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Garamszegi SP, Brzostowicki DJ, Coyne TM, Vontell RT, Davis DA. TDP-43 and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in the Brain of a Harbor Porpoise Exposed to the Cyanobacterial Toxin BMAA. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:42. [PMID: 38251257 PMCID: PMC10821503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are well-regarded as sentinels for toxin exposure. Emerging studies suggest that cetaceans can also develop neuropathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disease. The occurrence of neuropathology makes cetaceans an ideal species for examining the impact of marine toxins on the brain across the lifespan. Here, we describe TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological changes in a beached harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that was exposed to a toxin produced by cyanobacteria called β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). We found pathogenic TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons throughout the cerebral cortex, midbrain and brainstem. P62/sequestosome-1, responsible for the autophagy of misfolded proteins, was observed in the amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Genes implicated in AD and TDP-43 neuropathology such as APP and TARDBP were expressed in the brain. AD neuropathological changes such as amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, granulovacuolar degeneration and Hirano bodies were present in the hippocampus. These findings further support the development of progressive neurodegenerative disease in cetaceans and a potential causative link to cyanobacterial toxins. Climate change, nutrient pollution and industrial waste are increasing the frequency of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanotoxins like BMAA that are associated with neurodegenerative disease pose an increasing public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel J. Brzostowicki
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Regina T. Vontell
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Grzybkowska A, Anczykowska K, Antosiewicz J, Olszewski S, Dzitkowska-Zabielska M, Tomczyk M. Identification of Optimal Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Normalization for Physical Activity Intervention and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076734. [PMID: 37047706 PMCID: PMC10094777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique gives promising opportunities to detect and quantify RNA targets and is commonly used in many research fields. This study aimed to identify suitable reference genes for physical exercise and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation intervention. Forty healthy, physically active men were exposed to a 12-week eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation and standardized endurance training protocol. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention and mRNA levels of six potential reference genes were tested in the leukocytes of 18 eligible participants using the qRT-PCR method: GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), ACTB (Beta actin), TUBB (Tubulin Beta Class I), RPS18 (Ribosomal Protein S18), UBE2D2 (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 D2), and HPRT1 (Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase 1). The raw quantification cycle (Cq) values were then analyzed using RefFinder, an online tool that incorporates four different algorithms: NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and the comparative delta-Ct method. Delta-Ct, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder comprehensive ranking have found GAPDH to be the most stably expressed gene. geNorm has identified TUBB and HPRT as the most stable genes. All algorithms have found ACTB to be the least stably expressed gene. A combination of the three most stably expressed genes, namely GAPDH, TUBB, and HPRT, is suggested for obtaining the most reliable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grzybkowska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Anczykowska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Szczepan Olszewski
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Dzitkowska-Zabielska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
- Center of Translational Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maja Tomczyk
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
