Transcriptome Analysis and Gene Identification in the Pulmonary Artery of Broilers with Ascites Syndrome

Preparation of polyclonal antibody against thrombospondin 2 recombinant protein and its functional verification in pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broilers

Cell migration regulated by Thrombospondin 2 (THSB2) is important for the development of pulmonary artery remodeling, but the mechanism by which THBS2-mediated cell migration regulates the development of pulmonary artery remodeling in broiler ascites syndrome (AS) is unclear. In addition, the lack of chicken THBS2 antibodies makes it difficult to study the mechanism in depth. In our study, we used recombinant gene technology, protein purification, and other techniques to obtain mouse anti-chicken THBS2 antibody and analyze its expression in broilers, ascites broilers and other animals. The results showed that we immunized mouse with recombinant THBS2 protein and obtained an antibody titer of 1:204,800, and the addition of astragalus polysaccharide as an immunomodulator during immunization significantly increased the titer of the antibody. Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence results showed that the THBS2 was significantly down-regulated in the ascites broiler. The THBS2 antibody we prepared can also detect THBS2 protein in duck, mouse, goat, and rabbit tissues. These results provide a foundation for further investigation of the role of THBS2 in pulmonary artery remodeling in broiler ascites syndrome and a powerful tool for studying the role of THBS2 in AS.

The relativity analysis of hypoxia inducible factor-1α in pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers: a review

Ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a significant disease in the poultry industry. It is a nutritional metabolic disease that is closely associated with hypoxia-inducible factors and rapid growth. The rise in pulmonary artery pressure is a crucial characteristic of AS and is instrumental in its development. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is an active subunit of a key transcription factor in the oxygen-sensing pathway. HIF-1α plays a vital role in oxygen homeostasis and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Studying the effects of HIF-1α on pulmonary hypertension in humans or mammals, as well as ascites in broilers, can help us understand the pathogenesis of AS. Therefore, this review aims to (1) summarize the mechanism of HIF-1α in the development of pulmonary hypertension, (2) provide theoretical significance in explaining the mechanism of HIF-1α in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers, and (3) establish the correlation between HIF-1α and pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers. HIGHLIGHTSExplains the hypoxic mechanism of HIF-1α.Linking HIF-1α to pulmonary hypertension in broilers.Explains the role of microRNAs in pulmonary arterial hypertension in broilers.

Transcriptomic Study on the Lungs of Broilers with Ascites Syndrome

Although broiler ascites syndrome (AS) has been extensively studied, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The lack of cardiopulmonary function in broilers causes relative hypoxia in the body; hence, the lung is the main target organ of AS. However, the transcriptome of AS lung tissue in broilers has not been studied. In this study, an AS model was successfully constructed, and lung tissues of three AS broilers and three healthy broilers were obtained for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and pathological observation. The results showed that 614 genes were up-regulated and 828 genes were down-regulated in the AS group compared with the normal group. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation revealed the following up-regulated genes: FABP4, APLN, EIF2AK4, HMOX1, MMP9, THBS1, TLR4, BCL2; and down-regulated genes: APELA, FGF7, WNT5A, CDK6, IL7, IL7R, APLNR. These genes have attracted much attention in cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that multiple metabolic processes were enriched, indicating abnormal lung metabolism of AS in broilers. These findings elucidate the potential genes and signal pathways in the lungs of broilers with AS and provide a potential target for studying the pathogenesis and preventing AS.

Metabolomic Analysis Uncovers Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism Disturbance During the Development of Ascites in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Ascites is one of the most common complications of cirrhosis, and there is a dearth of knowledge about ascites-related pathologic metabolism. In this study, 122 alcoholic liver disease (ALD) patients, including 49 cases without ascites, 18 cases with mild-ascites, and 55 cases with large-ascites (1) were established according to the International Ascites Club (2), and untargeted metabolomics coupled with pattern recognition approaches were performed to profile and extract metabolite signatures. A total of 553 metabolites were uniquely discovered in patients with ascites, of which 136 metabolites had been annotated in the human metabolome database. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis was used to further identify 21 ascites-related fingerprints. The eigenmetabolite calculated by reducing the dimensions of the 21 metabolites could be used to effectively identify those ALD patients with or without ascites. The eigenmetabolite showed a decreasing trend during ascites production and accumulation and was negatively related to the disease progress. These metabolic fingerprints mainly belong to the metabolites in lipid metabolism and the amino acid pathway. The results imply that lipid and amino acid metabolism disturbance may play a critical role in the development of ascites in ALD patients and could be a potent prognosis marker.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Vibrio Tolerance in Ruditapes philippinarum Revealed by Comparative Transcriptome Profiling

