Project description:transcription profiling of native and introduced populations of common ragweed in four treatments to identify candidate genes involved in invasion
Project description:Metastatic lesions are typically not found until patients self-report symptoms or they become radiologically evident. We have developed an engineered metastatic niche (scaffold) that recruits aggressive tumor cells prior to their colonization in other organs. The engineered niche can be monitored for dynamic gene expression, and changes at this site are analogous to those in a native metastatic site (lung) for triple negative breast cancer (4T1 cells). We were able to develop a 10-gene signature from the scaffold that accurately monitors disease progression and recurrence or resistance to resection therapy. This data set acts to dissect the heterogeneity of the cell populations in the engineered and native metastatic niche and identify the cell types that contribute to the success of the signature.
Project description:To understand widespread differences in the DNA methylation patterns of Conyza canadensis leaf samples from its native and non-native ranges. Using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing, we found average read coverages in high mapped reads across native and non-native samples of Conyza canadensis. Using R bioconductor package, we found enrichment score of methylated sites in both native and non-native samples. while analyzing CG, CHG and CHH methylation, we found relatively low CG and CHG methylation across transcriptional units in natives over non-natives. However, differentially methylated regions were found to be 53% hypomethylated and 41% hypermethylated in non-natives on genic regions.
Project description:Efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass-derived sugars is essential to improve the economics of biorefinery. While Pseudomonas putida is a promising microbial host, its usage is limited because this strain cannot utilize xylose or galactose as a sole carbon source. To address this issue, we heterologously introduced a xylose utilizing gene (xylD) from Caulobacter crescentus and a galactose operon (galETKM) from E. coli MG1655. To improve the utilization further, we evolved the engineered strains in minimal medium conditions. After the evolution, they acquired better fitnesses on the non-native sugars. To understand transcriptional changes after the evolution, the transcriptomes of few evolved isolates were analyzed.
Project description:We report the transcriptomic analyses of a tropical coralliomrpharian, Ricordea yuma, following the establishment of symbiosis with either native symbiont or non-native symbiont. We examined the expression profiles, and results showed distinct metabolic consequences for the cnidarian host when they host different symbionts.
Project description:Only 59% of Alaska Native people have been adequately screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) despite having the highest reported incidence of CRC in the world. A new at-home multi-target stool DNA screening test (MT-sDNA; Cologuard) with high sensitivity for pre-cancerous polyps and CRC is now available. MT-sDNA has not been tested for feasibility or acceptability within the Alaska tribal health care delivery system, and it is unknown whether use of this new test will increase Alaska Native CRC screening rates. The long-term study goal is to improve screening and reduce CRC-attributable mortality. The objective of this application is to test the effectiveness of MT-sDNA for increasing CRC screening in Alaska Native communities using a mixed methods, community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The study will be conducted in collaboration with regional Tribal health organizations responsible for providing health care to geographically remote Alaska Native communities. Although the proposed implementation strategy is evidence-informed and promising, it is novel in that MT-sDNA has not been evaluated in the tribal health setting or among rural/remote populations. Using the Social Ecological Model, the research will be multi-level, examining influence on patients, providers, and tribal health organizations (THOs). This research study will pursue two specific aims: (1) Identify patient-, provider-, and system-level factors associated with CRC screening preferences, uptake, and follow-up; and (2) test the effectiveness of graded intensity MT-sDNA intervention in the Alaska Native community setting. For the first aim, focus groups with Alaska Native people who are not adherent to CRC screening guidelines and interviews with healthcare providers will be used to identify factors for future intervention. For the second aim, a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial (high intensity with patient navigation, medium intensity with mailed reminders, usual care) will provide evidence on the MT-sDNA usefulness (MT-sDNA sample quality and neoplastic yield) as well as the first data on MT-sDNA follow up adherence rates in the Alaska Native population, which will inform plans to scale-up the intervention model. This research has the potential to sustainably improve public health by increasing CRC screening rates among a rural/remote tribal population as well as provide a model for other integrated health systems that provide care to high-risk or underserved populations in the U.S. and worldwide.
Project description:Gene expression and T cell receptor profiles from single cells from populations of T cells stimulated with islet autoantigenic peptides. CD4 T cells were stimulated with native (proinsulin, GAD fragments) or neo-antigen epitopes or flu vaccine (Pediacel). Activated cells (identified as CD19- CD3+ CD4+,CD45-RO+ CD95+, CD154+CD69+ CD27+) were FACS-sorted, barcodes for samples were introduced with cell hashing as follows: patient, 1 pool 1 (Hashtag 1); patient 1 pool 2 (Hashtag 2) patient 2 pool 1 (Hashtag 3); patient 2 pool 2 (Hashtag 4) and Pediacel (patient 1 and 2; Hashtag 5). Hashtag info in ADT files, TCR sequences provided in VDJ files.