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Di Gesù CM, Buffington SA. The early life exposome and autism risk: a role for the maternal microbiome? Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2385117. [PMID: 39120056 PMCID: PMC11318715 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2385117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heritable, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by clinical presentation of atypical social, communicative, and repetitive behaviors. Over the past 25 years, hundreds of ASD risk genes have been identified. Many converge on key molecular pathways, from translational control to those regulating synaptic structure and function. Despite these advances, therapeutic approaches remain elusive. Emerging data unearthing the relationship between genetics, microbes, and immunity in ASD suggest an integrative physiology approach could be paramount to delivering therapeutic breakthroughs. Indeed, the advent of large-scale multi-OMIC data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation is yielding an increasingly mechanistic understanding of ASD and underlying risk factors, revealing how genetic susceptibility interacts with microbial genetics, metabolism, epigenetic (re)programming, and immunity to influence neurodevelopment and behavioral outcomes. It is now possible to foresee exciting advancements in the treatment of some forms of ASD that could markedly improve quality of life and productivity for autistic individuals. Here, we highlight recent work revealing how gene X maternal exposome interactions influence risk for ASD, with emphasis on the intrauterine environment and fetal neurodevelopment, host-microbe interactions, and the evolving therapeutic landscape for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Di Gesù
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shelly A. Buffington
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Anwised P, Moorawong R, Samruan W, Somredngan S, Srisutush J, Laowtammathron C, Aksoy I, Parnpai R, Savatier P. An expedition in the jungle of pluripotent stem cells of non-human primates. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2016-2037. [PMID: 37863046 PMCID: PMC10679654 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
For nearly three decades, more than 80 embryonic stem cell lines and more than 100 induced pluripotent stem cell lines have been derived from New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, and great apes. In this comprehensive review, we examine these cell lines originating from marmoset, cynomolgus macaque, rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, Japanese macaque, African green monkey, baboon, chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, and orangutan. We outline the methodologies implemented for their establishment, the culture protocols for their long-term maintenance, and their basic molecular characterization. Further, we spotlight any cell lines that express fluorescent reporters. Additionally, we compare these cell lines with human pluripotent stem cell lines, and we discuss cell lines reprogrammed into a pluripotent naive state, detailing the processes used to attain this. Last, we present the findings from the application of these cell lines in two emerging fields: intra- and interspecies embryonic chimeras and blastoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeyanan Anwised
- University Lyon, University Lyon 1, INSERM, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France; Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Ratree Moorawong
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Worawalan Samruan
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Sirilak Somredngan
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Jittanun Srisutush
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Chuti Laowtammathron
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Irene Aksoy
- University Lyon, University Lyon 1, INSERM, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France.
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
| | - Pierre Savatier
- University Lyon, University Lyon 1, INSERM, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France.
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3
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Witman N, Zhou C, Häneke T, Xiao Y, Huang X, Rohner E, Sohlmér J, Grote Beverborg N, Lehtinen ML, Chien KR, Sahara M. Placental growth factor exerts a dual function for cardiomyogenesis and vasculogenesis during heart development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5435. [PMID: 37669989 PMCID: PMC10480216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41305-7] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiogenic growth factors play important roles in heart development. Placental growth factor (PLGF) has previously been reported to have angiogenic effects; however, its potential role in cardiogenesis has not yet been determined. We analyze single-cell RNA-sequencing data derived from human and primate embryonic hearts and find PLGF shows a biphasic expression pattern, as it is expressed specifically on ISL1+ second heart field progenitors at an earlier stage and on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) at later stages. Using chemically modified mRNAs (modRNAs), we generate a panel of cardiogenic growth factors and test their effects on enhancing cardiomyocyte (CM) and EC induction during different stages of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiations. We discover that only the application of PLGF modRNA at early time points of hESC-CM differentiation can increase both CM and EC production. Conversely, genetic deletion of PLGF reduces generation of CMs, SMCs and ECs in vitro. We also confirm in vivo beneficial effects of PLGF modRNA for development of human heart progenitor-derived cardiac muscle grafts on murine kidney capsules. Further, we identify the previously unrecognized PLGF-related transcriptional networks driven by EOMES and SOX17. These results shed light on the dual cardiomyogenic and vasculogenic effects of PLGF during heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevin Witman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chikai Zhou
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Timm Häneke
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eduarde Rohner
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Sohlmér
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niels Grote Beverborg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miia L Lehtinen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kenneth R Chien
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Makoto Sahara
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, A6 Biomedicum, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CN, 06510, USA.
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4
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Zhou J, Wang J, Chen F, Zhuang Z, Chen M, Yang Y, Luo X, Tang C, Zhou X, Chi Y, Wang J, He Y, Zhang K, Zou Q. Improved USER cloning for TALE assembly and its application to base editing. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289509. [PMID: 37540669 PMCID: PMC10403120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) have been widely used for genome editing, transcriptional regulation, and locus-specific DNA imaging. However, TALEs are difficult to handle in routine laboratories because of their complexity and the considerable time consumed in TALE construction. Here, we described a simple and rapid TALE assembly method based on uracil-specific excision reagent (USER) cloning. Polymerase chain reaction was amplified with TALE trimer templates and deoxyuridine-containing primers. The products were treated with USER at 37°C for 30 min, followed by the treatment of T4 DNA Ligase at 16°C for 30 min. The TALE trimer unit could be rejoined hierarchically to form complete TALE expression vectors with high efficiency. This method was adopted to construct TALE-deaminases, which were used in combination with Cas9 nickases to generate efficient C-to-T or A-to-G base editing while eliminating predictable DNA off-target effects. This improved USER assembly is a simple, rapid, and laboratory-friendly TALE construction technique that will be valuable for DNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizeng Zhou
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaowei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhuang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yue Chi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yu He
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
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5
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Megagiannis P, Suresh R, Rouleau GA, Zhou Y. Reversibility and therapeutic development for neurodevelopmental disorders, insights from genetic animal models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114562. [PMID: 36183904 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114562] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions resulting from atypical brain development. Over the past decades, we have had the fortune to witness enormous progress in diagnosis, etiology discovery, modeling, and mechanistic understanding of NDDs from both fundamental and clinical research. Here, we review recent neurobiological advances from experimental models of NDDs. We introduce several examples and highlight breakthroughs in reversal studies of phenotypes using genetically engineered models of NDDs. The in-depth understanding of brain pathophysiology underlying NDDs and evaluations of reversibility in animal models paves the foundation for discovering novel treatment options. We discuss how the expanding property of cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing and AAV-mediated gene delivery, are leveraged in animal models for the therapeutic development of NDDs. We envision opportunities and challenges toward faithful modeling and fruitful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Platon Megagiannis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Suresh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
