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Senescence-like phenotype in post-mitotic cells of mice entering middle age. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 12:13979-13990. [PMID: 32634782 PMCID: PMC7425512 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Staining mice tissues for β-galactosidase activity is a fundamental tool to detect age- or disease-associated cellular senescence. However, reported analyses of positivity for senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity or for other markers of senescence in post-mitotic cells of healthy murine tissues have been fragmentary or inconclusive. Here, we attempted to independently deepen this knowledge using multiple senescence markers within the same cells of wild type mice entering middle age (9 months of age). A histochemistry protocol for the pH-dependent detection of β-galactosidase activity in several tissues was used. At pH 6, routinely utilized to detect senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, only specific cellular populations in the mouse body (including Purkinje cells and choroid plexus in the central nervous system) were detected as strongly positive for β-galactosidase activity. These post-mitotic cells were also positive for other established markers of senescence (p16, p21 and DPP4), detected by immunofluorescence, confirming a potential senescent phenotype. These data might contribute to understanding the functional relation between the senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and senescence markers in post-mitotic cells in absence of disease or advanced aging.
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2
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Sundberg JP, Pratt CH, Goodwin LP, Silva KA, Kennedy VE, Potter CS, Dunham A, Sundberg BA, HogenEsch H. Keratinocyte-specific deletion of SHARPIN induces atopic dermatitis-like inflammation in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235295. [PMID: 32687504 PMCID: PMC7371178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous mutations in the SHANK-associated RH domain interacting protein (Sharpin) resulted in a severe autoinflammatory type of chronic proliferative dermatitis, inflammation in other organs, and lymphoid organ defects. To determine whether cell-type restricted loss of Sharpin causes similar lesions, a conditional null mutant was created. Ubiquitously expressing cre-recombinase recapitulated the phenotype seen in spontaneous mutant mice. Limiting expression to keratinocytes (using a Krt14-cre) induced a chronic eosinophilic dermatitis, but no inflammation in other organs or lymphoid organ defects. The dermatitis was associated with a markedly increased concentration of serum IgE and IL18. Crosses with S100a4-cre resulted in milder skin lesions and moderate to severe arthritis. This conditional null mutant will enable more detailed studies on the role of SHARPIN in regulating NFkB and inflammation, while the Krt14-Sharpin-/- provides a new model to study atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Sundberg
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - C. Herbert Pratt
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Anisa Dunham
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Beth A. Sundberg
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Harm HogenEsch
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
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3
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Cai Y, Zhou H, Zhu Y, Sun Q, Ji Y, Xue A, Wang Y, Chen W, Yu X, Wang L, Chen H, Li C, Luo T, Deng H. Elimination of senescent cells by β-galactosidase-targeted prodrug attenuates inflammation and restores physical function in aged mice. Cell Res 2020; 30:574-589. [PMID: 32341413 PMCID: PMC7184167 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence, a persistent state of cell cycle arrest, accumulates in aged organisms, contributes to tissue dysfunction, and drives age-related phenotypes. The clearance of senescent cells is expected to decrease chronic, low-grade inflammation and improve tissue repair capacity, thus attenuating the decline of physical function in aged organisms. However, selective and effective clearance of senescent cells of different cell types has proven challenging. Herein, we developed a prodrug strategy to design a new compound based on the increased activity of lysosomal β-galactosidase (β-gal), a primary characteristic of senescent cells. Our prodrug SSK1 is specifically activated by β-gal and eliminates mouse and human senescent cells independently of senescence inducers and cell types. In aged mice, our compound effectively cleared senescent cells in different tissues, decreased the senescence- and age-associated gene signatures, attenuated low-grade local and systemic inflammation, and restored physical function. Our results demonstrate that lysosomal β-gal can be effectively leveraged to selectively eliminate senescent cells, providing a novel strategy to develop anti-aging interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Cai
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhou
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology & Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yinhua Zhu
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Ministry of Education and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qi Sun
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yin Ji
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Anqi Xue
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wenhan Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaojie Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longteng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Han Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Ministry of Education and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Cheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Bioinformatics, Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tuoping Luo
