Project description:We compared gene expression differences in the polytypic species complex Mus musculus (Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus castaneus and Mus musculus ssp) with that of Mus spretus via oligonucleotide microarrays representing more than 20,000 genes. Analysis of the results by two way ANOVA statistics suggests that the most genes with significant differences in expression levels among the subspecies are found in liver and kidney and the least in testis. This picture is different when one compares with Mus spretus, where the largest number of differences is found in testis. Keywords: multi-species comparison
Project description:ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles can elicit a range of perturbed cell responses in vitro. Exposure to topically applied sunscreens containing ZnO or TiO2 particles may or may not elicit a biological effect in mice. We aimed to compare the biological responses of immune-competent hairless mice receiving topical applications of commercially available sunscreens with or without metal oxide nanoparticles, with the responses of mice receiving no sunscreen. Commercially available sunscreens containing ZnO nanoparticles, a mixture of TiO2 nanoparticles and organic UVR filters, or only organic UVR filters were applied to the backs of SKH:QS mice weekly over 36 weeks, with or without subsequent exposure to 29 kJ/m2 UVR. After 36 weeks and 30 treatments, mice were sacrificed and liver tissue was harvested for RNA isolation and whole genome transcriptional profiling, comparing the expression profiles of treated mice with untreated mice.
Project description:Several co-repressors interact directly with the DNA-binding protein CSL [Su(H) in Drosophila] and are proposed to keep target genes silenced in the absence of Notch activity. To investigate co-repressor activity in the context of this well defined signalling pathway, we analysed the genome-wide binding profile of the best-characterized CSL co-repressor in Drosophila, Hairless, in Kc cells and in wing imaginal discs. The binding profile in wing discs of a second CSL interacting repressor, SMRTER, was also analysed. There was significant overlap between Hairless and Su(H), both in Kc cells and in wing discs, where they were predominantly found in chromatin with active enhancer marks. The Hairless complex was widely present at some Notch regulated enhancers in the wing disc,but no binding was detected at others, indicating that it is not essential for silencing per se. Analysis of target enhancers confirmed differential requirements for Hairless. SMRTER binding significantly overlapped with Hairless, rather than complementing it, and many enhancers were apparently co-bound by both factors. Our analysis indicates that the actions of Hairless and SMRTER gate the enhancers to Notch activity and to Ecdysone signalling respectively, to ensure that the appropriate levels and timing of target gene expression are achieved.