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Hosur V, Erhardt V, Hartig E, Lorenzo K, Megathlin H, Tarchini B. Large-Scale Genome-Wide Optimization and Prediction of the Cre Recombinase System for Precise Genome Manipulation in Mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4595968. [PMID: 39011108 PMCID: PMC11247941 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4595968/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The Cre-Lox recombination system is a powerful tool in mouse genetics, offering spatial-temporal control over gene expression and facilitating the large-scale generation of conditional knockout mice. Its versatility also extends to other research models, such as rats, pigs, and zebrafish. However, the Cre-Lox technology presents a set of challenges that includes high costs, a time-intensive process, and the occurrence of unpredictable recombination events, which can lead to unexpected phenotypic outcomes. To better understand factors affecting recombination, we embarked on a systematic and genome-wide analysis of Cre-mediated recombination in mice. To ensure uniformity and reproducibility, we generated 11 novel strains with conditional alleles at the ROSA26 locus, utilizing a single inbred mouse strain background, C57BL/6J. We examined several factors influencing Cre-recombination, including the inter-loxP distance, mutant loxP sites, the zygosity of the conditional alleles, chromosomal location, and the age of the breeders. We discovered that the selection of the Cre-driver strain profoundly impacts recombination efficiency. We also found that successful and complete recombination is best achieved when loxP sites are spaced between 1 to 4 kb apart, with mutant loxP sites facilitating recombination at distances of 1 to 3 kb. Furthermore, we demonstrate that complete recombination does not occur at an inter-loxP distance of ≥ 15 kb with wildtype loxP sites, nor at a distance of ≥ 7 kb with mutant lox71/66 sites. Interestingly, the age of the Cre-driver mouse at the time of breeding emerged as a critical factor in recombination efficiency, with best results observed between 8 and 20 weeks old. Moreover, crossing heterozygous floxed alleles with the Cre-driver strain resulted in more efficient recombination than using homozygous floxed alleles. Lastly, maintaining an inter-loxP distance of 4 kb or less ensures efficient recombination of the conditional allele, regardless of the chromosomal location. While CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized genome editing in mice, Cre-Lox technology remains a cornerstone for the generation of sophisticated alleles and for precise control of gene expression in mice. The knowledge gained here will enable investigators to select a Cre-Lox approach that is most efficient for their desired outcome in the generation of both germline and non-germline mouse models of human disease, thereby reducing time and cost of Cre-Lox technology-mediated genome modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elli Hartig
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics
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2
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Kaushal JB, Takkar S, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Diverse landscape of genetically engineered mouse models: Genomic and molecular insights into prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 593:216954. [PMID: 38735382 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216954] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern for men worldwide and is particularly prevalent in the United States. It is a complex disease presenting different molecular subtypes and varying degrees of aggressiveness. Transgenic/genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) greatly enhanced our understanding of the intricate molecular processes that underlie PCa progression and have offered valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for this disease. The integration of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, along with expression profiling, has played a pivotal role in advancing GEMMs by facilitating the identification of genetic alterations driving PCa development. This review focuses on genetically modified mice classified into the first and second generations of PCa models. We summarize whether models created by manipulating the function of specific genes replicate the consequences of genomic alterations observed in human PCa, including early and later disease stages. We discuss cases where GEMMs did not fully exhibit the expected human PCa phenotypes and possible causes of the failure. Here, we summarize the comprehensive understanding, recent advances, strengths and limitations of the GEMMs in advancing our insights into PCa, offering genetic and molecular perspectives for developing novel GEMM models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Simran Takkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
| | - Jawed A Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
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Oliver Goral R, Lamb PW, Yakel JL. Acetylcholine Neurons Become Cholinergic during Three Time Windows in the Developing Mouse Brain. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0542-23.2024. [PMID: 38942474 PMCID: PMC11253243 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0542-23.2024] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) neurons in the central nervous system are required for the coordination of neural network activity during higher brain functions, such as attention, learning, and memory, as well as locomotion. Disturbed cholinergic signaling has been described in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, cotransmission of other signaling molecules, such as glutamate and GABA, with ACh has been associated with essential roles in brain function or disease. However, it is unknown when ACh neurons become cholinergic during development. Thus, understanding the timeline of how the cholinergic system develops and becomes active in the healthy brain is a crucial part of understanding brain development. To study this, we used transgenic mice to selectively label ACh neurons with tdTomato. We imaged serial sectioned brains and generated whole-brain reconstructions at different time points during pre- and postnatal development. We found three crucial time windows-two in the prenatal and one in the postnatal brain-during which most ACh neuron populations become cholinergic in the brain. We also found that cholinergic gene expression is initiated in cortical ACh interneurons, while the cerebral cortex is innervated by cholinergic projection neurons from the basal forebrain. Taken together, we show that ACh neuron populations are present and become cholinergic before postnatal day 12, which is the onset of major sensory processes, such as hearing and vision. We conclude that the birth of ACh neurons and initiation of cholinergic gene expression are temporally separated during development but highly coordinated by brain anatomical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Oliver Goral
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Patricia W Lamb
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Jerrel L Yakel
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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Erhardt V, Hartig E, Lorenzo K, Megathlin HR, Tarchini B, Hosur V. Large-Scale Genome-Wide Optimization and Prediction of the Cre Recombinase System for Precise Genome Manipulation in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599022. [PMID: 38948742 PMCID: PMC11212873 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The Cre-Lox recombination system is a powerful tool in mouse genetics, offering spatial-temporal control over gene expression and facilitating the large-scale generation of conditional knockout mice. Its versatility also extends to other research models, such as rats, pigs, and zebrafish. However, the Cre-Lox technology presents a set of challenges that includes high costs, a time-intensive process, and the occurrence of unpredictable recombination events, which can lead to unexpected phenotypic outcomes. To better understand factors affecting recombination, we embarked on a systematic and genome-wide analysis of Cre-mediated recombination in mice. To ensure uniformity and reproducibility, we generated 11 novel strains with conditional alleles at the ROSA26 locus, utilizing a single inbred mouse strain background, C57BL/6J. We examined several factors influencing Cre-recombination, including the inter-loxP distance, mutant loxP sites, the zygosity of the conditional alleles, chromosomal location, and the age of the breeders. We discovered that the selection of the Cre-driver strain profoundly impacts recombination efficiency. We also found that successful and complete recombination is best achieved when loxP sites are spaced between 1 to 4 kb apart, with mutant loxP sites facilitating recombination at distances of 1 to 3 kb. Furthermore, we demonstrate that complete recombination does not occur at an inter-loxP distance of ≥ 15 kb with wildtype loxP sites, nor at a distance of ≥ 7 kb with mutant lox71/66 sites. Interestingly, the age of the Cre-driver mouse at the time of breeding emerged as a critical factor in recombination efficiency, with best results observed between 8 and 20 weeks old. Moreover, crossing heterozygous floxed alleles with the Cre-driver strain resulted in more efficient recombination than using homozygous floxed alleles. Lastly, maintaining an inter-loxP distance of 4 kb or less ensures efficient recombination of the conditional allele, regardless of the chromosomal location. While CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized genome editing in mice, Cre-Lox technology remains a cornerstone for the generation of sophisticated alleles and for precise control of gene expression in mice. The knowledge gained here will enable investigators to select a Cre-Lox approach that is most efficient for their desired outcome in the generation of both germline and non-germline mouse models of human disease, thereby reducing time and cost of Cre-Lox technology-mediated genome modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Erhardt
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Elli Hartig
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Kristian Lorenzo
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
- The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, Portland, ME
| | - Hannah R Megathlin
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, UMaine, Orono, ME
| | - Basile Tarchini
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Vishnu Hosur
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME
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Co M, O'Brien GK, Wright KM, O'Roak BJ. Detailed phenotyping of Tbr1-2A-CreER knock-in mice demonstrates significant impacts on TBR1 protein levels and axon development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588147. [PMID: 38617321 PMCID: PMC11014564 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal control of Cre-mediated recombination has been an invaluable tool for understanding key developmental processes. For example, knock-in of Cre into cell type marker gene loci drives Cre expression under endogenous promoter and enhancer sequences, greatly facilitating the study of diverse neuronal subtypes in the cerebral cortex. However, insertion of exogenous DNA into the genome can have unintended effects on local gene regulation or protein function that must be carefully considered. Here, we analyze a recently generated Tbr1-2A-CreER knock-in mouse line, where a 2A-CreER cassette was inserted in-frame just before the stop codon of the transcription factor gene Tbr1 . Heterozygous TBR1 mutations in humans and mice are known to cause autism or autism-like behavioral phenotypes accompanied by structural brain malformations, most frequently a reduction of the anterior commissure. Thus, it is critical for modified versions of Tbr1 to exhibit true wild-type-like activity. We evaluated the Tbr1-2A-CreER allele for its potential impact on Tbr1 function and complementation to Tbr1 loss-of-function alleles. In mice with one copy of the Tbr1-2A-CreER allele, we identified reduction of TBR1 protein in early postnatal cortex along with thinning of the anterior commissure, suggesting hypersensitivity of this structure to TBR1 dosage. Comparing Tbr1-2A-CreER and Tbr1 -null heterozygous and homozygous mice to Tbr1 -null complementation crosses showed reductions of TBR1 dosage ranging from 28.4% to 95.9%. Using these combinatorial genotypes, we found that low levels of TBR1 protein (∼16%) are sufficient to establish cortical layer positioning, while greater levels (>50%) are required for normal suppression of layer 5 identity. In total, these results strongly support the conclusion that Tbr1-2A-CreER is a hypomorphic allele. We advise caution when interpreting experiments using this allele, such as transcriptomic studies, considering the sensitivity of various corticogenic processes to TBR1 dosage and the association of heterozygous TBR1 mutations with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Wang S, Gong X, Xiao F, Yang Y. Recent advances in host-focused molecular tools for investigating host-gut microbiome interactions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1335036. [PMID: 38605718 PMCID: PMC11007152 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1335036] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities in the human gut play a significant role in regulating host gene expression, influencing a variety of biological processes. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions, tools that can dissect signaling networks are required. In this review, we discuss recent advances in molecular tools used to study this interplay, with a focus on those that explore how the microbiome regulates host gene expression. These tools include CRISPR-based whole-body genetic tools for deciphering host-specific genes involved in the interaction process, Cre-loxP based tissue/cell-specific gene editing approaches, and in vitro models of host-derived organoids. Overall, the application of these molecular tools is revolutionizing our understanding of how host-microbiome interactions contribute to health and disease, paving the way for improved therapies and interventions that target microbial influences on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Gong
