1; in the ovary, 18s, Sdha and Ubc; and in the uterus, Ywhaz, Cyc1, Atp5b, 18s and Rpl13a. The optimal number of reference genes to be used was determined to be 2 in the first three tissues while in the uterus, the V-score generated by the GeNorm analysis was higher than 0.15 suggesting that 3 or more genes should be used for normalisation. Inclusion of tissues from pregnant mice changed the reference genes identified as being the most stable: Ubc and Sdha were the most stable genes in the hypothalamus, pituitary and the ovary. The addition of pregnant tissue had no effect on the stability of the genes in uterus (Ywhaz, Cyc1, Atp5b, 18s and Rpl13a). Identification of these stable reference genes will be of use to those interested in studying female fertility and researchers should be alert to the effects of pregnancy on reference gene stability. This study also signifies the importance of re-examining reference gene stability if the experimental conditions are changed, as shown with the introduction of pregnancy as a new factor in this research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin N A Berruien
- University of Westminster, School of Life Sciences, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne F Murray
- University of Edinburgh, Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline L Smith
- University of Westminster, School of Life Sciences, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lu X, Liu Y, Zhang D, Liu K, Wang Q, Wang H. Determination of the panel of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in fetal and adult rat intestines. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 104:68-75. [PMID: 34242779 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) detection, the stability of reference genes varies with different organs, tissue locations, sex and developmental stages. This study aimed to screen out and determine the optimal panel of reference genes of the intestine in pre- and post-natal rats of different sex. We used qRT-PCR to detect the mRNA expression of six commonly used reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, HPRT1, B2M, RPLPO and SDHA) in rat intestines at gestational day 21 (GD21) and postnatal week 12 (PW12). Using GeNorm, BestKeeper and NormFinder software comprehensively analyzed the stability of candidate reference genes and screened out stable reference genes. Further, we used the pathological model of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) to verify the stability of the selected panel of reference genes. Based on the results of the software analysis, the optimal panel of reference genes in the fetal rat intestine was SDHA + ACTB, and the adult rat small intestine and colon were ACTB + HPRT1 and RPLP0 + GAPDH, respectively. There was no significant sex difference in the above results. Besides, in the PDE model, the results were consistent with those under physiological conditions. Therefore, the stability of intestinal reference genes in fetal rats and adult rats was different, and the intestinal reference genes of adult rats were intestinal segments-specific. The selected panel of reference genes was still stable under pathological conditions. This study determined the optimal panel of reference genes of pre- and post-natal rat intestines and provided reliable reference genes for the qRT-PCR analysis of rat intestines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dingmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schumacher R, Rossetti MF, Lazzarino GP, Canesini G, García AP, Stoker C, Andreoli MF, Ramos JG. Temporary effects of neonatal overfeeding on homeostatic control of food intake involve alterations in POMC promoter methylation in male rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111123. [PMID: 33338550 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A small litter (SL) model was used to determine how neonatal overfeeding affects the homeostatic control of food intake in male rats at weaning and postnatal day (PND) 90. At PND4, litters were reduced to small (4 pups/dam) or normal (10 pups/dam) litters. At weaning, SL rats showed higher body weight and characteristic features of the metabolic syndrome. Gene expression of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and leptin and ghrelin (GHSR) receptors were increased and POMC promoter was hypomethylated in arcuate nucleus, indicating that the early development of obesity may involve the GHSR/NPY system and changes in POMC methylation state. At PND90, body weight, metabolic parameters and gene expression were restored; however, POMC methylation state remained altered. This work provides insight into the effects of neonatal overfeeding, showing the importance of developmental plasticity in restoring early changes in central pathways involved in metabolic programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Schumacher
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gisela Paola Lazzarino
- Centro de Neurociencia Social y Afectiva, Departamento de Medicina Clínica y Experimental, Universidad de Linköping, 58x xx, Linköping, Suecia.
| | - Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ana Paula García
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Andreoli
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), Hospital de niños de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa-CONICET, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Halouani A, Jmii H, Michaux H, Renard C, Martens H, Pirottin D, Mastouri M, Aouni M, Geenen V, Jaïdane H. Housekeeping Gene Expression in the Fetal and Neonatal Murine Thymus Following Coxsackievirus B4 Infection. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030279. [PMID: 32150956 PMCID: PMC7140870 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus fulfills the role of T-cell production and differentiation. Studying transcription factors and genes involved in T-cell differentiation and maturation during the fetal and neonatal periods is very important. Nevertheless, no studies to date have been interested in evaluating the expressions of housekeeping genes as internal controls to assess the varying expressions of different genes inside this tissue during that period or in the context of viral infection. Thus, we evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) the expression of the most common internal control genes in the thymus of Swiss albino mice during the fetal and neonatal period, and following in utero infection with Coxsackievirus B4. The stability of expression of these reference genes in different samples was investigated using the geNorm application. Results demonstrated that the expression stability varied greatly between genes. Oaz1 was found to have the highest stability in different stages of development, as well as following Coxsackievirus B4 infection. The current study clearly demonstrated that Oaz1, with very stable expression levels that outperformed other tested housekeeping genes, could be used as a reference gene in the thymus and thymic epithelial cells during development and following Coxsackievirus B4 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Halouani
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liege, Sart Tilman, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.R.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Habib Jmii
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Hélène Michaux
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liege, Sart Tilman, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.R.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Chantal Renard
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liege, Sart Tilman, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.R.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Henri Martens
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liege, Sart Tilman, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.R.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Dimitri Pirottin
- University of Liège, GIGA-I3 and Department of Functional Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liège, Sart Tilman, Belgium;
| | - Maha Mastouri
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Vincent Geenen
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Liège, GIGA-I3 Immunoendocrinologie, CHU-B34, B-4000 Liege, Sart Tilman, Belgium; (H.M.); (C.R.); (H.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Hela Jaïdane
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.H.); (H.J.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramhøj L, Axelstad M, Svingen T. Validation of endogenous reference genes in rat cerebral cortex for RT-qPCR analyses in developmental toxicity studies. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7181. [PMID: 31289700 PMCID: PMC6599449 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Relative gene expression data obtained from quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) experiments are dependent on appropriate normalization to represent true values. It is common to use constitutively expressed endogenous reference genes (RGs) for normalization, but for this strategy to be valid the RGs must be stably expressed across all the tested samples. Here, we have tested 10 common RGs for their expression stability in cerebral cortex from young rats after in utero exposure to thyroid hormone (TH) disrupting compounds. We found that all 10 RGs were stable according to the three algorithms geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. The downstream target gene Pvalb was significantly downregulated in brains from young rats after in utero exposure to propylthiouracil (PTU), a medicinal drug inhibiting TH synthesis. Similar results were obtained regardless of which of the 10 RGs was used for normalization. Another potential gene affected by developmental TH disruption, Dio2, was either not affected, or significantly upregulated about 1.4-fold, depending on which RG was used for normalization. This highlights the importance of carefully selecting correct RGs for normalization and to take into account the sensitivity of the RT-qPCR method when reporting on changes to gene expression that are less than 1.5-fold. For future studies examining relative gene expression in rat cerebral cortex under toxicological conditions, we recommend using a combination of either Rps18/Rpl13a or Rps18/Ubc for normalization, but also continuously monitor any potential regulation of the RGs themselves following alterations to study protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Ramhøj
