Project description:The aim of the experiment was to identify genes in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus whose expression was altered by exposure to a light pulse of 400 lux at CT16 (subjective night). C57BL/6 male mice were entrained to a 12:12 LD cycle and given a 30 min 400 lux light pulse at CT16. Punches of SCN tissue were collected at 30 (LP30), 60 (LP60)and 120 (LP120) mins after the start of the light pulse and flash frozen on dry ice. Sham SCN punches (Sham) were collected from mice not exposed to light at CT16. Total RNA from individual tissue samples was extracted using RNeasy micro kit from Qiagen using the lipid tissue protocol according to manufacturer's recommendations. Individual samples were analyzed for quality using an Agilent Bioanalzyer and only samples with a RIN of 8 and above were used. Samples were quantified by Nanodrop and 300ug of total RNA was used to prepare probes for hybridisation to Affymetrix Mouse Exon arrays. Probe preparation and array hybridisation was carried out according to Affymetrix protocols. Each array represents an individual SCN tissue punch.<br><br>
Project description:To investigate changes in SCN photic responsiveness after exposure to an ultradian light cycle (T7 cycle; alternating 3.5-hour periods of light and darkness), we performed RNA-sequencing on isolated SCN samples obtained from T24 and T7 light cycle-housed mice that received a light pulse during their active phases. Our results indicate that the SCN becomes refractory to light induction of immediate-early gene expression after exposure to the T7 light cycle.
Project description:Sex differences in liver gene expression are dictated by sex-differences in circulating growth hormone (GH) profiles. Presently, the pituitary hormone dependence of mouse liver gene expression was investigated on a global scale to discover sex-specific early GH response genes that might contribute to sex-specific regulation of downstream GH targets and to ascertain whether intrinsic sex-differences characterize hepatic responses to plasma GH stimulation. RNA expression analysis using 41,000-feature microarrays revealed two distinct classes of sex-specific mouse liver genes: genes subject to positive regulation (class-I) and genes subject to negative regulation by pituitary hormones (class-II). Genes activated or repressed in hypophysectomized (Hypox) mouse liver within 30-90min of GH pulse treatment at a physiological dose were identified as direct targets of GH action (early response genes). Intrinsic sex-differences in the GH responsiveness of a subset of these early response genes were observed. Notably, 45 male-specific genes, including five encoding transcriptional regulators that may mediate downstream sex-specific transcriptional responses, were rapidly induced by GH (within 30min) in Hypox male but not Hypox female mouse liver. The early GH response genes were enriched in 29 male-specific targets of the transcription factor Mef2, whose activation in hepatic stellate cells is associated with liver fibrosis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma, a male-predominant disease. Thus, the rapid activation by GH pulses of certain sex-specific genes is modulated by intrinsic sex-specific factors, which may be associated with prior hormone exposure (epigenetic mechanisms) or genetic factors that are pituitary-independent, and could contribute to sex-differences in predisposition to liver cancer or other hepatic pathophysiologies.
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
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:Comparison of gene expression profiles from Mus musculus brain at age 30 months. The RNA-seq data comprise 1 groups. Jena Centre for Systems Biology of Ageing - JenAge (www.jenage.de)