Project description:We identified that Foxj1 is degraded by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Foxj1 protein is stabilized by the cullin-RING ligase inhibitor MLN4924. We evaluated global changes to ependymal cell culture gene expression profiles during MLN4924 treatment.
Project description:We identified that EGF blocks differentiation of radial glial progenitors into multiciliated cells. We evaluated global changes to ependymal cell culture gene expression profiles during EGF treatment during differentiation.
Project description:Ependymal tumors across age groups have been classified and graded solely by histopathology. It is, however, commonly accepted that this classification scheme has limited clinical utility based on its lack of reproducibility in predicting patient outcome. We aimed at establishing a reliable molecular classification using DNA methylation fingerprints and gene expression data of the tumors on a large cohort of 500 tumors. Nine robust molecular subgroups, three in each anatomic compartment of the central nervous system (CNS), were identified. Total RNA from 209 ependymal tumor samples were hybridised to the Affymetrix HG U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays.
Project description:FoxJ1 dependent gene expression is required for establishment of ependymal cells in the postnatal brain. This data set compares gene expression profiles of wildtype and FoxJ1 null microdissected dissected tissues at multiple postnatal time points. We used microarrays to detail the FoxJ1-dependent programme of gene expression underlying ependymal cell differentiation in the mouse brain.
Project description:Ependymal tumors across age groups have been classified and graded solely by histopathology. It is, however, commonly accepted that this classification scheme has limited clinical utility based on its lack of reproducibility in predicting patient outcome. We aimed at establishing a reliable molecular classification using DNA methylation fingerprints and gene expression data of the tumors on a large cohort of 500 tumors. Nine robust molecular subgroups, three in each anatomic compartment of the central nervous system (CNS), were identified.
Project description:Prostate basal epithelial cultures generated from patient normal and cancer tissue were treated with LTP for 3 minutes and RNA harvested at 2hrs post-LTP. Microarrays were used to analyze whole transcriptome changes between untreated and LTP-treated prostate cells.
Project description:After injury, mammalian spinal cords develop scars to confine the lesion and prevent further damage. However, excessive scarring can hinder neural regeneration and functional recovery. These competing actions underscore the importance of developing therapeutic strategies to dynamically modulate scar progression. Previous research on scarring has primarily focused on astrocytes, but recent evidence has suggested that ependymal cells also participate. Ependymal cells normally form the epithelial layer encasing the central canal, but they undergo massive proliferation and differentiation into astroglia following certain injuries, becoming a core scar component. However, the mechanisms regulating ependymal proliferation in vivo remain unclear. Here we uncover an endogenous κ-opioid signalling pathway that controls ependymal proliferation. Specifically, we detect expression of the κ-opioid receptor, OPRK1, in a functionally under-characterized cell type known as cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neuron (CSF-cN). We also discover a neighbouring cell population that expresses the cognate ligand prodynorphin (PDYN). Whereas κ-opioids are typically considered inhibitory, they excite CSF-cNs to inhibit ependymal proliferation. Systemic administration of a κ-antagonist enhances ependymal proliferation in uninjured spinal cords in a CSF-cN-dependent manner. Moreover, a κ-agonist impairs ependymal proliferation, scar formation and motor function following injury. Together, our data suggest a paracrine signalling pathway in which PDYN+ cells tonically release κ-opioids to stimulate CSF-cNs and suppress ependymal proliferation, revealing an endogenous mechanism and potential pharmacological strategy for modulating scarring after spinal cord injury.