Project description:The small RNAs and their targets were characterized in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) genome by deep sequencing the small RNA populations of leaf tissues (cv. Salinas, Cobham and Diana), inoculated with Bremia and mock. The small RNA targets were also validated using PARE/degradome data derived from the same tissues.
Project description:We compared the aorta of 6-weeks-old mice (young) with 18-months-old mice (old). Using the publicly available tools Sylamer and DIANA-mirExTra, we identified an enrichment for miR-29 binding sites in the 3'UTR of genes downregulated in the aged aortas. We subsequently showed that inhibition of miR-29 in aged mice prevented dilation of the aorta. aortas of 6 week old and 18 month old mice
Project description:We compared the aorta of 6-weeks-old mice (young) with 18-months-old mice (old). Using the publicly available tools Sylamer and DIANA-mirExTra, we identified an enrichment for miR-29 binding sites in the 3'UTR of genes downregulated in the aged aortas. We subsequently showed that inhibition of miR-29 in aged mice prevented dilation of the aorta.
Project description:We compare miRNA profiling in two cell populations of mesenchymal stromal cells focusing on senescence-related changes: Human Dental Pulp Stromal Cells (hDPSCs) and human Periosteum-Derived Progenitor Cells (hPDPCs). After these cells were harvested, total RNA extraction and whole genome miRNA profiling was performed, and DIANA-miRPath analysis was applied to find the target/pathways. Our finding is consistent with the idea that the embryological origin influences cell behavior and the ageing process. Moreover, the two populations activate different downstream mechanisms. Our study strengthens the hypothesis that ageing is driven by numerous mediators interacting through an intricate molecular network, which affects adult stem cells self-renewal capability.
Project description:Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control key elements of mRNA stability and likely contribute to the dysregulated lung gene expression observed in systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). We analyzed the miRNA gene expression of tissue and cells from SSc-ILD patients. A chronic lung fibrotic murine model was used. Methods: RNA was isolated from lung tissue of 12 SSc-ILD patients and 5 control lungs. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed at baseline and 2-3 years after treatment. Lung fibroblasts and PBMCs were isolated from healthy controls and SSc-ILD patients. miRNA and mRNA were analyzed by microarray, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and/or Nanostring; pathway analysis was performed by DIANA-miRPath v2.0 software. Wild-type and miR-155 deficient (miR-155ko) mice were exposed to bleomycin. Results: Lung miRNA microarray data distinguished patients with SSc-ILD from healthy controls with 185 miRNA differentially expressed (q<0.25). DIANA-miRPath revealed 57 KEGGs pathways related to the most dysregulated miRNAs. miR-155 and miR-143 were strongly correlated with progression of the HRCT score. Lung fibroblasts showed only mild expression of miR-155/miR-21 after several stimuli. miR-155 PBMC expression strongly correlated with lung function tests in SSc-ILD. miR-155ko mice developed milder lung fibrosis, survived longer, and showed a weaker lung induction of several genes after bleomycin exposure compared to wild-type mice. Conclusions: miRNAs are dysregulated in lungs and PBMCs of SSc-ILD patients. Based on mRNA-miRNA interaction analysis and pathway tools, miRNAs may play a role in the progression of the disease. Our findings suggest that targeting miR-155 might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for SSc-ILD.
Project description:Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control key elements of mRNA stability and likely contribute to the dysregulated lung gene expression observed in systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). We analyzed the miRNA gene expression of tissue and cells from SSc-ILD patients. A chronic lung fibrotic murine model was used. Methods: RNA was isolated from lung tissue of 12 SSc-ILD patients and 5 control lungs. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed at baseline and 2-3 years after treatment. Lung fibroblasts and PBMCs were isolated from healthy controls and SSc-ILD patients. miRNA and mRNA were analyzed by microarray, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and/or Nanostring; pathway analysis was performed by DIANA-miRPath v2.0 software. Wild-type and miR-155 deficient (miR-155ko) mice were exposed to bleomycin. Results: Lung miRNA microarray data distinguished patients with SSc-ILD from healthy controls with 185 miRNA differentially expressed (q<0.25). DIANA-miRPath revealed 57 KEGGs pathways related to the most dysregulated miRNAs. miR-155 and miR-143 were strongly correlated with progression of the HRCT score. Lung fibroblasts showed only mild expression of miR-155/miR-21 after several stimuli. miR-155 PBMC expression strongly correlated with lung function tests in SSc-ILD. miR-155ko mice developed milder lung fibrosis, survived longer, and showed a weaker lung induction of several genes after bleomycin exposure compared to wild-type mice. Conclusions: miRNAs are dysregulated in lungs and PBMCs of SSc-ILD patients. Based on mRNA-miRNA interaction analysis and pathway tools, miRNAs may play a role in the progression of the disease. Our findings suggest that targeting miR-155 might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for SSc-ILD. Lung biopsies taken from open lung biopsy from SSc-ILD patients (n=15 samples) and from cancer free control patients (n=5) during ressection of the lung tumor.