新型脂肽类辐射防护剂H6101对小鼠骨髓细胞基因表达谱的影响

目的：脂肽类化合物具有抗辐射活性,通过研究脂肽类辐射防护剂H6101给药后小鼠骨髓细胞基因表达谱的变化,揭示其可能的辐射防护机制。方法：6只ICR雄性小鼠随机分为PBS对照组和H6101给药组,每组3只,给药后1h分离骨髓细胞提取总RNA,经反转录和荧光标记后与小鼠基因表达谱芯片杂交,杂交信号经扫描仪捕获后用Genenomestudio软件进行统计分析。结果：在测定的26766个基因中,给药组与对照组之间的2倍差异表达基因为1738个,其中1041个基因表达上调,697个基因表达下调;TLR信号通路相关基因,炎性细胞因子、造血因子和细胞凋亡相关基因等的转录水平发生明显变化。结论：用基因表达谱芯片筛选出许多不同种类的与H6101辐射防护作用有关的重要基因,这为揭示脂肽分子辐射防护机制提供了研究方向。     

Comparison of Mouse and Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Gene Expression Profiles: Potential Implications for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background

The human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is currently no effective treatment available. Preclinical studies in AMD mouse models are essential to develop new therapeutics. This requires further in-depth knowledge of the similarities and differences between mouse and human RPE.

Methods

We performed a microarray study to identify and functionally annotate RPE specific gene expression in mouse and human RPE. We used a meticulous method to determine C57BL/6J mouse RPE signature genes, correcting for possible RNA contamination from its adjacent layers: the choroid and the photoreceptors. We compared the signature genes, gene expression profiles and functional annotations of the mouse and human RPE.

Results

We defined sets of mouse (64), human (171) and mouse–human interspecies (22) RPE signature genes. Not unexpectedly, our gene expression analysis and comparative functional annotation suggested that, in general, the mouse and human RPE are very similar. For example, we found similarities for general features, like “organ development” and “disorders related to neurological tissue”. However, detailed analysis of the molecular pathways and networks associated with RPE functions, suggested also multiple species-specific differences, some of which may be relevant for the development of AMD. For example, CFHR1, most likely the main complement regulator in AMD pathogenesis was highly expressed in human RPE, but almost absent in mouse RPE. Furthermore, functions assigned to mouse and human RPE expression profiles indicate (patho-) biological differences related to AMD, such as oxidative stress, Bruch’s membrane, immune-regulation and outer blood retina barrier.

Conclusion

These differences may be important for the development of new therapeutic strategies and translational studies in age-related macular degeneration.     

Differentiating Functional Roles of Gene Expression from Immune and Non-immune Cells in Mouse Colitis by Bone Marrow Transplantation

To understand the role of a gene in the development of colitis, we compared the responses of wild-type mice and gene-of-interest deficient knockout mice to colitis. If the gene-of-interest is expressed in both bone marrow derived cells and non-bone marrow derived cells of the host; however, it is possible to differentiate the role of a gene of interest in bone marrow derived cells and non- bone marrow derived cells by bone marrow transplantation technique. To change the bone marrow derived cell genotype of mice, the original bone marrow of recipient mice were destroyed by irradiation and then replaced by new donor bone marrow of different genotype. When wild-type mice donor bone marrow was transplanted to knockout mice, we could generate knockout mice with wild-type gene expression in bone marrow derived cells. Alternatively, when knockout mice donor bone marrow was transplanted to wild-type recipient mice, wild-type mice without gene-of-interest expressing from bone marrow derived cells were produced. However, bone marrow transplantation may not be 100% complete. Therefore, we utilized cluster of differentiation (CD) molecules (CD45.1 and CD45.2) as markers of donor and recipient cells to track the proportion of donor bone marrow derived cells in recipient mice and success of bone marrow transplantation. Wild-type mice with CD45.1 genotype and knockout mice with CD45.2 genotype were used. After irradiation of recipient mice, the donor bone marrow cells of different genotypes were infused into the recipient mice. When the new bone marrow regenerated to take over its immunity, the mice were challenged by chemical agent (dextran sodium sulfate, DSS 5%) to induce colitis. Here we also showed the method to induce colitis in mice and evaluate the role of the gene of interest expressed from bone-marrow derived cells. If the gene-of-interest from the bone derived cells plays an important role in the development of the disease (such as colitis), the phenotype of the recipient mice with bone marrow transplantation can be significantly altered. At the end of colitis experiments, the bone marrow derived cells in blood and bone marrow were labeled with antibodies against CD45.1 and CD45.2 and their quantitative ratio of existence could be used to evaluate the success of bone marrow transplantation by flow cytometry. Successful bone marrow transplantation should show a vast majority of donor genotype (in term of CD molecule marker) over recipient genotype in both the bone marrow and blood of recipient mice.     

