Project description:We have developed a protocol to generate hPSC-derived osteochondral fusions that mimick embryonic long bone diaphysis. hPSCs were first differentiated to chondroprogenitors and osteogenesis-committed early chondrocytes. Then they were centrifuged together to genrate a fusion construct. After cultured for 7 days in vitro, the fusion construct was transplanted under the kidney capsule of the NOD/SCID mice to generate a mature osteochondral fusion. The 4-week osteochondral fusion grafts contain full spectrum of cells during endochondral ossification, mimicking the in vivo growth plate tissues of early long bone diaphysis. To exam this tissue in single-cell level for comparison with the published datasets of the true human emrbyo, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on the 4-week osteochondral fusion grafts.
Project description:We selected humann intervertebral disc samples to perform proteomics analysis. There were 1 case of grade I , 1 case of grade II, 3 cases of grade Ⅲ and 3 cases of grade Ⅳ according to Pfirrmann classfication. RNA seqencing analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing were integrated with proteomics data to identify the hub genes for intervertebral disc degeneration using bioinformatic method.
Project description:Purpose: Assessment of the performance characteristics of an RNA-Seq assay designed to detect gene fusions in 573 genes to aid in the management of cancer patients. Methods: Polyadenylated RNA was converted to cDNA which was then used to prepare NGS libraries that were sequenced on a HiSeq 2500 instrument and analyzed with an in-house developed bioinformatic pipeline. Results: The assay identified 38 of 41 (93%) gene fusions previously detected by a different laboratory using FISH, RT-PCR, or RNA-Seq for a sensitivity of 93%. No false positive gene fusions were identified in 15 normal tissue specimens and 10 tumor specimens that were negative for fusions by RNA-Seq in a different laboratory (100% specificity). The assay also identified 22 fusions in 17 tumor specimens that had not been detected by other methods. Nineteen of the 22 fusions had not previously been described. Good intra- and inter-assay reproducibility was observed with complete concordance for the presence or absence of gene fusions in replicates. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was tested by diluting RNA isolated from gene fusion positive cases with fusion negative RNA. Gene fusions were generally detectable down to 12.5% dilutions for most fusions and as little as 3% for some fusions. The assay identified 38 of 41 (93%) gene fusions previously detected by a different laboratory using FISH, RT-PCR, or RNA-Seq for a sensitivity of 93%. No false positive gene fusions were identified in 15 normal tissue specimens and 10 tumor specimens that were negative for fusions by RNA-Seq in a different laboratory (100% specificity). The assay also identified 22 fusions in 17 tumor specimens that had not been detected by other methods. Nineteen of the 22 fusions had not previously been described. Good intra- and inter-assay reproducibility was observed with complete concordance for the presence or absence of gene fusions in replicates. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was tested by diluting RNA isolated from gene fusion positive cases with fusion negative RNA. Gene fusions were generally detectable down to 12.5% dilutions for most fusions and as little as 3% for some fusions. This assay should be useful for identifying cancer patients that may benefit from both FDA-approved and investigational targeted therapies.
Project description:Fusion genes can be oncogenic drivers in a variety of cancer types and represent potential targets for targeted therapy. The BRAF gene is frequently involved in oncogenic fusions, with fusion frequencies of 0.2-3% throughout different cancers. However, BRAF fusions rarely occur in the same gene configuration, potentially challenging personalized therapy design. In particular, the influence that is imposed by the wide variety of fusion partners on the oncogenic role of BRAF during tumor growth and drug response is unknown. Here, we used patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids to functionally characterize and cross-compare previously identified BRAF fusions containing various partner genes (AGAP3, DLG1 and TRIM24) with respect to cellular behaviour, downstream signaling activation and response to targeted therapies. We demonstrate that 5’ partner choice of BRAF fusions affects their subcellular localization and intracellular signaling capacity. In particular the DLG1-BRAF fusion protein showed distinct localization to the plasma membrane and exhibited increased activation of downstream MAPK signaling under unperturbed conditions. Moreover, phosphoproteomics and RNA sequencing identified distinct subsets of affected signaling pathways and altered gene expression of BRAF fusions. The different BRAF fusions exhibited varying sensitivities to simultaneous targeted inhibition of MEK and the EGF receptor family. However, all BRAF fusions conveyed resistance to targeted monotherapy against the EGF receptor family, suggesting that BRAF fusions should be screened alongside other MAPK pathway alterations to identify mCRC patients to exclude from cetuximab treatment