Project description:We performed spatial RNA-Seq of prostate and urethra tissues from C57Bl/6 wild type mice. Downstream analyses demonstrated that Foxf2 is highly expressed in the mouse proximal prostate as compaired to the distal ducts.
Project description:The heterogeneity of the prostate stromal cells is widely appreciated but the functional implication remains incompletely understood. Using genetic lineage tracing and light-sheet imaging, we show that some fibroblast cells near the junction of the mouse proximal prostatic ducts and prostatic urethra highly express Lgr5. Genetic ablation of these anatomically restricted stromal cells, but not nonselective ablation of prostatic stromal cells, rapidly induces prostate epithelial turnover and dedifferentiation that are reversed following spontaneous restoration of the Lgr5+ stromal cells. These changes are not mediated via endocrine or nervous regulation but can be phenocopied by physical disruption of prostatic lumen integrity. RNA-Seq analysis implies that ablating the Lgr5+ stromal cells activates a mechanosensory response, which is supported by increased prostate tissue stiffness and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Suppressing MAPK overrides the increased epithelial proliferation. This study demonstrates that the Lgr5+ stromal cells regulate tissue homeostasis in a long-distance manner by maintaining anatomic integrity and implies that the cells near the transitional regions between organs likely control organ homeostasis by sustaining a balanced mechanoforce.
Project description:To further development of our gene expression signature for benign prostatic hyperplasia, we conducted expression profiles of BPH and normal samples.
Project description:Urethra was partially ligated and the urinary bladder was removed 10 days or 6 weeks after obstruction. Sham operated rats were used as controls. An addtitonal group of rats were repoerated 6 weeks after surgery and the obstruction was removed. These rats were then sacrificed 10 days after deobstruction. The bladder (including the urothelium) was frozen and used for RNA extraction.