Gene expression changes with age in skin,adipose tissue,blood and brain

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that gene expression levels change with age. These changes are hypothesized to influence the aging rate of an individual. We analyzed gene expression changes with age in abdominal skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue and lymphoblastoid cell lines in 856 female twins in the age range of 39-85 years. Additionally, we investigated genotypic variants involved in genotype-by-age interactions to understand how the genomic regulation of gene expression alters with age.

Results

Using a linear mixed model, differential expression with age was identified in 1,672 genes in skin and 188 genes in adipose tissue. Only two genes expressed in lymphoblastoid cell lines showed significant changes with age. Genes significantly regulated by age were compared with expression profiles in 10 brain regions from 100 postmortem brains aged 16 to 83 years. We identified only one age-related gene common to the three tissues. There were 12 genes that showed differential expression with age in both skin and brain tissue and three common to adipose and brain tissues.

Conclusions

Skin showed the most age-related gene expression changes of all the tissues investigated, with many of the genes being previously implicated in fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial activity, cancer and splicing. A significant proportion of age-related changes in gene expression appear to be tissue-specific with only a few genes sharing an age effect in expression across tissues. More research is needed to improve our understanding of the genetic influences on aging and the relationship with age-related diseases.     

三个小麦春化基因的时空表达特性分析(英文)

为明确小麦春化基因的时空表达特性,以中国春和洛旱2号小麦品种为试验材料,利用半定量RT-PCR技术,分析了3个春化基因VERNALIZATION1(VRN1)、VRN2和VRN3的时空表达特性。结果表明,VRN1在中国春的三叶期叶片和根、灌浆期的茎秆和旗叶、花药、胚珠和发育的种子中均有不同程度的表达。在开花前,表达水平呈上升趋势,而花后呈降低的趋势,在干种子和萌发种子的胚芽中没有检测到表达;在洛旱2号中,除了在三叶期的叶片和根中没有检测到表达外,VRN1的表达特性与中国春有相同的趋势。VRN2只在三叶期的叶片和萌发种子的胚芽中表达,在其他检测的组织中没有表达;VRN3的表达与VRN1的时空表达特性相似,但在根中未检测到表达。这一结果为进一步分析普通小麦品种春化发育的分子调控机理提供了重要信息。     

Gene expression profiling of individual cases reveals consistent transcriptional changes in alcoholic human brain

Chronic alcohol exposure induces lasting behavioral changes, tolerance, and dependence. This results, at least partially, from neural adaptations at a cellular level. Previous genome-wide gene expression studies using pooled human brain samples showed that alcohol abuse causes widespread changes in the pattern of gene expression in the frontal and motor cortices of human brain. Because these studies used pooled samples, they could not determine variability between different individuals. In the present study, we profiled gene expression levels of 14 postmortem human brains (seven controls and seven alcoholic cases) using cDNA microarrays (46,448 clones per array). Both frontal cortex and motor cortex brain regions were studied. The list of genes differentially expressed confirms and extends previous studies of alcohol responsive genes. Genes identified as differentially expressed in two brain regions fell generally into similar functional groups, including metabolism, immune response, cell survival, cell communication, signal transduction and energy production. Importantly, hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes accurately distinguished between control and alcoholic cases, particularly in the frontal cortex.     

Gene expression differences in bipolar disorder revealed by cDNA array analysis of post-mortem frontal cortex

Previous studies have implicated a number of biochemical pathways in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the precise abnormalities underlying this disorder remain to be established. To investigate novel factors that may be important in the pathophysiology of BD, we utilized cDNA expression arrays to examine differences in expression of up to 1200 genes known to be involved in potentially relevant biochemical processes. This investigation was undertaken in post-mortem samples of frontal cortex tissue from patients with BD and matched controls, obtained (n = 10/group) from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology Consortium. Results include significant (greater than 35% change in signal intensity) differences between BD and controls in a number of genes (n = 24). Selected targets were analyzed by RT-PCR, which confirmed a decrease in transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta 1), and an increase in both caspase-8 precursor (casp-8) and transducer of erbB2 (Tob) expression in BD. We further observed a significant decrease of TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels in BD by RT-PCR in individual post-mortem samples. Given the neuroprotective role attributed to this inhibitory cytokine, our results suggest that the down-regulation of TGF-beta 1 may lead to various neurotoxic insults potentially involved in the etiology of certain mood disorders.     

