Narrow Results

Comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of all genes in a biological sample is a capability of RNA-Seq technology. Analysis of the entire transcriptome benefits from summarization of genes at the functional level. As a cellular response of interest not previously explored with RNA-Seq, peritoneal macrophages from mice under two conditions (control and immunologically challenged) were analyzed for gene expression differences. Quantification of individual transcripts modeled RNA-Seq read distribution and uncertainty (using a Beta Negative Binomial distribution), then tested for differential transcript expression (False Discovery Rate-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Enrichment of functional categories utilized the list of differentially expressed genes. A total of 2079 differentially expressed transcripts representing 1884 genes were detected. Enrichment of 92 categories from Gene Ontology Biological Processes and Molecular Functions, and KEGG pathways were grouped into 6 clusters. Clusters included defense and inflammatory response (Enrichment Score = 11.24) and ribosomal activity (Enrichment Score = 17.89). Our work provides a context to the fine detail of individual gene expression differences in murine peritoneal macrophages during immunological challenge with high throughput RNA-Seq.

Treatment of malignant brain tumors continues to challenge scientists and clinicians alike. Location of these tumors within the central nervous system (CNS), which is considered a "privileged" organ, can prevent the penetration of chemotherapeutic agents through the blood–brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this limitation, nanoparticles are taken up and transported by macrophage and then delivered directly into the CNS. In this study, we used macrophage to uptake the folate-targeted bifunctional micelles loaded with near-infrared (NIR) dye ICG-Der-01 and investigate the dynamic bio-distributions of macrophage after intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice. In vitro cellular experiments by confocal microscopy indicated that the uptake of micelles in macrophage was greatly enhanced due to the folate receptor overexpression. Dynamic bio-distributions of macrophage showed a rapid clearing rate through the liver intestine pathway. In conclusion, macrophage could potentially be used as nanoparticle drug carriers and require further investigation.