Elucidating the role of long intergenic non-coding RNA 339 in human endometrium and endometriosis

Author(s):  
Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson ◽  
Molly Churchill ◽  
Jacqueline F Donoghue ◽  
Sally Mortlock ◽  
Jenny N Fung ◽  
...  

Abstract Endometriosis is a complex disease, influenced by genetic factors. Genetic markers associated with endometriosis exist at chromosome 1p36.12 and lead to altered expression of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 339 (LINC00339), however the role of LINC00339 in endometriosis pathophysiology remains unknown. The aim of this work was to characterise the expression patterns of LINC00339 mRNA in endometrium and endometriotic lesions in situ and to determine the functional role of LINC00339 in human endometrium. We employed RNA-sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridisation to investigate the abundance of LINC00339 transcripts in endometrium and endometrial cell lines and to describe the pattern and localisation of LINC00339 expression in endometrium and endometriotic lesions. LINC00339 mRNA expression was manipulated (overexpressed and silenced) in endometrial stomal cell lines and RNA-sequencing data from overexpression models were analysed using online bioinformatics platforms (STRING and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) to determine functional processes. We demonstrated the expression of LINC00339 in endometriotic lesions for the first time; we found LINC00339 expression was restricted to the lesion foci and absent in surrounding non-lesion tissue. Furthermore, manipulation of LINC00339 expression in endometrial stromal cell lines significantly impacted the expression of genes involved in immune defense pathways. These studies identify a novel mechanism for LINC00339 activity in endometrium and endometriosis, paving the way for future work, which is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Ulrychová ◽  
Pavel Ostašov ◽  
Marta Chanová ◽  
Michael Mareš ◽  
Martin Horn ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The blood flukes of genus Schistosoma are the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that infects more than 200 million people worldwide. Proteases of schistosomes are involved in critical steps of host–parasite interactions and are promising therapeutic targets. We recently identified and characterized a group of S1 family Schistosoma mansoni serine proteases, including SmSP1 to SmSP5. Expression levels of some SmSPs in S. mansoni are low, and by standard genome sequencing technologies they are marginally detectable at the method threshold levels. Here, we report their spatial gene expression patterns in adult S. mansoni by the high-sensitivity localization assay. Methodology Highly sensitive fluorescence in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) was modified and used for the localization of mRNAs encoding individual SmSP proteases (including low-expressed SmSPs) in tissues of adult worms. High sensitivity was obtained due to specifically prepared tissue and probes in combination with the employment of a signal amplification approach. The assay method was validated by detecting the expression patterns of a set of relevant reference genes including SmCB1, SmPOP, SmTSP-2, and Sm29 with localization formerly determined by other techniques. Results FISH analysis revealed interesting expression patterns of SmSPs distributed in multiple tissues of S. mansoni adults. The expression patterns of individual SmSPs were distinct but in part overlapping and were consistent with existing transcriptome sequencing data. The exception were genes with significantly low expression, which were also localized in tissues where they had not previously been detected by RNA sequencing methods. In general, SmSPs were found in various tissues including reproductive organs, parenchymal cells, esophagus, and the tegumental surface. Conclusions The FISH-based assay provided spatial information about the expression of five SmSPs in adult S. mansoni females and males. This highly sensitive method allowed visualization of low-abundantly expressed genes that are below the detection limits of standard in situ hybridization or by RNA sequencing. Thus, this technical approach turned out to be suitable for sensitive localization studies and may also be applicable for other trematodes. The results suggest that SmSPs may play roles in diverse processes of the parasite. Certain SmSPs expressed at the surface may be involved in host–parasite interactions. Graphic abstract


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Zhao ◽  
Alma Piñeyro-Nelson ◽  
Qianxia Yu ◽  
Xiaoying Hu ◽  
Huanfang Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:The flower of Hedychium coronarium possesses highly specialized floral organs: a synsepalous calyx, petaloid staminodes and a labellum. The formation of these organs is controlled by two gene categories: floral organ identity genes and organ boundary genes, which may function individually or jointly during flower development. Although the floral organogenesis of H. coronarium has been studied at the morphological level, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its floral development still remain poorly understood. In addition, previous works analyzing the role of MADS-box genes in controlling floral organ specification in some Zingiberaceae did not address the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of particular organ morphologies that emerge later in flower development, such as the synsepalous calyx formed through intercalary growth of adjacent sepals. Results:Here, we used comparative transcriptomics combined with Real-time quantitative PCR and mRNA in situ hybridization to investigate gene expression patterns of ABC-class genes in H. coronarium flowers, as well as the homolog of the organ boundary gene PETAL LOSS (HcPTL). qRT-PCR detection showed that HcAP3 and HcAG were expressed in both the petaloid staminode and the fertile stamen. mRNA in situ hybridization showed that HcPTL was expressed in developing meristems, including cincinnus primordia, floral primordia, common primordia and almost all new initiating floral organ primordia.Conclusions:Our studies found that stamen/petal identity or stamen fertility in H. coronarium was not necessarily correlated with the differential expression of HcAP3 and HcAG. We also found a novel spatio-temporal expression pattern for HcPTL mRNA, suggesting it may have evolved a lineage-specific role in the morphogenesis of the Hedychium flower. Our study provides a new transcriptome reference and a functional hypothesis regarding the role of a boundary gene in organ fusion that should be further addressed through phylogenetic analyzes of this gene, as well as functional studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Rubini ◽  
Fabio Altieri ◽  
Silvia Chichiarelli ◽  
Flavia Giamogante ◽  
Stefania Carissimi ◽  
...  

