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Rana N, Kapil L, Singh C, Singh A. Modeling Huntington's disease: An insight on in-vitro and in-vivo models. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114757. [PMID: 37952684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative illness that causes neuronal death most extensively within the basal ganglia. There is a broad class of neurologic disorders associated with the expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) repeats in numerous proteins. Several other molecular mechanisms have also been implicated in HD pathology, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered synaptic plasticity in central spiny neurons. HD pathogenesis and the effectiveness of therapy approaches have been better understood through the use of animal models. The pathological manifestations of the disease were reproduced by early models of glutamate analog toxicity and mitochondrial respiration inhibition. Because the treatments available for HD are quite limited, it is important to have a definite preclinical model that mimics all the aspects of the disease. It can be used to study mechanisms and validate candidate therapies. Although there hasn't been much success in translating animal research into clinical practice, each model has something special to offer in the quest for a deeper comprehension of HD's neurobehavioral foundations. This review provides insight into various in-vitro-and in-vivo models of HD which may be useful in the screening of newer therapeutics for this incapacitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitasha Rana
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Affiliated to I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Lakshay Kapil
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Affiliated to I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, HNB Garhwal University (A Central University), Chauras Campus, Distt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India
| | - Arti Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Affiliated to I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
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Li Y, Zong X, Zhao J, Yang L, Zhang C, Zhao H. Evaluating the Effects of Pulsed Electrical Stimulation on the Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure of Medulla Oblongata Tissues. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:838-850. [PMID: 38178628 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The development of remote surgery hinges on comprehending the mechanical properties of the tissue at the surgical site. Understanding the mechanical behavior of the medulla oblongata tissue is instrumental for precisely determining the remote surgery implementation site. Additionally, exploring this tissue's response under electric fields can inform the creation of electrical stimulation therapy regimens. This could potentially reduce the extent of medulla oblongata tissue damage from mechanical compression. Various types of pulsed electric fields were integrated into a custom-built indentation device for this study. Experimental findings suggested that applying pulsed electric fields amplified the shear modulus of the medulla oblongata tissue. In the electric field, the elasticity and viscosity of the tissue increased. The most significant influence was noted from the low-frequency pulsed electric field, while the burst pulsed electric field had a minimal impact. At the microstructural scale, the application of an electric field led to the concentration of myelin in areas distant from the surface layer in the medulla oblongata, and the orderly structure of proteoglycans became disordered. The alterations observed in the myelin and proteoglycans under an electric field were considered to be the fundamental causes of the changes in the mechanical behavior of the medulla oblongata tissue. Moreover, cell polarization and extracellular matrix cavitation were observed, with transmission electron microscopy results pointing to laminar separation within the myelin at the ultrastructure scale. This study thoroughly explored the impact of electric field application on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of the medulla oblongata tissue, delving into the underlying mechanisms. This investigation delved into the changes and mechanisms in the mechanical behavior and microstructure of medulla oblongata tissue under the influence of electric fields. Furthermore, this study could serve as a reference for the development of electrical stimulation regimens in the central nervous system. The acquired mechanical behavior data could provide valuable baseline information to aid in the evolution of remote surgery techniques involving the medulla oblongata tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Li
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, P. R. China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Xiangyu Zong
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, P. R. China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Jiucheng Zhao
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, P. R. China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, P. R. China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, P. R. China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing 401120, China
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Zhao H, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang C. Changes in myelinated nerve fibers induced by pulsed electrical stimulation: A microstructural perspective on the causes of electrical stimulation side effects. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 691:149331. [PMID: 38039835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrical brain stimulation technology is widely used in the clinic to treat brain neurological disorders. However, during treatment, patients may experience side effects such as pain, poor limb coordination, and skin rash. Previous reports have focused on the brilliant chapter on electrical brain stimulation technology and have not paid attention to patients' suffering caused by side effects during treatment. In this study, electrodes were arranged on the medulla oblongata. Pulsed electric fields of different frequencies were used to perform electrical stimulation to study the impact of electric fields on myelinated nerve fibers and reveal the possible microstructural origin of side effects. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze and quantify the changes in microstructure. The results illustrated that myelinated nerve fibers underwent atrophy under pulsed electric fields, with the mildest degree of atrophy under high-frequency (400 Hz) electric fields. Myelin sheaths experienced plate separation under pulsed electric fields, and a distinct laminar structure appeared. The microstructure changes may be related to the side effects of clinical electrical stimulation. This study can provide pathological possibilities for exploring the causes of the side effects of electrical stimulation and supply guidance for selecting electrical parameters for clinical electrical stimulation therapy from a distinctive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110167, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing, 401120, PR China
| | - Yiqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110167, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing, 401120, PR China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110167, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing, 401120, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110167, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Jilin University, Chongqing, 401120, PR China.
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4
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Kwon DH, Gim GM, Yum SY, Jang G. Current status and future of gene engineering in livestock. BMB Rep 2024; 57:50-59. [PMID: 38053297 PMCID: PMC10828428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of gene engineering in livestock is necessary for various reasons, such as increasing productivity and producing disease resistance and biomedicine models. Overall, gene engineering provides benefits to the agricultural and research aspects, and humans. In particular, productivity can be increased by producing livestock with enhanced growth and improved feed conversion efficiency. In addition, the application of the disease resistance models prevents the spread of infectious diseases, which reduces the need for treatment, such as the use of antibiotics; consequently, it promotes the overall health of the herd and reduces unexpected economic losses. The application of biomedicine could be a valuable tool for understanding specific livestock diseases and improving human welfare through the development and testing of new vaccines, research on human physiology, such as human metabolism or immune response, and research and development of xenotransplantation models. Gene engineering technology has been evolving, from random, time-consuming, and laborious methods to specific, time-saving, convenient, and stable methods. This paper reviews the overall trend of genetic engineering technologies development and their application for efficient production of genetically engineered livestock, and provides examples of technologies approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for application in humans. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(1): 50-59].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hyeok Kwon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | | | | | - Goo Jang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- LARTBio Inc., Gwangmyeong 14322, Korea
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5
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Iacono D, Murphy EK, Stimpson CD, Perl DP, Day RM. Low-dose brain radiation: lowering hyperphosphorylated-tau without increasing DNA damage or oncogenic activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21142. [PMID: 38036591 PMCID: PMC10689500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48146-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain radiation has been medically used to alter the metabolism of cancerous cells and induce their elimination. Rarely, though, brain radiation has been used to interfere with the pathomechanisms of non-cancerous brain disorders, especially neurodegenerative disorders. Data from low-dose radiation (LDR) on swine brains demonstrated reduced levels of phosphorylated-tau (CP13) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in radiated (RAD) versus sham (SH) animals. Phosphorylated-tau and APP are involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. We determined if the expression levels of hyperphosphorylated-tau, 3R-tau, 4R-tau, synaptic, intraneuronal damage, and DNA damage/oncogenic activation markers were altered in RAD versus SH swine brains. Quantitative analyses demonstrated reduced levels of AT8 and 3R-tau in hippocampus (H) and striatum (Str), increased levels of synaptophysin and PSD-95 in frontal cortex (FCtx), and reduced levels of NF-L in cerebellum (CRB) of RAD versus SH swine. DNA damage and oncogene activation markers levels did not differ between RAD and SH animals, except for histone-H3 (increased in FCtx and CRB, decreased in Str), and p53 (reduced in FCtx, Str, H and CRB). These findings confirm the region-based effects of sLDR on proteins normally expressed in larger mammalian brains and support the potential applicability of LDR to beneficially interfere against neurodegenerative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Iacono
- DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository and Neuropathology Program, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA.
