RNA-sequencing expression profile and functional analysis of retinal pigment epithelium in atrophic age-related macular degeneration

The retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)is fundamental to sustaining retinal homeostasis.RPE abnormality leads to visual defects and blindness,including age-related macular degeneration(AMD).Although breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of neovascular AMD,effective intervention for atrophic AMD is largely absent.The adequate knowledge of RPE pathology is hindered by a lack of the patients'RPE datasets,especially at the single-cell resolution.In the current study,we delved into a large-scale single-cell resource of AMD donors,in which RPE cells were occupied in a substantial proportion.Bulk RNA-seq datasets of atrophic AMD were integrated to extract molecular characteristics of RPE in the pathogenesis of atrophic AMD.Both in vivo and in vitro models revealed that carboxypeptidase X,M14 family member 2(CPXM2),was specifically expressed in the RPE cells of atrophic AMD,which might be induced by oxidative stress and involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of RPE cells.Additionally,silencing of CPXM2 inhibited the mesenchymal phenotype of RPE cells in an oxidative stress cell model.Thus,our results demonstrated that CPXM2 played a crucial role in regulating atrophic AMD and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for atrophic AMD.

Combining single-cell RNA-sequencing and bulk data to reveal immunity-related genes expression pattern in the systemic lupus erythematosus and target organ kidney

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a complex chronic autoimmune disease with no known cure.However,the regulatory mechanism of immunity-related genes is not fully understood in SLE.In order to explore new therapeutic targets,we used bioinformatical methods to analyze a series of data.Methods:After downloading and processing the data from Gene Expression Omnibus database,the differentially expressed genes of SLE were analyzed.CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the immune infiltration of SLE.Based on single-cell RNA-sequencing data,the role of immune-related genes in SLE and its target organ(kidney)were analyzed.Key transcription factors affecting immune-related genes were identified.Cell-cell communication networks in SLE were analyzed.Results:In total,15 hub genes and 4 transcription factors were found in the bulk data.Monocytes and macrophages in GSE81622(SLE)showed more infiltration.There were four cell types were annotated in scRNA sequencing dataset(GSE135779),as follows T cells,monocyte,NK cells and B cells.Immunity-related genes were overexpressed in monocytes.Conclusion:The present study shows that immune-related genes affect SLE through monocytes and play an important role in target organ renal injury.

利用RNA-Sequencing鉴定大鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤模型中差异表达的基因

目的利用RNA-Sequencing方法,试图鉴定大鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤模型中差异表达的基因,为探讨脑缺血-再灌注损伤的分子机制提供实验依据。方法首先利用RNA-Sequencing方法初步鉴定大鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤模型中差异表达的基因,然后利用生物信息学方法对差异表达基因的功能进行预测分析;再利用RT-PCR和qRT-PCR方法进一步检测差异基因的表达变化。结果与对照组相比,脑缺血-再灌注损伤实验组共鉴定出182个基因差异表达,其中156个基因表达上调,26个基因表达下调;RT-PCR和qRT-PCR方法进一步验证其中3个基因表达上调,2个基因表达下调。结论利用RNA-Sequencing方法可以鉴定大鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤模型中差异表达的基因,表明这些基因可能参与了脑缺血-再灌注损伤,为进一步揭示脑缺血-再灌注损伤机制奠定了实验基础。

Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals the dynamic process and novel markers in porcine spermatogenesis

