Distinct liver sections exhibit sex-specific gene expression patterns in Lewis rats
Scientific Reports, vol. 15, pp. 32143
Abstract
Abstract Sex-specific differences in liver gene expression have previously been reported in humans and rodents. Clinically, female-to-male liver transplants are known to be associated with adverse post-transplantation outcomes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Sex-specific gene expression differences may be involved in the post-transplantation outcomes. Here, we analyse sex-specific differences in liver gene expression of Lewis rats on a genome-wide scale. In total, 543 genes exhibited a differential gene expression between male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) rats, with the largest difference found for the transcript ENSRNOG00000009273.7 (log2FC = 10.69, p < 2.2*10− 308). Genes downregulated (n = 272) in males were enriched for cholesterol homeostasis and late oestrogen response. We further analysed inter- and intra-sex gene expression differences in three individual liver sections to evaluate liver heterogeneity. Although several genes exhibited a sex-specific expression in all three liver sections (n = 240), distinct expression patterns within each individual section were determined. Variations between sections were even evident within the same sex with male liver sections revealing more differentially expressed genes (male n = 40, female n = 11). Consequently, studies investigating liver-specific gene expressions should consider this intrahepatic heterogeneity to avoid introducing potential biases. Subsequent studies ought to explore gene expression differences between the sexes pre- and post-transplantation, particularly regarding a female-to-male transplants.
Authors 13
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Luisa Sophie Rajcsanyi corresponding
Essen University Hospital · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. luisa.rajcsanyi@uk-essen.de
Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. luisa.rajcsanyi@uk-essen.de
Section of Molecular Genetics in Mental Disorders, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. luisa.rajcsanyi@uk-essen.de
Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Section of Molecular Genetics in Mental Disorders, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Medizinische Hochschule Hannover · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Department of General, Visceral, Pediatric and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
ReMediES, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Medizinische Hochschule Hannover · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Department of General, Visceral, Pediatric and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
ReMediES, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Essen University Hospital · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Section of Molecular Genetics in Mental Disorders, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bielefeld University · Essen University Hospital · Klinikum Bielefeld · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Department of Dermatology, Bielefeld University, Medical School and University Medical Center OWL, Klinikum Bielefeld Rosenhöhe, Bielefeld, Germany
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg- Essen, Essen, Germany
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Essen University Hospital · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Section of Molecular Genetics in Mental Disorders, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Essen University Hospital · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Genomics and Transcriptomics Facility, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Essen University Hospital · University of Duisburg-Essen
Affiliation as printed
Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
Section of Molecular Genetics in Mental Disorders, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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