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis of gene expression in Hainan medaka (Oryzias curvinotus). GENE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
12
|
Abstract
Known for its tumor suppressor activity in breast and ovarian cancers, the breast cancer 1 susceptibility gene (Brca1) is involved in a variety of cellular pathways including DNA repair, antioxidant signaling, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. BRCA1 can translocate between the cytoplasm and nucleus to perform its various roles. Herein is a procedure for measuring BRCA1 protein levels in the whole cell lysate (WCL), as well as in the nuclear (N) and cytoplasmic (C) fractions of mouse tissues at different gestational ages. The method employs multiple loading controls to ensure proper separation of fractions and a total protein stain for more consistent comparisons of dissimilar samples. This method is useful for identifying BRCA1 deficiencies and localization in a variety of research fields, including development, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Drake
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Centre for Pharmaceutical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter G Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Centre for Pharmaceutical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abul M, Al-Bader MD, Mouihate A. Exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during pregnancy alters the expression of p73 gene variants in fetal brains in a sex-specific manner. Brain Res 2018; 1707:117-123. [PMID: 30476470 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) alters brain plasticity and cognitive functions during adulthood in a sex-dependent manner. The mechanisms underlying such long-lasting sex-dependent change of prenatal DEX is not well understood. The p73 gene plays an important role in brain development. It encodes for two protein variants; the neural cell death protein (TAp73) and the anti-neural cell death protein (ΔNp73). Therefore, we sought to determine how prenatal exposure to DEX alters the expression of these p73 gene variants in the brain of male and female fetuses. Pregnant dams received daily injections of either DEX (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline from gestation day (GD) 14 until GD21. On GD21, body and brain weights were monitored and mRNA and protein levels of TAp73 and ΔNp73 were measured in male and female fetal brains using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Prenatal exposure to DEX significantly reduced the body and brain weights of both male and female fetuses, although reduction in brain weight was less severe than that of the body weight. Administration of DEX to pregnant dams led to enhanced expression of both TAp73 and ΔNp73 gene/protein variants in the brain of male but not in that of female fetuses. Dexamethasone induced a sex-dependent effect on the expression of p73 gene variants. DEX-induced growth restriction in the brain of female fetuses is independent of p73 gene. This study strongly suggests that survival/death programs operate differently during the development of male and female brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abul
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Maie D Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Czarzasta K, Makowska-Zubrycka M, Kasarello K, Skital VM, Tyszkowska K, Matusik K, Jesion A, Wojciechowska M, Segiet A, Wrzesien R, Biały M, Krzascik P, Wisłowska-Stanek A, Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. A rat model to study maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods, its comorbidity with cardiovascular diseases and neurodevelopmental impact in the offspring. Physiol Behav 2018; 199:258-264. [PMID: 30465806 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an animal model of human depression during pregnancy and lactation to examine the effect of maternal, perinatal depression on offspring development. Maternal depression during pregnancy affects up to 20% of women and is a risk factor for both the developmental and long-term health issues. It is often comorbid with the cardiovascular disease (CVD) that affects the uteroplacental circulation and impacts offspring development. More than half of the expecting mothers with depression use antidepressants that cross the placenta and may interfere with the neurodevelopmental programming. Thus, depressed pregnant mothers face a difficult choice whether "to use or not to use" antidepressant therapy, since both untreated depression and antenatal antidepressant exposure present increased risks of neurodevelopmental pathologies. The ongoing clinical debate presents inconclusive data, while the existing animal models of maternal depression do not include early gestational periods, and, do not monitor depressive-like behavior nor address the cardiovascular abnormalities. The presented model includes pregestational depressive behavior extending into pregnancy and lactation, periods that have not been previously examined. Rat dams exposed to pre-gestational chronic mild stress (CMS) developed a sustained decrease in self-grooming behavior, correlated with hormonal, behavioral, and cardiac changes persisting through the postpartum period. Preliminary data indicate neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral and cardiac abnormalities, and altered levels of both the brain and the heart markers in the offspring of stressed dams. Furthermore, the preliminary data predict that maternal pregnancy during the perinatal period is likely to impact the neurodevelopmental process in a sex-dependent manner. Thus the presented here model (PG-LAC CMS) fulfills both the face and the construct validity criteria for maternal stress-induced depression during pregnancy and postpartum that may facilitate further studies of the relative risks of untreated vs. antidepressant-treated maternal depression during pregnancy to the mother and her offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Czarzasta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Makowska-Zubrycka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kaja Kasarello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Veronica M Skital
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Tyszkowska
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Matusik
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anika Jesion
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Wojciechowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Segiet
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Wrzesien
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Biały
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Krzascik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Elzbieta M Sajdel-Sulkowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guo R, Guo H, Zhang Q, Guo M, Xu Y, Zeng M, Lv P, Chen X, Yang M. Evaluation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in wild and cultivated Cannabis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2018; 82:1902-1910. [PMID: 30130459 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1506253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RT-qPCR has been widely used for gene expression analysis in recent years. The accuracy of this technique largely depends on the selection of suitable reference genes. In order to facilitate gene expression analysis in wild and cultivated Cannabis, the expression stability of seven candidate reference genes (ACT2, 18S rRNA, GAPDH, UBQ, TUB, PP2A and EF1α) were assessed in leaves samples of different development stages and different organs of both wild and cultivated Cannabis in the present study. Their expression stabilities were evaluated through three software packages (GeNorm, Normfinder and Bestkeeper). Results showed that UBQ and EF1α were the highly ranked genes in different leaves samples, and PP2A was the most stable reference gene in different organs, while GAPDH was the least stable one. And the validation of the reference genes selected was further confirmed by the expression patterns of MDS and OLS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Guo
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Qingying Zhang
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Mengbi Guo
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Xu
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zeng
- b Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Lv
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Chen
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yang
