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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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Kondo T, Inoue I, Umeyama K, Watanabe M, Matsunari H, Uchikura A, Nakano K, Tsukita K, Imamura K, Nagashima H, Inoue H. A Transgenic Pig Model With Human Mutant SOD1 Exhibits the Early Pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100013. [PMID: 37039150 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes progressive degeneration of the motor neurons. In this study, we delivered the genetic construct including the whole locus of human mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) with the promoter region of human SOD1 into porcine zygotes using intracytoplasmic sperm injection-mediated gene transfer, and we thereby generated a pig model of human mutant SOD1-mediated familial ALS. The established ALS pig model exhibited an initial abnormality of motor neurons with accumulated misfolded SOD1. The ALS pig model, with a body size similar to that of human beings, will provide opportunities for cell and gene therapy platforms in preclinical translational research.
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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Howland D, Ellederova Z, Aronin N, Fernau D, Gallagher J, Taylor A, Hennebold J, Weiss AR, Gray-Edwards H, McBride J. Large Animal Models of Huntington's Disease: What We Have Learned and Where We Need to Go Next. J Huntingtons Dis 2021; 9:201-216. [PMID: 32925082 PMCID: PMC7597371 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-200425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified rodent models of Huntington’s disease (HD) have been especially valuable to our understanding of HD pathology and the mechanisms by which the mutant HTT gene alters physiology. However, due to inherent differences in genetics, neuroanatomy, neurocircuitry and neurophysiology, animal models do not always faithfully or fully recapitulate human disease features or adequately predict a clinical response to treatment. Therefore, conducting translational studies of candidate HD therapeutics only in a single species (i.e. mouse disease models) may not be sufficient. Large animal models of HD have been shown to be valuable to the HD research community and the expectation is that the need for translational studies that span rodent and large animal models will grow. Here, we review the large animal models of HD that have been created to date, with specific commentary on differences between the models, the strengths and disadvantages of each, and how we can advance useful models to study disease pathophysiology, biomarker development and evaluation of promising therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Neil Aronin
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute at The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Fernau
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute at The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jill Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute at The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Amanda Taylor
- Diplomate, MedVet, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Neurology, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jon Hennebold
- Oregon National Primate Research Center at The Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alison R Weiss
- Oregon National Primate Research Center at The Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute at The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jodi McBride
- Oregon National Primate Research Center at The Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Abstract
Genetically modified animals, especially rodents, are widely used in biomedical research. However, non-rodent models are required for efficient translational medicine and preclinical studies. Owing to the similarity in the physiological traits of pigs and humans, genetically modified pigs may be a valuable resource for biomedical research. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using genetically modified somatic cells has been the primary method for the generation of genetically modified pigs. However, site-specific gene modification in porcine cells is inefficient and requires laborious and time-consuming processes. Recent improvements in gene-editing systems, such as zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system, represent major advances. The efficient introduction of site-specific modifications into cells via gene editors dramatically reduces the effort and time required to generate genetically modified pigs. Furthermore, gene editors enable direct gene modification during embryogenesis, bypassing the SCNT procedure. The application of gene editors has progressively expanded, and a range of strategies is now available for porcine gene engineering. This review provides an overview of approaches for the generation of genetically modified pigs using gene editors, and highlights the current trends, as well as the limitations, of gene editing in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan.,Center for Development of Advanced Medical Technology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Maki Hirata
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
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Maxeiner J, Sharma R, Amrhein C, Gervais F, Duda M, Ward J, Mikkelsen LF, Forster R, Malewicz M, Krishnan J. Genomics Integrated Systems Transgenesis (GENISYST) for gain-of-function disease modelling in Göttingen Minipigs. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2021; 108:106956. [PMID: 33609731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2021.106956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Göttingen Minipigs show several anatomical, physiological, and pathogenetical similarities to humans and serve an important role in translational studies for example as large animal models of disease. In recent years, the number of transgenic Göttingen Minipigs models has increased, as advanced genetic techniques simplify the generation of animals with precisely tailored modifications. These modifications are designed to replicate genetic alterations responsible for human disease. In addition to serving as valuable large animal disease models, transgenic Göttingen Minipigs are also considered promising donors for xenotransplantation. Current technologies for generation of transgenic minipigs demand a long development and production time of typically 2-3 years. To overcome this limitation and expand the use of Göttingen Minipigs for disease modelling and drug testing, we developed the GENISYST (Genomics Integrated Systems Transgenesis) technology platform for rapid and efficient generation of minipigs based transgenic disease models. As proof of concept, we report the successful generation of transgenic minipigs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in multiple disease-relevant tissues including liver, heart, kidney, lungs, and the central nervous system (CNS). Our data demonstrates the feasibility, efficiency, and utility of GENISYST for rapid one-step generation of transgenic minipigs for human disease modelling in drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Maxeiner
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carolin Amrhein
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Maria Duda
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonathan Ward
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Roy Forster
- Citoxlab France, BP563, 27000 Evreux, France.
| | - Michal Malewicz
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jaya Krishnan
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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8
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Gatto RG, Weissmann C. Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Preclinical and Human Studies of Huntington's Disease: What Have we Learned so Far? Curr Med Imaging 2020; 15:521-542. [PMID: 32008561 DOI: 10.2174/1573405614666181115113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's Disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive deterioration of specific brain nerve cells. The current evaluation of cellular and physiological events in patients with HD relies on the development of transgenic animal models. To explore such events in vivo, diffusion tensor imaging has been developed to examine the early macro and microstructural changes in brain tissue. However, the gap in diffusion tensor imaging findings between animal models and clinical studies and the lack of microstructural confirmation by histological methods has questioned the validity of this method. OBJECTIVE This review explores white and grey matter ultrastructural changes associated to diffusion tensor imaging, as well as similarities and differences between preclinical and clinical Huntington's Disease studies. METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature using online-resources was performed (Pub- Med search). RESULTS Similar changes in fractional anisotropy as well as axial, radial and mean diffusivities were observed in white matter tracts across clinical and animal studies. However, comparative diffusion alterations in different grey matter structures were inconsistent between clinical and animal studies. CONCLUSION Diffusion tensor imaging can be related to specific structural anomalies in specific cellular populations. However, some differences between animal and clinical studies could derive from the contrasting neuroanatomy or connectivity across species. Such differences should be considered before generalizing preclinical results into the clinical practice. Moreover, current limitations of this technique to accurately represent complex multicellular events at the single micro scale are real. Future work applying complex diffusion models should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gabriel Gatto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
| | - Carina Weissmann
- Insituto de Fisiología Biologia Molecular y Neurociencias-IFIBYNE-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gavin W, Buzzell N, Blash S, Chen L, Hawkins N, Miner K, Pollock D, Porter C, Bonzo D, Meade H. Generation of goats by nuclear transfer: a retrospective analysis of a commercial operation (1998-2010). Transgenic Res 2020; 29:443-459. [PMID: 32613547 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-020-00207-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
At LFB USA, Inc., the ultimate use for transgenic cloned goats is for the production of recombinant human protein therapeutics in their milk. This retrospective analysis of the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) program, spanning from 1998 to 2010, examined parameters potentially affecting the outcomes and efficiencies in this commercial operation. Over 37,000 + ova were utilized in the SCNT protocol producing a total of 203 cloned goats. Fifty one (51) clones were produced from non-transfected (transgenic and non-transgenic animal donor) cell lines and 152 clones were produced from transfected cell lines. Comparisons and summaries of (a) transfected versus non-transfected cell lines, (b) relationship of SCNT parameters to offspring produced, (c) skin versus fetal cells, (d) fresh versus cryopreserved cells, (e) parameters from all cell lines used versus those producing SCNT offspring, (f) variation among cell sources, (g) methods of SCNT parturition management and effects on live offspring, and lastly (h) SCNT variation by program are reported. Findings indicate that (a) non-transfected cell lines were more efficient versus transfected cell lines in generating viable cloned offspring on a per reconstructed embryo transferred basis, (b) transfected fetal fibroblasts had improved efficiency versus transfected skin fibroblasts, (c) the percentage of non-transfected cell lines that produced offspring was statistically higher than transfected cell lines, (d) and induction of parturition improved the percentage of viable offspring. In summary, this retrospective analysis on the SCNT process has identified certain parameters for improved efficiency in producing viable cloned goats in a commercial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gavin
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - N Buzzell
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA.
