Project description:The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) stands as a flagship and umbrella species, symbolizing global biodiversity. While traditional assisted reproductive technology faces constraints in safeguarding the genetic diversity of giant pandas and bolstering the population size of giant pandas, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) known for their capacity to differentiate into diverse cells types, including germ cells, present a transformative potential for conservation of endangered animals. In our study, we isolated primary fibroblast cells from an individual giant panda and successfully generated giant panda induced pluripotent stem cells (GPiPSCs) through a non-integrating episomal vectors reprogramming method. Characterization of these GPiPSCs revealed their state of primed pluripotency and demonstrated their potential for differentiation. Furthermore, we innovatively formulated a species-specific chemically defined FACL medium and unraveled the intricate signaling pathway networks responsible for maintaining the pluripotency and fostering cell proliferation of GPiPSCs. This study provides key insights into rare species iPSCs, offering materials for panda characteristics research and laying the groundwork for in vitro giant panda gamete generation, potentially aiding endangered species conservation.
Project description:The hindlimb unloaded (HU) mouse, an animal model of prolonged bedrest and spaceflight, exhibits detriment of several body organs. However, relevant effects on renal tissues are unknown. We investigated the effects of protein dysregulation by endoplasmic reticulum (ER), termed ER stress to renal histology and molecular phenotype in HU mice. We categorized c57BL/6j mice into ground-based controls, (GC), and HU mice treated with vehicle (HU) or 4-phenyl butyrate (4PBA), an ER stress inhibitor for three weeks. We found an HU-induced glomerular widening and an obliteration of Bowman’s space, which were partly reversed by 4PBA (all p<0.05). The GO enrichment analysis validated the heightened ER stress in HU kidneys and its reversal with 4PBA treatment. The transcriptome analysis, including the differentially expressed genes analysis revealed a significant reversal of genetic perturbation by 4PBA and mitigation of microgravity-induced renal decline. These findings were supported by KEGG-based and Reactome-based pathway analysis. 4PBA treatment upregulated the PPAR signaling pathway, which provides protection against ER stress. Enrichment analysis based on Reactome database also reveals that 4PBA activated the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Collectively, our novel findings show a role for elevated ER stress in HU-induced renal injury. We also propose 4PBA as a potential therapeutic to restore renal structure and function in microgravity conditions.
Project description:The delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) is a pelagic fish species endemic to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary in Northern California, listed as endangered under both the USA Federal and Californian State Endangered Species Acts and acts as an indicator of ecosystem health in its habitat range. Interrogative tools are required to successfully monitor effects of contaminants upon the delta smelt, and to research potential causes of population decline in this species. We used microarray technology to investigate genome-wide effects in 57-day old larvae after a 4-day exposure to ammonia; one of multiple contaminants arising from wastewater treatment plants and agricultural runoff. Genomic assessments were carried out between larvae exposed to 10 mg/L total ammonium; the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC), and controls.