- a Industrial Crop Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Kunming , People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eskici NF, Erdem-Ozdamar S, Dayangac-Erden D. The altered expression of perineuronal net elements during neural differentiation. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2018; 23:5. [PMID: 29456557 PMCID: PMC5812217 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-018-0073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are localized around neurons during development, are specialized forms of neural extracellular matrix with neuroprotective and plasticity-regulating roles. Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), tenascin-R (TNR) and aggrecan (ACAN) are key elements of PNNs. In diseases characterized by neuritogenesis defects, the expression of these proteins is known to be downregulated, suggesting that PNNs may have a role in neural differentiation. Methods In this study, the mRNA and protein levels of HAPLN1, TNR and ACAN were determined and compared at specific time points of neural differentiation. We used PC12 cells as the in vitro model because they reflect this developmental process. Results On day 7, the HAPLN1 mRNA level showed a 2.9-fold increase compared to the non-differentiated state. However, the cellular HAPLN1 protein level showed a decrease, indicating that the protein may have roles in neural differentiation, and may be secreted during the early period of differentiation. By contrast, TNR mRNA and protein levels remained unchanged, and the amount of cellular ACAN protein showed a 3.7-fold increase at day 7. These results suggest that ACAN may be secreted after day 7, possibly due to its large amount of post-translational modifications. Conclusions Our results provide preliminary data on the expression of PNN elements during neural differentiation. Further investigations will be performed on the role of these elements in neurological disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazli F Eskici
- 1Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Biology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevim Erdem-Ozdamar
- 2Faculty of Medicine Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Didem Dayangac-Erden
- 1Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Biology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
A Abdullah A, Abdullah R, A Nazariah Z, N Balakrishnan K, Firdaus J Abdullah F, A Bala J, Mohd-Lila MA. Cyclophilin A as a target in the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections. Antivir Chem Chemother 2018; 26:2040206618811413. [PMID: 30449131 PMCID: PMC6243413 DOI: 10.1177/2040206618811413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on the cellular machinery of the host to regenerate and manufacture their proteins. Most antiviral drugs on the market today target viral proteins. However, the more recent strategies involve targeting the host cell proteins or pathways that mediate viral replication. This new approach would be effective for most viruses while minimizing drug resistance and toxicity. METHODS Cytomegalovirus replication, latency, and immune response are mediated by the intermediate early protein 2, the main protein that determines the effectiveness of drugs in cytomegalovirus inhibition. This review explains how intermediate early protein 2 can modify the action of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive, and antiviral drug. It also links all the pathways mediated by cyclosporin A, cytomegalovirus replication, and its encoded proteins. RESULTS Intermediate early protein 2 can influence the cellular cyclophilin A pathway, affecting cyclosporin A as a mediator of viral replication or anti-cytomegalovirus drug. CONCLUSION Cyclosporin A has a dual function in cytomegalovirus pathogenesis. It has the immunosuppressive effect that establishes virus replication through the inhibition of T-cell function. It also has an anti-cytomegalovirus effect mediated by intermediate early protein 2. Both of these functions involve cyclophilin A pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaq A Abdullah
- 1 Institute of Bioscience, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Rasedee Abdullah
- 1 Institute of Bioscience, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
- 3 Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
| | - Zeenathul A Nazariah
- 1 Institute of Bioscience, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
- 4 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
| | - Krishnan N Balakrishnan
- 4 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
| | - Faez Firdaus J Abdullah
- 5 Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
| | - Jamilu A Bala
- 4 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
- 6 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mohd-Azmi Mohd-Lila
- 1 Institute of Bioscience, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
- 4 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
He M, Cui S, Yang X, Mu G, Chen H, Liu L. Selection of suitable reference genes for abiotic stress-responsive gene expression studies in peanut by real-time quantitative PCR. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
|
19
|
Andreoli MF, Stoker C, Rossetti MF, Lazzarino GP, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Dietary withdrawal of phytoestrogens resulted in higher gene expression of 3-beta-HSD and ARO but lower 5-alpha-R-1 in male rats. Nutr Res 2016; 36:1004-1012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
20
|
Drougard A, Fournel A, Marlin A, Meunier E, Abot A, Bautzova T, Duparc T, Louche K, Batut A, Lucas A, Le-Gonidec S, Lesage J, Fioramonti X, Moro C, Valet P, Cani PD, Knauf C. Central chronic apelin infusion decreases energy expenditure and thermogenesis in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31849. [PMID: 27549402 PMCID: PMC4994119 DOI: 10.1038/srep31849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is a bioactive peptide involved in the control of energy metabolism. In the hypothalamus, chronic exposure to high levels of apelin is associated with an increase in hepatic glucose production, and then contributes to the onset of type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms behind deleterious effects of chronic apelin in the brain and consequences on energy expenditure and thermogenesis are currently unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of apelin in normal mice on hypothalamic inflammatory gene expression, energy expenditure, thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue functions. We have shown that chronic icv infusion of apelin increases the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the hypothalamus associated with an increase in plasma interleukin-1 beta. In parallel, mice infused with icv apelin exhibit a significant lower energy expenditure coupled to a decrease in PGC1alpha, PRDM16 and UCP1 expression in brown adipose tissue which could explain the alteration of thermogenesis in these mice. These data provide compelling evidence that central apelin contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes by altering energy expenditure, thermogenesis and fat browning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Drougard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Audren Fournel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Alysson Marlin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Etienne Meunier
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70 CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Abot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Tereza Bautzova
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Thibaut Duparc
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Katie Louche
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Aurelie Batut
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Alexandre Lucas
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Sophie Le-Gonidec
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Jean Lesage
- Université de Lille, Unité environnement périnatal et santé, EA 4489, Équipe malnutrition maternelle et programmation des maladies métaboliques, Université de Lille1, Bâtiment SN4, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRA, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Cedric Moro
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Philippe Valet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Patrice D Cani
- NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France.,Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain Drug Research Institute, LDRI, Metabolism and Nutrition research group, WELBIO, WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life sciences and BIOtechnology), Av. E. Mounier, 73 B1.73.11, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCLAv. E. Mounier, 73 B1.73.11, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claude Knauf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1048, Université Paul Sabatier, UPS, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.,NeuroMicrobiota, European Associated Laboratory, (EAL) INSERM/UCL, INSERM U1220, Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD), CHU Purpan - Place du Docteur Baylac, CS 60039, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kraan CM, Cornish KM, Bui QM, Li X, Slater HR, Godler DE. β-glucuronidase mRNA levels are correlated with gait and working memory in premutation females: understanding the role of FMR1 premutation alleles. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29366. [PMID: 27387142 PMCID: PMC4937393 DOI: 10.1038/srep29366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset disorder manifesting in a proportion of FMR1 premutation individuals (PM: 55-199 CGG triplet expansions). FXTAS is associated with elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA which are toxic. In this study, relationships between neurocognitive and intra-step gait variability measures with mRNA levels, measured in blood samples, were examined in 35 PM and 35 matched control females. The real-time PCR assays measured FMR1 mRNA, and previously used internal control genes: β-Glucuronidase (GUS), Succinate Dehydrogenase 1 (SDHA) and Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A (EI4A2). Although there was significant correlation of gait variability with FMR1 mRNA levels (p = 0.004) when normalized to GUS (FMR1/GUS), this was lost when FMR1 was normalized to SDHA and EI4A2 (2IC). In contrast, GUS mRNA level normalized to 2IC showed a strong correlation with gait variability measures (p < 0.007), working memory (p = 0.001) and verbal intelligence scores (p = 0.008). PM specific changes in GUS mRNA were not mediated by FMR1 mRNA. These results raise interest in the role of GUS in PM related disorders and emphasise the importance of using appropriate internal control genes, which have no significant association with PM phenotype, to normalize FMR1 mRNA levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Kraan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - K M Cornish