人睾丸与脑基因表达谱的相似性

人类的物种形成与进化问题一直是研究的一个焦点。近年来,对于人和灵长类以及果蝇等其他一些动物多种组织基因表达谱的研究表明,在人的进化过程中脑基因表达的改变最为显著,并且脑中许多基因的表达呈显著上调。信息学分析显示,在多种组织当中,人的脑与睾丸可能存在最为相似的基因表达谱。这些结果提示睾丸可能与脑类似,也在人的物种形成和进化历程中起着重要作用。本文对人睾丸和脑基因表达谱的研究进行了回顾,并提出了该研究方向今后的一些研究设想。     

黄粉虫不同抗冻蛋白基因家族成员的低温应激表达

黄粉虫Tenebrio molitor L.抗冻蛋白基因家族有多个成员,其氨基酸数量和蛋白结构存在差异。尽管有报道发现冷驯化后这些抗冻蛋白的表达量会升高,但不同家族成员是否存在功能分化尚不清楚。本研究中,检测了冷驯化对低温死亡率的效应和对不同类型的抗冻蛋白家族成员基因表达量的影响。结果表明,冷驯化可以显著降低黄粉虫幼虫的低温死亡率和提高不同类型抗冻蛋白基因的表达量。其中,长的抗冻蛋白和低温死亡率的相关关系最为明显。说明不同的抗冻蛋白家族成员的功能有明显的分化,为进一步理解抗冻蛋白的活性和利用抗冻蛋白提供了新的认识。     

Genome-wide patterns of expression in Drosophila pure species and hybrid males

One of the most fundamental questions for understanding the origin of species is why genes that function to cause fertility in a pure-species genetic background fail to produce fertility in a hybrid genetic background. A related question is why the sex that is most often sterile or inviable in hybrids is the heterogametic (usually male) sex. In this survey, we have examined the extent and nature of differences in gene expression between fertile adult males of two Drosophila species and sterile hybrid males produced from crosses between these species. Using oligonucleotide microarrays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we have identified and confirmed that differences in gene expression exist between pure species and hybrid males, and many of these differences are quantitative rather than qualitative. Furthermore, genes that are expressed primarily or exclusively in males, including several involved in spermatogenesis, are disproportionately misexpressed in hybrids, suggesting a possible genetic cause for their sterility.     

基因编辑动物模型在人类疾病研究中的应用

近年来,随着以CRISPR/Cas9为代表的多种CRISPR系统的开发和不断改进,基因编辑技术逐渐完善,并广泛应用于人类疾病动物模型的制备。基因编辑动物模型为人类疾病的发病机理、病理过程以及预防和治疗等方面的研究提供了重要的素材。目前,用于人类疾病研究的基因编辑动物模型主要有小鼠、大鼠为代表的啮齿类动物模型和以猪为代表的大动物模型。其中啮齿类动物在机体各方面与人类差别较大,且寿命短,无法对人类疾病的研究和治疗提供有效评估和长期追踪;而猪在生理学、解剖学、营养学和遗传学等各方面与人类更接近,是器官移植和人类疾病研究领域重要的动物模型。文中主要介绍了基因编辑动物模型在神经退行性疾病、肥厚心肌病、癌症、免疫缺陷类疾病和代谢性疾病等5种人类疾病研究中的应用情况,以期为人类疾病研究及相关动物模型的制备提供参考。     

Gene expression profile of quinacrine-cured prion-infected mouse neuronal cells

Prion diseases are transmissible fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals, characterised by the presence of an abnormal isoform (scrapie prion protein; PrP^Sc) of the endogenous cellular prion protein (PrP^C). The pathological mechanisms at the basis of prion diseases remain elusive, although the accumulation of PrP^Sc has been linked to neurodegeneration. Different genomic approaches have been applied to carry out large-scale expression analysis in prion-infected brains and cell lines, in order to define factors potentially involved in pathogenesis. However, the general lack of overlap between the genes found in these studies prompted us to carry an analysis of gene expression using an alternative approach. Specifically, in order to avoid the complexities of shifting gene expression in a heterogeneous cell population, we used a single clone of GT1 cells that was de novo infected with mouse prion-infected brain homogenate and then treated with quinacrine to clear PrP^Sc. By comparing the gene expression profiles of about 15 000 genes in quinacrine-cured and not cured prion-infected GT1 cells, we investigated the influence of the presence or the absence of PrP^Sc. By real-time PCR, we confirmed that the gene encoding for laminin was down-regulated as a consequence of the elimination of PrP^Sc by the quinacrine treatment. Thus, we speculate that this protein could be a specific candidate for further analysis of its role in prion infection and pathogenesis.     

Conditional gene expression in invertebrate animal models

A mechanistic understanding of biology requires appreciating spatiotemporal aspects of gene expression and its functional implications.Conditional expression allows for (ir)reversible switching of genes on or off,with the potential of spatial and/or temporal control.This provides a valuable complement to the more often used constitutive gene (in)activation through mutagenesis,providing tools to answer a wider array of research questions across biological disciplines.Spatial and/or temporal control are granted primarily by(combinations of) specific promoters,temperature regimens,compound addition,or illumination.The use of such genetic tool kits is particularly widespread in invertebrate animal models because they can be applied to study biological processes in short time frames and on large scales,using organisms amenable to easy genetic manipulation.Recent years witnessed an exciting expansion and optimization of such tools,of which we provide a comprehensive overview and discussion regarding their use in invertebrates.The mechanism,applicability,benefits,and drawbacks of each of the systems,as well as further developments to be expected in the foreseeable future,are highlighted.     