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Bowen L, Manlove K, Roug A, Waters S, LaHue N, Wolff P. Using transcriptomics to predict and visualize disease status in bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac046. [PMID: 35795016 PMCID: PMC9252122 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing risk of pathogen spillover coupled with overall declines in wildlife population abundance in the Anthropocene make infectious disease a relevant concern for species conservation worldwide. While emerging molecular tools could improve our diagnostic capabilities and give insight into mechanisms underlying wildlife disease risk, they have rarely been applied in practice. Here, employing a previously reported gene transcription panel of common immune markers to track physiological changes, we present a detailed analysis over the course of both acute and chronic infection in one wildlife species where disease plays a critical role in conservation, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Differential gene transcription patterns distinguished between infection statuses over the course of acute infection and differential correlation (DC) analyses identified clear changes in gene co-transcription patterns over the early stages of infection, with transcription of four genes-TGFb, AHR, IL1b and MX1-continuing to increase even as transcription of other immune-associated genes waned. In a separate analysis, we considered the capacity of the same gene transcription panel to aid in differentiating between chronically infected animals and animals in other disease states outside of acute disease events (an immediate priority for wildlife management in this system). We found that this transcription panel was capable of accurately identifying chronically infected animals in the test dataset, though additional data will be required to determine how far this ability extends. Taken together, our results showcase the successful proof of concept and breadth of potential utilities that gene transcription might provide to wildlife disease management, from direct insight into mechanisms associated with differential disease response to improved diagnostic capacity in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kezia Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Annette Roug
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Shannon Waters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nate LaHue
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
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Hsieh MJ, Yang WC. A Field-Deployable Insulated Isothermal PCR (iiPCR) for the Global Surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cetaceans. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040506. [PMID: 35203214 PMCID: PMC8868103 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Since high trophic levels marine mammal species share the coastal environments and diets with humans, cetaceans provide an indication of contaminant bioaccumulation in humans and may serve as sentinels for public health problems. Parasite monitoring in marine sentinels can assist in evaluating the quality of the aquatic ecosystem’s health. T. gondii infection in cetaceans is an indicator of land-to-sea coastal pollution. Although T. gondii infection cases in cetaceans have been reported in several countries, an information gap still exists in some areas. The present study employs a portable insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) with an automatic extraction device as a rapid, affordable, user-friendly, and field-deployable platform to rapidly detect nucleic acid of T. gondii in stranded cetaceans. The platform utilizes duplex iiPCR designed to simultaneously detect T. gondii and a housekeeping gene of cetacean on the samples, which can prevent the false-negative results of pathogen detection and improve the accuracy of surveillance. This study would contribute to improving the environment through the warning of the sentinel animals and building new strategies by detecting the occurrence of land-based biological pollution. Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with veterinary and public health importance worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii infection in cetaceans is an indicator of land-to-sea oocyst pollution. However, there is a critical knowledge gap within the distribution of the T. gondii infection in cetaceans. To facilitate the global surveillance of this important zoonotic pathogen, we developed a field-deployable duplex insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) with automated magnetic bead-based DNA extraction for the on-site detection of T. gondii in stranded cetaceans. It targets the B1 gene of T. gondii combined with β2-microglobulin (B2M) gene of cetaceans as an internal control. Compared with the conventional qPCR assay, B1/B2M duplex iiPCR assay showed comparable sensitivity (21~86 bradyzoites in 25 mg of tissue) to detect spike-in standard of T. gondii DNA in cerebrum, cerebellum, skeletal muscle and myocardium tissues. Moreover, the overall agreement between the duplex iiPCR and qPCR was in almost perfect agreement (92%; 95% CI: 0.78–0.90; κ = 0.84) in detecting a synthetic spike-in standards. The B1/B2M iiPCR assay coupled with a field-deployable system provides a prompt (~1.5 h), feasible, highly sensitive and specific on-site diagnostic tool for T. gondii in stranded cetaceans. This platform provides one approach to evaluating aquatic ecosystem health and developing early warnings about negative impacts on humans and marine animals.