| | - S Blash
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - L Chen
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - N Hawkins
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - K Miner
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - D Pollock
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - C Porter
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - D Bonzo
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
| | - H Meade
- LFB USA, Inc., 175 Crossing Boulevard, Framingham, MA, 01702, USA
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10
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Swier VJ, White KA, Meyerholz DK, Chefdeville A, Khanna R, Sieren JC, Quelle DE, Weimer JM. Validating indicators of CNS disorders in a swine model of neurological disease. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228222. [PMID: 32074109 PMCID: PMC7029865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified swine disease models are becoming increasingly important for studying molecular, physiological and pathological characteristics of human disorders. Given the limited history of these model systems, there remains a great need for proven molecular reagents in swine tissue. Here, to provide a resource for neurological models of disease, we validated antibodies by immunohistochemistry for use in examining central nervous system (CNS) markers in a recently developed miniswine model of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant tumor predisposition disorder stemming from mutations in NF1, a gene that encodes the Ras-GTPase activating protein neurofibromin. Patients classically present with benign neurofibromas throughout their bodies and can also present with neurological associated symptoms such as chronic pain, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities. As validated antibodies for immunohistochemistry applications are particularly difficult to find for swine models of neurological disease, we present immunostaining validation of antibodies implicated in glial inflammation (CD68), oligodendrocyte development (NG2, O4 and Olig2), and neuron differentiation and neurotransmission (doublecortin, GAD67, and tyrosine hydroxylase) by examining cellular localization and brain region specificity. Additionally, we confirm the utility of anti-GFAP, anti-Iba1, and anti-MBP antibodies, previously validated in swine, by testing their immunoreactivity across multiple brain regions in mutant NF1 samples. These immunostaining protocols for CNS markers provide a useful resource to the scientific community, furthering the utility of genetically modified miniswine for translational and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - David K. Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience; College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica C. Sieren
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Baxa M, Levinska B, Skrivankova M, Pokorny M, Juhasova J, Klima J, Klempir J, Motlı K J, Juhas S, Ellederova Z. Longitudinal study revealing motor, cognitive and behavioral decline in a transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm.041293. [PMID: 31704691 PMCID: PMC6918771 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited devastating neurodegenerative disease with no known cure to date. Several therapeutic treatments for HD are in development, but their safety, tolerability and efficacy need to be tested before translation to bedside. The monogenetic nature of this disorder has enabled the generation of transgenic animal models carrying a mutant huntingtin (mHTT) gene causing HD. A large animal model reflecting disease progression in humans would be beneficial for testing the potential therapeutic approaches. Progression of the motor, cognitive and behavioral phenotype was monitored in transgenic Huntington's disease minipigs (TgHD) expressing the N-terminal part of human mHTT. New tests were established to investigate physical activity by telemetry, and to explore the stress-induced behavioral and cognitive changes in minipigs. The longitudinal study revealed significant differences between 6- to 8-year-old TgHD animals and their wild-type (WT) controls in a majority of the tests. The telemetric study showed increased physical activity of 4.6- to 6.5-year-old TgHD boars compared to their WT counterparts during the lunch period as well as in the afternoon. Our phenotypic study indicates progression in adult TgHD minipigs and therefore this model could be suitable for longstanding preclinical studies of HD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease demonstrates a slow-progressing motor, cognitive and behavioral phenotype with later onset in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Baxa
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bozena Levinska
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Skrivankova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matous Pokorny
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Circuit Theory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klima
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klempir
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlı K
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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Ardan T, Baxa M, Levinská B, Sedláčková M, Nguyen TD, Klíma J, Juhás Š, Juhásová J, Šmatlíková P, Vochozková P, Motlík J, Ellederová Z. Transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease exhibiting gradually progressing neurodegeneration. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm.041319. [PMID: 31645369 PMCID: PMC6918760 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD) require preclinical testing in large animal models. The minipig is a suitable experimental animal because of its large gyrencephalic brain, body weight of 70-100 kg, long lifespan, and anatomical, physiological and metabolic resemblance to humans. The Libechov transgenic minipig model for HD (TgHD) has proven useful for proof of concept of developing new therapies. However, to evaluate the efficacy of different therapies on disease progression, a broader phenotypic characterization of the TgHD minipig is needed. In this study, we analyzed the brain tissues of TgHD minipigs at the age of 48 and 60-70 months, and compared them to wild-type animals. We were able to demonstrate not only an accumulation of different forms of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in TgHD brain, but also pathological changes associated with cellular damage caused by mHTT. At 48 months, we detected pathological changes that included the demyelination of brain white matter, loss of function of striatal neurons in the putamen and activation of microglia. At 60-70 months, we found a clear marker of neurodegeneration: significant cell loss detected in the caudate nucleus, putamen and cortex. This was accompanied by clusters of structures accumulating in the neurites of some neurons, a sign of their degeneration that is also seen in Alzheimer's disease, and a significant activation of astrocytes. In summary, our data demonstrate age-dependent neuropathology with later onset of neurodegeneration in TgHD minipigs. Summary: Longitudinal phenotyping of the minipig model for Huntington's disease demonstrates a slow and age-dependent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Ardan
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Baxa
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Božena Levinská
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Sedláčková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University in Brno, Faculty of Medicine, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - The Duong Nguyen
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Klíma
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Štefan Juhás
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhásová
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Šmatlíková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Vochozková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlík
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederová
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
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13
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Hwang SU, Eun K, Yoon JD, Kim H, Hyun SH. Production of transgenic pigs using a pGFAP-CreERT2/EGFP LoxP inducible system for central nervous system disease models. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:434-445. [PMID: 29284207 PMCID: PMC5974525 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic (TG) pigs are important in biomedical research and are used in disease modeling, pharmaceutical toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. In this study, we constructed two vector systems by using the promoter of the pig glial fibrillary acidic protein (pGFAP) gene, which is an astrocyte cell marker. We established donor TG fibroblasts with pGFAP-CreERT2/LCMV-EGFPLoxP and evaluated the effect of the transgenes on TG-somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development. Cleavage rates were not significantly different between control and transgene-donor groups. Embryo transfer was performed thrice just before ovulation of the surrogate sows. One sow delivered 5 TG piglets at 115 days after pregnancy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with genomic DNA isolated from skin tissues of TG pigs revealed that all 5 TG pigs had the transgenes. EGFP expression in all organs tested was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and PCR. Real-time PCR analysis showed that pGFAP promoter-driven Cre fused to the mutated human ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor (CreERT2) mRNA was highly expressed in the cerebrum. Semi-nested PCR analysis revealed that CreERT2-mediated recombination was induced in cerebrum and cerebellum but not in skin. Thus, we successfully generated a TG pig with a 4-hydroxytamoxifen (TM)-inducible pGFAP-CreERT2/EGFPLoxP recombination system via SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Eun
