Analysis of genes and underlying mechanisms involved in foam cells formation and atherosclerosis development

Background Foam cells (FCs) play crucial roles in the process of all stages of atherosclerosis. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and macrophages are the major sources of FCs. This study aimed to identify the common molecular mechanism in these two types of FCs. Methods GSE28829, GSE43292, GSE68021, and GSE54666 were included to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with FCs derived from SMCs and macrophages. Gene Ontology biological process (GO-BP) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed by using the DAVID database. The co-regulated genes associated with the two origins of FCs were validated (GSE9874), and their expression in vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques (GSE120521 and GSE41571) was assessed. Results A total of 432 genes associated with FCs derived from SMCs (SMC-FCs) and 81 genes associated with FCs derived from macrophages (M-FCs) were identified, and they were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell cycle/apoptosis. Furthermore, three co-regulated genes associated with FCs were identified: GLRX, RNF13, and ABCA1. These three common genes showed an increased tendency in unstable or ruptured plaques, although in some cases, no statistically significant difference was found. Conclusions DEGs related to FCs derived from SMCs and macrophages have contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the formation of FCs and atherosclerosis. GLRX, RNF13, and ABCA1 might be potential targets for atherosclerosis treatment.

Coenzyme and cofactor metabolism belongs to biochemical processes significantly regulated in human granulosa cells collected after IVF during long-term primary in vitro culture

Granulosa cells (GCs) provide the microenvironment necessary for the development of the follicle and the maturation of the oocyte. GCs are associated with reproductive system function and the maintenance of pregnancy by participating in the synthesis of steroid hormones. Many authors point to new ways of using GCs in regenerative medicine and indicate the significant plasticity of this cell population, suggesting that GCs can undergo a transdifferentiation process. Employing primary in vitro cell cultures and high-throughput transcriptome analysis via Affymetrix microarrays, this study describes groups of genes associated with enzymatic reactions. 52 genes were identified belonging to four gene ontology biological process terms (GO BP): “coenzyme biosynthetic process”, “coenzyme metabolic process”, “cofactor biosynthetic process” and “cofactor metabolic process”. All identified genes showed reduction in the level of mRNA expression during long-term in vitro cultivation. Significanthe transcriptomic profile variability was exhibited for the genes (ELOVL5, ELOVL6 and GPAM) involved in enzymatic regulation of fatty acid metabolism.Running title: Enzymatic regulation in granulosa cells

Nucleotide, ribonucleotide and ribonucleoside binding belongs to differentially expressed genes in porcine epithelial oviductal cells during longterm primary cultivation

The oviduct play a crucial role in reproductive process, through facilitating successful embryo growth and conception. Oviduct activity is orchestrated by various factors, depending on cyclic dynamics, which crucially affect the success of reproductive function. The morphological modifications of oviducts in response to the female reproductive cycle are well established. However, detailed characterization at the molecular level is still needed. The present study, employed primary in vitro cell cultures and high-throughput transcriptome analysis via an Affymetrix microarray approach, described nucleotide, ribonucleotide and ribonucleoside binding patterns at a molecular level in oviduct epithelial cells (OECs). 222 genes were targeted belonging to four gene ontology biological process terms (GO BP): “adenyl nucleotide binding”, “adenyl ribonucleotide binding”, “ribonucleotide binding”, “ribonucleoside binding”, which showed the greatest variability in the level of mRNA expression during of long-term cultivation. In this group of genes, special attention was paid to those showing the greatest variability in relation to the reference measurement, including OASL, PIM1, ACTA2 and ABCA1.Running title: Oviductal nucleotide and nucleoside binding patterns