The clam Ruditapes philippinarum is an important species in the marine aquaculture industry in China. However, in recent years, the aquaculture of R. philippinarum has been negatively impacted by various bacterial pathogens. In this study, the transcriptome libraries of R. philippinarum showing different levels of resistance to challenge with Vibrio anguillarum were constructed and RNA-seq was performed using the Illumina sequencing platform. Host immune factors were identified that responded to V. anguillarum infection, including C-type lectin domain, glutathione S-transferase 9, lysozyme, methyltransferase FkbM domain, heat shock 70 kDa protein, Ras-like GTP-binding protein RHO, C1q, F-box and BTB/POZ domain protein zf-C2H2. Ten genes were selected and verified by RT-qPCR, and nine of the gene expression results were consistent with those of RNA-seq. The lectin gene in the phagosome pathway was expressed at a significantly higher level after V. anguillarum infection, which might indicate the role of lectin in the immune response to V. anguillarum. Comparing the results from R. philippinarum resistant and nonresistant to V. anguillarum increases our understanding of the resistant genes and key pathways related to Vibrio challenge in this species. The results obtained here provide a reference for future immunological research focusing on the response of R. philippinarum to V. anguillarum infection.

Stress Reactivity, Susceptibility to Hypertension, and Differential Expression of Genes in Hypertensive Compared to Normotensive Patients

Although half of hypertensive patients have hypertensive parents, known hypertension-related human loci identified by genome-wide analysis explain only 3% of hypertension heredity. Therefore, mainstream transcriptome profiling of hypertensive subjects addresses differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to gender, age, and comorbidities in accordance with predictive preventive personalized participatory medicine treating patients according to their symptoms, individual lifestyle, and genetic background. Within this mainstream paradigm, here, we determined whether, among the known hypertension-related DEGs that we could find, there is any genome-wide hypertension theranostic molecular marker applicable to everyone, everywhere, anytime. Therefore, we sequenced the hippocampal transcriptome of tame and aggressive rats, corresponding to low and high stress reactivity, an increase of which raises hypertensive risk; we identified stress-reactivity-related rat DEGs and compared them with their known homologous hypertension-related animal DEGs. This yielded significant correlations between stress reactivity-related and hypertension-related fold changes (log2 values) of these DEG homologs. We found principal components, PC1 and PC2, corresponding to a half-difference and half-sum of these log2 values. Using the DEGs of hypertensive versus normotensive patients (as the control), we verified the correlations and principal components. This analysis highlighted downregulation of β-protocadherins and hemoglobin as whole-genome hypertension theranostic molecular markers associated with a wide vascular inner diameter and low blood viscosity, respectively.

Preparation of a JAZF1 protein polyclonal antibody and its potential role in broiler ascites syndrome

As a novel functional protein, juxtaposed with another zinc finger protein 1 (JAZF1) can regulate the growth and apoptosis through various pathways, and maintain the body's normal physiological metabolism. To explore the important role of JAZF1 in broiler ascites syndrome (BAS), we analysed the expression and distribution of the protein in poultry and mammal tissues based on the prepared polyclonal antibody. In this study, the recombinant plasmid PET32a-JAZF1 was constructed by TA cloning, subcloning and other technical methods, and the fusion protein His-JAZF1 was successfully expressed. After purification, His-JAZF1 was used as the antigen to prepare high-quality chicken-derived antibodies. Subsequently, the results showed that JAZF1 protein in broiler tissues could be specifically recognized by this antibody. Immunofluorescence showed that JAZF1 protein mainly exists in the cytoplasm of pulmonary artery, liver, kidney, heart and lung tissue cells of various animals. The expression of this protein was more obvious in broiler and duck tissues than in mammalian tissues. In addition, western blotting combined with immunofluorescence showed that BAS caused a significant decrease in JAZF1 protein in tissue cells. This effect further indicated that JAZF1 protein was closely related to the occurrence of BAS and provided a new entry point for the functional study of JAZF1 protein.

