Project description:We developed the microfluidic-oscillatory-washing-based ChIP-Seq (MOWChIP-Seq) protocol. We achieved genome-wide mapping of histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) with as few as 100 cells. Moreover, the automated microfluidic platform dramatically reduced assay time and has a potential for future scale-up.
Project description:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Colorectal Balloon Tube (hereinafter referred to as COLO-BT) device, a single use, temporary intraluminal bypass device, intended to reduce contact of fecal content with an anastomotic site, following colorectal surgery (open or laparoscopic)
Project description:Limiting contamination of LC-MS systems and reducing downtime associated with maintenance and cleaning is essential for productivity. We developed a simple device that creates a gas curtain barrier to prevent ions entering the MS inlet. The gas can be quickly and easily applied when certain contaminant ions are known to elute. We show the device can prevent the build up of contaminants on the heated transfer capillary following >100 injections of a crude tissue lysate and improves peptide identifications. The device may provide a promising approach towards improving instrument robustness.
Project description:Molecular analysis of the effect left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support has on congestive heart failure patients. Keywords = Congestive heart failure, left ventricular assist device, eNOS, gene, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase Keywords: other
Project description:Microfluidic devices provide a low-input and efficient platform for single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-Seq). Here we present microfluidic diffusion-based RNA-seq (MID-RNA-seq) for conducting scRNA-seq with a diffusion-based reagent swapping scheme. This device incorporates cell trapping, lysis, reverse transcription and PCR amplification all in one microfluidic chamber. MID-RNA-Seq provides high data quality that is comparable to existing scRNA-seq methods while implementing a simple device design that permits multiplexing. The robustness and scalability of MID-RNA-Seq device will be important for transcriptomic studies of scarce cell samples.
Project description:The contraceptive effectiveness of intrauterine devices has been attributed in part to effects of a foreign body reaction on the endometrium. We performed this study to identify compare the effects on the endometrial transcriptome of intrauterine devices and combined oral contraceptives, to better understand their mechanisms of action. We collected endometrial and cervical biopsies from women using the levonorgestrel-intrauterine device, copper intrauterine device or levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptives, and from women not using contraceptives (control group). Transcriptional profiling was performed with Affymetrix arrays, Principal Component Analysis and the bioconductor package limma. Pathway analysis was performed using EnrichR and Reactome 2016. In endometrial samples from copper intrauterine device users (n=13), there were no genes with statistically significant differential expression compared to controls (n=11), whereas in levonorgestrel-intrauterine device users (n=11), 2509 genes were significantly dysregulated and mapped onto several immune and inflammatory pathways. In combined oral contraceptive users (n=12), 133 genes were significantly dysregulated and mapped predominantly onto pathways involving regulation of metal ions. Both levonorgestrel-intrauterine device and combined oral contraceptive use were associated with significant downregulation of members of the metallothionein gene family. In cervical samples, none of the groups showed statistically significant differential gene expression compared to controls. In conclusion, hormonal and copper intrauterine devices differ significantly in their effects on the endometrial transcriptome, with endometrium from copper intrauterine device users being indistinguishable from luteal phase endometrium. These results suggest that the contraceptive mechanisms of intrauterine devices are unlikely to rely on a common pathway involving a foreign body reaction in the endometrium.