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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14
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Tian X, Lv D, Ma T, Deng S, Yang M, Song Y, Zhang X, Zhang J, Fu J, Lian Z, Zhu S, Wu Y, Xing Y, Liu G. AANAT transgenic sheep generated via OPS vitrified-microinjected pronuclear embryos and reproduction efficiency of the transgenic offspring. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5420. [PMID: 30123717 PMCID: PMC6087419 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The open pulled straw (OPS) vitrification method has been successfully applied in mouse, pig, and goat embryos as well as in buffalo oocytes, but it has not yet been applied to the microinjected embryos. This study examined the effects of OPS vitrification on embryo development and the reproductive capacity of the transgenic offspring in order to establish a method for preservation of microinjected embryos. Methods Ovine pronuclear embryos were microinjected with the exogenous aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase gene (AANAT), frozen by the OPS method, and subsequently thawed for embryo transplantation. Pregnancy rate, lambing rate, survival rate, average birth weight and transgenic positive rate as well as reproduction efficiency and hormone level of the transgenic offspring were investigated to analyze the effect of OPS vitrification on microinjectd pronuclear embryos. Results No significant differences were observed in the birth rate, lamb survival rate and transgenic positive rate between the frozen and non-frozen AANAT-microinjected pronuclear embryos. The average birth weight of the frozen embryos offspring was greater than that of the non-frozen embryos. Importantly, the transgenic offspring that overexpressed the AANAT gene showed improved ovulation efficiency and lambing rate by regulating their hormone levels. Conclusions The OPS vitrification approach may be a valuable method in microinjected- embryo transfer technology, which could reserve embryos and result in fewer unnecessary animal sacrifices. In addition, the AANAT+ transgenic offspring exhibited improved reproductive capacity on account of regulation effect of melatonin on reproductive hormone. These data may provide available references for human-assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhi Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Animal Genetic Resources Group, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongying Lv
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Juncai Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shien Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Xing
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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15
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Vidinská D, Vochozková P, Šmatlíková P, Ardan T, Klíma J, Juhás Š, Juhásová J, Bohuslavová B, Baxa M, Valeková I, Motlík J, Ellederová Z. Gradual Phenotype Development in Huntington Disease Transgenic Minipig Model at 24 Months of Age. NEURODEGENER DIS 2018; 18:107-119. [DOI: 10.1159/000488592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Huntington disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine sequence in a gene encoding the huntingtin (Htt) protein, which is expressed in almost all cells of the body. In addition to small animal models, new therapeutic approaches (including gene therapy) require large animal models as their large brains are a more realistic model for translational research. Objective: In this study, we describe phenotype development in transgenic minipigs (TgHD) expressing the N-terminal part of mutated human Htt at the age of 24 months. Methods: TgHD and wild-type littermates were compared. Western blot analysis and subcellular fractionation of different tissues was used to determine the fragmentation of Htt. Immunohistochemistry and optical analysis of coronal sections measuring aggregates, Htt expression, neuroinflammation, and myelination was applied. Furthermore, the expression of Golgi protein acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) was analyzed. Results: We found age-correlated Htt fragmentation in the brain. Among various tissues studied, the testes displayed the highest fragmentation, with Htt fragments detectable even in cell nuclei. Also, Golgi protein ACBD3 was upregulated in testes, which is in agreement with previously reported testicular degeneration in TgHD minipigs. Nevertheless, the TgHD-specific mutated Htt fragments were also present in the cytoplasm of striatum and cortex cells. Moreover, microglial cells were activated and myelination was slightly decreased, suggesting the development of a premanifest stage of neurodegeneration in TgHD minipigs. Conclusions: The gradual development of a neurodegenerative phenotype, accompanied with testicular degeneration, is observed in 24- month-old TgHD minipigs.
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16
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López-Marín LM, Rivera AL, Fernández F, Loske AM. Shock wave-induced permeabilization of mammalian cells. Phys Life Rev 2018; 26-27:1-38. [PMID: 29685859 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Controlled permeabilization of mammalian cell membranes is fundamental to develop gene and cell therapies based on macromolecular cargo delivery, a process that emerged against an increasing number of health afflictions, including genetic disorders, cancer and infections. Viral vectors have been successfully used for macromolecular delivery; however, they may have unpredictable side effects and have been limited to life-threatening cases. Thus, several chemical and physical methods have been explored to introduce drugs, vaccines, and nucleic acids into cells. One of the most appealing physical methods to deliver genes into cells is shock wave-induced poration. High-speed microjets of fluid, emitted due to the collapse of microbubbles after shock wave passage, represent the most significant mechanism that contributes to cell membrane poration by this technique. Herein, progress in shock wave-induced permeabilization of mammalian cells is presented. After covering the main concepts related to molecular strategies whose applications depend on safer drug delivery methods, the physics behind shock wave phenomena is described. Insights into the use of shock waves for cell membrane permeation are discussed, along with an overview of the two major biomedical applications thereof-i.e., genetic modification and anti-cancer shock wave-assisted chemotherapy. The aim of this review is to summarize 30 years of data showing underwater shock waves as a safe, noninvasive method for macromolecular delivery into mammalian cells, encouraging the development of further research, which is still required before the introduction of this promising tool into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz M López-Marín
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| | - Ana Leonor Rivera
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares & Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Francisco Fernández
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| | - Achim M Loske
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
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17
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Use of gene-editing technology to introduce targeted modifications in pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:5. [PMID: 29423214 PMCID: PMC5787920 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0228-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs are an important resource in agriculture and serve as a model for human diseases. Due to their physiological and anatomical similarities with humans, pigs can recapitulate symptoms of human diseases, making them a useful model in biomedicine. However, in the past pig models have not been widely used partially because of the difficulty in genetic modification. The lack of true embryonic stem cells in pigs forced researchers to utilize genetic modification in somatic cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to generate genetically engineered (GE) pigs carrying site-specific modifications. Although possible, this approach is extremely inefficient and GE pigs born through this method often presented developmental defects associated with the cloning process. Advancement in the gene-editing systems such as Zinc-Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system have dramatically increased the efficiency of producing GE pigs. These gene-editing systems, specifically engineered endonucleases, are based on inducing double-stranded breaks (DSBs) at a specific location, and then site-specific modifications can be introduced through one of the two DNA repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology direct repair (HDR). Random insertions or deletions (indels) can be introduced through NHEJ and specific nucleotide sequences can be introduced through HDR, if donor DNA is provided. Use of these engineered endonucleases provides a higher success in genetic modifications, multiallelic modification of the genome, and an opportunity to introduce site-specific modifications during embryogenesis, thus bypassing the need of SCNT in GE pig production. This review will provide a historical prospective of GE pig production and examples of how the gene-editing system, led by engineered endonucleases, have improved GE pig production. We will also present some of our current progress related to the optimal use of CRISPR/Cas9 system during embryogenesis.