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6
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Liang W, He J, Mao C, Yu C, Meng Q, Xue J, Wu X, Li S, Wang Y, Yi H. Gene editing monkeys: Retrospect and outlook. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:913996. [PMID: 36158194 PMCID: PMC9493099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.913996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models play a key role in life science research, especially in the study of human disease pathogenesis and drug screening. Because of the closer proximity to humans in terms of genetic evolution, physiology, immunology, biochemistry, and pathology, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have outstanding advantages in model construction for disease mechanism study and drug development. In terms of animal model construction, gene editing technology has been widely applied to this area in recent years. This review summarizes the current progress in the establishment of NHPs using gene editing technology, which mainly focuses on rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys. In addition, we discuss the limiting factors in the applications of genetically modified NHP models as well as the possible solutions and improvements. Furthermore, we highlight the prospects and challenges of the gene-edited NHP models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizheng Liang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
- *Correspondence: Weizheng Liang, ; Shanliang Li, ; Yukai Wang, ; Hongyang Yi,
| | - Junli He
- Department of Pediatrics, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenyu Mao
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chengwei Yu
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Xueliang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Shanliang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Weizheng Liang, ; Shanliang Li, ; Yukai Wang, ; Hongyang Yi,
| | - Yukai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Weizheng Liang, ; Shanliang Li, ; Yukai Wang, ; Hongyang Yi,
| | - Hongyang Yi
- National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Weizheng Liang, ; Shanliang Li, ; Yukai Wang, ; Hongyang Yi,
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7
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Kang Y, Dai S, Zeng Y, Wang F, Yang P, Yang Z, Pu Y, Li Z, Chen X, Tian B, Si W, Ji W, Niu Y. Cloning and base editing of GFP transgenic rhesus monkey and off-target analysis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo3123. [PMID: 35867792 PMCID: PMC9307242 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report the cloning of a 12-year-old transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) monkey by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and base editing of the embryos, accompanied with safety evaluation of adenine base editors (ABEs). We first show the ability of ABEmax to silence GFP through A-to-G editing of the GFP sequence in 293T cells. Subsequently, using donor cells from a monkey expressing GFP, we have successfully generated 207 ABEmax-edited (SCNT-ABE) and 87 wild-type (SCNT) embryos for embryo transfer, genotyping, and genome and transcriptome analysis. SCNT-ABE and SCNT embryos are compared for off-target analysis without the interference of genetic variants using a new method named as OA-SCNT. ABEmax does not induce obvious off-target DNA mutations but induces widespread off-target RNA mutations, 35% of which are exonic, in edited monkey embryos. These results provide important references for clinical application of ABE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Shaoxing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuqiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Pengpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhaohui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Youwei Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zifan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xinglong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Baohong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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8
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Lin Y, Li J, Li C, Tu Z, Li S, Li XJ, Yan S. Application of CRISPR/Cas9 System in Establishing Large Animal Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:919155. [PMID: 35656550 PMCID: PMC9152178 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.919155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The foundation for investigating the mechanisms of human diseases is the establishment of animal models, which are also widely used in agricultural industry, pharmaceutical applications, and clinical research. However, small animals such as rodents, which have been extensively used to create disease models, do not often fully mimic the key pathological changes and/or important symptoms of human disease. As a result, there is an emerging need to establish suitable large animal models that can recapitulate important phenotypes of human diseases for investigating pathogenesis and developing effective therapeutics. However, traditional genetic modification technologies used in establishing small animal models are difficultly applied for generating large animal models of human diseases. This difficulty has been overcome to a great extent by the recent development of gene editing technology, especially the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). In this review, we focus on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 system to establishment of large animal models, including nonhuman primates, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs, for investigating disease pathogenesis and treatment. We also discuss the limitations of large animal models and possible solutions according to our current knowledge. Finally, we sum up the applications of the novel genome editing tool Base Editors (BEs) and its great potential for gene editing in large animals.
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9
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Schmidt JK, Jones KM, Van Vleck T, Emborg ME. Modeling genetic diseases in nonhuman primates through embryonic and germline modification: Considerations and challenges. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabf4879. [PMID: 35235338 PMCID: PMC9373237 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf4879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modification of the embryo or germ line of nonhuman primates is envisioned as a method to develop improved models of human disease, yet the promise of such animal models remains unfulfilled. Here, we discuss current methods and their limitations for producing nonhuman primate genetic models that faithfully genocopy and phenocopy human disease. We reflect on how to ethically maximize the translational relevance of such models in the search for new therapeutic strategies to treat human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna K Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Trevor Van Vleck
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marina E Emborg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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10
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Developing Non-Human Primate Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020344. [PMID: 35205388 PMCID: PMC8872446 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) represent a genetically and clinically heterogenous group of diseases that can eventually lead to blindness. Advances in sequencing technologies have resulted in better molecular characterization and genotype–phenotype correlation of IRDs. This has fueled research into therapeutic development over the recent years. Animal models are required for pre-clinical efficacy assessment. Non-human primates (NHP) are ideal due to the anatomical and genetic similarities shared with humans. However, developing NHP disease to recapitulate the disease phenotype for specific IRDs may be challenging from both technical and cost perspectives. This review discusses the currently available NHP IRD models and the methods used for development, with a particular focus on gene-editing technologies.
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11
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Cheng L, Zhou X, Zheng Y, Tang C, Liu Y, Zheng S, Liu Y, Zhou J, Li C, Chen M, Lai L, Zou Q. Simple and Rapid Assembly of TALE Modules Based on the Degeneracy of the Codons and Trimer Repeats. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111761. [PMID: 34828367 PMCID: PMC8621181 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) have been effectively used for targeted genome editing, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, and locus-specific DNA imaging. However, with the advent of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9 system, an easy-to-use tool with the same function as TALEs, TALEs have recently been abandoned because of their complexity, time consumption, and difficult handling in common labs. Here, we described a degenerated codon-based TALE assembly system for simple, rapid, and efficient TALE assembly. TALE trimers with nonrepetitive DNA sequences were amplified by PCR and sequentially assembled via Gibson assembly. Our method is cost-effective, requires only commonly used basic molecular biology reagents, and takes only 2 h from target sequence analysis to completion. This simple, rapid, and lab-friendly TALE assembly method will restore the value of TALEs in DNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyin Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Yuling Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Shuwen Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China;
| | - Jizeng Zhou
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510643, China;
| | - Chuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China;
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510643, China;
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; (L.C.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (Q.Z.)
