Identification of Novel Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers by Cross-laboratory Microarray Analysis

The purpose of this study was to pool information in epithelial ovarian cancer by combining studies using Affymetrix expression microarray datasets made at different laboratories to identify novel biomarkers.Epithelial microarray expression information across laboratories was screened and combined after preprocessing raw microarray data,then ANOVA and unpaired T test statistical analysis was performed for identifying differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by clustering and pathway analysis for these DEGs.In this work,we performed a combination analysis on microarrays from three different laboratories using gene expression data on ovarian cancer and obtained a list of differential expression profiles identified as potential candidate in aggressiveness of ovarian cancer.The clustering and pathway analysis explored the different molecular basis of different ovarian cancer stages and potential important regulatory pathways in ovarian cancer development.Our results showed that combination of microarray data from different laboratories in the same platforms may overcome biases derived from probe design and technical features,thereby accelerating the identification of trustworthy DEGs,and demonstrating the advantage of integrative analysis in gene expression studies on epithelial ovarian cancer research.

Clinical Application of Chromosome Microarray Analysis in Han Chinese Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Chromosome microarray analysis(CMA) is a cost-effective molecular cytogenetic technique that has been used as a first-line diagnostic test in neurodevelopmental disorders in the USA since 2011. The impact of CMA results on clinical practice in China is not yet well studied, so we aimed to better evaluate this phenomenon.We analyzed the CMA results from 434 patients in our clinic, and characterized their molecular diagnoses, clinical features, and follow-up clinical actions based on these results. The overall diagnostic yield for our patients was 13.6%(59 out of 434). This gave a detection rate of 14.7%for developmental delay/intellectual disability(DD/ID,38/259) and 12% for autism spectrum disorders(ASDs,21/175). Thirty-three recurrent(n≥2) variants were found, distributed at six chromosomal loci involving known chromosome syndromes(such as DiGeorge, Williams Beuren, and Angelman/Prader-Willi syndromes).The spectrum of positive copy number variants in our study was comparable to that reported in Caucasian populations, but with specific characteristics. Parental origin tests indicated an effect involving a significant maternal transmission bias to sons. The majority of patients with positive results(94.9%) had benefits, allowing earlier diagnosis(36/59), prioritized full clinical management(28/59), medication changes(7/59), a changed prognosis(30/59), and prenatal genetic counseling(15/59). Our results provide information on de novo mutations in Chinese children with DD/ID and/or ASDs. Our data showed that microarray testing provides immediate clinical utility for patients. It is expected that the personalized medical care of children with developmental disabilities will lead to improved outcomes in long-term developmental potential.We advocate using the diagnostic yield of clinically actionable results to evaluate CMA as it provides information of both clinical validity and clinical utility.

Chromosomal microarray analysis vs.karyotyping for fetal ventriculomegaly:a meta-analysis

Background:Chromosomal abnormalities are important causes of ventriculomegaly(VM).In mild and isolated cases of fetal VM,obstetricians rarely give clear indications for pregnancy termination.We aimed to calculate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and incremental yield of chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA)in VM,providing more information on genetic counseling and prognostic evaluation for fetuses with VM.Methods:The Chinese language databases Wanfang Data,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and China Biomedical Literature Database(from January 1,1991 to April 29,2020)and English language databases PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library(from January 1,1945 to April 29,2020)were systematically searched for articles on fetal VM.Diagnostic criteria were based on ultrasonographic or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)assessment of lateral ventricular atrium width:≥10 to<15 mm for mild VM,and≥15 mm for severe VM.Isolated VM was defined by the absence of structural abnormalities other than VM detected by ultrasonography or MRI.R software was used for the meta-analysis to determine the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and incremental yield of CMA in VM,and the combined rate and 95%confidence interval(CI)were calculated.Results:Twenty-three articles involving 1635 patients were included.The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in VM was 9%(95%CI:5%-12%)and incremental yield of CMA in VM was 11%(95%CI:7%-16%).The incidences of chromosomal abnormalities in mild,severe,isolated,and non-isolated VM were 9%(95%CI:4%-16%),5%(95%CI:1%-11%),3%(95%CI:1%-6%),and 13%(95%CI:4%-25%),respectively.Conclusions:Applying CMA in VM improved the detection rate of abnormalities.When VM is confirmed by ultrasound or MRI,obstetricians should recommend fetal karyotype analysis to exclude chromosomal abnormalities.Moreover,CMA should be recommended preferentially in pregnant women with fetal VM who are undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis.CMA cannot completely replace chromosome karyotype analysis.