Background:Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes are formed from spermatogonial stem cells and it is essential for the reliable transmission of genetic information between generations.To date,the dynamic transcriptional changes of defined populations of male germ cells in pigs have not been reported.Results:To characterize the atlas of porcine spermatogenesis,we profiled the transcriptomes of~16,966 testicular cells from a 150-day-old pig testis through single-cell RNA-sequencing(scRNA-seq).The scRNA-seq analysis identified spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and three somatic cell types in porcine testes.The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these cell types played diverse roles in porcine spermatogenesis.The accuracy of the defined porcine germ cell types was further validated by comparing the data from scRNA-seq with those from bulk RNA-seq.Since we delineated four distinct spermatogonial subsets,we further identified CD99 and PODXL2 as novel cell surface markers for undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia,respectively.Conclusions:The present study has for the first time analyzed the transcriptome of male germ cells and somatic cells in porcine testes through scRNA-seq.Four subsets of spermatogonia were identified and two novel cell surface markers were discovered,which would be helpful for studies on spermatogonial differentiation in pigs.The datasets offer valuable information on porcine spermatogenesis,and pave the way for identification of key molecular markers involved in development of male germ cells.

ScRNA-seq reveals the correlation between M2 phenotype of tumorassociated macrophages and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer

The process of lymphatic metastasis was proved to be associated with podoplanin-expressing macrophages in breast cancer(BC).This study aimed to investigate the role of the M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages and mine the key M2 macrophages-related genes for lymph node metastasis in BC.We downloaded the GSE158399 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,which includes transcriptomic profiles of individual cells from primary tumors,negative lymph nodes(NLNs),and positive lymph nodes(PLNs)of breast cancer patients.The cell subsets were identified by clustering analysis after quality control of the scRNA-seq using Seurat.The activation and migration capability of M2 macrophages were evaluated with R package“GSVA”.The key M2 macrophages-related genes were screened from the differential expressed genes(DEGs)and M2 macrophages activation and migration gene sets collected from MSigDB database.Our analysis identified three main cell types in primary tumors,NLNs,and PLNs:basal cells,luminal cells,and immune cell subsets.The further cell type classification of immune cell subsets indicated M2 macrophages accumulation in NLs and PLs.The GSVA enrichment scores for activation and migration capability were increased significantly in M2 macrophages from primary tumors than NLNs and PLNs(pvalue<0.001).Seven M2 macrophages activation-related and 15 M2 macrophages migration-related genes were significantly up-regulated in primary tumors than NLNs and PLNs.The proportion and GSVA enrichment scores for activation and migration of M2 macrophages may be potential markers for lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.Our study demonstrated that twenty-two up-regulated mRNA may be possible therapeutic targets for lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Fast genetic mapping in barley:case studies of cuticle mutants using RNA-sequencing

Barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)is one of the earliest domesticated crop species and ranked as the fourth largest cereal production worldwide.Forward genetic studies in barley have greatly advanced plant genetics during the last century;however,most genes are identified by the conventional mapping method.Array genotyping and exome-capture sequencing have also been successfully used to target the causal mutation in barley populations,but these techniques are not widely adopted because of associated costs and partly due to the huge genome size of barley.This review summarizes three mapping cases of barley cuticle mutants in our laboratory with the help of RNA-sequencing.The causal mutations have been successfully identified for two of them and the target genes are located in the pericentromeric regions.Detailed information on the mapping-by-sequencing,mapping-and-sequencing,and RNA-sequencing assisted linkage mapping are presented and some limitations and challenges on the mapping assisted by RNA sequencing are also discussed.The alternative and elegant methods presented in this review may greatly accelerate forward genetics of barley mapping,especially for laboratories without large funding.

Integration of scRNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq to analyze the heterogeneity ofcolorectal cancer immune cells and establish a molecular risk model

