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Comprehensive Profiling of Claudin 18.2 Immunohistochemical Expression in 564 Surgically Resected Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas.

Claudin 18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2) is a novel therapeutic target for advanced, HER2-negative gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma positive for CLDN18.2 immunohistochemical (IHC) expression, defined as &#x2265;75% tumor cells with moderate-to-strong membranous staining. Clinical studies for emerging CLDN18.2-targeted therapeutics have used less stringent enrollment criteria to test the efficacy of such therapies in patients with moderate-to-low CLDN18.2 IHC expression. Anticipating the advent of such treatments, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive survey of CLDN18.2 expression using a clinical trial-validated CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibody in surgically resected gastric/GEJ adenocarcinomas and characterize CLDN18.2-positive carcinomas using both high- and low-expression thresholds. Crisp membranous CLDN18.2 staining was detected in 59% (335/564) carcinomas, including 57% (164/286) of gastric and 62% (171/278) of GEJ adenocarcinomas. Most gastric (147/164, 90%) and GEJ (166/171, 97%) adenocarcinomas with staining demonstrated moderate or strong staining intensity. Using the high-expression threshold (&#x2265;75% tumor cells with moderate-to-strong staining), positive CLDN18.2 expression was observed in 20% (57/286) of gastric and 27% (75/278) of GEJ adenocarcinomas and was associated with Epstein-Barr virus status (P < .001) and stage I gastric adenocarcinomas (P = .02) but stage IV GEJ adenocarcinomas (P = .03). Using a low-expression threshold (&#x2265;10% tumor cells with membranous staining), positive CLDN18.2 remained significantly associated with stage I (P = .004) and showed an unadjusted association with improved disease-specific survival in gastric adenocarcinomas (P = .045), which was not retained in multivariable analysis. Whole transcriptomic analysis showed concordance between IHC and CLDN18 messenger RNA expression. Transcriptomic alterations in CLDN18.2 IHC-positive gastric adenocarcinomas included pathways in drug resistance and tumor invasion. In summary, our study presents a detailed characterization of the prevalence and distribution of CLDN18.2 IHC expression patterns. Our results showed that 59% surgically resected gastric/GEJ adenocarcinomas exhibited CLDN18.2 staining. CLDN18.2 IHC positivity defined by both high- and low-expression thresholds may be associated with early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma. These findings expand our recognition of patients who may benefit from CLDN18.2-targeted therapy.

CLDN18.2↗

The forgotten variables of DNA array hybridization.

The reproducibility and reliability of DNA array measurements have been repeatedly questioned during the years. A reassessment of fundamental variables of nucleic acid hybridization might help to solve some of these problems. The hybridization equilibrium, t(1/2), is 41 days for a target human genome. Similar hybridization t(1/2) are expected for whole-transcriptome chips hybridized with tissue cDNA. This implies that most studies on mammalian cells have not been performed under equilibrium conditions. Non-equilibrium binding introduces a stochastic factor into hybridization dynamics; in other words, hybridization will prevail at different spots in different experiments, everything else being equal. A careful re-evaluation of results obtained under non-equilibrium conditions might prove fruitful and help to explain instances where findings conflict.

DNA Probes↗

Integrative Genomic Profiling of Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancers Progressing on Surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: To identify molecular features associated with earlier progression to definitive therapy amongst patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) managed on active surveillance (AS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective pilot study of 7 patients with low- to intermediate-risk PCa undergoing serial multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-targeted biopsies of the same lesion while on AS, who all proceeded to definitive therapy. Time-to-treatment (TTT) was defined as years from first biopsy on AS to definitive therapy. Laser-capture microdissection was used to separate tumor epithelium, benign glands, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and stroma in each biopsy specimen. DNA from the tumor and matched benign tissue underwent whole-exome sequencing, and RNA from all compartments underwent whole-transcriptome sequencing. Somatic mutations and copy-number alterations were compared across serial biopsies and used to reconstruct phylogenies and quantify clonal complexity. RESULTS: Tumors exhibited substantial intratumoral heterogeneity, and in 3 of 6 paired cases, serial mpMRI-targeted biopsies showed discordant somatic profiles consistent with sampling distinct major clones over time. By contrast, no single gene-level alteration, and few large-scale chromosomal events, were associated with TTT. High clonal complexity, defined as &#x2265;3 subclones, was associated with significantly shorter TTT than low complexity (median 1.9 vs 7.2 years; P&#x202f;=&#x202f;.0082). Exploratory pathway analyses of individual tissue components suggested TTT-associated differences in inflammatory signaling and stromal-epithelial cross-talk. CONCLUSION: In this small, hypothesis-generating cohort, clonal complexity was more closely associated with earlier definitive therapy than individual genomic alterations. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate whether multiomic measures of clonal architecture can improve AS risk stratification.