Salt-contaminated water inducing pulmonary hypertension and kidney damage by increasing Ang II concentration in broilers

NaCl is the main component of freshwater salinization. High NaCl concentration in drinking water can cause pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) and kidney damage in broilers. To explore the effect of NaCl in drinking water on broilers' kidneys, this study divided 80 chickens into four groups. With the control group fed with pure water, broiler chickens were fed with fresh water (FW, NaCl 1 g/L), low salt-contaminated water (L-SCW, NaCl 2.5 g/L), and high salt-contaminated water (H-SCW, NaCl 5 g/L). The results show that ascites heart index (AHI) and hematocrit (HCT) of broilers increase in L-SCW and H-SCW, the serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine of broilers increase significantly, the kidney index increases, the kidney sections show vacuolar degeneration and fibrotic degeneration, and the TUNEL results show that the kidneys possess obvious apoptosis. In addition, the detection of RAAS-related genes (AGT gene in the liver, REN in the kidney, ACE in the lung) demonstrates that after using salt-contaminated water, the transcription levels of AGT, REN, and ACE rise significantly, and the concentration of angiotensin II (Ang II) also increases significantly. In order to verify the effect of Ang II on broiler kidneys, this research used exogenous Ang II to treat chicken embryonic kidney (CEK) cells. The results show that the cell activity of CEK decreased with the increase of the concentration of exogenous Ang II. Meanwhile, the flow cytometry assay shows that Ang II could promote the apoptosis of CEK cells. These results indicate that the salt-contaminated water can aggravate PHS and cause kidney damage. The mechanism may be related to the increase of Ang II.

Preparation of ribosomal protein S14 polyclonal antibody in broiler pulmonary artery: Its application in broiler ascites syndrome

RPS14 (ribosomal protein S14) gene maintains the normal physiological activities of the body by regulating the biosynthesis of ribosomes and the translation of important proteins. This study aims to explore the potential role of RPS14 in broiler ascites syndrome (BAS). We successfully prepared polyclonal antibody against RPS14 and studied the localization and expression of RPS14 protein in a variety of animal key tissues. In this experiment, the recombinant expression plasmid PET28a-RPS14 was constructed using the prokaryotic expression technology of foreign genes. Under the conditions of IPTG induction, a His-RPS14 protein with a molecular weight of about 22 kDa was expressed, and the purified recombinant protein was used as an antigen to prepare rabbit anti-chicken serum. Western blot results showed that the serum could specifically identify RPS14 protein in important tissues of broilers. Immunofluorescence combined with homology analysis showed that the antiserum had significant species specificity. Compared with other species, the expression of this protein in key tissues of broilers and ducks was more significant. More importantly, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that BAS significantly reduced the expression level of RPS14. This further indicated that RPS14 protein can be used as one of the important entry points for BAS research.

Direct and indirect contributions of molecular genetics to farm animal welfare: a review

Since domestication, farm animals have played a key role to increase the prosperity of humankind, while animal welfare (AW) is debated even today. This paper aims to comprehensively review the contributions of developing molecular genetics to farm animal welfare (FAW) and to raise awareness among both scientists and farmers about AW. Welfare is a complex trait affected by genetic structure and environmental factors. Therefore, the best welfare status can be achieved not only to enhance environmental factors such as management and feeding practices, but also the genetic structure of animals must be improved. In this regard, advances in molecular genetics have made great contributions to improve the genetic structure of farm animals, which has increased AW. Today, by sequencing and/or molecular markers, genetic diseases may be detected and eliminated in local herds. Additionally, genes related to diseases or adaptations are investigated by molecular techniques, and the frequencies of desired genotypes are increased in farm animals to keep welfare at an optimized level. Furthermore, stress on animals can be reduced with DNA extraction from stool and feather samples which reduces physical contact between animals and veterinarians. Together with molecular genetics, advances in genome editing tools and biotechnology are promising to improve FAW in the future.