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Ministry of Education and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Hongkui Deng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology & Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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4
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Establishment and Maintenance of the Macrophage Niche. Immunity 2020; 52:434-451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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5
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Shoemaker R, AlSiraj Y, Chen J, Cassis LA. Pancreatic AT1aR Deficiency Decreases Insulin Secretion in Obese C57BL/6 Mice. Am J Hypertens 2019; 32:597-604. [PMID: 30903169 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we demonstrated that obese mice have marked elevations in systemic concentrations of angiotensin II (AngII). Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), including angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonists, have been reported to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), suggesting improvements in insulin sensitivity or regulation of pancreatic insulin secretion. Pancreatic islets possess components of the RAS, including AT1R, but it is unclear if AngII acts at islets to regulate insulin secretion during the development of T2D. METHODS We deleted AT1aR from pancreatic islets and examined effects on insulin secretion in mice fed a low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diet. In separate studies, to exacerbate the system, we infused HF-fed mice of each genotype with AngII. RESULTS Pancreatic AT1aR deficiency impaired glucose tolerance and elevated plasma glucose concentrations in HF, but not LF-fed mice. In HF-fed mice, high glucose increased insulin secretion from islets of AT1aRfl/fl, but not AT1aRpdx mice. In AngII-infused mice, following glucose challenge, plasma glucose or insulin concentrations were not significantly different between genotypes. Moreover, high glucose stimulated insulin secretion from islets of AT1aRfl/fl and AT1aRpdx mice, presumably related to weight loss, and improved insulin sensitivity in both groups of AngII-infused HF-fed mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that during the adaptive response to insulin resistance from HF feeding, AngII promotes insulin secretion from islets through an AT1aR mechanism. These results suggest the timing of initiation of AT1R blockade may be important in the progression from prediabetes to T2D with β-cell failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Shoemaker
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yasir AlSiraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jeff Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lisa A Cassis
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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6
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Bolon B, Newbigging S, Boyd KL. Pathology Evaluation of Developmental Phenotypes in Neonatal and Juvenile Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 7:191-219. [DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelli L. Boyd
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville Tennessee
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7
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Wilcox SM, Arora H, Munro L, Xin J, Fenninger F, Johnson LA, Pfeifer CG, Choi KB, Hou J, Hoodless PA, Jefferies WA. The role of the innate immune response regulatory gene ABCF1 in mammalian embryogenesis and development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175918. [PMID: 28542262 PMCID: PMC5438103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ABCF1 is an ABC transporter family protein that has been shown to regulate innate immune response and is a risk gene for autoimmune pancreatitis and arthritis. Unlike other members of ABC transporter family, ABCF1 lacks trans-membrane domains and is thought to function in translation initiation through an interaction with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2). To study ABCF1 expression and function in development and disease, we used a single gene trap insertion in the Abcf1 gene in murine embryonic stem cells (ES cells) that allowed lineage tracing of the endogenous Abcf1 promoter by following the expression of a β-galactosidase reporter gene. From the ES cells, heterozygous mice (Abcf1+/-) were produced. No live born Abcf1-/- progeny were ever generated, and the lethality was not mouse strain-specific. Thus, we have determined that Abcf1 is an essential gene in development. Abcf1-/- mice were found to be embryonic lethal at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc), while Abcf1+/- mice appeared developmentally normal. Abcf1+/- mice were fertile and showed no significant differences in their anatomy when compared with their wild type littermates. The Abcf1 promoter was found to be active in all organs in adult mice, but varies in levels of expression in specific cell types within tissues. Furthermore, we observed high promoter activity in the blastocysts and embryos. Overall, Abcf1 expression in embryos is required for development and its expression in adults was highly correlated with actively proliferating and differentiating cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Wilcox
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hitesh Arora
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lonna Munro
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jian Xin
