Biology subjects

Rapp, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Rapp, K..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Transcriptional profiling of mucus production and modification in rhesus macaque endocervical cells under hormonal regulation

ObjectiveEndocervical mucus production is a key regulator of fertility throughout the menstrual cycle. With cycle-dependent variability in mucus quality and quantity, cervical mucus can either facilitate or block sperm ascension into the upper female reproductive tract. This study seeks to identify genes involved in the hormonal regulation of mucus production, modification, and regulation through profiling the transcriptome of endocervical cells from the non-human primate, the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta). DesignExperimental. SettingTranslational science laboratory. InterventionWe treated differentiated primary endocervical cultures with estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) to mimic peri-ovulatory and luteal-phase hormonal changes. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified differential expression of gene pathways and mucus producing and modifying genes in cells treated with E2 compared to hormone-free conditions and E2 compared to E2-primed cells treated with P4. Main Outcome MeasuresWe pursued differential gene expression analysis on RNA-sequenced cells. Sequence validation was done using qPCR. ResultsOur study identified 158 genes that show significant differential expression in E2-only conditions compared to hormone-free control, and 250 genes that show significant differential expression in P4-treated conditions compared to E2-only conditions. From this list, we found hormone-induced changes in transcriptional profiles for genes across several classes of mucus production, including ion channels and enzymes involved in post-translational mucin modification that have not previously been described as hormonally regulated. ConclusionOur study is the first to use an in vitro culture system to create an epithelial-cell specific transcriptome of the endocervix. As a result, our study identifies new genes and pathways that are altered by sex-steroids in cervical mucus production.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2023

LISTER: Semi-automatic metadata extraction from annotated experiment documentation in eLabFTW

The availability of scientific methods, code, and data is key for reproducing an experiment. Research data should be made available following the FAIR principle (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable). For that, the annotation of research data with metadata is central. However, existing research data management workflows often require that metadata should be created by the corresponding researchers, which takes effort and time. Here, we developed LISTER as a methodological and algorithmic solution to disentangle the creation of metadata from ontology alignment and extract metadata from annotated template-based experiment documentation using minimum effort. We focused on tailoring the integration between existing platforms by using eLabFTW as the electronic lab notebook and adopting the ISA (investigation, study, assay) model as the abstract data model framework; DSpace is used as a data cataloging platform. LISTER consists of three components: customized eLabFTW entries using specific hierarchies, templates, and tags; a container concept in eLabFTW, making metadata of a particular container content extractable along with its underlying, related containers; a Python-based app to enable easy-to-use, semi-automated metadata extraction from eLabFTW entries. LISTER outputs metadata as machine-readable .json and human-readable .csv formats, and MM descriptions in .docx format that could be used in a thesis or manuscript. The metadata can be used as a basis to create or extend ontologies, which, when applied to the published research data, will significantly enhance its value due to a more complete and holistic understanding of the data, but might also enable scientists to identify new connections and insights in their field. We applied LISTER to the fields of computational biophysical chemistry as well as protein biochemistry and molecular biology, and our concept should be extendable to other life science areas.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2022

Galanin Analogs Prevent Seizure-Induced Respiratory Arrest

ObjectiveSudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 20% of mortality in those with recurrent seizures. While risk factors, monitoring systems, and standard practices are in place, the pathophysiology of SUDEP is still not well understood. Better knowledge of SUDEP and its potential mechanisms of action is crucial to reducing risk in this patient population and developing potential treatment options. Clinical studies and animal models of SUDEP suggest that diminished post-ictal respiratory control may be the dominant mechanism contributing to mortality. Recently, it was demonstrated that the depletion of the neuropeptide galanin in the amygdala occurs in human SUDEP. The amygdala plays a key role in the central integration of respiratory signaling; the depletion of galanin may represent a critical change that predisposes individuals to SUDEP. MethodsTo evaluate the potential benefit of enhancing galaninergic signaling as a means to protect against SUDEP, we studied seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) following central (intracerebroventricular, intra-amygdala) and systemic (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous) administration of galanin agonists. Seizure naive and seizure experienced (fully kindled) mice were tested. ResultsCentral and systemically-administered galanin analogs protect against S-IRA in naive C57Bl/6J mice. Differential efficacy between receptor subtype-selective analogs varied based on the route of administration. Sub-chronic systemic administration at doses that reduced 6 Hz seizures also protected against S-IRA. Acute treatment benefits also extended to fully kindled mice subjected to tonic extension. SignificanceThese data demonstrate that galanin agonists may be protective against post-ictal respiratory collapse. KEY POINTSO_LICentral and systemic galanin agonists prevent seizure-induced respiratory arrest. C_LIO_LIEfficacy was observed in three separate mouse strains under various experimental conditions. C_LIO_LISub-chronic administration demonstrated galanin agonist protection against respiratory arrest. C_LIO_LIAcute systemic administration also conferred protection against respiratory arrest following tonic extension. C_LIO_LIGalanin analogs may represent a novel potential therapy in SUDEP-susceptible individuals. C_LI

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2020

A Pathoconnectome of Early Neurodegeneration

Connectomics has demonstrated that synaptic networks and their topologies are precise and directly correlate with physiology and behavior. The next extension of connectomics is pathoconnectomics: to map neural network synaptology and circuit topologies corrupted by neurological disease in order to identify robust targets for therapeutics. In this report, we characterize the first pathoconnectome, in this case, generated from a retina with photoreceptor degeneration. We observe aberrant connectivity in the rod-network pathway and novel synaptic connections deriving from neurite sprouting. These observations reveal principles of neuron responses to the loss of network components and can be extended to other neurodegenerative diseases.

neuroscience↗