A mucosal vaccination approach for herpes simplex virus type 2.

An estimated 1 out of every 5 Americans is infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Efforts in developing a potent vaccine for HSV-2 have shown limited success. Here we describe a heterologous vaccination strategy for HSV-2 based on an intramuscular DNA prime followed by a liposome-encapsulated antigen boost delivered intranasally.

The 5' flanking region of the Rhesus monkey H3 (DMBT1) gene contains putative progesterone response elements.

DMBT1 (deleted in malignant brain tumors) encodes a large scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) protein with proposed tumor suppressor properties due to its frequent deletion or lack of expression in a variety of different tumors including endometrial cancers. The gene is alternatively spliced to produce a number of related proteins with suspected functions in mucosal inflammation and epithelial regeneration. Expression of DMBT1 has been demonstrated in a wide variety of cell types, mostly of epithelial origin, including tissues of the respiratory system, the alimentary system, brain, and reproductive system.

Microarray profiling of progesterone-regulated endometrial genes during the rhesus monkey secretory phase.

Background: In the endometrium the steroid hormone progesterone (P), acting through its nuclear receptors, regulates the expression of specific target genes and gene networks required for endometrial maturation. Proper endometrial maturation is considered a requirement for embryo implantation. Endometrial receptivity is a complex process that is spatially and temporally restricted and the identity of genes that regulate receptivity has been pursued by a number of investigators.

Role of progesterone in structural and biochemical remodeling of endometrium.

The endometrial response to the varying levels of ovarian steroids is exhibited as alterations in its form and function. These changes in endometrial morphology and physiology, especially those observed during the implantation window are prerequisites to support embryo attachment and invasion. However the state of endometrial receptivity to embryo results from an operative network of several molecular events triggered by estrogen, progesterone and probably some other factors, yet to be discovered.

Temporal regulation of gene expression during the expected window of receptivity in the rhesus monkey endometrium.

Progesterone has been shown to regulate a number of genes and gene networks in the primate endometrium. This action of progesterone is essential to provide an appropriate milieu for embryo-endometrial communication that can lead to implantation and the successful initiation of pregnancy. A temporal regulation of endometrial genes is most likely required to achieve an appropriate state of receptivity in the primate endometrium.

Gene expression in the rhesus monkey endometrium: differential display and laser capture microdissection.

The primate endometrium is a complex heterogeneous tissue that requires proper maturation to achieve a hospitable environment for implantation. Endometrial differentiation and maturation is primarily controlled through the action of progesterone during the secretory phase. Many of the genes and gene networks that are involved in this process are likely to be induced or inhibited in a temporal, spatial, and cell-type specific context within the endometrium.

Assessment and application of laser microdissection for analysis of gene expression in the rhesus monkey endometrium.

We investigated the use of laser capture microdissection (LCM) to identify differences in gene expression between cell types or regions within the rhesus monkey endometrium. Different cell types were harvested from the two major regions of the endometrium during midsecretory phases (Days 21-23) of adequate artificial menstrual cycles: glandular epithelia (G) or stroma (S) from the functionalis (F) or the basalis (B). Amplification of the cDNA populations (primer-specific adaptors) was used to increase the amount of nucleic acid for further analysis.