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Franz Fenninger
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura A. Johnson
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cheryl G. Pfeifer
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kyung Bok Choi
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan Hou
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pamela A. Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wilfred A. Jefferies
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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8
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Merkwitz C, Blaschuk O, Schulz A, Ricken AM. Comments on Methods to Suppress Endogenous β-Galactosidase Activity in Mouse Tissues Expressing the LacZ Reporter Gene. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:579-86. [PMID: 27555495 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416665337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli LacZ gene (encoding β-galactosidase) is a widely used reporter for gene regulation analysis in transgenic mice. Determination of β-galactosidase activity is classically performed using 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside/ferri-/ferrocyanide (X-Gal/FeCN) histochemistry. Uncertainty about the origin of the β-galactosidase signal is encountered in tissues containing high levels of endogenous β-galactosidase. Here, we show that reliable results can nevertheless be obtained in these tissues by performing the histochemical reaction under slightly basic pH conditions (pH 8-9). We further demonstrate that in this context, analysis of tissue sections may be advantageous over that of conventional whole-mount tissues because poor dye penetration and remaining tissue acidity are avoided in tissue sections. We also recommend that bacterial debris should always be carefully removed from the luminal surface of gastrointestinal tract specimens unless staining of resident microflora is deliberately used as an internal positive control in the assay. Finally, we show that 6-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside with nitrotetrazolium blue chloride works well as an alternative chromogenic substrate for visualizing LacZ reporter gene expression in cryostat sections. Its use in high endogenous β-galactosidase-expressing organs is superior over the use of X-Gal/FeCN at slightly basic pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Merkwitz
- Institute of Anatomy ,Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany(CM, AMR)
| | - Orest Blaschuk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada (OB).,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada (OB)
| | - Angela Schulz
- Institute of Biochemistry ,Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany(AS),IFB AdiposityDiseases ,Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany(AS)
| | - Albert Markus Ricken
- Institute of Anatomy ,Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany(CM, AMR)
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9
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Tuck E, Estabel J, Oellrich A, Maguire AK, Adissu HA, Souter L, Siragher E, Lillistone C, Green AL, Wardle-Jones H, Carragher DM, Karp NA, Smedley D, Adams NC, Bussell JN, Adams DJ, Ramírez-Solis R, Steel KP, Galli A, White JK. A gene expression resource generated by genome-wide lacZ profiling in the mouse. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1467-78. [PMID: 26398943 PMCID: PMC4631787 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.021238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the expression profile of a gene is a critical piece of information required to build an understanding of the normal and essential functions of that gene and any role it may play in the development or progression of disease. High-throughput, large-scale efforts are on-going internationally to characterise reporter-tagged knockout mouse lines. As part of that effort, we report an open access adult mouse expression resource, in which the expression profile of 424 genes has been assessed in up to 47 different organs, tissues and sub-structures using a lacZ reporter gene. Many specific and informative expression patterns were noted. Expression was most commonly observed in the testis and brain and was most restricted in white adipose tissue and mammary gland. Over half of the assessed genes presented with an absent or localised expression pattern (categorised as 0-10 positive structures). A link between complexity of expression profile and viability of homozygous null animals was observed; inactivation of genes expressed in ≥ 21 structures was more likely to result in reduced viability by postnatal day 14 compared with more restricted expression profiles. For validation purposes, this mouse expression resource was compared with Bgee, a federated composite of RNA-based expression data sets. Strong agreement was observed, indicating a high degree of specificity in our data. Furthermore, there were 1207 observations of expression of a particular gene in an anatomical structure where Bgee had no data, indicating a large amount of novelty in our data set. Examples of expression data corroborating and extending genotype-phenotype associations and supporting disease gene candidacy are presented to demonstrate the potential of this powerful resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Tuck
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jeanne Estabel
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Anika Oellrich
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Hibret A Adissu
- Centre for Modeling Human Disease, Toronto Centre for Phenogenomics, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, Canada M5T 3H7
| | - Luke Souter