Single Cell Gene Profiling Revealed Heterogeneity of Paracrine Effects of Bone Marrow Cells in Mouse Infarcted Hearts

It is now recognized that transplantation of bone marrow cells (BMCs) into infarcted hearts has the capacity to improve the cardiac function through paracrine effects. However, detailed expression levels of paracrine factors in BMCs in infarcted hearts are poorly described. By use of laser capture microdissection combined with real-time PCR, we depicted the expression profiles of paracrine factors in infarcted hearts versus normal hearts. Consistent with the in vivo observation, a similar expression pattern was evidenced in cultured BMCs. Furthermore, BMCs displayed heterogeneity of paracrine effects in infarcted hearts as analyzed at the single cell level using single cell PCR. Interestingly, the CD45⁺ subpopulation showed higher expression levels of angiogenic factors compared to other subpopulations. Finally, most angiogenic factors were induced under the microenvironment of infarction. Our study demonstrated the heterogeneity of paracrine effects in BMCs at single cell level in infarcted hearts, highlighting preferential expression of angiogenic factors in the CD45⁺ subpopulation. These findings broaden our understanding of paracrine effects of BMCs in vivo, and offer new insights into BMCs therapy in myocardial infarction (MI).     

Human Bone Marrow Is Comprised of Adipocytes with Specific Lipid Metabolism

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Activity-Dependent Modulation of Odorant Receptor Gene Expression in the Mouse Olfactory Epithelium

Activity plays critical roles in development and maintenance of the olfactory system, which undergoes considerable neurogenesis throughout life. In the mouse olfactory epithelium, each olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) stably expresses a single odorant receptor (OR) type out of a repertoire of ∼1200 and the OSNs with the same OR identity are distributed within one of the few broadly-defined zones. However, it remains elusive whether and how activity modulates such OR expression patterns. Here we addressed this question by investigating OR gene expression via in situ hybridization when sensory experience or neuronal excitability is manipulated. We first examined the expression patterns of fifteen OR genes in mice which underwent neonatal, unilateral naris closure. After four-week occlusion, the cell density in the closed (sensory-deprived) side was significantly lower (for four ORs), similar (for three ORs), or significantly higher (for eight ORs) as compared to that in the open (over-stimulated) side, suggesting that sensory inputs have differential effects on OSNs expressing different OR genes. We next examined the expression patterns of seven OR genes in transgenic mice in which mature OSNs had reduced neuronal excitability. Neuronal silencing led to a significant reduction in the cell density for most OR genes tested and thinner olfactory epithelium with an increased density of apoptotic cells. These results suggest that sensory experience plays important roles in shaping OR gene expression patterns and the neuronal activity is critical for survival of OSNs.     

Mineralization of Adult Mouse Bone Marrow In Vitro

Abstract. Murine adult bone marrow exhibits mineralizing capacity in vitro as is demonstrated by the new in vitro assay we report here. In less than 2 weeks after the onset of the cultures, mineralization is obtained in more than 80% of the marrow cultures. Moreover, morphological studies reveal that during incubation phenotypic changes related to osteogenic differentiation occur at the extracellular matrix as well within cell populations. Well banded collagen is synthesized. Matrix vesicles and needles of hydroxy-apatite crystals are observed via transmission electron microscopy. Osteoblast-like cells are present with membrane-associated alkaline phosphatase activity. the mineralization is specific for cultured bone marrow and is not observed in cultured spleen fragments as is shown via ⁸⁵Sr uptake, calcein uptake and histomorphology. No inducing agent is added to the tissue culture medium except for 10% fetal calf serum, beta-glycerophosphate (10⁻² M) and ascorbic acid. However, the prerequisite for obtaining mineralization is the three-dimensional structure of the marrow in culture. the in vitro organ culture we developed may provide the opportunity to identify which marrow cells have osteogenic potential and to investigate the mechanisms triggering differentiation towards osteogenesis.     

