Project description:It seems established that genetic and epigenetic determinants drive the multifactorial pathogenic processes in vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been observed in a few studies suggesting potential involvement. We aimed to assess the expression of miRNAs both in VLS and in healthy keratinocytes and fibroblasts cultured separately. The differential analysis led to the identification of 171 and 111 microRNAs with an expression difference of at least 1.5-fold between VLS and healthy samples, in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively. More than 80% of the 111 microRNAs identified as differentially expressed in fibroblasts were also found to be differentially expressed in keratinocytes. A number of dysregulated miRNAs are involved in inflammation and fibrotic processes, namely miR-10a-5p and 3p, miR-143-3p and 5p, miR-181a-5p and 3p, miR-181b-5p and 3p, miR-21-3p, miR-146b-5p and miR-29c. Our results showed a clear separation of VLS keratinocytes and fibroblasts from healthy cells in terms of miRNA expression. It is noteworthy that the most dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. It is conceivable that miRNA expression is functional in regulating pathogenetic mechanisms of LS.
Project description:MicroRNAs expression in vulvar lichen sclerosus keratinocytes and fibroblasts: further evidence and possible pathogenetic implications from an observational study
Project description:To investigate differences in the kinetics of allergic contact dermatitis reactions in psoriasis patients, molecular changes in clinically non-involved skin of psoriasis patients was investigated whole genome expression arrays of clinically non-involved skin of psoriasis (n=8), lichen planus (n=3), and healthy individuals (n=7) were performed
Project description:Dendritic cells (DC) localize throughout the body, where they sense and capture invading pathogens to induce protective immune responses. Hence, harnessing the biology of tissue-resident DC is crucial for the rational design of vaccines against pathogens. Herein, we characterized the transcriptomes of four antigen presenting cell (APC) subsets from the human vagina (vLC, vCD14- DC, vCD14+ DC, vMM-NM-&) and compared them to those of three skin DC (sDC) subsets and blood myeloid DC. We find that APC genomic fingerprints are significantly influenced by the tissue of origin as well as by individual APC subsets. Nonetheless, CD14+ APC from both vagina and skin are geared towards innate immunity and pro-inflammatory responses, whereas CD14- DC, particularly sLC, vLC, and vCD14- DC, display both Th2-inducing and regulatory phenotypes. We also identified vAPC subset-specific cellular and functional biomarkers that will guide the design of mucosal vaccines against sexually transmitted pathogens. Vaginal and skin tissues were obtained from female patients who underwent pelvic or cosmetic surgeries under protocols approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Baylor Research Institute (BRI). Patients were not infected with HIV, HCV or TB and did not display inflammation in the tissues. No other diagnosis information was available. Blood from healthy female volunteers was obtained under a protocol approved by the IRB of BRI. 87 total samples. 6 Blood mDC; 16 Dermal CD1c+CD14-; 10 Epidermal LC; 12 Vaginal CD1c+CD14-; 13 Vaginal CD1c+CD14+; 7 Vaginal HLADR- w/ 2 replicates (Vaginal HLADR-_VM610 and Vaginal HLADR-_VM611); 9Vaginal LC; 14 Vaginal Macrophage.
Project description:Identification of copy number alterations of HPV-positive and HPV-negative vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC) and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias (VIN), with special focus on VIN with and without VSCC, the latter group being defined as VIN with no VSCC development during >10 year follow-up.