Differentially expressed genes identified by microarray analysis Following leptin treatment of hepatic stellate cells

Background Liver fibrosis is the process through which numerous chronic liver diseases develop into liver cirrhosis. Leptin can activate hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） and play an important role in the formation of liver fibrosis. However, the process by which leptin activates HSCs is complicated, and research on this process is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the related changes in gene expression and the control mechanisms involved in leptin activated HSCs to understand the overall mechanism of liver fibrosis development. Methods We cultivate rat HSCs, with and without stimulation by leptin, and extracted mRNA. Differentially expressed genes were detected by microarray analysis. Results The differentially expressed genes identified included six upregulated genes and six downregulated genes. The representative upregulated genes included short chain dehydrogenase （CY5/CY3=2.265） and pulmonary surfactant protein A1 （CY5/CY3=2.036）. The significant downregulated gene encoded hepatic stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 （SCD-1） （CY5/CY3=0.351）.Conclusion Leptin might mediate the molecular biological mechanisms of liver fibrosis.

Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in Neuroplastin 65-Knockout Mice: Implications for Abnormal Cognition and Emotional Disorders

Neuroplastin 65 （Np65） is an immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecule involved in synaptic formation and plasticity. Our recent study showed that Np65-knockout （KO） mice exhibit abnormal cognition and emotional disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found 588 differentially- expressed genes in Np65-KO mice by microarray analysis. RT-PCR analysis also revealed the altered expression of genes associated with development and synaptic structure, such as Cdhl, Htr3a, and Kcnj9. In addition, the expression of Wnt-3, a Wnt protein involved in development, was decreased in Np65-KO mice as evidenced by western blotting. Surprisingly, MRI and DAPI staining showed a significant reduction in the lateral ventricular volume of Np65-KO mice. Together, these findings suggest that ablation of Np65 influences gene expression, which may contribute to abnormal brain development. These results provide clues to the mechanisms underlying the altered brain functions of Np65-deficient mice.

Microarray analysis of gene expression after electrical stimulation of the dura mater surrounding the superior sagittal sinus in conscious adult rats

Background The molecular and cellular origins of migraine headache are among the most complex problems in contemporary neurology.Up to now the pathogenesis of migraine still remains unclearly defined.The objective of this study was to explore new factors that may be related to the mechanism of migraine.Methods The present study performed a comprehensive analysis of gene expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis induced by electrical stimulation of dura mater surrounding the superior sagittal sinus in conscious rats using microarray analysis followed by quantitative real-time reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） verification.Student＆#39;s two sample t-test was employed when two groups were compared.A P value 〈0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results Comparing the placebo and the electrical stimulation groups,40 genes were determined to be significantly differentially expressed.These significantly differentially expressed genes were involved in many pathways,including transporter activity,tryptophan metabolism,G protein signaling,kinase activity,actin binding,signal transducer activity,anion transport,protein folding,enzyme inhibitor activity,coenzyme metabolism,binding,ion transport,cell adhesion,metal ion transport,oxidoreductase activity,mitochondrion function,and others.Most of the genes were involved in more than 2 pathways.Of particular interest is the up-regulation of Phactr3 and Akap5 and the down-regulation of Kdr.Conclusion These findings may provide important clues for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of migraine.

Microarray analysis of genes involved in mice heart tissues of cardiac hypertrophy

Background Cardiac hypertrophy(CH)is a pathological state of heart which could lead to arrhythmias,cardiac failure,and sudden cardiac death.Pathology of cardiac hypertrophy has been acknowledged widely,but the detailed molecular mechanism has not been explored thoroughly.Our study was designed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),and to explore the molecular mechanism and core genes that may be involved in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy.Methods Microarray data of cardiac hypertrophy(GSE76)was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.The DEGs were identified by R.Then Gene Ontology(GO),Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analyses were performed by DAVID,STRING and Cytoscape.Results 1014 DEGs in GSE76 were identified,970 were downregulated genes and 44 were upregulated genes in cardiac hypertrophic tissues.The biological process(BP)analysis revealed that DEGs mainly included genes for inflammatory response,cell adhesion,and cell proliferation.The core genes were associated with cardiac remodeling and fibrosis,cell growth,inflammatory reaction,and cell adhesion.Conclusions This study indicated the potential significance of immune injury and cardiac fibrosis in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy.Meanwhile,the core genes may provide molecular targets for the disease diagnosis or drug treatment of cardiac hypertrophy in the future.