骨髓基质细胞的分离、鉴定以及TH基因的转染与表达

目的是探索骨髓基质细胞的分离培养、鉴定及其接受并表达TH基因的能力。实验中通过密度梯度离心法成功地从成年SD大鼠骨髓中分离获得了骨髓基质干细胞 ,并用流式细胞仪对其进行鉴定 ,纯度可达 75 %。进一步采用复制缺陷型腺相关病毒载体介导的基因转染方法 ,将之改造成为携带lacZ与TH基因的工程细胞 ,经X gal染色和TH免疫组化检测 ,转染效率为 (74 .6± 19.4 ) %。实验结果表明骨髓基质细胞易于接受并表达外源基因 ,有望作为运载细胞应用于帕金森病的基因治疗。     

MicroRNA 122对肝癌细胞基因表达谱的影响

为研究microRNA（miR-122）对肝癌细胞Hep3B基因表达谱的影响,并探讨其在肝癌发过程中的可能作用,构建了miR-122稳定高表达的Hep3B细胞,利用基因表达谱芯片技术筛选得到和对照组细胞比较的差异表达基因.研究结果显示,2倍以上变化的差异表达基因有490个,其中上调的有345个,下调的有145个.这些基因中有16个与肿瘤发生相关,其它基因涉及细胞周期、信号转导、细胞凋亡和细胞增殖分化等众多生物学过程.这些结果提示,miR-122可能在肝癌发生的过程中发挥作用,并可能与这些差异表达基因密切相关.另外,还结合生物信息学方法,在下调表达的基因中预测了miR-122可能直接作用的靶基因.本研究初步探讨了miR-122在肝癌细胞中的生物学功能,为进一步研究miR-122在肝癌发生中的作用奠定了基础,同时也为miRNA的生物学功能及其作用机制的研究提供了一些参考.     

Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota by the Probiotic VSL#3 Resets Brain Gene Expression and Ameliorates the Age-Related Deficit in LTP

The intestinal microbiota is increasingly recognized as a complex signaling network that impacts on many systems beyond the enteric system modulating, among others, cognitive functions including learning, memory and decision-making processes. This has led to the concept of a microbiota-driven gut–brain axis, reflecting a bidirectional interaction between the central nervous system and the intestine. A deficit in synaptic plasticity is one of the many changes that occurs with age. Specifically, the archetypal model of plasticity, long-term potentiation (LTP), is reduced in hippocampus of middle-aged and aged rats. Because the intestinal microbiota might change with age, we have investigated whether the age-related deficit in LTP might be attenuated by changing the composition of intestinal microbiota with VSL#3, a probiotic mixture comprising 8 Gram-positive bacterial strains. Here, we report that treatment of aged rats with VSL#3 induced a robust change in the composition of intestinal microbiota with an increase in the abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacterioidetes, which was reduced in control-treated aged rats. VSL#3 administration modulated the expression of a large group of genes in brain tissue as assessed by whole gene expression, with evidence of a change in genes that impact on inflammatory and neuronal plasticity processes. The age-related deficit in LTP was attenuated in VSL#3-treated aged rats and this was accompanied by a modest decrease in markers of microglial activation and an increase in expression of BDNF and synapsin. The data support the notion that intestinal microbiota can be manipulated to positively impact on neuronal function.     

Circadian and Circannual Variations of Cell Cycle Distribution in the Mouse Bone Marrow

The cell cycle distribution of bone marrow cells from the femurs of female C3H mice has been investigated by flow cytometry according to the time of the day and month of the year. Both circadian and seasonal variations were found for the different cell cycle phases as well as the total cell numbers per femur. Both the mesor, the acrophase and the amplitude of the S, G₂ and (G₁ + G₀) phases varied significantly in some months, while in other months only insignificant rhythms were found. The relative cell cycle distribution only partly reflected variations in the total numbers of proliferating cells, since the total cell number per femur was also variable.

The total numbers of cells in DNA synthesis seem to be higher in the first part of the year, indicating increased cell proliferation during winter and spring. In this period the acrophases of DNA synthesis and G₂ were in the morning, while the second half of the year showed the peak later in the day.

In general, hemopoietic cell proliferation seems to constitute a labile equilibrium with rapidly changing activities.     

A Mouse Model for the Metabolic Effects of the Human Fat Mass and Obesity Associated FTO Gene

Human FTO gene variants are associated with body mass index and type 2 diabetes. Because the obesity-associated SNPs are intronic, it is unclear whether changes in FTO expression or splicing are the cause of obesity or if regulatory elements within intron 1 influence upstream or downstream genes. We tested the idea that FTO itself is involved in obesity. We show that a dominant point mutation in the mouse Fto gene results in reduced fat mass, increased energy expenditure, and unchanged physical activity. Exposure to a high-fat diet enhances lean mass and lowers fat mass relative to control mice. Biochemical studies suggest the mutation occurs in a structurally novel domain and modifies FTO function, possibly by altering its dimerisation state. Gene expression profiling revealed increased expression of some fat and carbohydrate metabolism genes and an improved inflammatory profile in white adipose tissue of mutant mice. These data provide direct functional evidence that FTO is a causal gene underlying obesity. Compared to the reported mouse FTO knockout, our model more accurately reflects the effect of human FTO variants; we observe a heterozygous as well as homozygous phenotype, a smaller difference in weight and adiposity, and our mice do not show perinatal lethality or an age-related reduction in size and length. Our model suggests that a search for human coding mutations in FTO may be informative and that inhibition of FTO activity is a possible target for the treatment of morbid obesity.     