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Neurodegeneration Disorders Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Erin K Murphy
- DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository and Neuropathology Program, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl D Stimpson
- DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository and Neuropathology Program, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel P Perl
- DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository and Neuropathology Program, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Regina M Day
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MD, USA
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Yang S, Chen D, Xie L, Zou X, Xiao Y, Rao L, Yao T, Zhang Q, Cai L, Huang F, Yang B, Huang L. Developmental dynamics of the single nucleus regulatory landscape of pig hippocampus. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2614-2628. [PMID: 37428306 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2345-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus is a brain region associated with memory, learning and spatial navigation, its aging-related dysfunction is a common sign of Alzheimer's disease. Pig is a good model for human neurodegenerative disease, but our understanding of the regulatory program of the pig hippocampus and its cross-species conservation in humans remains limited. Here, we profiled chromatin accessibility in 33,409 high-quality nuclei and gene expression in 8,122 high-quality nuclei of the pig hippocampus at four postnatal stages. We identified 510,908 accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) in 12 major cell types, among which progenitor cells such as neuroblasts and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells showed a dynamic decrease from early to later developmental stages. We revealed significant enrichment of transposable elements in cell type-specific ACRs, particularly in neuroblasts. We identified oligodendrocytes as the most prominent cell type with the greatest number of genes that showed significant changes during the development. We identified ACRs and key transcription factors underlying the trajectory of neurogenesis (such as POU3F3 and EGR1) and oligodendrocyte differentiation (RXRA and FOXO6). We examined 27 Alzheimer's disease-related genes in our data and found that 15 showed cell type-specific activity (TREM2, RIN3 and CLU), and 15 genes displayed age-associated dynamic activity (BIN1, RABEP1 and APOE). We intersected our data with human genome-wide association study results to detect neurological disease-associated cell types. The present study provides a single nucleus-accessible chromatin landscape of the pig hippocampus at different developmental stages and is helpful for the exploration of pigs as a biomedical model in human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Dong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Lei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Yanyuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Lin Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Tianxiong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Liping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Fei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
| | - Lusheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
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Langthaler K, Jones CR, Brodin B, Bundgaard C. Assessing extent of brain penetration in vivo (K p,uu,brain) in Göttingen minipig using a diverse set of reference drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106554. [PMID: 37543065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The application of Göttingen minipigs for non-rodent pharmacokinetics (PK) and drug safety testing has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the total and unbound brain-to-plasma ratios (Kp,brain and Kp,uu,brain) for a diverse set of reference compounds in female Göttingen minipigs and compare these with Kp,uu,brain values from other species to assess the suitability of Göttingen minipigs as a model for CNS drug safety testing and brain PK in clinical translation. The reference set consisted of 17 compounds with varying physico-chemical properties and included known human P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates. The results of the study showed, that minipig Kp,brain and Kp,uu,brain values for the tested compounds were in the range 0.03-86 and 0.02-2.4 (n = 3-4) respectively. The Kp,uu,brain values were comparable between minipig and rat for a large proportion of the compounds (71% within 2-fold, n = 17). Comparisons of brain penetration across several species for a subset of reference compounds revealed that minipig values were quite similar to those of rat, dog, monkey and human. The study highlighted that the largest Kp,uu,brain species differences were observed for compounds classified as transporter substrates (e.g. cimetidine, risperidone, Way-100635 and altanserin). In conclusion these brain penetration data add substantially to the available literature on PK and drug disposition for minipigs and support use of Göttingen minipig as a non-rodent drug safety model for CNS drug candidates and as a brain PK model for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Langthaler
- Translational DMPK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark; CNS Drug Delivery and Barrier Modelling, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
| | - Christopher R Jones
- Translational DMPK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark; PKPD Modelling & Simulation, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark.
| | - Birger Brodin
- CNS Drug Delivery and Barrier Modelling, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Zhang C, Li Y, Yang L, Zhao H. Regulation of local alternating electric fields on synaptic plasticity in brain tissue. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:391-396. [PMID: 37519881 PMCID: PMC10382455 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-023-00287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose External electric fields can regulate the neural network and change the excitability of the in-vivo cerebral cortex. Here, to prove the effect of alternating electric fields on the synaptic plasticity of ex-vivo tissues, the regular changes in the synaptic structure under alternating electric fields were studied. Methods This study applied alternating electric fields with a peak voltage of 20 V and frequencies of 5, 20, 50, and 80 Hz to the porcine cerebral cortex. Relying on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the ultrastructure of synapses was observed, and the curvature radius of post-synaptic density (PSD) and the synaptic gap distance was quantified. Results The results indicated that under alternating electric fields, the average synaptic curvature of the PSD decreased by 30-59% with increasing frequency, and the average synaptic gap distance became narrower. Conclusion In ex-vivo brain tissue, synaptic plasticity can be regulated by alternating electric fields of different frequencies. This study can provide reference data for the storage and regulation of ex-vivo organs, as well as comparable data for in-vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
| | - Yiqiang Li
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062 P. R. China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025 P. R. China
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Pirone A, Ciregia F, Lazzarini G, Miragliotta V, Ronci M, Zuccarini M, Zallocco L, Beghelli D, Mazzoni MR, Lucacchini A, Giusti L. Proteomic Profiling Reveals Specific Molecular Hallmarks of the Pig Claustrum. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4336-4358. [PMID: 37095366 PMCID: PMC10293365 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The present study, employing a comparative proteomic approach, analyzes the protein profile of pig claustrum (CLA), putamen (PU), and insula (IN). Pig brain is an interesting model whose key translational features are its similarities with cortical and subcortical structures of human brain. A greater difference in protein spot expression was observed in CLA vs PU as compared to CLA vs IN. The deregulated proteins identified in CLA resulted to be deeply implicated in neurodegenerative (i.e., sirtuin 2, protein disulfide-isomerase 3, transketolase) and psychiatric (i.e., copine 3 and myelin basic protein) disorders in humans. Metascape analysis of differentially expressed proteins in CLA vs PU comparison suggested activation of the α-synuclein pathway and L1 recycling pathway corroborating the involvement of these anatomical structures in neurodegenerative diseases. The expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and dihydropyrimidinase like 2, which are linked to these pathways, was validated using western blot analysis. Moreover, the protein data set of CLA vs PU comparison was analyzed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis to obtain a prediction of most significant canonical pathways, upstream regulators, human diseases, and biological functions. Interestingly, inhibition of presenilin 1 (PSEN1) upstream regulator and activation of endocannabinoid neuronal synapse pathway were observed. In conclusion, this is the first study presenting an extensive proteomic analysis of pig CLA in comparison with adjacent areas, IN and PUT. These results reinforce the common origin of CLA and IN and suggest an interesting involvement of CLA in endocannabinoid circuitry, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federica Ciregia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzarini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Interuniversitary Consortium for Engineering and Medicine, COIIM, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Zuccarini
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zallocco
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Beghelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Lucacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Giusti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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11
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The Potential of Flavonoids and Flavonoid Metabolites in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Pathology in Disorders of Cognitive Decline. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030663. [PMID: 36978911 PMCID: PMC10045397 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are a biodiverse family of dietary compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial cell protective profiles. They have received considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in biomedicine and have been widely used in traditional complimentary medicine for generations. Such complimentary medical herbal formulations are extremely complex mixtures of many pharmacologically active compounds that provide a therapeutic outcome through a network pharmacological effects of considerable complexity. Methods are emerging to determine the active components used in complimentary medicine and their therapeutic targets and to decipher the complexities of how network pharmacology provides such therapeutic effects. The gut microbiome has important roles to play in the generation of bioactive flavonoid metabolites retaining or exceeding the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the intact flavonoid and, in some cases, new antitumor and antineurodegenerative bioactivities. Certain food items have been identified with high prebiotic profiles suggesting that neutraceutical supplementation may be beneficially employed to preserve a healthy population of bacterial symbiont species and minimize the establishment of harmful pathogenic organisms. Gut health is an important consideration effecting the overall health and wellbeing of linked organ systems. Bioconversion of dietary flavonoid components in the gut generates therapeutic metabolites that can also be transported by the vagus nerve and systemic circulation to brain cell populations to exert a beneficial effect. This is particularly important in a number of neurological disorders (autism, bipolar disorder, AD, PD) characterized by effects on moods, resulting in depression and anxiety, impaired motor function, and long-term cognitive decline. Native flavonoids have many beneficial properties in the alleviation of inflammation in tissues, however, concerns have been raised that therapeutic levels of flavonoids may not be achieved, thus allowing them to display optimal therapeutic effects. Dietary manipulation and vagal stimulation have both yielded beneficial responses in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety, establishing the vagal nerve as a route of communication in the gut-brain axis with established roles in disease intervention. While a number of native flavonoids are beneficial in the treatment of neurological disorders and are known to penetrate the blood–brain barrier, microbiome-generated flavonoid metabolites (e.g., protocatechuic acid, urolithins, γ-valerolactones), which retain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of the native flavonoid in addition to bioactive properties that promote mitochondrial health and cerebrovascular microcapillary function, should also be considered as potential biotherapeutic agents. Studies are warranted to experimentally examine the efficacy of flavonoid metabolites directly, as they emerge as novel therapeutic options.