- School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Q M Bui
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - X Li
- Cyto-molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - H R Slater
- Cyto-molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - D E Godler
- Cyto-molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in valproic acid rat models of autism. Mol Biol Rep 2016; 43:837-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-016-4015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
23
|
Galán A, Simón C. Monitoring Stemness in Long-Term hESC Cultures by Real-Time PCR. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1307:89-104. [PMID: 25403464 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2014_131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) involve long-term cultures that must remain undifferentiated. The real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique allows the relative quantification of target genes, including undifferentiation and differentiation markers when referred to a housekeeping control with the addition of a calibrator that serves as an internal control to compare different lots of reactions during the time. The main aspects will include a minimal number of cells to be analyzed, genes to be tested, and how to choose the appropriate calibrator sample and the reference gene. In this chapter, we present how to apply the RT-PCR technique, protocols for its performance, experimental setup, and software analysis, as of the gene expression of hESC lines in consecutive passages for long-term culture surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Galán
- Gene Expression and RNA Metabolism, Prince Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mathur D, Urena-Peralta JR, Lopez-Rodas G, Casanova B, Coret-Ferrer F, Burgal-Marti M. Bypassing hazard of housekeeping genes: their evaluation in rat granule neurons treated with cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis subjects. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:375. [PMID: 26441545 PMCID: PMC4585208 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression studies employing real-time PCR has become an intrinsic part of biomedical research. Appropriate normalization of target gene transcript(s) based on stably expressed housekeeping genes is crucial in individual experimental conditions to obtain accurate results. In multiple sclerosis (MS), several gene expression studies have been undertaken, however, the suitability of housekeeping genes to express stably in this disease is not yet explored. Recent research suggests that their expression level may vary under different experimental conditions. Hence it is indispensible to evaluate their expression stability to accurately normalize target gene transcripts. The present study aims to evaluate the expression stability of seven housekeeping genes in rat granule neurons treated with cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients. The selected reference genes were quantified by real time PCR and their expression stability was assessed using GeNorm and NormFinder algorithms. GeNorm identified transferrin receptor (Tfrc) and microglobulin beta-2 (B2m) the most stable genes followed by ribosomal protein L19 (Rpl19) whereas β-actin (ActB) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (Gapdh) the most fluctuated ones in these neurons. NormFinder identified Tfrc as the best invariable gene followed by B2m and Rpl19. ActB and Gapdh were the least stable genes as analyzed by NormFinder algorithm. Both methods reported Tfrc and B2m the most stably expressed genes and Gapdh the least stable one. Altogether our data demonstrate the significance of pre-validation of housekeeping genes for accurate normalization and indicates Tfrc and B2m as best endogenous controls in MS. ActB and Gapdh are not recommended in gene expression studies related to current one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Mathur
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Valencia Valencia, Spain ; Multiple Sclerosis Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Prince Felipe Research Center Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan R Urena-Peralta
- Multiple Sclerosis Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Prince Felipe Research Center Valencia, Spain
| | - Gerardo Lopez-Rodas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute Valencia, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Casanova
- CSUR-Esclerosi Múltiple, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Unitat Mixta d'Esclerosi Múltiple i Neurorregeneració de l'IIS-La Fe València, Spain
| | | | - Maria Burgal-Marti
- Multiple Sclerosis Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Prince Felipe Research Center Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cacioppo JA, Koo Y, Lin PCP, Gal A, Ko C. Generation and characterization of an endothelin-2 iCre mouse. Genesis 2015; 53:245-56. [PMID: 25604013 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A novel transgenic mouse line that expresses codon-improved Cre recombinase (iCre) under regulation of the Endothelin-2 gene (edn2) promoter was developed for the conditional deletion of genes in Endothelin-2 lineage cells and for the spatial and temporal localization of Endothelin-2 expression. Endothelin-2 (EDN2, ET-2, previously VIC) is a transcriptionally regulated 21 amino acid peptide implicated in vascular homeostasis, and more recently in female reproduction, gastrointestinal function, immunology, and cancer pathogenesis that acts through membrane receptors and G-protein signaling. A cassette (edn2-iCre) was constructed that contained iCre, a polyadenylation sequence, and a neomycin selection marker in front of the endogenous start codon of the edn2 gene in a mouse genome BAC clone. The cassette was introduced into the C57BL/6 genome by pronuclear injection, and two lines of edn2-iCre positive mice were produced. The edn2-iCre mice were bred with ROSA26-lacZ and Ai9 reporter mice to visualize areas of functional iCre expression. Strong expression was seen in the periovulatory ovary, stomach and small intestine, and colon. Uniquely, we report punctate expression in the corneal epithelium, the liver, the lung, the pituitary, the uterus, and the heart. In the embryo, expression is localized in developing hair follicles and the dermis. Therefore, edn2-iCre mice will serve as a novel line for conditional gene deletion in these tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Cacioppo
- Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, Illinois
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Selection of suitable housekeeping genes for expression analysis in glioblastoma using quantitative RT-PCR. Ann Neurosci 2014; 21:62-3. [PMID: 25206063 PMCID: PMC4117159 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
27
|
Iruretagoyena JI, Davis W, Bird C, Olsen J, Radue R, Teo Broman A, Kendziorski C, Splinter BonDurant S, Golos T, Bird I, Shah D. Differential changes in gene expression in human brain during late first trimester and early second trimester of pregnancy. Prenat Diagn 2014; 34:431-7. [PMID: 24436137 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe brain development during the first (B1) and second trimester (B3) in human fetuses. DESIGN Ten brains from 10 to 18 weeks of gestational age (GA) were collected, and the RNA was used for transcriptome analysis (Affymetrix 1.0 ST microarray chip). Differences in brain development within 10 to 18 GA were investigated by dividing the sample into 10 to 12 (B1), 13 to 15(B2) and 16 to 18(B3) weeks. A fold change of 2 or above, with a false discovery rate of 5%, was used as cut-off to determine differential gene expression for individual genes. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to confirm differences. Tests for enrichment procedures (using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were then used to identify functional groups of mRNA. RESULTS At 10 to 12 weeks, brains showed neuronal migration to be upregulated. From 10 to 18 weeks, brains showed genes coding for neuronal migration, differentiation and connectivity upregulated. ALDH1A1 and NPY genes, marker of spinal cord and striatum, were upregulated in B1 and B3 brains, respectively. Also, SLITRK6-HAS2 and CRYAB-PCDH18 genes for ear and eye sensory input were upregulated in B1. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, brain global gene expression was described in human samples. Period B1 was dominated by genes coding for neuronal migration, differentiation, programmed cell death and sensory organs. B3 was dominated by neuronal proliferation, branching and myelination. Creating such a database will allow comparison with abnormals in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J I Iruretagoyena
