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Talevi A, Bellera C. An update on the novel methods for the discovery of antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications: where are we in 2024? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38963148 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2373165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the availability of around 30 antiseizure medications, 1/3 of patients with epilepsy fail to become seizure-free upon pharmacological treatment. Available medications provide adequate symptomatic control in two-thirds of patients, but disease-modifying drugs are still scarce. Recently, though, new paradigms have been explored. AREAS COVERED Three areas are reviewed in which a high degree of innovation in the search for novel antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications has been implemented: development of novel screening approaches, search for novel therapeutic targets, and adoption of new drug discovery paradigms aligned with a systems pharmacology perspective. EXPERT OPINION In the past, worldwide leaders in epilepsy have reiteratively stated that the lack of progress in the field may be explained by the recurrent use of the same molecular targets and screening procedures to identify novel medications. This landscape has changed recently, as reflected by the new Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program and the introduction of many in vitro and in vivo models that could possibly improve our chances of identifying first-in-class medications that may control drug-resistant epilepsy or modify the course of disease. Other milestones include the study of new molecular targets for disease-modifying drugs and exploration of a systems pharmacology perspective to design new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carolina Bellera
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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Teboul L, Amos-Landgraf J, Benavides FJ, Birling MC, Brown SDM, Bryda E, Bunton-Stasyshyn R, Chin HJ, Crispo M, Delerue F, Dobbie M, Franklin CL, Fuchtbauer EM, Gao X, Golzio C, Haffner R, Hérault Y, Hrabe de Angelis M, Lloyd KCK, Magnuson TR, Montoliu L, Murray SA, Nam KH, Nutter LMJ, Pailhoux E, Pardo Manuel de Villena F, Peterson K, Reinholdt L, Sedlacek R, Seong JK, Shiroishi T, Smith C, Takeo T, Tinsley L, Vilotte JL, Warming S, Wells S, Whitelaw CB, Yoshiki A, Pavlovic G. Improving laboratory animal genetic reporting: LAG-R guidelines. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5574. [PMID: 38956430 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The biomedical research community addresses reproducibility challenges in animal studies through standardized nomenclature, improved experimental design, transparent reporting, data sharing, and centralized repositories. The ARRIVE guidelines outline documentation standards for laboratory animals in experiments, but genetic information is often incomplete. To remedy this, we propose the Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting (LAG-R) framework. LAG-R aims to document animals' genetic makeup in scientific publications, providing essential details for replication and appropriate model use. While verifying complete genetic compositions may be impractical, better reporting and validation efforts enhance reliability of research. LAG-R standardization will bolster reproducibility, peer review, and overall scientific rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Teboul
- The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK.
| | - James Amos-Landgraf
- University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- Rat Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Fernando J Benavides
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Grafenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steve D M Brown
- Visiting Scientist, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Grafenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elizabeth Bryda
- Rat Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | | | - Hsian-Jean Chin
- National Laboratory Animal Center (NLAC), NARLabs, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Martina Crispo
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, CP 1400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Dobbie
- Phenomics Australia, Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Craig L Franklin
- University of Missouri Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MU MMRRC), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | | | - Xiang Gao
- National Resource Center of Mutant Mice (NRCMM), Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Rebecca Haffner
- Department Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yann Hérault
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Grafenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Alte Akademie 8, 85354, Freising, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Terry R Magnuson
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7264, USA
| | - Lluis Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ki-Hoan Nam
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children and The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Fernando Pardo Manuel de Villena
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | | | | | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, and Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Cynthia Smith
- Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI), Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Toru Takeo
- Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Louise Tinsley
- The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Søren Warming
- Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche group, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sara Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
- Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - C Bruce Whitelaw
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Atsushi Yoshiki
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Guillaume Pavlovic
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Grafenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France.
