Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE18647: Gene expression in embryonic intervertebral disc and vertebrae. GSE18648: TGF-beta and BMP mediated gene expression in cultured sclerotome. Refer to individual Series
Project description:Our studies show that TonEBP-deficiency causes pronounced degeneration of all three intervertebral disc compartments with greater incidence of herniation in the mouse. The disc phenotype is marked by extracellular matrix remodeling, actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, and suppressed proinflammatory gene expression, advancing our understanding of the contributions of TonEBP in intervertebral disc homeostasis and disease. We used microarray to explore the transcriptomics of differentially expressed genes of annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue in TonEBP haploinsufficient mice on a C57BL/6 background.
Project description:Very little is known about how intervertebral disc (IVD) is formed or maintained. Members of the TGF-ß superfamily are secreted signaling proteins that regulate many aspects of development including cellular differentiation. We recently showed that deletion of Tgfbr2 in Col2a expressing tissue results in alterations in development of IVD annulus fibrosus. The results suggested TGF-ß has an important role in regulating development of the axial skeleton, however, the mechanistic basis of TGF-ß action in these specialized joints is not known. One of the hurdles to understanding development of IVD is a lack of known markers. To identify genes that are enriched in the developing IVD and to begin to understand the mechanism of TGF-ß action in IVD development, we undertook a global analysis of gene expression comparing gene expression profiles in developing vertebrae and IVD. We also compared expression profiles in tissues from wild type and Tgfbr2 mutant mice. Lists of IVD and vertebrae enriched genes were generated. Expression patterns for several genes were verified either through in situ hybridization or literature/ database searches resulting in a list of genes that can be used as markers of IVD. Cluster analysis using genes listed under the Gene Ontology terms multicellular organism development and pattern specification indicated that mutant IVD more closely resembled vertebrae than wild type IVD. We propose TGF-ß has two functions in IVD development: 1) to prevent chondrocyte differentiation in the presumptive IVD and 2) to promote differentiation of annulus fibrosus from sclerotome. We have identified genes that are enriched in the IVD and regulated by TGF-ß that warrant further investigation as regulators of IVD development. Thirteen samples were analyzed. This includes three biological replicates of laser captured IVD from E13.5 day control mice, three biological replicates of laser captured vertebrae from the same E13.5 day control mice, three biological relicates of laser captured vertebrae from E13.5 day Col2aCre;Tgfbr2lox/lox mice, and four biological replicates of laser captured IVD from E13.5 day Col2aCre;Tgfbr2lox/lox mice.
Project description:Assessment of the putative differential gene expression profiles in high osmolality-treated bovine nucleus pulposus intervertebral disc cells for a short (5 h) and a long (24 h) time period. Identification of novel genes up- or down-regulated as an early or a late response to hyperosmotic stress. A 5 and 24 h-hyperosmotic treatment of nucleus pulposus cells led to transcriptional changes in >100 and 200 genes, respectively. Nucleus pulposus intervertebral disc cells were exposed to hyperosmotic stress for 5 and 24 h before RNA extraction and transcriptomics analysis. Three biological replicates were tested for each condition. Selected genes found to be differentially expressed were validated by RT-qPCR. Functional experiments were performed in order to assess the role of specific proteins encoded by genes found to be up-regulated in the osmo-reguatory response of intervertebral disc cells.
Project description:PURPOSE: To provide a detailed gene expression profile of the normal postnatal mouse cornea. METHODS: Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed on postnatal day (PN)9 and adult mouse (6 week) total corneas. The expression of selected genes was analyzed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A total of 64,272 PN9 and 62,206 adult tags were sequenced. Mouse corneal transcriptomes are composed of at least 19,544 and 18,509 unique mRNAs, respectively. One third of the unique tags were expressed at both stages, whereas a third was identified exclusively in PN9 or adult corneas. Three hundred thirty-four PN9 and 339 adult tags were enriched more than fivefold over other published nonocular libraries. Abundant transcripts were associated with metabolic functions, redox activities, and barrier integrity. Three members of the Ly-6/uPAR family whose functions are unknown in the cornea constitute more than 1% of the total mRNA. Aquaporin 5, epithelial membrane protein and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) omega-1, and GST alpha-4 mRNAs were preferentially expressed in distinct corneal epithelial layers, providing new markers for stratification. More than 200 tags were differentially expressed, of which 25 mediate transcription. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to providing a detailed profile of expressed genes in the PN9 and mature mouse cornea, the present SAGE data demonstrate dynamic changes in gene expression after eye opening and provide new probes for exploring corneal epithelial cell stratification, development, and function and for exploring the intricate relationship between programmed and environmentally induced gene expression in the cornea. Keywords: other