Project description:Transcriptomics analyses play pivotal roles in understanding the complex regulatory networks that govern cellular processes. The abundance of rRNAs, which account for 80-90% of total RNA in eukaryotes, limits the detection and investigation of other transcripts. While mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have polyA(+) tails that are often used for positive selection, investigations of polyA(-) RNAs, such as circular RNAs, histone mRNAs, and small RNAs, typically require the removal of the abundant rRNAs for enrichment. Current approaches to deplete rRNAs for downstream molecular biology investigations are hampered by restrictive RNA input masses and high cost. To address these challenges, we developed rRNA Removal by RNase H (rRRR), a method to efficiently deplete rRNA from a wide range of human, mouse, and rat RNA inputs and qualities at a cost 10-20-fold cheaper than other approaches. We employed probe-based hybridization and enzymatic digestion to selectively target and remove rRNA molecules while preserving the integrity of non-rRNA transcripts. Comparison between rRRR to two commercially available approaches found that they had similar efficiencies at depleting rRNAs and comparable off-target effects. Our developed method provides researchers with a valuable tool for investigating gene expression and regulatory mechanisms across a wide range of biological systems at an affordable price that increases the accessibility for researchers to enter the field, ultimately advancing our understanding of cellular processes.
Project description:Increased COUP-TFII levels are found in human dilated cardiomyopathy as well as in mouse models that develop cardiomyopathy. COUP-TFII overexpression in adult mouse hearts caused ventricular dilation and compromised cardiac functions. To gain insights on COUP-TFII’s effect in hearts, we identified the molecular profile of COUP-TFII overexpressing hearts through microarray analysis. The result may shred light on molecular mechanisms that mediate development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Project description:Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) constitutes 50% of HF hospitalizations and is characterized by high rates of mortality. To explore the underlying mechanisms of HFrEF etiology and progression, we studied the molecular and cellular differences in four chambers of non-failing (NF, n=10) and HFrEF (n=12) human hearts. This study contributes to a growing body of knowledge describing chamber-specific heart transcriptomics and revealed genes and pathways that are associated with heart failure pathophysiology, which may aid in therapeutic target discovery.