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Bisio MMC, Jurado Medina LS, García-Bournissen F, Gulin JEN. Listen to what the animals say: a systematic review and meta-analysis of sterol 14-demethylase inhibitor efficacy for in vivo models of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:248. [PMID: 38904688 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08257-3] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Sterol 14-demethylase (CYP51) inhibitors, encompassing new chemical entities and repurposed drugs, have emerged as promising candidates for Chagas disease treatment, based on preclinical studies reporting anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Triazoles like ravuconazole (RAV) and posaconazole (POS) progressed to clinical trials. Unexpectedly, their efficacy was transient in chronic Chagas disease patients, and their activity was not superior to benznidazole (BZ) treatment. This paper aims to summarize evidence on the global activity of CYP51 inhibitors against T. cruzi by applying systematic review strategies, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analysis from in vivo studies. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for original articles, obtaining fifty-six relevant papers meeting inclusion criteria. Characteristics of animal models, parasite strain, treatment schemes, and cure rates were extracted. Primary outcomes such as maximum parasitaemia values, survival, and parasitological cure were recorded for meta-analysis, when possible. The risk of bias was uncertain in most studies. Animals treated with itraconazole, RAV, or POS survived significantly longer than the infected non-treated groups (RR = 4.85 [3.62, 6.49], P < 0.00001), and they showed no differences with animals treated with positive control drugs (RR = 1.01 [0.98, 1.04], P = 0.54). Furthermore, the overall analysis showed that RAV or POS was not likely to achieve parasitological cure when compared with BZ or NFX treatment (OD = 0.49 [0.31, 0.77], P = 0.002). This systematic review contributes to understanding why the azoles had failed in clinical trials and, more importantly, how to improve the animal models of T. cruzi infection by filling the gaps between basic, translational, and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita María Catalina Bisio
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP) 'Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben'-ANLIS 'Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán', Buenos Aires, Argentina. Av. Paseo Colón 568, C1097, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Smeldy Jurado Medina
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche E Chirurgiche, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università Di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 2 Floor, 55. 40126, BO. Bologna, Italy
| | - Facundo García-Bournissen
- Division of Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd. E., Rm. B1-437., London, ON, Canada
| | - Julián Ernesto Nicolás Gulin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (C1428ADN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Göbel C, Schoof M, Holdhof D, Spohn M, Schüller U. SMARCA4 Loss and Mutated β-Catenin Induce Proliferative Lesions in the Murine Embryonic Cerebellum. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1605232024. [PMID: 38383496 PMCID: PMC11007475 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1605-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Almost all medulloblastomas (MB) of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) type are characterized by hotspot mutations in CTNNB1, and mouse models have convincingly demonstrated the tumor-initiating role of these mutations. Additional alterations in SMARCA4 are detected in ∼20% of WNT MB, but their functional role is mostly unknown. We, therefore, amended previously described brain lipid binding protein (Blbp)-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wt mice by the introduction of floxed Smarca4 alleles. Unexpectedly, mutated and thereby stabilized β-catenin on its own induced severe developmental phenotypes in male and female Blbp-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wt mice in our hands, including a thinned cerebral cortex, hydrocephalus, missing cerebellar layering, and cell accumulations in the brainstem and cerebellum. An additional loss of SMARCA4 even resulted in prenatal death for most mice. Respective Blbp-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wt::Smarca4fl/rec mutants (male and female) developed large proliferative lesions in the cerebellum evolving from E13.5 to E16.5. Histological and molecular analysis of these lesions by DNA methylation profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing suggested an origin in early undifferentiated SOX2-positive cerebellar progenitors. Furthermore, upregulated WNT signaling, altered actin/cytoskeleton organization, and reduced neuronal differentiation were evident in mutant cells. In vitro, cells harboring alterations in both Ctnnb1 and Smarca4 were negatively selected and did not show tumorigenic potential after transplantation in adult female recipient mice. However, in cerebellar explant cultures, mutant cells displayed significantly increased proliferation, suggesting an important role of the embryonic microenvironment in the development of lesions. Altogether, these results represent an important first step toward the unraveling of tumorigenic mechanisms induced by aberrant WNT signaling and SMARCA4 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Göbel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
| | - Melanie Schoof
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
| | - Dörthe Holdhof
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg D-20251, Germany
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Loo Y, Chan ASY, Khor CC, Aung T, Wang Z. Rodent genetically modified models of glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101229. [PMID: 38039744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is a complex and heterogenous disease. While environmental factors are important, it is well-recognized that the disease has a strong heritable component. With the advent of large-cohort genome wide association studies, a myriad of genetic risk loci has been linked to different forms of glaucoma. Animal models have been an indispensable tool in characterizing these loci, especially if they lie within coding regions in the genome. Not only do these models connect genotype to phenotype, advancing our understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis in the process, they also have valuable utility as a platform for the pre-clinical testing of potential therapies. In this review, we will outline genetic models used for studying the major forms of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and early onset glaucoma, including congenital and developmental glaucoma, and how studying these models have helped shed light on human glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Loo
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Anita Sook Yee Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Chiea Chuen Khor
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Zhenxun Wang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
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Sharma H, Chang KA, Hulme J, An SSA. Mammalian Models in Alzheimer's Research: An Update. Cells 2023; 12:2459. [PMID: 37887303 PMCID: PMC10605533 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A form of dementia distinct from healthy cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multi-stage disease that currently afflicts over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, previous therapeutic strategies developed from murine models emulating different aspects of AD pathogenesis were limited. Consequently, researchers are now developing models that express several aspects of pathogenesis that better reflect the clinical situation in humans. As such, this review seeks to provide insight regarding current applications of mammalian models in AD research by addressing recent developments and characterizations of prominent transgenic models and their contributions to pathogenesis as well as discuss the advantages, limitations, and application of emerging models that better capture genetic heterogeneity and mixed pathologies observed in the clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-A Chang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - John Hulme