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12
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Abe Y, Nakao H, Goto M, Tamano M, Koebis M, Nakao K, Aiba A. Efficient marmoset genome engineering by autologous embryo transfer and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20234. [PMID: 34642413 PMCID: PMC8511084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99656-4] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of non-human primates, which are most closely related to humans, has been expected to generate ideal animal models for human genetic diseases. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a non-human primate species adequate for the production of genetically modified animals because of their small body size and high reproductive capacity. Autologous embryo transfer (AET) is routinely utilized in assisted reproductive technologies for humans but not for experimental animals. This study has developed a novel method for efficiently producing mutant marmosets using AET and CRISPR/Cas9 systems. The embryos were recovered from oviducts of naturally mated females, injected with Cas9/guide RNA, and transferred into the oviducts of the donors. This AET method can reduce the time for in vitro culture of embryos to less than 30 min. This method uses an embryo donor as the recipient, thus reducing the number of animals and allowing for "Reduction" in the 3R principles of humane experimental technique. Furthermore, this method can utilize nulliparous females as well as parous females. We applied our novel method and generated the 6 marmosets carrying mutations in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene using only 18 females including 14 nulliparous females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Abe
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Harumi Nakao
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Motoki Goto
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Moe Tamano
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Michinori Koebis
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakao
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Institute of Experimental Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Atsu Aiba
- Section of Animal Research and Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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13
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Huang X, Lin X, Liu F, Wu G, Yang Z, Meng A. The rise of developmental biology in China. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 64:106-115. [PMID: 34510425 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Developmental biology research in China started from experimental embryology, in particular from studies on aquatic and reptile animals. The recent growth of the developmental biology community in China parallels the increased governmental funding support and the recruitment of overseas talents. This flourishing field in China embraces the activities of developmental biology-related societies, national meetings, key research initiatives and talented scientists. The first Development paper from China, published in 2000, marked the beginning of a new era. More recently, the second decade in the 21st century witnessed the blossoming of developmental biology research in China. Significant research spotlights, technical advances, and up-and-coming areas will be discussed in this overview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gen Wu
- High Technology Research and Development Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhou Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anming Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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14
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Amnion signals are essential for mesoderm formation in primates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5126. [PMID: 34446705 PMCID: PMC8390679 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is largely conserved among mammals. However, certain genes show divergent functions. By generating a transcriptional atlas containing >30,000 cells from post-implantation non-human primate embryos, we uncover that ISL1, a gene with a well-established role in cardiogenesis, controls a gene regulatory network in primate amnion. CRISPR/Cas9-targeting of ISL1 results in non-human primate embryos which do not yield viable offspring, demonstrating that ISL1 is critically required in primate embryogenesis. On a cellular level, mutant ISL1 embryos display a failure in mesoderm formation due to reduced BMP4 signaling from the amnion. Via loss of function and rescue studies in human embryonic stem cells we confirm a similar role of ISL1 in human in vitro derived amnion. This study highlights the importance of the amnion as a signaling center during primate mesoderm formation and demonstrates the potential of in vitro primate model systems to dissect the genetics of early human embryonic development. Human and murine embryonic development has disparities, highlighting the need for primate systems. Here, the authors construct a post-implantation transcriptional atlas from non-human primate embryos and show ISL1 controls a gene regulatory network in the amnion required for mesoderm formation.
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15
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Huang M, Yang J, Li P, Chen Y. Embryo-Engineered Nonhuman Primate Models: Progress and Gap to Translational Medicine. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2021; 2021:9898769. [PMID: 34549187 PMCID: PMC8404551 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9898769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of human diseases are vital in better understanding the mechanism of pathogenesis and essential for evaluating and validating potential therapeutic interventions. As close relatives of humans, nonhuman primates (NHPs) play an increasingly indispensable role in advancing translational medicine research. In this review, we summarized the progress of NHP models generated by embryo engineering, analyzed their unique advantages in mimicking clinical patients, and discussed the remaining gap between basic research of NHP models to translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Huang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Peng Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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16
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Wang J, Wang Z, Zhang H, Feng S, Lu Y, Wang S, Wang H, Sun YE, Chen Y. White Matter Structural and Network Topological Changes Underlying the Behavioral Phenotype of MECP2 Mutant Monkeys. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5396-5410. [PMID: 34117744 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the brain structural basis underlying the behavioral abnormalities associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), we carried out detailed longitudinal noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging analyses of RTT monkey models created by gene-editing, from weaning, through adolescence, till sexual maturation. Here, we report abnormal developmental dynamics of brain white matter (WM) microstructures and network topological organizations via diffusion tensor imaging. Specifically, disrupted WM microstructural integrity was observed at 9 months, but recovered thereafter, whereas WM network topological properties showed persistent abnormal dynamics from 9 to 37 months. Changes in the WM microstructure and WM network topology were correlated well with RTT-associated behavioral abnormalities including sleep latency, environmental exploration, and conflict encounters. Deleterious and protracted early WM myelination process likely lead to abnormal synaptic pruning, resulting in poor functional segregations. Together, this study provides initial evidence for changes in WM microstructure and network topological organization, which may underlie the neuro-patho-etilogy of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojian Wang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hongjiang Zhang
- Department of MRI, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Shufei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yi Lu
- The Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yi Eve Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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17
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The Moral Status of Cognitively Enhanced Monkeys and Other Novel Beings. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2021; 30:492-503. [PMID: 34109929 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180120001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The discussion about the moral status of novel beings tends to focus on artificial intelligence, robots, and other man-made systems. We should, however, also consider a likelier kind of novel beings: animals that are genetically modified to develop human-like cognitive capabilities. This paper focuses on the possibility of conferring human characteristics on nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the context of neuroscientific research. It first discusses the use of NHPs for neuroscientific research and then, second, describes recent developments that promise to revolutionize the field and how that may lead to NHPs attaining human-like cognitive capabilities. Third, an account of moral status is developed to ground the central claim, that making the NHP brain more human-like is unproblematic as long as the NHPs do not become persons. In conclusion, this paper discusses the implications for the moral status of cognitively enhanced NHPs, as well as the implications for other novel beings.
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18
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Wu SH, Li X, Qin DD, Zhang LH, Cheng TL, Chen ZF, Nie BB, Ren XF, Wu J, Wang WC, Hu YZ, Gu YL, Lv LB, Yin Y, Hu XT, Qiu ZL. Induction of core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in the brain of adolescent rhesus monkeys. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:937-946. [PMID: 36654241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is widely applied to mimic human disorders, whether acute manipulation of disease-causing genes in the brain leads to behavioral abnormalities in non-human primates remains to be determined. Here we induced genetic mutations in MECP2, a critical gene linked to Rett syndrome (RTT) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in the hippocampus (DG and CA1-4) of adolescent rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in vivo via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 with small guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting MECP2. In comparison to monkeys injected with AAV-SaCas9 alone (n = 4), numerous autistic-like behavioral abnormalities were identified in the AAV-SaCas9-sgMECP2-injected monkeys (n = 7), including social interaction deficits, abnormal sleep patterns, insensitivity to aversive stimuli, abnormal hand motions, and defective social reward behaviors. Furthermore, some aspects of ASD and RTT, such as stereotypic behaviors, did not appear in the MECP2 gene-edited monkeys, suggesting that different brain areas likely contribute to distinct ASD symptoms. This study showed that acute manipulation of disease-causing genes via in vivo gene editing directly led to behavioral changes in adolescent primates, paving the way for the rapid generation of genetically engineered non-human primate models for neurobiological studies and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hao Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dong-Dong Qin
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lin-Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - Tian-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bin-Bin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Wen-Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ying-Zhou Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yi-Lin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Long-Bao Lv
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
| | - Yong Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650021, China.
