Project description:Background: Most skin-related traits have been studied in Caucasian genetic backgrounds. A comprehensive study on skin-associated genetic effects on underrepresented populations such as Vietnam is needed to fill the gaps in the field. Objectives: We aimed to develop a computational pipeline to predict the effect of genetic factors on skin traits using public data (GWAS catalogs and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the 1000 Genomes Project-1KGP) and in-house Vietnamese data (WGS and genotyping by SNP array). Also, we compared the genetic predispositions of 25 skin-related traits of Vietnamese population to others to acquire population-specific insights regarding skin health. Results: The skin-related genetic profile of Vietnamese cohorts was similar at most to East Asian cohorts (JPT: Fst=0.036, CHB: Fst=0.031, CHS: Fst=0.027, CDX: Fst=0.025) in the population study. In addition, we identified pairs of skin traits at high risk of frequent co-occurrence (such as skin aging and wrinkles (r = 0.45, p =1.50e-5) or collagen degradation and moisturizing (r = 0.35, p = 1.1e-3)).
Project description:To better understand the molecular changes in the aqueous humor (AH) content with glaucoma, we analyzed the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of AH samples from patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Exfoliation Glaucoma (XFG) compared to non-glaucoma controls.
Project description:The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a decreased risk of glaucoma, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we find that in two mouse glaucoma models and in human glaucomatous retinas, microglia transition to a neurodegenerative (MGnD) phenotype characterized by upregulation of Apoe and Lgals3 (Galectin-3). Mice in which Apoe was targeted in microglia or carrying the human APOE4 allele were protected from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss despite elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Similar to Apoe–/– retinal microglia, APOE4 microglia did not upregulate MGnD genes, including Lgals3, following IOP elevation. Genetic and pharmacologic targeting of Galectin-3 ameliorated RGC degeneration, and Galectin-3 expression was attenuated in human APOE4 glaucoma samples. These results demonstrate that impaired activation of APOE4 microglia is protective in glaucoma, and that the APOE-Galectin-3 signaling pathway can be targeted to treat this blinding disease.
Project description:MicroRNAs were associated with the development and progression of glaucoma. Our study aims to identify the potential miRNAs and target genes in human trabecular meshwork related to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Project description:In this study that was specifically designed to identify early stages of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice, we used genome-wide expression profiling and a series of computational methods. Our methods successfully subdivided eyes with no detectable glaucoma by conventional assays into molecularly defined stages of disease. These stages represent a temporally ordered sequence of glaucoma states. Using an array of tools, we then determined networks and biological processes that are altered at these early stages. Our strategy proved very sensitive, suggesting that similar approaches will be valuable for uncovering early processes in other complex, later-onset diseases. Early changes included upregulation of both the complement cascade and endothelin system, and so we tested the therapeutic value of separately inhibiting them. Mice with a mutation in the complement component 1a gene (C1qa) were robustly protected from glaucoma with the protection being among the greatest reported. Similarly, inhibition of the endothelin system was strongly protective. Since EDN2 is potently vasoconstrictive and was produced by microglial/macrophages, our data provide a novel link between these cell types and vascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Targeting early events such as the upregulation of the complement and endothelin pathways may provide effective new treatments for human glaucoma. Genome-wide assessment of gene expression changes was performed in DBA/2J mice. The optic nerve head and retina from 40 DBA/2J eyes at 10.5 months of age were separately profiled. These eyes were selected as they encompassed a range of glaucoma severity. Two control groups were also included; 10 eyes from 10.5 months old D2-Gpnmb+ mice (age and strain matched, no glaucoma control) and 10 eyes from 4.5 months old DBA/2J mice (young, pre-glaucoma).