Humans↗

Identification of lineage-specific zygotic transcripts in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos.

During Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis, a maternally supplied transcription factor, SKN-1, is required for the specification of the mesendodermal precursor, EMS, in the 4-cell stage embryo. When EMS divides, it gives rise to a mesoderm-restricted precursor, MS, and an endoderm-restricted precursor, E. To systematically identify genes that function as key regulators of MS and/or E-derived tissues, we identified, by microarray analyses, genes that are newly transcribed within a short developmental window (approximately 30 min) encompassing the generation and fate specification of the MS and E blastomeres. By comparing total cDNAs generated from individual, carefully staged embryos, we identified 275 genes up-regulated in 12-cell embryos compared to 4-cell embryos. Fifty of these 275 genes are down-regulated in 12-cell skn-1 mutant embryos and are designated skn-1-dependent zygotic (sdz) genes. The spatial and temporal expression patterns in C. elegans embryos of 10 randomly selected sdz genes were analyzed by a nuclear GFP reporter driven by the endogenous 5' regulatory sequence of each gene. GFP expression, although absent at the 4-cell stage, was detected at the 12- to 16-cell stage for all 10 genes and was restricted to EMS-derived lineages for 7 of the 10. Among the seven lineage-specific genes, three genes are expressed equally in both MS and E lineages, two are expressed exclusively or predominantly in the MS lineage, and two are expressed exclusively in the E lineage. Depletion of skn-1 by RNAi abolishes the expression of all seven reporter transgenes in vivo, confirming that these genes are indeed skn-1 dependent. These results demonstrate the successful combination of single-staged embryo cDNAs, genetic mutants, and whole transcriptome microarray analysis to identify stage- and lineage-specific transcripts in early C. elegans embryos.

Animals↗

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs involved in ovarian differentiation and development in Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe).

Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe) exhibits diverse reproductive modes including gynogenesis and sexual reproduction, yet the molecular mechanisms of ovarian differentiation remain poorly understood. Ovarian tissues at 20, 30, and 60&#xa0;days after hatching (dah), representing key stages covering early ovarian differentiation and primary oocyte growth, were subjected to whole-transcriptome sequencing. A total of 27,259 mRNAs, 2622 lncRNAs, and 2467 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Cell cycle, transcription, translation, and DNA replication pathways were significantly upregulated from 20 to 60 dah. Oocyte meiosis was enriched from 20 and 30 dah, whereas metabolic pathways (lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide metabolism) were enriched from 30 to 60 dah, indicating sequential progression from meiosis initiation to primary oocyte growth with nutrient synthesis. Hub lncRNAs and key ceRNA networks (e.g., MSTRG.28669.5-miR-221-ccnb2) were identified. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of ncRNA-mediated regulation and ceRNA networks during ovarian development in Qihe gibel carp, establishing a foundation for understanding ovarian differentiation in this species.

Animals↗

An array of insights: application of DNA chip technology in the study of cell biology.

The advent of DNA microarray technology has ushered in an era of systems biology whereby researchers can study the transcriptional behavior of thousands of genes in parallel. Advances in manufacturing techniques and informatics, and the availability of several genome sequences have furthered these capabilities to the point where whole-transcriptome studies can be accomplished in yeast, flies and plants, and soon will be possible in mammals. Concomitant with the expanding ability of the technology has been the development of novel techniques and their application towards the study of cellular biology.