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Chaoul V, Dib EY, Bedran J, Khoury C, Shmoury O, Harb F, Soueid J. Assessing Drug Administration Techniques in Zebrafish Models of Neurological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14898. [PMID: 37834345 PMCID: PMC10573323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, affect nearly one in six of the world's population. The burden of the resulting deaths and disability is set to rise during the next few decades as a consequence of an aging population. To address this, zebrafish have become increasingly prominent as a model for studying human neurological diseases and exploring potential therapies. Zebrafish offer numerous benefits, such as genetic homology and brain similarities, complementing traditional mammalian models and serving as a valuable tool for genetic screening and drug discovery. In this comprehensive review, we highlight various drug delivery techniques and systems employed for therapeutic interventions of neurological diseases in zebrafish, and evaluate their suitability. We also discuss the challenges encountered during this process and present potential advancements in innovative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chaoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Emanuel-Youssef Dib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Joe Bedran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Chakib Khoury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Omar Shmoury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Frédéric Harb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Jihane Soueid
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
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Myelnikov D, Peres S. The Cold Futures of Mouse Genetics: Modes of Strain Cryopreservation Since the 1970s. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN VALUES 2023; 48:727-751. [PMID: 37529349 PMCID: PMC10387715 DOI: 10.1177/01622439221138341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation, or the freezing of embryos or sperm, has become a routine part of many research projects involving laboratory mice. In this article, we combine historical and sociological methods to produce a cryopolitical analysis of this less explored aspect of animal research. We provide a longitudinal account of mouse embryo and semen storage and uses in the UK and show that cryopreservation enabled researchers to overcome particular challenges-fears of strain loss, societal disapproval, and genetic drift-in ways which enabled the continued existence of strains and contributed to the scaling up of mouse research since World War II. We use the theoretical lens of cryopolitics to explore three different, yet overlapping, cryopolitical strategies that we identify. All share the ability to ensure the continued maintenance of genetically defined strains without the need for continually breeding colonies of mice. We argue that, in contrast to more common imaginaries of species conservation, the cryopolitical rationale can best be understood as purposefully not letting the strain die without requiring animals to live. The ability to freeze mice, then, had the potential to unsettle who the objects of care are in mouse research, from individual animals to the concept of the strain itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy Myelnikov
- Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Peres
- Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
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Cardinali I, Tancredi D, Lancioni H. The Revolution of Animal Genomics in Forensic Sciences. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108821. [PMID: 37240167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the coexistence between humans and domestic animals (especially dogs and cats) has become a common scenario of daily life. Consequently, during a forensic investigation in civil or criminal cases, the biological material from a domestic animal could be considered "evidence" by law enforcement agencies. Animal genomics offers an important contribution in attacks and episodes of property destruction or in a crime scene where the non-human biological material is linked to the victim or perpetrator. However, only a few animal genetics laboratories in the world are able to carry out a valid forensic analysis, adhering to standards and guidelines that ensure the admissibility of data before a court of law. Today, forensic sciences focus on animal genetics considering all domestic species through the analysis of STRs (short tandem repeats) and autosomal and mitochondrial DNA SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). However, the application of these molecular markers to wildlife seems to have gradually gained a strong relevance, aiming to tackle illegal traffic, avoid the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species. The development of third-generation sequencing technologies has glimmered new possibilities by bringing "the laboratory into the field", with a reduction of both the enormous cost management of samples and the degradation of the biological material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cardinali
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Domenico Tancredi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Hovirag Lancioni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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10
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Strategies for generation of mice via CRISPR/HDR-mediated knock-in. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:3189-3204. [PMID: 36701041 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08278-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 framework is generally used to generate genetically modified mouse models. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat gene editing technique, can efficiently generate knock-outs using the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway. Small knock-ins also work precisely using a repair template with help of homology-directed-repair (HDR) mechanism. However, when the fragment size is larger than 4-5 kb, the knock-in tends to be error prone and the efficiency decreases. Certain types of modifications, in particular insertions of very large DNA fragments (10-100 kb) or entire gene replacements, are still difficult. The HDR process needs further streamlining and improvement. Here in this review, we describe methods to enhance the efficiency of the knock-in through checking each step from the guide design to the microinjection and choice of the oocyte donors. This helps in understanding the parameters that can be modified to get improved knock-in efficiency via CRISPR targeting.
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11
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Fuochi S, Galligioni V. Disease Animal Models for Cancer Research. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2645:105-125. [PMID: 37202613 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3056-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite nonanimal methods (NAMs) are more and more exploited and new NAMs are developed and validated, animal models are still used in cancer research. Animals are used at multiple levels, from understanding molecular traits and pathways, to mimicking clinical aspects of tumor progression, to drug testing. In vivo approaches are not trivial and involve cross-disciplinary knowledge: animal biology and physiology, genetics, pathology, and animal welfare.The aim of this chapter is not to list and address all animal models used in cancer research. Instead, the authors would like to guide experimenters in the strategies to adopt in both planning and performing in vivo experimental procedures, including the choice of cancer animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fuochi
- Universität Bern, Experimental Animal Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Viola Galligioni