Background:Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor that significantly impacts clinical diagnosis and treatment.Single-cell RNA sequencing is an innovative method for exploring tumor heterogeneity and understanding its role at cellular and genetic levels.Method:The colorectal cancer Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analysed on the immune.RNA-seq data in bulk form was utilized to assess the major genes of the immune cell subsets linked to CRC.We conducted an analysis of the abundance of immune cells in the microenvironment of CRC,and also performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis.Gene set enrichment analysis helped perform two analytical procedures of subtype groups.Furthermore,Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was employed to analyse and screen for a gene signature.Finally,quantitative PCR Was performed to detect the expression levels of signature genes in CRC.Results:The Single-cell RNA sequencing(GSE146771)dataset was integrated to obtain 9 cell clusters.The Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis showed that the related gene expression of T-cell subsets of different functional statuses could vary greatly between patients with GSE146771.Immune cell analysis of TCGA-CRC indicated an improved overall survival rate for patients with elevated Th2 cell abundance.Five-gene signature(Risk Score=-0.205×CDC25C-0.231×GSTCD-0.010×KPNA2-0.002×KIF15-0.171×ORC1)was developed by weighted correlation network analysis,and lasso Cox regression.Then,the risk prediction efficacy of the signature was validated in four GSE datasets.Furthermore,the expression of five genes was reduced in CRC tissue by quantitative PCR.Conclusion:Five-gene signature based on CRC heterogeneity was developed as a prognosis predictor,which can serve as a potential treatment target.

单细胞RNA测序在畜禽遗传育种中的研究进展

单细胞RNA测序(single cell RNA sequencing, scRNA-seq)是在单细胞水平上实现高通量测序的技术,可以用来研究特定细胞亚群基因表达的异质性,帮助我们识别未知或稀有的细胞类型,并为进一步的研究奠定基础。scRNA-seq技术的进步使其在肿瘤、临床医学和发育生物学等领域得到了广泛应用,但在畜禽育种中的研究还较少。本文介绍了scRNA-seq一般流程,着重阐述了其在畜禽的生殖分化、毛囊发育和肌肉生成等方面的研究现状以及前景,以期为scRNA-seq在畜禽遗传育种中的研究和应用提供理论依据。

单细胞RNA测序联合实验验证树突状细胞在慢性阻塞性肺疾病中的核心基因

目的 单细胞RNA测序(scRNA-Seq)联合实验验证树突状细胞在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)中的核心基因。方法从基因表达数据集(GEO)数据库下载单细胞数据GSE173896和芯片数据GSE38974。GSE173896进行质控、批次矫正、降维聚类、细胞类型注释及组间树突状细胞差异表达基因(DC-DEG)鉴定。GSE38974差异分析得到的差异基因(DEG)与DC-DEG取交集获取共有DC-DEG,评估共有DC-DEG对COPD的诊断效能和共有DC-DEG富集分析及其与GSE38974免疫细胞浸润中激活的树突状细胞(DC)、浆细胞样树突状细胞(pDC)和Th17细胞的相关性。肺气肿小鼠模型肺组织对共有DC-DEG的mRNA表达量进行实验验证。结果 GSE173896得到组间DC-DEG 18个,GSE38974得到646个DEG,两者取交集得到3个DC-DEG,包括白细胞介素1受体拮抗剂(IL1RN)、 S100钙结合蛋白A8(S100A8)和S100A9,曲线下面积(AUC)值分别为0.841、 0.804和0.966。基因本体论分析(GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)主要富集于慢性炎症反应、含胶原蛋白的细胞外基质、晚期糖基化终产物受体(RAGE)结合、 Toll样受体(TLR)结合、白细胞介素17(IL-17)信号通路等。IL1RN、 S100A8和S100A9均与激活的DC、 pDC及Th17细胞呈正相关。实验验证结果显示肺气肿小鼠肺组织IL1RN、 S100A8和S100A9的mRNA相对表达量上调。结论 IL1RN、 S100A8和S100A9可能是DC在COPD发病机制中的核心基因,为后续COPD的免疫治疗提供潜在靶点和理论依据。

Cotton ethylene response factor Gh ERF91 is involved in the defense against Verticillium dahliae

Verticillium dahliae causes significant losses in cotton production.To reveal the mechanism of the defense response to V.dahliae in cotton,transcriptomic analyses were performed using cotton cultivars M138(V.dahliae-resistant)and P2(V.dahliae-susceptible).The results revealed 11,076 and 6,640 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in response to V.dahliae,respectively.The weighted gene co-expression network analysis of 4,633 transcription factors(TFs)indicated a“MEblue”module containing 654 TFs that strongly correlate with resistance to V.dahliae.Among these TFs,the ethylene response factor Ghi_A05G10166(GhERF91)was identified as a putative hub gene with a defense response against V.dahliae.A virus-induced gene silencing assay and exogenous application of ethephon showed that GhERF91 is activated by ethylene and positively regulates the response to V.dahliae exposure in cotton.This study provides fundamental transcriptome data and a putative causal gene(GhERF91)associated with resistance to V.dahliae,as well as genetic resources for breeding V.dahliae-resistant cotton.