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Nikoloudaki G, Hamilton DW. Assessing the fate and contribution of Foxd1-expressing embryonic precursors and their progeny in palatal development, homeostasis and excisional repair. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4969. [PMID: 38424240 PMCID: PMC10904772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55486-8] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal tissues heal rapidly with minimal scarring, although palatal mucosa can be associated with excessive fibrosis in response to injury. Investigations on the balance between neovascularization and tissue repair suggests regulation of angiogenesis is an important determinant of repair versus scarring. Associated with pericyte mediated fibrosis in kidney injury, FoxD1 is implicated in growth centres during cranio-facial development, although which cell lineages are derived from these embryonic populations in development and in adult animals is unknown. Using a lineage tracing approach, we assessed the fate of embryonic Foxd1-expressing progenitor cells and their progeny in palatal development and during wound healing in adult mice. During palatal development as well as in post-natal tissues, Foxd1-lineage progeny were associated with the vasculature and the epineurium. Post-injury, de novo expression of FoxD1 was not detectable, although Foxd1-lineage progeny expanded while exhibiting low association with the fibroblast/myofibroblast markers PDGFα, PDGFβ, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, as well as the neuronal associated markers S100β and p75NTR. Foxd1-lineage progeny were primarily associated with CD146, CD31, and to a lesser extent CD105, remaining in close proximity to developing neovascular structures. Our findings demonstrate that FoxD1 derived cells are predominantly associated with the palatal vasculature and provide strong evidence that FoxD1 derived cells do not give rise to populations involved directly in the scarring of the palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Nikoloudaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Schulich Dentistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Douglas W Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Schulich Dentistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Suiwal S, Wartenberg P, Boehm U, Schmitz F, Schwarz K. A Novel Cre Recombinase Mouse Strain for Cell-Specific Deletion of Floxed Genes in Ribbon Synapse-Forming Retinal Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1916. [PMID: 38339191 PMCID: PMC10856425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031916] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We generated a novel Cre mouse strain for cell-specific deletion of floxed genes in ribbon synapse-forming retinal neurons. Previous studies have shown that the RIBEYE promotor targets the expression of recombinant proteins such as fluorescently tagged RIBEYE to photoreceptors and retinal bipolar cells and generates fluorescent synaptic ribbons in situ in these neurons. Here, we used the same promotor to generate a novel transgenic mouse strain in which the RIBEYE promotor controls the expression of a Cre-ER(T2) recombinase (RIBEYE-Cre). To visualize Cre expression, the RIBEYE-Cre animals were crossed with ROSA26 tau-GFP (R26-τGFP) reporter mice. In the resulting RIBEYE-Cre/R26 τGFP animals, Cre-mediated removal of a transcriptional STOP cassette results in the expression of green fluorescent tau protein (tau-GFP) that binds to cellular microtubules. We detected robust tau-GFP expression in retinal bipolar cells. Surprisingly, we did not find fluorescent tau-GFP expression in mouse photoreceptors. The lack of tau-GFP reporter protein in these cells could be based on the previously reported absence of tau protein in mouse photoreceptors which could lead to the degradation of the recombinant tau protein. Consistent with this, we detected Cre and tau-GFP mRNA in mouse photoreceptor slices by RT-PCR. The transgenic RIBEYE-Cre mouse strain provides a new tool to study the deletion of floxed genes in ribbon synapse-forming neurons of the retina and will also allow for analyzing gene deletions that are lethal if globally deleted in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Suiwal
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Philipp Wartenberg
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS) and Center for Gender-Specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (P.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS) and Center for Gender-Specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (P.W.); (U.B.)
| | - Frank Schmitz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Karin Schwarz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
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Wang Y, Duval AJ, Adli M, Matei D. Biology-driven therapy advances in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174013. [PMID: 38165032 PMCID: PMC10760962 DOI: 10.1172/jci174013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Following a period of slow progress, the completion of genome sequencing and the paradigm shift relative to the cell of origin for high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) led to a new perspective on the biology and therapeutic solutions for this deadly cancer. Experimental models were revisited to address old questions, and improved tools were generated. Additional pathways emerging as drivers of ovarian tumorigenesis and key dependencies for therapeutic targeting, in particular, VEGF-driven angiogenesis and homologous recombination deficiency, were discovered. Molecular profiling of histological subtypes of ovarian cancer defined distinct genetic events for each entity, enabling the first attempts toward personalized treatment. Armed with this knowledge, HGSOC treatment was revised to include new agents. Among them, PARP inhibitors (PARPis) were shown to induce unprecedented improvement in clinical benefit for selected subsets of patients. Research on mechanisms of resistance to PARPis is beginning to discover vulnerabilities and point to new treatment possibilities. This Review highlights these advances, the remaining challenges, and unsolved problems in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | - Alexander James Duval
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Driskill Graduate Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Dubner AM, Lu S, Jolly AJ, Noble T, Hinthorn T, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MCM. Confounding Effects of Tamoxifen: Cautionary and Practical Considerations for the Use of Tamoxifen-Inducible Mouse Models in Atherosclerosis Research-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2223-2230. [PMID: 37706321 PMCID: PMC10615862 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319922] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, fate-mapping lineage studies in mouse models have led to major advances in vascular biology by allowing investigators to track specific cell populations in vivo. One of the most frequently used lineage tracing approaches involves tamoxifen-inducible CreERT-LoxP systems. However, tamoxifen treatment can also promote effects independent of Cre recombinase activation, many of which have not been fully explored. METHODS To elucidate off-target effects of tamoxifen, male and female mice were either unmanipulated or injected with tamoxifen or corn oil. All mice received PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9)-AAV (adeno-associated virus) injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 2 weeks, serum cholesterol and liver morphology were assessed. To determine the duration of any tamoxifen effects in long-term atherosclerosis experiments, mice received either 12 days of tamoxifen at baseline or 12 days plus 2 sets of 5-day tamoxifen boosters; all mice received PCSK9-AAV injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 24 weeks, serum cholesterol and aortic sinus plaque burden were measured. RESULTS After 2 weeks of atherogenic treatment, mice injected with tamoxifen demonstrated significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels compared with uninjected- or corn oil-treated mice. However, there were no differences in PCSK9-mediated knockdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptors between the groups. Additionally, tamoxifen-treated mice exhibited significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the other groups. Finally, the effects of tamoxifen remained for at least 8 weeks after completion of injections, with mice demonstrating persistent decreased serum cholesterol and impaired atherosclerotic plaque formation. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we establish that tamoxifen administration results in decreased serum cholesterol, decreased plaque formation, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. These alterations represent significant confounding variables in atherosclerosis research, and we urge future investigators to take these findings into consideration when planning and executing their own atherosclerosis experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tysen Noble
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler Hinthorn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Mary CM Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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Andersen MS, Kofoed MS, Paludan-Müller AS, Pedersen CB, Mathiesen T, Mawrin C, Wirenfeldt M, Kristensen BW, Olsen BB, Halle B, Poulsen FR. Meningioma animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:764. [PMID: 37898750 PMCID: PMC10612271 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04620-7] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models are widely used to study pathological processes and drug (side) effects in a controlled environment. There is a wide variety of methods available for establishing animal models depending on the research question. Commonly used methods in tumor research include xenografting cells (established/commercially available or primary patient-derived) or whole tumor pieces either orthotopically or heterotopically and the more recent genetically engineered models-each type with their own advantages and disadvantages. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the meningioma model types used, perform a meta-analysis on tumor take rate (TTR), and perform critical appraisal of the included studies. The study also aimed to assess reproducibility, reliability, means of validation and verification of models, alongside pros and cons and uses of the model types. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for all in vivo meningioma models. The primary outcome was tumor take rate. Meta-analysis was performed on tumor take rate followed by subgroup analyses on the number of cells and duration of incubation. The validity of the tumor models was assessed qualitatively. We performed critical appraisal of the methodological quality and quality of reporting for all included studies. RESULTS We included 114 unique records (78 using established cell line models (ECLM), 21 using primary patient-derived tumor models (PTM), 10 using genetically engineered models (GEM), and 11 using uncategorized models). TTRs for ECLM were 94% (95% CI 92-96) for orthotopic and 95% (93-96) for heterotopic. PTM showed lower TTRs [orthotopic 53% (33-72) and heterotopic 82% (73-89)] and finally GEM revealed a TTR of 34% (26-43). CONCLUSION This systematic review shows high consistent TTRs in established cell line models and varying TTRs in primary patient-derived models and genetically engineered models. However, we identified several issues regarding the quality of reporting and the methodological approach that reduce the validity, transparency, and reproducibility of studies and suggest a high risk of publication bias. Finally, each tumor model type has specific roles in research based on their advantages (and disadvantages). SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO-ID CRD42022308833.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Schou Andersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Mikkel Seremet Kofoed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Asger Sand Paludan-Müller
