Gene set enrichment analysis of the bronchial epithelium implicates contribution of cell cycle and tissue repair processes in equine asthma.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
The research article centers on a study conducted to understand the gene expression response in asthmatic and non-asthmatic horses when exposed to dusty hay. The findings of the study illuminate the involvement of cell cycle, tissue repair processes and various gene sets in severe equine asthma.
Objective
The main aim of the research was to analyze the gene expression response in the bronchial epithelium of asthmatic and non-asthmatic horses when exposed to a dusty hay challenge. This was aimed at identifying how different genes and gene sets interact and contribute to severe equine asthma.
Methodology
- The researchers exposed groups of asthmatic and non-asthmatic horses to a dusty hay challenge.
- Post-challenge, the gene expression response of the bronchial epithelium was observed.
- From the data collected, differentially expressed genes were identified in both the asthmatic and non-asthmatic animals.
- Gene set enrichment analysis was then carried out to identify significantly enriched gene sets in both groups of horses.
Findings
- The study found a larger number of differentially expressed genes in asthmatic horses (2341) as compared to non-asthmatic horses (120).
- 587 gene sets were significantly enriched in asthmatic horses while 171 were significantly enriched in non-asthmatic horses.
- Gene sets in asthmatic animals pertained to various biological processes and pathways, including the cell cycle, neutrophil migration, wound healing, and the hedgehog pathway.
- The transcription factor target enrichment analysis highlighted the E2F transcription factor family as having the highest enrichment scores for up-regulated genes in asthmatic horses.
Conclusion
It can be inferred from the study that the engagement of the hedgehog and E2F pathways in asthmatic horses promotes abnormal cell proliferation and epithelial repair. The abnormalities in these fundamental lesions possibly prevent the re-establishment of homeostasis and perpetuate inflammation, contributing to the condition of severe equine asthma. This new insight into equine asthma might prove useful in formulating future treatment strategies for the ailment.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- BenchSci, 559 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G 1A9, Canada.
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- BioAssay Works LLC, 10075 Tyler Place, Suite 18, Ijamsville, MD, 21754, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health (APCAH), Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 282, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada. dbienzle@uoguelph.ca.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Asthma / genetics
- Asthma / pathology
- Bronchi / pathology
- Cell Cycle / genetics
- Cell Movement / genetics
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
- Homeostasis / genetics
- Horses
- Neutrophils / cytology
- Respiratory Mucosa / metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
Conflict of Interest Statement
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