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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Gonçalves AN, Moura RS, Correia-Pinto J, Nogueira-Silva C. Intraluminal chloride regulates lung branching morphogenesis: involvement of PIEZO1/PIEZO2. Respir Res 2023; 24:42. [PMID: 36740669 PMCID: PMC9901166 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical and experimental evidence shows lung fluid volume as a modulator of fetal lung growth with important value in treating fetal lung hypoplasia. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying these morphological dynamics has been the topic of multiple investigations with, however, limited results, partially due to the difficulty of capturing or recapitulating these movements in the lab. In this sense, this study aims to establish an ex vivo model allowing the study of lung fluid function in branching morphogenesis and identify the subsequent molecular/ cellular mechanisms. METHODS Ex vivo lung explant culture was selected as a model to study branching morphogenesis, and intraluminal injections were performed to change the composition of lung fluid. Distinct chloride (Cl-) concentrations (5.8, 29, 143, and 715 mM) or Cl- channels inhibitors [antracene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor172 (CFTRinh), and calcium-dependent Cl- channel inhibitorA01 (CaCCinh)] were injected into lung lumen at two timepoints, day0 (D0) and D2. At D4, morphological and molecular analyses were performed in terms of branching morphogenesis, spatial distribution (immunofluorescence), and protein quantification (western blot) of mechanoreceptors (PIEZO1 and PIEZO2), neuroendocrine (bombesin, ghrelin, and PGP9.5) and smooth muscle [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2)] markers. RESULTS For the first time, we described effective intraluminal injections at D0 and D2 and demonstrated intraluminal movements at D4 in ex vivo lung explant cultures. Through immunofluorescence assay in in vivo and ex vivo branching morphogenesis, we show that PGP9.5 colocalizes with PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 receptors. Fetal lung growth is increased at higher [Cl-], 715 mM Cl-, through the overexpression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. In contrast, intraluminal injection of CFTRinh or CaCCinh decreases fetal lung growth and the expression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. Finally, the inhibition of PIEZO1/PIEZO2 by GsMTx4 decreases branching morphogenesis and ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA expression in an intraluminal injection-independent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify PIEZO1/PIEZO2 expressed in neuroendocrine cells as a regulator of fetal lung growth induced by lung fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana N. Gonçalves
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XSchool of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rute S. Moura
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XSchool of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia-Pinto
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XSchool of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal ,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristina Nogueira-Silva
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal. .,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
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13
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Nunamaker EA, Reynolds PS. 'Invisible actors'-How poor methodology reporting compromises mouse models of oncology: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274738. [PMID: 36264974 PMCID: PMC9584398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory mouse is a key player in preclinical oncology research. However, emphasis of techniques reporting at the expense of critical animal-related detail compromises research integrity, animal welfare, and, ultimately, the translation potential of mouse-based oncology models. To evaluate current reporting practices, we performed a cross-sectional survey of 400 preclinical oncology studies using mouse solid-tumour models. Articles published in 2020 were selected from 20 journals that specifically endorsed the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) preclinical reporting guidelines. We assessed reporting compliance for 22 items in five domains: ethical oversight assurance, animal signalment, husbandry, welfare, and euthanasia. Data were analysed using hierarchical generalised random-intercept models, clustered on journal. Overall, reporting of animal-related items was poor. Median compliance over all categories was 23%. There was little or no association between extent of reporting compliance and journal or journal impact factor. Age, sex, and source were reported most frequently, but verifiable strain information was reported for <10% of studies. Animal husbandry, housing environment, and welfare items were reported by <5% of studies. Fewer than one in four studies reported analgesia use, humane endpoints, or an identifiable method of euthanasia. Of concern was the poor documentation of ethical oversight information. Fewer than one in four provided verifiable approval information, and almost one in ten reported no information, or information that was demonstrably false. Mice are the "invisible actors" in preclinical oncology research. In spite of widespread endorsement of reporting guidelines, adherence to reporting guidelines on the part of authors is poor and journals fail to enforce guideline reporting standards. In particular, the inadequate reporting of key animal-related items severely restricts the utility and translation potential of mouse models, and results in research waste. Both investigators and journals have the ethical responsibility to ensure animals are not wasted in uninformative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Penny S. Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology, Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mantegazza M, Auvin S, Barker-Haliski M, Katsarou AM, Kubova H, Galanopoulou AS, Semple B, Reid CA. A companion to the preclinical common data elements for rodent genetic epilepsy models. A report of the TASK3-WG1B: Paediatric and genetic models working group of the ILAE/AES joint translational TASK force. Epilepsia Open 2022. [PMID: 35951766 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of epilepsy remain the cornerstone of research into the mechanisms underlying genetic epilepsy. Reproducibility of experiments using these rodent models, occurring across a diversity of laboratories and commercial vendors, remains an issue impacting the cost-effectiveness and scientific rigor of the studies performed. Here, we present two case report forms (CRFs) describing common data elements (CDE) for genetic rodent models, developed by the TASK3-WG1B Working Group of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)/American Epilepsy Society (AES) Joint Translational Task Force. The first CRF relates to genetic rodent models that have been engineered based on variants described in epilepsy patients. The second CRF encompasses both spontaneous and inbred rodent models. This companion piece describes the elements and discusses the important factors to consider before documenting each required element. These CRFs provide tools that allow investigators to more uniformly describe core experimental data on different genetic models across laboratories, with the aim of improving experimental reproducibility and thus translational impact of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mantegazza
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, Inserm, LabEx ICST, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Stėphane Auvin
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1141, Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-Debré, APHP, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Melissa Barker-Haliski
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna-Maria Katsarou
- Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hana Kubova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Dominique P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Bridgette Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Yoshiki A, Ballard G, Perez AV. Genetic quality: a complex issue for experimental study reproducibility. Transgenic Res 2022; 31:413-430. [PMID: 35751794 PMCID: PMC9489590 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-022-00314-w] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Laboratory animal research involving mice, requires consideration of many factors to be controlled. Genetic quality is one factor that is often overlooked but is essential for the generation of reproducible experimental results. Whether experimental research involves inbred mice, spontaneous mutant, or genetically modified strains, exercising genetic quality through careful breeding, good recordkeeping, and prudent quality control steps such as validation of the presence of mutations and verification of the genetic background, will help ensure that experimental results are accurate and that reference controls are representative for the particular experiment. In this review paper, we will discuss various techniques used for the generation of genetically altered mice, and the different aspects to be considered regarding genetic quality, including inbred strains and substrains used, quality check controls during and after genetic manipulation and breeding. We also provide examples for when to use the different techniques and considerations on genetic quality checks. Further, we emphasize on the importance of establishing an in-house genetic quality program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Yoshiki
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, 3050074, Japan.
