Project description:To examine transcriptional plasticity in sensory neurons, we performed bulk RNA-sequencing studies on dorsal root ganglia from an atopic dermatitis-like mouse and a contact dermatitis monkey model.
Project description:Two natriuretic peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) act through the common receptor, guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) to lower blood pressure, induce diuresis/natriuresis and dilate blood vessels. Recently, we discovered that the excessive cardiac hypertrophy accompanied with cardiac dysfunction was induced in the lactating natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (Npr1, which encodes GC-A)-deficient mice. To clarify the cause of lactation-induced cardic hypertrophy in Npr1-/-, we performed the gene expressions analysis using nulliparous (NP) or postpartum lactating wild-type (Npr1+/+) and Npr1-/- mice. Numerous genes were altered in the postpartum lactating period both in Npr1+/+ and Npr1-/-. Additionally, the involvement of inflammatory responce in the cardiac hypertrophy in lactating-Npr1-/- mice was clarified bythe gene ontology analysis.
Project description:The cardiac natriuretic peptide (NPs) plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function. We examined the miRNAs that could be regulating NPs by subjecting the cardiomyocytes, HCMa cells, to hypoxia.
Project description:The purpose of this study is to learn how types of fat profiles differ between lean and obese individuals, and how they differ between racial groups. We are also interested in learning about the relationship of fat profiles with natriuretic peptide hormones, which are hormones produced by the heart. We will measure this by collecting tissue, blood and urine samples, energy expenditure measurements using the metabolic cart, and a DXA to assess the amount of bone, fat and muscle in the body from a single study visit.
Project description:Natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) is the principal receptor for the natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP. Targeted deletion of NPR-A in mouse glomerular podocytes significantly enhances renal injury in vivo in the DOCA-salt experimental model. It was therefore hypothesized that natriuretic peptides exert a direct protective effect on glomerular barrier integrity through activation of NPR-A and modulation of gene expression patterns in podocytes. RNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 158 DEGs with 81 downregulated DEGs and 77 upregulated DEGs in Npr1 deficient podocytes. Among the downregulated genes were protein S and semaphorin 3G, which are known to have a protective effect in podocytes. Protein S was also expressed in and secreted from isolated human glomeruli. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the upregulated DEGs in NPR-A deficient podocytes were associated with cell migration and motility. In line, BNP significantly decreased podocyte outgrowth from cultured glomeruli.
Project description:Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are not only important biological markers, but also regulators of cardiac functions. The natriuretic peptide A receptor (NPRA), also called NPR1 or guanylyl cyclase A (GC-A), binds with ANP or BNP ligand and fulfils transmembrane signalling transduction by elevating the intracellular levels of cGMP. However, the comprehensive effects and mechanisms downstream to NPRA are still largely to be elucidated. Here, the cardiac expressing profiles of mRNA in the mice with myocardium-specific deletion of NPRA were analyzed. It was found that differently expressed mRNAs were detected and proved by Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis to be mainly related to the metabolic process. Moreover, circular RNAs (circRNAs) were scrutinized, and subsequently a possible regulatory network consisting of circRNAs- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) -mRNAs was predicted and constructed by ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) analysis. In conclusion, NPRA plays possible roles in cardiac metabolism, which might be mediated by circRNAs via endogenous competition mechanisms.
Project description:Allergic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by severe itch in the conjunctiva; but how neuro-immune interactions shape the pathogenesis of severe itch remains unclear. We identified a subset of memory-type pathogenic Th2 cells that preferentially expressed Il1rl1-encoding ST2 and Calca-encoding calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the inflammatory conjunctiva using a single-cell analysis. The IL-33-ST2 axis in memory Th2 cells controlled the axonal elongation of the peripheral sensory C-fiber and the induction of severe itch. Pharmacological blockade and genetic deletion of CGRP signaling in vivo attenuated scratching behavior. The analysis of giant papillae from patients with severe allergic conjunctivitis revealed ectopic lymphoid structure formation with the accumulation of IL-33-producing epithelial cells and CGRP-producing pathogenic CD4+ T cells accompanied by peripheral nerve elongation. Thus, the IL-33-ST2-CGRP axis directs severe itch with neuro-reconstruction in the inflammatory conjunctiva and is a potential therapeutic target for severe itch in allergic conjunctivitis.
Project description:Deficit of oxygen and nutrients in the tumor microenvironment (TME) triggers abnormal angiogenesis that produces dysfunctional and leaky blood vessels, which fail to adequately perfuse tumor tissues. Resulting hypoxia, exacerbation of metabolic problems and generation of immunosuppressive TME undermine the efficacy of cancer treatment. These problems can be partially alleviated by angiogenesis inhibitors. Here we propose an alternative agonist-based normalization approach utilizing a derivative of the C-type natriuretic peptide (dCNP). This well-tolerated agent stimulated formation of highly functional tumor blood vessels to reduce hypoxia. Administration of dCNP also inhibited stromagenesis and reinvigorated the anti-tumor immune responses. Treatment with dCNP decelerated growth of primary tumors and suppressed their metastases. Moreover, inclusion of dCNP into the chemo-, radio- or immune-therapeutic regimens increased their efficacy against solid tumors. These results demonstrate the proof of principle for using activators of normalized angiogenesis to improve therapies against solid tumors and characterize dCNP as the first in class amongst such agents.