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12
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Vajta G, Chen WB, Machaty Z. Production of Cloned Pigs by Handmade Cloning. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:183-195. [PMID: 37041335 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in pigs is a promising technology in biomedical research by association with transgenesis for xenotransplantation and disease modeling technologies. Handmade cloning (HMC) is a simplified SCNT method that does not require micromanipulators and facilitates the generation of cloned embryos in large quantities. As a result of HMC fine-tuning for porcine-specific requirements of both oocytes and embryos, HMC has become uniquely efficient (>40% blastocyst rate, 80-90% pregnancy rates, 6-7 healthy offspring per farrowing, and with negligible losses and malformations). Therefore, this chapter describes our HMC protocol to obtain cloned pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Wen Bin Chen
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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13
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Expression Profile of Housekeeping Genes and Tissue-Specific Genes in Multiple Tissues of Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243539. [PMID: 36552460 PMCID: PMC9774903 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs have become an ideal model system for human disease research and development and an important farm animal that provides a valuable source of nutrition. To profile the all-sided gene expression and their biological functions across multiple tissues, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of gene expression on a large scale around the side of housekeeping genes (HKGs), tissue specific genes (TSGs), and the co-expressed genes in 14 various tissues. In this study, we identified 2351 HKGs and 3018 TSGs across tissues, among which 4 HKGs (COX1, UBB, OAZ1/NPFF) exhibited low variation and high expression levels, and 31 particular TSGs (e.g., PDC, FKBP6, STAT2, and COL1A1) were exclusively expressed in several tissues, including endocrine brain, ovaries, livers, backfat, jejunum, kidneys, lungs, and longissimus dorsi muscles. We also obtained 17 modules with 230 hub genes (HUBGs) by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. On the other hand, HKGs functions were enriched in the signaling pathways of the ribosome, spliceosome, thermogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and nucleocytoplasmic transport, which have been highly suggested to involve in the basic biological tissue activities. While TSGs were highly enriched in the signaling pathways that were involved in specific physiological processes, such as the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in ovaries and the renin-angiotensin system pathway in kidneys. Collectively, these stable, specifical, and co-expressed genes provided useful information for the investigation of the molecular mechanism for an understanding of the genetic and biological processes of complex traits in pigs.
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14
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Cahalan SD, Boehm I, Jones RA, Piercy RJ. Recognising the potential of large animals for modelling neuromuscular junction physiology and disease. J Anat 2022; 241:1120-1132. [PMID: 36056593 PMCID: PMC9558152 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology and pathophysiology of many diseases of the motor unit remain poorly understood and the role of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in this group of disorders is particularly overlooked, especially in humans, when these diseases are comparatively rare. However, elucidating the development, function and degeneration of the NMJ is essential to uncover its contribution to neuromuscular disorders, and to explore potential therapeutic avenues to treat these devastating diseases. Until now, an understanding of the role of the NMJ in disease pathogenesis has been hindered by inherent differences between rodent and human NMJs: stark contrasts in body size and corresponding differences in associated axon length underpin some of the translational issues in animal models of neuromuscular disease. Comparative studies in large mammalian models, including examination of naturally occurring, highly prevalent animal diseases and evaluation of their treatment, might provide more relevant insights into the pathogenesis and therapy of equivalent human diseases. This review argues that large animal models offer great potential to enhance our understanding of the neuromuscular system in health and disease, and in particular, when dealing with diseases for which nerve length dependency might underly the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Cahalan
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Biozentrum University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
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15
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Chen J, Zhong J, He X, Li X, Ni P, Safner T, Šprem N, Han J. The de novo assembly of a European wild boar genome revealed unique patterns of chromosomal structural variations and segmental duplications. Anim Genet 2022; 53:281-292. [PMID: 35238061 PMCID: PMC9314987 DOI: 10.1111/age.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The rapid progress of sequencing technology has greatly facilitated the de novo genome assembly of pig breeds. However, the assembly of the wild boar genome is still lacking, hampering our understanding of chromosomal and genomic evolution during domestication from wild boars into domestic pigs. Here, we sequenced and de novo assembled a European wild boar genome (ASM2165605v1) using the long‐range information provided by 10× Linked‐Reads sequencing. We achieved a high‐quality assembly with contig N50 of 26.09 Mb. Additionally, 1.64% of the contigs (222) with lengths from 107.65 kb to 75.36 Mb covered 90.3% of the total genome size of ASM2165605v1 (~2.5 Gb). Mapping analysis revealed that the contigs can fill 24.73% (93/376) of the gaps present in the orthologous regions of the updated pig reference genome (Sscrofa11.1). We further improved the contigs into chromosome level with a reference‐assistant scaffolding method. Using the ‘assembly‐to‐assembly’ approach, we identified intra‐chromosomal large structural variations (SVs, length >1 kb) between ASM2165605v1 and Sscrofa11.1 assemblies. Interestingly, we found that the number of SV events on the X chromosome deviated significantly from the linear models fitting autosomes (R2 > 0.64, p < 0.001). Specifically, deletions and insertions were deficient on the X chromosome by 66.14 and 58.41% respectively, whereas duplications and inversions were excessive on the X chromosome by 71.96 and 107.61% respectively. We further used the large segmental duplications (SDs, >1 kb) events as a proxy to understand the large‐scale inter‐chromosomal evolution, by resolving parental‐derived relationships for SD pairs. We revealed a significant excess of SD movements from the X chromosome to autosomes (p < 0.001), consistent with the expectation of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Enrichment analyses indicated that the genes within derived SD copies on autosomes were significantly related to biological processes involving nervous system, lipid biosynthesis and sperm motility (p < 0.01). Together, our analyses of the de novo assembly of ASM2165605v1 provides insight into the SVs between European wild boar and domestic pig, in addition to the ongoing process of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in driving inter‐chromosomal interaction between the sex chromosome and autosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Chen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Zhong
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuefei He
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pan Ni
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Institute of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Toni Safner
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding, (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikica Šprem
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jianlin Han
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Pietersz KL, Pouw S, Klima J, Ellederova Z, Bohuslavova B, Chrastina J, Liscak R, Urgosik D, Starek Z, Crha M, Lewis O, Wooley M, Johnson D, Brouwers CC, Evers M, Motlik J, Martens GJM, Konstantinova PS, Blits B. Transduction profiles in minipig following MRI guided delivery of AAV-5 into thalamic and corona radiata areas. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 365:109382. [PMID: 34637809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a step towards clinical use of AAV-mediated gene therapy, brains of large animals are used to settle delivery parameters as most brain connections, and relative sizes in large animals and primates, are reasonably common. Prior to application in the clinic, approaches that have shown to be successful in rodent models are tested in larger animal species, such as dogs, non-human primates, and in this case, minipigs. NEW METHOD We evaluated alternate delivery routes to target the basal ganglia by injections into the more superficial corona radiata, and, deeper into the brain, the thalamus. Anatomically known connections can be used to predict the expression of the transgene following infusion of AAV5. For optimal control over delivery of the vector with regards to anatomical location in the brain and spread in the tissue, we have used magnetic resonance image-guided convection-enhanced diffusion delivery. RESULTS While the transduction of the cortex was observed, only partial transduction of the basal ganglia was achieved via the corona radiata. Thalamic administration, on the other hand, resulted in widespread transduction from the midbrain to the frontal cortex COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Compared to other methods, such as delivery directly to the striatum, thalamic injection may provide an alternative when for instance, injection into the basal ganglia directly is not feasible. CONCLUSIONS The study results suggest that thalamic administration of AAV5 has significant potential for indications where the transduction of specific areas of the brain is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Pietersz
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S Pouw
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Klima
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Z Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - B Bohuslavova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - J Chrastina
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R Liscak
- Department of Stereotactic Radioneurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - D Urgosik
- Department of Stereotactic Radioneurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Z Starek
- Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, St.' Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Crha
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - O Lewis
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions (RNS) ltd, Renishaw plc, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - M Wooley
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions (RNS) ltd, Renishaw plc, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - D Johnson
- Renishaw Neuro Solutions (RNS) ltd, Renishaw plc, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - C C Brouwers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - G J M Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P S Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Zhang C, Liu C, Zhao H. Mechanical properties of brain tissue based on microstructure. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 126:104924. [PMID: 34998069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research on the mechanical properties of brain tissue has gradually deepened recently. Two indentation protocols were used here to characterize the mechanical properties of cortical tissues. Further, histological staining was used to explore the correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure on the basis of the density of cell nuclei and proteoglycan content. No significant difference was observed in transient contact stiffness between the cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex at the depth interval of 0-600 μm under the cortical surface; however, the average shear modulus of the cerebral cortex was higher than that of the cerebellar cortex. The cerebral cortex responded more quickly to the change in load and released stress more thoroughly than the cerebellar cortex. In addition, the density of cell nuclei was related to both the transient contact stiffness and second time constant of cortical tissues. Proteoglycan content had a more significant impact on the shear modulus, second time constant, and stress relaxation rate of cortical tissues. Exploring mechanical properties thoroughly will provide more detailed mechanical information for future brain chip implantation. Alternatively, linking the mechanical properties of cortical tissues to the microstructure can provide basic data for the design and manufacture of substitute materials for brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025, PR China
| | - Changyi Liu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China.
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, PR China; Key Laboratory of CNC Equipment Reliability, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130025, PR China.