| | - Gregory Ballard
- Comparative Medicine and Quality, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Liberati AS, Calcaprina B, Adriani W. Keeping Track of the Genealogy of Heterozygotes Using Epigenetic Reference Codes and Breeding Tables. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:781235. [PMID: 35221940 PMCID: PMC8874286 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.781235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying neurobehavioral consequences of the hypofunctional dopamine transporter (DAT) across several generations entails the need to monitor allelic transmission to offspring, taking into account both maternal and paternal inheritance. Since each type of heterozygote expresses differential phenotypes, based on lineage of inheritance for wild and mutated alleles (from male or female ancestors), it is important to track transgenerational epigenetic effects. We deemed it essential to assign specific abbreviations identifying their characteristics. Therefore, we devised a Mendelian-inspired table to keep track of these. Starting from two progenitors (WT and KO) we named resulting heterozygous progenies MAT and PAT to differentiate them based on inheritance of the wild allele (from the mother or father). Tracing subsequent generations, similar logic has been followed: if coupling HET dams with KO males, initials “M” [(grand)maternal] and “P” [(grand)paternal] are kept, but “AT” is turned into “IX” (MIX and PIX), while if breeding HETs with WTs, “M” is changed to “W” resembling an upside down “M” and “P” to “S” for “sperm” (WAT and SOT). To underline the development within “hyperdopaminergic-uterus” a central letter “U” is added (MUX, PUX, and QULL), while a Greek initial (μAT, μIX, and νIX) underlines the uterine-worsened origin of the allele. In HET × HET breeding (GIX and DIX), the mutated allele can be inherited from both sides of the genealogical line. However, when the mother is MAT, wild and mutated alleles encounter for the first time, causing putative anomalies in the progeny. Replacing dam with a second-generation female (MIX and MUX) may mitigate epigenetic effects on third-generation offspring; therefore suffixes (“-f,” “-fu,” “-ϕ,” and “-ϕu”) emphasize that subsequent-generation dams imply that the alleles already encountered in HET (rather than WT) grand-dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sara Liberati
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale “Uninettuno,” Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Calcaprina
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale “Uninettuno,” Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Adriani
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale “Uninettuno,” Rome, Italy
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Walter Adriani,
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17
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Neuroimaging of Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020305. [PMID: 35203515 PMCID: PMC8869427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have made great strides in the diagnosis and our understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Despite the knowledge gained from human studies, mouse models have and continue to play an important role in deciphering the cellular and molecular evolution of AD. MRI and PET are now being increasingly used to investigate neuroimaging features in mouse models and provide the basis for rapid translation to the clinical setting. Here, we provide an overview of the human MRI and PET imaging landscape as a prelude to an in-depth review of preclinical imaging in mice. A broad range of mouse models recapitulate certain aspects of the human AD, but no single model simulates the human disease spectrum. We focused on the two of the most popular mouse models, the 3xTg-AD and the 5xFAD models, and we summarized all known published MRI and PET imaging data, including contrasting findings. The goal of this review is to provide the reader with broad framework to guide future studies in existing and future mouse models of AD. We also highlight aspects of MRI and PET imaging that could be improved to increase rigor and reproducibility in future imaging studies.
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18
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Gonçalves AN, Correia-Pinto J, Nogueira-Silva C. Distinct Epithelial Cell Profiles in Normal Versus Induced-Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Fetal Lungs. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:836591. [PMID: 35601428 PMCID: PMC9120630 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.836591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies identified a great diversity of cell types in precise number and position to create the architectural features of the lung that ventilation and respiration at birth depend on. With damaged respiratory function at birth, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is one of the more severe causes of fetal lung hypoplasia with unspecified cellular dynamics. OBJECTIVES To characterize the epithelial cell tissue in hypoplastic lungs, a careful analysis regarding pulmonary morphology and epithelial cell profile was conducted from pseudoglandular-to-saccular phases in normal versus nitrofen-induced CDH rat lungs. DESIGN Our analysis comprises three experimental groups, control, nitrofen (NF) and CDH, in which the relative expression levels (western blot) by group and developmental stage were analyzed in whole lung. Spatiotemporal distribution (immunohistochemistry) was revealed by pulmonary structure during normal and hypoplastic fetal lung development. Surfactant protein-C (SP-C), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), clara cell secretory protein (CCSP), and forkhead box J1 (FOXJ1) were the used molecular markers for alveolar epithelial cell type 2 (AEC2), pulmonary neuroendocrine, clara, and ciliated cell profiles, respectively. RESULTS Generally, we identified an aberrant expression of SP-C, CGRP, CCSP, and FOXJ1 in nitrofen-exposed lungs. For instance, the overexpression of FOXJ1 and CGRP in primordia of bronchiole defined the pseudoglandular stage in CDH lungs, whereas the increased expression of CGRP in bronchi; FOXJ1 and CGRP in terminal bronchiole; and SP-C in BADJ classified the canalicular