Project description:We report sequential binding but unique functions of different Sox transcription factors during distinct stages of neural differentiation We used microarray to examine the molecular function of Sox3 in neural progenitor cells. Over-expression of Sox3 under Nestin-promoter in neural progenitor cells. Cells are transgenic for GFP in Sox1 locus and were FACS sorted to obtain pure populations.
Project description:To identify the potential functions of SRSF10 in neural progenitor cells and neocortex development, we constructed SRSF10 flox/flox mice, and conditionally knock out the SRSF10 in the neural progenitor cells by breeding with Nestin-Cre mice.
Project description:Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune skin blistering disease characterized by autoimmunity against the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180, type XVII collagen, and BP230. To elucidate the genetic basis of susceptibility to BP, we performed the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Germans. This GWAS was combined with HLA locus targeted sequencing in an additional independent BP cohort. The strongest association with BP in Germans tested in this study was observed in the two HLA loci, HLA-DQA1*05:05 and HLA-DRB1*07:01. Further studies with increased sample sizes and complex studies integrating multiple pathogenic drivers will be conducted.
Project description:We have developed spontaneous genetically engineered GBM mouse models from two distinct cells of origin: subventricular zone neural stem cells (SVZ; Nestin-creERT2) and oligodendrocyte lineage progenitor cells (OPC; NG2-creERTM). These tumors are biologically separable and are reflective of their lineage of origin.
Project description:The transcriptional coactivator YAP is the key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. YAP overexpression in the developing mouse brain results in excessive expansion of the neural progenitor pool and severe perturbation of brain development. Nf2/Merlin is a tumor suppressor whose mutations are found in many human cancers. Loss of Merlin during brain development causes overexpansion of the neural progenitor pool. We used microarrays to identify the gene expression changes caused by YAP overexpression and Nf2 deletion. We used a double-transgenic system to overexpress YAP in the developing mouse brain by crossing mice carrying a doxycycline-dependent allele of YAP1-S127A (TetO-YAP1) with those expressing the reverse tetracycline-dependent transactivator rtTA under the control of the neural progenitor-specific Nestin promoter (Nes-rtTA) and feeding the dam with doxycycline-containing food (200 mg/kg) from E7.5. We conditionally deleted Nf2 using the telencephalon-specific Emx1-Cre.