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shimamoto Y, Kitamura H, Niimi K, Yoshikawa Y, Hoshi F, Ishizuka M, Takahashi E. Selection of suitable reference genes for mRNA quantification studies using common marmoset tissues. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:6747-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
29
|
Ealba EL, Schneider RA. A simple PCR-based strategy for estimating species-specific contributions in chimeras and xenografts. Development 2013; 140:3062-8. [PMID: 23785056 PMCID: PMC3699287 DOI: 10.1242/dev.092676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many tissue-engineering approaches for repair and regeneration involve transplants between species. Yet a challenge is distinguishing donor versus host effects on gene expression. This study provides a simple molecular strategy to quantify species-specific contributions in chimeras and xenografts. Species-specific primers for reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) were designed by identifying silent mutations in quail, duck, chicken, mouse and human ribosomal protein L19 (RPL19). cDNA from different pairs of species was mixed in a dilution series and species-specific RPL19 primers were used to generate standard curves. Then quail cells were transplanted into transgenic-GFP chick and resulting chimeras were analyzed with species-specific primers. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) confirmed that donor- and host-specific levels of RPL19 expression represent actual proportions of cells. To apply the RPL19 strategy, we measured Runx2 expression in quail-duck chimeras. Elevated Runx2 levels correlated with higher percentages of donor cells. Finally, RPL19 primers also discriminated mouse from human and chick. Thus, this strategy enables chimeras and/or xenografts to be screened rapidly at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Ealba
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Richard A. Schneider
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
DuBois B, Pearson J, Hastings B, Mahmood T, Chan T, Alnakhli A, Cherala G. Maternal low-protein diet alters the expression of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction reference genes in an age-, sex-, and organ-dependent manner in rat offspring. Nutr Res 2013; 33:235-41. [PMID: 23507230 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Altered perinatal environment, often manifested as low birth weight, is thought to contribute to greater susceptibility for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes as a result of epigenetic modifications and alteration of transcriptional activity for key genes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is a useful technique for the quantitative determination of differences in transcriptional activity. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction data analyses require normalization of transcriptional activity of target genes to an endogenous control, usually a reference gene. In response to reports of altered expression of reference genes in various experimental models, we hypothesized that adverse perinatal environment alters reference gene expression. We examined the expression of the following reference genes in the offspring of a rodent maternal low-protein diet model: β-actin, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1, TATA-box-binding protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucuronidase-β in brain, heart, kidneys, and intestines. We found altered expression in brain, heart, and kidneys for each of the reference genes measured; these effects were age, organ, and sex dependent. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucuronidase-β were found to be the least affected by these variables, whereas hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 was the most inconsistent. Our findings underscore the importance of empirical determination of a reliable reference gene for real-time polymerase chain reaction studies in the low-protein diet model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barent DuBois
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University/Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mouihate A, Al-Bader MD. Glucocorticoid-induced fetal brain growth restriction is associated with p73 gene activation. J Neurosci Res 2012; 91:95-104. [PMID: 23086675 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to excessive amounts of glucocorticoids (GCs) hampers proper brain development. The molecular mechanism(s) underlying these GCs effects are not well understood. We explored the impact of fetal exposure to maternal GCs on fetal brain expression of p63 and p73 transactivation (TA) and dominant negative (ΔN) gene variants that promote neural cell death (TA) and cell survival programs (ΔN). The fetoplacental enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, which shields fetuses from maternal glucocorticoids, was inhibited throughout pregnancy by daily injection of carbenoxolone to pregnant dams. The expression of p63 and p73 gene variants and proteins was monitored by real-time rtPCR and Western blot in the brains of male and female fetuses. Carbenoxolone administration led to an overall enhanced level of corticosterone in the amniotic fluid of both male and female fetuses at late pregnancy. These enhanced corticosterone levels were associated with a significant reduction in fetal brain weights and a significant increase in TAp73 mRNA and p73 protein levels. However, the expression levels of TAp63 mRNA and p63 proteins were either suppressed or unaffected. The pro-neural survival gene variant ΔNp73 was significantly reduced in female and enhanced in male fetal brains, whereas ΔNp63 was significantly reduced in the brains of both genders. These data suggest that the GCs-induced negative impact on fetal brain development likely is due, at least in part, to their action of the pro-neural cell death gene variant TAp73 and to the modulation of the pro-survival ΔNp63 and ΔNp73 gene variants in a gender-dependent fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li QQ, Skinner J, Bennett JE. Evaluation of reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR studies in Candida glabrata following azole treatment. BMC Mol Biol 2012; 13:22. [PMID: 22747760 PMCID: PMC3482582 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-13-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The selection of stable and suitable reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a crucial prerequisite for reliable gene expression analysis under different experimental conditions. The present study aimed to identify reference genes as internal controls for gene expression studies by RT-qPCR in azole-stimulated Candida glabrata. RESULTS The expression stability of 16 reference genes under fluconazole stress was evaluated using fold change and standard deviation computations with the hkgFinder tool. Our data revealed that the mRNA expression levels of three ribosomal RNAs (RDN5.8, RDN18, and RDN25) remained stable in response to fluconazole, while PGK1, UBC7, and UBC13 mRNAs showed only approximately 2.9-, 3.0-, and 2.5-fold induction by azole, respectively. By contrast, mRNA levels of the other 10 reference genes (ACT1, EF1α, GAPDH, PPIA, RPL2A, RPL10, RPL13A, SDHA, TUB1, and UBC4) were dramatically increased in C. glabrata following antifungal treatment, exhibiting changes ranging from 4.5- to 32.7-fold. We also assessed the expression stability of these reference genes using the 2(-ΔΔCT) method and three other software packages. The stability rankings of the reference genes by geNorm and the 2(-ΔΔCT) method were identical to those by hkgFinder, whereas the stability rankings by BestKeeper and NormFinder were notably different. We then validated the suitability of six candidate reference genes (ACT1, PGK1, RDN5.8, RDN18, UBC7, and UBC13) as internal controls for ten target genes in this system using the comparative CT method. Our validation experiments passed for all six reference genes analyzed except RDN18, where the amplification efficiency of RDN18 was different from that of the ten target genes. Finally, we demonstrated that the relative quantification of target gene expression varied according to the endogenous control used, highlighting the importance of the choice of internal controls in such experiments. CONCLUSIONS We recommend the use of RDN5.8, UBC13, and PGK1 alone or the combination of RDN5.8 plus UBC13 or PGK1 as reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in C. glabrata following azole treatment. In contrast, we show that ACT1 and other commonly used reference genes (GAPDH, PPIA, RPL13A, TUB1, etc.) were not validated as good internal controls in the current model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingdi Quentin Li