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18
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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19
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Wang Y, Wang J, Hu H, Wang H, Wang C, Lin H, Zhao X. Dynamic transcriptome profiles of postnatal porcine skeletal muscle growth and development. BMC Genom Data 2021; 22:32. [PMID: 34488628 PMCID: PMC8419915 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-021-00984-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle growth and development are closely associated with the quantity and quality of pork production. We performed a transcriptomic analysis of 12 Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from Tibetan piglets at four postnatal stages of 0, 14, 30, and 60 days using RNA sequencing. RESULTS According to the pairwise comparisons between the libraries of the muscle samples at the four postnatal stages, a total of 4115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in terms of |log2(fold change)| ≥ 1 and an adjusted P value < 0.01. Short-time series expression miner (STEM) analysis of the DEGs identified eight significantly different expression profiles, which were divided into two clusters based on the expression pattern. DEGs in cluster I displayed a pattern of decreasing to a nadir, and then a rise, and the significantly enriched gene ontology (GO) terms detected using them were involved in multiple processes, of which the cell cycle, immunocyte activation and proliferation, as well as actin cytoskeleton organization, were the top three overrepresented processes based on the GO terms functional classification. DEGs in cluster II displayed a pattern of increasing to a peak, then declining, which mainly contributed to protein metabolism. Furthermore, besides the pathways related to immune system, a few diseases, and protein metabolism, the DEGs in clusters I and II were significantly enriched in pathways related to muscle growth and development, such as the Rap1, PI3K-Akt, AMPK, and mTOR signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed GO terms and pathways that could affect the postnatal muscle growth and development in piglets. In addition, this study provides crucial information concerning the molecular mechanisms of muscle growth and development as well as an overview of the piglet transcriptome dynamics throughout the postnatal period in terms of growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiying Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongmei Hu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huaizhong Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haichao Lin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xueyan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China.
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20
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Alpha-Synuclein PET Tracer Development-An Overview about Current Efforts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090847. [PMID: 34577548 PMCID: PMC8466155 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are manifested by inclusion bodies of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) also called α-synucleinopathies. Detection of these inclusions is thus far only possible by histological examination of postmortem brain tissue. The possibility of non-invasively detecting α-syn will therefore provide valuable insights into the disease progression of α-synucleinopathies. In particular, α-syn imaging can quantify changes in monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillic α-syn over time and improve early diagnosis of various α-synucleinopathies or monitor treatment progress. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive in vivo imaging technique that can quantify target expression and drug occupancies when a suitable tracer exists. As such, novel α-syn PET tracers are highly sought after. The development of an α-syn PET tracer faces several challenges. For example, the low abundance of α-syn within the brain necessitates the development of a high-affinity ligand. Moreover, α-syn depositions are, in contrast to amyloid proteins, predominantly localized intracellularly, limiting their accessibility. Furthermore, another challenge is the ligand selectivity over structurally similar amyloids such as amyloid-beta or tau, which are often co-localized with α-syn pathology. The lack of a defined crystal structure of α-syn has also hindered rational drug and tracer design efforts. Our objective for this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current efforts in the development of selective α-syn PET tracers.
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21
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Schulze-Krebs A, Canneva F, Stemick J, Plank AC, Harrer J, Bates GP, Aeschlimann D, Steffan JS, von Hörsten S. Transglutaminase 6 Is Colocalized and Interacts with Mutant Huntingtin in Huntington Disease Rodent Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8914. [PMID: 34445621 PMCID: PMC8396294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian transglutaminases (TGs) catalyze calcium-dependent irreversible posttranslational modifications of proteins and their enzymatic activities contribute to the pathogenesis of several human neurodegenerative diseases. Although different transglutaminases are found in many different tissues, the TG6 isoform is mostly expressed in the CNS. The present study was embarked on/undertaken to investigate expression, distribution and activity of transglutaminases in Huntington disease transgenic rodent models, with a focus on analyzing the involvement of TG6 in the age- and genotype-specific pathological features relating to disease progression in HD transgenic mice and a tgHD transgenic rat model using biochemical, histological and functional assays. Our results demonstrate the physical interaction between TG6 and (mutant) huntingtin by co-immunoprecipitation analysis and the contribution of its enzymatic activity for the total aggregate load in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, we identify that TG6 expression and activity are especially abundant in the olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex, the regions displaying the highest amount of mHTT aggregates in transgenic rodent models of HD. Furthermore, mHTT aggregates were colocalized within TG6-positive cells. These findings point towards a role of TG6 in disease pathogenesis via mHTT aggregate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schulze-Krebs
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Fabio Canneva
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Judith Stemick
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Anne-Christine Plank
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Julia Harrer
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Gillian P. Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
| | - Daniel Aeschlimann
- Matrix Biology and Tissue Repair Research Unit, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK;
| | - Joan S. Steffan
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
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22
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Gu H, Zhou Y, Yang J, Li J, Peng Y, Zhang X, Miao Y, Jiang W, Bu G, Hou L, Li T, Zhang L, Xia X, Ma Z, Xiong Y, Zuo B. Targeted overexpression of PPARγ in skeletal muscle by random insertion and CRISPR/Cas9 transgenic pig cloning enhances oxidative fiber formation and intramuscular fat deposition. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21308. [PMID: 33481304 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001812rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fiber formation and fat deposition in skeletal muscle, we successfully generated muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ in two pig models by random insertion and CRISPR/Cas9 transgenic cloning procedures. The content of intramuscular fat was significantly increased in PPARγ pigs while had no changes on lean meat ratio. PPARγ could promote adipocyte differentiation by activating adipocyte differentiating regulators such as FABP4 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), along with enhanced expression of LPL, FABP4, and PLIN1 to proceed fat deposition. Proteomics analyses demonstrated that oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and respiratory chain were activated in PPARγ pigs, thus, gathered more Ca2+ in PPARγ pigs. Raising of Ca2+ could result in increased phosphorylation of CAMKII and p38 MAPK in PPARγ pigs, which can stimulate MEF2 and PGC1α to affect fiber type and oxidative capacity. These results support that skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ can promote oxidative fiber formation and intramuscular fat deposition in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Gu
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jinzeng Yang
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jianan Li
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yaxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yiliang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Guowei Bu
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Liming Hou
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yuanzhu Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agriculture Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Bertani V, Prioni S, Di Lecce R, Gazza F, Ragionieri L, Merialdi G, Bonilauri P, Jagannathan V, Grassi S, Cabitta L, Paoli A, Morrone A, Sonnino S, Drögemüller C, Cantoni AM. A pathogenic HEXA missense variant in wild boars with Tay-Sachs disease. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:297-306. [PMID: 34119419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gangliosidoses are inherited lysosomal storage disorders caused by reduced or absent activity of either a lysosomal enzyme involved in ganglioside catabolism, or an activator protein required for the proper activity of a ganglioside hydrolase, which results in the intra-lysosomal accumulation of undegraded metabolites. We hereby describe morphological, ultrastructural, biochemical and genetic features of GM2 gangliosidosis in three captive bred wild boar littermates. The piglets were kept in a partially-free range farm and presented progressive neurological signs, starting at 6 months of age. Animals were euthanized at approximately one year of age due to their poor conditions. Neuropathogens were excluded as a possible cause of the signs. Gross examination showed a reduction of cerebral and cerebellar consistency. Central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system neurons were enlarged and foamy, with severe and diffuse cytoplasmic vacuolization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of CNS neurons demonstrated numerous lysosomes, filled by parallel or concentric layers of membranous electron-dense material, defined as membranous cytoplasmic bodies (MCB). Biochemical composition of gangliosides analysis from CNS revealed accumulation of GM2 ganglioside; furthermore, Hex A enzyme activity was less than 1% compared to control animals. These data confirmed the diagnosis of GM2 gangliosidosis. Genetic analysis identified, at a homozygous level, the presence of a missense nucleotide variant c.1495C > T (p Arg499Cys) in the hexosaminidase subunit alpha gene (HEXA), located within the GH20 hexosaminidase superfamily domain of the encoded protein. This specific HEXA variant is known to be pathogenic and associated with Tay-Sachs disease in humans, but has never been identified in other animal species. This is the first report of a HEXA gene associated Tay-Sachs disease in wild boars and provides a comprehensive description of a novel spontaneous animal model for this lysosomal storage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bertani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via Taglio, 8, 43100 Parma, Italy.
