Project description:In recent years, the roles of microRNAs playing in the regulation of influenza viruses replication caused researchers' much attenion. However, much work focused on the interactions between human, mice or chicken microRNAs with human or avian influenza viruses rather than the interactions of swine microRNAs and swine influenza viruses. To investigate the roles of swine microRNAs playing in the regulation of swine influenza A virus replication, the microRNA microarray was performed to identify which swine microRNAs were involved in swine H1N1/2009 influenza A virus infection.
Project description:The hormonal contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is associated with increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), via incompletely understood mechanisms. Increased diversity in the vaginal microbiota modulates genital inflammation and is associated with increased HIV-1 acquisition. However, the effect of MPA on diversity of the vaginal microbiota is relatively unknown. In a cohort of female Kenyan sex workers, negative for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with Nugent scores <7 (N=58 of 370 screened), MPA correlated with significantly increased diversity of the vaginal microbiota as assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MPA was also significantly associated with decreased levels of estrogen in the plasma, and low vaginal glycogen and α-amylase, factors implicated in vaginal colonization by lactobacilli, bacteria that are believed to protect against STIs. In a humanized mouse model, MPA treatment was associated with low serum estrogen, low glycogen and enhanced HIV-1 susceptibility. The mechanism by which the MPA mediated changes in the vaginal microbiota may contribute to HIV-1 susceptibility in humans appears to be independent of inflammatory cytokines and/or activated T cells. Altogether, these results suggest MPA-induced hypo-estrogenism may alter key metabolic components that are necessary for vaginal colonization by certain bacterial species including lactobacilli, and allow for greater bacterial diversity in the vaginal microbiota.
Project description:Pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis using antiretroviral agents is a promising strategy for the prevention of sexual HIV transmission in women. Molecular transporters in the human vaginal tract may play a pivotal role in determining drug disposition and, consequently, pharmacodynamic outcomes in these efforts. Little is known, however, on the expression of these transporters in vaginal tissues, representing a critical knowledge gap. Our study analyzed the genome-wide transcriptome in 44 vaginal tissue samples from 6 reproductive-age women undergoing gynecologic surgeries. The genome-wide transcriptome in 44 vaginal tissue samples from 6 reproductive-age women (20-56 years old) undergoing gynecologic surgeries was measured.
Project description:In order to identify the swine genes which play roles in the regulation of swine influenza A virus replication, the gene microarray was performed to explore the systematical host response to the swine H1N1/2009 influenza A virus infection in porcine cells.
Project description:In this study, we further investigated the efficacy of using MRM-profiling of vaginal lipids to differentiate PND 2 vaginal swabs between gilts suckled by sow or fed milk replacer. Secondly, we tested the effect of a lard based supplement on vaginal lipid profiles of gilts.
Project description:Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep, GAS) is a serious human pathogen with the ability to colonize mucosal surfaces such as the nasopharynx and vaginal tract, often leading to infections such as pharyngitis and vulvovaginitis. We present genome-wide RNASeq data showing the transcriptomic changes GAS undergoes during vaginal colonization. These data reveal that the regulon controlled by MtsR, a master metal regulator, is activated during vaginal colonization. This regulon includes two genes highly expressed during vaginal colonization, hupYZ. Here we show that HupY binds heme in vitro, affects intracellular concentrations of iron, and is essential for proper growth of GAS using hemoglobin or serum as the sole iron source. HupY is also important for murine vaginal colonization of both GAS and the related vaginal colonizer and pathogen, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep, GBS). These data provide essential information on the link between metal regulation and mucosal colonization in both GAS and GBS.