1
|
Mizuno-Iijima S, Kawamoto S, Asano M, Mashimo T, Wakana S, Nakamura K, Nishijima KI, Okamoto H, Saito K, Yoshina S, Miwa Y, Nakamura Y, Ohkuma M, Yoshiki A. Mammalian genome research resources available from the National BioResource Project in Japan. Mamm Genome 2024:10.1007/s00335-024-10063-2. [PMID: 39261329 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian genome research has conventionally involved mice and rats as model organisms for humans. Given the recent advances in life science research, to understand complex and higher-order biological phenomena and to elucidate pathologies and develop therapies to promote human health and overcome diseases, it is necessary to utilize not only mice and rats but also other bioresources such as standardized genetic materials and appropriate cell lines in order to gain deeper molecular and cellular insights. The Japanese bioresource infrastructure program called the National BioResource Project (NBRP) systematically collects, preserves, controls the quality, and provides bioresources for use in life science research worldwide. In this review, based on information from a database of papers related to NBRP bioresources, we present the bioresources that have proved useful for mammalian genome research, including mice, rats, other animal resources; DNA-related materials; and human/animal cells and microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saori Mizuno-Iijima
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| | - Shoko Kawamoto
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Masahide Asano
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Wakana
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Katsuki Nakamura
- Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Nishijima
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okamoto
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Sawako Yoshina
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miwa
- Gene Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Moriya Ohkuma
- Microbe Division/Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshiki
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Preece C, Biggs D, Grencis E, Jackson MS, Allen S, Fray M, Adamson A, Davies B. Naturally sterile Mus spretus hybrids are suitable for the generation of pseudopregnant embryo transfer recipients. Lab Anim (NY) 2024; 53:181-185. [PMID: 38886565 PMCID: PMC11216974 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-024-01393-4] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
For the preparation of embryo transfer recipients, surgically vasectomized mice are commonly used, generated by procedures associated with pain and discomfort. Sterile transgenic strains provide a nonsurgical replacement, but their maintenance requires breeding and genotyping procedures. We have previously reported the use of naturally sterile STUSB6F1 hybrids for the production of embryo transfer recipients and found the behavior of these recipients to be indistinguishable from those generated by vasectomized males. The method provides two substantial 3R impacts: refinement (when compared with surgical vasectomy) and reduction in breeding procedures (compared with sterile transgenic lines). Despite initial promise, the 3Rs impact of this innovation was limited by difficulties in breeding the parental STUS/Fore strain, which precluded the wider distribution of the sterile hybrid. The value of a 3R initiative is only as good as the uptake in the community. Here we, thus, select a different naturally sterile hybrid, generated from strains that are widely available: the B6SPRTF1 hybrid between C57BL/6J and Mus spretus. We first confirmed its sterility by sperm counting and testes weight and then trialed the recovery of cryopreserved embryos and germplasm within three UK facilities. Distribution of sperm for the generation of these hybrids by in vitro fertilization was found to be the most robust distribution method and avoided the need to maintain a live M. spretus colony. We then tested the suitability of B6SPRTF1 sterile hybrids for the generation of embryo transfer recipients at these same three UK facilities and found the hybrids to be suitable when compared with surgical vasectomized mice and a sterile transgenic strain. In conclusion, the potential 3Rs impact of this method was confirmed by the ease of distribution and the utility of sterile B6SPRTF1 hybrids at independent production facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sue Allen
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | | | | | - Benjamin Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Watanabe N, Hirose M, Hasegawa A, Mochida K, Ogura A, Inoue K. Derivation of embryonic stem cells from wild-derived mouse strains by nuclear transfer using peripheral blood cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11175. [PMID: 37430017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild-derived mouse strains have been extensively used in biomedical research because of the high level of inter-strain polymorphisms and phenotypic variations. However, they often show poor reproductive performance and are difficult to maintain by conventional in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. In this study, we examined the technical feasibility of derivation of nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (ntESCs) from wild-derived mouse strains for their safe genetic preservation. We used leukocytes collected from peripheral blood as nuclear donors without sacrificing them. We successfully established 24 ntESC lines from two wild-derived strains of CAST/Ei and CASP/1Nga (11 and 13 lines, respectively), both belonging to Mus musculus castaneus, a subspecies of laboratory mouse. Most (23/24) of these lines had normal karyotype, and all lines examined showed teratoma formation ability (4 lines) and pluripotent marker gene expression (8 lines). Two male lines examined (one from each strain) were proven to be competent to produce chimeric mice following injection into host embryos. By natural mating of these chimeric mice, the CAST/Ei male line was confirmed to have germline transmission ability. Our results demonstrate that inter-subspecific ntESCs derived from peripheral leukocytes could provide an alternative strategy for preserving invaluable genetic resources of wild-derived mouse strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Watanabe
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hasegawa
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keiji Mochida