Background: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely distributed in the environment and their toxicity is mostly associated with the molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Among OCPs, particular attention was focused on the effects of β-hexaclorocyclohexane (β-HCH), a widely common pollutant. A detailed epidemiological study carried out on exposed population in the “Valle del Sacco” found correlations between the incidence of a wide range of diseases and the occurrence of β-HCH contamination. Taking into account the pleiotropic role of the protein signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), its function as a hub protein in cellular signaling pathways triggered by β-HCH was investigated in different cell lines corresponding to tissues that are especially vulnerable to damage by environmental pollutants. Materials and Methods: Human prostate cancer (LNCaP), human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 468), and human hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines were treated with 10 μM β-HCH in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors for different receptors. All samples were subjected to analysis by immunoblotting and RT-qPCR. Results and Conclusions: The preliminary results allow us to hypothesize the involvement of STAT3, through both its canonical and non-canonical pathways, in response to β-HCH. Moreover, we ascertained the role of STAT3 as a master regulator of energy metabolism via the altered expression and localization of HIF-1α and PKM2, respectively, resulting in a Warburg-like effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Saieva ◽  
Maria Magdalena Barreca ◽  
Chiara Zichittella ◽  
Maria Giulia Prado ◽  
Marco Tripodi ◽  
...  

The reduction of oxygen partial pressure in growing tumors triggers numerous survival strategies driven by the transcription factor complex HIF1 (Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1). Recent evidence revealed that HIF1 promotes rapid and effective phenotypic changes through the induction of non-coding RNAs, whose contribution has not yet been fully described. Here we investigated the role of the hypoxia-induced, long non-coding RNA H19 (lncH19) and its intragenic miRNA (miR-675-5p) into HIF1-Wnt crosstalk. During hypoxic stimulation, colorectal cancer cell lines up-regulated the levels of both the lncH19 and its intragenic miR-675-5p. Loss of expression experiments revealed that miR-675-5p inhibition, in hypoxic cells, hampered β-catenin nuclear localization and its transcriptional activity, while lncH19 silencing did not induce the same effects. Interestingly, our data revealed that miRNA inhibition in hypoxic cells restored the activity of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK-3β) reducing the amount of P-Ser9 kinase, thus unveiling a role of the miR-675-5p in controlling GSK-3β activity. Bioinformatics analyses highlighted the serine/threonine-protein phosphatases PPP2CA, responsible for GSK-3β activation, among the miR-675-5p targets, thus indicating the molecular mediator through which miR-675-5p may control β-catenin nuclear localization. In conclusion, here we demonstrated that the inhibition of the hypoxia-induced non-coding RNA miR-675-5p hampered the nuclear localization of β-catenin by regulating GSK-3β activity, thus proposing the miR-675-5p as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianxia Yu ◽  
Xueyi Tian ◽  
Canjia Lin ◽  
Chelsea D. Specht ◽  
Jingping Liao