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18
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Perleberg C, Kind A, Schnieke A. Genetically engineered pigs as models for human disease. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/1/dmm030783. [PMID: 29419487 PMCID: PMC5818075 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.030783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified animals are vital for gaining a proper understanding of disease mechanisms. Mice have long been the mainstay of basic research into a wide variety of diseases but are not always the most suitable means of translating basic knowledge into clinical application. The shortcomings of rodent preclinical studies are widely recognised, and regulatory agencies around the world now require preclinical trial data from nonrodent species. Pigs are well suited to biomedical research, sharing many similarities with humans, including body size, anatomical features, physiology and pathophysiology, and they already play an important role in translational studies. This role is set to increase as advanced genetic techniques simplify the generation of pigs with precisely tailored modifications designed to replicate lesions responsible for human disease. This article provides an overview of the most promising and clinically relevant genetically modified porcine models of human disease for translational biomedical research, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We briefly summarise the technologies involved and consider the future impact of recent technical advances. Summary: An overview of porcine models of human disease, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We summarise the technologies involved and potential future impact of recent technical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Perleberg
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Alexander Kind
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Angelika Schnieke
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
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19
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Generation of transgenic goats by pronuclear microinjection: a retrospective analysis of a commercial operation (1995-2012). Transgenic Res 2017; 27:115-122. [PMID: 29249046 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-017-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Production of transgenic founder goats involves introducing and stably integrating an engineered piece of DNA into the genome of the animal. At LFB USA, the ultimate use of these transgenic goats is for the production of recombinant human protein therapeutics in the milk of these dairy animals. The transgene or construct typically links a milk protein specific promoter sequence, the coding sequence for the gene of interest, and the necessary downstream regulatory sequences thereby directing expression of the recombinant protein in the milk during the lactation period. Over the time period indicated (1995-2012), pronuclear microinjection was used in a number of programs to insert transgenes into 18,120, 1- or 2- cell stage fertilized embryos. These embryos were transferred into 4180 synchronized recipient females with 1934 (47%) recipients becoming pregnant, 2594 offspring generated, and a 109 (4.2%) of those offspring determined to be transgenic. Even with new and improving genome editing tools now available, pronuclear microinjection is still the predominant and proven technology used in this commercial setting supporting regulatory filings and market authorizations when producing founder transgenic animals with large transgenes (> 10 kb) such as those necessary for directing monoclonal antibody production in milk.
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20
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Ma T, Tao J, Yang M, He C, Tian X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Deng S, Feng J, Zhang Z, Wang J, Ji P, Song Y, He P, Han H, Fu J, Lian Z, Liu G. An AANAT/ASMT transgenic animal model constructed with CRISPR/Cas9 system serving as the mammary gland bioreactor to produce melatonin-enriched milk in sheep. J Pineal Res 2017; 63. [PMID: 28273380 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin as a potent antioxidant exhibits important nutritional and medicinal values. To produce melatonin-enriched milk will benefit the consumers. In this study, a sheep bioreactor which generates melatonin-enriched milk has been successfully developed by the technology that combined CRISPR/Cas9 system and microinjection. The AANAT and ASMT were cloned from pineal gland of Dorper sheep (Ovis aries). The in vitro studies found that AANAT and ASMT were successfully transferred to the mammary epithelial cell lines and significantly increased melatonin production in the culture medium compared to the nontransgenic cell lines. In addition, the Cas9 mRNA, sgRNA, and the linearized vectors pBC1-AANAT and pBC1-ASMT were co-injected into the cytoplasm of pronuclear embryos which were implanted into ewes by oviducts transferring. Thirty-four transgenic sheep were generated with the transgenic positive rate being roughly 35% which were identified by Southern blot and sequencing. Seven carried transgenic AANAT, two carried ASMT, and 25 carried both of AANAT and ASMT genes. RT-PCR and Western blot demonstrated that the lambs expressed these genes in their mammary epithelial cells and these animals produced melatonin-enriched milk. This is the first report to show a functional AANAT and ASMT transgenic animal model which produce significantly high levels of melatonin milk compared to their wild-type counterparts. The advanced technologies used in the study laid a foundation for generating large transgenic livestock, for example, the cows, which can produce high level of melatonin milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingli Tao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Changjiu He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuzhi Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Feng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyun Ji
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pingli He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbing Han
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juncai Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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21
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Yum SY, Yoon KY, Lee CI, Lee BC, Jang G. Transgenesis for pig models. J Vet Sci 2017; 17:261-8. [PMID: 27030199 PMCID: PMC5037292 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.3.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models, particularly pigs, have come to play an important role in translational biomedical research. There have been many pig models with genetically modifications via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, because most transgenic pigs have been produced by random integration to date, the necessity for more exact gene-mutated models using recombinase based conditional gene expression like mice has been raised. Currently, advanced genome-editing technologies enable us to generate specific gene-deleted and -inserted pig models. In the future, the development of pig models with gene editing technologies could be a valuable resource for biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Young Yum
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Ki-Young Yoon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Department of Biotechnology & Laboratory Animals, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Choong-Il Lee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Byeong-Chun Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Goo Jang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Emergence Center for Food-Medicine Personalized Therapy System, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of GreenBio Science Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Korea
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22
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Zeng F, Li Z, Cai G, Gao W, Jiang G, Liu D, Urschitz J, Moisyadi S, Wu Z. Characterization of Growth and Reproduction Performance, Transgene Integration, Expression, and Transmission Patterns in Transgenic Pigs Produced by piggyBac Transposition-Mediated Gene Transfer. Anim Biotechnol 2017; 27:245-55. [PMID: 27565868 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2016.1178140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previously we successfully produced a group of EGFP-expressing founder transgenic pigs by a newly developed efficient and simple pig transgenesis method based on cytoplasmic injection of piggyBac plasmids. In this study, we investigated the growth and reproduction performance and characterized the transgene insertion, transmission, and expression patterns in transgenic pigs generated by piggyBac transposition. Results showed that transgene has no injurious effect on the growth and reproduction of transgenic pigs. Multiple copies of monogenic EGFP transgene were inserted at noncoding sequences of host genome, and passed from founder transgenic pigs to their transgenic offspring in segregation or linkage manner. The EGFP transgene was ubiquitously expressed in transgenic pigs, and its expression intensity was associated with transgene copy number but not related to its promoter DNA methylation level. To the best of our knowledge, this is first study that fully described the growth and reproduction performance, transgene insertion, expression, and transmission profiles in transgenic pigs produced by piggyBac system. It not only demonstrates that piggyBac transposition-mediated gene transfer is an effective and favorable approach for pig transgenesis, but also provides scientific information for understanding the transgene insertion, expression and transmission patterns in transgenic animals produced by piggyBac transposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zeng
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Zicong Li
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- c Institute of Animal Science , Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Guangzhou , China
| | - Wenchao Gao
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Gelong Jiang
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Dewu Liu
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Johann Urschitz
- d Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine , University of Hawaii at Manoa , Honolulu , Hawaii , USA
| | - Stefan Moisyadi
- d Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine , University of Hawaii at Manoa , Honolulu , Hawaii , USA.,e Manoa BioSciences , Honolulu , Hawaii , USA
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- a National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China.,b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science , South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
