Project description:A comparative analysis of gene expression of perinate or adult Aire-GFP+ and GFP- MECs in WT or Aire-KO thymus Aire+ and Aire- MECs were sorted from adults (5 weeks old) or perinates (0-3 days old) of Aire-driven Igrp-GFP (Adig) mice in Aire-WT and -KO background. RNA from whole samples was amplified, labeled, and hybridized to Affymetrix Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Arrays.
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
Project description:Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown Autoimmune regulator(Aire) gene by in vivo electroporation of the thymus of BALB-c mice. In This set of data we include control and Aire-silenced mTEC cells isolated from thymus of BALB-c mice.
Project description:Small interfering RNA ( siRNA) was used to knockdown Autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene by in vivo electroporation of the thymus of BALB-c mice. In this set of data we include control and Aire-knockdown mTEC cells isolated from thymus of BALB-c mice.
Project description:We identified DNAPK as one of the major proteins that physically interact with Autoimmune regulator (Aire). To establish physiological significance of DNAPK in Aire-driven expression of PTA genes in MECs, we utilized BM-reconstituted SCID mice (which express non functional DNAPK in their MECs) and RAG1 null mouse as a control. MECs from these mutated/reconstituted mice were sorted by Flow cytomety and their expression profile was analyzed using Affymetrix chips. The analysis shows that Aire-dependent PTA genes are significantly underexpressed in reconstituted SCIDS vs. RAGs (Controls), suggesting the involvement of DNAPK in Aire-mediated gene expression. Keywords: gene mutation
Project description:The basic two-step terminal differentiation model of the medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) lineage from immature MHCIIlo to mature MHCIIhi mTECs has recently been extended to include a third stage namely the post-Aire MHCIIlo subset as identified by lineage-tracing models. Yet, a suitable surface marker distinguishing the phenotypically overlapping pre- from the post-Aire immature MHCIIlo stage has been lacking. Here, we introduce the lectin Tetragonolobus purpureas agglutinin (TPA) as a novel cell surface marker that allows for such delineation. Based on our data, we derived the following sequence of mTEC differentiation: TPA- MHCIIlo → TPA- MHCIIhi → TPA+ MHCIIhi → TPA+ MHCIIlo. Surprisingly, in the steady-state postnatal thymus most immature TPA- pre-Aire rather than terminally differentiated post-Aire TPA+ MHCIIlo mTECs were marked for apoptosis at an exceptionally high rate of about 70 %. Hence, only the minor cycling fraction of the MHCIIlo subset (< 20 %) potentially qualified as mTEC precursors. FoxN1 expression inversely correlated with the fraction of slow cycling and apoptotic cells within the four TPA subsets. TPA further sub-divided human mTECs, though with different subset distribution. Our revised roadmap emphazises close parallels of terminal mTEC development with that of skin, undergoing an alternative route of cell death namely cornification rather than apoptosis. The high rate of apoptosis in immature pre-Aire mTECs points to a “quality control” step during early mTEC differentiation.
Project description:We identified DNAPK as one of the major proteins that physically interact with Autoimmune regulator (Aire). To establish physiological significance of DNAPK in Aire-driven expression of PTA genes in MECs, we utilized BM-reconstituted SCID mice (which express non functional DNAPK in their MECs) and RAG1 null mouse as a control. MECs from these mutated/reconstituted mice were sorted by Flow cytomety and their expression profile was analyzed using Affymetrix chips. The analysis shows that Aire-dependent PTA genes are significantly underexpressed in reconstituted SCIDS vs. RAGs (Controls), suggesting the involvement of DNAPK in Aire-mediated gene expression. Keywords: gene mutation Since SCID mice lack mature thymocytes and as a result thymic stroma, we reconstituted these animals by BM transfer (IP injection into 2-4d pups) 6 hrs post-irradiation (200rad). Reconstituted thymi were analyzed 6-8w after transfer.
Project description:The medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) express virtually all autoantigens of the body. This phenomenon was then termed promiscuous gene expression (PGE). A large set of autoantigen genes (but not all) is controlled by the transcriptional modulator Autoimmune regulator (Aire) in mTECs. These autoantigens represent all tissues and organs in the thymus and it is implicated in the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes, and consequantly preventing autoreactive autoimmune reactions and autoimmune diseases (e.g. type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus). Thus, we are looking at gene expression in thse cells because it is very important to better understand the molecular basis of central immune tolerance to normal tissues and organs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible link between the expression of the transcriptional regulator Aire, the genetic background of mouse strains and the promiscuous gene expression in mTECs.
Project description:The crosstalk between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells is critical for T cell development and establishment of central tolerance. Although the role of Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene in the induction of central tolerance is well known, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Aire controls the ectopic expression of tissue restricted antigens (TRAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECS) remain unclear. In this study we performed a functional assay with fresh thymocytes dissociated from a normal mouse thymus co-cultured with a Mus musculus mTEC cell line - named 3.10 mTEC line - , in which we had previously knocked-down Aire gene by means of siRNA transfection. Agilent Mouse Gene Expression microarrays were used to determine the large scale transcriptional expression profiles of control and Aire-knockdown 3.10 mTECs co-cultured with thymocytes.