- Clinical Mycology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Uddin MJ, Cinar MU, Tesfaye D, Looft C, Tholen E, Schellander K. Age-related changes in relative expression stability of commonly used housekeeping genes in selected porcine tissues. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:441. [PMID: 22023805 PMCID: PMC3219825 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gene expression analysis using real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) is increasingly important in biological research due to the high-throughput and accuracy of qRT-PCR. For accurate and reliable gene expression analysis, normalization of gene expression data against housekeeping genes or internal control genes is required. The stability of reference genes has a tremendous effect on the results of relative quantification of gene expression by qRT-PCR. The expression stability of reference genes could vary according to tissues, age of individuals and experimental conditions. In the pig however, very little information is available on the expression stability of reference genes. The aim of this research was therefore to develop a new set of reference genes which can be used for normalization of mRNA expression data of genes expressed in varieties of porcine tissues at different ages. Results The mRNA expression stability of nine commonly used reference genes (B2M, BLM, GAPDH, HPRT1, PPIA, RPL4, SDHA, TBP and YWHAZ) was determined in varieties of tissues collected from newborn, young and adult pigs. geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software were used to rank the genes according to their stability. geNorm software revealed that RPL4, PPIA and YWHAZ showed high stability in newborn and adult pigs, while B2M, YWHAZ and SDHA showed high stability in young pigs. In all cases, GAPDH showed the least stability in geNorm. NormFinder revealed that TBP was the most stable gene in newborn and young pigs, while PPIA was most stable in adult pigs. Moreover, geNorm software suggested that the geometric mean of three most stable gene would be the suitable combination for accurate normalization of gene expression study. Conclusions Although, there was discrepancy in the ranking order of reference genes obtained by different analysing software methods, the geometric mean of the RPL4, PPIA and YWHAZ seems to be the most appropriate combination of housekeeping genes for accurate normalization of gene expression data in different porcine tissues at different ages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jasim Uddin
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry/Genetics group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mousa SA, Shaqura M, Schäper J, Treskatsch S, Habazettl H, Schäfer M, Abdul-Khaliq H. Developmental expression of δ-opioid receptors during maturation of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart: early targets for opioid regulation of autonomic control. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:957-71. [PMID: 21280046 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating regarding the local opioid regulation of heart function. However, the exact anatomical location of δ-opioid receptors (DORs) and expression during maturation of the autonomic and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize target sites for opioids in neonatal rat heart intracardiac ganglia at postnatal day (P)1, P7 and adulthood (P56-P84). Rat heart atria were subjected to reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis of DORs with the neuronal markers vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP). Our results demonstrated DOR mRNA, protein, and binding sites that gradually increased from P1 toward adulthood. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed DOR co-localized with VAChT in large-diameter principal neurons, TH-immunoreactive (IR) small intensely fluorescent (SIF) catecholaminergic cells, and CGRP- or SP-IR afferent nerve terminals arborizing within intracardiac ganglia and atrial myocardium. Co-expression of DOR with VAChT-IR neurons was observed from the first day of birth (P1). In contrast, DORs on TH-IR SIF cells or CGRP-IR fibers were not observed in intracardiac ganglia of P1, but rather in P7 rats. The density of nerve fibers in atrial myocardium co-expressing DORs with different neuronal markers increased from neonatal age toward adulthood. In summary, the enhanced DOR expression parallel to the maturation of cardiac parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervation of the heart suggests that the cardiac opioid system is an important regulator of neonatal and adult heart function through the autonomic nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaaban A Mousa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pérez-Monter C, Martínez-Armenta M, Miquelajauregui A, Furlan-Magaril M, Varela-Echavarría A, Recillas-Targa F, May V, Charli JL, Pérez-Martínez L. The Krüppel-like factor 4 controls biosynthesis of thyrotropin-releasing hormone during hypothalamus development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 333:127-33. [PMID: 21182892 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic neurogenesis is controlled by the activation of specific genetic programs. In the hypothalamus, neuronal thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) populations control important physiological process, including energy homeostasis and autonomic function; however, the genetic program leading to the TRH expression is poorly understood. Here, we show that the Klf4 gene, encoding the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), was expressed in the rat hypothalamus during development and regulated Trh expression. In rat fetal hypothalamic cells Klf4 regulated Trh promoter activity through CACCC and GC motifs present on the Trh gene promoter. Accordingly, hypothalamic Trh expression was down-regulated at embryonic day 15 in the Klf4(-/-) mice resulting in diminished bioactive peptide levels. Although at the neonatal stage the Trh transcript levels of the Klf4(-/-) mice were normal, the reduction in peptide levels persisted. Thus, our data indicate that Klf4 plays a key role in the maturation of TRH expression in hypothalamic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pérez-Monter
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Al-Dasooqi N, Bowen JM, Gibson RJ, Logan RM, Stringer AM, Keefe DM. Selection of housekeeping genes for gene expression studies in a rat model of irinotecan-induced mucositis. Chemotherapy 2011; 57:43-53. [PMID: 21282945 DOI: 10.1159/000321477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Mucositis is the term used to describe damage caused by chemotherapy to mucous membranes of the alimentary tract. RT-PCR has recently been utilised to determine the molecular events that occur in mucositis. As this method relies on the use of a validated endogenous control, this study aims to validate commonly used housekeeping genes in an irinotecan-induced mucositis model. METHODS Rats were administered irinotecan and sacrificed at different time points, in particular 1, 24, 72 and 144 h following treatment. Histopathological damage was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of 11 housekeeping genes. Expression stability was determined by the Normfinder program. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 was used as a target gene to validate the appropriateness of the top-ranking housekeeping gene. RESULTS For normalisation to multiple housekeeping genes, the most stable combination across all time points in the jejunum was Ywhaz/UBC and in the colon UBC/β-actin. SDHA and GAPDH were the most variable genes in the jejunum and colon where they were 4.4 and 3.2 fold upregulated following irinotecan, respectively. CONCLUSIONS For normalisation of irinotecan-induced mucositis gene expression studies, a combination of Ywhaz/UBC and UBC/β-actin should be used in the jejunum and colon, respectively. UBC is the most favourable if restricted to a single housekeeping gene across all time points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor Al-Dasooqi
- Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, S.A., Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pernot F, Dorandeu F, Beaup C, Peinnequin A. Selection of reference genes for real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in hippocampal structure in a murine model of temporal lobe epilepsy with focal seizures. J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:1000-8. [PMID: 19937810 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Reference genes are often used to normalize expression of data from real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and only a validation of their stability during a given experimental paradigm leads to reliable interpretations. The present study was thus designed to validate potential reference genes in a mouse model of mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with focal seizures after unilateral intrahippocampal injection of kainate (KA). Ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampi were removed during nonconvulsive status epilepticus (5 hr), epileptogenesis (7 days), and the chronic period of recurrent focal seizures (21 days). Naive animals were equally studied. The stability of eight potential reference genes (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, Hprt1; peptidylprolyl isomerase A, Ppia; TATA box binding protein, Tbp; beta-actin, Actb; acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0, Arbp; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Gapdh; ribosomal RNA 18S, 18S rRNA; and glucuronidase beta, Gusb) were determined using geNorm and NormFinder software. The first five (Hprt1, Ppia, Tbp, Actb, and Arbp) were found to be stable across the different phases of the disease and appeared adequate for normalizing RT-qPCR data in this model. This was in contrast to the other three (18S rRNA, Gapdh, and Gusb), which showed unstable expressions and should be avoided. The analysis of KA-induced changes in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) gene resulted in various relative expressions or even a completely different pattern when unstable reference genes were used. These results highlight the absolute need to validate the reference genes for a correct interpretation of mRNA quantification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Pernot
