hCoCena: A toolbox for network-based co-expression analysis and horizontal integration of transcriptomic datasets.

As the number and complexity of transcriptomic datasets increase, there is a rising demand for accessible and user-friendly analysis tools. Here, we present hCoCena (horizontal construction of co-expression networks and analysis), a toolbox facilitating the analysis of a single dataset, as well as the joint analysis of multiple datasets. We describe steps for workspace setup, formatting tables, data processing, and network integration.

hCoCena: horizontal integration and analysis of transcriptomics datasets.

Motivation: Transcriptome-based gene co-expression analysis has become a standard procedure for structured and contextualized understanding and comparison of different conditions and phenotypes. Since large study designs with a broad variety of conditions are costly and laborious, extensive comparisons are hindered when utilizing only a single dataset. Thus, there is an increased need for tools that allow the integration of multiple transcriptomic datasets with subsequent joint analysis, which can provide a more systematic understanding of gene co-expression and co-functionality within and across conditions.

Alveolar macrophages in early stage COPD show functional deviations with properties of impaired immune activation.

Despite its high prevalence, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are far from being understood. Here, we determine disease-related changes in cellular and molecular compositions within the alveolar space and peripheral blood of a cohort of COPD patients and controls. Myeloid cells were the largest cellular compartment in the alveolar space with invading monocytes and proliferating macrophages elevated in COPD.

Induction of Rosette-to-Lumen stage embryoids using reprogramming paradigms in ESCs.

Blastocyst-derived stem cell lines were shown to self-organize into embryo-like structures in 3D cell culture environments. Here, we provide evidence that embryo-like structures can be generated solely based on transcription factor-mediated reprogramming of embryonic stem cells in a simple 3D co-culture system. Embryonic stem cells in these cultures self-organize into elongated, compartmentalized embryo-like structures reflecting aspects of the inner regions of the early post-implantation embryo.

Alveolar macrophage transcriptomic profiling in COPD shows major lipid metabolism changes.

Background: Immune cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Changes in the distribution and cellular functions of major immune cells, such as alveolar macrophages (AMs) and neutrophils are well known; however, their transcriptional reprogramming and contribution to the pathophysiology of COPD are still not fully understood.

Method: To determine changes in transcriptional reprogramming and lipid metabolism in the major immune cell type within bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, we analysed whole transcriptomes and lipidomes of sorted CD45LinHLA-DRCD66bAutofluorescence AMs from controls and COPD patients.

Disease severity-specific neutrophil signatures in blood transcriptomes stratify COVID-19 patients.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is currently leading to increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients all over the world. Clinical presentations range from asymptomatic, mild respiratory tract infection, to severe cases with acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, and death. Reports on a dysregulated immune system in the severe cases call for a better characterization and understanding of the changes in the immune system.