RNA: Networks & Imaging

The past few years have brought about a fundamental change in our understanding and definition of the RNA world and its role in the functional and regulatory architecture of the cell. The discovery of small RNAs that regulate many aspects of differentiation and development have joined the already known non-coding RNAs that are involved in chromosome dosage compensation, imprinting, and other functions to become key players in regulating the flow of genetic information. It is also evident that there are tens or even hundreds of thousands of other non-coding RNAs that are transcribed from the mammalian genome, as well as many other yet-to-be-discovered small regulatory RNAs. In the recent symposium RNA: Networks & Imaging held in Heidelberg, the dual roles of RNA as a messenger and a regulator in the flow of genetic information were discussed and new molecular genetic and imaging methods to study RNA presented

Faster rates of post-puberty kidney deterioration in males is correlated with elevated oxidative stress in males vs females at early puberty

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Post-puberty deterioration of kidneys is more rapid in males than in females. To reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms for this difference, we analyzed gender-dependent gene expression in kidneys of three groups of 36 day-old rats.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The number of genes exhibiting gender-dependent expression was highly influenced by the genetic background of the rat group examined. 373, 288 and 79 genes showed differential gene expression between males and females (p = 0.001) in US, Mhm and Mhm*BN rats, respectively. Of all gender dependently expressed genes, only 39 genes were differentially expressed in all tested groups and the direction of expression change was the same for those genes for all groups. The gene expression profile suggests higher metabolic and transport activities, enhanced cell proliferation, elevated oxidative stress, and altered vascular biology in males. Furthermore, elevated levels of superoxide anion (two- to three-fold) in males compared to females were detected at early puberty, but neither at pre-puberty nor at late puberty/early adulthood.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data suggest that early puberty, with gender-related elevation in oxidative stress in males, is a key compromising factor on kidneys in males.</p

Faster rates of post-puberty kidney deterioration in males is correlated with elevated oxidative stress in males vs females at early puberty-4

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Faster rates of post-puberty kidney deterioration in males is correlated with elevated oxidative stress in males vs females at early puberty"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/8/221</p><p>BMC Genomics 2007;8():221-221.</p><p>Published online 9 Jul 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC1934371.</p><p></p>f ROS in males is shown on the y-axis (expressed as the ratio of male vs. female). In PBS-perfused kidneys, the elevation of superoxide anion in males was statistically significant. This statistical significance diminished when kidneys were flushed with heparin. Also the elevation of total ROS in males attenuated (the ratio of male vs. female became smaller). B: Real-time PCR confirmed significant under-expression of Sod3 in males compared with females (p < 0.01)

Faster rates of post-puberty kidney deterioration in males is correlated with elevated oxidative stress in males vs females at early puberty-3

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Faster rates of post-puberty kidney deterioration in males is correlated with elevated oxidative stress in males vs females at early puberty"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/8/221</p><p>BMC Genomics 2007;8():221-221.</p><p>Published online 9 Jul 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC1934371.</p><p></p>en genders. At pre-puberty and at late puberty/early adulthood, superoxide anion did not differ significantly between genders. Superoxide anion peaked at early puberty, more abruptly in males than in females (p = 0.05), and dropped to pre-puberty levels as late puberty/early adulthood approached