- Département de Toxicologie, IRBA-CRSSA, La Tronche, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Medrano JV, Marqués-Marí AI, Aguilar CE, Riboldi M, Garrido N, Martínez-Romero A, O'Connor E, Gil-Salom M, Simón C. Comparative analysis of the germ cell markers c-KIT, SSEA-1 and VASA in testicular biopsies from secretory and obstructive azoospermias. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:811-7. [PMID: 20508065 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular biopsy is needed to confirm diagnosis in azoospermic patients and to recover spermatozoa, if possible. This report aims to quantitatively analyse the germline markers stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA-1), c-KIT and VASA in testicular biopsies with distinct azoospermic aetiologies. Twenty-three testicular biopsies were analysed by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR for c-KIT, SSEA-1 and VASA. In all the Sertoli cell-only (SCO) samples, significantly lower VASA mRNA expression and fewer VASA+ cells were found compared with obstructive controls. Maturation arrest (MA) cases showed significant differences only with the non-mosaic SCO samples when compared for VASA mRNA expression and percentage of VASA+ cells, but not with the mosaics. However, the normalized VASA-KIT parameter obtained by subtracting the percentage of c-KIT+ cells from the percentage of VASA+ cells showed significant differences between the MA and all the SCO samples. RT-qPCR consistently found differences for the VASA expression between SCO mosaic and non-mosaic samples. However, by flow cytometry, only VASA-KIT showed significant differences between them. Conversely, the percentage of SSEA-1+ cells revealed no inter-group differences. In conclusion, testicular biopsies display different expression profiles for c-KIT and VASA depending on the azoospermic aetiology. These results can be used as a complementary tool to create new molecular categories for diagnoses in azoospermic patients, particularly useful to discriminate between mosaic and non-mosaic SCO patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J V Medrano
- Valencia Stem Cell Bank, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia 46012, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nine transcription factors comprise the PAX gene family that regulate organogenesis. The urogenital system of PAX2 null male mice fails to develop properly. PAX2 is overexpressed in PC3 cells. Therefore, PAX2 is implicated in both prostate organogenesis and cancer. However, the expression pattern/profile of PAX2 in the prostate is unknown. METHODS PAX2/5/8 expression was surveyed in E16.5 male urogenital sinus (UGS) by RT-PCR. Prostate samples from 10 developmental stages in C3H male mice were used in quantitative reverse-transcript PCR (Q-PCR) and Western blotting (WB). RT-PCR and WB measured PAX2 expression in prostatic lobes or UGS layers, to identify local-regional expression patterns. Cytoplasmic versus nuclear expression was examined by WB. A castration series in adult C3H male mice and R1881 treatment in serum-free LNCaP cells examined androgen control of PAX2. RESULTS PAX2 mRNA levels are higher in early developmental stages as compared to postpubertal prostates. RT-PCR and/or WB indicated a dorsal epithelial-nuclear localization of PAX2. PAX2 mRNA and protein increase postcastration. R1881 decreases expression of PAX2 mRNA in LNCaP cells as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The expression profile of PAX2 indicates that it may regulate early, androgen-independent stages of murine prostate development, particularly for dorsally derived prostate glands. PAX2 expression appears to be associated with a dorsally localized epithelial cell population that is castration insensitive and retains proliferative and differentiative potential. Such a population of cells may represent a subset of stem-like cells having some characteristics in common with castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Laboratory for Cancer Ontogeny and Therapeutics, Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Translational Cancer Research, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rojas-Mayorquín AE, Torres-Ruíz NM, Gudiño-Cabrera G, Ortuño-Sahagún D. Subtractive hybridization identifies genes differentially expressed by olfactory ensheathing cells and neural stem cells. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 28:75-82. [PMID: 19772911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Revised: 08/16/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells into glia has received relatively limited attention to date when compared with the interest in the generation of neurons. We are interested in a particular glial phenotype, the aldynoglia, and their differentiation from multipotential neural precursors (MNP), since this type of glia can promote neuronal regeneration. We constructed cDNA libraries from cultures of purified olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), an aldynoglia cell type, and MNP to perform subtractive hybridization. As a result, we isolated four genes from the OEC: one tenascin C (Tn-C) isoform, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (Igfbp-5), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1) and a phosphodiesterase for cyclic nucleotides (CNPase). With the exception of CNPase, these genes are expressed more strongly in the OEC than in the MNP and moreover, the expression of all four is induced when MNP were exposed to OEC conditioned media. The data suggest a role for these genes in MNP differentiation, and their products appear to represent characteristic proteins of the aldynoglia phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Argelia Esperanza Rojas-Mayorquín
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo y Regeneración Neural, Instituto de Neurobiología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, C.U.C.B.A, Universidad de Guadalajara, 45020 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Carreón-Rodríguez A, Charli JL, Pérez-Martínez L. T3 differentially regulates TRH expression in developing hypothalamic neurons in vitro. Brain Res 2009; 1305:20-30. [PMID: 19766610 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Triiodothyronine (T3) plays an important role during development of the central nervous system. T3 effects on gene expression are determined in part by the type of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) expressed in a given cell type. Previous studies have demonstrated that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) transcription in the adult hypothalamus is subjected to negative regulation by thyroid hormones. However, the role of T3 on the development of TRH expression is unknown. In this study we used primary cultures derived from 17-day-old fetal rat hypothalamus to analyze the effects of T3 on TRH gene expression during development. T3 increased TRH mRNA expression in immature cultures, but decreased it in mature cultures. In addition, T3 up-regulated TRalpha1 and TRbeta2 mRNA expression. TRalpha1 expression coincided chronologically with that of TRH in the rat hypothalamus in vivo. Maturation of TRH expression in the hypothalamus may involve T3 acting through TRalpha1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Carreón-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Changes in expression and activity of the secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPase 1 (SPCA1) in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells cultured at different glucose concentrations. Biosci Rep 2009; 29:397-404. [PMID: 19527224 PMCID: PMC2752273 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20090058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus-related vascular disease is often associated with both a dysregulation of Ca2+ homoeostasis and enhanced secretory activity in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). Here, we employ a commonly used rat cell line for VSMCs (A7r5 cells) to investigate the effects of glucose on the expression and activity of the SPCA1 (secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase 1; also known as ATP2C1), which is a P-type Ca2+ pump located in the Golgi apparatus that plays a key role in the secretory pathway. Our results show that mRNA expression levels of SPCA1 are significantly increased in A7r5 cells cultured in high glucose (25.0 mM)-supplemented medium compared with normal glucose (5.55 mM)-supplemented medium. SPCA1 protein expression levels and thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity were also consistent with a higher than normal expression level of SPCA1 in high-glucose-cultured A7r5 cells. Analysis of AVP (arginine-vasopressin)-induced cytosolic Ca2+ transients in A7r5 cells (after pre-treatment with thapsigargin) showed faster rise and decay phases in cells grown in high glucose medium compared with cells grown in normal glucose medium, supporting the observation of increased SPCA expression/activity. The significant levels of both Ca2+-ATPase activity and AVP-induced Ca2+ transients, in the presence of thapsigargin, indicate that SPCA must play a significant role in Ca2+ uptake within VSMCs. We therefore propose that, if such increases in SPCA expression and activity also occur in primary VSMCs, this may play a substantial role in the aetiology of diabetes mellitus-associated vascular disease, due to alterations in Ca2+ homoeostasis within the Golgi apparatus.