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Senevirathna JDM, Yonezawa R, Saka T, Igarashi Y, Funasaka N, Yoshitake K, Kinoshita S, Asakawa S. Selection of a reference gene for studies on lipid-related aquatic adaptations of toothed whales ( Grampus griseus). Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17142-17159. [PMID: 34938499 PMCID: PMC8668803 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Toothed whales are one group of marine mammals that has developed special adaptations, such as echolocation for predation, to successfully live in a dynamic aquatic environment. Their fat metabolism may differ from that of other mammals because toothed whales have acoustic fats. Gene expression in the metabolic pathways of animals can change with respect to their evolution and environment. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reliable technique for studying the relative expressions of genes. However, since the accuracy of RT-qPCR data is totally dependent on the reference gene, the selection of the reference gene is an essential step. In this study, 10 candidate reference genes (ZC3H10, FTL, LGALS1, RPL27, GAPDH, FTH1, DCN, TCTP, NDUS5, and UBIM) were initially tested for amplification efficiency using RT-qPCR. After excluding DCN, the remaining nine genes, which are nearly 100% efficient, were selected for the gene stability analysis. Stable reference genes across eight different fat tissue, liver, and muscle samples from Grampus griseus were identified by four algorithms, which were provided in Genorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and Delta CT. Finally, a RefFinder comprehensive ranking was performed based on the stability values, and the nine genes were ranked as follows: LGALS1 > FTL > GAPDH > ZC3H10 > FTH1 > NDUS5 > TCTP > RPL27 > UBIM. The LGALS1 and FTL genes were identified as the most stable novel reference genes. The third-ranked gene, GAPDH, is a well-known housekeeping gene for mammals. Ultimately, we suggest the use of LGALS1 as a reliable novel reference gene for genomics studies on the lipid-related aquatic adaptations of toothed whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayan D. M. Senevirathna
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Animal ScienceFaculty of Animal Science and Export AgricultureUva Wellassa UniversityBadullaSri Lanka
| | - Ryo Yonezawa
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Taiki Saka
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yoji Igarashi
- Department of Life Sciences and ChemistryGraduate School of BioresourcesMie UniversityMieJapan
| | - Noriko Funasaka
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of BioresourcesMie UniversityMieJapan
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shigeharu Kinoshita
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shuichi Asakawa
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Aquatic BioscienceGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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Gene Expression Profiles in Two Razor Clam Populations: Discerning Drivers of Population Status. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121288. [PMID: 34947819 PMCID: PMC8706173 DOI: 10.3390/life11121288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With rapidly changing marine ecosystems, shifts in abundance and distribution are being documented for a variety of intertidal species. We examined two adjacent populations of Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska. One population (east) supported a sport and personal use fishery, but this has been closed since 2015 due to declines in abundance, and the second population (west) continues to support commercial and sport fisheries. We used gene expression to investigate potential causes of the east side decline, comparing razor clam physiological responses between east and west Cook Inlet. The target gene profile used was developed for razor clam populations in Alaska based on physiological responses to environmental stressors. In this study, we identified no differences of gene expression between east and west populations, leading to two potential conclusions: (1) differences in factors capable of influencing physiology exist between the east and west and are sufficient to influence razor clam populations but are not detected by the genes in our panel, or (2) physiological processes do not account for the differences in abundance, and other factors such as predation or changes in habitat may be impacting the east Cook Inlet population.
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Davis DA, Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Dooley PD, Coyne TM, McLean DW, Rotstein DS, Mash DC, Cox PA. BMAA, Methylmercury, and Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Dolphins: A Natural Model of Toxin Exposure. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100697. [PMID: 34678990 PMCID: PMC8540894 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are well-regarded sentinels for toxin exposure and can bioaccumulate a cyanotoxin called β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that has been linked to human neurodegenerative disease. The same dolphins also possessed hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting a possible association between toxin exposure and neuropathology. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in dolphins and the impact cyanotoxins have on these processes are unknown. Here, we evaluate BMAA exposure by investigating transcription signatures using PCR for dolphin genes homologous to those implicated in AD and related dementias: APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN, TARDBP, and C9orf72. Immunohistochemistry and Sevier Münger silver staining were used to validate neuropathology. Methylmercury (MeHg), a synergistic neurotoxicant with BMAA, was also measured using PT-GC-AFS. We report that dolphins have up to a three-fold increase in gene transcription related to Aβ+ plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and TDP-43+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. The upregulation of gene transcription in our dolphin cohort paralleled increasing BMAA concentration. In addition, dolphins with BMAA exposures equivalent to those reported in AD patients displayed up to a 14-fold increase in AD-type neuropathology. MeHg was detected (0.16–0.41 μg/g) and toxicity associated with exposure was also observed in the brain. These results demonstrate that dolphins develop neuropathology associated with AD and exposure to BMAA and MeHg may augment these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Patrick D. Dooley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Office of the District 21 Medical Examiner, Fort Myers, FL 33907, USA;
| | - Dylan W. McLean
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | | | - Deborah C. Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
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IMMUNOMEDIATOR GENE TRANSCRIPTION PROFILING IN BELUGA WHALE ( DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS) CLINICAL CASES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 51:334-349. [PMID: 32549563 DOI: 10.1638/2018-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for specific diagnostics of immune perturbations and inflammation in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) clinical care. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been used to measure immunomediator gene transcription in beluga whales. The study hypothesis was that a qPCR-based immunomediator assay would supplement routine clinical data with specific and sensitive information on immune status. Two beluga whale clinical cases provided an opportunity to test this hypothesis: a whale with a skin laceration and a whale with gastrointestinal inflammation. Mitogen-stimulated immunomediator gene transcription (MSIGT) was compared between the cases and healthy contact whales. In both case studies, mitogens increased transcription of IL1B, PTGS2 (Cox-2), TNF, HIF1A, and IL2 but decreased IL10 transcription in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the abnormal whale over the control. Correlations were identified between most immunomediators tested and one or more standard blood clinical values. Considering all 15 immunomediators tested, the whale with gastrointestinal inflammation had a more unique MSIGT signature than the whale with a laceration. These results support further elucidation of beluga whale PBMC cytokine profiles for use as immune biomarkers.
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Bowen L, Longshore K, Wolff P, Klinger R, Cox M, Bullock S, Waters S, Miles AK. Gene Transcript Profiling in Desert Bighorn Sheep. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lizabeth Bowen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - Kathleen Longshore
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - Peregrine Wolff
- Nevada Department of Wildlife 6980 Sierra Center Parkway, Suite 120 Reno NV 89511 USA
| | - Robert Klinger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterOakhurst CA 93644 USA
| | - Michael Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife 6980 Sierra Center Pkwy. Suite 120 Reno NV 89511 USA
| | - Sarah Bullock
- Desert National Wildlife Refuge 16001 Corn Creek Road Las Vegas NV 89124 USA
| | - Shannon Waters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
| | - A. Keith Miles
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research CenterSacramento CA 95826 USA
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10
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Bowen L, Counihan KL, Ballachey B, Coletti H, Hollmen T, Pister B, Wilson TL. Monitoring nearshore ecosystem health using Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) as an indicator species. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8761. [PMID: 32185117 PMCID: PMC7060925 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging approach to ecosystem monitoring involves the use of physiological biomarker analyses in combination with gene transcription assays. For the first time, we employed these tools to evaluate the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula), which is important both economically and ecologically, as a bioindicator species in the northeast Pacific. Our objectives were to (1) develop biomarker and gene transcription assays with which to monitor the health of the Pacific razor clam, (2) acquire baseline biomarker and gene transcription reference ranges for razor clams, (3) assess the relationship between physiological and gene transcription assays and (4) determine if site-level differences were present. Pacific razor clams were collected in July 2015 and 2016 at three sites within each of two national parks in southcentral Alaska. In addition to determining reference ranges, we found differences in biomarker assay and gene transcription results between parks and sites which indicate variation in both large-scale and local environmental conditions. Our intent is to employ these methods to evaluate Pacific razor clams as a bioindicator of nearshore ecosystem health. Links between the results of the biomarker and gene transcription assays were observed that support the applicability of both assays in ecosystem monitoring. However, we recognize the need for controlled studies to examine the range of responses in physiology and gene transcripts to different stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizabeth Bowen
- Western Ecological Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Brenda Ballachey
- Alaska Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Heather Coletti