| | - Xin-Tian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China.
| | - Zi-Long Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Simmons DH, Titley HK, Hansel C, Mason P. Behavioral Tests for Mouse Models of Autism: An Argument for the Inclusion of Cerebellum-Controlled Motor Behaviors. Neuroscience 2021; 462:303-319. [PMID: 32417339 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been interrogated using a variety of behavioral tests in order to understand the symptoms of ASD. However, the hallmark behaviors that are classically affected in ASD - deficits in social interaction and communication as well as the occurrence of repetitive behaviors - do not have direct murine equivalents. Thus, it is critical to identify the caveats that come with modeling a human disorder in mice. The most commonly used behavioral tests represent complex cognitive processes based on largely unknown brain circuitry. Motor impairments provide an alternative, scientifically rigorous approach to understanding ASD symptoms. Difficulties with motor coordination and learning - seen in both patients and mice - point to an involvement of the cerebellum in ASD pathology. This brain area supports types of motor learning that are conserved throughout vertebrate evolution, allowing for direct comparisons of functional abnormalities between humans with autism and ASD mouse models. Studying simple motor behaviors provides researchers with clearly interpretable results. We describe and evaluate methods used on mouse behavioral assays designed to test for social, communicative, perseverative, anxious, nociceptive, and motor learning abnormalities. We comment on the effectiveness and validity of each test based on how much information its results give, as well as its relevance to ASD, and will argue for an inclusion of cerebellum-supported motor behaviors in the phenotypic description of ASD mouse models. LAY SUMMARY: Mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder help us gain insight about ASD symptoms in human patients. However, there are many differences between mice and humans, which makes interpreting behaviors challenging. Here, we discuss a battery of behavioral tests for specific mouse behaviors to explore whether each test does indeed evaluate the intended measure, and whether these tests are useful in learning about ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana H Simmons
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather K Titley
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christian Hansel
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Peggy Mason
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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20
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In vivo enrichment of busulfan-resistant germ cells for efficient production of transgenic avian models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9127. [PMID: 33911174 PMCID: PMC8080772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88706-6] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most transgenic animals are generated using a genome-modified stem cell system and genome modification directly in embryos. Although this system is well-established in the development of transgenic animals, donor cell-derived transgenic animal production is inefficient in some cases. Especially in avian models such as chickens, the efficiency of transgenic animal production through primordial germ cells (PGCs) is highly variable compared with embryonic manipulation of mammalian species. Because germ cell and germline-competent stem cell-mediated systems that contain the transgene are enriched only at the upstream level during cell cultivation, the efficiency of transgenic animal production is unreliable. Therefore, we developed an in vivo selection model to enhance the efficiency of transgenic chicken production using microsomal glutathione-S-transferase II (MGSTII)-overexpressing PGCs that are resistant to the alkylating agent busulfan, which induces germ cell-specific cytotoxicity. Under in vitro conditions, MGSTII-tg PGCs were resistant to 1 μM busulfan, which was highly toxic to wild-type PGCs. In germline chimeric roosters, transgene-expressing germ cells were dominantly colonized in the recipient testes after busulfan exposure compared with non-treated germline chimera. In validation of germline transmission, donor PGC-derived progeny production efficiency was 94.68%, and the transgene production rate of heterozygous transgenic chickens was significantly increased in chickens that received 40 mg/kg busulfan (80.33–95.23%) compared with that of non-treated germline chimeras (51.18%). This system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of generating transgenic chickens and other animal species by increasing the distribution of donor cells in adult testes.
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Mitchell AS, Hartig R, Basso MA, Jarrett W, Kastner S, Poirier C. International primate neuroscience research regulation, public engagement and transparency opportunities. Neuroimage 2021; 229:117700. [PMID: 33418072 PMCID: PMC7994292 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific excellence is a necessity for progress in biomedical research. As research becomes ever more international, establishing international collaborations will be key to advancing our scientific knowledge. Understanding the similarities in standards applied by different nations to animal research, and where the differences might lie, is crucial. Cultural differences and societal values will also contribute to these similarities and differences between countries and continents. Our overview is not comprehensive for all species, but rather focuses on non-human primate (NHP) research, involving New World marmosets and Old World macaques, conducted in countries where NHPs are involved in neuroimaging research. Here, an overview of the ethics and regulations is provided to help assess welfare standards amongst primate research institutions. A comparative examination of these standards was conducted to provide a basis for establishing a common set of standards for animal welfare. These criteria may serve to develop international guidelines, which can be managed by an International Animal Welfare and Use Committee (IAWUC). Internationally, scientists have a moral responsibility to ensure excellent care and welfare of their animals, which in turn, influences the quality of their research. When working with animal models, maintaining a high quality of care ("culture of care") and welfare is essential. The transparent promotion of this level of care and welfare, along with the results of the research and its impact, may reduce public concerns associated with animal experiments in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Renée Hartig
- Centre for Integrative Neurosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michele A Basso
- Fuster Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences UCLA Los Angeles 90095, CA United States
| | - Wendy Jarrett
- Understanding Animal Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Kastner
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute & Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
| | - Colline Poirier
- Biosciences Institute & Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
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Park JE, Sasaki E. Assisted Reproductive Techniques and Genetic Manipulation in the Common Marmoset. ILAR J 2021; 61:286-303. [PMID: 33693670 PMCID: PMC8918153 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Genetic modification of nonhuman primate (NHP) zygotes is a useful method for the development of NHP models of human diseases. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of assisted reproductive and genetic manipulation techniques in NHP, providing the basis for the generation of genetically modified NHP disease models. In this study, we review assisted reproductive techniques, including ovarian stimulation, in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection protocols in marmosets. Furthermore, we review genetic manipulation techniques, including transgenic strategies, target gene knock-out and knock-in using gene editing protocols, and newly developed gene-editing approaches that may potentially impact the production of genetically manipulated NHP models. We further discuss the progress of assisted reproductive and genetic manipulation techniques in NHP; future prospects on genetically modified NHP models for biomedical research are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Park
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, Central Institute for Experimental Animals in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
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Drummer C, Vogt EJ, Heistermann M, Roshani B, Becker T, Mätz-Rensing K, Kues WA, Kügler S, Behr R. Generation and Breeding of EGFP-Transgenic Marmoset Monkeys: Cell Chimerism and Implications for Disease Modeling. Cells 2021; 10:505. [PMID: 33673402 PMCID: PMC7996964 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic modification of non-human primates (NHP) paves the way for realistic disease models. The common marmoset is a NHP species increasingly used in biomedical research. Despite the invention of RNA-guided nucleases, one strategy for protein overexpression in NHP is still lentiviral transduction. We generated three male and one female enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-transgenic founder marmosets via lentiviral transduction of natural preimplantation embryos. All founders accomplished germline transmission of the transgene by natural mating, yielding 20 transgenic offspring together (in total, 45 pups; 44% transgenic). This demonstrates that the transgenic gametes are capable of natural fertilization even when in competition with wildtype gametes. Importantly, 90% of the transgenic offspring showed transgene silencing, which is in sharp contrast to rodents, where the identical transgene facilitated robust EGFP expression. Furthermore, we consistently discovered somatic, but so far, no germ cell chimerism in mixed wildtype/transgenic litters. Somatic cell chimerism resulted in false-positive genotyping of the respective wildtype littermates. For the discrimination of transgenic from transgene-chimeric animals by polymerase chain reaction on skin samples, a chimeric cell depletion protocol was established. In summary, it is possible to establish a cohort of genetically modified marmosets by natural mating, but specific requirements including careful promoter selection are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Edgar-John Vogt
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Berit Roshani
- Unit of Infection Models, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Tamara Becker
- Primate Husbandry, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Kerstin Mätz-Rensing
- Pathology Unit, German Primate Center–Leibniz-Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Wilfried A. Kues
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institut für Nutztiergenetik, Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) at Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center–Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
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24
