Project description:Background: In order to become functionally competent but harmless mediators of the immune system, T cells undergo a strict educational program in the thymus, where they learn to discriminate between self and non-self. This educational program is, to a large extent, mediated by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that have a unique capacity to express, and subsequently present a large fraction of body antigens. While the scope of promiscuously expressed genes by mTECs is well established, relatively little is known about the expression of variants that are generated by co- and post-transcriptional processes. Results: Our study reveals that in comparison to other cell types, mTECs display significantly higher levels of alternative splicing, as well as A-to-I and C-to-U RNA editing, which thereby further expand the diversity of their self-antigen repertoire. Interestingly, Aire, the key mediator of mTECs promiscuous gene expression, plays a limited role in the regulation of these transcriptional processes. Conclusions: Our results highlight RNA processing as another layer by which the immune system assures a comprehensive self-representation in the thymus which is required for the establishment of self-tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. Identification of the number of genes expressed in Aire-KO MEChi
Project description:The aim of this study is to analyze the transcriptional effects of Aire deficiency in the thymus, using the Affymetrix MoGene platform to analyze variation in exon usage MECs were isolated from 4-6 wk-old WT or Aire KO ((B6xNOD)F1 background) mice. Three WT and three Aire-KO mice taken individually were used.
Project description:The aim of this study is to analyze the transcriptional effects of Aire deficiency in the thymus, using the Affymetrix MoGene platform to analyze variation in exon usage
