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:A mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA) is commonly used to study neurodevelopmental disorders. Gene expression analysis has suggested that fetal brain macrophages may be activated by MIA, but it is unclear whether these transcriptional changes connect to behavioral phenotypes in offspring. Here, we have shown that the induction of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behavioral phenotypes by MIA in male offspring is dependent upon fetal activation of the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling molecule TRIF. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified a cluster of border-associated macrophages (BAMs) that was significantly enriched in wild-type fetal brains following TLR3-MIA but not diminished in Trif -/- fetal brains. Moreover, after TLR3-MIA, the number of fetal BAMs in the choroid plexus, but not in the meninges, was increased, and these cells were characterized by increased S100a8/9 expression. Finally, we proposed that activation of fetal TLR3-TRIF signaling was induced by transplacental viral infection. Overall, our data suggest that fetal TLR3 signaling contributes to MIA-induced ASD-like behavioral phenotypes in mice.
Project description:Acetaminophen is a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug, and its overdose is the leading cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota (LcS), an extensively used and highly studied probiotic, on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. C57BL/6 mice were gavaged with LcS suspension or saline once daily for 7 days before the acute liver injury was induced via intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg acetaminophen. The results showed that LcS significantly decreased acetaminophen-induced liver and ileum injury, as demonstrated by reductions in the increases in aspartate aminotransferase, total bile acids, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and hepatic cell necrosis. Moreover, LcS alleviated the acetaminophen-induced intestinal mucosal permeability, elevation in serum IL-1α and lipopolysaccharide, and decreased levels of serum eosinophil chemokine (eotaxin) and hepatic glutathione levels. Furthermore, analysis of the gut microbiota and metabolome showed that LcS reduced the acetaminophen-enriched levels of Cyanobacteria, Oxyphotobacteria, long-chain fatty acids, cholesterol and sugars in the gut. Additionally, the transcriptome and proteomics showed that LcS mitigated the downregulation of metabolism and immune pathways as well as glutathione formation during acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. This is the first study showing that pretreatment with LcS alleviates acetaminophen-enriched acute liver injury, and it provides a reference for the application of LcS.
Project description:Previous research indicate that maternal immune activation (MIA) correlated with increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Our data sugests that aberrant decidual NK cells are required for MIA-induced neurodevelopment and behavioral disorders. To determine what triggers dNK cells to react to MIA at the maternal-fetal interface, we evaluated the DEGs of decidua tissue samples from dams triggered with polyIC or saline control.