| | - Simona Prioni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Lecce
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via Taglio, 8, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Gazza
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via Taglio, 8, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Luisa Ragionieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via Taglio, 8, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merialdi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Via Pietro Fiorini, 5, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Via Pietro Fiorini, 5, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sara Grassi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate, Italy
| | - Livia Cabitta
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate, Italy
| | - Antonella Paoli
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Sandro Sonnino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate, Italy
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Maria Cantoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via Taglio, 8, 43100 Parma, Italy
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24
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Alberio R, Wolf E. 25th ANNIVERSARY OF CLONING BY SOMATIC-CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER: Nuclear transfer and the development of genetically modified/gene edited livestock. Reproduction 2021; 162:F59-F68. [PMID: 34096507 PMCID: PMC8240728 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The birth and adult development of 'Dolly' the sheep, the first mammal produced by the transfer of a terminally differentiated cell nucleus into an egg, provided unequivocal evidence of nuclear equivalence among somatic cells. This ground-breaking experiment challenged a long-standing dogma of irreversible cellular differentiation that prevailed for over a century and enabled the development of methodologies for reversal of differentiation of somatic cells, also known as nuclear reprogramming. Thanks to this new paradigm, novel alternatives for regenerative medicine in humans, improved animal breeding in domestic animals and approaches to species conservation through reproductive methodologies have emerged. Combined with the incorporation of new tools for genetic modification, these novel techniques promise to (i) transform and accelerate our understanding of genetic diseases and the development of targeted therapies through creation of tailored animal models, (ii) provide safe animal cells, tissues and organs for xenotransplantation, (iii) contribute to the preservation of endangered species, and (iv) improve global food security whilst reducing the environmental impact of animal production. This review discusses recent advances that build on the conceptual legacy of nuclear transfer and – when combined with gene editing – will have transformative potential for medicine, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. We conclude that the potential of these technologies depends on further fundamental and translational research directed at improving the efficiency and safety of these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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25
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Barazesh M, Mohammadi S, Bahrami Y, Mokarram P, Morowvat MH, Saidijam M, Karimipoor M, Kavousipour S, Vosoughi AR, Khanaki K. CRISPR/Cas9 Technology as a Modern Genetic Manipulation Tool for Recapitulating of Neurodegenerative Disorders in Large Animal Models. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:130-148. [PMID: 33319680 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666201214115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases are often the consequence of alterations in structures and functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in patients. Despite obtaining massive genomic information concerning the molecular basis of these diseases and since the neurological disorders are multifactorial, causal connections between pathological pathways at the molecular level and CNS disorders development have remained obscure and need to be elucidated to a great extent. OBJECTIVE Animal models serve as accessible and valuable tools for understanding and discovering the roles of causative factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and finding appropriate treatments. Contrary to rodents and other small animals, large animals, especially non-human primates (NHPs), are remarkably similar to humans; hence, they establish suitable models for recapitulating the main human's neuropathological manifestations that may not be seen in rodent models. In addition, they serve as useful models to discover effective therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders due to their similarity to humans in terms of physiology, evolutionary distance, anatomy, and behavior. METHODS In this review, we recommend different strategies based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system for generating animal models of human neurodegenerative disorders and explaining in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 delivery procedures that are applied to disease models for therapeutic purposes. RESULTS With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 as a modern specific gene-editing technology in the field of genetic engineering, genetic modification procedures such as gene knock-in and knock-out have become increasingly easier compared to traditional gene targeting techniques. Unlike the old techniques, this versatile technology can efficiently generate transgenic large animal models without the need to complicate lab instruments. Hence, these animals can accurately replicate the signs of neurodegenerative disorders. CONCLUSION Preclinical applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology supply a unique opportunity to establish animal models of neurodegenerative disorders with high accuracy and facilitate perspectives for breakthroughs in the research on the nervous system disease therapy and drug discovery. Furthermore, the useful outcomes of CRISPR applications in various clinical phases are hopeful for their translation to the clinic in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Barazesh
- School of Paramedical, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Shiva Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram Abad, Iran
| | - Yadollah Bahrami
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Massoud Saidijam
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Morteza Karimipoor
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudabeh Kavousipour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Vosoughi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Korosh Khanaki
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Paramedicine Faculty, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Exploring the conservation of Alzheimer-related pathways between H. sapiens and C. elegans: a network alignment approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4572. [PMID: 33633188 PMCID: PMC7907373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83892-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an –as of yet– unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Research to unveil disease processes underlying AD often relies on the use of neurodegenerative disease model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans. This study sought to identify biological pathways implicated in AD that are conserved in Homo sapiens and C. elegans. Protein–protein interaction networks were assembled for amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau in H. sapiens—two proteins whose aggregation is a hallmark in AD—and their orthologs APL-1 and PTL-1 for C. elegans. Global network alignment was used to compare these networks and determine similar, likely conserved, network regions. This comparison revealed that two prominent pathways, the APP-processing and the Tau-phosphorylation pathways, are highly conserved in both organisms. While the majority of interactions between proteins in those pathways are known to be associated with AD in human, they remain unexamined in C. elegans, signifying the need for their further investigation. In this work, we have highlighted conserved interactions related to AD in humans and have identified specific proteins that can act as targets for experimental studies in C. elegans, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms of AD.
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27
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Zeng Y, Shinada K, Hano K, Sui L, Yang T, Li X, Himaki T. Effects of tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride treatment on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation and subsequent in vitro fertilized embryo developmental capacity. Theriogenology 2021; 162:32-41. [PMID: 33444914 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a crucial process that determines subsequent in vitro embryo production. The present study investigated the effects of the antioxidant tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCL) on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and in vitro developmental competence of fertilized embryos. Oocytes were matured in IVM medium based on four concentration groups of TCEP-HCL (0, 50, 100, and 200 μM) treatment. 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly increased the oocyte first polar body extrusion rate, monospermy rate and subsequent in vitro fertilized embryo developmental capacity (cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and blastocyst total cell number) compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, significantly increased glutathione levels and mitochondrial content compared to those in the control group. Moreover, 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly decreased the oocyte apoptosis, blastocyst apoptosis compared to that in the controls. In summary, these results indicate that 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment improves the quality and developmental capacity of in vitro-fertilized embryos by decreasing oxidative stress in porcine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Zeng
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bio Resources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Kohei Shinada
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuki Hano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Lumin Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bio Resources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bio Resources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bio Resources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Takehiro Himaki
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
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28
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Barman NC, Khan NM, Islam M, Nain Z, Roy RK, Haque A, Barman SK. CRISPR-Cas9: A Promising Genome Editing Therapeutic Tool for Alzheimer's Disease-A Narrative Review. Neurol Ther 2020; 9:419-434. [PMID: 33089409 PMCID: PMC7606404 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-020-00218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficiency and development of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, comprising hyperphosphorylated tau. The number of patients with AD is alarmingly increasing worldwide; currently, at least 50 million people are thought to be living with AD. The mutations or alterations in amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PSEN1), or presenilin-2 (PSEN2) genes are known to be associated with the pathophysiology of AD. Effective medication for AD is still elusive and many gene-targeted clinical trials have failed to meet the expected efficiency standards. The genome editing tool clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 has been emerging as a powerful technology to correct anomalous genetic functions and is now widely applied to the study of AD. This simple yet powerful tool for editing genes showed the huge potential to correct the unwanted mutations in AD-associated genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. So, it has opened a new door for the development of empirical AD models, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic lines in studying the complexity of the nervous system ranging from different cell types (in vitro) to animals (in vivo). This review was undertaken to study the related mechanisms and likely applications of CRISPR-Cas9 as an effective therapeutic tool in treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Chandra Barman
- Department Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh.
| | - Niuz Morshed Khan
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Maidul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Zulkar Nain
- Department Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Kanti Roy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Anwarul Haque
- Department Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Shital Kumar Barman
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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Habekost M, Jørgensen AL, Qvist P, Denham M. MicroRNAs and Ascl1 facilitate direct conversion of porcine fibroblasts into induced neurons. Stem Cell Res 2020; 48:101984. [PMID: 32971463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal conversion describes the process of generating induced neurons from somatic cells such as fibroblasts by overexpressing cell type-specific transcription factors, microRNAs or by culturing in the presence of small molecules. This was first achieved by expressing Brn2, Ascl1 and Myt1L in mouse fibroblasts, and was later achieved in human cells by the inclusion of additional factors such as NeuroD1. Here, we present the first protocol for directly converting porcine fibroblasts into induced neurons. We used lentivirus-mediated delivery of previously identified neuron-specifying transcription factors and microRNAs and evaluated morphology and neuron marker expression after ten days of conversion. We found that Ascl1 and microRNAs, miR-9/9* and miR-124 together generated more neuronal cells than other conditions tested. The porcine induced neurons expressed common mature markers such as MAP2 and Synaptophysin after four weeks of conversion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that fibroblast-specific signatures were silenced early in the conversion process, while the neuron-specific genes became more abundant during conversion. We generated a heterogeneous population of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Habekost
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Per Qvist
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark; Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark; Centre for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark; Centre for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, CGPM, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mark Denham
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark.