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and NHTA: Market Access & Health Economics Consultancy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Bonde Pedersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tiit Mathiesen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Department of Neuropathology, Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Biology, Hospital South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Birgitte Brinkmann Olsen
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bo Halle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frantz Rom Poulsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Mahmoudian RA, Farshchian M, Golyan FF, Mahmoudian P, Alasti A, Moghimi V, Maftooh M, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Mahaki H, Shahidsales S, Avan A. Preclinical tumor mouse models for studying esophageal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 189:104068. [PMID: 37468084 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104068] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models are extensively employed in cancer research because they can be manipulated in terms of their environment, genome, molecular biology, organ systems, and physical activity to mimic human behavior and conditions. The progress made in in vivo cancer research has resulted in significant advancements, enabling the creation of spontaneous, metastatic, and humanized mouse models. Most recently, the remarkable and extensive developments in genetic engineering, particularly the utilization of CRISPR/Cas9, transposable elements, epigenome modifications, and liquid biopsies, have further facilitated the design and development of numerous mouse models for studying cancer. In this review, we have elucidated the production and usage of current mouse models, such as xenografts, chemical-induced models, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), for studying esophageal cancer. Additionally, we have briefly discussed various gene-editing tools that could potentially be employed in the future to create mouse models specifically for esophageal cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Alsadat Mahmoudian
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Division of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Fardi Golyan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Mahmoudian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Alasti
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Moghimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Mina Maftooh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Hanie Mahaki
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq; Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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13
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Fujino M, Morito N, Hayashi T, Ojima M, Ishibashi S, Kuno A, Koshiba S, Yamagata K, Takahashi S. Transcription factor c-Maf deletion improves streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy by directly regulating Sglt2 and Glut2. JCI Insight 2023; 8:163306. [PMID: 36787192 PMCID: PMC10070115 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163306] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-Maf has been widely studied and has been reported to play a critical role in embryonic kidney development; however, the postnatal functions of c-Maf in adult kidneys remain unknown as c-Maf-null C57BL/6J mice exhibit embryonic lethality. In this study, we investigated the role of c-Maf in adult mouse kidneys by comparing the phenotypes of tamoxifen-inducible (TAM-inducible) c-Maf-knockout mice (c-Maffl/fl; CAG-Cre-ERTM mice named "c-MafΔTAM") with those of c-Maffl/fl control mice, 10 days after TAM injection [TAM(10d)]. In addition, we examined the effects of c-Maf deletion on diabetic conditions by injecting the mice with streptozotocin, 4 weeks before TAM injection. c-MafΔTAM mice displayed primary glycosuria caused by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (Sglt2) and glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) downregulation in the kidneys without diabetes, as well as morphological changes and life-threatening injuries in the kidneys on TAM(10d). Under diabetic conditions, c-Maf deletion promoted recovery from hyperglycemia and suppressed albuminuria and diabetic nephropathy by causing similar effects as did Sglt2 knockout and SGLT2 inhibitors. In addition to demonstrating the potentially unique gene regulation of c-Maf, these findings highlight the renoprotective effects of c-Maf deficiency under diabetic conditions and suggest that c-Maf could be a novel therapeutic target gene for treating diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsunori Fujino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
- PhD Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors
| | - Naoki Morito
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine; and
| | - Takuto Hayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masami Ojima
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Shun Ishibashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kuno
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Seizo Koshiba
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization and
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), and
- Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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14
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Heur M, Lee J. Spatiotemporal gene targeting in the mouse corneal endothelium. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2023; 13:28-33. [DOI: 10.4103/tjo.tjo-d-22-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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15
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Mettl3-mediated mRNA m 6A modification controls postnatal liver development by modulating the transcription factor Hnf4a. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4555. [PMID: 35931692 PMCID: PMC9355946 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic specification and functional maturation are tightly controlled throughout development. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification of eukaryotic mRNAs and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of m6A in liver development remains elusive. Here we dissect the role of Mettl3-mediated m6A modification in postnatal liver development and homeostasis. Knocking out Mettl3 perinatally with Alb-Cre (Mettl3 cKO) induces apoptosis and steatosis of hepatocytes, results in severe liver injury, and finally leads to postnatal lethality within 7 weeks. m6A-RIP sequencing and RNA-sequencing reveal that mRNAs of a series of crucial liver-enriched transcription factors are modified by m6A, including Hnf4a, a master regulator for hepatic parenchymal formation. Deleting Mettl3 reduces m6A modification on Hnf4a, decreases its transcript stability in an Igf2bp1-dependent manner, and down-regulates Hnf4a expression, while overexpressing Hnf4a with AAV8 alleviates the liver injury and prolongs the lifespan of Mettl3 cKO mice. However, knocking out Mettl3 in adults using Alb-CreERT2 does not affect liver homeostasis. Our study identifies a dynamic role of Mettl3-mediated RNA m6A modification in liver development. m6A is the most abundant RNA modification of eukaryotic mRNAs and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Here the authors show a role for Mettl3-mediated RNA m6A modification in postnatal liver development by regulating the Hnf4a-centered transcriptional network
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16
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Dozzo A, Galvin A, Shin JW, Scalia S, O'Driscoll CM, Ryan KB. Modelling acute myeloid leukemia (AML): What's new? A transition from the classical to the modern. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022:10.1007/s13346-022-01189-4. [PMID: 35930221 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous malignancy affecting myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM) but can spread giving rise to impaired hematopoiesis. AML incidence increases with age and is associated with poor prognostic outcomes. There has been a disconnect between the success of novel drug compounds observed in preclinical studies of hematological malignancy and less than exceptional therapeutic responses in clinical trials. This review aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview on the different preclinical models of AML available to expand insights into disease pathology and as preclinical screening tools. Deciphering the complex physiological and pathological processes and developing predictive preclinical models are key to understanding disease progression and fundamental in the development and testing of new effective drug treatments. Standard scaffold-free suspension models fail to recapitulate the complex environment where AML occurs. To this end, we review advances in scaffold/matrix-based 3D models and outline the most recent advances in on-chip technology. We also provide an overview of clinically relevant animal models and review the expanding use of patient-derived samples, which offer the prospect to create more "patient specific" screening tools either in the guise of 3D matrix models, microphysiological "organ-on-chip" tools or xenograft models and discuss representative examples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aoife Galvin
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 909 S. Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 5091 COMRB, USA
| | - Santo Scalia
- Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,SSPC Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Katie B Ryan
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,SSPC Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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17
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Grander M, Hoffmann A, Seifert M, Demetz E, Grubwieser P, Pfeifhofer-Obermair C, Haschka D, Weiss G. DMT1 Protects Macrophages from Salmonella Infection by Controlling Cellular Iron Turnover and Lipocalin 2 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126789. [PMID: 35743233 PMCID: PMC9223531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are at the center of innate pathogen control and iron recycling. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is essential for the uptake of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) into macrophages and for the transfer of transferrin-bound iron from the endosome to the cytoplasm. As the control of cellular iron trafficking is central for the control of infection with siderophilic pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium, a Gram-negative bacterium residing within the phagosome of macrophages, we examined the potential role of DMT1 for infection control. Bone marrow derived macrophages lacking DMT1 (DMT1fl/flLysMCre(+)) present with reduced NTBI uptake and reduced levels of the iron storage protein ferritin, the iron exporter ferroportin and, surprisingly, of the iron uptake protein transferrin receptor. Further, DMT1-deficient macrophages have an impaired control of Salmonella Typhimurium infection, paralleled by reduced levels of the peptide lipocalin-2 (LCN2). LCN2 exerts anti-bacterial activity upon binding of microbial siderophores but also facilitates systemic and cellular hypoferremia. Remarkably, nifedipine, a pharmacological DMT1 activator, stimulates LCN2 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages, confirming its DMT1-dependent regulation. In addition, the absence of DMT1 increases the availability of iron for Salmonella upon infection and leads to increased bacterial proliferation and persistence within macrophages. Accordingly, mice harboring a macrophage-selective DMT1 disruption demonstrate reduced survival following Salmonella infection. This study highlights the importance of DMT1 in nutritional immunity and the significance of iron delivery for the control of infection with siderophilic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexander Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Seifert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Egon Demetz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
| | - Philipp Grubwieser
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
| | - Christa Pfeifhofer-Obermair
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
| | - David Haschka
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
- Correspondence: (D.H.); (G.W.)
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.G.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (E.D.); (P.G.); (C.P.-O.)
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence: (D.H.); (G.W.)