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Emma Siragher
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Angela L Green
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | | | - Natasha A Karp
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Damian Smedley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Niels C Adams
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - James N Bussell
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David J Adams
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Karen P Steel
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Antonella Galli
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
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10
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Lessons from mouse chimaera experiments with a reiterated transgene marker: revised marker criteria and a review of chimaera markers. Transgenic Res 2015; 24:665-91. [PMID: 26048593 PMCID: PMC4504987 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-015-9883-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports of a new generation of ubiquitous transgenic chimaera markers prompted us to consider the criteria used to evaluate new chimaera markers and develop more objective assessment methods. To investigate this experimentally we used several series of fetal and adult chimaeras, carrying an older, multi-copy transgenic marker. We used two additional independent markers and objective, quantitative criteria for cell selection and cell mixing to investigate quantitative and spatial aspects of developmental neutrality. We also suggest how the quantitative analysis we used could be simplified for future use with other markers. As a result, we recommend a five-step procedure for investigators to evaluate new chimaera markers based partly on criteria proposed previously but with a greater emphasis on examining the developmental neutrality of prospective new markers. These five steps comprise (1) review of published information, (2) evaluation of marker detection, (3) genetic crosses to check for effects on viability and growth, (4) comparisons of chimaeras with and without the marker and (5) analysis of chimaeras with both cell populations labelled. Finally, we review a number of different chimaera markers and evaluate them using the extended set of criteria. These comparisons indicate that, although the new generation of ubiquitous fluorescent markers are the best of those currently available and fulfil most of the criteria required of a chimaera marker, further work is required to determine whether they are developmentally neutral.
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11
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Supporting conditional mouse mutagenesis with a comprehensive cre characterization resource. Nat Commun 2013; 3:1218. [PMID: 23169059 PMCID: PMC3514490 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Full realization of the value of the loxP-flanked alleles generated by the International Knockout Mouse Consortium will require a large set of well-characterized cre-driver lines. However, many cre driver lines display excision activity beyond the intended tissue or cell type, and these data are frequently unavailable to the potential user. Here we describe a high-throughput pipeline to extend characterization of cre driver lines to document excision activity in a wide range of tissues at multiple time points and disseminate these data to the scientific community. Our results show that the majority of cre strains exhibit some degree of unreported recombinase activity. In addition, we observe frequent mosaicism, inconsistent activity and parent-of-origin effects. Together, these results highlight the importance of deep characterization of cre strains, and provide the scientific community with a critical resource for cre strain information. The cre-loxP system is widely used for the generation of conditional gene knockouts. Here Heffner et al. systematically characterize cre recombinase activity in tissues of embryonic and adult cre-driver mouse strains and provide an online resource for scientists.
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12
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Ramírez-Solis R, Ryder E, Houghton R, White JK, Bottomley J. Large-scale mouse knockouts and phenotypes. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2012; 4:547-63. [PMID: 22899600 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Standardized phenotypic analysis of mutant forms of every gene in the mouse genome will provide fundamental insights into mammalian gene function and advance human and animal health. The availability of the human and mouse genome sequences, the development of embryonic stem cell mutagenesis technology, the standardization of phenotypic analysis pipelines, and the paradigm-shifting industrialization of these processes have made this a realistic and achievable goal. The size of this enterprise will require global coordination to ensure economies of scale in both the generation and primary phenotypic analysis of the mutant strains, and to minimize unnecessary duplication of effort. To provide more depth to the functional annotation of the genome, effective mechanisms will also need to be developed to disseminate the information and resources produced to the wider community. Better models of disease, potential new drug targets with novel mechanisms of action, and completely unsuspected genotype-phenotype relationships covering broad aspects of biology will become apparent. To reach these goals, solutions to challenges in mouse production and distribution, as well as development of novel, ever more powerful phenotypic analysis modalities will be necessary. It is a challenging and exciting time to work in mouse genetics.
