Project description:Giant cell ependymoma (GCE), a rare ependymoma subtype, was only recently recognised as a separate diagnostic entity with variations both in malignant potential and in course of disease. The pathogenetic mechanisms behind ependymomas remain unknown. Only one karyotyped GCE has so far been reported. We present the first genomic characterisation of a supratentorial GCE using G-band karyotyping, DNA ploidy analysis and array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH). The G-banded karyotype was hypodiploid with multiple monosomies, a feature present also in the previously published case and, hence, probably characteristic of these tumours. We could also analyse cytogenetically a subsequent recurrent tumour, phenotypically an anaplastic ependymoma, but exhibiting a pattern of monosomies largely similar to that found in the primary tumour, allowing a first insight into the genetic events involved also in disease progression.
Project description:Giant cell ependymoma (GCE), a rare ependymoma subtype, was only recently recognised as a separate diagnostic entity with variations both in malignant potential and in course of disease. The pathogenetic mechanisms behind ependymomas remain unknown. Only one karyotyped GCE has so far been reported. We present the first genomic characterisation of a supratentorial GCE using G-band karyotyping, DNA ploidy analysis and array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH). The G-banded karyotype was hypodiploid with multiple monosomies, a feature present also in the previously published case and, hence, probably characteristic of these tumours. We could also analyse cytogenetically a subsequent recurrent tumour, phenotypically an anaplastic ependymoma, but exhibiting a pattern of monosomies largely similar to that found in the primary tumour, allowing a first insight into the genetic events involved also in disease progression. 2 tumour samples analysed with the control DNA (supplied by Agilent)
Project description:We have sequenced miRNA libraries from human embryonic, neural and foetal mesenchymal stem cells. We report that the majority of miRNA genes encode mature isomers that vary in size by one or more bases at the 3’ and/or 5’ end of the miRNA. Northern blotting for individual miRNAs showed that the proportions of isomiRs expressed by a single miRNA gene often differ between cell and tissue types. IsomiRs were readily co-immunoprecipitated with Argonaute proteins in vivo and were active in luciferase assays, indicating that they are functional. Bioinformatics analysis predicts substantial differences in targeting between miRNAs with minor 5’ differences and in support of this we report that a 5’ isomiR-9-1 gained the ability to inhibit the expression of DNMT3B and NCAM2 but lost the ability to inhibit CDH1 in vitro. This result was confirmed by the use of isomiR-specific sponges. Our analysis of the miRGator database indicates that a small percentage of human miRNA genes express isomiRs as the dominant transcript in certain cell types and analysis of miRBase shows that 5’ isomiRs have replaced canonical miRNAs many times during evolution. This strongly indicates that isomiRs are of functional importance and have contributed to the evolution of miRNA genes
Project description:Gene expression profiling of immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells with hTERT/E6/E7 transfected MSCs. hTERT may change gene expression in MSCs. Goal was to determine the gene expressions of immortalized MSCs.