单细胞测序筛选原发和复发胶质母细胞瘤中恒定存在的胶质瘤细胞

目的:胶质母细胞瘤是成人最常见、侵袭性最强的原发性高致死性脑肿瘤。基因表达似乎是预测胶质母细胞瘤患者生存和治疗反应的重要因素。然而,不同患者之间肿瘤细胞的异质性可能会阻碍找到一种癌症的恒定治疗靶点,因为不仅ndGBM和rGBM之间的遗传谱不同,不同患者之间甚至同一患者的肿瘤细胞亚群之间的遗传谱也不同。因此,在不同的ndGBM和rGBM患者中发现一种恒定的肿瘤细胞类型可能是更好地治疗胶质母细胞瘤的一种潜在方法。本文通过单细胞测序(single-cell RNA sequencing, scRNA-seq)筛选恒定的肿瘤细胞类型,比较新诊断的胶质母细胞瘤(ndGBM)和复发性胶质母细胞瘤(rGBM)组的遗传机制。方法:从Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)数据库(GSE182109)下载3例ndGBM患者(3例样本)和2例rGBM患者(7例样本)胶质母细胞瘤样本的基因表达谱,并使用R包进行scRNA-seq。结果:共有59,400个胶母细胞瘤组织细胞及12,172个胶质瘤细胞最终通过质控,本研究成功筛选出了恒定的胶质瘤细胞亚型。此外,本研究还进行了拟时序分析、基因本体(Gene Ontology, GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG)富集分析、细胞–细胞相互作用和单细胞调控网络推测聚类。本研究还鉴定了ndGBM和rGBM组的关键基因基因和各组的不同功能。结论:本文筛选了WHO IV级、IDH野生型和甲基化的胶质母细胞瘤中存在于每个样本和每个发展阶段的一类肿瘤细胞亚型。进一步的研究需要通过分子实验来验证分子机制,并针对这些靶点开发诊断方法和药物治疗ndGBM和rGBM。

Dynamic transcriptome profiles and novel markers in bovine spermatogenesis revealed by single-cell sequencing

Testicular development is an important biological process in male and requires interaction between the male germ cells and somatic cells.However,the mechanisms of testicular development in livestock,particularly in cattle,are poorly understood.Furthermore,cellular heterogeneity hinders the profiling of different cell types at different developmental stages.In this study,we first performed a single-cell transcriptomic study of the bovine testis development during puberty by using 10×genomics single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq).By collecting the scRNA-seq data from 11,083 cells from prepubertal and pubertal bovine testes,a high-resolution scRNA-seq atlas was described,identifying 9 somatic and 13 spermatogenic clusters.We also distinguished several stage-specific marker genes for bovine germ cells and somatic cells,such as GRAF2 and MORC1 for SSC(spermatogonial stem cells),HJURP and TCF19 for differentiating spermatogonia,ARSE for immature Sertoli,CLEC12B for mature Sertoli,LOC112441470 for Leydig.In conclusion,we have examined the transcription levels and constructed the single-cell developmental maps of germ cells and somatic cells during testicular development in Angus cattle.The datasets provided new insights into spermatogenesis and testicular somatic cell development in cattle.

