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Transcriptome analysis reveals sexual disparities in gene expression in rat brain microvessels
Partha K Chandra1, Sinisa Cikic1, Melody C Baddoo2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Summary
Male and female rat brain microvessels show significant differences in gene expression, impacting function and disease susceptibility. These sex disparities offer insights into cerebrovascular and neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genomics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Sex influences brain microvessel (MV) function and susceptibility to cerebrovascular and neurological diseases.
- The underlying molecular mechanisms driving these sex-dependent differences remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based gene expression differences in rat brain microvessels.
- To identify specific molecular pathways affected by sex in brain MVs.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to analyze gene expression in brain MVs from male and female rats.
- Bioinformatics analysis identified differentially expressed genes and enriched canonical pathways.
- Proteomic analysis and western blotting validated key gene expression findings.
Main Results:
- 298 differentially expressed genes were identified in brain MVs, with 119 in males and 179 in females.
- Genes involved in nucleic acid binding, enzyme modulation, and transcription factors were more abundant in males.
- Key pathways differed significantly, with males showing enrichment in GPI synthesis and cholesterol metabolism, while females showed enrichment in respiratory chain and ribosomal functions.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex disparities exist in the gene expression profiles and functional pathways of brain microvessels.
- These findings provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms and consequences of sex-specific cerebrovascular and neurological diseases.
