Project description:The heterogeneity of endothelial cells (ECs), lining blood vessels, across tissues remains incompletely inventoried. We constructed an atlas of >32,000 single-EC transcriptomic data from 11 tissues of the model organism Mus musculus. We propose a new classification of EC phenotypes based on transcriptome signatures and inferred putative biological features. We identified top-ranking markers for ECs from each tissue. ECs from different vascular beds (arteries, capillaries, veins, lymphatics) resembled each other across tissues, but only arterial, venous and lymphatic (not capillary) ECs shared markers, illustrating a greater heterogeneity of capillary ECs. We identified high-endothelial-venule and lacteal-like ECs in the intestines, and angiogenic ECs in healthy tissues. Metabolic transcriptomes of ECs differed amongst spleen, lung, liver, brain and testis, while being similar for kidney, heart, muscle and intestines. Within tissues, metabolic gene expression was heterogeneous amongst ECs from different vascular beds, altogether highlighting large EC heterogeneity.
Project description:We previously identified somatic activating KRAS mutations in a majority of human arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), using whole exome sequencing, which were enhanced in AVM endothelial cell fractions. We have now performed whole genome sequencing on AVM endothelial and non-endothelial cell fractions, as well as paired blood samples, in order to identify further somatic mutations.
Project description:Three different cell types constitute the glomerular filter: mesangial cells, endothelial cells, and podocytes. As yet, it remains unknown to what extent cellular heterogeneity exists within healthy glomerular cell populations. Here, we used nanodroplet-based, highly parallel transcriptional profiling to characterize the cellular content of purified wildtype mouse glomeruli. Unsupervised clustering of 13,000 single-cell transcriptomes identified the three known glomerular cell types. We provide a comprehensive online atlas of gene expression in glomerular cells, which can be queried and visualized using an interactive and freely available database. Novel marker genes for all glomerular cell types were identified and supported by immunohistochemistry stainings obtained from the Human Protein Atlas. Subclustering of glomerular endothelial cells revealed a subset of activated endothelium, expressing marker genes related to endothelial proliferation. Additionally, the podocyte population could be divided in three different subclusters. In conclusion, our study comprehensively characterizes gene expression in individual glomerular cells and sets the stage for the dissection of glomerular function at the single-cell level in health and disease.
Project description:The objective of this study is to create an encyclopedia of all genes expressed in the glomerular endothelial cell under normal and diabetic conditions. We utilized Tie2-GFP transgenic mice to mark cells of the glomerular endothelium. To induce diabetic nephropathy (DB), a genetic model of DB, BKS.Cg-m +/+ Leprdb/J from Jax laboratories was used. We utilized fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate glomerular endothelial cells from normal and diabetic mice. The RNAs from these samples were isolated and utilized to hybridize to microarrays, which offers a powerful, efficient and effective method for the creation of a gene expression atlas. Microarrays were used to identify the transciptional differences that occur in the glomular endothelium of a diabetic mouse. Diabetic and control mice carrying the Tie2-GFP transgenic were utilized to isolate the endothelial cells from the adult glomerulus. The endothelial cells were isolated from the glomerulus using FACS. RNA was isolated and the gene expression profiles were determined by microarrays.
Project description:The long term objective is to create an encyclopedia of the expression levels of all genes in multiple components of the developing kidney. The central thesis is straightforward. The combination of fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) plus microarray analysis offers a powerful, efficient and effective method for the creation of a global gene expression atlas of the developing kidney. Microarrays with essentially complete genome coverage can be used to quantitate expression levels of every gene in FACS isolated components of the developing kidney. The ensuing rapid read-out provides an expression atlas that is more sensitive, more economical and more complete than would be possible by in situ hybridizations alone. Tie2 transgenic mice were utilized to isolate the endothelial cells from the adult kidneys. Endothelial cells were isolated from the kidney using collagenase treatment and FACS. RNA was isolated and the gene expression profiles were determined by microarrays.
Project description:In a model of ALI induced by lung endothelial cell (EC) ablation we show for the first that resolution of acute lung injury and EC regeneration is orchestrated by novel apelin-expressing, gCap endothelial stem-like cells by a mechanism dependent on apelin signaling.