- Inventory & Monitoring Program, Southwest Alaska Network, National Park Service, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Tuula Hollmen
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Alaska SeaLife Center and University of Alaska Fairbanks, Seward, AK, USA
| | - Benjamin Pister
- Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center, National Park Service, Seward, AK, USA
| | - Tammy L Wilson
- Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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11
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Roy JG, McElhaney JE, Verschoor CP. Reliable reference genes for the quantification of mRNA in human T-cells and PBMCs stimulated with live influenza virus. BMC Immunol 2020; 21:4. [PMID: 32005148 PMCID: PMC6995044 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-0334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a powerful tool that is particularly well-suited to measure mRNA levels in clinical samples, especially those with relatively low cell counts. However, a caveat of this approach is that reliable, stably expressed reference (housekeeping) genes are vital in order to ensure reproducibility and appropriate biological inference. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of six reference genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated CD3+ T-cells from young and old adults (n = 10), following ex vivo stimulation with mock (unstimulated) or live influenza virus. Our genes included: β-actin (ACTB), glyercaldehyde-3-phostphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein L13a (RPL13a), ribosomal protein S18 (RPS18), succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2D2 (UBE2D2). Results Reference gene expression varied significantly depending on cell type and stimulation conditions, but not age. Using the comparative ΔCt method, and the previously published software BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm, we show that in PBMCs and T-cells, UBE2D2 and RPS18 were the most stable reference genes, followed by ACTB; however, the expression of UBE2D2 and RPS18 was found to increase with viral stimulation in isolated T-cells, while ACTB expression did not change significantly. No age-related differences in stability were observed for any gene Conclusions This study suggests the use of a combination of UBE2D2, RPS18, and ACTB for the study of influenza responses in PBMCs and T-cells, although ACTB alone may be the most optimal choice if choosing to compare target gene expression before and after viral stimulation. Both GAPDH and RPL13a were found to be poor reference genes and should be avoided for studies of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Roy
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 41 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E5J1, Canada
| | - Janet E McElhaney
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 41 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E5J1, Canada
| | - Chris P Verschoor
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 41 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E5J1, Canada.
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12
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De Guise S, Levin M, Jasperse L, Risatti G, Wells RS. T Helper Cell Subsets and Their Functions in Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Immunol 2019; 10:1578. [PMID: 31481952 PMCID: PMC6710549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Considerable efforts have been made to better understand the immune system of bottlenose dolphins in view of the common environmental challenges they encounter, such as exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, oil spills, or harmful algal bloom biotoxins. However, little is known about the identity and functionality of the Th1, Th2, and Treg T helper cell subsets in bottlenose dolphins. The present study aimed at validating assays and reagents to identify T helper cell subsets and their functions in a subset of dolphins from Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA, which have been long studied and often used as a reference population. A population of CD4+ FOXP3+ lymphocytes was identified representing an average <1% of blood lymphocyte population, which is in the range observed in for Treg cells in other species. The use of porcine reagents to measure TGFß, one of the key Treg cytokines, was further validated using the relatively high-throughput and highly standardized Luminex technology. The proportion of circulating Treg cells was not correlated with the serum concentrations of the Treg effector cytokines TGFß and IL-10, nor could it significantly contribute to predicting the variability of T lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting that not all dolphin circulating Treg cells are functional and active. However, stimulation of dolphin lymphocytes with TGFß and IL-2 increased the expression of the gene for TGFß and IL-10, and stimulation with IL-12 and IFNγ induced a robust increase in the expression of the gene for IFNγ, suggesting the potential for polarization and differentiation of dolphin T helper cells toward a Treg and Th1 response, respectively. The lack of an increase in the expression of the genes for the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 upon stimulation with IL-4 may be due to the requirement for IL-2 for a Th2 polarization as described in mice. However, regression analysis and PCA suggested the potential ability of both the Th1 and Th2 response to be triggered upon acute inflammatory signals. These results may be useful in better understanding the mechanisms by which the dolphin immune system is affected upon exposure to environmental challenges and how it responds to pathogen challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States.,Connecticut Sea Grant College Program, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Guillermo Risatti