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18
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Lin TY, Taniguchi-Sugiura Y, Murawala P, Hermann S, Tanaka EM. Inducible and tissue-specific cell labeling in Cre-ER T2 transgenic Xenopus lines. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:243-253. [PMID: 35581155 PMCID: PMC9328194 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Investigating cell lineage requires genetic tools that label cells in a temporal and tissue‐specific manner. The bacteriophage‐derived Cre‐ERT2/loxP system has been developed as a genetic tool for lineage tracing in many organisms. We recently reported a stable transgenic Xenopus line with a Cre‐ERT2/loxP system driven by the mouse Prrx1 (mPrrx1) enhancer to trace limb fibroblasts during the regeneration process (Prrx1:CreER line). Here we describe the detailed technological development and characterization of such line. Transgenic lines carrying a CAG promoter‐driven Cre‐ERT2/loxP system showed conditional labeling of muscle, epidermal, and interstitial cells in both the tadpole tail and the froglet leg upon 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) treatment. We further improved the labeling efficiency in the Prrx1:CreER lines from 12.0% to 32.9% using the optimized 4OHT treatment regime. Careful histological examination showed that Prrx1:CreER lines also sparsely labeled cells in the brain, spinal cord, head dermis, and fibroblasts in the tail. This work provides the first demonstration of conditional, tissue‐specific cell labeling with the Cre‐ERT2/loxP system in stable transgenic Xenopus lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzi-Yang Lin
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuka Taniguchi-Sugiura
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Prayag Murawala
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,MDI Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA.,Clinic for Kidney and Hypertension Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarah Hermann
- DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elly M Tanaka
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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19
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Streef TJ, Smits AM. Epicardial Contribution to the Developing and Injured Heart: Exploring the Cellular Composition of the Epicardium. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:750243. [PMID: 34631842 PMCID: PMC8494983 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.750243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The epicardium is an essential cell population during cardiac development. It contributes different cell types to the developing heart through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it secretes paracrine factors that support cardiac tissue formation. In the adult heart the epicardium is a quiescent layer of cells which can be reactivated upon ischemic injury, initiating an embryonic-like response in the epicardium that contributes to post-injury repair processes. Therefore, the epicardial layer is considered an interesting target population to stimulate endogenous repair mechanisms. To date it is still not clear whether there are distinct cell populations in the epicardium that contribute to specific lineages or aid in cardiac repair, or that the epicardium functions as a whole. To address this putative heterogeneity, novel techniques such as single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) are being applied. In this review, we summarize the role of the epicardium during development and after injury and provide an overview of the most recent insights into the cellular composition and diversity of the epicardium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke M. Smits
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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20
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Perry MN, Smith CM, Onda H, Ringwald M, Murray SA, Smith CL. Annotated expression and activity data for murine recombinase alleles and transgenes: the CrePortal resource. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:55-65. [PMID: 34482425 PMCID: PMC8913597 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09909-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recombinase alleles and transgenes can be used to facilitate spatio-temporal specificity of gene disruption or transgene expression. However, the versatility of this in vivo recombination system relies on having detailed and accurate characterization of recombinase expression and activity to enable selection of the appropriate allele or transgene. The CrePortal (http://www.informatics.jax.org/home/recombinase) leverages the informatics infrastructure of Mouse Genome Informatics to integrate data from the scientific literature, direct data submissions from the scientific community at-large, and from major projects developing new recombinase lines and characterizing recombinase expression and specificity patterns. Searching the CrePortal by recombinase activity or specific recombinase gene driver provides users with a recombinase alleles and transgenes activity tissue summary and matrix comparison of gene expression and recombinase activity with links to generation details, a recombinase activity grid, and associated phenotype annotations. Future improvements will add cell type-based activity annotations. The CrePortal provides a comprehensive presentation of recombinase allele and transgene data to assist researchers in selection of the recombinase allele or transgene based on where and when recombination is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hiroaki Onda
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
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21
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Couasnay G, Madel MB, Lim J, Lee B, Elefteriou F. Sites of Cre-recombinase activity in mouse lines targeting skeletal cells. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:1661-1679. [PMID: 34278610 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Cre/Lox system is a powerful tool in the biologist's toolbox, allowing loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, as well as lineage tracing, through gene recombination in a tissue-specific and inducible manner. Evidence indicates, however, that Cre transgenic lines have a far more nuanced and broader pattern of Cre activity than initially thought, exhibiting "off-target" activity in tissues/cells other than the ones they were originally designed to target. With the goal of facilitating the comparison and selection of optimal Cre lines to be used for the study of gene function, we have summarized in a single manuscript the major sites and timing of Cre activity of the main Cre lines available to target bone mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, tenocytes, and osteoclasts, along with their reported sites of "off-target" Cre activity. We also discuss characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these Cre lines for users to avoid common risks related to overinterpretation or misinterpretation based on the assumption of strict cell-type specificity or unaccounted effect of the Cre transgene or Cre inducers. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Joohyun Lim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Sun MR, Steward AC, Sweet EA, Martin AA, Lipinski RJ. Developmental malformations resulting from high-dose maternal tamoxifen exposure in the mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256299. [PMID: 34403436 PMCID: PMC8370643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor (ER) ligand with widespread use in clinical and basic research settings. Beyond its application in treating ER-positive cancer, tamoxifen has been co-opted into a powerful approach for temporal-specific genetic alteration. The use of tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase mouse models to examine genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of development and disease is now prevalent in biomedical research. Understanding off-target effects of tamoxifen will inform its use in both clinical and basic research applications. Here, we show that prenatal tamoxifen exposure can cause structural birth defects in the mouse. Administration of a single 200 mg/kg tamoxifen dose to pregnant wildtype C57BL/6J mice at gestational day 9.75 caused cleft palate and limb malformations in the fetuses, including posterior digit duplication, reduction, or fusion. These malformations were highly penetrant and consistent across independent chemical manufacturers. As opposed to 200 mg/kg, a single dose of 50 mg/kg tamoxifen at the same developmental stage did not result in overt structural malformations. Demonstrating that prenatal tamoxifen exposure at a specific time point causes dose-dependent developmental abnormalities, these findings argue for more considerate application of tamoxifen in Cre-inducible systems and further investigation of tamoxifen’s mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda R. Sun
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Austin C. Steward
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Emma A. Sweet
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Alexander A. Martin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Lipinski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Estrada-Meza J, Videlo J, Bron C, Saint-Béat C, Silva M, Duboeuf F, Peyruchaud O, Rajas F, Mithieux G, Gautier-Stein A. Tamoxifen Treatment in the Neonatal Period Affects Glucose Homeostasis in Adult Mice in a Sex-Dependent Manner. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6277101. [PMID: 33999998 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to activate the CREERT2 recombinase, allowing tissue-specific and temporal control of the somatic mutagenesis to generate transgenic mice. Studies integrating development and metabolism require a genetic modification induced by a neonatal tamoxifen administration. Here, we investigate the effects of a neonatal tamoxifen administration on energy homeostasis in adult male and female C57BL/6J mice. C57BL/6J male and female mouse pups received a single injection of tamoxifen 1 day after birth (NTT) and were fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet at 6 weeks of age. We measured weight, body composition, glucose and insulin tolerance, basal metabolism, and tibia length and weight in adult mice. The neonatal tamoxifen administration exerted long-term, sex-dependent effects on energy homeostasis. NTT female mice became overweight and developed impaired glucose control in comparison to vehicle-treated littermates. NTT females exhibited 60% increased fat mass, increased food intake, decreased physical activity and energy expenditure, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, and fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. In contrast, NTT male mice exhibited a modest amelioration of glucose and insulin tolerance and long-term decreased lean mass linked to decreased bone weight. These results suggest that the neonatal tamoxifen administration exerted a marked and sex-dependent influence on adult energy homeostasis and bone weight and must therefore be used with caution for the development of transgenic mouse models regarding studies on energy homeostasis and bone biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Estrada-Meza
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Jasmine Videlo
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Clara Bron
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Saint-Béat
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Marine Silva
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - François Duboeuf
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1033, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Peyruchaud
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1033, Lyon, France
| | - Fabienne Rajas
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Gilles Mithieux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
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24
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Walker JT, Flynn LE, Hamilton DW. Lineage tracing of Foxd1-expressing embryonic progenitors to assess the role of divergent embryonic lineages on adult dermal fibroblast function. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:541-557. [PMID: 34258523 PMCID: PMC8255845 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the functional diversity of dermal fibroblast populations in health and disease, with part of this diversity linked to fibroblast lineage and embryonic origin. Fibroblasts derived from foxd1-expressing progenitors contribute to the myofibroblast populations present in lung and kidney fibrosis in mice but have not been investigated in the context of dermal wound repair. Using a Cre/Lox system to genetically track populations derived from foxd1-expressing progenitors, lineage-positive fibroblasts were identified as a subset of the dermal fibroblast population. During development, lineage-positive cells were most abundant within the dorsal embryonic tissues, contributing to the developing dermal fibroblast population, and remaining in this niche into adulthood. In adult mice, assessment of fibrosis-related gene expression in lineage-positive and lineage-negative populations isolated from wounded and unwounded dorsal skin was performed, identifying an enrichment of transcripts associated with matrix synthesis and remodeling in the lineage-positive populations. Using a novel excisional wound model, ventral skin healed with a greatly reduced frequency of foxd1 lineage-positive cells. This work supports that the embryonic origin of fibroblasts is an important predictor of fibroblast function, but also highlights that within disparate regions, fibroblasts of different lineages likely undergo convergent differentiation contributing to phenotypic similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Walker
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologySchulich School of Medicine and DentistryThe University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Lauren E. Flynn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologySchulich School of Medicine and DentistryThe University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical EngineeringThompson Engineering BuildingThe University of Western OntarioLondonONCanada
| | - Douglas W. Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologySchulich School of Medicine and DentistryThe University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Division of Oral BiologySchulich School of Medicine and DentistryThe University of Western OntarioLondonONCanada
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25
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Carullo NVN, Hinds JE, Revanna JS, Tuscher JJ, Bauman AJ, Day JJ. A Cre-Dependent CRISPR/dCas9 System for Gene Expression Regulation in Neurons. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0188-21.2021. [PMID: 34321217 PMCID: PMC8376295 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0188-21.2021] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Site-specific genetic and epigenetic targeting of distinct cell populations is a central goal in molecular neuroscience and is crucial to understand the gene regulatory mechanisms that underlie complex phenotypes and behaviors. While recent technological advances have enabled unprecedented control over gene expression, many of these approaches are focused on selected model organisms and/or require labor-intensive customization for different applications. The simplicity and modularity of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based systems have transformed genome editing and expanded the gene regulatory toolbox. However, there are few available tools for cell-selective CRISPR regulation in neurons. We designed, validated, and optimized CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) systems for Cre recombinase-dependent gene regulation. Unexpectedly, CRISPRa systems based on a traditional double-floxed inverted open reading frame (DIO) strategy exhibited leaky target gene induction even without Cre. Therefore, we developed an intron-containing Cre-dependent CRISPRa system (SVI-DIO-dCas9-VPR) that alleviated leaky gene induction and outperformed the traditional DIO system at endogenous genes in HEK293T cells and rat primary neuron cultures. Using gene-specific CRISPR sgRNAs, we demonstrate that SVI-DIO-dCas9-VPR can activate numerous rat or human genes (GRM2, Tent5b, Fos, Sstr2, and Gadd45b) in a Cre-specific manner. To illustrate the versatility of this tool, we created a parallel CRISPRi construct that successfully inhibited expression from a luciferase reporter in HEK293T cells only in the presence of Cre. These results provide a robust framework for Cre-dependent CRISPR-dCas9 approaches across different model systems, and enable cell-specific targeting when combined with common Cre driver lines or Cre delivery via viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy V N Carullo
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jenna E Hinds
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jasmin S Revanna
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Allison J Bauman
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
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26
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Ozawa A, Arakawa H. Chemogenetics drives paradigm change in the investigation of behavioral circuits and neural mechanisms underlying drug action. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113234. [PMID: 33741409 PMCID: PMC8110310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in chemogenetic approaches to the investigation of brain function have ushered in a paradigm change in the strategy for drug and behavior research and clinical drug-based medications. As the nature of the drug action is based on humoral regulation, it is a challenge to identify the neuronal mechanisms responsible for the expression of certain targeted behavior induced by drug application. The development of chemogenetic approaches has allowed researchers to control neural activities in targeted neurons through a toolbox, including engineered G protein-coupled receptors or ligand-gated ion channels together with exogenously inert synthetic ligands. This review provides a brief overview of the chemogenetics toolbox with an emphasis on the DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technique used in rodent models, which is applicable to the investigation of how specific neural circuits regulate behavioral processes. The use of chemogenetics has had a significant impact on basic neuroscience for a better understanding of the relationships between brain activity and the expression of behaviors with cell- and circuit-specific orders. Furthermore, chemogenetics is potentially a useful tool to deconstruct the neuropathological mechanisms of mental diseases and its regulation by drug, and provide us with transformative therapeutics with medication. We also review recent findings in the use of chemogenetic techniques to uncover functional circuit connections of serotonergic neurons in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan.