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Picher-Martel V, Valdmanis PN, Gould PV, Julien JP, Dupré N. From animal models to human disease: a genetic approach for personalized medicine in ALS. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:70. [PMID: 27400686 PMCID: PMC4940869 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease in adults. Classical ALS is characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons leading to progressive paralysis. Approximately 10 % of ALS patients have familial form of the disease. Numerous different gene mutations have been found in familial cases of ALS, such as mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), C9ORF72, ubiquilin-2 (UBQLN2), optineurin (OPTN) and others. Multiple animal models were generated to mimic the disease and to test future treatments. However, no animal model fully replicates the spectrum of phenotypes in the human disease and it is difficult to assess how a therapeutic effect in disease models can predict efficacy in humans. Importantly, the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of ALS leads to a variety of responses to similar treatment regimens. From this has emerged the concept of personalized medicine (PM), which is a medical scheme that combines study of genetic, environmental and clinical diagnostic testing, including biomarkers, to individualized patient care. In this perspective, we used subgroups of specific ALS-linked gene mutations to go through existing animal models and to provide a comprehensive profile of the differences and similarities between animal models of disease and human disease. Finally, we reviewed application of biomarkers and gene therapies relevant in personalized medicine approach. For instance, this includes viral delivering of antisense oligonucleotide and small interfering RNA in SOD1, TDP-43 and C9orf72 mice models. Promising gene therapies raised possibilities for treating differently the major mutations in familial ALS cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Picher-Martel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Research Centre of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, G1J 2G3, Canada.
| | - Paul N Valdmanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR 2110, Stanford, CA, 94305-5164, USA
| | - Peter V Gould
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology, Department of Medical Biology, CHU de Québec, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, 1401, 18th street, Québec, QC, Canada, G1J 1Z4
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Research Centre of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- Axe Neurosciences & The Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Québec, Laval University, 1401, 18th street, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada.
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24
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Schook LB, Collares TV, Darfour-Oduro KA, De AK, Rund LA, Schachtschneider KM, Seixas FK. Unraveling the swine genome: implications for human health. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2016; 3:219-44. [PMID: 25689318 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022114-110815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pig was first used in biomedical research in ancient Greece and over the past few decades has quickly grown into an important biomedical research tool. Pigs have genetic and physiological traits similar to humans, which make them one of the most useful and versatile animal models. Owing to these similarities, data generated from porcine models are more likely to lead to viable human treatments than those from murine work. In addition, the similarity in size and physiology to humans allows pigs to be used for many experimental approaches not feasible in mice. Research areas that employ pigs range from neonatal development to translational models for cancer therapy. Increasing numbers of porcine models are being developed since the release of the swine genome sequence, and the development of additional porcine genomic and epigenetic resources will further their use in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence B Schook
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801; , , , ,
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25
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Holm IE, Alstrup AKO, Luo Y. Genetically modified pig models for neurodegenerative disorders. J Pathol 2015; 238:267-87. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ida E Holm
- Department of Pathology; Randers Hospital; 8930 Randers Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine; Aarhus University; 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | | | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
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26
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Shimatsu Y, Horii W, Nunoya T, Iwata A, Fan J, Ozawa M. Production of human apolipoprotein(a) transgenic NIBS miniature pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Exp Anim 2015; 65:37-43. [PMID: 26411321 PMCID: PMC4783649 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.15-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cases of ischemic heart disease and stroke occur as a result of atherosclerosis. The
purpose of this study was to produce a new Nippon Institute for Biological Science (NIBS)
miniature pig model by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for studying atherosclerosis.
The human apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) genes were transfected into kidney epithelial cells
derived from a male and a female piglet. Male cells were used as donors initially, and 275
embryos were transferred to surrogates. Three offspring were delivered, and the production
efficiency was 1.1% (3/275). Serial female cells were injected into 937 enucleated
oocytes. Eight offspring were delivered (production efficiency: 0.9%) from surrogates. One
male and 2 female transgenic miniature pigs matured well. Lipoprotein(a) was found in the
male and one of the female transgenic animals. These results demonstrate successful
production of human apo(a) transgenic NIBS miniature pigs by SCNT. Our goal is to
establish a human apo(a) transgenic NIBS miniature pig colony for studying
atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Shimatsu
- NIBS Laboratory Animal Research Station, Nippon Institute for Biological Science, 3331-114 Kamisasao, Kobuchisawa, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0041, Japan
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27
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Wang X, Zhou J, Cao C, Huang J, Hai T, Wang Y, Zheng Q, Zhang H, Qin G, Miao X, Wang H, Cao S, Zhou Q, Zhao J. Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated biallelic gene disruption and site-specific knockin after rapid selection of highly active sgRNAs in pigs. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13348. [PMID: 26293209 PMCID: PMC4543986 DOI: 10.1038/srep13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering in livestock was greatly enhanced by the emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9), which can be programmed with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to generate site-specific DNA breaks. However, the uncertainties caused by wide variations in sgRNA activity impede the utility of this system in generating genetically modified pigs. Here, we described a single blastocyst genotyping system to provide a simple and rapid solution to evaluate and compare the sgRNA efficiency at inducing indel mutations for a given gene locus. Assessment of sgRNA mutagenesis efficiencies can be achieved within 10 days from the design of the sgRNA. The most effective sgRNA selected by this system was successfully used to induce site-specific insertion through homology-directed repair at a frequency exceeding 13%. Additionally, the highly efficient gene deletion via the selected sgRNA was confirmed in pig fibroblast cells, which could serve as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. We further showed that direct cytoplasmic injection of Cas9 mRNA and the favorable sgRNA into zygotes could generate biallelic knockout piglets with an efficiency of up to 100%. Thus, our method considerably reduces the uncertainties and expands the practical possibilities of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianlong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jinwei Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agriculture University, Ya’an, Sichuan 625014, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiaojiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tang Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiantao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guosong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiangnan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Suizhong Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agriculture University, Ya’an, Sichuan 625014, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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28
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Tu Z, Yang W, Yan S, Guo X, Li XJ. CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful genetic engineering tool for establishing large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2015; 10:35. [PMID: 26238861 PMCID: PMC4524001 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-015-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models are extremely valuable to help us understand the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and to find treatments for them. Since large animals are more like humans than rodents, they make good models to identify the important pathological events that may be seen in humans but not in small animals; large animals are also very important for validating effective treatments or confirming therapeutic targets. Due to the lack of embryonic stem cell lines from large animals, it has been difficult to use traditional gene targeting technology to establish large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 was used successfully to genetically modify genomes in various species. Here we discuss the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish large animal models that can more faithfully mimic human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuchi Tu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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29
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Genetically modified pigs to model human diseases. J Appl Genet 2015; 55:53-64. [PMID: 24234401 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-013-0182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified mice are powerful tools to investigate the molecular basis of many human diseases. Mice are, however, of limited value for preclinical studies, because they differ significantly from humans in size, general physiology, anatomy and lifespan. Considerable efforts are, thus, being made to develop alternative animal models for a range of human diseases. These promise powerful new resources that will aid the development of new diagnostics, medicines and medical procedures. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of genetically modified porcine models described in the scientific literature: various cancers, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, autosomal polycystic kidney disease, Huntington’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy, haemophilia A, X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Alzheimer’s disease, various forms of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.