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Zhang B, Wang C, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Qin Y, Pang D, Zhang G, Liu H, Xie Z, Yuan H, Ouyang H, Wang J, Tang X. A CRISPR-engineered swine model of COL2A1 deficiency recapitulates altered early skeletal developmental defects in humans. Bone 2020; 137:115450. [PMID: 32450343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the COL2A1 gene were previously described as a cause of type II collagenopathy (e.g., spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Stickler syndrome type I), a major subgroup of genetic skeletal diseases. However, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with COL2A1 mutations remain unclear, and there are few large-mammal models of these diseases. In this study, we established a swine model carrying COL2A1 mutations using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer technologies. Animals mutant for COL2A1 exhibited severe skeletal dysplasia characterized by shortened long bones, abnormal vertebrae, depressed nasal bridge, and cleft palate. Importantly, COL2A1 mutant piglets suffered tracheal collapse, which was almost certainly the cause of their death shortly after birth. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that overt and striking skeletal dysplasia occurring in human patients can be recapitulated in large transgenic mammals. This model underscores the importance of employing large animals as models to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutics of skeletal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Zhang
- Orthopedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, 130021 Changchun, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, 130021 Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China
| | - Yanguo Qin
- Orthopedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China.
| | - Daxin Pang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China.
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Orthopedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China; Research Centre of the Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China.
| | - He Liu
- Orthopedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China.
| | - Zicong Xie
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China.
| | - Hongming Yuan
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China
| | - Hongsheng Ouyang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China.
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Orthopedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 130041 Changchun, China.
| | - Xiaochun Tang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 130062 Changchun, China.
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Hsu SY, Wang HC, Ho JL, Chen HC. Exploring Consumers' Interest in Choosing Sustainable Food. Front Psychol 2020; 11:489. [PMID: 32390893 PMCID: PMC7188908 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order for humans to achieve a healthier diet and maintain ecological balance, a new concept regarding sustainable food has been introduced. The aim of this study is, therefore, to explore consumers' interest in choosing sustainable food. The study utilized "Do Survey," an internet survey platform, to distribute questionnaires. Survey invitations were sent out in a snowball manner. Invitations were posted in multiple online communities and forwarded by various members to other sites; 333 valid responses were collected. The results show that family and friend support and health incentive are the two strongest predictors for sustainable food buying interest. Price accessibility, on the other hand, has no impact on interest. This is not to say that price accessibility does not influence behavior. It just means that it is not the factor that fosters interest. Once an individual is interested, she/he may still rely heavily on price accessibility in purchasing sustainable food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yun Hsu
- Department of Business Management, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Chen Wang
- Department of Leisure Regimen Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Juei-Ling Ho
- Department of Leisure Regimen Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Cheng Chen
- Department of Leisure Regimen Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
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Improved production of GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 triple-gene-modified Diannan miniature pigs for xenotransplantation by recloning. Transgenic Res 2020; 29:369-379. [PMID: 32358721 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-020-00201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple genetic modification is necessary for successful xenotransplantation from pigs. However, multiple-genetically modified cells usually suffer from various drug selections and long-term in vitro culture, which have a poor performance for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce genetically modified pigs. We used to generate GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 triple-gene modified pigs by using drug-selective cell lines for SCNT, but the majority of cloned pigs were transgenic-negative individuals. In this study, to improve the production efficiency of multiple genetically modified pigs, we performed the recloning process by using transgenic porcine fetal fibroblast cells. As a result, two fetuses expressing hCD55 and hCD59 were obtained from 12 live-cloned fetuses, and one carrying high transgene expression was selected as a source of donor cells for recloning. Then we obtained 12 cloned piglets, all GTKO and carrying hCD55 and hCD59. Both hCD55 and hCD59 were expressed in fibroblast cells, but the expression levels of hCD55 and hCD59 were different among these piglets. Furthermore, piglet P5# had the highest expression of hCD55 and hCD59 in fibroblast cells than other piglets. Correspondingly, fibroblast cells of piglet P5# had significantly higher resistance against human serum-mediated cytolysis than those of piglet P11#. In conclusion, our results firstly provide support for improving efficiency of generating multiple genetically modified pig by recloning.
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Use of Animal Models in Molecular Imaging. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2020; 2020:5168147. [PMID: 32140089 PMCID: PMC7042541 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5168147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kong Q, Yang X, Zhang H, Liu S, Zhao J, Zhang J, Weng X, Jin J, Liu Z. Lineage specification and pluripotency revealed by transcriptome analysis from oocyte to blastocyst in pig. FASEB J 2019; 34:691-705. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901818rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Kong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
- Institute of Biology Westlake University Hangzhou China
| | - Shichao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Jianchao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Xiaogang Weng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Junxue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province College of Life Science Northeast Agricultural University Harbin China
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Zhang L, Huang Y, Wang M, Guo Y, Liang J, Yang X, Qi W, Wu Y, Si J, Zhu S, Li Z, Li R, Shi C, Wang S, Zhang Q, Tang Z, Wang L, Li K, Fei JF, Lan G. Development and Genome Sequencing of a Laboratory-Inbred Miniature Pig Facilitates Study of Human Diabetic Disease. iScience 2019; 19:162-176. [PMID: 31376679 PMCID: PMC6677790 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig has been proved to be a valuable large animal model used for research on diabetic disease. However, their translational value is limited given their distinct anatomy and physiology. For the last 30 years, we have been developing a laboratory Asian miniature pig inbred line (Bama miniature pig [BM]) from the primitive Bama xiang pig via long-term selective inbreeding. Here, we assembled a BM reference genome at full chromosome-scale resolution with a total length of 2.49 Gb. Comparative and evolutionary genomic analyses identified numerous variations between the BM and commercial pig (Duroc), particularly those in the genetic loci associated with the features advantageous to diabetes studies. Resequencing analyses revealed many differentiated gene loci associated with inbreeding and other selective forces. These together with transcriptome analyses of diabetic pig models provide a comprehensive genetic basis for resistance to diabetogenic environment, especially related to energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yuemeng Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yafen Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jing Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Xiurong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yanjun Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jinglei Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Siran Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ruiqiang Li
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Qunjie Zhang
- Institution of Genomics and Bioinformatics, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhonglin Tang
- Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ji-Feng Fei
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ganqiu Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Gu X, Gao Y, Luo Z, Yang L, Chi F, Xiao J, Wang W, Geng F. In-depth mapping of the proteome of Tibetan pig tenderloin (longissimus dorsi) using offline high-pH reversed-phase fractionation and LC-MS/MS. J Food Biochem 2019; 43:e13015. [PMID: 31429109 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, Tibetan pig breeding and meat processing have developed rapidly. However, the basic physiological and biochemical characteristics of Tibetan pork have not been systematically explored. The present study conducted a high-throughput analysis of the tenderloin (longissimus dorsi) proteome of the Tibetan pigs and performed a functional annotation and bioinformatics analysis of the identified proteins. Based on offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography fractionation and MS/MS identification, a total of 1,723 proteins were identified in the tenderloin of Tibetan pigs. Gene ontology analysis and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the proteins involved in respiration (oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism) and protein synthesis and metabolism (proteasome, amino acid biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and ribosomes) were significantly enriched, indicating that the energy production and protein metabolism are the most important physiological processes in Tibetan pig tenderloin. Practical applications The in-depth mapping of the tenderloin (longissimus dorsi) proteome of the Tibetan pigs gives a panoramic perspective at the protein molecular level and provides important information on the mechanisms of postmortem muscle physiology and meat quality formation. Furthermore, the development of Tibetan pork storage and processing technologies would also benefit from the characterization of the biochemical properties of Tibetan pork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Gu
- College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China
| | - Yuling Gao
- College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China
| | - Zhang Luo
- College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China
| | - Lin Yang
- College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China
| | - Fumin Chi
- College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Geng
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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Mahan B, Moynier F, Jørgensen AL, Habekost M, Siebert J. Examining the homeostatic distribution of metals and Zn isotopes in Göttingen minipigs. Metallomics 2019; 10:1264-1281. [PMID: 30128473 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00179k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of metals in biologic systems is manifold, and understanding their behaviour in bodily processes, especially those relating to neurodegenerative diseases, is at the forefront of medical science. The function(s) of metals - such as the transition metals - and their utility in both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in human beings, is often examined via the characterization of their distribution in animal models, with porcine models considered exceptional proxies for human physiology. To this end, we have investigated the homeostatic distribution of numerous metals (Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb and Mo), the non-metal P, and Zn isotopes in the organs and blood (red blood cells, plasma) of Göttingen minipigs. These results represent the first set of data outlining the homeostatic distribution of metals and Zn isotopes in Göttingen minipigs, and indicate a relatively homogeneous distribution of alkali/alkaline earth metals and P among the organs, with generally lower levels in the blood, while indicating more heterogeneous and systematic abundance patterns for transition metals. In general, the distribution of all elements analysed is similar to that found in humans. Our elemental abundance data, together with data reported for humans in the literature, suggest that element-to-element ratios, e.g. Cu/Mg, show potential as simple diagnostics for diseases such as Alzheimer's. Isotopic data indicate a heterogeneous distribution of Zn isotopes among the organs and blood, with the liver, heart and brain being the most depleted in heavy Zn isotopes, and the blood the most enriched, consistent with observations in other animal models and humans. The Zn isotopic composition of Göttingen minipigs displays a systematic offset towards lighter δ66Zn values relative to mice and sheep models, suggesting physiology that is more closely aligned with that of humans. Cumulatively, these observations strongly suggest that Göttingen minipigs are an excellent animal model for translational research involving metals, and these data provide a strong foundation for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Mahan
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 7154, 1 rue Jussieu, 75238 Paris Cedex 05, France