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27
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Abstract
AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical symptom, which is mainly manifested by elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. When AKI is not repaired in time, the patient is prone to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidney is composed of more than 30 different cells, and its structure is complex. It is extremely challenging to understand the lineage relationships and cell fate of these cells in the process of kidney injury and regeneration. Since the 20th century, lineage tracing technology has provided an important mean for studying organ development, tissue damage repair, and the differentiation and fate of single cells. However, traditional lineage tracing methods rely on sacrificing animals to make tissue slices and then take snapshots with conventional imaging tools to obtain interesting information. This method cannot achieve dynamic and continuous monitoring of cell actions on living animals. As a kind of intravital microscopy (IVM), two-photon microscopy (TPM) has successfully solved the above problems. Because TPM has the ability to penetrate deep tissues and can achieve imaging at the single cell level, lineage tracing technology with TPM is gradually becoming popular. In this review, we provided the key technical elements of lineage tracing, and how to use intravital imaging technology to visualize and quantify the fate of renal cells.
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28
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Yang C, Ge J, Fu X, Luo K, Xu C. Dual Reproductive Cell-Specific Promoter-Mediated Split-Cre/LoxP System Suitable for Exogenous Gene Deletion in Hybrid Progeny of Transgenic Arabidopsis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5080. [PMID: 34064885 PMCID: PMC8151399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops possess some superior characteristics, such as high yield and insect resistance, but their biosafety has aroused broad public concern. Some genetic engineering technologies have recently been proposed to remove exogenous genes from GM crops. Few approaches have been applied to maintain advantageous traits, but excising exogenous genes in seeds or fruits from these hybrid crops has led to the generation of harvested food without exogenous genes. In a previous study, split-Cre mediated by split intein could recombine its structure and restore recombination activity in hybrid plants. In the current study, the recombination efficiency of split-Cre under the control of ovule-specific or pollen-specific promoters was validated by hybridization of transgenic Arabidopsis containing the improved expression vectors. In these vectors, all exogenous genes were flanked by two loxP sites, including promoters, resistance genes, reporter genes, and split-Cre genes linked to the reporter genes via LP4/2A. A gene deletion system was designed in which NCre was driven by proDD45, and CCre was driven by proACA9 and proDLL. Transgenic lines containing NCre were used as paternal lines to hybridize with transgenic lines containing CCre. Because this hybridization method results in no co-expression of the NCre and CCre genes controlled by reproduction-specific promoters in the F1 progeny, the desirable characteristics could be retained. After self-crossing in F1 progeny, the expression level and protein activity of reporter genes were detected, and confirmed that recombination of split-Cre had occurred and the exogenous genes were partially deleted. The gene deletion efficiency represented by the quantitative measurements of GUS enzyme activity was over 59%, with the highest efficiency of 73% among variable hybrid combinations. Thus, in the present study a novel dual reproductive cell-specific promoter-mediated gene deletion system was developed that has the potential to take advantage of the merits of GM crops while alleviating biosafety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keming Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (C.Y.); (J.G.); (X.F.)
| | - Changzheng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (C.Y.); (J.G.); (X.F.)
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29
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Activation of creER recombinase in the mouse calvaria induces local recombination without effects on distant skeletal segments. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8214. [PMID: 33859263 PMCID: PMC8050205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditional creER-mediated gene inactivation or gene induction has emerged as a robust tool for studying gene functions in mouse models of tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Here, we present a method to conditionally induce cre recombination in the mouse calvarial bone while avoiding systemic recombination in distal bones. To test our method, we utilized Prx1creER-egfp;td-Tomato mice and delivered 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) to the mouse calvaria, subperiosteally. First, we showed that two calvaria subperiosteal injections of 10 µg of 4-OHT (3.3 mg of 4-OHT/kg of body weight) can induce local recombination as efficiently as two intraperitoneal systemic injections of 200 μg of tamoxifen (70 mg of tamoxifen/kg of body weight). Then, we studied the recombination efficiency of various subperiosteal calvaria dosages and found that two subperiosteal injections of 5 µg 4-OHT (1.65 mg of 4-OHT/kg of body weight) uphold the same recombination efficiency observed with higher dosages. Importantly, the result indicated that the low dosage does not induce significant systemic recombination in remote skeletal tissues. With the proposed local low dosage protocol, the recombination efficiency at the injection site (calvarial bone) reached 94%, while the recombination efficiency at the mandible and the digits was as low as the efficiency measured in control animals.