and saccular stages in hypoplastic lungs. We also described higher expression levels in NF than CDH or control groups for both FOXJ1 in bronchi, terminal bronchiole and BADJ at canalicular stage, and SP-C in bronchi and terminal bronchiole at canalicular and saccular stages. Finally, we report an unexpected expression of FOXJ1 in BADJ at canalicular and saccular stages, whereas the multi cilia observed in bronchi were notably absent at embryonic day 21.5 in induced-CDH lungs. CONCLUSION The recognized alterations in the epithelial cell profile contribute to a better understanding of neonatal respiratory insufficiency in induced-CDH lungs and indicate a problem in the epithelial cell differentiation in hypoplastic lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana N Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia-Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristina Nogueira-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
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19
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Wolter A, Rapp AE, Durst MS, Hildebrand L, Löhning M, Buttgereit F, Schmidt-Bleek K, Jirkof P, Lang A. Systematic review on the reporting accuracy of experimental details in publications using mouse femoral fracture models. Bone 2021; 152:116088. [PMID: 34175502 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The outcomes of animal experiments can be influenced by a variety of factors. Thus, precise reporting is necessary to provide reliable and reproducible data. Initiatives such as the ARRIVE guidelines have been enrolled during the last decade to provide a road map for sufficient reporting. To understand the sophisticated process of bone regeneration and to develop new therapeutic strategies, small rodents, especially mice, are frequently used in bone healing research. Since many factors might influence the results from those studies, we performed a systematic literature search from 2010 to 2019 to identify studies involving mouse femoral fracture models (stable fixation) and evaluated the reporting of general and model-specific experimental details. 254 pre-selected publications were systematically analyzed, showing a high reporting accuracy for the used mouse strain, the age or developmental stage and sex of mice as well as model-specific information on fixation methods and fracturing procedures. However, reporting was more often insufficient in terms of mouse substrains and genetic backgrounds of genetically modified mice, body weight, hygiene monitoring/immune status of the animal, anesthesia, and analgesia. Consistent and reliable reporting of experimental variables in mouse fracture surgeries will improve scientific quality, enhance animal welfare, and foster translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Wolter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, A Leibniz Institute, Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anna E Rapp
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, A Leibniz Institute, Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Mattea S Durst
- Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Hildebrand
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Max Löhning
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, A Leibniz Institute, Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, A Leibniz Institute, Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katharina Schmidt-Bleek
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Paulin Jirkof
- Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Switzerland; Office for Animal Welfare and 3Rs, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, A Leibniz Institute, Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, Berlin, Germany.
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20
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Birling MC, Fray MD, Kasparek P, Kopkanova J, Massimi M, Matteoni R, Montoliu L, Nutter LMJ, Raspa M, Rozman J, Ryder EJ, Scavizzi F, Voikar V, Wells S, Pavlovic G, Teboul L. Importing genetically altered animals: ensuring quality. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:100-107. [PMID: 34536110 PMCID: PMC8913481 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09908-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The reproducibility of research using laboratory animals requires reliable management of their quality, in particular of their genetics, health and environment, all of which contribute to their phenotypes. The point at which these biological materials are transferred between researchers is particularly sensitive, as it may result in a loss of integrity of the animals and/or their documentation. Here, we describe the various aspects of laboratory animal quality that should be confirmed when sharing rodent research models. We also discuss how repositories of biological materials support the scientific community to ensure the continuity of the quality of laboratory animals. Both the concept of quality and the role of repositories themselves extend to all exchanges of biological materials and all networks that support the sharing of these reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-C Birling
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France.
| | - M D Fray
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
| | - P Kasparek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - J Kopkanova
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - M Massimi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - R Matteoni
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - L Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) Madrid and CIBERER-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M J Nutter
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Raspa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - J Rozman
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - E J Ryder
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,LGC, Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, Fordham, UK
| | - F Scavizzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - V Voikar
- Neuroscience Center and Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
| | - G Pavlovic
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France.
| | - L Teboul
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK.