Animals↗

Saccharomyces cerevisiae glutaredoxin 5-deficient cells subjected to continuous oxidizing conditions are affected in the expression of specific sets of genes.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae GRX5 gene codes for a mitochondrial glutaredoxin involved in the synthesis of iron/sulfur clusters. Its absence prevents respiratory growth and causes the accumulation of iron inside cells and constitutive oxidation of proteins. Null Deltagrx5 mutants were used as an example of continuously oxidized cells, as opposed to situations in which oxidative stress is instantaneously caused by addition of external oxidants. Whole transcriptome analysis was carried out in the mutant cells. The set of genes whose expression was affected by the absence of Grx5 does not significantly overlap with the set of genes affected in respiratory petite mutants. Many Aft1-dependent genes involved in iron utilization that are up-regulated in a frataxin mutant were also up-regulated in the absence of Grx5. BIO5 is another Aft1-dependent gene induced both upon iron deprivation and in Deltagrx5 cells; this links iron and biotin metabolism. Other genes are specifically affected under the oxidative conditions generated by the grx5 mutation. One of these is MLP1, which codes for a homologue of the Slt2 kinase. Cells lacking MLP1 and GRX5 are hypersensitive to oxidative stress caused by external agents and exhibit increased protein oxidation in relation to single mutants. This in turn points to a role for Mlp1 in protection against oxidative stress. The genes of the Hap4 regulon, which are involved in respiratory metabolism, are down-regulated in Deltagrx5 cells. This effect is suppressed by HAP4 overexpression. Inhibition of respiratory metabolism during continuous moderately oxidative conditions could be a protective response by the cell.

Blotting, Northern↗

Dual-genome primer design for construction of DNA microarrays.

MOTIVATION: Microarray experiments using probes covering a whole transcriptome are expensive to initiate, and a major part of the costs derives from synthesizing gene-specific PCR primers or hybridization probes. The high costs may force researchers to limit their studies to a single organism, although comparing gene expression in different species would yield valuable information. RESULTS: We have developed a method, implemented in the software DualPrime, that reduces the number of primers required to amplify the genes of two different genomes. The software identifies regions of high sequence similarity, and from these regions selects PCR primers shared between the genomes, such that either one or, preferentially, both primers in a given PCR can be used for amplification from both genomes. To assure high microarray probe specificity, the software selects primer pairs that generate products of low sequence similarity to other genes within the same genome. We used the software to design PCR primers for 2182 and 1960 genes from the hyperthermophilic archaea Sulfolobus solfataricus and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, respectively. Primer pairs were shared among 705 pairs of genes, and single primers were shared among 1184 pairs of genes, resulting in a saving of 31% compared to using only unique primers. We also present an alternative primer design method, in which each gene shares primers with two different genes of the other genome, enabling further savings. 3. AVAILABILITY: The software is freely available at http://www.biotech.kth.se/molbio/microarray/.

Algorithms↗

Gene expression profiling using a novel method: amplified differential gene expression (ADGE).

Amplified differential gene expression (ADGE) is a novel technique, designed to profile gene expression of the whole transcriptome or to compare expression of a set of genes between two samples. ADGE employs hybridization to quadratically amplify the ratio of an expressed gene between control and tester samples before displaying. The subtle structures of adapters and primers are designed for displaying the amplified ratio of an expressed gene between two samples. Four selective nucleotides at the 3' end of primers are used to increase PCR efficiency for targeted molecules and to improve detection of PCR products. Double PCR with the same pair of primers expands the detection range, especially for genes of low abundance. Integration of these steps makes ADGE sensitive and accurate. Application to drug resistant human tumor cell lines showed that ADGE accurately profiled expression levels for induced, repressed or unchanged genes. The qualitative expression patterns for ADGE were verified with RT-PCR.

DNA Primers↗

ECgene: genome annotation for alternative splicing.

ECgene provides annotation for gene structure, function and expression, taking alternative splicing events into consideration. The gene-modeling algorithm combines the genome-based expressed sequence tag (EST) clustering and graph-theoretic transcript assembly procedures. The website provides several viewers and applications that have many unique features useful for the analysis of the transcript structure and gene expression. The summary viewer shows the gene summary and the essence of other annotation programs. The genome browser and the transcript viewer are available for comparing the gene structure of splice variants. Changes in the functional domains by alternative splicing can be seen at a glance in the transcript viewer. We also provide two unique ways of analyzing gene expression. The SAGE tags deduced from the assembled transcripts are used to delineate quantitative expression patterns from SAGE libraries available publically. Furthermore, the cDNA libraries of EST sequences in each cluster are used to infer qualitative expression patterns. It should be noted that the ECgene website provides annotation for the whole transcriptome, not just the alternatively spliced genes. Currently, ECgene supports the human, mouse and rat genomes. The ECgene suite of tools and programs is available at http://genome.ewha.ac.kr/ECgene/.

