Project description:MicroRNAs are important negative regulators of protein coding gene expression, and have been studied intensively over the last few years. To this purpose, different measurement platforms to determine their RNA abundance levels in biological samples have been developed. In this study, we have systematically compared 12 commercially available microRNA expression platforms by measuring an identical set of 20 standardized positive and negative control samples, including human universal reference RNA, human brain RNA and titrations thereof, human serum samples, and synthetic spikes from homologous microRNA family members. We developed novel quality metrics in order to objectively assess platform performance of very different technologies such as small RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR and (microarray) hybridization. We assessed reproducibility, sensitivity, quantitative performance, and specificity. The results indicate that each method has its strengths and weaknesses, which helps guiding informed selection of a quantitative microRNA gene expression platform in function of particular study goals.
Project description:The effect of different diets (i.e. fish oil based vs vegetable oil based) on liver transcription profiles over the life history stages (freshwater and marine phases) of cultured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were explored. Two groups of fish were raised from first feeding on different lipid containing diets; a) the standard 100% fish oil based diet, the other enriched with a blend of vegetable oils (75%) + fish oil (25%). Liver samples were taken from fish at four time points: two freshwater phase (as parr 36 weeks post hatch (wph); as pre-smolts, 52 wph) and two marine phase ( as post-smolts 55 wph; and as adult fish , 86 wph). A total of 96 cDNA microarray hybridisations - TRAITS / SGP Atlantic salmon 17k feature cDNA microarray - were performed ( 2 diets x 4 time points x 6 biological replicates x 2 -dye swap) using a comon pooled reference contol design.
Project description:Dietary fats have been shown to affect gut microbiota composition and aging gene transcription of middle-aged rats at a normal dose, but little is known about such an effect on gut barrier. In colon, the main component of mucus layer is Muc2, produced by the goblet cells. This study investigated the changes in Muc2 expression, goblet cells proliferation, TLRs and inflammatory cytokines in the colon of middle-aged rats. Proteome technology was applied to explore the possible molecular mechanisms. The results indicated that intake of fish oil at a normal dose downregulated colonic Muc2 expression, and this negative effect of fish oil probably involved the suppression of mucin glycosylation process.
Project description:Double-blind, randomized clinical trial to assess the effects of 1,55 g/day of n-3 fatty acids from fish oil concomitant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer.