Recent advances in metagenomic technology and computational prediction may inadvertently weaken an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy. Through cross-kingdom genetic and metagenomic forensics, we can already predict at least a dozen human phenotypes with varying degrees of accuracy.

There is also growing potential to detect a “molecular echo” of an individual’s microbiome from cells deposited on public surfaces. At present, host genetic data from somatic or germ cells provide more reliable information than microbiome samples.

However, the emerging ability to infer personal details from different microscopic biological materials left behind on surfaces requires in-depth ethical and legal scrutiny. There is potential to identify and track individuals, along with new, surreptitious means of genetic discrimination.

This commentary underscores the need to update legal and policy frameworks for genetic privacy with additional considerations for the information that could be acquired from microbiome-derived data. The article also aims to stimulate ubiquitous discourse to ensure the protection of genetic rights and liberties in the post-genomic era. Video abstract.

MiR-340 promotes the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) gene

MiRNAs play key roles in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the roles and underlying mechanism of miRNAs in VSMCs are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of miR-340 in the proliferation of VSMCs.

The expression levels of miR-340 and von Hippel-Lindau tumor-suppressor (VHL) in VSMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) -BB or fetal bovine serum (FBS) were measured by q-PCR. The effects of miR-340 and VHL on cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Target gene prediction and screening as well as luciferase reporter assay were performed to verify the downstream target genes of miR-340. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VHL.

Our results showed that the miR-340 was up-regulated in PDGF-BB_ENREF_1or FBS induced VSMCs. In addition, overexpression of miR-340 promoted VSMCs proliferation and invasion. Moreover, VHL was found to be a potential target for miR-340, and up-regulation of VHL inhibited VSMCs proliferation.

MiR-340 plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia in rats carotid balloon injury model. Reduced expression levels of miR-340 promoted VHL-inhibited VSMCs proliferation. In conclusion, miR-340 may play a role in the regulation of proliferation of VSMCs by inhibition of VHL.

 

ECM2 and GLT8D2 in human pulmonary artery hypertension: fruits from weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Background: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease with a high mortality rate. Current medications ameliorate symptoms but cannot target adverse vascular remodeling. New therapeutic strategies for PAH need to be established.

 

Methods: Using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm, we constructed a coexpression network of dataset GSE117261 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Key modules were identified by the relationship between module eigengenes and clinical traits.

 

Hub genes were screened out based on gene significance (GS), module membership (MM), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP). External validations were conducted in GSE48149 and GSE113439. Functional enrichment and immune cell infiltration were analyzed using Metascape and CIBERSORTx.

Results: The WGCNA analysis revealed 13 coexpression modules. The pink module had the highest correlation with PAH in terms of module eigengene (r=0.79; P=2e-18) and module significance (MS =0.43).

 

Functional enrichment indicated genes in the pink module contributed to the immune system process and extracellular matrix (ECM). In the pink module, ECM2 (GS =0.65, MM =0.86, ρ=0.407, P=0.0019) and GLT8D2 (GS =0.63, MM =0.85, ρ=0.443, P=0.006) were identified as hub genes. For immune cells infiltration in PAH lung tissue, hub genes were positively correlated with M2 macrophages and resting mast cells, and were negatively correlated with monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4-naïve T cells.

 

Conclusions: Our research identified 2 hub genes ECM2 and GLT8D2 related to PAH. The functions of these hub genes were involved in the immune process and ECM, indicating that they might serve as candidate therapeutic targets for PAH.

Genomes of 12 fig wasps provide insights into the adaptation of pollinators to fig syconia

Figs and fig pollinators are one of the few classic textbook examples of obligate pollination mutualism. The specific dependence of fig pollinators on the relatively safe living environment with sufficient food sources in the enclosed fig syconia implies that they are vulnerable to habitat changes.

 

• However, there is still no extensive genomic evidence to reveal the evolutionary footprint of this long-term mutually beneficial symbiosis in fig pollinators. In fig syconia, there are also non-pollinator species.
• The non-pollinator species differ in their evolutionary and life histories from pollinators. We conducted comparative analyses on 11 newly sequenced fig wasp genomes and one previously published genome.
• The pollinators colonized the figs approximately 66.9 million years ago, consistent with the origin of host figs. Compared with non-pollinators, many more genes in pollinators were subject to relaxed selection.
• Seven genes were absent in pollinators in response to environmental stress and immune activation. Pollinators had more streamlined gene repertoires in the innate immune system, chemosensory toolbox, and detoxification system.
• Our results provide genomic evidence for the differentiation between pollinators and nonpollinators. The data suggest that owing to the long-term adaptation to the fig, some genes related to functions no longer required are absent in pollinators.

Byrsonima Rich. is one of the largest genera of the Malpighiaceae family with 97 species occurrence in Brazil and multiple potentialities, including pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, 17 microsatellite markers characterized in Byrsonima cydoniifolia were tested for seven related taxa, all species are native to Brazil and four are endemic. Genomic DNA was extracted from leaves tissues and 17 microsatellite markers were used to cross-amplification of microsatellite regions.

 

Polymorphism and genetic diversity were evaluated for B. intermedia, B. verbascifolia, B. laxiflora, B. subterranea, B. umbellata, B. linearifolia. from 16 individuals and for B. viminifolia from 14 individuals. Transferred microsatellite markers panels ranged from 11 (64.8%) in B. viminifolia to 6 (35.2%) in B. umbellata. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 (B. linearifolia) to 8 (B. subterranea) alleles. B. umbellata showed lower values of observed and expected heterozygosity (H_O = 0.312; H_E = 0.436) and B. subterranea presented the highest values (H_O = 0.687; H_E = 0.778).

A greater number of microsatellite markers should be developed for B. umbellata. The microsatellite marker panels transferred to the species B. intermedia, B. verbascifolia, B. laxiflora, B. subterranea, B. viminifolia and B. linearifolia are very informative, with a high combined probability of exclusion of paternity (Q ≥ 0.976) and the low combined probability of identity (I ≤ 9.91 × 10^-6), potentially suitable for future genetic-population studies, supporting strategies for maintaining the genetic diversity and for exploration of Byrsonima species as genetic resources.

 

Xpert Total Histone Extraction Kit
H7200-050	GenDepot	50 ext	EUR 433.2

Xpert Total Histone Extraction Kit
H7200-100	GenDepot	100 ext	EUR 610.8

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3062-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 330

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3062-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 599.5

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3063-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 333.3

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3063-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 625.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3072-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 328.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3072-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 611.6

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3073-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 328.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3073-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 611.6

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3062	EpiGentek	EUR 910.86 EUR 330.00 EUR 599.50	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3063	EpiGentek	EUR 945.66 EUR 333.30 EUR 625.90	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3072	EpiGentek	EUR 910.86 EUR 328.90 EUR 611.60	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Quantification Kit (Fluorometric)
P-3073	EpiGentek	EUR 910.86 EUR 328.90 EUR 611.60	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit
OP-0002-1	EpiGentek	100 Extractions	EUR 211.2

EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit
OP-0002	EpiGentek	EUR 350.58 EUR 211.20	100 Assays 100 Extractions

EpiQuik Circulating Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3091-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 332.2

EpiQuik Circulating Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3091-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 624.8

EpiQuik Circulating Total Histone H3 Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3091	EpiGentek	EUR 928.26 EUR 332.20 EUR 624.80	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

Total Protein Extraction Kit
BSP003	Bio Basic	50Preps	EUR 130.99

Total Protein Extraction Kit
K3011010	Biochain	1 kit	EUR 444
Description: Can be used for various proteomics studies in both normal and pathological cases. It is an excellent control and suitable for educational purposes. This product is prepared from whole tissue homogenates and has undergone SDS-PAGE quality control analysis. The protein is stored in a buffer with protease inhibitor cocktail fo prevent degradation.

EpiQuik Whole Cell Extraction Kit
OP-0003-100	EpiGentek	100 Extractions	EUR 189.2

EpiQuik Whole Cell Extraction Kit
OP-0003	EpiGentek	EUR 324.48 EUR 189.20	100 Extractions 100 Extractions

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4030-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 343.2

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4030-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 613.8

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4031-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 347.6

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4031-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 625.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4032-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 347.6

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4032-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 625.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4033-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 347.6

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4033-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 625.9

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4030	EpiGentek	EUR 928.26 EUR 343.20 EUR 613.80	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H3 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4031	EpiGentek	EUR 945.66 EUR 347.60 EUR 625.90	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Colorimetric)
P-4032	EpiGentek	EUR 945.66 EUR 347.60 EUR 625.90	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

EpiQuik Total Histone H4 Acetylation Detection Fast Kit (Fluorometric)
P-4033	EpiGentek	EUR 945.66 EUR 347.60 EUR 625.90	96 Assays 48 Assays 96 Assays

Mammalian Total Protein Extraction Kit
20-abx098853	Abbexa	EUR 427.20 EUR 126.00	100 ml 2 ml

AnaPrep Total RNA Extraction Kit
Z1322015	Biochain	1 kit (48 extractions) Including all required plastic disposables	EUR 369.6
Description: This kit is developped for our fully automated magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction platform which uses preprogrammed protocols and can process up to 12 samples simultaneously. With the AnaPrep 12 Extractor you will have the option to choose and work with a wide range of sample and reagent volumes. This sturdy, realiable and user-friendly machine will save you both time and expenses while ensuring consistently high quality performance and nucleic acids for your downstream applications.

xTractPure Total RNA extraction Kit
Z2212007	Biochain	1 kit	EUR 499

Human Total PSA (t-PSA) ELISA Kit
PRB-5049-TOTAL	Cell Biolabs	96 assays	EUR 686.4

Rapid Animal Total RNA Extraction Kit
AT4181	Bio Basic	50Preps	EUR 105.67

Rapid Animal Total RNA Extraction Kit
AT4182	Bio Basic	250preps	EUR 242.7

Total Protein Extraction Kit: TM Buffer
K3011010-1	Biochain	13 ml	EUR 194.4
Description: Can be used for various proteomics studies in both normal and pathological cases. It is an excellent control and suitable for educational purposes. This product is prepared from whole tissue homogenates and has undergone SDS-PAGE quality control analysis. The protein is stored in a buffer with protease inhibitor cocktail fo prevent degradation.