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Randall S Wells
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society and Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
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Zhao Z, Wang L, Yue D, Ye B, Li P, Zhang B, Fan Q. Evaluation of Reference Genes for Normalization of RT-qPCR Gene Expression Data for Trichoplusia ni Cells During Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Multicapsid Nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) Infection. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2019; 19:5280859. [PMID: 30624703 PMCID: PMC6324657 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Baculovirus infection impacts global gene expression in the host cell, including the expression of housekeeping genes. Evaluation of candidate reference genes during a viral infection will inform the selection of appropriate reference gene(s) for the normalization of expression data generated by Reverse Transcription Quantitative Real-timePolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) is able to infect the High Five cells (Tn-Hi5). In the present study, 10 candidate reference genes were evaluated in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells. Gene expression data were analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The candidate genes were further validated as reliable reference genes for RT-qPCR by analyzing the expression of three target genes. The results of data analysis using four statistical methods showed that RPS18 was the least stable among the candidate reference genes tested. 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA were not suitable as reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells. Comprehensive ranking of the 10 candidate reference genes by RefFinder analysis indicated that Ann B, c45128_g1, and ACT were the top three genes. Normalization of the expression of three target genes using the candidate reference genes indicated the same expression pattern when Ann B and c45128_g1 were used as reference genes, with slight differences in the relative expression at each infection time point. Overall, Ann B and c45128_g1 were recommended to be more suitable than the most commonly used reference genes, such as ACT, GAPDH, and TUB, for RT-qPCR data normalization in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells up to 48 hpi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Zhao
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Linmei Wang
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Yue
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Bo Ye
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Peipei Li
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
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Li WT, Wang LY, Chang HW, Yang WC, Lo C, Pang VF, Chen MH, Jeng CR. Th2 cytokine bias induced by silver nanoparticles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). PeerJ 2018; 6:e5432. [PMID: 30245924 PMCID: PMC6147119 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in many commercial products due to their excellent antibacterial ability. The AgNPs are released into the environment, gradually accumulate in the ocean, and may affect animals at high trophic levels, such as cetaceans and humans, via the food chain. Hence, the negative health impacts caused by AgNPs in cetaceans are of concern. Cytokines play a major role in the modulation of immune system and can be classified into two types: Th1 and Th2. Th1/Th2 balance can be evaluated by the ratios of their polarizing cytokines (i.e., interferon [IFN]-γ/Interleukin [IL]-4), and animals with imbalanced Th1/Th2 response may become more susceptible to certain kinds of infection. Therefore, the present study evaluated the in vitro cytokine responses of cetacean peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) to 20 nm citrate-AgNPs (C-AgNP20) by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). METHODS Blood samples were collected from six captive common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The cPBMCs were isolated and utilized for evaluating the in vitro cytokine responses. The cytokines evaluated included IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The geometric means of two housekeeping genes (HKGs), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β2-microglobulin (B2M), of each sample were determined and used to normalize the mRNA expression levels of target genes. RESULTS The ratio of late apoptotic/necrotic cells of cPBMCs significantly increased with or without concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation after 24 h of 10 µg/ml C-AgNP20 treatment. At 4 h of culture, the mRNA expression level of IL-10 was significantly decreased with 1 µg/ml C-AgNP20 treatment. At 24 h of culture with 1 µg/ml C-AgNP20, the mRNA expression levels of all cytokines were significantly decreased, with the exceptions of IL-4 and IL-10. The IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was significantly decreased at 24 h of culture with 1 µg/ml C-AgNP20 treatment, and the IL-12/IL-4 ratio was significantly decreased at 4 or 24 h of culture with 0.1 or 1 µg/ml C-AgNP20 treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of TNF-α was significantly decreased by 1 µg/ml C-AgNP20 after 24 h of culture. DISCUSSION The present study demonstrated that the sublethal dose of C-AgNP20 (≤1 µg/ml) had an inhibitory effect on the cytokine mRNA expression levels of cPBMCs with the evidence of Th2 cytokine bias and significantly decreased the mRNA expression level of TNF-α. Th2 cytokine bias is associated with enhanced immunity against parasites but decreased immunity to intracellular microorganisms. TNF-α is a contributing factor for the inflammatory response against the infection of intracellular pathogens. In summary, our data indicate that C-AgNP20 suppresses the cellular immune response and thereby increases the susceptibility of cetaceans to infection by intracellular microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ta Li