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Nishiga M, Qi LS, Wu JC. Therapeutic genome editing in cardiovascular diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:147-157. [PMID: 32092381 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, developments in genome editing technology have fundamentally transformed biomedical research. In particular, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively applied because of its simplicity and ability to alter genomic sequences within living organisms, and an ever increasing number of CRISPR/Cas9-based molecular tools are being developed for a wide variety of applications. While genome editing tools have been used for many aspects of biological research, they also have enormous potential to be used for genome editing therapy to treat a broad range of diseases. For some hematopoietic diseases, clinical trials of therapeutic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 are already starting phase I. In the cardiovascular field, genome editing tools have been utilized to understand the mechanisms of diseases such as cardiomyopathy, arrythmia, and lipid metabolism, which now open the door to therapeutic genome editing. Currently, therapeutic genome editing in the cardiovascular field is centered on liver-targeting strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks. Targeting the heart is more challenging. In this review, we discuss the potential applications, recent advances, and current limitations of therapeutic genome editing in the cardiovascular field.
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Abstract
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a small New World primate, is receiving substantial attention in the neuroscience and biomedical science fields because its anatomical features, functional and behavioral characteristics, and reproductive features and its amenability to available genetic modification technologies make it an attractive experimental subject. In this review, I outline the progress of marmoset neuroscience research and summarize both the current status (opportunities and limitations) of and the future perspectives on the application of marmosets in neuroscience and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; .,Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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26
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Aida T, Feng G. The dawn of non-human primate models for neurodevelopmental disorders. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:160-168. [PMID: 32693220 PMCID: PMC7955645 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) have been proposed as good models for neurodevelopmental disorders due to close similarities to humans in terms of brain structure and cognitive function. The recent development of genome editing technologies has opened new avenues to generate and investigate genetically modified NHPs as models for human disorders. Here, we review the early successes of genetic NHP models for neurodevelopmental disorders and further discuss the technological challenges and opportunities to create next generation NHP models with more sophisticated genetic manipulation and faithful representations of the human genetic mutations. Taken together, the field is now poised to usher in a new era of research using genetically modified NHP models to empower a more rapid translation of basic research and maximize the preclinical potential for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Aida
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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27
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Prescott MJ. Ethical and Welfare Implications of Genetically Altered Non-Human Primates for Biomedical Research. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL ETHICS RESEARCH 2020; 2:151-176. [PMID: 33851094 PMCID: PMC7610575 DOI: 10.1163/25889567-bja10002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Breakthroughs in gene editing technologies have made it feasible to create genetically altered (GA) non-human primate (NHP) models of disease. This area of research is accelerating, particularly in China, Japan and the USA, and could lead to an increase in NHP use globally. The hope is that genetic models in animal species closely related to humans will significantly improve understanding of neurological diseases and validation of potential therapeutic interventions, for which there is a dire need. However, the creation and use of GA NHPS raises serious animal welfare and ethical issues, which are highlighted here. It represents a step change in how these highly sentient animals are used in biomedical research, because of the large numbers required, inherent wastage and the sum of the harms caused to the animals involved. There is little evidence of these important issues being addressed alongside the rapidly advancing science. We are still learning about how gene editing tools work in NHPS, and significant added scientific and medical benefit from GA NHP models has yet to be demonstrated. Together, this suggests that current regulatory and review frameworks, in some jurisdictions at least, are not adequately equipped to deal with this emerging, complex area of NHP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Prescott
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK
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Feng G, Jensen FE, Greely HT, Okano H, Treue S, Roberts AC, Fox JG, Caddick S, Poo MM, Newsome WT, Morrison JH. Opportunities and limitations of genetically modified nonhuman primate models for neuroscience research. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:24022-24031. [PMID: 32817435 PMCID: PMC7533691 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006515117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently developed new genome-editing technologies, such as the CRISPR/Cas system, have opened the door for generating genetically modified nonhuman primate (NHP) models for basic neuroscience and brain disorders research. The complex circuit formation and experience-dependent refinement of the human brain are very difficult to model in vitro, and thus require use of in vivo whole-animal models. For many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, abnormal circuit formation and refinement might be at the center of their pathophysiology. Importantly, many of the critical circuits and regional cell populations implicated in higher human cognitive function and in many psychiatric disorders are not present in lower mammalian brains, while these analogous areas are replicated in NHP brains. Indeed, neuropsychiatric disorders represent a tremendous health and economic burden globally. The emerging field of genetically modified NHP models has the potential to transform our study of higher brain function and dramatically facilitate the development of effective treatment for human brain disorders. In this paper, we discuss the importance of developing such models, the infrastructure and training needed to maximize the impact of such models, and ethical standards required for using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Feng
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139;
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104;
| | - Henry T Greely
- Center for Law and the Biosciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, 160-8592 Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 351-0106 Saitama, Wakoshi, Japan
| | - Stefan Treue
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Angela C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3DY Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Sarah Caddick
- The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, SW1V 1AP London, United Kingdom
| | - Mu-Ming Poo
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - William T Newsome
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - John H Morrison
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616;
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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29
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Zhang X, Lin JS, Spruyt K. Sleep problems in Rett syndrome animal models: A systematic review. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:529-544. [PMID: 32985711 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to the discovery of Rett Syndrome (RTT) genetic mutations, animal models have been developed. Sleep research in RTT animal models may unravel novel neural mechanisms for this severe neurodevelopmental heritable rare disease. In this systematic literature review we summarize the findings on sleep research of 13 studies in animal models of RTT. We found disturbed efficacy and continuity of sleep in all genetically mutated models of mice, cynomolgus monkeys, and Drosophila. Models presented highly fragmented sleep with distinct differences in 24-hr sleep/wake cyclicity and circadian arrhythmicity. Overall, animal models mimic sleep complaints reported in individuals with RTT. However, contrary to human studies, in mutant mice, attenuated sleep delta waves, and sleep apneas in non-rapid eye movement sleep were reported. Future studies may focus on sleep structure and EEG alterations, potential central mechanisms involved in sleep fragmentation and the occurrence of sleep apnea across different sleep stages. Given that locomotor dysfunction is characteristic of individuals with RTT, studies may consider to integrate its potential impact on the behavioral analysis of sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhang
- INSERM - School of Medicine, University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Jian-Sheng Lin
- INSERM - School of Medicine, University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Karen Spruyt
- INSERM - School of Medicine, University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
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30
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Abstract
Neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders are among the greatest public health challenges, as many lack disease-modifying treatments. A major reason for the absence of effective therapies is our limited understanding of the causative molecular and cellular mechanisms. Genome-wide association studies are providing a growing catalogue of disease-associated genetic variants, and the next challenge is to elucidate how these variants cause disease and to translate this understanding into therapies. This Review describes how new CRISPR-based functional genomics approaches can uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neurological diseases. The bacterial CRISPR system can be used in experimental disease models to edit genomes and to control gene expression levels through CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa). These genetic perturbations can be implemented in massively parallel genetic screens to evaluate the functional consequences for human cells. CRISPR screens are particularly powerful in combination with induced pluripotent stem cell technology, which enables the derivation of differentiated cell types, such as neurons and glia, and brain organoids from cells obtained from patients. Modelling of disease-associated changes in gene expression via CRISPRi and CRISPRa can pinpoint causal changes. In addition, genetic modifier screens can be used to elucidate disease mechanisms and causal determinants of cell type-selective vulnerability and to identify therapeutic targets.