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Holt WV, Comizzoli P. Conservation Biology and Reproduction in a Time of Developmental Plasticity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1297. [PMID: 36139136 PMCID: PMC9496186 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this review is to ask whether, and how, principles in conservation biology may need to be revisited in light of new knowledge about the power of epigenetics to alter developmental pathways. Importantly, conservation breeding programmes, used widely by zoological parks and aquariums, may appear in some cases to reduce fitness by decreasing animals' abilities to cope when confronted with the 'wild side' of their natural habitats. Would less comfortable captive conditions lead to the selection of individuals that, despite being adapted to life in a captive environment, be better able to thrive if relocated to a more natural environment? While threatened populations may benefit from advanced reproductive technologies, these may actually induce undesirable epigenetic changes. Thus, there may be inherent risks to the health and welfare of offspring (as is suspected in humans). Advanced breeding technologies, especially those that aim to regenerate the rarest species using stem cell reprogramming and artificial gametes, may also lead to unwanted epigenetic modifications. Current knowledge is still incomplete, and therefore ethical decisions about novel breeding methods remain controversial and difficult to resolve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William V. Holt
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, The Medical School Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mizuno-Iijima S, Nakashiba T, Ayabe S, Nakata H, Ike F, Hiraiwa N, Mochida K, Ogura A, Masuya H, Kawamoto S, Tamura M, Obata Y, Shiroishi T, Yoshiki A. Mouse resources at the RIKEN BioResource Research Center and the National BioResource Project core facility in Japan. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:181-191. [PMID: 34532769 PMCID: PMC8445257 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09916-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC) was established in 2001 as a comprehensive biological resource center in Japan. The Experimental Animal Division, one of the BRC infrastructure divisions, has been designated as the core facility for mouse resources within the National BioResource Project (NBRP) by the Japanese government since FY2002. Our activities regarding the collection, preservation, quality control, and distribution of mouse resources have been supported by the research community, including evaluations and guidance on advancing social and research needs, as well as the operations and future direction of the BRC. Expenditure for collection, preservation, and quality-control operations of the BRC, as a national core facility, has been funded by the government, while distribution has been separately funded by users' reimbursement fees. We have collected over 9000 strains created mainly by Japanese scientists including Nobel laureates and researchers in cutting-edge fields and distributed mice to 7000 scientists with 1500 organizations in Japan and globally. Our users have published 1000 outstanding papers and a few dozen patents. The collected mouse resources are accessible via the RIKEN BRC website, with a revised version of the searchable online catalog. In addition, to enhance the visibility of useful strains, we have launched web corners designated as the "Mouse of the Month" and "Today's Tool and Model." Only high-demand strains are maintained in live colonies, while other strains are cryopreserved as embryos or sperm to achieve cost-effective management. Since 2007, the RIKEN BRC has built up a back-up facility in the RIKEN Harima branch to protect the deposited strains from disasters. Our mice have been distributed with high quality through the application of strict microbial and genetic quality control programs that cover a globally accepted pathogens list and mutated alleles generated by various methods. Added value features, such as information about users' publications, standardized phenotyping data, and genome sequences of the collected strains, are important to facilitate the use of our resources. We have added and disseminated such information in collaboration with the NBRP Information Center and the NBRP Genome Information Upgrading Program. The RIKEN BRC has participated in international mouse resource networks such as the International Mouse Strain Resource, International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, and Asian Mouse Mutagenesis and Resource Association to facilitate the worldwide use of high-quality mouse resources, and as a consequence it contributes to reproducible life science studies and innovation around the globe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saori Mizuno-Iijima
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nakashiba
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shinya Ayabe
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hatsumi Nakata
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Fumio Ike
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Noriko Hiraiwa
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Keiji Mochida
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Masuya
- Integrated Bioresource Information Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shoko Kawamoto
- Genetics Informatics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Masaru Tamura
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Yuichi Obata
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Yoshiki
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Gonadotropins are glycoprotein sex hormones regulating development and reproduction and bind to specific G protein–coupled receptors expressed in the gonads. Their effects on multiple signaling cascades and intracellular events have recently been characterized using novel technological and scientific tools. The impact of allosteric modulators on gonadotropin signaling, the role of sugars linked to the hormone backbone, the detection of endosomal compartments supporting signaling modules, and the dissection of different effects mediated by these molecules are areas that have advanced significantly in the last decade. The classic view providing the exclusive activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and the steroidogenic pathway by these hormones has been expanded with the addition of novel signaling cascades as determined by high-resolution imaging techniques. These new findings provided new potential therapeutic applications. Despite these improvements, unanswered issues of gonadotropin physiology, such as the intrinsic pro-apoptotic potential to these hormones, the existence of receptors assembled as heteromers, and their expression in extragonadal tissues, remain to be studied. Elucidating these issues is a challenge for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|