Identification of metastasis-associated genes in colorectal cancer through an integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis

Objective： Identification of colorectal cancer （CRC） metastasis genes is one of the most important issues in CRC research. For the purpose of mining CRC metastasis-associated genes, an integrated analysis of mJcroarray data was presented, by combined with evidence acquired from comparative genornic hybridization （CGH） data. Methods： Gene expression profile data of CRC samples were obtained at Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） website. The 15 important chromosomal aberration sites detected by using CGH technology were used for integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis. Significant Analysis of Microarray （SAM） was used to detect significantly differentially expressed genes across the whole genome. The overlapping genes were selected in their corresponding chromosomal aberration regions, and analyzed by using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery （DAVID）. Finally, SVM-T-RFE gene selection algorithm was applied to identify ted genes in CRC. Results： A minimum gene set was obtained with the minimum number [14] of genes, and the highest classification accuracy （100%） in both PRI and META datasets. A fraction of selected genes are associated with CRC or its metastasis. Conclusions- Our results demonstrated that integration analysis is an effective strategy for mining cancer- associated genes.

Circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for severe acute pancreatitis associated with acute lung injury

AIM To identify circulating micro(mi)RNAs as biological markers for prediction of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) with acute lung injury(ALI).METHODS Twenty-four serum samples were respectively collected and classified as SAP associated with ALI and SAP without ALI, and the mi RNA expression profiles were determined by microarray analysis. These mi RNAs were validated by quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction, and their putative targets were predicted by the online software Target Scan, mi Randa and Pic Tar database. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(commonly known as KEGG) were used to predict their possible functions and pathways involved.RESULTS We investigated 287 mi RNAs based on microarray data analysis. Twelve mi RNAs were differentially expressed in the patients with SAP with ALI and those with SAP without ALI. Hsa-mi R-1260 b, 762, 22-3 p, 23 b and 23 a were differently up-regulated and hsa-mi R-550 a*, 324-5 p, 484, 331-3 p, 140-3 p, 342-3 p and 150 were differently down-regulated in patients with SAP with ALI compared to those with SAP without ALI. In addition, 85 putative target genes of the significantly dysregulated mi RNAs were found by Target Scan, mi Randa and Pic Tar. Finally, GO and pathway network analysis showed that they were mainly enriched in signal transduction, metabolic processes, cytoplasm and cell membranes.CONCLUSION This is the first study to identify 12 circulating mi RNAs in patients with SAP with ALI, which may be biomarkers for prediction of ALI after SAP.

Electromagnetic Field Change the Expression of Osteogenesis Genes in Murine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

In order to identify the differentially expressing gene of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） stimulated by electromagnetic field （EMF） with osteogenesis microarray analysis, the bone marrow MSCs of SD rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. The third-passage cells were stimulated by EMFs and total RNA was extracted, purified and then used for the synthesis of cDNA and cRNA. The cRNA of stimulated group and the control group was hybridized with the rat oligo osteogenesis microarray respectively. The hybridization signals were acquired by using X-ray film after chemiluminescent detection and the data obtained were analyzed by employing the web-based completely integrated GEArray Expression Analysis Suite. RT-PCR was used to identify the target genes： Bmp1, Bmp7, Egf and Egfr. The results showed that 19 differentially expressing genes were found between the stimulated group and the control group. There were 6 up-regulated genes and 13 down-regulated genes in the stimulated group. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that the expressions of Bmpl, Bmp7 mRNA of the stimulated group were up-regulated （P〈0.05） and those of Egf, Egfr were down-regulated （P〈0.05）. It was suggested that the gene expression profiles of osteogenesis of the bone marrow MSCs were changed after EMF treatment. It is concluded that the genes are involved in skeletal development, bone mineral metabolism, cell growth and differentiation, cell adhesion etc.

