Project description:Obesity induces profound transcriptome changes in adipocytes; recent evidence suggests that lncRNAs play key roles in this process. Here, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome study by RNA-Seq in adipocytes isolated from interscapular brown, inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissues in diet-induced obese mice. Our analysis reveals a set of obesity-dysregulated lncRNAs, many of which exhibit dynamic changes in fed vs. fasted state, potentially serving as novel molecular markers reflecting adipose energy status. Among the most prominent ones is Lnc-leptin, an lncRNA transcribed from an enhancer region upstream of Leptin. Expression of Lnc-leptin is sensitive to insulin and closely correlates to Leptin expression across diverse pathophysiological conditions. Functionally, induction of Lnc-leptin is essential for adipogenesis, and its presence is required for a loop formation between exon2 of Lnc-leptin and promoter of Leptin in mature adipocytes and the maintenance of Leptin expression in vitro and in vivo. Our study establishes Lnc-leptin as a new regulator of Leptin.
Project description:Liver cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of decreased life expectancy worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of liver cirrhosis remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis using transcriptome sequencing to explore the genes, pathways, and interactions associated with liver cirrhosis. We performed transcriptome sequencing of blood samples from patients with cirrhosis and healthy controls (1:1 matched for sex and age). For transcriptome analysis, we screened for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, analyzed mRNAs to identify possible core genes and pathways, and performed co-analysis of miRNA and mRNA sequencing results. And we validated differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) and mRNAs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Using a systems biology framework, We identified miRNAs and mRNAs that were differentially expressed in the blood of cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. And explored associated pathways as well as disease-specific networks.