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30
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Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality in the developed world. EOC is a heterogeneous disease represented by several histological and molecular subtypes. Therefore, exploration of relevant preclinical animal models that consider the heterogenic nature of EOC is of great importance for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be translated clinically to combat this devastating disease. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the development of preclinical mouse models for EOC study as well as their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Karakashev
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ru-Gang Zhang
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. E-mail:
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31
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Dimchev V, Lahmann I, Koestler SA, Kage F, Dimchev G, Steffen A, Stradal TEB, Vauti F, Arnold HH, Rottner K. Induced Arp2/3 Complex Depletion Increases FMNL2/3 Formin Expression and Filopodia Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634708. [PMID: 33598464 PMCID: PMC7882613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Arp2/3 complex generates branched actin filament networks operating in cell edge protrusion and vesicle trafficking. Here we employ a conditional knockout mouse model permitting tissue- or cell-type specific deletion of the murine Actr3 gene (encoding Arp3). A functional Actr3 gene appeared essential for fibroblast viability and growth. Thus, we developed cell lines for exploring the consequences of acute, tamoxifen-induced Actr3 deletion causing near-complete loss of functional Arp2/3 complex expression as well as abolished lamellipodia formation and membrane ruffling, as expected. Interestingly, Arp3-depleted cells displayed enhanced rather than reduced cell spreading, employing numerous filopodia, and showed little defects in the rates of random cell migration. However, both exploration of new space by individual cells and collective migration were clearly compromised by the incapability to efficiently maintain directionality of migration, while the principal ability to chemotax was only moderately affected. Examination of actin remodeling at the cell periphery revealed reduced actin turnover rates in Arp2/3-deficient cells, clearly deviating from previous sequestration approaches. Most surprisingly, induced removal of Arp2/3 complexes reproducibly increased FMNL formin expression, which correlated with the explosive induction of filopodia formation. Our results thus highlight both direct and indirect effects of acute Arp2/3 complex removal on actin cytoskeleton regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dimchev
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ines Lahmann
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan A Koestler
- Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frieda Kage
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Georgi Dimchev
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anika Steffen
- Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Theresia E B Stradal
- Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Franz Vauti
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Arnold
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Klemens Rottner
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Braunschweig, Germany
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32
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Xie Z, McGrath C, Sankaran J, Styner M, Little-Letsinger S, Dudakovic A, van Wijnen AJ, Rubin J, Sen B. Low-Dose Tamoxifen Induces Significant Bone Formation in Mice. JBMR Plus 2021; 5:e10450. [PMID: 33778320 PMCID: PMC7990151 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of the selective estrogen receptor modulator Tamoxifen (TAM) is a mainstay to induce conditional expression of Cre recombinase in transgenic laboratory mice. To excise β‐cateninfl/fl in 28‐day‐old male and female Prrx1‐CreER/β‐cateninfl/fl mice (C57BL/6), we utilized TAM at 150 mg/kg; despite β‐catenin knockout in MSC, we found a significant increase in trabecular and cortical bone volume in all genders. Because TAM was similarly anabolic in KO and control mice, we investigated a dose effect on bone formation by treating wild‐type mice (WT C57BL/6, 4 weeks) with TAM (total dose 0, 20, 40, 200 mg/kg via four injections). TAM increased bone in a dose‐dependent manner analyzed by micro–computed tomography (μCT), which showed that, compared to control, 20 mg/kg TAM increased femoral bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume [BV/TV]) (21.6% ± 1.5% to 33% ± 2.5%; 153%, p < 0.005). With TAM 40 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, BV/TV increased to 48.1% ± 4.4% (223%, p < 0.0005) and 58% ± 3.8% (269%, p < 0.0001) respectively, compared to control. Osteoblast markers increased with 200 mg/kg TAM: Dlx5 (224%, p < 0.0001), Alp (166%, p < 0.0001), Bglap (223%, p < 0.0001), and Sp7 (228%, p < 0.0001). Osteoclasts per bone surface (Oc#/BS) nearly doubled at the lowest TAM dose (20 mg/kg), but decreased to <20% control with 200 mg/kg TAM. Our data establish that use of TAM at even very low doses to excise a floxed target in postnatal mice has profound effects on trabecular and cortical bone formation. As such, TAM treatment is a major confounder in the interpretation of bone phenotypes in conditional gene knockout mouse models. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Xie
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Cody McGrath
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Jeyantt Sankaran
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Maya Styner
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | | | - Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Mayo Clinic Rochester MN USA
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Mayo Clinic Rochester MN USA
| | - Janet Rubin
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Buer Sen
- Department of Medicine University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
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33
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Glowa D, Comelli P, Chandler JW, Werr W. Clonal sector analysis and cell ablation confirm a function for DORNROESCHEN-LIKE in founder cells and the vasculature in Arabidopsis. PLANTA 2021; 253:27. [PMID: 33420666 PMCID: PMC7794208 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Inducible lineage analysis and cell ablation via conditional toxin expression in cells expressing the DORNRÖSCHEN-LIKE transcription factor represent an effective and complementary adjunct to conventional methods of functional gene analysis. Classical methods of functional gene analysis via mutational and expression studies possess inherent limitations, and therefore, the function of a large proportion of transcription factors remains unknown. We have employed two complementary, indirect methods to obtain functional information for the AP2/ERF transcription factor DORNRÖSCHEN-LIKE (DRNL), which is dynamically expressed in flowers and marks lateral organ founder cells. An inducible, two-component Cre-Lox system was used to express beta-glucuronidase GUS in cells expressing DRNL, to perform a sector analysis that reveals lineages of cells that transiently expressed DRNL throughout plant development. In a complementary approach, an inducible system was used to ablate cells expressing DRNL using diphtheria toxin A chain, to visualise the phenotypic consequences. These complementary analyses demonstrate that DRNL functionally marks founder cells of leaves and floral organs. Clonal sectors also included the vasculature of the leaves and petals, implicating a previously unidentified role for DRNL in provasculature development, which was confirmed in cotyledons by closer analysis of drnl mutants. Our findings demonstrate that inducible gene-specific lineage analysis and cell ablation via conditional toxin expression represent an effective and informative adjunct to conventional methods of functional gene analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Glowa
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, Cologne Biocenter, Cologne University, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Comelli
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, Cologne Biocenter, Cologne University, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - John W Chandler
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, Cologne Biocenter, Cologne University, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Werr
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, Cologne Biocenter, Cologne University, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
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34
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Kanakis I, Alhashmi M, Liu K, Keenan C, Ramos Mucci L, Poulet B, Bou-Gharios G. Cartilage-Specific Cre Recombinase Transgenes/Alleles in the Mouse. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2245:23-38. [PMID: 33315193 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1119-7_3] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage is a specialized skeletal tissue with a unique extracellular matrix elaborated by its resident cells, chondrocytes. The tissue presents in several forms, including growth plate and articular cartilage, wherein chondrocytes follow a differential differentiation program and have different fates. The induction of gene modifications in cartilage specifically relies on mouse transgenes and knockin alleles taking advantages of transcriptional elements primarily active in chondrocytes at a specific differentiation stage or in a specific cartilage type. These transgenes/alleles have been widely used to study the roles of specific genes in cartilage development, adult homeostasis, and pathology. As cartilage formation is critical for postnatal life, the inactivation or significant alteration of key cartilaginous genes is often neonatally lethal and therefore hampers postnatal studies. Gold standard approaches to induce postnatal chondrocyte-specific gene modifications include the Cre-loxP and Tet-ON/OFF systems. Selecting the appropriate promoter/enhancer sequences to drive Cre expression is of crucial importance and determines the specificity of conditional gain- or loss-of-function models. In this chapter, we discuss a series of transgenes and knockin alleles that have been developed for gene manipulation in cartilage and we compare their expression patterns and efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kanakis
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammad Alhashmi
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Craig Keenan
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lorenzo Ramos Mucci
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blandine Poulet
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - George Bou-Gharios
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Abstract
Genetic lineage tracing is accomplished using bi-transgenic mice, where one allele is altered to express Cre recombinase, and another allele encodes a Cre-dependent genetic reporter protein. Once Cre is activated (constitutive or in response to tamoxifen), the marker gene-expressing cells become indelibly labeled by the reporter protein. Therefore, daughter cells derived from labeled cells are permanently labeled even if the marker gene that drove Cre recombinase expression is no longer expressed in these cells. This system is commonly used to label putative progenitor cells and determine the fate of their progeny. Here, we describe the use of c-kit-based genetic lineage-tracing mouse line as an example and discuss caveats for performing these types of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongming Chen
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jop H van Berlo
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Stem Cell Institute and Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Abstract
The Cre-LoxP technology permits gene ablation in specific cell lineages, at chosen differentiation stages of this lineage and in an inducible manner. It has allowed tremendous advances in our understanding of skeleton biology and related pathophysiological mechanisms, through the generation of loss/gain of function or cell tracing experiments based on the creation of an expanding toolbox of transgenic mice expressing the Cre recombinase in skeletal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or osteoclasts. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the different Cre-LoxP systems and Cre mouse lines used in the bone field, we discuss their advantages, limitations, and we outline best practices to interpret results obtained from the use of Cre mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Abstract
Neurotransmitter switching is a form of brain plasticity in which an environmental stimulus causes neurons to replace one neurotransmitter with another, often resulting in changes in behavior. This raises the possibility of applying a specific environmental stimulus to induce a switch that can enhance a desirable behavior or ameliorate symptoms of a specific pathology. For example, a stimulus inducing an increase in the number of neurons expressing dopamine could treat Parkinson's disease, or one affecting the number expressing serotonin could alleviate depression. This may already be producing successful treatment outcomes without our knowing that transmitter switching is involved, with improvement of motor function through physical activity and cure of seasonal depression with phototherapy. This review presents prospects for future investigation of neurotransmitter switching, considering opportunities and challenges for future research and describing how the investigation of transmitter switching is likely to evolve with new tools, thus reshaping our understanding of both normal brain function and mental illness.
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Chikina AS, Nadalin F, Maurin M, San-Roman M, Thomas-Bonafos T, Li XV, Lameiras S, Baulande S, Henri S, Malissen B, Lacerda Mariano L, Barbazan J, Blander JM, Iliev ID, Matic Vignjevic D, Lennon-Duménil AM. Macrophages Maintain Epithelium Integrity by Limiting Fungal Product Absorption. Cell 2020; 183:411-428.e16. [PMID: 32970988 PMCID: PMC7646275 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The colon is primarily responsible for absorbing fluids. It contains a large number of microorganisms including fungi, which are enriched in its distal segment. The colonic mucosa must therefore tightly regulate fluid influx to control absorption of fungal metabolites, which can be toxic to epithelial cells and lead to barrier dysfunction. How this is achieved remains unknown. Here, we describe a mechanism by which the innate immune system allows rapid quality check of absorbed fluids to avoid intoxication of colonocytes. This mechanism relies on a population of distal colon macrophages that are equipped with "balloon-like" protrusions (BLPs) inserted in the epithelium, which sample absorbed fluids. In the absence of macrophages or BLPs, epithelial cells keep absorbing fluids containing fungal products, leading to their death and subsequent loss of epithelial barrier integrity. These results reveal an unexpected and essential role of macrophages in the maintenance of colon-microbiota interactions in homeostasis. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra S Chikina
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Francesca Nadalin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Maurin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Mabel San-Roman
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, F-75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Xin V Li
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Sonia Lameiras
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Next Generation Sequencing Facility, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Next Generation Sequencing Facility, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Henri
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Malissen
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France; Centre d'Immunophénomique, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | | | - Jorge Barbazan
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - J Magarian Blander
- The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Iliyan D Iliev
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Onaciu A, Munteanu R, Munteanu VC, Gulei D, Raduly L, Feder RI, Pirlog R, Atanasov AG, Korban SS, Irimie A, Berindan-Neagoe I. Spontaneous and Induced Animal Models for Cancer Research. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E660. [PMID: 32878340 PMCID: PMC7555044 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the complexity of the current framework in oncology, the relevance of animal models in biomedical research is critical in light of the capacity to produce valuable data with clinical translation. The laboratory mouse is the most common animal model used in cancer research due to its high adaptation to different environments, genetic variability, and physiological similarities with humans. Beginning with spontaneous mutations arising in mice colonies that allow for pursuing studies of specific pathological conditions, this area of in vivo research has significantly evolved, now capable of generating humanized mice models encompassing the human immune system in biological correlation with human tumor xenografts. Moreover, the era of genetic engineering, especially of the hijacking CRISPR/Cas9 technique, offers powerful tools in designing and developing various mouse strains. Within this article, we will cover the principal mouse models used in oncology research, beginning with behavioral science of animals vs. humans, and continuing on with genetically engineered mice, microsurgical-induced cancer models, and avatar mouse models for personalized cancer therapy. Moreover, the area of spontaneous large animal models for cancer research will be briefly presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Onaciu
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (R.M.); (R.-I.F.)
