Project description:We present a draft genome assembly that includes 200 Gb of Illumina reads, 4 Gb of Moleculo synthetic long-reads and 108 Gb of Chicago libraries, with a final size matching the estimated genome size of 2.7 Gb, and a scaffold N50 of 4.8 Mb. We also present an alternative assembly including 27 Gb raw reads generated using the Pacific Biosciences platform. In addition, we sequenced the proteome of the same individual and RNA from three different tissue types from three other species of squid species (Onychoteuthis banksii, Dosidicus gigas, and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) to assist genome annotation. We annotated 33,406 protein coding genes supported by evidence and the genome completeness estimated by BUSCO reached 92%. Repetitive regions cover 49.17% of the genome.
Project description:The giant squid (Architeuthis dux; Steenstrup, 1857) is an enigmatic giant mollusc with a circumglobal distribution in the deep ocean, except in the high Arctic and Antarctic waters. The elusiveness of the species makes it difficult to study. Thus, having a genome assembled for this deep-sea-dwelling species will allow several pending evolutionary questions to be unlocked. We present a draft genome assembly that includes 200 Gb of Illumina reads, 4 Gb of Moleculo synthetic long reads, and 108 Gb of Chicago libraries, with a final size matching the estimated genome size of 2.7 Gb, and a scaffold N50 of 4.8 Mb. We also present an alternative assembly including 27 Gb raw reads generated using the Pacific Biosciences platform. In addition, we sequenced the proteome of the same individual and RNA from 3 different tissue types from 3 other species of squid (Onychoteuthis banksii, Dosidicus gigas, and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) to assist genome annotation. We annotated 33,406 protein-coding genes supported by evidence, and the genome completeness estimated by BUSCO reached 92%. Repetitive regions cover 49.17% of the genome. This annotated draft genome of A. dux provides a critical resource to investigate the unique traits of this species, including its gigantism and key adaptations to deep-sea environments.
Project description:We characterized the mouse trophoblast giant cell epigenome and gene expression profiles. We then compared these data to our data on underrepresentation in the polyploid trophoblast giant cells. We profiled 5 histone modifications (+ chromatin input) using ChIP-Seq, and digital expression profiles (3' RNA-Seq) for trophoblast giant cells derived from mouse. Furthermore, we profiled digital expression profiles (3' RNA-Seq) for in vivo trophoblast giant cells samples from e9.5 wildtype mouse trophoblast giant cells. We found that underrepresented domains in trophoblast giant cells are enriched for repressive marks and anti-correlate with active marks and transcription.
Project description:Expression profiling of wild-type and Prdm1 null mouse trophoblast giant cell cultures using Illumina whole genome mouse V2 arrays. The hypothesis tested was that Prdm1/Blimp1 regulates expression of genes required for spiral artery trophoblast giant cell function.
Project description:We characterized the mouse trophoblast giant cell epigenome and gene expression profiles. We then compared these data to our data on underrepresentation in the polyploid trophoblast giant cells.
Project description:Giant cell granulomas of the jaws often occur sporadically as single central or peripheral lesions. They are characterized by KRAS, FGFR1, or TRPV4 somatic mutations, the latter occurring exclusively in the central form. Less commonly, multiple giant cell lesions can develop in the context of syndromes such as cherubism, which is an autosomal dominant bone disease. Morphologically, giant cell granulomas can closely resemble other giant cell-rich lesions such as non-ossifying fibroma and aneurysmal bone cyst, and to a minor extent giant cell tumour of bone and chondroblastoma. The epigenetic basis of these giant cell-rich tumours is unclear and, recently, DNA methylation profile has been shown to be clinically useful for the diagnosis of other tumour types, including brain tumours as well as bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Therefore, we aimed to assess the DNA methylation profile of central and peripheral sporadic giant cell granulomas of the jaws and cherubism to test whether DNA methylation patterns can help to distinguish these entities. Additionally, we further compared the DNA methylation profile of these lesions with those of other giant cell-rich mimics to investigate if the microscopic similarities extend to the epigenetic level. Our results showed that central and peripheral sporadic giant cell granulomas of the jaws and cherubism share a related DNA methylation pattern with that of peripheral sporadic giant cell granulomas and cherubism appearing slightly distinct, while central sporadic giant cell granulomas show overlap with both of the former. Non-ossifying fibroma, aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumour of bone, and chondroblastoma, on the other hand, have distinct methylation patterns. Therefore, DNA methylation profiling is currently not capable of clearly distinguishing sporadic and cherubism-associated giant cell lesions of the jaws. Conversely, it could discriminate sporadic giant cell granulomas from their giant cell-rich mimics.
Project description:The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) stands as a flagship and umbrella species, symbolizing global biodiversity. While traditional assisted reproductive technology faces constraints in safeguarding the genetic diversity of giant pandas and bolstering the population size of giant pandas, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) known for their capacity to differentiate into diverse cells types, including germ cells, present a transformative potential for conservation of endangered animals. In our study, we isolated primary fibroblast cells from an individual giant panda and successfully generated giant panda induced pluripotent stem cells (GPiPSCs) through a non-integrating episomal vectors reprogramming method. Characterization of these GPiPSCs revealed their state of primed pluripotency and demonstrated their potential for differentiation. Furthermore, we innovatively formulated a species-specific chemically defined FACL medium and unraveled the intricate signaling pathway networks responsible for maintaining the pluripotency and fostering cell proliferation of GPiPSCs. This study provides key insights into rare species iPSCs, offering materials for panda characteristics research and laying the groundwork for in vitro giant panda gamete generation, potentially aiding endangered species conservation.