Protective effects of calbindin‑D28K on the UVB radiation‑induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells

Candidate genes identification and RNA-seq based pathway analysis associated with primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract

BACKGROUND

Cataract is commonly observed in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma; however, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to improve our knowledge on the pathological processes involved in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) by identifying potential prognostic genes associated with cataract progression.

METHODS

Thirty anterior capsular membrane samples were collected from PACG patients with cataracts and age-related cataracts. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two cohorts were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to screen the DEGs, and potential prognostic markers and their coexpression network were then predicted by bioinformatic analyses. The DEGs were further validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

A total of 399 DEGs were found to be specifically associated with cataracts development in PACG patients, among which 177 and 221 DEGs were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. STRING and Cytoscape network analyses revealed seven genes-CTGF, FOS, CAV1, CYR61, ICAM1, EGR1, and NR4A1-that were remarkably enriched and mainly involved in the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Toll-like receptor, and TNF signaling pathways. RT-qPCR-based validation further confirmed that the sequencing results were accurate and reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we identified seven genes and their signaling pathways that may contribute to cataract progression in patients with high intraocular pressure. Taken together, our findings highlight new molecular mechanisms that may explain the high incidence of cataracts in PACG patients. In addition, the genes identified herein may represent new foundations for the development of therapeutic strategies for PACG with cataract.

The Nero Lucano Pig Breed: Recovery and Variability

Simple Summary

The reduction of biodiversity determines the loss of species and breeds, with the consequent disappearance of production systems, knowledge, cultures and local traditions. The Nero Lucano pig is a native breed of Southern Italy (Basilicata region) recovered, starting from 2001, because of the high quality of its cured meat products. This study gives a picture of the low genetic variability of this breed. Knowledge of individual inbreeding levels allows for planning of interventions to reduce the negative effects of the low effective population size and, then, improve the efficiency of the actual recovery project.

Abstract

The Nero Lucano (NL) pig is a black coat colored breed characterized by a remarkable ability to adapt to the difficult territory and climatic conditions of Basilicata region in Southern Italy. In the second half of the twentieth century, technological innovation, agricultural evolution, new breeding methods and the demand for increasingly lean meat brought the breed almost to extinction. Only in 2001, thanks to local institutions such as: the Basilicata Region, the University of Basilicata, the Regional Breeders Association and the Medio Basento mountain community, the NL pig returned to populate the area with the consequent possibility to appreciate again its specific cured meat products. We analyzed the pedigrees recorded by the breeders and the Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChip genotypes in order to obtain the genetic structure of the NL pig. Results evidenced that this population is characterized by long mean generation intervals (up to 3.5 yr), low effective population size (down to 7.2) and high mean inbreeding coefficients (F_MOL = 0.53, F_ROH = 0.39). This picture highlights the low level of genetic variability and the critical issues to be faced for the complete recovery of this population.