Protective effect and mechanisms of action of Mongolian medicine Sulongga-4 on pyloric ligation-induced gastroduodenal ulcer in rats

BACKGROUND Sulongga-4(SL-4)is a herbal formula used in traditional Mongolian medical clinics for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroenteritis,even though its pharmacological mechanism has not been well characterized.AIM To evaluate the protective effect and identify the mechanisms of action of SL-4 on gastroduodenal ulcer induced by pyloric ligation(PL)in rats.METHODS PL was performed to induce gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats,which were then treated with oral SL-4(1.3,2.6,or 3.9 g/kg per day)for 15 d.PL-induced gastroduodenal ulceration.Therapeutic effects were characterized by pathological and histological evaluations and inflammatory indicators were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Microarray analyses were conducted to identify gene expression profiles of gastroduodenal tissue in PL rats with or without SL-4 treatment.The candidate target genes were selected and verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).RESULTS SL-4 decreased histopathological features in the PL-induced ulcerated rats.SL-4 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, endotoxin, platelet-activating factor, and increasedprostaglandin E2 and epidermal growth factor in ulcer tissue. Microarray analysiswas used to identify a panel of candidate target genes for SL-4 acting on PLinducedulceration. Genes included some complement and coagulation cascadeand retinol metabolism pathways that are closely associated with inflammatoryresponses and gastric mucosal protective mechanisms. qRT-PCR showed thataltered expression of the selected genes, such as CYP2b2, UGT2b1, A2m, andMASP1 was consistent with the microarray results.CONCLUSIONSL-4 exerts protective effects against PL-induced gastroduodenal ulcers viareducing inflammatory cytokines and elevating expression of gastric acidinhibitory factors. Downregulation of CYP2b2 and UGT2b1 genes in retinolmetabolism and upregulation of A2m and MASP1 genes in the complement andcoagulation cascades pathways are possibly involved in SL-4-mediated protectionagainst gastroduodenal ulcer.

Profiles of metabolic gene expression in the white adipose tissue, liver and hypothalamus in leptin knockout(Lep^(△I14/△I14)) rats

Leptin deficiency is principally linked to metabolic disorders. Leptin knockout（Lep△I14/△I14 Sprague Dawley rats created by CRISPR/Cas9 is a new model to study metabolic disorders. We used a whole rat genome oligonucleotide microarray to obtain tissue-specific gene expression profiles of the white adipose tissue, liver and hypothalamus in Lep△I14/△I14）and wild-type（WT） rats. We found 1,651 differentially expressed（enriched） genes in white adipose tissue,916 in the liver, and 306 in the hypothalamus in the Lep△I14/△I14 rats compared to WT. Gene ontology category and KEGG pathway analysis of the relationships among differentially expressed genes showed that these genes were represented in a variety of functional categories, including fatty acid metabolism, molecular transducers and cellular processes. The reliability of the data obtained from microarray was verified by quantitative real-time PCR on 14 representative genes. These data will contribute to a greater understanding of different metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes.

Genomics of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent noncancerous tissues with cDNA microarray

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a common primary cancer frequently associated with hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. However, whether these identified genes are particularly associated with HBV-related HCC remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential gene expression between HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues. Methods cDNA microarray was used to detect the differential gene expression profile in the HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was performed to verify the differential expression of candidate genes obtained from cDNA microarray experiment. Results In this study, 1369 genes or expressed sequence tags （ESTs） including 121 genes or ESTs with at least two-fold expression alterations between cancerous and noncancerous tissues were identified. Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 （SATB-1） expression was positive in 73% （16/22） of cancerous tissues and negative （0/22） in all noncancerous tissues of HBV-related HCC patients. Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 1 （TM4SF-1） expression was positive in 86% （19/22） of cancerous tissues and negative （0/22） in all noncancerous tissues. Suppression of tumorigenicity 14 （ST-14） expression was positive in 73% （16/22） of noncancerous tissues in patients with HBV-related HCC and negative in all HCC tissues （0/22）. Conclusion This study provided the gene expression profile of HBV-related HCC and presented differential expression patterns of SATB-1, TM4SF-1 and ST-14 between cancerous and noncancerous tissues in patients with HBV-related HCC.

