Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility.
Project description:We created mice, which are deficient for Myc specifically in cardiac myocytes by crossing crossed Myc-floxed mice (Mycfl/fl) and MLC-2VCre/+ mice. Serial analysis of earlier stages of gestation revealed that Myc-deficient mice died prematurely at E13.5-14.5. Morphological analyses of E13.5 Myc-null embryos showed normal ventricular size and structure; however, decreased cardiac myocyte proliferation and increased apoptosis was observed. BrdU incorporation rates were also decreased significantly in Myc-null myocardium. Myc-null mice displayed a 3.67-fold increase in apoptotic cardiomyocytes by TUNEL assay. We examined global gene expression using oligonucleotide microarrays. Numerous genes involved in mitochondrial death pathways were dysregulated including Bnip3L and Birc2. Keywords: wildtype vs Myc-null
Project description:The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has potent anti-atherogenic properties but its mechanisms of action at the vascular level remain poorly explored. Knowing the broad range of molecular targets of omega-3 fatty acids, microarray analysis was used to open-mindedly evaluate the effects of DHA on aorta gene expression in LDLR-/- mice and better understand its local anti-atherogenic action . Mice were fed an atherogenic diet and received daily oral gavages with oils rich in oleic acid or DHA. Bioinformatics analysis of microarray data first identified inflammation and innate immunity as processes the most affected by DHA supplementation within aorta. More precisely, several down-regulated genes were associated with the inflammatory functions of macrophages (e.g. CCL5, CCR7), cell movement (e.g. ICAM-2, SELP, PECAM-1), and the major histocompatibility complex (e.g. HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB1). Interestingly, the expression of several genes were identified as specifc biomarkers of macrophage polarization and their changes suggested a preferential orientation towards a M2 reparative phenotype. This observation was supported by the upstream regulator analysis highlighting the involvment of three main regulators of macrophage polarization, namely PPARM-NM-3 (z-score=2.367, p=1.50x10-13), INFM-NM-3 (z-score=-2.797, p=2.81x10-14) and NFM-NM-:B (z-score=2.360, p=6.32x10-9). Moreover, immunohistological analysis of aortic root revealed an increased abundance of Arg1 (+111%, p=0.01), a specific biomarker of M2 macrophage.The present study showed for the first time that DHA supplementation during atherogenesis is associated with protective modulation of inflammation and innate immunity pathways within aorta putatively through the orientation of plaque macrophages towards a M2 reparative phenotype. Mice (LDLR-/-) Aorta samples. 2 groups: Control (K), DHA (C). Biological replicates=8. Dye switch.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility. Gene expression was measured in whole testis from males aged 62-86 days. Samples include 190 first generation lab-bred male offspring of wild-caught mice from the Mus musculus musculus - M. m. domesticus hybrid zone.