Collapse
|
43
|
Schaub CE, Wood CE. Blockade of estrogen action upregulates estrogen receptor-alpha mRNA in the fetal brain. Neonatology 2009; 96:115-9. [PMID: 19279395 PMCID: PMC2793321 DOI: 10.1159/000208793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal neuroendocrine maturation in late gestation is critical for maintenance of fetal homeostasis, growth, and readiness for birth. Sheep express estrogen receptors (ERs) in various brain regions. However, little is known about the regulation of ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovine brain prenatally. OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the expression of ER is influenced by circulating estrogens in the late-gestation sheep fetus. METHODS Six chronically-catheterized twin fetal sheep were treated with vehicle or the ER blocker ICI 182,780 i.c.v. (0.25 microg/day). Fetuses were sacrificed 6-14 days after surgery and start of infusion. Brain regions were rapidly isolated and snap-frozen for later extraction of mRNA and protein. ER-alpha and ER-beta mRNA was measured using real-time PCR and protein was measured using Western blot. RESULTS Treatment with ICI 182,780 increased ER-alpha mRNA, especially in cerebellum and hippocampus. There were no changes in ER-alpha protein and no changes in ER-beta at either the mRNA or protein level. CONCLUSION Expression of ER-alpha is influenced by endogenous estrogens in the ovine fetal brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles E. Wood
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla., USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) involve long-term cultures that must remain undifferentiated. The real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique allows the relative quantification of target genes, including undifferentiation and differentiation markers when referred to a housekeeping control with the addition of a calibrator that serves as an internal control to compare different lots of reactions during the time. The main aspects will include a minimal number of cells to be analyzed, genes to be tested, and how to choose the appropriate calibrator sample and the reference gene. In this chapter, we present how to apply the RT-PCR technique, protocols for its performance, experimental set-up and software analysis, as of the gene expression of hESC lines in consecutive passages for long-term culture surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Galán
- Stem Cell Bank, Prince Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Frericks M, Esser C. A toolbox of novel murine house-keeping genes identified by meta-analysis of large scale gene expression profiles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2008; 1779:830-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
46
|
Sensitivity of housekeeping genes in the hypothalamus to mismatch in diets between pre- and postnatal periods in mice. Neurosci Lett 2008; 447:54-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Revised: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
47
|
Derks NM, Müller M, Gaszner B, Tilburg-Ouwens DTWM, Roubos EW, Kozicz LT. Housekeeping genes revisited: different expressions depending on gender, brain area and stressor. Neuroscience 2008; 156:305-9. [PMID: 18722514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Housekeeping gene (HKG) mRNAs are used to normalize expression data of genes of interest in quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies. Such normalization assumes constant HKG gene expression under all circumstances. Although sporadic evidence suggests that HKG expression may not always fulfill this requirement and, therefore, such normalization may lead readily to erroneous results, this fact is generally not sufficiently appreciated by investigators. Here, we have systematically analyzed the expression of three common HKGs, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, ribosomal subunit 18S and beta-actin, in two different stress paradigms, in various brain areas, in male and in female rats. HKG expressions differed considerably with respect to brain area, type of stressor and gender, in an HKG-specific manner. Therefore, we conclude that before final experimentation, pilot expression studies are necessary to select an HKG which expression is unaffected by the experimental factor(s), allowing reliable interpretation of expression data of genes of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Derks
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Silver N, Cotroneo E, Proctor G, Osailan S, Paterson KL, Carpenter GH. Selection of housekeeping genes for gene expression studies in the adult rat submandibular gland under normal, inflamed, atrophic and regenerative states. BMC Mol Biol 2008; 9:64. [PMID: 18637167 PMCID: PMC2492873 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-9-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Real-time PCR is a reliable tool with which to measure mRNA transcripts, and provides valuable information on gene expression profiles. Endogenous controls such as housekeeping genes are used to normalise mRNA levels between samples for sensitive comparisons of mRNA transcription. Selection of the most stable control gene(s) is therefore critical for the reliable interpretation of gene expression data. For the purpose of this study, 7 commonly used housekeeping genes were investigated in salivary submandibular glands under normal, inflamed, atrophic and regenerative states. Results The program NormFinder identified the suitability of HPRT to use as a single gene for normalisation within the normal, inflamed and regenerative states, and GAPDH in the atrophic state. For normalisation to multiple housekeeping genes, for each individual state, the optimal number of housekeeping genes as given by geNorm was: ACTB/UBC in the normal, ACTB/YWHAZ in the inflamed, ACTB/HPRT in the atrophic and ACTB/GAPDH in the regenerative state. The most stable housekeeping gene identified between states (compared to normal) was UBC. However, ACTB, identified as one of the most stably expressed genes within states, was found to be one of the most variable between states. Furthermore we demonstrated that normalising between states to ACTB, rather than UBC, introduced an approximately 3 fold magnitude of error. Conclusion Using NormFinder, our studies demonstrated the suitability of HPRT to use as a single gene for normalisation within the normal, inflamed and regenerative groups and GAPDH in the atrophic group. However, if normalising to multiple housekeeping genes, we recommend normalising to those identified by geNorm. For normalisation across the physiological states, we recommend the use of UBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Silver
- Salivary Research Unit, Floor 17, Guy's Tower, King's College London, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lendvai G, Velikyan I, Estrada S, Eriksson B, Långström B, Bergström M. Biodistribution of 68Ga-labeled LNA-DNA mixmer antisense oligonucleotides for rat chromogranin-A. Oligonucleotides 2008; 18:33-49. [PMID: 18321161 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2007.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In vivo monitoring of gene expression may be accomplished using a most advanced imaging technology such as positron emission tomography (PET). However, a range of methodological and biological hurdles needs exploration. In the present study, 20-mer DNA-LNA (locked nucleic acid) mixmer oligonucleotides specific for rat Chromogranin-A (Chg-A) mRNA were labeled with 68Ga and their biodistribution were investigated in rats; namely, two Antisense (LNA1, LNA2--differing only in the positioning of LNA modification), Mismatched, and Sense sequences. In addition, in vivo and in vitro metabolite analysis of LNA1 and LNA2 was compared, and hybridization in solution was performed to verify the hybridization ability after labeling. Furthermore, semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to find organs expressing Chg-A mRNA in the rat. The biodistribution patterns altered according to the sequence and the positioning of LNA modification. The pattern of Mismatched--differing only in two nucleotides from the two Antisenses--was similar to that of Sense, whereas the pattern of LNA1 and LNA2 showed differences. Uptake in the adrenal gland was twofold higher with LNA2 compared to the other three oligonucleotides. Intact LNA2 could be observed in the 60-minute sample in vivo, whereas in vitro, the intact compound of both Antisenses could also be detected after 2 hours. Hybridization in solution revealed that the two Antisenses retained their hybridization abilities after 68Ga-labeling. With decreasing magnitude, Chg-A mRNA was expressed in the adrenal gland, intestine, testis, and pancreas. This study further supported LNA-DNA mixmer to be a favorable modification for antisense targeting approach with respect to hybridization and longer plasma residence; however, the organ uptake was dominated by processes irrelevant to specific hybridization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Lendvai
- Uppsala Imanet, GE Healthcare, S-751 09 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhong Q, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Qi J, Chen Y, Li S, Sun Y, Li C, Lan X. Expression profiling and validation of potential reference genes during Paralichthys olivaceus embryogenesis. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 10:310-318. [PMID: 18214610 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-007-9064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 10/28/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Differential expression of genes is crucial to embryogenesis. The analysis of gene expression requires appropriate references that should be minimally regulated during the embryonic development. To select the most stable genes for gene normalization, the expression profiles of eight commonly used reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, rpL17, alpha-Tub, EF1-alpha, UbcE, B2M, and 18S rRNA) were examined during Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) embryonic development using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. It was found that all seven mRNA genes appeared to be developmentally regulated and exhibited significant variation of expression. However, further analyses revealed the stage-specific expression stability. Hence when normalization using these mRNA genes, the differential and stage-related expression should be considered. 18S rRNA gene, on the other hand, showed the most stable expression and could be recommended as a suitable reference gene during all embryonic developmental stages in P. olivaceus. In summary, our results provided not only the appropriate reference gene for embryonic development research in P. olivaceus, but also possible guidance to reference gene selection for embryonic gene expression analyses in other fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiwang Zhong
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, No.5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|