Gene expression profiling of cardiovascular disease models

Recent development of gene expression profiling technologies has enabled the large-scale analysis of gene expression changes during disease progression. Frequently, cardiovascular diseases involve complex interactions of multiple cell types over prolonged periods of time. A better understanding of the pathology of cardiovascular diseases and the potential identification of underlying genetic defects are currently being explored by using profiling methodologies in a number of animal and tissue-culture models.     

GalR2基因的表达对小鼠抑郁症影响的初步探讨

目的 建立C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型,探讨GalR2基因表达对小鼠抑郁症的影响.方法 脂质体转染重组真核表达质粒pEGFP-GalR2至人宫颈癌细胞系Hela细胞,Western blotting检测GalR2基因在细胞内的表达.参照CUMS和CORT建模方法构建小鼠抑郁症模型.侧脑室注射脂质体包裹的pEGFP-GalR2质粒,观察GalR2基因表达对小鼠抑郁症的影响.结果 通过Western blotting鉴定了GalR2基因获得表达.抑郁症模型小鼠体重增加量、摄食量、液体消耗实验中糖水消耗和糖水偏爱百分比均明显下降,纯水消耗显著提高;强迫游泳实验中挣扎时间和游泳时间缩短,不动时间延长.侧脑室注射pEGFP-GalR2后小鼠行为学改变未得到有统计学意义的结果.结论 成功鉴定了GalR2基因在细胞内的表达.成功构建C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型.CORT模型造模效果要优于CUMS模型.GalR2蛋白对抑郁症的影响有待后续实验进一步探讨.     

简述疫苗研发动物模型

在过去的100年里,动物模型的研究已在人类疫苗的发展中起到至关重要的作用。动物模型的使用不仅有助于疫苗从基本研究转到临床应用,而且动物模型通常能够预测疫苗实用的潜能,从而帮助疫苗的生产商预测财政风险。由于每种动物模型都有其自身的优缺点,选择一种合适的动物模型可促进疫苗研发的顺利进行。     

Long- and short-range signals control the dynamic expression of an animal hemisphere-specific gene in Xenopus

Little is known of the control of gene expression in the animal hemisphere of the Xenopus embryo. Here we show that expression of FoxI1e, a gene essential for normal ectoderm formation, is expressed regionally within the animal hemisphere, in a highly dynamic fashion. In situ hybridization shows that FoxI1e is expressed in a wave-like fashion that is initiated on the dorsal side of the animal hemisphere, extends across to the ventral side by the mid-gastrula stage, and is then turned off in the dorsal ectoderm, the neural plate, at the neurula stage. It is confined to the inner layers of cells in the animal cap, and is expressed in a mosaic fashion throughout. We show that this dynamic pattern of expression is controlled by both short- and long-range signals. Notch signaling controls both the mosaic, and dorsal/ventral changes in expression, and is controlled, in turn, by Vg1 signaling from the vegetal mass. FoxI1e expression is also regulated by nodal signaling downstream of VegT. Canonical Wnt signaling contributes only to late changes in the FoxI1e expression pattern.These results provide new insights into the roles of vegetally localized mRNAs in controlling zygotic genes expressed in the animal hemisphere by long-range signaling. They also provide novel insights into the role of Notch signaling at the earliest stages of vertebrate development.     

高尿酸血症并腹型肥胖动物模型研究进展

随着人类生活方式和饮食结构的改变,高尿酸血症和腹型肥胖的发病率逐年升高,且临床研究发现高尿酸血症与腹型肥胖经常在同一个体上出现,两者密切相关。研究发现高尿酸血症并腹型肥胖已成为常见的代谢性疾病,是心脑血管疾病的危险因子。高尿酸血症并腹型肥胖模型的研究,对于阐释高尿酸血症并腹型肥胖的病理及药理机制十分重要。本文就高尿酸血症并腹型肥胖动物模型研究进展进行综述。     

Gene therapy for lysosomal storage diseases: the lessons and promise of animal models

There are more than 40 different forms of inherited lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) known to occur in humans and the aggregate incidence has been estimated to approach 1 in 7000 live births. Most LSDs are associated with high morbidity and mortality and represent a significant burden on patients, their families, and health care providers. Except for symptomatic therapies, many LSDs remain untreatable, and gene therapy is among the only viable treatment options potentially available. Therapies for some LSDs do exist, or are under evaluation, including heterologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT), enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), and substrate reduction therapy (SRT), but these treatment options are associated with significant concerns, including high morbidity and mortality (BMT), limited positive outcomes (BMT), incomplete response to therapy (BMT, ERT, and SRT), life-long therapy (ERT, SRT), and cost (BMT, ERT, SRT). Gene therapy represents a potential alternative therapy, albeit a therapy with its own attendant concerns. Animal models of LSDs play a critical role in evaluating the efficacy and safety of therapy for many of these conditions. Naturally occurring animal homologs of LSDs have been described in the mouse, rat, dog, cat, guinea pig, emu, quail, goat, cattle, sheep, and pig. In this review we discuss those animal models that have been used in gene therapy experiments and those with promise for future evaluations.