Single-cell analysis of tumor microenvironment and cell adhesion reveals that interleukin-1 beta promotes cancer cell proliferation in breast cancer

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC), which is so called because of the lack of estrogen receptors(ER), progesterone receptors(PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) receptors on the cancer cells, accounts for 10%–15% of all breast cancers. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment is high.However, the role of plasma cells controlling the tumor migration progression in TNBC is still not fully understood.Methods: We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from five HER2 positive, 12ER positive/PR positive, and nine TNBC samples. The potential targets were validated by immunohistochemistry.Results: Plasma cells were enriched in TNBC samples, which was consistent with validation using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cell communication analysis revealed that plasma cells interact with T cells through the intercellular adhesion molecule 2–integrin–aLb2 complex, and then release interleukin 1 beta(IL1B), as verified by immunohistochemistry, ultimately promoting tumor growth.Conclusion: Our results revealed the role of plasma cells in TNBC and identified IL1B as a new prognostic marker for TNBC.

Prediction of cell-cell communication patierns of dorsal root ganglion cells:single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis

Dorsal root ganglion neurons transmit peripheral somatic information to the central nervous system,and dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability affects pain perception.Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a new approach for managing pain sensation.Knowledge of the cell-cell communication among dorsal root ganglion cells may help in the development of new pain and itch management strategies.Here,we used the single-cell RNA-sequencing(scRNA-seq)database to investigate intercellular communication networks among dorsal root ganglion cells.We collected scRNA-seq data from six samples from three studies,yielding data on a total of 17,766 cells.Based on genetic profiles,we identified satellite glial cells,Schwann cells,neurons,vascular endothelial cells,immune cells,fibroblasts,and vascular smooth muscle cells.Further analysis revealed that eight types of dorsal root ganglion neurons mediated proprioceptive,itch,touch,mechanical,heat,and cold sensations.Moreover,we predicted several distinct forms of intercellular communication among dorsal root ganglion cells,including cell-cell contact,secreted signals,extracellular matrix,and neurotransmitter-mediated signals.The data mining predicted that Mrgpra3-positive neurons robustly express the genes encoding the adenosine Adora2b(A2B)receptor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1(GFRα-1).Our immunohistochemistry results confirmed the coexpression of the A2B receptor and GFRα-1.Intrathecal injection of the A2B receptor antagonist PSB-603 effectively prevented histamine-induced scratching behaviour in a dose-dependent manner.Our results demonstrate the involvement of the A2B receptor in the modulation of itch sensation.Furthermore,our findings provide insight into dorsal root ganglion cell-cell communication patterns and mechanisms.Our results should contribute to the development of new strategies for the regulation of dorsal root ganglion excitability.

Pro-resolving lipid mediator reduces amyloid-β42–induced gene expression in human monocyte–derived microglia

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte–derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42–induced Alzheimer's disease–like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease–like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42–induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

Applications of single-cell RNA sequencing in spermatogenesis and molecular evolution

Spermatogenic cell heterogeneity is determined by the complex process of spermatogenesis differentiation.However,effectively revealing the regulatory mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenic cell development and differentiation via traditional methods is difficult.Advances in technology have led to the emergence of many single-cell transcriptome sequencing protocols,which have partially addressed these challenges.In this review,we detail the principles of 10x Genomics technology and summarize the methods for downstream analysis of single-cell transcriptome sequencing data.Furthermore,we explore the role of single-cell transcriptome sequencing in revealing the heterogeneity of testicular ecological niche cells,delineating the establishment and disruption of testicular immune homeostasis during human spermatogenesis,investigating abnormal spermatogenesis in humans,and,ultimately,elucidating the molecular evolution of mammalian spermatogenesis.