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Szabó B, Lang Z, Kövér S, Bakonyi G. The inter-individual variance can provide additional information for the ecotoxicologists beside the mean. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112260. [PMID: 33910068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that the inter-individual parameter variability is an unexploited area of ecotoxicology was proposed several decades ago. Although some illustrative examples were presented to support this hypothesis in the last decades, it has never been tested on an extensive, coherent database. In this study, variance changes of 105 dose-response curves were analysed. All data originated from the same experiment, where the effects of the insecticide Trebon EC were investigated in a dose-response manner on 15 traits of the collembolan Folsomia candida in four subsequent generations and two types of insecticide treatments. A consistent relationship between inter-individual variance and insecticide application was found in 2 (first clutch size and growth-reproduction trade-off) out of the 15 of the parameters. Contrary to the mean, the variance of the first clutch size showed consistent differences compared to the control. Furthermore, the variance of the growth-reproduction trade-off was consistently different from the control except in one case (F3 generation of the transgenerational treatment). Higher first clutch size variances were found in F1 and a lower one in the F2 and F3 generations than in that of the control. This overall pattern of the variance changes of the first clutch size and the trade-off seems to be a quick response to the insecticide application. In the short term, we have found that variance increased with insecticide treatment (P and F1 generation), because phenotypic variance generally increases due to environmental stress. Disruptive selection could be another mechanism between the more detoxification less reproduction strategy and the more reproduction less detoxification strategy. However, in the later generations (F2-F3) the variance decreases compared to the control, which could be because on short term selection stronger on the viability parameters and in long-term selection on reproduction becomes stronger. According to our results, analysis of the variance changes of some parameters may give information about the effects of the pesticide even when the mean does not predict any impact. Testing variance changes are important in ecotoxicology because variance change can signalise toxicant impact even when the mean does not change in certain cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbála Szabó
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Szent István University, Páter K. st. 1, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; Centre for Ecological Research, Danube Research Institute, Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology Group, Karolina st. 29, 1113 Budapest, Hungary; Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, "Lendület" Landscape and Conservation Ecology Research Group, Alkotmány u. 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Lang
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István st. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Kövér
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István st. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bakonyi
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Szent István University, Páter K. st. 1, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
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22
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Puścian A, Winiarski M, Łęski S, Charzewski Ł, Nikolaev T, Borowska J, Dzik JM, Bijata M, Lipp HP, Dziembowska M, Knapska E. Chronic fluoxetine treatment impairs motivation and reward learning by affecting neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:672-688. [PMID: 33171527 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The therapeutic effects of fluoxetine are believed to be due to increasing neuronal plasticity and reversing some learning deficits. Nevertheless, a growing amount of evidence shows adverse effects of this drug on cognition and some forms of neuronal plasticity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To study the effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment, we combine an automated assessment of motivation and learning in mice with an investigation of neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala and basolateral amygdala. We use immunohistochemistry to visualize neuronal types and perineuronal nets, along with DI staining to assess dendritic spine morphology. Gel zymography is used to test fluoxetine's impact on matrix metalloproteinase-9, an enzyme involved in synaptic plasticity. KEY RESULTS We show that chronic fluoxetine treatment in non-stressed mice increases perineuronal nets-dependent plasticity in the basolateral amygdala, while impairing MMP-9-dependent plasticity in the central amygdala. Further, we illustrate how the latter contributes to anhedonia and deficits of reward learning. Behavioural impairments are accompanied by alterations in morphology of dendritic spines in the central amygdala towards an immature state, most likely reflecting animals' inability to adapt. We strengthen the link between the adverse effects of fluoxetine and its influence on MMP-9 by showing that behaviour of MMP-9 knockout animals remains unaffected by the drug. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic fluoxetine treatment differentially affects various forms of neuronal plasticity, possibly explaining its opposing effects on brain and behaviour. These findings are of immediate clinical relevance since reported side effects of fluoxetine pose a potential threat to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Puścian
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Winiarski
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Łęski
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Charzewski
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Nikolaev
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Borowska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub M Dzik
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Bijata
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hans-Peter Lipp
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | | | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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23
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A fish is not a mouse: understanding differences in background genetics is critical for reproducibility. Lab Anim (NY) 2020; 50:19-25. [PMID: 33268901 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-020-00683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Poorly controlled background genetics in animal models contributes to the lack of reproducibility that is increasingly recognized in biomedical research. The laboratory zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been an important model organism for decades in many research areas, yet inbred strains and traditionally managed outbred stocks are not available for this species. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as 'inbred strains' or 'strains', zebrafish wild-type lines possess background genetics that are often not well characterized, and breeding practices for these lines have not been consistent over time or among institutions. In this Perspective, we trace key milestones in the history of one of the most widely used genetic backgrounds, the AB line, to illustrate the dynamic complexity within an example background that is largely invisible when reading the scientific literature. Failure to adequately control for genetic background compromises the validity of experimental outcomes. We therefore propose that authors provide as much specific detail about the origin and genetic makeup of zebrafish lines as is reasonable and possible, and that the terms used to describe background genetics be applied in a way that is consistent with other fish and mammalian model organisms. We strongly encourage the adoption of genetic monitoring for the characterization of existing zebrafish lines, to help detect genetic contamination in breeding colonies and to verify the level of genetic heterogeneity in breeding colonies over time. Careful attention to background genetics will improve transparency and reproducibility, therefore improving the utility of the zebrafish as a model organism.
