Project description:Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a circulating protein produced in bone, causes renal inorganic phosphate (Pi) wasting by down-regulation of sodium phosphate co-transporter 2a (Npt2a). The mechanism behind this action is unknown. We have previously generated transgenic mice (TG) expressing human wild-type FGF23 under the control of the α1 (I) collagen promoter. In this study we performed a large scale gene expression study of kidneys from TG mice and wild-type littermates. Several genes that play a role in Pi regulation had decreased expression levels, such as Npt2a, but also Pdzk1 which is a scaffolding protein known to interact with NPT2a. Importantly, the Klotho gene, a suggested crucial co-factor for FGF23 receptor binding and activation, was the most affected decreased gene. However, other genes proposed to regulate Pi levels, such as secreted Frizzled Related Protein 4 (sFRP4), Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) and the FGF-receptors 1-4, revealed no changes. Interestingly, expression levels of inflammatory response genes were increased and histological analysis revealed tubular nephropathy in the TG mice kidneys. In conclusion, FGF23 TG mice have altered kidney gene expression levels of several genes thought to be part of Pi homeostasis and an increase in inflammatory response genes, data supported by histological analysis. These findings may lead to further understanding of how FGF23 mediates its actions on renal Pi regulation. Experiment Overall Design: Five kidneys from FGF23 TG mice and five kidneys from WT littermates was used for Affymetrix Genechip analysis. One Genechip was used/animal. Animals were 8 weeks old when kidneys were collected.
Project description:Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a circulating protein produced in bone, causes renal inorganic phosphate (Pi) wasting by down-regulation of sodium phosphate co-transporter 2a (Npt2a). The mechanism behind this action is unknown. We have previously generated transgenic mice (TG) expressing human wild-type FGF23 under the control of the α1 (I) collagen promoter. In this study we performed a large scale gene expression study of kidneys from TG mice and wild-type littermates. Several genes that play a role in Pi regulation had decreased expression levels, such as Npt2a, but also Pdzk1 which is a scaffolding protein known to interact with NPT2a. Importantly, the Klotho gene, a suggested crucial co-factor for FGF23 receptor binding and activation, was the most affected decreased gene. However, other genes proposed to regulate Pi levels, such as secreted Frizzled Related Protein 4 (sFRP4), Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) and the FGF-receptors 1-4, revealed no changes. Interestingly, expression levels of inflammatory response genes were increased and histological analysis revealed tubular nephropathy in the TG mice kidneys. In conclusion, FGF23 TG mice have altered kidney gene expression levels of several genes thought to be part of Pi homeostasis and an increase in inflammatory response genes, data supported by histological analysis. These findings may lead to further understanding of how FGF23 mediates its actions on renal Pi regulation. Keywords: Genetic Modification
Project description:FGF23 is a bone-derived hormone that mediates renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D metabolism via its required co-receptor alpha-Klotho (KL). The functional pathways guiding this hormone’s activity in kidney have not been studied extensively, and whether using other factors with overlapping signaling profiles to produce FGF23-like responses is unclear. To map FGF23-related genes, gene array and single-cell RNA sequencing were utilized on wild type mouse kidneys. After identifying Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) as an up-regulated gene in response to FGF23 delivery, KL-null and phosphate-deficient diet fed mouse models and in vitro experiments were utilized to further test HBEGF bioactivity in kidney. Gene array demonstrated that HBEGF was significantly up-regulated following FGF23 delivery to wild type (WT) mice. Next, mice injected with HBEGF had phenotypes consistent with partial FGF23-mimetic activity including robust induction of EGR1, and increased CYP24A1 mRNAs. Single cell RNA sequencing showed overlapping HBEGF and EGFR expression in the proximal tubule (PT), and KL expression in PT and distal tubule (DT) segments. In KL-null mice devoid of canonical FGF23 signaling, HBEGF injections significantly increased EGR1 and CYP24A, and correction of basally-elevated CYP27B1 was observed. In addition, mice placed on a phosphate deficient diet to suppress FGF23 had endogenously increased CYP27B1 mRNA, which was rescued in mice receiving HBEGF. In HEK293 renal epithelial cells, HBEGF and FGF23 increased CYP24A1 mRNA. Targeting pathways known to be downstream of FGF23 in kidney may help to control renal phosphate handling in diseases of altered FGF23 bioactivity.
Project description:To understand the mechanisms through which JunB regulates Tregs-mediated immune regulation, we examined the global gene expression profiles in the JunB WT and KO Tregs by performing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility.