Characterization of MicroRNA and Gene Expression Profiles Following Ricin Intoxication

Ricin, derived from the castor bean plant, is a highly potent toxin, classified as a potential bioterror agent. Current methods for early detection of ricin poisoning are limited in selectivity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are naturally occurring, negative gene expression regulators, are known for their tissue specific pattern of expression and their stability in tissues and blood. While various approaches for ricin detection have been investigated, miRNAs remain underexplored. We evaluated the effect of pulmonary exposure to ricin on miRNA expression profiles in mouse lungs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Significant changes in lung tissue miRNA expression levels were detected following ricin intoxication, specifically regarding miRNAs known to be involved in innate immunity pathways. Transcriptome analysis of the same lung tissues revealed activation of several immune regulation pathways and immune cell recruitment. Our work contributes to the understanding of the role of miRNAs and gene expression in ricin intoxication.

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Expression Profiling of Transcriptome and Its Associated Disease Risk in Yang Deficiency Constitution of Healthy Subjects

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/1493098 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ruoxi Yu ◽

Yin Yang ◽

Yuanyuan Han ◽

Pengwei Hou ◽

Yingshuai Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Clinical Medicine ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Gene Expression Profiles ◽

Molecular Evidence ◽

Chinese Han ◽

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear

Objectives. Differences among healthy subjects and associated disease risks are of substantial interest in clinical medicine. According to the theory of “constitution-disease correlation” in traditional Chinese medicine, we try to find out if there is any connection between intolerance of cold in Yang deficiency constitution and molecular evidence and if there is any gene expression basis in specific disorders. Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from Chinese Han individuals with Yang deficiency constitution (n=20) and balanced constitution (n=8) (aged 18–28) and global gene expression profiles were determined between them using the Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 array. Results. The results showed that when the fold change was ≥1.2 and q ≤ 0.05, 909 genes were upregulated in the Yang deficiency constitution, while 1189 genes were downregulated. According to our research differential genes found in Yang deficiency constitution were usually related to lower immunity, metabolic disorders, and cancer tendency. Conclusion. Gene expression disturbance exists in Yang deficiency constitution, which corresponds to the concept of constitution and gene classification. It also suggests people with Yang deficiency constitution are susceptible to autoimmune diseases, enteritis, arthritis, metabolism disorders, and cancer, which provides molecular evidence for the theory of “constitution-disease correlation.”

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