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30
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Liu Y, Li J, Løvendahl P, Schmidt M, Larsen K, Callesen H. In vitro manipulation techniques of porcine embryos: a meta-analysis related to transfers, pregnancies and piglets. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:429-39. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last 17 years, considerable advancements have been achieved in the production of pigs, transgenic and non-transgenic, by methods of somatic cell nuclear transfer, in vitro fertilisation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, microinjection and sperm-mediated gene transfer by artificial insemination. Therefore, a review of the overall efficiency for the developmental competence of embryos produced by these in vitro methods would be useful in order to obtain a more thorough overview of this growing area with respect to its development and present status. In this review a meta-analysis was used to analyse data collected from all published articles with a focus on zygotes and embryos for transfer, pregnancy, full-term development and piglets born. It was generally concluded that an increasing level of in vitro manipulation of porcine embryos decreased the overall efficiency for production of piglets. The techniques of nuclear transfer have been developed markedly through the increasing number of studies performed, and the results have become more stable. Prolonged in vitro culture period did not lead to any negative effect on nuclear transfer embryos after their transfer and it resulted in a similar or even higher litter size. More complete information is needed in future scientific articles about these in vitro manipulation techniques to establish a more solid basis for the evaluation of their status and to reveal and further investigate any eventual problems.
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Abstract
Huntington's disease is caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine repeat (>37 glutamines) in the disease protein huntingtin, which results in preferential neuronal loss in distinct brain regions. Mutant huntingtin causes late-onset neurological symptoms in patients in middle life, though the expression of mutant huntingtin is ubiquitous from early life. Thus, it is important to understand why mutant huntingtin selectively causes neuronal loss in an age-dependent manner. Transgenic animal models have been essential tools for uncovering the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic mouse models have been investigated extensively and have revealed the common pathological hallmark of age-dependent formation of aggregates or inclusions consisting of misfolded proteins. However, most genetic mouse models lack striking neurodegeneration that has been found in patient brains. Since there are considerable species differences between small and large animals, large animal models of Huntington's disease may allow one to identify the pathological features that are more similar to those in patients and also help uncover more effective therapeutic targets. This chapter will focus on the important findings from large animal models of Huntington's disease and discusses the use of large animal models to investigate the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease and develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jiang Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St 347, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,
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32
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Li Z, Zeng F, Meng F, Xu Z, Zhang X, Huang X, Tang F, Gao W, Shi J, He X, Liu D, Wang C, Urschitz J, Moisyadi S, Wu Z. Generation of transgenic pigs by cytoplasmic injection of piggyBac transposase-based pmGENIE-3 plasmids. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:93. [PMID: 24671876 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of transgenesis involves the introduction of a foreign gene, the transgene, into the genome of an animal. Gene transfer by pronuclear microinjection (PNI) is the predominant method used to produce transgenic animals. However, this technique does not always result in germline transgenic offspring and has a low success rate for livestock. Alternate approaches, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer using transgenic fibroblasts, do not show an increase in efficiency compared to PNI, while viral-based transgenesis is hampered by issues regarding transgene size and biosafety considerations. We have recently described highly successful transgenesis experiments with mice using a piggyBac transposase-based vector, pmhyGENIE-3. This construct, a single and self-inactivating plasmid, contains all the transpositional elements necessary for successful gene transfer. In this series of experiments, our laboratories have implemented cytoplasmic injection (CTI) of pmGENIE-3 for transgene delivery into in vivo-fertilized pig zygotes. More than 8.00% of the injected embryos developed into transgenic animals containing monogenic and often single transgenes in their genome. However, the CTI technique was unsuccessful during the injection of in vitro-fertilized pig zygotes. In summary, here we have described a method that is not only easy to implement, but also demonstrated the highest efficiency rate for nonviral livestock transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicong Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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33
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Bard J, Wall MD, Lazari O, Arjomand J, Munoz-Sanjuan I. Advances in huntington disease drug discovery: novel approaches to model disease phenotypes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 19:191-204. [PMID: 24196395 DOI: 10.1177/1087057113510320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease is a monogenic, autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene; age of onset of clinical symptoms inversely correlates with expanded CAG repeat length. HD leads to extensive degeneration of the basal ganglia, hypothalamic nuclei, and selected cortical areas, and a wide range of molecular mechanisms have been implicated in disease pathology in animal or cellular models expressing mutated HTT (mHTT) proteins, either full-length or amino-terminal fragments. However, HD cellular models that recapitulate the slow progression of the disease have not been available due to the toxicity of overexpressed exogenous mHTT or to limitations with using primary cells for long-term studies. Most investigations of the effects of mHTT relied on cytotoxicity or aggregation end points in heterologous systems or in primary embryonic neuroglial cultures derived from HD mouse models. More innovative approaches are currently under active investigation, including screening using electrophysiological endpoints, as well as the recent use of primary blood mononuclear cells and of human embryonic stem cells derived from a variety of HD research participants. Here we describe how these cellular systems are being used to investigate HD biology as well as to identify mechanisms with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bard
- 1CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Princeton, NJ, and Los Angeles, CA, USA
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34
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Chieppa MN, Perota A, Corona C, Grindatto A, Lagutina I, Vallino Costassa E, Lazzari G, Colleoni S, Duchi R, Lucchini F, Caramelli M, Bendotti C, Galli C, Casalone C. Modeling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in hSOD1 transgenic swine. NEURODEGENER DIS 2013; 13:246-54. [PMID: 24157939 DOI: 10.1159/000353472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that occurs in two clinically indistinguishable forms: sporadic (SALS) and familial (FALS), the latter linked to several gene mutations, mostly inheritable in a dominant manner. Nearly 20% of FALS forms are linked to mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. Research on ALS relies on transgenic models and particularly on mice carrying a glycine-to-alanine conversion at the 93rd codon (G93A) of the hSOD1 gene. Although G93A transgenic mice have been widely employed in clinical trials and basic research, doubts have been recently raised from numerous reliable sources about their suitability to faithfully reproduce human disease. Besides, the scientific community has already foreseen swine as an attractive and alternative model to nonhuman primates for modeling human diseases due to closer anatomical, physiological and biochemical features of swine rather than rodents to humans. On this basis, we have produced the first swine ALS model by in vitro transfection of cultured somatic cells combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). To achieve this goal we developed a SOD1(G93A) (superoxide dismutase 1 mutated in Gly93-Ala) vector, capable of promoting a high and stable transgene expression in primary porcine adult male fibroblasts (PAF). After transfection, clonal selection and transgene expression level assessment, selected SOD1(G93A) PAF colonies were used as nuclei donors in SCNT procedures. SOD1(G93A) embryos were transferred in recipient sows, and pregnancies developed to term. A total of 5 piglets survived artificial hand raising and weaning and developed normally, reaching adulthood. Preliminary analysis revealed transgene integration and hSOD1(G93A) expression in swine tissues and 360° phenotypical characterization is ongoing. We believe that our SOD1(G93A) swine would provide an essential bridge between the fundamental work done in rodent models and the reality of treating ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Chieppa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