Algorithms↗

Perineuronal net degradation in aggressive glioblastomas with KANK1::NTRK2 fusions.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of glioblastomas harbor targetable genomic fusions. NTRK2 participates in a variety of fusion events that drive tumorigenesis. Two previous reports have described KANK1::NTRK2 fusions in adult glioblastoma patients with poor survival. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of glioblastoma patients treated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) from 2020 to 2025 to identify cases harboring KANK1::NTRK2 fusions. Clinical presentation, treatment, histopathologic features, and outcomes were reviewed. In addition, we conducted GeoMx whole-transcriptome and high-plex proteomic digital spatial profiling of a KANK1::NTRK2-positive glioblastoma and a comparator tumor from a long-term survivor. Candidate biomarkers were orthogonally validated using immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Two patients with KANK1::NTRK2 fusion glioblastoma were identified, both demonstrating rapid progression, therapeutic resistance, and survival of less than 7 months. Proteomic profiling showed increased expression and activation of canonical NTRK2 downstream signaling pathways, particularly MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. This was accompanied by upregulation of extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes, including MMP3, MMP14, and ADAM15, along with reduced expression of extracellular matrix-associated transcripts and perineuronal net components in particular compared to a non-fusion glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: These limited, hypothesis-generating findings suggest constitutive NTRK2 signaling may promote coordinated extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling, potentially facilitating rapid and aggressive tumor growth and invasion in a subset of glioblastomas.

NTRK gene fusion↗

Gene profiling reveals decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti-inflammatory genes in nasal fluid cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) results from interactions between a large number of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Little is known about anti-inflammatory mediators in IAR. DNA microarrays allow simultaneous analysis of the whole transcriptome in a sample. OBJECTIVE: To identify anti-inflammatory transcripts in nasal fluid cells from patients with IAR during season and from healthy controls. METHODS: Nasal lavage fluids were obtained from 15 patients with symptomatic birch/and or grass pollen-induced IAR and 28 healthy controls. RNA was extracted from the nasal fluid cells and pooled into one patient- and one control pool. These were analysed with DNA microarrays containing more than 44,927 genes and variants. RESULTS: Seventeen thousand three hundred and fifty three genes were expressed in the controls and 17 928 in the patients. One thousand five hundred and seventy nine of the genes had higher expression in patients than in controls, and 1570 had lower expression in patients. Out of 189 up-regulated inflammatory genes, 187 were pro-inflammatory and two were anti-inflammatory. These genes regulated key steps of inflammation, ranging from influx of leukocytes to immunoglobulin production. By comparison, out of 49 down-regulated inflammatory genes, 36 were pro-inflammatory and 13 were anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory gene that decreased most in expression in the patients was uteroglobin (also known as Clara Cell protein 16, CC16). The nasal fluid concentrations of uteroglobin protein were significantly lower in patients than in controls, 5.43+/-1.53 and 12.93+/-2.53 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: IAR is associated with decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti-inflammatory genes.

Adolescent↗

Catabolite repression mediated by the CcpA protein in Bacillus subtilis: novel modes of regulation revealed by whole-genome analyses.

Previous studies have shown that the CcpA protein of Bacillus subtilis is a major transcription factor mediating catabolite repression. We report here whole-transcriptome analyses that characterize CcpA-dependent, glucose-dependent gene expression and correlate the results with full-genome computer analyses of DNA binding (CRE) sites for CcpA. The data obtained using traditional approaches show good agreement with those obtained using the transcriptome approach. About 10% of all genes in B. subtilis are regulated > 3x by glucose, with repressed genes outnumbering activated genes three to one. Eighty per cent of these genes depend on CcpA for regulation. Classical approaches have provided only evidence for CcpA-mediated, glucose-dependent activation or repression. We show here that CcpA also mediates glucose-independent activation or repression, and that glucose may alter either the direction or the intensity of either effect. Computer analyses revealed the presence of CRE sites in most operons subject to CcpA-mediated glucose repression, but not in those subject to glucose activation, suggesting that either secondary transcription factors regulate the latter genes or activation by CcpA involves a dissimilar binding site. Operons encoding the constituents of ABC-type transporters that are subject to CcpA-mediated glucose regulation show two distinct patterns: either all genes in the operon are regulated in parallel (the minor class) or the gene encoding the extracytoplasmic solute-binding receptor is preferentially regulated (the major class). Genes subject to CcpA-independent catabolite repression are primarily concerned with sporulation. Several transcription factors were identified that are themselves regulated by CcpA at the transcriptional level. Representative data with functionally characterized genes are presented to illustrate the novel findings. The comprehensive transcriptome data are available on our website: www.biology.uesd.edu/~MSAIER/regulation/ and also on http://www.blackwell-science.com/ products/journals/suppmat/MMI/MMI2328/MMI2328sm.htm

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Catabolite repression and activation in Bacillus subtilis: dependency on CcpA, HPr, and HprK.