Bacteria colonization and gene expression related to immune function in colon mucosa is associated with growth in neonatal calves regardless of live yeast supplementation

Background As Holstein calves are susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders during the first week of life,understanding how intestinal immune function develops in neonatal calves is important to promote better intestinal health.Feeding probiotics in early life may contribute to host intestinal health by facilitating beneficial bacteria colonization and developing intestinal immune function.The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of early life yeast supplementation and growth on colon mucosa-attached bacteria and host immune function.Results Twenty Holstein bull calves received no supplementation(CON)or Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii(SCB)from birth to 5 d of life.Colon tissue biopsies were taken within 2 h of life(D0)before the first colostrum feeding and 3 h after the morning feeding at d 5 of age(D5)to analyze mucosa-attached bacteria and colon transcriptome.Metagenome sequencing showed that there was no difference inαandβdiversity of mucosa-attached bacteria between day and treatment,but bacteria related to diarrhea were more abundant in the colon mucosa on D0 compared to D5.In addition,q PCR indicated that the absolute abundance of Escherichia coli(E.coli)decreased in the colon mucosa on D5 compared to D0;however,that of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,which could competitively exclude E.coli,increased in the colon mucosa on D5 compared to D0.RNA-sequencing showed that there were no differentially expressed genes between CON and SCB,but suggested that pathways related to viral infection such as“Interferon Signaling”were activated in the colon mucosa of D5 compared to D0.Conclusions Growth affected mucosa-attached bacteria and host immune function in the colon mucosa during the first 5 d of life in dairy calves independently of SCB supplementation.During early life,opportunistic pathogens may decrease due to intestinal environmental changes by beneficial bacteria and/or host immune function.Predicted activation of immune function-related pathways may be the result of host immune function development or suggest other antigens in the intestine during early life.Further studies focusing on the other antigens and host immune function in the colon mucosa are required to better understand intestinal immune function development.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals a profound immune cell response in human cytomegalovirus-infected humanized mice

Human cytomegalovirus(HCMV)is a common herpesvirus that persistently infects a large portion of the world's population.Despite the robust host immune response,HCMV is able to replicate,evade host defenses,and establish latency throughout the lifespan by developing multiple immunomodulatory strategies,making the studies on the interaction between HCMV infection and host response particularly important.HCMV has a strict host specificity that specifically infects humans.Therefore,most of the in vivo researches of HCMV rely on clinical samples.Fortunately,the establishment of humanized mouse models allows for convenient in-lab animal experiments involving HCMV infection.Single-cell RNA sequencing enables the study of the relationship between viral and host gene expressions at the single-cell level within host cells.In this study,we assessed the gene expression alterations of PBMCs at the single-cell level within HCMV-infected humanized mice,which sheds light onto the virus-host interactions in the context of HCMV infection of humanized mice and provides a valuable dataset for the related researches.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the genetic basis of crest cushion formation in duck

The Chinese crested duck is a unique duck breed having a bulbous feather shape on its duck head.However,the mechanisms involved in its formation and development are unclear.In the present study,RNA sequencing analysis was performed on the crested tissues of 6 Chinese crested ducks and the scalp tissues of 6 cherry valley ducks(CVs)from 2 developmental stages.This study identified 261 differentially expressed genes(DEGs),122 upregulated and 139 downregulated,in the E28 stage and 361 DEGs,154 upregulated and 207 downregulated in the D42 stage between CC and CV ducks.The subsequent results of weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)revealed that the turquoise and cyan modules were associated with the crest trait in the D42 stage,meanwhile,the green,brown,and pink modules were associated with the crest trait in the E28 stage.Venn analysis of the DEGs and WGCNA showed that 145 and 45 genes are associated between the D42 and E28 stages,respectively.The expression of WNT16,BMP2,SLC35F2,SLC6A15,APOBEC2,ABHD6,TNNC2,MYL1,and TNNI2 were verified by real-time quantitative PCR.This study provides an approach to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the crested trait development.

Recent progress in hair follicle stem cell markers and their regulatory roles

Hair follicle stem cells(HFSCs)in the bulge are a multipotent adult stem cell population.They can periodically give rise to new HFs and even regenerate the epidermis and sebaceous glands during wound healing.An increasing number of biomarkers have been used to isolate,label,and trace HFSCs in recent years.Considering more detailed data from single-cell transcriptomics technology,we mainly focus on the important HFSC molecular markers and their regulatory roles in this review.