Project description:The epidermis is uniquely exposed to the effects of environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, which induce progressive genetic and epigenetic modifications contributing to aging and the onset of keratinocyte carcinomas. DNA methylation is the best-characterized epigenetic modification and a valuable biomarker for assessing epidermal health. However, broad screening approaches have been hindered by the limited quantity and quality of the genomic DNA obtained from the epidermis and the resulting need for invasive sampling methods. Here we describe an integrated method that enables the non-invasive sampling of epidermal DNA for subsequent analysis by DNA methylation microarrays. This procedure combines a gel-based adhesive tape for keratinocyte collection, a robust gDNA extraction protocol and a curated selection of microarray probes optimized for low-input DNA conditions. Analysis of >100 corresponding methylomes demonstrates that our approach can be used for both the training of epigenetic clocks capable of predicting epidermal age with high accuracy, as well as the investigation of various DNA methylation-based biomarkers relevant to keratinocyte cancer development. These findings underscore the potential of our method for broad and non-invasive skin health assessment and cancer prevention strategies.
Project description:Rationally designed and assembled a Diet based Minimal Microbiome (Db-MM) consisting of ten core gut bacteria that convert dietary fiber to short-chain fatty acids.
Project description:Minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (MI-FTC) is characterized by limited capsular and/or vascular invasion with good long-term outcomes. However, some cases of MI-FTC show a poor prognosis because of severe distant metastasis. Nonetheless, no method has been established for predicting the prognosis of MI-FTC. This study was conducted to identify novel prognostic factors for metastatic MI-FTC by use of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of this carcinoma.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below. Motwani, J., Roger, E. J., Stockwell, P.A., Baguley, B.C., Macaulay, E.C. , Eccles, M.R. (2020). Integrated transcriptome and DNA methylome analysis of invasive and non-invasive melanoma cell lines identifies widespread coding and long non-coding RNA expression differences, yet comparatively few differences in DNA methylation