Project description:As training dataset for Random Promoter DREAM Challenge 2022, we generated ~6.7 million synthetic promoters (in yeast) comprised of random DNA (N80) and measured their expression by FACS (sorting into 18 bins). As test dataset for Random Promoter DREAM Challenge 2022, we generated ~71k synthetic promoters (in yeast) comprised of designed DNA (NBT) and measured their expression by FACS (sorting into 18 bins).
Project description:The outbreak-causing monkeypox virus of 2022 (2022 MPXV) is classified as a clade IIb strain and phylogenetically distinct from prior endemic MPXV strains (clades I or IIa), suggesting that its virological properties may also differ. Here, we used human keratinocytes and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived colon organoids to examine the efficiency of viral growth in these cells and the MPXV infection-mediated host responses. MPXV replication was much more productive in keratinocytes than in colon organoids. We observed that MPXV infections, regardless of strain, caused cellular dysfunction and mitochondrial damage in keratinocytes. Notably, a significant increase in the expression of hypoxia-related genes was observed specifically in 2022 MPXV-infected keratinocytes. Our comparison of virological features between 2022 MPXV and prior endemic MPXV strains revealed signaling pathways potentially involved with the cellular damages caused by MPXV infections and highlights host vulnerabilities that could be utilized as protective therapeutic strategies against human mpox in the future.
Project description:The World Health Organization Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors (WHO) and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) of 2022 introduced major changes to the definition of CMML. To assess qualitative and quantitative implications for patient care, we started with 3,311 established CMML cases (according to WHO 2017 criteria) and included also 2,130 oligomonocytosis cases fulfilling the new CMML diagnostic criteria. Applying both classification systems from 2022, 356 and 241 of oligomonocytosis cases were newly classified as myelodysplastic (MD)-CMML (WHO and ICC 2022, respectively), most of which were diagnosed as MDS according to WHO 2017. Importantly, 1.5 times more oligomonocytosis cases were classified as CMML according to WHO 2022 than based on ICC, due to different diagnostic criteria. Genetic analyses of the newly classified CMML cases showed a distinct mutational profile with strong enrichment of MDS-typical alterations, resulting in a transcriptional subgroup separated from established MD- and myeloproliferative (MP)-CMML. Despite a different cytogenetic, molecular, immunophenotypic, and transcriptional landscape, no differences in overall survival were found between newly classified and established MD-CMML cases. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the most comprehensive analysis of routine CMML cases to date, both in terms of clinical characterization and transcriptomic analysis, placing newly classified CMML cases on a disease continuum between MDS and previously established CMML.
Project description:Patients with the diffuse avascular form of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls (N) were used as sources of microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC). MVEC were obtained from biopsies of involved skin of the hands in 6 SSc patients and from 6 healthy patients undergoing surgery for traumatic events at the hands. The controls were matched by age and sex to the SSc cases. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SSc, as well as the criteria for the diffuse form of the disease.
Project description:Mar1 deletion and RNA enrichment in Cryptococcus neoformans: pilot data for a high-throughput sequencing course. The goal of this project was to generate pilot data in preparation for a summer course on high-throughput sequencing where participants prepared their own RNA-Seq libraries and analyzed the resulting data. This pilot experiment addressed two questions: 1. Does this experimental system (Cryptococcus neoformans H99 wildtype and mar1 deletion mutant grown in YPD and tissue culture media) provide a good dataset for course participants to analyze. 2. Which rRNA depletion method is best to use in the wetlab component of the course. This data was generated in preparation for the intensive summer course on high-throughput sequencing, funded by NIH grant 5R25EB023928-03 "A hands-on, integrative next-generation sequencing course: design, experiment, and analysis".