Project description:The mammalian genome contains two ERK/MAP kinase kinase genes, Map2k1 and Map2k2, encoding dual-specificity kinases responsible for ERK/MAP kinase activation. Loss of Map2k1 function in mouse causes embryonic lethality due to placental defects, while Map2k2 mutant mice survive with a normal lifespan. The Map2k1 mutation interferes with the growth of the labyrinthine region of the placenta and its vascularization. Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- embryos also die during gestation of underdevelopment of the labyrinth. In Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- mutants, the vascularization of the labyrinth is reduced and defects in SynT-II formation lead to the accumulation of multinucleated trophoblasts giant cells (MTG). Deletion of both Map2k1 alleles in allantoïs-derived tissues in Map2k1+/ Map2k2+/- placenta (Map2k1flox/-Map2k2+/-Tg+/Sox2Cre) increases the penetrance and the expressivity of the MTG placental phenotype. Microarray analysis with RNA extracted from placentas of E12.5 wt, Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- and Map2k1flox/-Map2k2+/-Tg+/Sox2Cre embryos was performed to evaluate the molecular impact of the loss of Map2k alleles on placenta development. Total RNA was isolated from placentas of E12.5 Map2k1+/+Map2k2+/+(control), from E12.5 Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- embryos (experimental) and from E12.5 and Map2k1flox/-Map2k2+/-Tg+/Sox2Cre embryos (experimental). Four specimens were analyzed per genotype.
Project description:The mammalian genome contains two ERK/MAP kinase kinase genes, Map2k1 and Map2k2, encoding dual-specificity kinases responsible for ERK/MAP kinase activation. Loss of Map2k1 function in mouse causes embryonic lethality due to placental defects, while Map2k2 mutant mice survive with a normal lifespan. The Map2k1 mutation interferes with the growth of the labyrinthine region of the placenta and its vascularization. Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- embryos also die during gestation of underdevelopment of the labyrinth. In Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- mutants, the vascularization of the labyrinth is reduced and defects in SynT-II formation lead to the accumulation of multinucleated trophoblasts giant cells (MTG). Deletion of both Map2k1 alleles in allantoïs-derived tissues in Map2k1+/ Map2k2+/- placenta (Map2k1flox/-Map2k2+/-Tg+/Sox2Cre) increases the penetrance and the expressivity of the MTG placental phenotype. Microarray analysis with RNA extracted from placentas of E12.5 wt, Map2k1+/-Map2k2+/- and Map2k1flox/-Map2k2+/-Tg+/Sox2Cre embryos was performed to evaluate the molecular impact of the loss of Map2k alleles on placenta development.
Project description:To understand the mechanisms through which JunB regulates Tregs-mediated immune regulation, we examined the global gene expression profiles in the JunB WT and KO Tregs by performing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis.
Project description:PURPOSE: To provide a detailed gene expression profile of the normal postnatal mouse cornea. METHODS: Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed on postnatal day (PN)9 and adult mouse (6 week) total corneas. The expression of selected genes was analyzed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A total of 64,272 PN9 and 62,206 adult tags were sequenced. Mouse corneal transcriptomes are composed of at least 19,544 and 18,509 unique mRNAs, respectively. One third of the unique tags were expressed at both stages, whereas a third was identified exclusively in PN9 or adult corneas. Three hundred thirty-four PN9 and 339 adult tags were enriched more than fivefold over other published nonocular libraries. Abundant transcripts were associated with metabolic functions, redox activities, and barrier integrity. Three members of the Ly-6/uPAR family whose functions are unknown in the cornea constitute more than 1% of the total mRNA. Aquaporin 5, epithelial membrane protein and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) omega-1, and GST alpha-4 mRNAs were preferentially expressed in distinct corneal epithelial layers, providing new markers for stratification. More than 200 tags were differentially expressed, of which 25 mediate transcription. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to providing a detailed profile of expressed genes in the PN9 and mature mouse cornea, the present SAGE data demonstrate dynamic changes in gene expression after eye opening and provide new probes for exploring corneal epithelial cell stratification, development, and function and for exploring the intricate relationship between programmed and environmentally induced gene expression in the cornea. Keywords: other