Project description:We have previously developed a modified iteration of a viral chromosome conformation capture (V3C-seq) assay to show that the autonomous parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice (MVM) localizes spatially with cellular sites of DNA damage to establish viral replication centers. Similar V3C-seq assays to map AAV genome localization show that both replicating and non-replicating AAV2 genomes in the absence of helper virus colocalize with cellular sites of DNA damage. The AAV non-structural protein Rep 68/78, when ectopically expressed in the absence of viral infection or during AAV2 infection in the absence of helper proteins also localizes to cellular sites of DNA damage. Strikingly however, recombinant AAV gene therapy vector genomes derived from AAV do not colocalize with AAV and Rep at cellular DDR sites.
Project description:Choroideremia (CHM) is a progressive X-linked retinopathy caused by mutations in the CHM gene, which encodes Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1), an escort protein involved in the prenylation of Rabs. Under-prenylation of certain Rabs, as a result of loss of function mutations in REP-1, could affect vesicular trafficking, exocytosis and secretion. To evaluate this hypothesis, intracellular vesicle transport, lysosomal acidification and rates of proteolytic degradation were studied in monocytes (CD14+ fraction) and primary skin fibroblasts from the nine age-matched controls and thirteen CHM patients carrying 10 different loss-of-function mutations.
Project description:A complete endogenous type D viral genome has been isolated from a baboon genomic library. The provirus, simian endogenous retrovirus (SERV), is 8,393 nucleotides long and contains two long terminal repeats and complete genes for gag, pro, pol, and env. The primer binding site is complementary to tRNA(Lys)3, like in lentiviruses. The env GP70 protein is highly homologous to that of baboon endogenous virus (BaEV). PCR analysis of primate DNA showed that related proviral sequences are present in Old World monkeys of the subfamily Cercopithecinae but not in apes and humans. Analysis of virus and host sequences indicated that the proviral genomes were inherited from a common ancestor. Comparison of the evolution of BaEV, exogenous simian retrovirus types 1 to 3 (SRV1 to SRV3), and SERV suggests that SERV is ancestral to both BaEV and the SRVs.
Project description:Verteporfin (VP) inhibts colon cancer growth in vivo and in cell lines by inducing high molecular weight oligomerization of proteins. The antitumor effect of VP is independent of its YAP inhibitor activity. Tumor hypoxia contributes partly to antitumor effect of VP by impairing clearance of VP-induced high molecular weight aggregates.
Project description:With the increasing use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for treatment of human infertility, there is an increasing requirement for embryo culture conditions that perform as similar to nature as possible. How good the match, however, cannot be tested experimentally in human. We solved the central question of how well ART culture protocols prepare embryos for postimplantation development, under the provisions of the 'mouse embryo assay' (MEA). Our side-by-side comparison of 8 conditions [i.e., 3 culture conditions (KSOM, HTF and ISDM1) plus the in vivo system in two different mouse strains (B6 and CD1)] shows that mouse embryos cultured under ART conditions are differentially primed for postimplantation development, and that certain ART protocols outperform the oviduct. The distinct performances of blastocysts formed in ART vs. oviduct do not correlate with any significant transcriptome changes, whereas protein analysis by immunoconfocal microscopy reveals differences in the allocation of embryonic cells to the three germ layers of blastocysts. We conclude that in vitro technology is not always a defective copy of nature, and that the choice of ART protocol primes the embryos for subsequent development. 22 samples were analyzed. B6KSOM: Mouse B6 background, E3.5 blastocysts in KSOM medium, 3 biological rep B6HTF: Mouse B6 background, E3.5 blastocysts in HTF medium, 3 biological rep B6ISM1: Mouse B6 background, E3.5 blastocysts in ISM1 medium, 3 biological rep B6vivo: Mouse B6 background, E3.5 blastocysts in vivo, 3 biological rep CD1KSOM: Mouse CD1 background, E3.5 blastocysts in KSOM medium, 1 biological rep CD1HTF: Mouse CD1 background, E3.5 blastocysts in HTF medium, 3 biological rep CD1ISM1: Mouse CD1 background, E3.5 blastocysts in ISM1 medium, 3 biological rep CD1vivo: Mouse CD1 background, E3.5 blastocysts in vivo, 3 biological rep
Project description:The placenta is a fast-evolving organ that displays large morphological and histological differences across eutherians, but the genetic changes driving placental evolution have not been fully elucidated. Transposable elements, through their capacity to quickly generate genetic variation and affect host gene regulation, may have helped to define species-specific trophoblast gene expression programmes. Here were assessed the contribution of transposable elements to human trophoblast gene expression by acting as enhancers or promoters. Using epigenomic data from primary trophoblast and human stem cell lines, we identified multiple endogenous retrovirus families with regulatory potential that lie close to genes with preferential trophoblast expression. These largely primate-specific elements are associated with inter-species gene expression differences, and are bound by transcription factors with key roles in placental development. Using genetic editing we demonstrated that several elements act as expression enhancers of important placental genes, such as CSF1R and PSG5. We also identified an LTR10A element that regulates ENG expression, affecting trophoblast migration and secretion of soluble ENG, with potential implications for preeclampsia. Our data show that transposons have made important contributions to human trophoblast gene regulation, and suggest that their activity may affect pregnancy outcomes.