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Hoffe B, Holahan MR. The Use of Pigs as a Translational Model for Studying Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Physiol 2019; 10:838. [PMID: 31354509 PMCID: PMC6635594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the move to study neurodegenerative disease using larger animal models with brains that are more similar to humans has gained interest. While pigs have been used for various biomedical applications and research, it has only been recently that they have been used to study neurodegenerative diseases due to their neuroanatomically similar gyrencephalic brains and similar neurophysiological processes as seen in humans. This review focuses on the use of pigs in the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AD is considered the most common neurodegenerative disease in elderly populations. Head impacts from falls are the most common form of injury in the elderly and recent literature has shown an association between repetitive head impacts and the development of AD. This review summarizes research into the pathological mechanisms underlying AD and TBI as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using pigs in the neuroscientific study of these disease processes. With the lack of successful therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, and an increasing elderly population, the use of pigs may provide a better translational model for understanding and treating these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Hoffe
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Prpar Mihevc S, Majdič G. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and Alzheimer's Disease - Two Facets of the Same Disease? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:604. [PMID: 31249505 PMCID: PMC6582309 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases present a major and increasing burden in the societies worldwide. With aging populations, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, yet there are no effective cures and very few treatment options are available. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions and although the pathology is well studied, the pathogenesis of this debilitating illness is still poorly understood. This is, among other reasons, also due to the lack of good animal models as laboratory rodents do not develop spontaneous neurodegenerative diseases and human Alzheimer's disease is only partially mimicked by transgenic rodent models. On the other hand, older dogs commonly develop canine cognitive dysfunction, a disease that is similar to Alzheimer's disease in many aspects. Dogs show cognitive deficits that could be paralleled to human symptoms such as disorientation, memory loss, changes in behavior, and in their brains, beta amyloid plaques are commonly detected both in extracellular space as senile plaques and around the blood vessels. Dogs could be therefore potentially a very good model for studying pathological process and novel treatment options for Alzheimer's disease. In the present article, we will review the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of canine cognitive dysfunction, its similarities and dissimilarities with Alzheimer's disease, and developments of novel treatments for these two diseases with a focus on canine cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Prpar Mihevc
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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40
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Use of oocytes selected by brilliant cresyl blue staining enhances rabbit cloned embryo development in vitro. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:166-172. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
SummaryRabbits play an important role in people’s lives due to their high nutritional value and high-quality hair that can be used as raw material for textiles. Furthermore, rabbits are an important animal model for human disease, as genome-edited animals are particularly valuable for studying gene functions and pathogenesis. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an important technique for producing genome-edited animals and it has great value in saving endangered species and in clone stem cell therapy. However, the low efficiency of SCNT limits its application, with the selection of suitable rabbit oocytes being crucial to its success. In the present study, we collected oocytes from ovarian follicles and stained them with 26 μM brilliant cresyl blue (BCB). We then matured the oocytes in vitro and used them for SCNT. Comparison of the BCB-positive oocytes with BCB-negative oocytes and the control group showed that the BCB-positive group had a significantly higher maturation rate (81.4% vs. 48.9% and 65.3% for the negative and control groups, respectively), cleavage rate (86.6% vs. 67.9% and 77.9%), blastocyst rate (30.5% vs. 12.8% and 19.6%), total number of blastocysts (90±7.5 vs. 65.3±6.3 and 67.5±5.7), and inner cell mass (ICM)/ trophectoderm (TE) index (42.3±4.2 vs. 30.2±2.1 and 33.9±5.1) (P<0.05). The BCB-positive group had a significantly lower apoptosis index (2.1±0.6 vs. 8.2±0.9 and 6.7±1.1 for the negative and control groups, respectively) (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that BCB-positive oocytes have a higher maturation ability and developmental competence in vitro, indicating that BCB staining is a reliable method for selecting oocytes to enhance the efficiency of SCNT.
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Rahman S, Datta M, Kim J, Jan AT. CRISPR/Cas: An intriguing genomic editing tool with prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 96:22-31. [PMID: 31102655 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas genome editing tool has led to a revolution in biological research. Its ability to target multiple genomic loci simultaneously allows its application in gene function and genomic manipulation studies. Its involvement in the sequence specific gene editing in different backgrounds has changed the scenario of treating genetic diseases. By unravelling the mysteries behind complex neuronal circuits, it not only paved way in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease but helped in the development of large animal models of different neuronal diseases; thereby opened the gateways of successfully treating different neuronal diseases. This review explored the possibility of using of CRISPR/Cas in engineering DNA at the embryonic stage, as well as during the functioning of different cell types in the brain, to delineate implications related to the use of this super-specialized genome editing tool to overcome various neurodegenerative diseases that arise as a result of genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safikur Rahman
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Manali Datta
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, 303007, India
| | - Jihoe Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Arif Tasleem Jan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India.
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de Graeff N, Jongsma KR, Johnston J, Hartley S, Bredenoord AL. The ethics of genome editing in non-human animals: a systematic review of reasons reported in the academic literature. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180106. [PMID: 30905297 PMCID: PMC6452271 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, new genome editing technologies have emerged that can edit the genome of non-human animals with progressively increasing efficiency. Despite ongoing academic debate about the ethical implications of these technologies, no comprehensive overview of this debate exists. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review of the reasons reported in the academic literature for and against the development and use of genome editing technologies in animals. Most included articles were written by academics from the biomedical or animal sciences. The reported reasons related to seven themes: human health, efficiency, risks and uncertainty, animal welfare, animal dignity, environmental considerations and public acceptability. Our findings illuminate several key considerations about the academic debate, including a low disciplinary diversity in the contributing academics, a scarcity of systematic comparisons of potential consequences of using these technologies, an underrepresentation of animal interests, and a disjunction between the public and academic debate on this topic. As such, this article can be considered a call for a broad range of academics to get increasingly involved in the discussion about genome editing, to incorporate animal interests and systematic comparisons, and to further discuss the aims and methods of public involvement. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The ecology and evolution of prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke de Graeff
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
| | - Karin R. Jongsma
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Johnston
- Research Department, The Hastings Center, 21 Malcolm Gordon Road, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
| | - Sarah Hartley
- The University of Exeter Business School, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4PU, UK
| | - Annelien L. Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
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Dorado B, Pløen GG, Barettino A, Macías A, Gonzalo P, Andrés-Manzano MJ, González-Gómez C, Galán-Arriola C, Alfonso JM, Lobo M, López-Martín GJ, Molina A, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Gadea J, Sánchez-González J, Liu Y, Callesen H, Filgueiras-Rama D, Ibáñez B, Sørensen CB, Andrés V. Generation and characterization of a novel knockin minipig model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Cell Discov 2019; 5:16. [PMID: 30911407 PMCID: PMC6423020 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-019-0084-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder for which no cure exists. The disease is characterized by premature aging and inevitable death in adolescence due to cardiovascular complications. Most HGPS patients carry a heterozygous de novo LMNA c.1824C > T mutation, which provokes the expression of a dominant-negative mutant protein called progerin. Therapies proven effective in HGPS-like mouse models have yielded only modest benefit in HGPS clinical trials. To overcome the gap between HGPS mouse models and patients, we have generated by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing the first large animal model for HGPS, a knockin heterozygous LMNA c.1824C > T Yucatan minipig. Like HGPS patients, HGPS minipigs endogenously co-express progerin and normal lamin A/C, and exhibit severe growth retardation, lipodystrophy, skin and bone alterations, cardiovascular disease, and die around puberty. Remarkably, the HGPS minipigs recapitulate critical cardiovascular alterations seen in patients, such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, altered cardiac electrical activity, and loss of vascular smooth muscle cells. Our analysis also revealed reduced myocardial perfusion due to microvascular damage and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, previously undescribed readouts potentially useful for monitoring disease progression in patients. The HGPS minipigs provide an appropriate preclinical model in which to test human-size interventional devices and optimize candidate therapies before advancing to clinical trials, thus accelerating the development of effective applications for HGPS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Dorado
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gro Grunnet Pløen
- 3Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.,4Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ana Barettino
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Macías
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Gonzalo
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Andrés-Manzano
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina González-Gómez
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Galán-Arriola
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Alfonso
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lobo
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Molina
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez-Sánchez
- 5Laboratory of Physiology and Biotechnology of Reproduction in Swine, INIA (Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- 6Department of Physiology, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Ying Liu
- 8Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Henrik Callesen
- 8Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - David Filgueiras-Rama
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain.,9Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja Ibáñez
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain.,10Department of Cardiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Charlotte Brandt Sørensen
- 3Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.,4Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vicente Andrés
- 1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Yan S, Li S, Li XJ. Use of large animal models to investigate Huntington's diseases. CELL REGENERATION 2019; 8:9-11. [PMID: 31205683 PMCID: PMC6557753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Animal models that can mimic human diseases are the important tools for investigating the pathogenesis of the diseases and finding a way for treatment. There is no doubt that small animal models have provided a wealth of information regarding disease pathogenesis and also offered widely used tools to develop therapeutic strategies. Rodent models have been very valuable for investigators to understand the mechanisms underlying misfolded protein-mediated neuronal dysfunction and behavioral phenotypes in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases (HD). However, most of genetically modified rodent models of these diseases lack the overt and selective neurodegeneration seen in the patient brains. Since large animals are more similar to humans than small animals and rodents, the large animal models are likely to mimic important neuropathological features in humans. Here we discuss the application of large animal models in neurodegenerative disease research with focus on the HD large animal models, aiming to provide insight into the application of animal models to study neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Yan
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Corresponding author. Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou. 510632, China.