Previous studies have suggested that the transcription factor CcpA, as well as the coeffectors HPr and Crh, both phosphorylated by the HprK kinase/phosphorylase, are primary mediators of catabolite repression and catabolite activation in Bacillus subtilis. We here report whole transcriptome analyses that characterize glucose-dependent gene expression in wild-type cells and in isogenic mutants lacking CcpA, HprK, or the HprK phosphorylatable serine in HPr. Binding site identification revealed which genes are likely to be primarily or secondarily regulated by CcpA. Most genes subject to CcpA-dependent regulation are regulated fully by HprK and partially by serine-phosphorylated HPr [HPr(Ser-P)]. A positive linear correlation was noted between the dependencies of catabolite-repressible gene expression on CcpA and HprK, but no such relationship was observed for catabolite-activated genes, suggesting that large numbers of the latter genes are not regulated by the CcpA-HPr(Ser-P) complex. Many genes that mediate nitrogen or phosphorus metabolism as well as those that function in stress responses proved to be subject to CcpA-dependent glucose control. While nitrogen-metabolic genes may be subject to either glucose repression or activation, depending on the gene, almost all glucose-responsive phosphorus-metabolic genes exhibit activation while almost all glucose-responsive stress genes show repression. These responses are discussed from physiological standpoints. These studies expand our appreciation of CcpA-mediated catabolite control and provide insight into potential interregulon control mechanisms in gram-positive bacteria.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

BCL11B enhancer hijacking by t(14;16)(q32;q24) translocation defines a novel high-risk subtype of T-ALL.

The molecular classification of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) remains incomplete, limiting risk stratification and the development of targeted therapies. Enhancer hijacking is a critical oncogenic mechanism that deregulates proto-oncogenes by repositioning cisregulatory regions via structural variants. Here, we performed an integrated analysis of pediatric and adult T-ALL and mixed-phenotype acute leukemias (MPALs), using whole-genome and whole-transcriptome sequencing. This analysis identified a group of 14 patients with predominantly T-lineage neoplasms driven by a t(14;16)(q32;q24) translocation, harboring universal GATA3 mutations and CDKN2A/B deletions. Mechanistically, this translocation repositions the ThymoD locus downstream of BCL11B, causing monoallelic, ectopic overexpression of FENDRR and mesenchymal transcription factor genes FOXF1 and FOXC2 and activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription signatures. Immunophenotypic and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses revealed marked lineage ambiguity with myeloid and B-cell differentiation potentials specific to this subtype. Furthermore, functional analyses in CD34+ cord blood cells demonstrated that FOXF1 overexpression promotes myeloid differentiation while suppressing T-cell differentiation, serving as a key factor for lineage specification. Clinically, this subtype was detected in 0.15% to 4.0% of T-ALL/MPAL cases depending on the cohort, showing a median age of 15 years and enrichment in adolescents and young adults. Importantly, patients with t(14;16)(q32;q24) have an extremely poor prognosis, showing a trend toward worse outcomes than high-risk groups such as KMT2A-rearranged early T-cell progenitor-like, SPI1-rearranged, and LMO2 &#x3b3;&#x3b4;-like T-ALLs. The unique molecular landscape and poor prognosis of patients with the t(14;16)(q32;q24) translocation underscore the need for the development of novel subtype-specific therapeutic approaches.

Humans↗

Advances in the diagnosis and classification of B-ALL: comparative insights from updated guidelines.