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35
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Fan N, Lai L. Genetically modified pig models for human diseases. J Genet Genomics 2013; 40:67-73. [PMID: 23439405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified animal models are important for understanding the pathogenesis of human disease and developing therapeutic strategies. Although genetically modified mice have been widely used to model human diseases, some of these mouse models do not replicate important disease symptoms or pathology. Pigs are more similar to humans than mice in anatomy, physiology, and genome. Thus, pigs are considered to be better animal models to mimic some human diseases. This review describes genetically modified pigs that have been used to model various diseases including neurological, cardiovascular, and diabetic disorders. We also discuss the development in gene modification technology that can facilitate the generation of transgenic pig models for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Fan
- 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
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Abstract
Experimental animals in biomedical research provide insights into disease mechanisms and models for determining the efficacy and safety of new therapies and for discovery of corresponding biomarkers. Although mouse and rat models are most widely used, observations in these species cannot always be faithfully extrapolated to human patients. Thus, a number of domestic species are additionally used in specific disease areas. This review summarizes the most important applications of domestic animal models and emphasizes the new possibilities genetic tailoring of disease models, specifically in pigs, provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bähr
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Prather RS, Lorson M, Ross JW, Whyte JJ, Walters E. Genetically engineered pig models for human diseases. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2013; 1:203-19. [PMID: 25387017 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-031412-103715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although pigs are used widely as models of human disease, their utility as models has been enhanced by genetic engineering. Initially, transgenes were added randomly to the genome, but with the application of homologous recombination, zinc finger nucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technologies, now most any genetic change that can be envisioned can be completed. To date these genetic modifications have resulted in animals that have the potential to provide new insights into human diseases for which a good animal model did not exist previously. These new animal models should provide the preclinical data for treatments that are developed for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, retinitis pigmentosa, spinal muscular atrophy, diabetes, and organ failure. These new models will help to uncover aspects and treatments of these diseases that were otherwise unattainable. The focus of this review is to describe genetically engineered pigs that have resulted in models of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, and
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Luo Y, Lin L, Bolund L, Jensen TG, Sørensen CB. Genetically modified pigs for biomedical research. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:695-713. [PMID: 22453682 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, pigs have been used to develop some of the most important large animal models for biomedical research. Advances in pig genome research, genetic modification (GM) of primary pig cells and pig cloning by nuclear transfer, have facilitated the generation of GM pigs for xenotransplantation and various human diseases. This review summarizes the key technologies used for generating GM pigs, including pronuclear microinjection, sperm-mediated gene transfer, somatic cell nuclear transfer by traditional cloning, and somatic cell nuclear transfer by handmade cloning. Broadly used genetic engineering tools for porcine cells are also discussed. We also summarize the GM pig models that have been generated for xenotransplantation and human disease processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases, bone diseases, cancers and epidermal skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, and inherited metabolic diseases. Thus, this review provides an overview of the progress in GM pig research over the last two decades and perspectives for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglun Luo
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Li XJ, Li S. Influence of species differences on the neuropathology of transgenic Huntington's disease animal models. J Genet Genomics 2012; 39:239-45. [PMID: 22749010 PMCID: PMC5426814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic animal models have revealed much about the pathogenesis of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases and proved to be a useful tool for uncovering therapeutic targets. Huntington's disease is a well-characterized neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by expansion of a CAG repeat, which results in expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the N-terminal region of huntingtin (HTT). Similar CAG/glutamine expansions are also found to cause eight other neurodegenerative diseases that affect distinct brain regions in an age-dependent manner. Identification of this CAG/glutamine expansion has led to the generation of a variety of transgenic animal models. Of these different animal models, transgenic mice have been investigated extensively, and they show similar neuropathology and phenotypes as seen in their respective diseases. The common pathological hallmark of age-dependent neurodegeneration is the formation of aggregates or inclusions consisting of misfolded proteins in the affected brain regions; however, overt or striking neurodegeneration and apoptosis have not been reported in most transgenic mouse models for age-dependent diseases, including HD. By comparing the neuropathology of transgenic HD mouse, pig, and monkey models, we found that mutant HTT is more toxic to larger animals than mice, and larger animals also show neuropathology that has not been uncovered by transgenic mouse models. This review will discuss the importance of transgenic large animal models for analyzing the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and developing effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jiang Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St 347, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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Tan WS, Carlson DF, Walton MW, Fahrenkrug SC, Hackett PB. Precision editing of large animal genomes. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2012; 80:37-97. [PMID: 23084873 PMCID: PMC3683964 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-404742-6.00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic animals are an important source of protein and nutrition for most humans and will play key roles in satisfying the increasing demand for food in an ever-increasing world population. The past decade has experienced a revolution in the development of methods that permit the introduction of specific alterations to complex genomes. This precision will enhance genome-based improvement of farm animals for food production. Precision genetics also will enhance the development of therapeutic biomaterials and models of human disease as resources for the development of advanced patient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Spring Tan
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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41
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Whyte JJ, Prather RS. Genetic modifications of pigs for medicine and agriculture. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:879-91. [PMID: 21671302 PMCID: PMC3522184 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified swine hold great promise in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Currently, these swine are being used to optimize production of quality meat, to improve our understanding of the biology of disease resistance, and to reduced waste. In the field of biomedicine, swine are anatomically and physiologically analogous to humans. Alterations of key swine genes in disease pathways provide model animals to improve our understanding of the causes and potential treatments of many human genetic disorders. The completed sequencing of the swine genome will significantly enhance the specificity of genetic modifications, and allow for more accurate representations of human disease based on syntenic genes between the two species. Improvements in both methods of gene alteration and efficiency of model animal production are key to enabling routine use of these swine models in medicine and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. Whyte