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45
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Qian L, Sun Y, Tong Q, Tian J, Ren Z, Zhao H. Indentation response in porcine brain under electric fields. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:623-632. [PMID: 30608501 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01272e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Electric fields in the environment can have profound effects on brain function and behavior. In clinical practice, some noninvasive/microinvasive therapies with electrical fields such as transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have emerged as powerful tools for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and neuromodulation. Nonetheless, currently, most studies focus on the mechanisms and effects of therapies and do not to address the mechanical properties of brain tissue under electric fields. Thus, the mechanical behavior of brain tissue, which plays an important role in modulating both brain form and brain function, should be given attention. The present study addresses this paucity by presenting, for the first time, the mechanical properties of brain tissue under various intensities of direct current electric field (0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 V) using a custom-designed indentation device. Prior to brain indentation, validation tests were performed in different hydrogels to ensure that there was no interference in the electric fields from the indentation device. Subsequently, the load trace data obtained from the indentation-relaxation tests was fitted to both linear elastic and viscoelastic models to characterize the sensitivity of the mechanical behavior of the brain tissue to the electric fields. The brain tissue was found to be softened at a higher electric field level and less viscous, and substantially responded more quickly with an increase in electric field. The explanations for the above behaviors were further discussed based on the analysis of the resistance and thermal responses during the testing process. Understanding the effect of electric fields on brain tissue at the mechanical level can provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of some therapies, which may be beneficial to guide therapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Qian
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
| | - Yifan Sun
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
| | - Qian Tong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jiyu Tian
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
| | - Zhuang Ren
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
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46
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Improved Preimplantation Development of Porcine Cloned Embryos by Flavone Supplement as Antioxidant. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2018.33.4.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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47
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García JC, Bustos RH. The Genetic Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutic Perspectives. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8120222. [PMID: 30551598 PMCID: PMC6316116 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8120222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetics has led to a new focus regarding approaches to the most prevalent diseases today. Ascertaining the molecular secrets of neurodegenerative diseases will lead to developing drugs that will change natural history, thereby affecting the quality of life and mortality of patients. The sequencing of candidate genes in patients suffering neurodegenerative pathologies is faster, more accurate, and has a lower cost, thereby enabling algorithms to be proposed regarding the risk of neurodegeneration onset in healthy persons including the year of onset and neurodegeneration severity. Next generation sequencing has resulted in an explosion of articles regarding the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases involving exome sequencing or sequencing a whole gene for correlating phenotypical expression with genetic mutations in proteins having key functions. Many of them occur in neuronal glia, which can trigger a proinflammatory effect leading to defective proteins causing sporadic or familial mutations. This article reviews the genetic diagnosis techniques and the importance of bioinformatics in interpreting results from neurodegenerative diseases. Risk scores must be established in the near future regarding diseases with a high incidence in healthy people for defining prevention strategies or an early start for giving drugs in the absence of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio-César García
- Evidence-Based Therapeutics Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 140013, Colombia.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clínica Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 140013, Colombia.
| | - Rosa-Helena Bustos
- Evidence-Based Therapeutics Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 140013, Colombia.
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48
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Motor neuron degeneration, severe myopathy and TDP-43 increase in a transgenic pig model of SOD1-linked familiar ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:263-275. [PMID: 30471417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neural disorder gradually leading to paralysis of the whole body. Alterations in superoxide dismutase SOD1 gene have been linked with several variants of familial ALS. Here, we investigated a transgenic (Tg) cloned swine model expressing the human pathological hSOD1G93A allele. As in patients, these Tg pigs transmitted the disease to the progeny with an autosomal dominant trait and showed ALS onset from about 27 months of age. Post mortem analysis revealed motor neuron (MN) degeneration, gliosis and hSOD1 protein aggregates in brainstem and spinal cord. Severe skeletal muscle pathology including necrosis and inflammation was observed at the end stage, as well. Remarkably, as in human patients, these Tg pigs showed a quite long presymptomatic phase in which gradually increasing amounts of TDP-43 were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, this transgenic swine model opens the unique opportunity to investigate ALS biomarkers even before disease onset other than testing novel drugs and possible medical devices.
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49
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Kalkowski L, Malysz-Cymborska I, Golubczyk D, Janowski M, Holak P, Milewska K, Kedziorek D, Adamiak Z, Maksymowicz W, Walczak P. MRI-guided intracerebral convection-enhanced injection of gliotoxins to induce focal demyelination in swine. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204650. [PMID: 30273376 PMCID: PMC6166947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or transverse myelitis are devastating neurological conditions with no effective cure. Prevention of myelin loss or restoration of myelin are key for successful therapy. To investigate the disease and develop cures animal models with good clinical relevance are essential. The goal of the current study was to establish a model of focal demyelination in the brain of domestic pig using MRI-guided gliotoxin delivery. The rationale for developing a new myelin disease model in the domestic pig was based on the fact that the brain in pigs is anatomically and histologically much more similar to that of humans compared to the rodent brain. For MRI-assisted gliotoxin injection, eight 30 kg pigs were subjected to treatment with lysolecithin (20, 30 mg/ml); or with ethidium bromide (0.0125, 0.05, 0.2 mg/ml). Animals were placed in an MRI scanner for intraparenchymal targeting of gliotoxin into the corona radiata (250 μl over 1h), with real-time monitoring of toxin distribution on T1 scans and monitoring of lesion evolution over seven days using both T1 and T2 scans. After the last MRI, animals were transcardially perfused and brains were processed for histological and immunofluorescent analysis. Gadolinium-enhanced T1 MRI during injection demonstrated biodistribution of the contrast (as a surrogate marker for toxin distribution) and its diffusion through the brain parenchyma. Lesion induction was confirmed on T2-weighted MRI and histopathology, thus enabling the establishment of optimal doses of gliotoxins. To conclude, MRI-guided focal demyelination in swine is accurate and provides real-time confirmation of gliotoxin, thus facilitating placement of focal lesions with high precision. This new model of focal demyelination can be used for further investigation and development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Kalkowski
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Izabela Malysz-Cymborska
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dominika Golubczyk
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- NeuroRepair Dept, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
- Division Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Piotr Holak
- Dept of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamila Milewska
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dorota Kedziorek
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
- Division Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Zbigniew Adamiak
- Dept of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wojciech Maksymowicz
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
- Division Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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50
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Hwang SU, Eun K, Yoon JD, Kim H, Hyun SH. Production of transgenic pigs using a pGFAP-CreERT2/EGFP LoxP inducible system for central nervous system disease models. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:434-445. [PMID: 29284207 PMCID: PMC5974525 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic (TG) pigs are important in biomedical research and are used in disease modeling, pharmaceutical toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. In this study, we constructed two vector systems by using the promoter of the pig glial fibrillary acidic protein (pGFAP) gene, which is an astrocyte cell marker. We established donor TG fibroblasts with pGFAP-CreERT2/LCMV-EGFPLoxP and evaluated the effect of the transgenes on TG-somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development. Cleavage rates were not significantly different between control and transgene-donor groups. Embryo transfer was performed thrice just before ovulation of the surrogate sows. One sow delivered 5 TG piglets at 115 days after pregnancy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with genomic DNA isolated from skin tissues of TG pigs revealed that all 5 TG pigs had the transgenes. EGFP expression in all organs tested was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and PCR. Real-time PCR analysis showed that pGFAP promoter-driven Cre fused to the mutated human ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor (CreERT2) mRNA was highly expressed in the cerebrum. Semi-nested PCR analysis revealed that CreERT2-mediated recombination was induced in cerebrum and cerebellum but not in skin. Thus, we successfully generated a TG pig with a 4-hydroxytamoxifen (TM)-inducible pGFAP-CreERT2/EGFPLoxP recombination system via SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Eun
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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