Accurate molecular classification is essential for diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment selection in B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In this study, we performed a comprehensive, real-world reclassification of 1015 consecutively diagnosed B-ALL patients using the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO-HAEM5) and the International Consensus Classification (ICC). An integrative genomic strategy that combined whole transcriptome sequencing, fusion detection, mutational analysis, and cytogenetics enabled reclassification according to both the WHO-HAEM5 and ICC frameworks, thereby substantially reducing the proportion of unclassifiable B-ALL from 41.9% (2016 WHO revision [WHO-HAEM4R]) to 15.9% (WHO-HAEM5) and 11.9% (ICC). Distinct clinical and prognostic features were identified across newly defined subtypes. Multivariable analysis confirmed that this genomic classification is a robust, independent predictor of survival after adjusting for age, minimal residual disease status, and transplant intervention. Specifically, HLF-rearranged and MEF2D-rearranged B-ALL conferred a persistently poor prognosis across all age groups despite allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Gene expression profiling resolved cryptic subtypes, including ETV6::RUNX1-like, ZNF384-rearranged-like, and BCR::ABL1-like B-ALL, and uncovered diagnostic ambiguity in patients with concurrent lesions. In addition, we report emerging high-risk groups, including IDH1/2- and ZEB2 Q1072-mutated B-ALL, that may warrant recognition as distinct molecular entities. Our findings demonstrate the clinical use of integrative transcriptomic profiling in refining B-ALL taxonomy in guiding risk-adapted therapies and informing future revisions of diagnostic standards. This study supports the incorporation of high-throughput molecular diagnostics into routine leukemia classification and precision treatment planning.

Humans↗

Cross-species global and subset gene expression profiling identifies genes involved in prostate cancer response to selenium.

BACKGROUND: Gene expression technologies have the ability to generate vast amounts of data, yet there often resides only limited resources for subsequent validation studies. This necessitates the ability to perform sorting and prioritization of the output data. Previously described methodologies have used functional pathways or transcriptional regulatory grouping to sort genes for further study. In this paper we demonstrate a comparative genomics based method to leverage data from animal models to prioritize genes for validation. This approach allows one to develop a disease-based focus for the prioritization of gene data, a process that is essential for systems that lack significant functional pathway data yet have defined animal models. This method is made possible through the use of highly controlled spotted cDNA slide production and the use of comparative bioinformatics databases without the use of cross-species slide hybridizations. RESULTS: Using gene expression profiling we have demonstrated a similar whole transcriptome gene expression patterns in prostate cancer cells from human and rat prostate cancer cell lines both at baseline expression levels and after treatment with physiologic concentrations of the proposed chemopreventive agent Selenium. Using both the human PC3 and rat PAII prostate cancer cell lines have gone on to identify a subset of one hundred and fifty-four genes that demonstrate a similar level of differential expression to Selenium treatment in both species. Further analysis and data mining for two genes, the Insulin like Growth Factor Binding protein 3, and Retinoic X Receptor alpha, demonstrates an association with prostate cancer, functional pathway links, and protein-protein interactions that make these genes prime candidates for explaining the mechanism of Selenium's chemopreventive effect in prostate cancer. These genes are subsequently validated by western blots showing Selenium based induction and using tissue microarrays to demonstrate a significant association between downregulated protein expression and tumorigenesis, a process that is the reverse of what is seen in the presence of Selenium. CONCLUSIONS: Thus the outlined process demonstrates similar baseline and selenium induced gene expression profiles between rat and human prostate cancers, and provides a method for identifying testable functional pathways for the action of Selenium's chemopreventive properties in prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Comprehensive in silico functional specification of mouse retina transcripts.

BACKGROUND: The retina is a well-defined portion of the central nervous system (CNS) that has been used as a model for CNS development and function studies. The full specification of transcripts in an individual tissue or cell type, like retina, can greatly aid the understanding of the control of cell differentiation and cell function. In this study, we have integrated computational bioinformatics and microarray experimental approaches to classify the tissue specificity and developmental distribution of mouse retina transcripts. RESULTS: We have classified a set of retina-specific genes using sequence-based screening integrated with computational and retina tissue-specific microarray approaches. 33,737 non-redundant sequences were identified as retina transcript clusters (RTCs) from more than 81,000 mouse retina ESTs. We estimate that about 19,000 to 20,000 genes might express in mouse retina from embryonic to adult stages. 39.1% of the RTCs are not covered by 60,770 RIKEN full-length cDNAs. Through comparison with 2 million mouse ESTs, spectra of neural, retinal, late-generated retinal, and photoreceptor -enriched RTCs have been generated. More than 70% of these RTCs have data from biological experiments confirming their tissue-specific expression pattern. The highest-grade retina-enriched pool covered almost all the known genes encoding proteins involved in photo-transduction. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive mouse retina transcript profile for further gene discovery in retina and suggests that tissue-specific transcripts contribute substantially to the whole transcriptome.

Animals↗