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31
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Bezard E. Models of hyperkinetic disorders in primates. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 332:108551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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32
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Cordone V, Pecorelli A, Amicarelli F, Hayek J, Valacchi G. The complexity of Rett syndrome models: Primary fibroblasts as a disease-in-a-dish reliable approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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33
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Qiu Z, Yuan B. Towards the Framework of Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:10.1007/s12264-019-00443-z. [PMID: 31707712 PMCID: PMC6863985 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Bo Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
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34
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Robinson HA, Pozzo-Miller L. The role of MeCP2 in learning and memory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:343-350. [PMID: 31416907 PMCID: PMC6699413 DOI: 10.1101/lm.048876.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene transcription is a crucial step in the sequence of molecular, synaptic, cellular, and systems mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Here, we review the experimental evidence demonstrating that alterations in the levels and functionality of the methylated DNA-binding transcriptional regulator MeCP2 are implicated in the learning and memory deficits present in mouse models of Rett syndrome and MECP2 duplication syndrome. The significant impact that MeCP2 has on gene transcription through a variety of mechanisms, combined with well-defined models of learning and memory, make MeCP2 an excellent candidate to exemplify the role of gene transcription in learning and memory. Together, these studies have strengthened the concept that precise control of activity-dependent gene transcription is a fundamental mechanism that ensures long-term adaptive behaviors necessary for the survival of individuals interacting with their congeners in an ever-changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Robinson
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
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35
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Li Y, Kang XJ, Pang JKS, Soh BS, Yu Y, Fan Y. Human germline editing: Insights to future clinical treatment of diseases. Protein Cell 2019; 10:470-475. [PMID: 30430420 PMCID: PMC6588666 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-018-0594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Xiang Jin Kang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jeremy Kah Sheng Pang
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Boon Seng Soh
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Yang Yu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
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36
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Ormond KE, Bombard Y, Bonham VL, Hoffman-Andrews L, Howard H, Isasi R, Musunuru K, Riggan KA, Michie M, Allyse M. The clinical application of gene editing: ethical and social issues. Per Med 2019; 16:337-350. [DOI: 10.2217/pme-2018-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene-editing techniques have progressed rapidly in the past 5 years. There are already ongoing human somatic gene-editing clinical trials for multiple diseases. And there has been one purported scenario of human germline gene editing in late 2018. In this paper, we will review the current state of the technology, discuss the ethical and social issues that surround the various forms of gene editing, as well as review emerging stakeholder data from professionals, the ‘general public’ and individuals and families dealing with genetic diseases potentially treatable by gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Ormond
- Department of Genetics & Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vence L Bonham
- Social & Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lily Hoffman-Andrews
- Penn Center for Inherited Cardiac Disease, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Heidi Howard
- Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Society & Ethics Research, Connecting Science, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosario Isasi
- Dr J T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Bioethics & Health Policy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kiran Musunuru
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kirsten A Riggan
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Marsha Michie
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Megan Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program & Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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A novel method to investigate the effects of gene mutations at the cellular level using a dual expression lentiviral vector. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20182383. [PMID: 30971498 PMCID: PMC6499415 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20182383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the conventional methods to study the effects of gene mutations is that gene mutants are transfected into mammalian cells, and the dominant effects of gene mutants in the cells are examined. However, the result obtained using this method is not always satisfactory due to the interference of endogenous expression. Whether there is a better method to investigate the effects of gene mutations in cells remains to be examined. In the present study, a novel dual expression lentiviral vector was constructed using a shRNA-expressing lentiviral vector and combined techniques. Using this dual expression system, the vectors expressing both transcription factor IIA γ (TFIIAγ) shRNA and HA-TFIIAγ or its mutants were generated, and the effects of TFIIAγ gene mutations on transcription and protein–DNA interaction were investigated. We show that the transfection of the vector expressing TFIIAγ shRNA and HA-TFIIAγ fusion gene was able to silence the expression of endogenous TFIIAγ gene but not affect that of exogenous HA-TFIIAγ fusion gene in either transiently transfected cells or stable cell lines. Mutations in the conservative domain between AA62 and AA69 in TFIIAγ inhibit the activities of promoters and endogenous gene expression, and reduce TFIIAγ binding to AdML core promoter compared with wild-type (WT) TFIIAγ. ChIP-qPCR data suggest that the TFIIAγ N63A mutant inhibits insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) transcription by reducing the recruitments of TFIIAγ, polymerase II (Pol II), TATA box-binding protein (TBP), and TBP associated factor 1 (250 kDa) (TAF1) at its promoter. Our study provides a novel method that is used to investigate the effects of gene mutations at the cellular level.