High-Sensitivity Transcriptome Data Structure and Implications for Analysis and Biologic Interpretation

Novel microarray technologies such as the AB1700 platform from Applied Biosysterns promise significant increases in the signal dynamic range and a higher sensitivity for weakly expressed transcripts. We have compared a representative set of AB1700 data with a similarly representative Affymetrix HG-U133A dataset. The AB1700 design extends the signal dynamic detection range at the lower bound by one order of magnitude. The lognormal signal distribution profiles of these highsensitivity data need to be represented by two independent distributions. The additional second distribution covers those transcripts that would have gone undetected using the Affymetrix technology. The signal-dependent variance distribution in the AB1700 data is a non-trivial function of signal intensity, describable using a composite function. The drastically different structure of these highsensitivity transcriptome profiles requires adaptation or even redevelopment of the standard microarray analysis methods. Based on the statistical properties, we have derived a signal variance distribution model for AB1700 data that is necessary for such development. Interestingly, the dual lognormal distribution observed in the AB1700 data reflects two fundamentally different biologic mechanisms of transcription initiation.

Generation of Synthetic Transcriptome Data with Defined Statistical Properties for the Development and Testing of New Analysis Methods

We have previously developed a combined signal/variance distribution model that accounts for the particular statistical properties of datasets generated on the Applied Biosystems AB1700 transcriptome system. Here we show that this model can be efficiently used to generate synthetic datasets with statistical properties virtually identical to those of the actual data by aid of the JAVA application ace.map creator 1.0 that we have developed. The fundamentally different structure of AB1700 transcriptome profiles requires re-evaluation, adaptation, or even redevelopment of many of the standard microarray analysis methods in order to avoid misinterpretation of the data on the one hand, and to draw full benefit from their increased specificity and sensitivity on the other hand. Our composite data model and the ace.map creator 1.0 application thereby not only present proof of the correctness of our parameter estimation, but also provide a tool for the generation of synthetic test data that will be useful for further development and testing of analysis methods.

Microarray profiles on age-related genes in the earlier postnatal rat visual cortex

Background Accumulating evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive mechanisms are responsible for the postnatal development of the mammalian visual cortex. Most of the studies, including gene expression analysis, were performed on the visual cortex during the critical period; few efforts were made to elucidate the molecular changes in the visual cortex during much earlier postnatal stages. The current study aimed to gain a general insight into the molecular mechanisms in the developmental process of the rat visual cortex using microarray to display the gene expression profiles of the visual cortex on postnatal days.Methods All age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats in various groups including postnatal day 0 （PO, n=20）, day 10 （P10,n=15）, day 20 （P20, n=15） and day 45 （P45, n=10） were sacrificed respectively. Fresh visual cortex from the binocular area （Area 17） was dissected for extraction of total RNA for microarray analyses. Taking advantage of annotation information from the gene ontology and pathway database, the gene expression profiles were systematically and globally analyzed.Results Of the 31 042 gene sequences represented on the rat expression microarray, more than 4000 of the transcripts significantly altered at days 45,20 or 10 compared to day 0. The most obvious alteration of gene expression occurred in the first ten days of the postnatal period and the genomic activities of the visual cortex maintained a high level from birth to day 45. Compared to the gene expression at birth, there were 2630 changed transcripts that shared in three postnatal periods.The up-regulated genes in most signaling pathways were more than those of the down-regulated genes.Conclusions Analyzing gene expression patterns, we provide a detailed insight into the molecular organization of the developing visual cortex in the earlier postnatal rat. The most obvious alteration of gene expression in visual cortex occurred in the first ten days. Our data were a basis to identify new relevant candidate genes that control visual cortex development.

Integrated miRNA and mRNA Analysis Identified Potential Mechanisms and Targets of Qianggan Extracts in Preventing Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Objective: Qianggan(QG) extract is a patented traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for the clinical treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). However, its mechanism remains unclear. Methods: The efficacy of QG was evaluated in mice with methionine-and-choline-deficient diet-induced NASH by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels and by H and E staining of liver sections. Microarray and bioinformatics analyses were performed to obtain hepatic micro RNA(mi RNA) and m RNA expression profiles and to mine potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, representative mi RNA and m RNA expression levels were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR). Results: QG extract significantly improved NASH. Twelve differentially expressed mi RNAs and 1124 differentially changed m RNAs were identified as potential targets of QG extract. Integrated analysis detected 976 mi RNA–m RNA regulatory pairs, and networks including 11 mi RNAs and 427 m RNAs were constructed by Cytoscape. Hub nodes including mi R-7050-5p, mi R-212-3p, Bcl2l11, and Kras were filtered out. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that 427 m RNAs were enriched in pathways including apoptotic process, immune response, Fox O signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We also constructed a protein–protein interaction network with 254 nodes, and identified hub genes including Kras, Fasl, and Ncam1. Finally, the results of q RT-PCR were in good accordance with microarray data. Conclusion: This study identified important hub mi RNAs and m RNAs involved in the mechanism of QG extract and which might provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with NASH.