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
| | - Randall S. Prather
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, U.S.A
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Merrifield CA, Lewis M, Claus SP, Beckonert OP, Dumas ME, Duncker S, Kochhar S, Rezzi S, Lindon JC, Bailey M, Holmes E, Nicholson JK. A metabolic system-wide characterisation of the pig: a model for human physiology. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:2577-88. [PMID: 21761043 DOI: 10.1039/c1mb05023k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The pig is a single-stomached omnivorous mammal and is an important model of human disease and nutrition. As such, it is necessary to establish a metabolic framework from which pathology-based variation can be compared. Here, a combination of one and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR was used to provide a systems overview of porcine metabolism via characterisation of the urine, serum, liver and kidney metabolomes. The metabolites observed in each of these biological compartments were found to be qualitatively comparable to the metabolic signature of the same biological matrices in humans and rodents. The data were modelled using a combination of principal components analysis and Venn diagram mapping. Urine represented the most metabolically distinct biological compartment studied, with a relatively greater number of NMR detectable metabolites present, many of which are implicated in gut-microbial co-metabolic processes. The major inter-species differences observed were in the phase II conjugation of extra-genomic metabolites; the pig was observed to conjugate p-cresol, a gut microbial metabolite of tyrosine, with glucuronide rather than sulfate as seen in man. These observations are important to note when considering the translatability of experimental data derived from porcine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Merrifield
- Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UKSW7 2AZ
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Abstract
It has been more than 17 years since the causative mutation for Huntington's disease was discovered as the expansion of the triplet repeat in the N-terminal portion of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. In the intervening time, researchers have discovered a great deal about Huntingtin's involvement in a number of cellular processes. However, the role of Huntingtin in the key pathogenic mechanism leading to neurodegeneration in the disease process has yet to be discovered. Here, we review the body of knowledge that has been uncovered since gene discovery and include discussions of the HTT gene, CAG triplet repeat expansion, HTT expression, protein features, posttranslational modifications, and many of its known protein functions and interactions. We also highlight potential pathogenic mechanisms that have come to light in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen N McFarland
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0236, USA.
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Forster R, Ancian P, Fredholm M, Simianer H, Whitelaw B. The minipig as a platform for new technologies in toxicology. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2010; 62:227-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2010.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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45
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Shadanloo F, Najafi MH, Hosseini SM, Hajian M, Forouzanfar M, Ghaedi K, Abedi P, Ostadhosseini S, Hosseini L, Eskandari-Nasab MP, Esfahani MHN. Sperm status and DNA dose play key roles in sperm/ICSI-mediated gene transfer in caprine. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:868-75. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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46
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Yang D, Wang CE, Zhao B, Li W, Ouyang Z, Liu Z, Yang H, Fan P, O'Neill A, Gu W, Yi H, Li S, Lai L, Li XJ. Expression of Huntington's disease protein results in apoptotic neurons in the brains of cloned transgenic pigs. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:3983-94. [PMID: 20660116 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a hallmark of many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and the polyglutamine diseases, which are all caused by misfolded proteins that accumulate in neuronal cells of the brain. Although apoptosis is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration in these cases, genetic mouse models of these diseases often fail to replicate apoptosis and overt neurodegeneration in the brain. Using nuclear transfer, we generated transgenic Huntington's disease (HD) pigs that express N-terminal (208 amino acids) mutant huntingtin with an expanded polyglutamine tract (105Q). Postnatal death, dyskinesia and chorea-like movement were observed in some transgenic pigs that express mutant huntingtin. Importantly, the transgenic HD pigs, unlike mice expressing the same transgene, displayed typical apoptotic neurons with DNA fragmentation in their brains. Also, expression of mutant huntingtin resulted in more neurons with activated caspase-3 in transgenic pig brains than that in transgenic mouse brains. Our findings suggest that species differences determine neuropathology and underscore the importance of large mammalian animals for modeling neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshan Yang
- 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
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47
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Bendixen E, Danielsen M, Larsen K, Bendixen C. Advances in porcine genomics and proteomics--a toolbox for developing the pig as a model organism for molecular biomedical research. Brief Funct Genomics 2010; 9:208-19. [DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elq004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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48
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Transgenic pigs as models for translational biomedical research. J Mol Med (Berl) 2010; 88:653-64. [PMID: 20339830 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-010-0610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The translation of novel discoveries from basic research to clinical application is a long, often inefficient, and thus costly process. Accordingly, the process of drug development requires optimization both for economic and for ethical reasons, in order to provide patients with appropriate treatments in a reasonable time frame. Consequently, "Translational Medicine" became a top priority in national and international roadmaps of human health research. Appropriate animal models for the evaluation of efficacy and safety of new drugs or therapeutic concepts are critical for the success of translational research. In this context rodent models are most widely used. At present, transgenic pigs are increasingly being established as large animal models for selected human diseases. The first pig whole genome sequence and many other genomic resources will be available in the near future. Importantly, efficient and precise techniques for the genetic modification of pigs have been established, facilitating the generation of tailored disease models. This article provides an overview of the current techniques for genetic modification of pigs and the transgenic pig models established for neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes mellitus.
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49
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Matsunari H, Nagashima H. Application of genetically modified and cloned pigs in translational research. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:225-30. [PMID: 19571468 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are increasingly being recognized as good large-animal models for translational research, linking basic science to clinical applications in order to establish novel therapeutics. This article reviews the current status and future prospects of genetically modified and cloned pigs in translational studies. It also highlights pigs specially designed as disease models, for xenotransplantation or to carry cell marker genes. Finally, use of porcine somatic stem and progenitor cells in preclinical studies of cell transplantation therapy is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsunari
- Laboratory of Developmental Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
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50
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LEE HG, LEE HC, KIM SW, LEE P, CHUNG HJ, LEE YK, HAN JH, HWANG IS, YOO JI, KIM YK, KIM HT, LEE HT, CHANG WK, PARK JK. Production of Recombinant Human Von Willebrand Factor in the Milk of Transgenic Pigs. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:484-90. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Gi LEE
- National Institute of Animal Science, RDA
- Animal Resources Research Center, Kon-Kuk University
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hoon-Taek LEE
- Animal Resources Research Center, Kon-Kuk University
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