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38
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de Graeff N, Jongsma KR, Johnston J, Hartley S, Bredenoord AL. The ethics of genome editing in non-human animals: a systematic review of reasons reported in the academic literature. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180106. [PMID: 30905297 PMCID: PMC6452271 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, new genome editing technologies have emerged that can edit the genome of non-human animals with progressively increasing efficiency. Despite ongoing academic debate about the ethical implications of these technologies, no comprehensive overview of this debate exists. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review of the reasons reported in the academic literature for and against the development and use of genome editing technologies in animals. Most included articles were written by academics from the biomedical or animal sciences. The reported reasons related to seven themes: human health, efficiency, risks and uncertainty, animal welfare, animal dignity, environmental considerations and public acceptability. Our findings illuminate several key considerations about the academic debate, including a low disciplinary diversity in the contributing academics, a scarcity of systematic comparisons of potential consequences of using these technologies, an underrepresentation of animal interests, and a disjunction between the public and academic debate on this topic. As such, this article can be considered a call for a broad range of academics to get increasingly involved in the discussion about genome editing, to incorporate animal interests and systematic comparisons, and to further discuss the aims and methods of public involvement. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The ecology and evolution of prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke de Graeff
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
| | - Karin R. Jongsma
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Johnston
- Research Department, The Hastings Center, 21 Malcolm Gordon Road, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
| | - Sarah Hartley
- The University of Exeter Business School, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4PU, UK
| | - Annelien L. Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht/Utrecht University, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The Netherlands
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Zhao J, Lai L, Ji W, Zhou Q. Genome editing in large animals: current status and future prospects. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:402-420. [PMID: 34691891 PMCID: PMC8291540 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Large animals (non-human primates, livestock and dogs) are playing important roles in biomedical research, and large livestock animals serve as important sources of meat and milk. The recently developed programmable DNA nucleases have revolutionized the generation of gene-modified large animals that are used for biological and biomedical research. In this review, we briefly introduce the recent advances in nuclease-meditated gene editing tools, and we outline these editing tools' applications in human disease modeling, regenerative medicine and agriculture. Additionally, we provide perspectives regarding the challenges and prospects of the new genome editing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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40
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Shi L, Luo X, Jiang J, Chen Y, Liu C, Hu T, Li M, Lin Q, Li Y, Huang J, Wang H, Niu Y, Shi Y, Styner M, Wang J, Lu Y, Sun X, Yu H, Ji W, Su B. Transgenic rhesus monkeys carrying the human MCPH1 gene copies show human-like neoteny of brain development. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:480-493. [PMID: 34691896 PMCID: PMC8291473 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain size and cognitive skills are the most dramatically changed traits in humans during evolution and yet the genetic mechanisms underlying these human-specific changes remain elusive. Here, we successfully generated 11 transgenic rhesus monkeys (8 first-generation and 3 second-generation) carrying human copies of MCPH1, an important gene for brain development and brain evolution. Brain-image and tissue-section analyses indicated an altered pattern of neural-cell differentiation, resulting in a delayed neuronal maturation and neural-fiber myelination of the transgenic monkeys, similar to the known evolutionary change of developmental delay (neoteny) in humans. Further brain-transcriptome and tissue-section analyses of major developmental stages showed a marked human-like expression delay of neuron differentiation and synaptic-signaling genes, providing a molecular explanation for the observed brain-developmental delay of the transgenic monkeys. More importantly, the transgenic monkeys exhibited better short-term memory and shorter reaction time compared with the wild-type controls in the delayed-matching-to-sample task. The presented data represent the first attempt to experimentally interrogate the genetic basis of human brain origin using a transgenic monkey model and it values the use of non-human primates in understanding unique human traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Primate Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Xin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Primate Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Primate Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translation Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Cirong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ting Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Primate Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Qiang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yanjiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translation Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translation Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yundi Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA
| | - Martin Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA
| | - Jianhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Xuejin Sun
- Department of Medical Imaging, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Hualin Yu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translation Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Primate Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
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Al Dahhan NZ, De Felice FG, Munoz DP. Potentials and Pitfalls of Cross-Translational Models of Cognitive Impairment. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:48. [PMID: 30923497 PMCID: PMC6426743 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of clinical disorders that are either neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative exhibit significant cognitive impairments that require some form of intervention. However, the current paucity of pro-cognitive treatments that are available, due to the lack of knowledge of biological targets and symptomologies, impedes the treatment of individuals with cognitive impairments. In this review article, we explore three critical steps that need to be established in order to lead to the development of effective and appropriate treatments for cognitive impairments. The first step specifically involves the ability to efficiently reproduce and standardize current animal models of disease. The second step involves establishing well-controlled and standardized animal models across different species, such as rodents and monkeys, that link to human disease conditions. The third step involves building these animal models from both a translational and a reverse translational perspective in order to gain critical insight into the etiologies of specific cognitive impairments and the development of their early physiological and behavioral biomarkers. This bidirectional translational approach is important to improve the investigation of disease biomarkers, the underlying mechanisms of novel therapeutics on cognition, and to validate preclinical findings of drug discovery. Overall, even though animal models play an important role in investigating the pathophysiological processes and mechanisms associated with typical and atypical behavior, we discuss the ongoing challenges associated with these three critical steps of cross-translational research that has led to the current lack of success of developing effective new compounds for potential treatments and suggest approaches to stimulate advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Z Al Dahhan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas P Munoz
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Chansel‐Debordeaux L, Bezard E. Local transgene expression and whole-body transgenesis to model brain diseases in nonhuman primate. Animal Model Exp Med 2019; 2:9-17. [PMID: 31016282 PMCID: PMC6431118 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal model is an essential tool in the life sciences research, notably in understanding the pathogenesis of the diseases and for further therapeutic intervention success. Rodents have been the most frequently used animals to model human disease since the establishment of gene manipulation technique. However, they remain inadequate to fully mimic the pathophysiology of human brain disease, partially due to huge differences between rodents and humans in terms of anatomy, brain function, and social behaviors. Nonhuman primates are more suitable in translational perspective. Thus, genetically modified animals have been generated to investigate neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The classical transgenesis technique is not efficient in that model; so, viral vector-mediated transgene delivery and the new genome-editing technologies have been promoted. In this review, we summarize some of the technical progress in the generation of an ad hoc animal model of brain diseases by gene delivery and real transgenic nonhuman primate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Chansel‐Debordeaux
- Institut des Maladies NeurodégénérativesUniversity of BordeauxUMR 5293BordeauxFrance
- CNRSInstitut des Maladies NeurodégénérativesUMR 5293BordeauxFrance
- CHU BordeauxService de Biologie de la reproduction‐CECOSBordeauxFrance
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies NeurodégénérativesUniversity of BordeauxUMR 5293BordeauxFrance
- CNRSInstitut des Maladies NeurodégénérativesUMR 5293BordeauxFrance
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43
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Treating Rett syndrome: from mouse models to human therapies. Mamm Genome 2019; 30:90-110. [PMID: 30820643 PMCID: PMC6606665 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rare diseases are very difficult to study mechanistically and to develop therapies for because of the scarcity of patients. Here, the rare neuro-metabolic disorder Rett syndrome (RTT) is discussed as a prototype for precision medicine, demonstrating how mouse models have led to an understanding of the development of symptoms. RTT is caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Mecp2-mutant mice are being used in preclinical studies that target the MECP2 gene directly, or its downstream pathways. Importantly, this work may improve the health of RTT patients. Clinical presentation may vary widely among individuals based on their mutation, but also because of the degree of X chromosome inactivation and the presence of modifier genes. Because it is a complex disorder involving many organ systems, it is likely that recovery of RTT patients will involve a combination of treatments. Precision medicine is warranted to provide the best efficacy to individually treat RTT patients.