Differential Expression of Surface Markers in Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Subpopulations with Distinct Lineage Commitment

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM MSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of progenitors with potential for generation of skeletal tissues. However the identity of BM MSC subpopulations is poorly defined mainly due to the absence of specific markers allowing in situ localization of those cells and isolation of pure cell types. Here, we aimed at characterization of surface markers in mouse BM MSCs and in their subsets with distinct differentiation potential. Using conditionally immortalized BM MSCs we performed a screening with 176 antibodies and high-throughput flow cytometry, and found 33 markers expressed in MSCs, and among them 3 were novel for MSCs and 13 have not been reported for MSCs from mice. Furthermore, we obtained clonally derived MSC subpopulations and identified bipotential progenitors capable for osteo- and adipogenic differentiation, as well as monopotential osteogenic and adipogenic clones, and thus confirmed heterogeneity of MSCs. We found that expression of CD200 was characteristic for the clones with osteogenic potential, whereas SSEA4 marked adipogenic progenitors lacking osteogenic capacity, and CD140a was expressed in adipogenic cells independently of their efficiency for osteogenesis. We confirmed our observations in cell sorting experiments and further investigated the expression of those markers during the course of differentiation. Thus, our findings provide to our knowledge the most comprehensive characterization of surface antigens expression in mouse BM MSCs to date, and suggest CD200, SSEA4 and CD140a as markers differentially expressed in distinct types of MSC progenitors.     

黄连解毒汤对快速老化小鼠海马基因表达的影响

目的：研究黄连解毒汤（HL）对快速老化小鼠亚系SAMP8海马差异表达基因的影响,揭示HL改善认知功能障碍的分子机制。方法：应用快速老化小鼠亚系SAMP8和SAMR1海马差异表达cDNA芯片,比较了SAMP8和SAMR1、石杉碱甲处理的SAMP8和SAMP8对照,以及HL处理的SAMP8和SAMP8对照的基因表达谱,并对HL的药物反应基因进行了比较;采用实时荧光定量PCR技术对芯片结果进行了验证。结果：给予SAMP8HL后,对SAMP8海马基因表达具有明显的调节作用。差异表达基因包括信号转导基因Dusp12、Rps6ka1、Penk1、Nope,Leng8,蛋白质代谢相关基因Ttc3、Amfr、Prr6、Ube2以,核酸代谢基因Fhit、Itm2c、Cstf2t、Ddx3x、Ercc5、Pcgfr6,能量代谢基因Stubl,免疫反应相关基因Clqb,转录调节基因Dlertdl6le、Gcn512、Ssu72,细胞生长相关基因Ngrn、Anln,递质转运相关基因Slc17a7,以及功能未知基因12个。结论：提示HL对于认知功能的改善可能是通过调节信号转导、突触传递、蛋白质和能量代谢、细胞增殖分化等途径发挥作用的;研究中发现的HL作用基因可能是改善学习记忆的潜在靶标。     

CCR5基因转染对骨髓源神经干细胞生物学行为的影响

骨髓源神经千细胞（bonemarrow—derived neural stem cells,BM—NSCs）具有自我更新和分化为神经元与神经胶质细胞的潜能,可用于修复治疗多种神经系统退变与损伤性疾病。但由于其表面缺乏趋化因子受体,移植后向中枢病变部位迁移的速度较慢,疗效欠佳。该研究构建了趋化因子受体CCR5基因,并转染BM—NSCs,用免疫荧光细胞化学法、流式细胞胞仪法及Boyden小室细胞趋化实验,体外研究了CCR5高表达对BM-NSCs增殖、分化与迁移能力的影响。结果表明,CCR5高表达能显著增强BM．NSCs~O趋化能力,而不影响其自我更新和分化为神经元与神经胶质细胞的能力,说明其植入体内后可保持细胞替代与神经修复作用,并能快速大量迁移到病灶部位,显著增强疗效。