Characterization of the genes involved in nitrogen cycling in wastewater treatment plants using DNA microarray and most probable number-PCR

To improve nitrogen removal performance of wastewater treatment plants （WWTPs）, it is essential to understand the behavior of nitrogen cycling communities, which comprise various microorganisms. This study characterized the quantity and diversity of nitrogen cycling genes in various processes of municipal WWTPs by employing two molecular-based methods：most probable number-polymerase chain reaction （MPN-PCR） and DNA microarray. MPN-PCR analysis revealed that gene quantities were not statistically different among processes, suggesting that conventional actwated sludge processes （CAS） are similar to nitrogen removal processes in their ability to retain an adequate population of nitrogen cycling microorganisms. Furthermore, most processes in the WWTPs that were researched shared a pattern：the nitS and the bacterial amoA genes were more abundant than the nirK and archaeal amoA genes, respectivelv. DNA microarray analysis revealed that several kinds of nitrification and denitrification genes were detected in both CAS and anaerobic-oxic processes （AO）, whereas limited genes were detected in nitrogen removal processes. Results of this study suggest that CAS maintains a diverse community of nitrogen cycling microorganisms; moreover, the microbial communities in nitrogen removal processes may be specific.

Comparative Gene Expression Analysis of Mouse and Human Cardiac Maturation

Understanding how human cardiomyocytes mature is crucial to realizing stem cell-based heart regeneration, modeling adult heart diseases, and facilitating drug discovery. However, it is not feasible to analyze human samples for maturation due to inaccessibility to samples while cardiomyocytes mature during fetal development and childhood, as well as difficulty in avoiding variations among individuals. Using model animals such as mice can be a useful strategy; nonetheless, it is not well-understood whether and to what degree gene expression profiles during maturation are shared between humans and mice. Therefore, we performed a comparative gene expression analysis of mice and human samples. First, we examined two distinct mice microarray platforms for shared gene expression profiles, aiming to increase reliability of the analysis. We identified a set of genes displaying progressive changes during maturation based on principal component analysis. Second, we demonstrated that the genes identified had a differential expression pattern between adult and earlier stages （e.g., fetus） common in mice and humans. Our findings provide a foundation for further genetic studies of cardiomyocyte maturation.

The Arabidopsis bZIP1 Transcription Factor Is Involved in Sugar Signaling, Protein Networking, and DNA Binding

Sugar signaling is a mechanism that plants use to integrate various internal and external cues to achieve nutrient homeostasis, mediate developmental programs, and articulate stress responses. Many bZlP transcription factors are known to be involved in nutrient and/or stress signaling. An Arabidopsis Sl-group bZlP gene, AtbZIP1, was identified as a sugar-sensitive gene in a previous gene expression profiling study （Plant Cell. 16, 2128-2150）. In this report, we show that the expression of AtbZIP1 is repressed by sugars in a fast, sensitive, and reversible way. The sugar repression of Atb- ZIP1 is affected by a conserved sugar signaling component, hexokinase. Besides being a sugar-regulated gene, AtbZIP1 can mediate sugar signaling and affect gene expression, plant growth, and development. When carbon nutrients are limited, gain or loss of function of AtbZlP1 causes changes in the rates of early seedling establishment. Results of phenotypic analyses indicate that AtbZlP1 acts as a negative regulator of early seedling growth. Using gain- and loss-of-function plants in a microarray analysis, two sets of putative AtbZIP1-regulated genes have been identified. Among them, sugar-responsive genes are highly over-represented, implicating a role of AtbZlP1 in sugar-mediated gene expression. Using yeast two-hybrid （Y-2-H） screens and bimolecular fluorescence complementation （BiFC） analyses, we are able to recapitulate extensive C/S1 AtbZlP protein interacting network in living cells. Finally, we show that AtbZIP1 can bind ACGT-based motifs in vitro and that the binding characteristics appear to be affected by the heterodimerization between AtbZlP1 and the C-group AtbZIPs, including AtbZlP10 and AtbZlP63.