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Biology subjects

Hoang, T. V.

Publications and source records attributed to Hoang, T. V..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

miR-26 deficiency causes alterations in lens transcriptome and results in adult-onset cataract

PurposeDespite strong evidence demonstrating that normal lens development requires regulation governed by miRNAs, the functional role of specific miRNAs in mammalian lens development remains largely unexplored. MethodsA comprehensive analysis of miRNA transcripts in the newborn mouse lens, exploring both differential expression between lens epithelial cells and lens fiber cells and overall miRNA abundance was conducted by miRNA-seq. Mouse lenses lacking each of three abundantly expressed lens miRNAs: miR-184, miR-26 and miR-1 were analyzed to explore the role of these miRNAs in lens development. ResultsMice lacking all three copies of miR-26 (miR-26TKO) developed postnatal cataracts as early as 4-6 weeks of age. RNA-seq analysis of neonatal lenses from miR-26TKO mice exhibited abnormal reduced expression of a cohort of genes found to be lens-enriched and linked to cataract (e.g. Foxe3, Hsf4, Mip, Tdrd7, and numerous crystallin genes), and abnormal elevated expression of genes related to neural development (Lhx3, Neurod4, Shisa7, Elavl3), inflammation (Ccr1, Tnfrsf12a, Csf2ra), the complement pathway, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (Tnfrsf1a, Ccl7, Stat3, Cntfr). ConclusionmiR-1, miR-184 and miR-26 are each dispensable for normal embryonic lens development. However, loss of miR-26 causes lens transcriptome changes and drives cataract formation.

developmental biology↗

NFkB-signaling suppresses Müller glia-mediated neuron regeneration in the mammalian retina

Muller glia (MG) in mammalian retinas are incapable of regenerating neurons after damage, whereas the MG in lower vertebrates regenerate functional neurons. Identification networks that regulate MG-mediated regeneration is key to harnessing the regenerative potential of MG. Here we study how NFkB-signaling influences glial responses to damage and reprogramming of MG into neurons in the rodent retina. We find activation of NFkB and dynamic expression of NFkB-associated genes in MG after damage, however NFkB activity is inhibited by microglia ablation. Knockout of NFkB in MG suppressed the accumulation of immune cells after damage. Inhibition of NFkB following NMDA-damage significantly enhanced the reprogramming of Ascl1-overexpressing MG into neuron-like cells. scRNA-seq of retinal glia following inhibition of NFkB reveals coordination with signaling via TGF{beta}2 and suppression of NFI and Id transcription factors. Inhibition of Smad3 or Id transcription factors increased numbers of neuron-like cells produced by Ascl1-overexpressing MG. We conclude that NFkB is a key signaling hub that is activated in MG after damage, mediates the accumulation of immune cells, and suppresses the neurogenic potential of MG.

neuroscience↗

NF-κB signaling regulates the formation of proliferating Muller glia-derived progenitor cells in the avian retina.

Neuronal regeneration in the retina is a robust, effective process in some cold-blooded vertebrates, but this process is ineffective in warm-blooded vertebrates. Understanding the mechanisms and cell-signaling pathways that restrict the reprogramming of Muller glia into proliferating neurogenic progenitors is key to harnessing the regenerative potential of the retina. Inflammation and reactive microglia are known to influence the formation of Muller glia-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs), but the mechanisms underlying this response are unknown. Using the chick retina in vivo as a model system, we investigate the role of the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-{kappa}B) signaling, a critical regulator of inflammation. We find that components of the NF-{kappa}B pathway are expressed by Muller glia and are dynamically regulated after neuronal damage or treatment with growth factors. Inhibition of NF-{kappa}B enhances, whereas activation suppresses the formation of proliferating MGPCs. Additionally, activation of NF-{kappa}B promotes glial differentiation from MGPCs in damaged retinas. With microglia ablated, the effects of NF-{kappa}B-agonists/antagonists on MGPC formation are reversed, suggesting that the context and timing of signals provided by reactive microglia influence how NF-{kappa}B-signaling impacts the reprogramming of Muller glia. We propose that NF-{kappa}B-signaling is an important signaling \"hub\" that suppresses the reprogramming of Muller glia into proliferating MGPCs and this \"hub\" coordinates signals provided by reactive microglia.

neuroscience↗

A systematic review of social contact surveys to inform transmission models of close contact infections

Social contact data are increasingly being used to inform models for infectious disease spread with the aim of guiding effective policies on disease prevention and control. In this paper, we undertake a systematic review of the study design, statistical analyses and outcomes of the many social contact surveys that have been published. Our primary focus is to identify the designs that have worked best and the most important determinants and to highlight the most robust [fi]ndings.\n\nTwo publicly accessible online databases were systematically searched for articles regarding social contact surveys. PRISMA guidelines were followed as closely as possible. In total, 64 social contact surveys were identi[fi]ed. These surveys were conducted in 24 countries, and more than 80% of the surveys were conducted in high-income countries. Study settings included general population (58%), schools/universities (37%) and health care/conference/research institutes (5%). The majority of studies did not focus on a speci[fi]c age group (38%), whereas others focused on adults (32%) or children (19%). Retrospective and prospective designs were used mostly (45% and 41% of the surveys, respectively) with 6% using both for comparison purposes. The de[fi]nition of a contact varied among surveys, e.g. a non-physical contact may require conversation, close proximity or both. Age, time schedule (e.g., weekday/weekend) and household size were identi[fi]ed as relevant determinants for contact pattern across a large number of studies. The surveys present a wide range of study designs. Throughout, we found that the overall contact patterns were remarkably robust for the study details. By considering the most common approach in each aspect of design (e.g., sampling schemes, data collection, de[fi]nition of contact), we could identify a common practice approach that can be used to facilitate comparison between studies and for benchmarking future studies.

epidemiology↗