Transcriptome of interstitial cells of Cajal reveals unique and selective gene signatures
Authors
Lee, Moon Y.
Ha, Se E.
Park, Chanjae
Park, Paul J.
Fuchs, Robert M.
Wei, Lai
Jorgensen, Brian G.
Redelman, Doug
Ward, Sean M.
Sanders, Kenton M.
Issue Date
2017
Type
Article
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Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Transcriptome-scale data can reveal essential clues into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms behind specific cellular functions and biological processes. Transcriptomics is a continually growing field of research utilized in biomarker discovery. The transcriptomic profile of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which serve as slow-wave electrical pacemakers for gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle, has yet to be uncovered. Using copGFP-labeled ICC mice and flow cytometry, we isolated ICC populations from the murine small intestine and colon and obtained their transcriptomes. In analyzing the transcriptome, we identified a unique set of ICC-restricted markers including transcription factors, epigenetic enzymes/regulators, growth factors, receptors, protein kinases/phosphatases, and ion channels/transporters. This analysis provides new and unique insights into the cellular and biological functions of ICC in GI physiology. Additionally, we constructed an interactive ICC genome browser (http://med.unr.edu/physio/transcriptome) based on the UCSC genome database. To our knowledge, this is the first online resource that provides a comprehensive library of all known genetic transcripts expressed in primary ICC. Our genome browser offers a new perspective into the alternative expression of genes in ICC and provides a valuable reference for future functional studies.
Description
Citation
Lee, M. Y., Ha, S. E., Park, C., Park, P. J., Fuchs, R., Wei, L., … Ro, S. (2017). Transcriptome of interstitial cells of Cajal reveals unique and selective gene signatures. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0176031. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0176031
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License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Journal
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PubMed ID
ISSN
1932-6203