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lei-Ya Wang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh Lo
- Farglory Ocean Park, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Victor Fei Pang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsien Chen
- Department of Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Ren Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen IH, Chou LS, Chou SJ, Wang JH, Stott J, Blanchard M, Jen IF, Yang WC. Sound exposure-induced cytokine gene transcript profile changes in captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) blood identified by a probe-based qRT-PCR. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:601-605. [PMID: 29479043 PMCID: PMC5938186 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetacean health may be potentially affected by anthropogenic sound. We have initiated investigations on the effect of low-frequency underwater sound on immunological gene transcript profiles of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using a probe-based quantitative gene expression assay. Six immunologic genes (IL-2Rα, -4, -10, -12, TNFα and IFNγ) were selected for analysis using two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and HPRT1) as reference genes. Twenty-four blood samples from six clinically healthy individuals and six blood samples from individuals after sound exposures were available. The gene transcript profile of sound-exposed dolphins was consistent with a stress-induced TH2 shift profile as compared to controls. This study may lead to better understanding of the effects of anthropogenic sound on immune responses of cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hua Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580, Xinmin Rd., Chiayi, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Lien-Siang Chou
- Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Shih-Jen Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580, Xinmin Rd., Chiayi, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Jiann-Hsiung Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580, Xinmin Rd., Chiayi, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Jeffrey Stott
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A
| | - Myra Blanchard
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A
| | - I-Fan Jen
- Farglory Ocean Park, No.189, Yenliao Village, Shoufong, Hualien, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580, Xinmin Rd., Chiayi, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
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Hofstetter AR, Eberle KC, Venn-Watson SK, Jensen ED, Porter TJ, Waters TE, Sacco RE. Monitoring bottlenose dolphin leukocyte cytokine mRNA responsiveness by qPCR. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189437. [PMID: 29272269 PMCID: PMC5741220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Both veterinarians caring for dolphins in managed populations and researchers monitoring wild populations use blood-based diagnostics to monitor bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) health. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be used to assess cytokine transcription patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). This can supplement currently available blood tests with information on immune status. Full realization of this potential requires establishment of normal ranges of cytokine gene transcription levels in bottlenose dolphins. We surveyed four dolphins over the span of seven months by serial bleeds. PBMC were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL) and concanavalin A (1 μg/mL) for 48 H in vitro. RNA from these cultures was probed by qPCR using Tursiops truncatus-specific primers (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-13, IL-18, IFN-γ and TNF-α). Two blood samples from an additional bottlenose dolphin diagnosed with acute pulmonary disease add further perspective to the data. We observed that mitogen choice made a significant difference in the magnitude of gene transcription observed. On the other hand, most cytokines tested exhibited limited intra-animal variation. However, IL-6 and IL-12p40 differed between older and younger dolphins. Furthermore, the magnitude of mitogenic response clusters the tested cytokines into three groups. The data provide a reference for the selection of target cytokine mRNAs and their expected range of mitogen-stimulated cytokine gene transcription for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Ruth Hofstetter
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kirsten C. Eberle
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Stephanie K. Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Eric D. Jensen
- United States Navy Marine Mammal Program, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Tracy J. Porter
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Theresa E. Waters
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Randy E. Sacco