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44
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Homanics GE. Gene-edited CRISPy Critters for alcohol research. Alcohol 2019; 74:11-19. [PMID: 30621855 PMCID: PMC6334660 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered animals are powerful tools that have provided invaluable insights into mechanisms of alcohol action and alcohol-use disorder. Traditionally, production of gene-targeted animals was a tremendously expensive, time consuming, and technically demanding undertaking. However, the recent advent of facile methods for editing the genome at very high efficiency is revolutionizing how these animals are made. While pioneering approaches to create gene-edited animals first used zinc finger nucleases and subsequently used transcription activator-like effector nucleases, these approaches have been largely supplanted in an extremely short period of time with the recent discovery and precocious maturation of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system. CRISPR uses a short RNA sequence to guide a non-specific CRISPR-associated nuclease (Cas) to a precise, single location in the genome. Because the CRISPR/Cas system can be cheaply, rapidly, and easily reprogrammed to target nearly any genomic locus of interest simply by recoding the sequence of the guide RNA, this gene-editing system has been rapidly adopted by numerous labs around the world. With CRISPR/Cas, it is now possible to perform gene editing directly in early embryos from every species of animals that is of interest to the alcohol field. Techniques have been developed that enable the rapid production of animals in which a gene has been inactivated (knockout) or modified to harbor specific nucleotide changes (knockins). This system has also been used to insert specific DNA sequences such as reporter or recombinase genes into specific loci of interest. Genetically engineered animals created with the CRISPR/Cas system (CRISPy Critters) are being produced at an astounding pace. Animal production is no longer a significant bottleneck to new discoveries. CRISPy animal studies are just beginning to appear in the alcohol literature, but their use is expected to explode in the near future. CRISPy mice, rats, and other model organisms are sure to facilitate advances in our understanding of alcohol-use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg E Homanics
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 6060 Biomedical Science Tower-3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 6060 Biomedical Science Tower-3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 6060 Biomedical Science Tower-3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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45
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Liu Z, Cai Y, Liao Z, Xu Y, Wang Y, Wang Z, Jiang X, Li Y, Lu Y, Nie Y, Zhang X, Li C, Bian X, Poo MM, Chang HC, Sun Q. Cloning of a gene-edited macaque monkey by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:101-108. [PMID: 34691835 PMCID: PMC8291622 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cloning of macaque monkeys by somatic cell nucleus transfer (SCNT) allows the generation of monkeys with uniform genetic backgrounds that are useful for the development of non-human primate models of human diseases. Here, we report the feasibility of this approach by SCNT of fibroblasts from a macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis), in which a core circadian transcription factor BMAL1 was knocked out by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9 gene editing (see accompanying paper). Out of 325 SCNT embryos transferred into 65 surrogate monkeys, we cloned five macaque monkeys with BMAL1 mutations in both alleles without mosaicism, with nuclear genes identical to that of the fibroblast donor monkey. Further peripheral blood mRNA analysis confirmed the complete absence of the wild-type BMAL1 transcript. This study demonstrates that the SCNT approach could be used to generate cloned monkeys from fibroblasts of a young adult monkeys and paves the way for the development of macaque monkey disease models with uniform genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yijun Cai
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhaodi Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhanyang Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanhong Nie
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xinyan Bian
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mu-ming Poo
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hung-Chun Chang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
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Müller M. Disturbed redox homeostasis and oxidative stress: Potential players in the developmental regression in Rett syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:154-163. [PMID: 30639673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting mostly girls. A seemingly normal initial development is followed by developmental stagnation and regression, leading to severe mental impairment with autistic features, motor dysfunction, irregular breathing and epilepsy. Currently, a cure does not exist. Due to the close association of RTT with mitochondrial alterations, cellular redox-impairment and oxidative stress, compounds stabilizing mitochondrial function, cellular redox-homeostasis, and oxidant detoxification are increasingly considered as treatment concepts. Indeed, antioxidants and free-radical scavengers ameliorate certain aspects of the complex and severe clinical presentation of RTT. To further evaluate these strategies, reliable biosensors are needed to quantify redox-conditions in brain and peripheral organs of mouse models or in patient-derived cells. Genetically-encoded redox-sensors meet these requirements. Expressed in transgenic mouse-models such as our unique Rett-redox indicator mice, they will report for any cell type desired the severity of oxidant stress throughout the various disease stages of RTT. Furthermore, these sensors will be crucial to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the outcome of mitochondria- and redox-balance targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Müller
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Germany; Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Humboldtallee 23, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany; Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro-und Sinnesphysiologie, Humboldtallee 23, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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Abstract
Production of nonhuman primate (NHP) embryos in vitro begins with recovery of gametes. Females undergo a controlled ovary stimulation to produce multiple preovulatory follicles from which oocytes may be recovered. Mature ova are subjected to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and presumptive zygotes are cultured to the intended stage of development. Essential to this practice is the culture medium unique to each step in the process. Here we describe medium preparation, oocyte recovery, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos in the rhesus macaque model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Ramsey
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Carol Hanna
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.
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48
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Park JE, Silva AC. Generation of genetically engineered non-human primate models of brain function and neurological disorders. Am J Primatol 2018; 81:e22931. [PMID: 30585654 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Research with non-human primates (NHP) has been essential and effective in increasing our ability to find cures for a large number of diseases that cause human suffering and death. Extending the availability and use of genetic engineering techniques to NHP will allow the creation and study of NHP models of human disease, as well as broaden our understanding of neural circuits in the primate brain. With the recent development of efficient genetic engineering techniques that can be used for NHP, there's increased hope that NHP will significantly accelerate our understanding of the etiology of human neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this article, we review the present state of genetic engineering tools used in NHP, from the early efforts to induce exogeneous gene expression in macaques and marmosets, to the latest results in producing germline transmission of different transgenes and the establishment of knockout lines of specific genes. We conclude with future perspectives on the further development and employment of these tools to generate genetically engineered NHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Park
- Cerebral Microcirculation Section, Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Imaging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Afonso C Silva
- Cerebral Microcirculation Section, Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Imaging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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49
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Profile of Prof. Weizhi Ji. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 62:8-11. [PMID: 30570698 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9424-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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50
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