Spermine-Related DNA Hypermethylation and Elevated Expression of Genes for Collagen Formation are Susceptible Factors for Chemotherapy-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome in Chinese Colorectal Cancer Patients

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common capecitabine-based chemotherapy-related adverse event (CRAE) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). It is of great significance to comprehensively identify susceptible factors for HFS, and further to elucidate the biomolecular mechanism of HFS susceptibility. We performed an untargeted multi-omics analysis integrating DNA methylation, transcriptome, and metabolome data of 63 Chinese CRC patients who had complete CRAE records during capecitabine-based chemotherapy. We found that the metabolome changes for each of matched plasma, urine, and normal colorectal tissue (CRT) in relation to HFS were characterized by chronic tissue damage, which was indicated by reduced nucleotide salvage, elevated spermine level, and increased production of endogenous cytotoxic metabolites. HFS-related transcriptome changes of CRT showed an overall suppressed inflammation profile but increased M2 macrophage polarization. HFS-related DNA methylation of CRT presented gene-specific hypermethylation on genes mainly for collagen formation. The hypermethylation was accumulated in the opensea and shore regions, which elicited a positive effect on gene expression. Additionally, we developed and validated models combining relevant biomarkers showing reasonably good discrimination performance with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values from 0.833 to 0.955. Our results demonstrated that the multi-omics variations associated with a profibrotic phenotype were closely related to HFS susceptibility. HFS-related biomolecular variations in CRT contributed more to the relevant biomolecular mechanism of HFS than in plasma and urine. Spermine-related DNA hypermethylation and elevated expression of genes for collagen formation were closely associated with HFS susceptibility. These findings provided new insights into the susceptible factors for chemotherapy-induced HFS, which can promote the implementation of individualized treatment against HFS.

The dopamine receptor D4 regulates the proliferation of pulmonary arteries smooth muscle in broilers by downregulating AT1R

The major cause of pulmonary vascular remodeling in broilers is abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and one of the main causes of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broilers is pulmonary artery vascular remodeling. Forty Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): a control group (deionized water, 0 g/L NaCl), a freshwater group (FW, deionized water + 1 g/L NaCl), highly salinized freshwater group 1 (H-SFW-1, deionized water + 2.5 g/L NaCl) and highly salinized freshwater group 2 (H-SFW-2, deionized water + 5 g/L NaCl). The results of in vivo experiments showed that vascular smooth muscle of the broilers could be significantly proliferated by intake of high-salinity fresh water (H-SFW-1 & H-SFW-2), which significantly increased the content of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor protein. Meanwhile, it significantly decreased the expression of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) protein. The results of in vitro experiments showed that exogenous Ang II induced the proliferation of primary VSMCs in broilers, which could be significantly inhibited by DRD4 agonists (D4A, HY-101384A) and enhanced by DRD4 inhibitors (D4I, HY-B0965). In addition, the results of immunoblotting and fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that AT1 receptors could be negatively regulated by DRD4 in VSMCs of broilers, either at the transcriptional or translational level. At the same time, the expression of AT1 receptor could be increased by DRD4 inhibition by D4I and decreased by DRD4 activation by D4A. The negative regulatory effect of DRD4 on AT1 receptor occurred in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that long-term intake of highly salinized fresh water can cause PHS in broilers, accompanied by varying degrees of proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle. This mechanism may involve response of its receptor being induced by increased Ang II, while DRD4 can negatively regulate it.

New insights into the Manila clam and PAMPs interaction based on RNA-seq analysis of clam through in vitro challenges with LPS, PGN, and poly(I:C)

Background

Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is a worldwide commercially important marine bivalve species. In recent years, however, microbial diseases caused high economic losses and have received increasing attention. To understand the molecular basis of the immune response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in R. philippinarum, transcriptome libraries of clam hepatopancreas were constructed at 24 h post-injection with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control by using RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq).

Results

A total of 832, 839, and 188 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in LPS, PGN, and poly(I:C) challenge group compared with PBS control, respectively. Several immune-related genes and pathways were activated in response to the different PAMPs, suggesting these genes and pathways might specifically participate in the immune response to pathogens. Besides, the analyses provided useful complementary data to compare different PAMPs challenges in vivo. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs demonstrated that PAMPs responsive signal pathways were related to apoptosis, signal transduction, immune system, and signaling molecules and interaction. Several shared or specific DEGs response to different PAMPs were revealed in R. philippinarum, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), interferon-induced proteins (IFI), and some other immune-related genes were found in the present work.

Conclusions

This is the first study employing high throughput transcriptomic sequencing to provide valuable genomic resources and investigate Manila clam response to different PAMPs through in vivo challenges with LPS, PGN, and poly(I:C). The results obtained here provide new insights to understanding the immune characteristics of R. philippinarum response to different PAMPs. This information is critical to elucidate the molecular basis of R. philippinarum response to different pathogens invasion, which potentially can be used to develop effective control strategies for different pathogens.