Total Protein Extraction Kit: 50X PI
K3011010-2	Biochain	260 ul	EUR 346.8
Description: Can be used for various proteomics studies in both normal and pathological cases. It is an excellent control and suitable for educational purposes. This product is prepared from whole tissue homogenates and has undergone SDS-PAGE quality control analysis. The protein is stored in a buffer with protease inhibitor cocktail fo prevent degradation.

EpiQuik Total RNA Isolation Fast Kit
P-9105-050	EpiGentek	50 samples	EUR 176

AffiSelect Total Protein Extraction Solution
A0710-015	GenDepot	15X1ml	EUR 170.4

Bacterial Total Protein Extraction Reagent
abx090632-50100assays	Abbexa	50-100 assays	EUR 309.6

Plant Total Protein Extraction Reagent
abx090633-50100assays	Abbexa	50-100 assays	EUR 276

Human Total PSA (t-PSA) ELISA Kit
PRB-5049-TOTAL-5	Cell Biolabs	5 x 96 assays	EUR 2739.6

EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit II (Nucleic Acid-Free)
OP-0022-100	EpiGentek	100 Extractions	EUR 206.8

EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit II (Nucleic Acid-Free)
OP-0022	EpiGentek	EUR 350.58 EUR 206.80	100 Extractions 100 Extractions

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2006-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2006-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K4 ChIP Kit
P-2007-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 416.9

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K4 ChIP Kit
P-2007-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 686.4

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H3 ChIP Kit
P-2010-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H3 ChIP Kit
P-2010-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H4 ChIP Kit
P-2011-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H4 ChIP Kit
P-2011-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K27 ChIP Kit
P-2015-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 490.6

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K27 ChIP Kit
P-2015-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 710.6

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2006	EpiGentek	EUR 1050.06 EUR 442.20 EUR 699.60	48 Reactions 24 Reactions 48 Reactions

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K4 ChIP Kit
P-2007	EpiGentek	EUR 1032.66 EUR 416.90 EUR 686.40	48 Reactions 24 Reactions 48 Reactions

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H3 ChIP Kit
P-2010	EpiGentek	EUR 1050.06 EUR 442.20 EUR 699.60	48 Reactions 24 Reactions 48 Reactions

EpiQuik Acetyl-Histone H4 ChIP Kit
P-2011	EpiGentek	EUR 1050.06 EUR 442.20 EUR 699.60	48 Reactions 24 Reactions 48 Reactions

EpiQuik Methyl-Histone H3K27 ChIP Kit
P-2015	EpiGentek	EUR 1067.46 EUR 490.60 EUR 710.60	48 Reactions 24 Reactions 48 Reactions

RNA isolater Total RNA Extraction Reagent
R401-01	Vazyme	100 ml	EUR 159.6

Extract-EZ E1, Total Subcellular Protein Extraction Kit
BSP073	Bio Basic	50Preps	EUR 162.31

AnaPrep Total RNA Extraction Kit with DNase-Treatment
Z1322017	Biochain	1 kit (48 extractions) Including all required plastic disposables	EUR 486
Description: This kit is developped for our fully automated magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction platform which uses preprogrammed protocols and can process up to 12 samples simultaneously. With the AnaPrep 12 Extractor you will have the option to choose and work with a wide range of sample and reagent volumes. This sturdy, realiable and user-friendly machine will save you both time and expenses while ensuring consistently high quality performance and nucleic acids for your downstream applications.

EpiQuik Tri-Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2006T-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Tri-Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2006T-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2008-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K9 ChIP Kit
P-2008-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K4 ChIP Kit
P-2009-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K4 ChIP Kit
P-2009-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Tissue Acetyl-Histone H3 ChIP Kit
P-2012-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Tissue Acetyl-Histone H3 ChIP Kit
P-2012-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Tissue Acetyl-Histone H4 ChIP Kit
P-2013-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 442.2

EpiQuik Tissue Acetyl-Histone H4 ChIP Kit
P-2013-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 699.6

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K27 ChIP Kit
P-2016-24	EpiGentek	24 Reactions	EUR 490.6

EpiQuik Tissue Methyl-Histone H3K27 ChIP Kit
P-2016-48	EpiGentek	48 Reactions	EUR 710.6

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K4 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3017-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 477.4

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K4 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3017-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 710.6

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K9 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3018-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 477.4

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K9 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3018-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 710.6

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K27 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3020-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 477.4

EpiQuik Global Histone H3K27 Methylation Assay Kit
P-3020-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 710.6

EpiQuik Histone H3 Citrullination ELISA Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3095-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 463.1

EpiQuik Histone H3 Citrullination ELISA Kit (Colorimetric)
P-3095-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 775.5

EpiQuik Global Histone H3 Acetylation Assay Kit
P-4008-48	EpiGentek	48 Assays	EUR 451

EpiQuik Global Histone H3 Acetylation Assay Kit
P-4008-96	EpiGentek	96 Assays	EUR 639.1