Transcript origin analysis identifies antigen-presenting cells as primary targets of socially regulated gene expression in leukocytes

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1014218108
• Publication Date: 2011-02-08T05:35:23Z
• Authors: Steven W. Cole; Louise C. Hawkley; Jesusa M. G. Arevalo; John T. Cacioppo
• Keywords: Gene Expression Profiling; Loneliness; Antigen-Presenting Cells; Computational Biology; Social Environment; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Gene Expression Regulation; Databases, Genetic; Leukocytes; Humans; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

To clarify the biological rationale for social regulation of gene expression, this study sought to identify specific immune cell types that are transcriptionally sensitive subjective isolation (loneliness). Using reference distributions expression each human in major leukocyte subtype, we mapped cellular origin transcripts found be differentially expressed circulating cells from chronically lonely individuals. Loneliness-associated genes derived primarily plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes, and, a lesser extent, B lymphocytes. Those dynamics reflected per-cell changes inducible and related more strongly experience loneliness than objective network size. Evolutionarily ancient myeloid antigen-presenting appear have evolved transcriptional sensitivity socioenvironmental conditions may allow them shift basal profiles counter changing microbial threats associated with hostile vs. affine conditions.