Transcriptome-based screening of intracellular pathways and angiogenesis related genes at different stages of thiram induced tibial lesions in broiler chickens

Background

The Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in fast-growing chickens is mainly caused by improper blood circulation. The exact mechanism underlying angiogenesis and vascularization in tibial growth plate of broiler chickens remains unclear. Therefore, this research attempts to study genes involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in chicken red blood cells. Twenty-four broiler chickens were allotted into a control and thiram (Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide) group. Blood samples were collected on day 2, 6 (8- and 14-days old chickens) and 15 (23 days old chickens).

Results

Histopathology and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) results showed that angiogenesis decreased on the 6th day of the experiment but started to recover on the 15th day of the experiment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results confirmed the expressions of integrin alpha-v precursor (ITGAV) and clusterin precursor (CLU). Transcriptome sequencing analysis evaluated 293 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 103 up-regulated genes and 190 down-regulated genes were enriched in the pathways of neuroactive ligand receptor interaction, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ribosome, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and the notch signalling pathways. DEGs (n = 20) related to angiogenesis of chicken erythrocytes in the enriched pathways were thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R), interleukin-1 receptor type 1 precursor (IL1R1), ribosomal protein L17 (RPL17), integrin beta-3 precursor (ITGB3), ITGAV, integrin beta-2 precursor (ITGB2), ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), integrin alpha-2 (ITGA2), IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 2 (IQGAP2), ARF GTPase-activating protein (GIT1), proto-oncogene vav (VAV1), integrin alpha-IIb-like (ITGA5), ras-related protein Rap-1b precursor (RAP1B), tyrosine protein kinase Fyn-like (FYN), tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11), protein patched homolog 1 (PTCH1), nuclear receptor corepressor 2 (NCOR2) and mastermind like protein 3 (MAML3) selected for further confirmation with qPCR. However, commonly DEGs were sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 3 (ATP2A3), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 R2 (UBE2R2), centriole cilia and spindle-associated protein (CCSAP), coagulation factor XIII A chain protein (F13A1), shroom 2 isoform X6 (SHROOM2), ras GTPase-activating protein 3 (RASA3) and CLU.

Conclusion

We have found potential therapeutic genes concerned to erythrocytes and blood regulation, which regulated the angiogenesis in thiram induced TD chickens. This study also revealed the potential functions of erythrocytes.

Graphical abstract

1. Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in chickens were more on day 6, which started recovering on day 15. 2. The enriched pathway observed in TD chickens on day 6 was ribosome pathway, on day 15 were regulation of actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion pathway. 3. The genes involved in the ribosome pathways was ribosomal protein L17 (RPL17). regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway were Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), Ras-related protein Rap-1b precursor (RAP1B), ARF GTPase-activating protein (GIT1), IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 2 (IQGAP2), Integrin alpha-v precursor (ITGAV), Integrin alpha-2 (ITGA2), Integrin beta-2 precursor (ITGB2), Integrin beta-3 precursor (ITGB3), Integrin alpha-IIb-like (ITGA5). Focal adhesion Proto-oncogene vav (Vav-like), Tyrosine-protein kinase Fyn-like (FYN).

A Multi-Omics Study of Chicken Infected by Nephropathogenic Infectious Bronchitis Virus

Chicken gout resulting from nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (NIBV) has become a serious kidney disease problem in chicken worldwide with alterations of the metabolic phenotypes in multiple metabolic pathways. To investigate the mechanisms in chicken responding to NIBV infection, we examined the global transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of the chicken’s kidney using RNA-seq and GC–TOF/MS, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed the alterations in cecal microorganism composition in chickens using 16S rRNA-seq. Integrated analysis of these three phenotypic datasets further managed to create correlations between the altered kidney transcriptomes and metabolome, and between kidney metabolome and gut microbiome. We found that 2868 genes and 160 metabolites were deferentially expressed or accumulated in the kidney during NIBV infection processes. These genes and metabolites were linked to NIBV-infection related processes, including immune response, signal transduction, peroxisome, purine, and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the comprehensive correlations between the kidney metabolome and cecal microbial community showed contributions of gut microbiota in the progression of NIBV-infection. Taken together, our research comprehensively describes the host responses during NIBV infection and provides new clues for further dissection of specific gene functions, metabolite affections, and the role of gut microbiota during chicken gout.

Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed the improved β-carotene production in Sporidiobolus pararoseus yellow mutant MuY9

Carotenoids are ubiquitous constituents of living organisms. These structurally diverse pigments have received considerable attention due to their biotechnological applications and potential beneficial effects on human health. In this study, we characterized an over-producing β-carotene mutant of Sporidiobolus pararoseus, obtained by ultraviolet mutagenesis, named MuY9. We compared the transcriptome between the wild-type and MuY9. A total of 348 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were found, and only one DEG crtYB is involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. The overproduction of β-carotene in MuY9 should be attributed to the up-regulation of crtYB. Functional identification of crtYB was performed using heterologous complementation in Escherichia coli. Our findings indicate that the enzymatic conversions of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to phytoene, as well as lycopene to β-carotene, are catalyzed by this CrtYB. Furthermore, our insights into the crtYB gene should facilitate a more detailed understanding of the carotenogenic pathway in S. pararoseus, and advance the development of the genetic engineering for the bio-production of carotenoids.

Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Oxidative Damage Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in Chicken Splenic Lymphocytes

Previous investigation showed that ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Mey has antioxidative effect on oxidative stress in chickens. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Rg1 on chicken lymphocytes against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and the potential mechanisms. Cell viability, apoptotic cells, malondialdehyde, activity of superoxide dismutase, mitochondrial membrane potential, and [Ca²⁺]i concentration were measured, and transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the effect of Rg1 on gene expression of the cells. The results showed that treatment of lymphocytes with H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, pretreatment of the cells with Rg1 dramatically enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptotic cells, and decreased oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. In addition, Rg1 reduced these H₂O₂-dependent decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and reversed [Ca²⁺]i overload. Transcriptome analysis showed that 323 genes were downregulated and 105 genes were upregulated in Rg1-treated cells. The differentially expressed genes were involved in Toll-like receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. The present study indicated that Rg1 may act as an antioxidative agent to protect cell damage caused by oxidative stress via regulating expression of genes such as RELT, EDA2R, and TLR4.

Ubiquitous and cell type-specific transcriptomic changes triggered by dissipation of monovalent cation gradients in rodent cells: Physiological and pathophysiological implications

Elevation of [Na⁺]_i/[K⁺]_i-ratio is considered as one of the major signals triggering transcriptomic changes in various cells types. In this study, we identified ubiquitous and cell type-specific [Formula: see text] -sensitive genes by comparative analysis of transcriptomic changes in ouabain-treated rat aorta smooth muscle cells and rat aorta endothelial cells (RASMC and RAEC, respectively), rat cerebellar granule cells (RCGC), and mouse C2C12 myoblasts. Exposure of the cells to ouabain increased intracellular Na⁺ content by ~14, 8, 7, and 6-fold and resulted in appearance of 7577, 2698, 2120, and 1146 differentially expressed transcripts in RAEC, RASMC, C2C12, and RCGC, respectively. Eighty-three genes were found as the intersection of the four sets of identified transcripts corresponding to each cell type and are classified as ubiquitous. Among the 10 top upregulated ubiquitous transcripts are the following: Dusp6, Plk3, Trib1, Ccl7, Mafk, Atf3, Ptgs2, Cxcl1, Spry4, and Coq10b. Unique transcripts whose expression is cell-specific include 4897, 1523, 789, and 494 transcripts for RAEC, RASMC, C2C12, and RCGC, respectively. The role of gene expression and signal pathways induced by dissipation of transmembrane gradient of monovalent cations in the development of various diseases is discussed with special attention to cardiovascular and pulmonary illnesses.

The comparative analysis of phenotypic and whole transcriptome gene expression data of ascites susceptible versus ascites resistant chickens

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disorder that mainly occurs at later ages of meat-type chickens. Despite many research, there is no consensus about the origin of this syndrome. Our main purpose were to investigate the syndrome using both phenotypic and RNA-Seq data to elucidate the most causative factors predisposing the birds to AS. Phenotypic data analysis showed that AS indicator traits (AITs) were moderate to high heritable. Inexistence of consistent direct genetic correlation between AITs and growth related traits, indicated that neither faster growth rate nor heavier body weight is the most causative factor affecting the susceptibility of broilers to AS. However, respiratory capacity was revealed to be the most probable factor predisposing the birds to AS, as both lung weight and lung percentage were negatively correlated with AITs. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed 125 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the ascitic and healthy groups. Up-regulated genes in ascitic group enriched mainly in gas transport biological process, while down-regulated genes involved in defense response to bacteria, biological adhesion, cell adhesion, killing of cells of another organism and cell division. Genetic association of the DEGs with human cardiovascular diseases suggested excessive heart problems of the ascitic chicks. Heart is, probably, the first tissue suffering from the incompetence of small respiratory system of the AS-susceptible chickens. In other word, tissue hypoxia, that causes free radicals to concentrate in heart cells, may be the commencement of events that finally result to heart failure, suffocation and death of chicks due to the AS.

