Analyses of Expression Patterns of Genes Associated with Inherited Retinal Degeneration in Different Cell Types of the Human Retina

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are familial or inherited forms of retinal degeneration that are characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptor cells, leading to the eventual loss of vision. Genetic studies have identified more than 300 genes that are altered in different forms of IRDs. Analyses of human retinal single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) data from published studies were performed to examine differential gene expression in different retinal cell types and understand how correlations in gene expression in various retinal cell types may play a role in the pathogenesis of IRDs. Our analyses have shown remarkably different patterns of expression of genes associated with different subtypes of IRDs in different retinal cell types. Interestingly, different genes associated with the same pathological subtypes of IRDs may show distinct patterns of expression in different retinal cell types. Gene pathways were analyzed to examine the relationship between IRD genes and molecular function in the human retina. Using different tools, gene networks were also constructed by clustering genes into networks based on correlations in their expression levels. Identifying gene pathways annetworks will provide information that will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IRDs

Analyzing the Effects of pre-mRNA Strand on Nucleolar Structure

The nucleolus is the center for ribosome production as well as a host of other cellular functions including genomic organization, cell cycle regulation, and cellular senescence. Previous anti-cancer drugs targeting the nucleolus are known to halt ribosomal transcription machinery, which is correlated with the disruption of nucleolar structure. To determine the key players that maintain the nucleolar structure and to identify potential targets for future drug treatments, other components of the nucleolus are under investigation. One such component is the pre-mRNA strand produced after transcription. UTP4 is a pre-mRNA processing factor that cleaves the pre-mRNA strand into smaller strands that later become the ribosomal 40s and 60s subunits. When this factor is knocked down, the long pre-mRNA strand is accumulated, and the nucleolus appears to be less likely to break up its structure even when transcription of the rDNA is inhibited. While further analyses must be conducted to fully understand the effects of retaining the long pre-mRNA strand, the preliminary experiments have shown a correlation between retention of the long pre-mRNA strand and the normal structure of the nucleolus

Gender Disparities in Global Literacy Rates

The discrepancy in literacy rates between males and females is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. According to UNICEF, young women made up 59% of the total youth illiterate population in recent years. To decrease the gap between literacy between males and females, we would combat gender norms, particularly those that encourage young women into the traditional roles of housewife and mother, and increase educational programming for all ages, not just youth. An increased exposure to literacy programs throughout all walks of life will improve literacy rates across the globe