The asymmetric flower, lacking any plane of symmetry, is rare among angiosperms. Canna indica L. has conspicuously asymmetric flowers resulting from the presence of a half-fertile stamen, while the other androecial members develop as petaloid staminodes or abort early during development. The molecular basis of the asymmetric distribution of fertility and petaloidy in the androecial whorls remains unknown. Ontogenetic studies have shown that Canna flowers are borne on monochasial (cincinnus) partial florescences within a racemose inflorescence, with floral asymmetry likely corresponding to the inflorescence architecture. Given the hypothesized role of CYC/TB1 genes in establishing floral symmetry in response to the influence of the underlying inflorescence architecture, the spatiotemporal expression patterns of three Canna CYC/TB1 homologs (CiTBL1a, CiTBL1b-1, and CiTBL1b-2) were analyzed during inflorescence and floral development using RNA in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR. In the young inflorescence, both CiTBL1a and CiTBL1b-1 were found to be expressed in the bracts and at the base of the lateral florescence branches, whereas transcripts of CiTBL1b-2 were mainly detected in flower primordia and inflorescence primordia. During early flower development, expression of CiTBL1a and CiTBL1b-1 were both restricted to the developing sepals and petals. In later flower development, expression of CiTBL1a was reduced to a very low level while CiTBL1b-1 was detected with extremely high expression levels in the petaloid androecial structures including the petaloid staminodes, the labellum, and the petaloid appendage of the fertile stamen. In contrast, expression of CiTBL1b-2 was strongest in the fertile stamen throughout flower development, from early initiation of the stamen primordium to maturity of the ½ anther. Heterologous overexpression of CiTBL genes in Arabidopsis led to dwarf plants with smaller petals and fewer stamens, and altered the symmetry of mature flowers. These data provide evidence for the involvement of CYC/TB1 homologs in the development of the asymmetric Cannaceae flower.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon E. Mitchell ◽  
John J. Robinson ◽  
Margaret E. King ◽  
Lynda M. Williams

In sheep, inflammation not only functions in cervical dilation at parturition, but also plays an important part in the non-pregnant ewe cervix, as demonstrated by the high level of expression of interleukin (IL)-8 at oestrus. Ewes artificially induced to ovulate have significantly lower levels of IL-8 gene expression at oestrus compared with natural oestrus, indicating an inhibition of inflammation and function, offering an explanation for the low rates of conception in vaginally inseminated synchronised ewes. To identify potential pro-inflammatory agents to combat the anti-inflammatory effects of hormonal synchronisation of oestrus, we have investigated the role of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-2. To localise and measure the level of expression of these receptors, ovine-specific probes were derived for PAR-1 and PAR-2 and used for quantitative in situ hybridisation in the ovine cervix. Both PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in the luminal epithelium of the cervix throughout the oestrous cycle, with expression being highest at oestrus. The gene expression of PAR-2 at oestrus was approximately 30% higher than that of PAR-1. Artificial synchronisation of oestrus by either an intravaginal progesterone sponge or prostaglandin F2α injections did not inhibit PAR-1 or PAR-2 expression at oestrus; rather, in the case of PAR-2, progesterone synchronisation increased it. Both synchronising procedures increased the expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2 during the luteal phase of the cycle. Therefore, agonists of PAR-1 and PAR-2 may be potentially useful pro-inflammatory agents countering the inhibition of inflammation by hormonal synchronisation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3711
Author(s):  
Melina J. Sedano ◽  
Alana L. Harrison ◽  
Mina Zilaie ◽  
Chandrima Das ◽  
Ramesh Choudhari ◽  
...  

Genome-wide RNA sequencing has shown that only a small fraction of the human genome is transcribed into protein-coding mRNAs. While once thought to be “junk” DNA, recent findings indicate that the rest of the genome encodes many types of non-coding RNA molecules with a myriad of functions still being determined. Among the non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and enhancer RNAs (eRNA) are found to be most copious. While their exact biological functions and mechanisms of action are currently unknown, technologies such as next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and global nuclear run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) have begun deciphering their expression patterns and biological significance. In addition to their identification, it has been shown that the expression of long non-coding RNAs and enhancer RNAs can vary due to spatial, temporal, developmental, or hormonal variations. In this review, we explore newly reported information on estrogen-regulated eRNAs and lncRNAs and their associated biological functions to help outline their markedly prominent roles in estrogen-dependent signaling.


Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haengseok Song ◽  
Kyuyong Han ◽  
Hyunjung Lim

We previously showed that blastocyst can initiate implantation beyond the normal ‘window’ of uterine receptivity on day 5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy (PSP) in mice. In this study, we investigated whether uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation can be further extended on day 6 of PSP and the role of progesterone (P4) on this event. Embryo transfers, experimentally induced decidualization,in situhybridization and [3H]thymidine incorporation were performed. Blastocysts initiate attachment reaction within 48 h when transferred on day 5, but not on day 6 of PSP. Likewise, decidualization reaction occurred on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but completely failed on day 6. However, P4supplementation partially retains uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and decidualization on day 6 of PSP. In addition, certain indicators of uterine receptivity, such as cell proliferation profile and expression patterns of implantation-related genes were similarly observed on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but not on day 6. Consistent with embryo transfer and decidualization, exogenous administration of P4partially restores these indicators on day 6 of PSP. We concluded that critical physiological changes occur between days 4 and 5 of PSP, leading to uterine non-receptivity on day 6, but P4is able to extend the uterine receptivity through day 6.


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