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs and mRNAs in pulmonary artery remodeling in ascites syndrome in broiler chickens

Ascites syndrome (AS), also known as pulmonary artery hypertension, remains a challenging disease that severely affects both humans and broiler chickens. Pulmonary artery remodeling presents a key step in the development of AS. In this study, we obtained pulmonary artery tissues from broilers with and without AS to perform miRNA sequencing analysis, miRNA-mRNA association analysis and pathological examinations. 29 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were found both in known and novel miRNAs with 18 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated miRNAs. Their predicted potential targets were involved in a wide range of functional clusters as indicated via GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses. The upregulation of miR-155, miR-23b-3p, miR-146b-5p and miR-146b-3p were found closely associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery remodeling in AS progression. The association analysis for the miRNAs-mRNAs showed that these 29 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs regulate 162 differentially expressed target genes. Among them, 20 miRNAs correlated with 18 predicted target genes that appear to be involved in pulmonary artery remodeling, mainly in three broad physiological processes: the hypoxia sensing response (HIF1α, NHE1, STAT5 and STAT3), endothelial permeability dysfunction (CD44, TRAF2, CDK2AP1, LZTFL1, JAZF1, PEBP1, LRP1B, RPS14 and THBS2) and inflammation (MEOX2, STAT5, STAT3, IRF8, MAP3K8, IL-1BETA and TNFRSF1B). Pathological pulmonary artery remodeling in the AS broilers was consistently observed in the present study. Taken together, the current analysis further illuminates the molecular mechanism of pulmonary artery remodeling underlying AS progression.

Gene expression profiles and signaling mechanisms in α2B-adrenoceptor-evoked proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

α2-adrenoceptors are important regulators of vascular tone and blood pressure. Regulation of cell proliferation is a less well investigated consequence of α2-adrenoceptor activation. We have previously shown that α2B-adrenoceptor activation stimulates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This may be important for blood vessel development and plasticity and for the pathology and therapeutics of cardiovascular disorders. The underlying cellular mechanisms have remained mostly unknown. This study explored pathways of regulation of gene expression and intracellular signaling related to α2B-adrenoceptor-evoked VSMC proliferation.

RESULTS

The cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways of α2B-adrenoceptor-evoked proliferation of VSMCs are complex and include redundancy. Functional enrichment analysis and pathway analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with α2B-adrenoceptor-regulated VSMC proliferation. They included the upregulated genes Egr1, F3, Ptgs2 and Serpine1 and the downregulated genes Cx3cl1, Cav1, Rhoa, Nppb and Prrx1. The most highly upregulated gene, Lypd8, represents a novel finding in the VSMC context. Inhibitor library screening and kinase activity profiling were applied to identify kinases in the involved signaling pathways. Putative upstream kinases identified by two different screens included PKC, Raf-1, Src, the MAP kinases p38 and JNK and the receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and HGF/HGFR. As a novel finding, the Src family kinase Lyn was also identified as a putative upstream kinase.

CONCLUSIONS

α2B-adrenoceptors may mediate their pro-proliferative effects in VSMCs by promoting the activity of bFGF and PDGF and the growth factor receptors EGFR, HGFR and VEGFR-1/2. The Src family kinase Lyn was also identified as a putative upstream kinase. Lyn is known to be expressed in VSMCs and has been identified as an important regulator of GPCR trafficking and GPCR effects on cell proliferation. Identified Ser/Thr kinases included several PKC isoforms and the β-adrenoceptor kinases 1 and 2. Cross-talk between the signaling mechanisms involved in α2B-adrenoceptor-evoked VSMC proliferation thus appears to involve PKC activation, subsequent changes in gene expression, transactivation of EGFR, and modulation of kinase activities and growth factor-mediated signaling. While many of the identified individual signals were relatively small in terms of effect size, many of them were validated by combining pathway analysis and our integrated screening approach.