Project description:Gene duplication events provide redundancy to complex organisms, and homologous genes and their encoded proteins are potential replacements to treat loss-of-function genetic syndromes. Skeletal muscle possesses redundant molecular mechanisms that partially or fully compensate for loss of gene function. Within the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), utrophin is known to substitute for dystrophin. However, there has been little investigation of the orthologous relationships within the sarcoglycan subcomplex of the DGC. In skeletal muscle, the sarcoglycan complex canonically consists of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-subunits, with gamma- and delta-sarcoglycan showing the greatest homology but no functional redundancy. We show that sarcospan, a transmembrane scaffolding protein, mediates assembly of a compensatory DGC with gamma-sarcoglycan replacement by zeta-sarcoglycan. This alternative complex improved pathology ingamma-sarcoglycan muscular dystrophy, but not alpha- or beta-sarcoglycan muscular dystrophy where sarcospan was unable to form compensatory complexes. Three-dimensional modeling of the compensatory DGC reveals that zeta-sarcoglycan maintains specific hydrophobic interactions with sarcospan and preserves overall quaternary arrangement. This compensatory DGC protects the cell membrane from contraction-induced damage and all secondary consequences of disease. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism stabilizing the DGC by leveraging protein redundancy, with an important role for sarcospan in assembly and scaffolding of a compensatory DGC.
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:We created mice, which are deficient for Myc specifically in cardiac myocytes by crossing crossed Myc-floxed mice (Mycfl/fl) and MLC-2VCre/+ mice. Serial analysis of earlier stages of gestation revealed that Myc-deficient mice died prematurely at E13.5-14.5. Morphological analyses of E13.5 Myc-null embryos showed normal ventricular size and structure; however, decreased cardiac myocyte proliferation and increased apoptosis was observed. BrdU incorporation rates were also decreased significantly in Myc-null myocardium. Myc-null mice displayed a 3.67-fold increase in apoptotic cardiomyocytes by TUNEL assay. We examined global gene expression using oligonucleotide microarrays. Numerous genes involved in mitochondrial death pathways were dysregulated including Bnip3L and Birc2. Keywords: wildtype vs Myc-null
Project description:We used microarrays to detail the gene expression profile during WAT -beige transition by treatment of beta adrenergic receptor agonist .
Project description:SILAC based protein correlation profiling using size exclusion of protein complexes derived from Mus musculus tissues (Heart, Liver, Lung, Kidney, Skeletal Muscle, Thymus)