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (R.M.); (R.-I.F.)
| | - Vlad Cristian Munteanu
- Department of Urology, The Oncology Institute “Prof Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (R.M.); (R.-I.F.)
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.R.); (R.P.)
| | - Richard-Ionut Feder
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - Medfuture, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (R.M.); (R.-I.F.)
| | - Radu Pirlog
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.R.); (R.P.)
- Department of Morphological Sciences, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Atanas G. Atanasov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchev str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Schuyler S. Korban
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Alexandru Irimie
- 11th Department of Surgical Oncology and Gynaecological Oncology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Surgery, The Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta, 34–36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.R.); (R.P.)
- Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Zhu N, Liu W, Prakash A, Zhang C, Kim KS. Targeting E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier for investigating the pathogenesis and therapeutic development of E. coli meningitis. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13231. [PMID: 32447809 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli is the most common Gram-negative bacillary organism causing neonatal meningitis. Escherichia coli meningitis remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity, but the pathogenesis of E. coli penetration of the blood-brain barrier remains incompletely understood. Escherichia coli entry into the brain occurs in the meningeal and cortex capillaries, not in the choroid plexus, and exploits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) for invasion of the blood-brain barrier. The present study examined whether EGFR and CysLTs are inter-related in their contribution to E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier and whether counteracting EGFR and CysLTs is a beneficial adjunct to antibiotic therapy of E. coli meningitis. We showed that (a) meningitis isolates of E. coli exploit EGFR and CysLTs for invasion of the blood-brain barrier, (b) the contribution of EGFR is upstream of that of CysLTs, and (c) counteracting EGFR and CysLTs as an adjunctive therapy improved the outcome (survival, neuronal injury and memory impairment) of animals with E. coli meningitis. These findings suggest that investigation of host factors contributing to E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier will help in enhancing the pathogenesis and development of new therapeutic targets for E. coli meningitis in the era of increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyu Zhu
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Atish Prakash
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chengxian Zhang
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Zhao S, Zhang Z, Xu D, Wang Y, Li L. Selective Loss of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Exacerbates Brain Injury by Enhancing Neuroinflammation in Experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1357. [PMID: 32676082 PMCID: PMC7333737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the central nervous system (CNS), and its unfavorable prognosis usually results from an intense inflammatory response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in CNS diseases; however, the distinct contribution of BDNF to pneumococcal meningitis (PM) remains unknown. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of endogenous BDNF on the inflammatory response and brain damage in experimental PM. We used Camk2a-CreERT2 mice to delete Bdnf from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and meningitis was induced by intracisternal infection with S. pneumoniae. Clinical parameters were assessed during acute meningitis. At 24 h post-infection, histopathology, neutrophil granulocytes infiltration, and microglia/macrophage proliferation of brain tissues were evaluated. Additionally, cortical damage and hippocampal apoptosis were assessed using Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-nick-end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Key molecules associated with the related signaling pathways were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot. To investigate the role of microglia/macrophage in infected BDNF conditional knockout mice, GW2580 was used for microglia/macrophage depletion. Here, we, for the first time, found that BDNF conditional knockouts exhibited more profound clinical impairment, pathological severity, and neuron injury and enhanced microglia/macrophage proliferation than were observed in their littermate controls. Furthermore, the BDNF conditional knockouts showed an obviously increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (Tnf-α, Il-1β, and Il-6). Mechanistically, loss of BDNF activated TLR2- and NOD2-mediated downstream nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways associated with S. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, targeted depletion of microglia/macrophage population decreased the resistance of mice to PM with diminishing neuroinflammation in BDNF conditional knockouts. Our findings suggest that loss of BDNF may enhance the inflammatory response and contribute to brain injury during PM at least partially by modulating TLR2- and NOD2-mediated signaling pathways, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for future interventions in bacterial meningitis pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danfeng Xu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Lee EJ, Hwang I, Lee JY, Park JN, Kim KC, Kim I, Moon D, Park H, Lee SY, Kim HS, Jun DW, Park SH, Kim HS. Hepatic stellate cell-specific knockout of transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ aggravates liver fibrosis. J Exp Med 2020; 217:e20190402. [PMID: 32267915 PMCID: PMC7971140 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a crucial factor in fibrosis, and transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) is a negative regulator of the TGFβ pathway; however, its role in liver fibrosis is unknown. In this study, mesenchymal stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hE-MSCs) that secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were used to observe the repair of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Our results showed that TIF1γ was significantly decreased in LX2 cells when exposed to TGFβ1. Such decrease of TIF1γ was significantly prevented by co-culture with hE-MSCs. Interaction of TIF1γ with SMAD2/3 and binding to the promoter of the α-smooth muscle gene (αSMA) suppressed αSMA expression. Phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and binding on the TIF1γ promoter region induced TIF1γ expression. Furthermore, hepatic stellate cell-specific TIF1γ-knockout mice showed aggravation of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, loss of TIF1γ aggravates fibrosis, suggesting that a strategy to maintain TIF1γ during liver injury would be a promising therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ju Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Injoo Hwang
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lee
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Nam Park
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Cheon Kim
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Irene Kim
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dodam Moon
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyomin Park
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Graduate Training Program of Korean Medicine for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sug Kim
- Division of Genome Application, Macrogen, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Trotta M, Bello EP, Alsina R, Tavella MB, Ferrán JL, Rubinstein M, Bumaschny VF. Hypothalamic Pomc expression restricted to GABAergic neurons suppresses Npy overexpression and restores food intake in obese mice. Mol Metab 2020; 37:100985. [PMID: 32311511 PMCID: PMC7292867 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hypothalamic arcuate proopiomelanocortin (Arc-POMC) neurons are involved in different physiological processes such as the regulation of energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and stress-induced analgesia. Since these neurons heterogeneously express different biological markers and project to many hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic areas, it is proposed that Arc-POMC neurons could be classified into different subpopulations having diverse physiological roles. The aim of the present study was to characterize the contribution of the subpopulation of Arc-POMC neurons cosecreting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter in the control of energy balance. Methods Arc-Pomc expression restricted to GABAergic-POMC neurons was achieved by crossing a reversible Pomc-deficient mouse line (arcPomc−) with a tamoxifen-inducible Gad2-CreER transgenic line. Pomc expression was rescued in the compound arcPomc−/−:Gad2-CreER female and male mice by tamoxifen treatment at postnatal days 25 (P25) or 60 (P60), and body weight, daily food intake, fasting glycemia, and fasting-induced hyperphagia were measured. POMC recovery was quantified by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative RT-PCR. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and GABAergic neurons were identified by in situ hybridization. Arc-POMC neurons projecting to the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) were studied by stereotactic intracerebral injection of fluorescent retrobeads into the DMH. Results Tamoxifen treatment of arcPomc−/−:Gad2-CreER mice at P60 resulted in Pomc expression in ∼23–25% of Arc-POMC neurons and ∼15–23% of Pomc mRNA levels, compared to Gad2-CreER control mice. Pomc rescue in GABAergic-POMC neurons at P60 normalized food intake, glycemia, and fasting-induced hyperphagia, while significantly reducing body weight. Energy balance was also improved in arcPomc−/−:Gad2-CreER mice treated with tamoxifen at P25. Distribution analysis of rescued POMC immunoreactive fibers revealed that the DMH is a major target site of GABAergic-POMC neurons. Further, the expression of the orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the DMH was increased in arcPomc−/− obese mice but was completely restored after Pomc rescue in arcPomc−/−:Gad2-CreER mice. Finally, we found that ∼75% of Arc-POMC neurons projecting to the DMH are GABAergic. Conclusions In the present study, we show that the expression of Pomc in the subpopulation of Arc-GABAergic-POMC neurons is sufficient to maintain normal food intake. In addition, we found that DMH-NPY expression is negatively correlated with Pomc expression in GABAergic-POMC neurons, suggesting that food intake may be regulated by an Arc-GABAergic-POMC → DMH-NPY pathway. The subpopulation of arcuate GABAergic-POMC neurons is sufficient to maintain normal food intake. Overweight induced by Pomc deficiency is reduced by arcuate Pomc expression restricted to GABAergic-POMC neurons. DMH-Npy overexpression in POMC-deficient mice is restored by Pomc rescue restricted to GABAergic-POMC neurons. Arcuate POMC neurons projecting to the DMH are mainly GABAergic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Trotta
- Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica "Bernardo Houssay" (IFIBIO HOUSSAY), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Estefanía Pilar Bello
- Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica "Bernardo Houssay" (IFIBIO HOUSSAY), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ramiro Alsina
- Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica "Bernardo Houssay" (IFIBIO HOUSSAY), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Belén Tavella
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - José Luis Ferrán
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marcelo Rubinstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Viviana Florencia Bumaschny
- Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica "Bernardo Houssay" (IFIBIO HOUSSAY), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Jennemann R, Kaden S, Volz M, Nordström V, Herzer S, Sandhoff R, Gröne HJ. Gangliosides modulate insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells under glucose stress. Glycobiology 2020; 30:722-734. [PMID: 32149357 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic beta cells, the entry of glucose and downstream signaling for insulin release is regulated by the glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) in rodents. Dysfunction of the insulin-signaling cascade may lead to diabetes mellitus. Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids (GSLs), have been reported to modulate the function of several membrane proteins.Murine islets express predominantly sialylated GSLs, particularly the simple gangliosides GM3 and GD3 having a potential modulatory role in Glut2 activity. Conditional, tamoxifen-inducible gene targeting in pancreatic islets has now shown that mice lacking the glucosylceramide synthase (Ugcg), which represents the rate-limiting enzyme in GSL biosynthesis, displayed impaired glucose uptake and showed reduced insulin secretion. Consequently, mice with pancreatic GSL deficiency had higher blood glucose levels than respective controls after intraperitoneal glucose application. High-fat diet feeding enhanced this effect. GSL-deficient islets did not show apoptosis or ER stress and displayed a normal ultrastructure. Their insulin content, size and number were similar as in control islets. Isolated beta cells from GM3 synthase null mice unable to synthesize GM3 and GD3 also showed lower glucose uptake than respective control cells, corroborating the results obtained from the cell-specific model. We conclude that in particular the negatively charged gangliosides GM3 and GD3 of beta cells positively influence Glut2 function to adequately respond to high glucose loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Jennemann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kaden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Martina Volz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Viola Nordström
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Silke Herzer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 2 Marburg 35043, Germany
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45
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Fujino M, Tagami A, Ojima M, Mizuno S, Abdellatif AM, Kuno A, Takahashi S. c-MAF deletion in adult C57BL/6J mice induces cataract formation and abnormal differentiation of lens fiber cells. Exp Anim 2020; 69:242-249. [PMID: 31969519 PMCID: PMC7220708 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.19-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-MAF is a member of the large MAF family, members of which possess transactivation and bZIP domains. c-MAF plays an important role in lens formation, T-lymphocyte differentiation, hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation, and kidney development in mouse embryos. However, because homozygous deletion of c-Maf in C57BL/6J mice causes embryonic lethality, the functions of c-MAF in adult mice remain largely uninvestigated. To address this issue, we generated c-Maf floxed (c-Maffl/fl) C57BL/6J mice and established tamoxifen-inducible c-Maf knockout mice (c-Maffl/fl; CAG-Cre-ERTM mice, c-MafΔTAM). After tamoxifen injection, adult c-MafΔTAM mice showed successful deletion of c-Maf protein and developed severe cataracts; cataracts are also seen in human patients who have mutations in the c-MAF DNA binding domain. Furthermore, adult c-MafΔTAM mice exhibited abnormal lens structure and impaired differentiation of lens fiber cells. In summary, we established c-Maffl/fl and c-MafΔTAM C57BL/6J mice, which can be useful animal models for the investigation of c-MAF function in various developmental stages and can also be used as a disease model for cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsunori Fujino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Asuka Tagami
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masami Ojima
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ahmed M Abdellatif
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Akihiro Kuno
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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46
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Wilkinson AN, Chang K, Kuns RD, Henden AS, Minnie SA, Ensbey KS, Clouston AD, Zhang P, Koyama M, Hidalgo J, Rose-John S, Varelias A, Vuckovic S, Gartlan KH, Hill GR. IL-6 dysregulation originates in dendritic cells and mediates graft-versus-host disease via classical signaling. Blood 2019; 134:2092-2106. [PMID: 31578204 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is characterized by interleukin-6 (IL-6) dysregulation. IL-6 can mediate effects via various pathways, including classical, trans, and cluster signaling. Given the recent availability of agents that differentially inhibit these discrete signaling cascades, understanding the source and signaling and cellular targets of this cytokine is paramount to inform the design of clinical studies. Here we demonstrate that IL-6 secretion from recipient dendritic cells (DCs) initiates the systemic dysregulation of this cytokine. Inhibition of DC-driven classical signaling after targeted IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) deletion in T cells eliminated pathogenic donor Th17/Th22 cell differentiation and resulted in long-term survival. After engraftment, donor DCs assume the same role, maintaining classical IL-6 signaling-dependent GVHD responses. Surprisingly, cluster signaling was not active after transplantation, whereas inhibition of trans signaling with soluble gp130Fc promoted severe, chronic cutaneous GVHD. The latter was a result of exaggerated polyfunctional Th22-cell expansion that was reversed by IL-22 deletion or IL-6R inhibition. Importantly, inhibition of IL-6 classical signaling did not impair the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Together, these data highlight IL-6 classical signaling and downstream Th17/Th22 differentiation as important therapeutic targets after alloSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Wilkinson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karshing Chang
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel D Kuns
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea S Henden
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simone A Minnie
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Ping Zhang
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Motoko Koyama
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Juan Hidalgo
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, and
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany; and
| | - Antiopi Varelias
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Slavica Vuckovic
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate H Gartlan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Abstract
The skeleton harbors an array of lineage cells that have an essential role in whole body homeostasis. Adipocytes start the colonization of marrow space early in postnatal life, expanding progressively and influencing other components of the bone marrow through paracrine signaling. In this unique, closed, and hypoxic environment close to the endosteal surface and adjacent to the microvascular space the marrow adipocyte can store or provide energy, secrete adipokines, and target neighboring bone cells. Adipocyte progenitors can also migrate from the bone marrow to populate white adipose tissue, a process that accelerates during weight gain. The marrow adipocyte also has an endocrine role in whole body homeostasis through its varied secretome that targets distant adipose depots, skeletal muscle, and the nervous system. Further insights into the biology of this unique and versatile cell will undoubtedly lead to novel therapeutic approaches to metabolic and age-related disorders such as osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J A de Paula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil;
| | - Clifford J Rosen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA;
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48
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Kalasekar SM, Kotiyal S, Conley C, Phan C, Young A, Evason KJ. Heterogeneous beta-catenin activation is sufficient to cause hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio047829. [PMID: 31575545 PMCID: PMC6826293 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 41% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) result from activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin. HCC-associated CTNNB1 mutations stabilize the β-catenin protein, leading to nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and downstream activation of Wnt target genes. In patient HCC samples, β-catenin nuclear and cytoplasmic localization are typically patchy, even among HCC with highly active CTNNB1 mutations. The functional and clinical relevance of this heterogeneity in β-catenin activation are not well understood. To define mechanisms of β-catenin-driven HCC initiation, we generated a Cre-lox system that enabled switching on activated β-catenin in (1) a small number of hepatocytes in early development; or (2) the majority of hepatocytes in later development or adulthood. We discovered that switching on activated β-catenin in a subset of larval hepatocytes was sufficient to drive HCC initiation. To determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling heterogeneity later in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis of zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC. At the single-cell level, 2.9% to 15.2% of hepatocytes from zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC expressed two or more of the Wnt target genes axin2, mtor, glula, myca and wif1, indicating focal activation of Wnt signaling in established tumors. Thus, heterogeneous β-catenin activation drives HCC initiation and persists throughout hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya M Kalasekar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Srishti Kotiyal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Conley
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cindy Phan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Annika Young
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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49
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Melouane A, Ghanemi A, Yoshioka M, St-Amand J. Functional genomics applications and therapeutic implications in sarcopenia. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2019; 781:175-185. [PMID: 31416575 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains around 20,000-25,000 genes coding for 30,000 proteins. Some proteins and genes represent therapeutic targets for human diseases. RNA and protein expression profiling tools allow the study of the molecular basis of aging and drug discovery validation. Throughout the life, there is an age-related and disease-related muscle decline. Sarcopenia is defined as a loss of muscle mass and a decrease in functional properties such as muscle strength and physical performance. Yet, there is still no consensus on the evaluation methods of sarcopenia prognosis. The main challenge of this complex biological phenomena is its multifactorial etiology. Thus, functional genomics methods attempt to shape the related scientific approaches via an innovative in-depth view on sarcopenia. Gene and drug high throughput screening combined with functional genomics allow the generation and the interpretation of a large amount of data related to sarcopenia and therapeutic progress. This review focuses on the application of selected functional genomics techniques such as RNA interference, RNA silencing, proteomics, transgenic mice, metabolomics, genomics, and epigenomics to better understand sarcopenia mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha Melouane
- CREMI, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Abdelaziz Ghanemi
- CREMI, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Mayumi Yoshioka
- CREMI, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jonny St-Amand
- CREMI, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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50
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Schultze JL, Mass E, Schlitzer A. Emerging Principles in Myelopoiesis at Homeostasis and during Infection and Inflammation. Immunity 2019; 50:288-301. [PMID: 30784577 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myelopoiesis ensures the steady state of the myeloid cell compartment. Technological advances in fate mapping and genetic engineering, as well as the advent of single cell RNA-sequencing, have highlighted the heterogeneity of the hematopoietic system and revealed new concepts in myeloid cell ontogeny. These technologies are also shedding light on mechanisms of myelopoiesis at homeostasis and at different phases of infection and inflammation, illustrating important feedback loops between affected tissues and the bone marrow. We review these findings here and revisit principles in myelopoiesis in light of the evolving understanding of myeloid cell ontogeny and heterogeneity. We argue for the importance of system-wide evaluation of changes in myelopoiesis and discuss how even after the resolution of inflammation, long-lasting alterations in myelopoiesis may play a role in innate immune memory or trained immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim L Schultze
- Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany; Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Elvira Mass
- Developmental Biology of the Innate Immune System, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Andreas Schlitzer
- Myeloid Cell Biology, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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