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Gong H, Sun L, Chen B, Han Y, Pang J, Wu W, Qi R, Zhang TM. Evaluation of candidate reference genes for RT-qPCR studies in three metabolism related tissues of mice after caloric restriction. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38513. [PMID: 27922100 PMCID: PMC5138604 DOI: 10.1038/srep38513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a routine method for gene expression analysis, and reliable results depend on proper normalization by stable reference genes. Caloric restriction (CR) is a robust lifestyle intervention to slow aging and delay onset of age-associated diseases via inducing global changes in gene expression. Reliable normalization of RT-qPCR data becomes crucial in CR studies. In this study, the expression stability of 12 candidate reference genes were evaluated in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), skeletal muscle (Sk.M) and liver of CR mice by using three algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, and Bestkeeper. Our results showed β2m, Ppia and Hmbs as the most stable genes in iWAT, Sk.M and liver, respectively. Moreover, two reference genes were sufficient to normalize RT-qPCR data in each tissue and the suitable pair of reference genes was β2m-Hprt in iWAT, Ppia-Gusb in Sk.M and Hmbs-β2m in liver. By contrast, the least stable gene in iWAT or Sk.M was Gapdh, and in liver was Pgk1. Furthermore, the expression of Leptin and Ppar-γ were profiled in these tissues to validate the selected reference genes. Our data provided a basis for gene expression analysis in future CR studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Gong
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liang Sun
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Beidong Chen
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Han
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jing Pang
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ruomei Qi
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tie-Mei Zhang
- The MOH key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, P.R. China
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Selection of reliable reference genes for normalization of quantitative RT-PCR from different developmental stages and tissues in amphioxus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37549. [PMID: 27869224 PMCID: PMC5116582 DOI: 10.1038/srep37549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphioxus is a closest living proxy to the ancestor of cephalochordates with vertebrates, and key animal for novel understanding in the evolutionary origin of vertebrate body plan, genome, tissues and immune system. Reliable analyses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for answering these scientific questions is heavily dependent on reliable reference genes (RGs). In this study, we evaluated stability of thirteen candidate RGs in qRT-PCR for different developmental stages and tissues of amphioxus by four independent (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and deltaCt) and one comparative algorithms (RefFinder). The results showed that the top two stable RGs were the following: (1) S20 and 18 S in thirteen developmental stages, (2) EF1A and ACT in seven normal tissues, (3) S20 and L13 in both intestine and hepatic caecum challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and (4) S20 and EF1A in gill challenged with LPS. The expression profiles of two target genes (EYA and HHEX) in thirteen developmental stages were used to confirm the reliability of chosen RGs. This study identified optimal RGs that can be used to accurately measure gene expression under these conditions, which will benefit evolutionary and functional genomics studies in amphioxus.
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Chen IH, Wang JH, Chou SJ, Wu YH, Li TH, Leu MY, Chang WB, Yang WC. Selection of reference genes for RT-qPCR studies in blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). PeerJ 2016; 4:e1810. [PMID: 26998411 PMCID: PMC4797766 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is used for research in gene expression, and it is vital to choose appropriate housekeeping genes (HKGs) as reference genes to obtain correct results. The purpose of this study is to determine stably expressed HKGs in blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) that can be the appropriate reference genes in relative quantification in gene expression research. Sixty blood samples were taken from four beluga whales. Thirteen candidate HKGs (ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, LDHB, PGK1, RPL4, RPL8, RPL18, RPS9, RPS18, TFRC, YWHAZ) were tested using RT-qPCR. The stability values of the HKGs were determined by four different algorithms. Comprehensive analysis of the results revealed that RPL4, PGK1 and ACTB are strongly recommended for use in future RT-qPCR studies in beluga blood samples. This research provides recommendation of reference gene selection, which may contribute to further mRNA relative quantification research in the peripheral blood leukocytes in captive cetaceans. The gene expression assessment of the immune components in blood have the potential to serve as an important approach to evaluating cetacean health influenced by environmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hua Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University , Chiayi , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiann-Hsiung Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University , Chiayi , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Jen Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University , Chiayi , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yeong-Huey Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology , Pingtung , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsung-Hsien Li
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium , Pingtung , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Yih Leu
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Been Chang
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium , Pingtung , Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei Cheng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University , Chiayi , Taiwan, ROC
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