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24
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Gonçalves AN, Correia-Pinto J, Nogueira-Silva C. ROBO2 signaling in lung development regulates SOX2/SOX9 balance, branching morphogenesis and is dysregulated in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Respir Res 2020; 21:302. [PMID: 33208157 PMCID: PMC7672875 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-020-01568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Characterized by abnormal lung growth or maturation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) affects 1:3000 live births. Cellular studies report proximal (SOX2+) and distal (SOX9+) progenitor cells as key modulators of branching morphogenesis and epithelial differentiation, whereas transcriptome studies demonstrate ROBO/SLIT as potential therapeutic targets for diaphragm defect repair in CDH. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that (a) experimental-CDH could changes the expression profile of ROBO1, ROBO2, SOX2 and SOX9; and (b) ROBO1 or ROBO2 receptors are regulators of branching morphogenesis and SOX2/SOX9 balance. Methods The expression profile for receptors and epithelial progenitor markers were assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in a nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. Immunohistochemistry signals by pulmonary structure were also quantified from embryonic-to-saccular stages in normal and hypoplastic lungs. Ex vivo lung explant cultures were harvested at E13.5, cultures during 4 days and treated with increasing doses of recombinant rat ROBO1 or human ROBO2 Fc Chimera proteins for ROBO1 and ROBO2 inhibition, respectively. The lung explants were analyzed morphometrically and ROBO1, ROBO2, SOX2, SOX9, BMP4, and β-Catenin were quantified by Western blot. Results Experimental-CDH induces distinct expression profiles by pulmonary structure and developmental stage for both receptors (ROBO1 and ROBO2) and epithelial progenitor markers (SOX2 and SOX9) that provide evidence of the impairment of proximodistal patterning in experimental-CDH. Ex vivo functional studies showed unchanged branching morphogenesis after ROBO1 inhibition; increased fetal lung growth after ROBO2 inhibition in a mechanism-dependent on SOX2 depletion and overexpression of SOX9, non-phospho β-Catenin, and BMP4. Conclusions These studies provided evidence of receptors and epithelial progenitor cells which are severely affected by CDH-induction from embryonic-to-saccular stages and established the ROBO2 inhibition as promoter of branching morphogenesis through SOX2/SOX9 balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana N Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia-Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristina Nogueira-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Gualtar, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
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25
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Mandal RK, Denny JE, Waide ML, Li Q, Bhutiani N, Anderson CD, Baby BV, Jala VR, Egilmez NK, Schmidt NW. Temporospatial shifts within commercial laboratory mouse gut microbiota impact experimental reproducibility. BMC Biol 2020; 18:83. [PMID: 32620114 PMCID: PMC7334859 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental reproducibility in mouse models is impacted by both genetics and environment. The generation of reproducible data is critical for the biomedical enterprise and has become a major concern for the scientific community and funding agencies alike. Among the factors that impact reproducibility in experimental mouse models is the variable composition of the microbiota in mice supplied by different commercial vendors. Less attention has been paid to how the microbiota of mice supplied by a particular vendor might change over time. RESULTS In the course of conducting a series of experiments in a mouse model of malaria, we observed a profound and lasting change in the severity of malaria in mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii; while for several years mice obtained from a specific production suite of a specific commercial vendor were able to clear the parasites effectively in a relatively short time, mice subsequently shipped from the same unit suffered much more severe disease. Gut microbiota analysis of frozen cecal samples identified a distinct and lasting shift in bacteria populations that coincided with the altered response of the later shipments of mice to infection with malaria parasites. Germ-free mice colonized with cecal microbiota from mice within the same production suite before and after this change followed by Plasmodium infection provided a direct demonstration that the change in gut microbiota profoundly impacted the severity of malaria. Moreover, spatial changes in gut microbiota composition were also shown to alter the acute bacterial burden following Salmonella infection, and tumor burden in a lung tumorigenesis model. CONCLUSION These changes in gut bacteria may have impacted the experimental reproducibility of diverse research groups and highlight the need for both laboratory animal providers and researchers to collaborate in determining the methods and criteria needed to stabilize the gut microbiota of animal breeding colonies and research cohorts, and to develop a microbiota solution to increase experimental rigor and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabindra K Mandal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Present Address: Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Joshua E Denny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Morgan L Waide
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Qingsheng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Neal Bhutiani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Charles D Anderson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Becca V Baby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Venkatakrishna R Jala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Nejat K Egilmez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Nathan W Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Present Address: Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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26
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Navigating Uncertainties: How to Assess Welfare and Harm in Genetically Altered Animals Responsibly-A Practical Guideline. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050857. [PMID: 32429139 PMCID: PMC7278426 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary When using animals in research, ethical aspects must be included in the project evaluation process. As one important part, a harm–benefit analysis (HBA) should be carried out in order to approve projects in line with the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, which sets out the rules for animal experiments in Europe. These regulations state that the harms and benefits of a project should be assessed and weighed before the project starts. Assessment of harms caused by scientific procedure is a precondition for ethical evaluation. In this context, projects that involve genetically altered (GA) lines raise new issues. A significant lack of knowledge surrounds new GA lines, making it difficult and sometimes impossible to estimate harm prospectively with sufficient certainty since it is not predictable what sort of harm—if at all—the animals are going to experience. Therefore, this contribution aims to deal with the challenges of harm assessment in GA animals and their implications for welfare assessment and the HBA. A practical guideline is presented herein to serve as guidance for relevant harm factors and address the main challenges, particularly when dealing with uncertainties in project evaluation. Abstract The use of animals in research requires careful ethical consideration of whether the burden on the animals is justified. As one important part of the project evaluation, a harm–benefit analysis (HBA) must be carried out in order to approve projects in line with the EU Directive 2010/63/EU. This implies that harms and benefits must be assessed prospectively beforehand in order to weigh them. Although there are different methods of weighing, it is clear that an assessment of prospective harms and benefits is a precondition for any weighing procedure. In this context, projects that use genetically altered (GA) lines raise new issues. A unique challenge when using GA lines is the significant lack of knowledge in this context, making it difficult and sometimes impossible to estimate harm prospectively with sufficient certainty, since it is not predictable what sort of harm—if at all—the animals are going to experience. Therefore, this contribution aims to deal with the challenges of harm assessment in GA animals and their implications for welfare assessment and the HBA. A practical guideline is presented herein to serve as guidance for relevant harm factors and address the main challenges, particularly when dealing with uncertainties in the process of HBA.
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