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13
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Improved methods for detection of β-galactosidase (lacZ) activity in hard tissue. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 137:841-7. [PMID: 22371055 PMCID: PMC3353101 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-0936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The β-galactosidase gene (lacZ) of Escherichia coli is widely used as a reporter gene. The expression of lacZ can be detected by enzyme-based histochemical staining using chromogenic substrates such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D: -galactoside (X-gal). Because the enzymatic activity of lacZ is vulnerable to high temperatures and acid treatment for demineralization, detection of lacZ on paraffinized sections is difficult, especially for hard tissues, which require demineralization before sectioning in paraffin. To circumvent this problem, whole-mount X-gal staining before sectioning is performed. However, detection of lacZ activity in the center of larger portions of hard whole adult tissues is challenging. In this study, focusing on fixation procedures, we determined the conditions conducive to improved detection of lacZ activity in deeper areas of whole tissues. We used an annexin a5 (Anxa5)-lacZ reporter mouse model in which the Anxa5 expression in hard tissue is indicated by lacZ activity. We found that lacZ activity could be detected throughout the periodontal ligament of adult mice when fixed in 100% acetone, whereas it was not detected in the periodontal ligament around the root apex fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde. This staining could not be detected in wild-type mice. Acetone maintains the lacZ activity within 48 h of fixation at both 4°C and at room temperature. In conclusion, acetone is the optimal fixative to improve permeability for staining of lacZ activity in large volumes of adult hard tissues.
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Ward JM, Elmore SA, Foley JF. Pathology methods for the evaluation of embryonic and perinatal developmental defects and lethality in genetically engineered mice. Vet Pathol 2011; 49:71-84. [PMID: 22146849 DOI: 10.1177/0300985811429811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The normal embryonic development of organs and other tissues in mice and all species is preprogrammed by genes. Inactivation of a gene involved in any stage of normal embryonic development can have severe consequences leading to embryonic or postnatal developmental defects and lethality. Pathology methods are reviewed for evaluating normal and abnormal placenta and embryo, especially after E12.5. These methods include pathology protocols for necropsy and histopathology in addition to references that will provide additional knowledge for embryo assessment including histology atlases and advanced embryo imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ward
- Global VetPathology, Montgomery Village, MD 20886, USA.
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15
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Saar K, Saar H, Hansen M, Langel Ü, Pooga M. Distribution of CPP-Protein Complexes in Freshly Resected Human Tissue Material. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:621-635. [PMID: 27713271 PMCID: PMC4033972 DOI: 10.3390/ph3030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) as delivery agents has fuelled a large number of studies conducted on cultured cells and in mice. However, only a few studies have been devoted to the behaviour of CPPs in human tissues. Therefore, we performed ex vivo tissue-dipping experiments where we studied the distribution of CPP-protein complexes in samples of freshly harvested human tissue material. We used the carcinoma or hyperplasia-containing specimens of the uterus and the cervix, obtained as surgical waste from nine hysterectomies. Our aim was to evaluate the tissue of preference (epithelial versus muscular/connective tissue, carcinoma versus adjacent histologically normal tissue) for two well-studied CPPs, the transportan and the TAT-peptide. We complexed biotinylated CPPs with avidin--galactosidase (ABG), which enabled us to apply whole-mount X-gal staining as a robust detection method. Our results demonstrate that both peptides enhanced the tissue distribution of ABG. The enhancing effect of the tested CPPs was more obvious in the normal tissue and in some specimens we detected a striking selectivity of CPP-ABG complexes for the normal tissue. This unexpected finding encourages the evaluation of CPPs as local delivery agents in non-malignant situations, for example in the intrauterine gene therapy of benign gynaecological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Külliki Saar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu; Riia Street 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Helgi Saar
- Department of Pathology, University of Tartu Hospital; Puusepa Street 8, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mats Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Tartu; Ravila Street 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Molecular Biotechnology Lab, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu; Nooruse Street 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University; Svante Arrhenius väg 21A, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu; Riia Street 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Huang SF, Liu DB, Zeng JM, Yuan Y, Xiao Q, Sun CM, Li CL, Tao K, Wen JP, Huang ZG, Feng WL. Cloning, expression, purification, distribution and kinetics characterization of the bacterial beta-galactosidase fused to the cytoplasmic transduction peptide in vitro and in vivo. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 68:167-76. [PMID: 19573604 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2009] [Revised: 06/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP) offers exciting therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of many diseases caused by cytoplasmic functional molecules. It can transduce large, biologically active proteins into the cytoplasmic compartment of several mammalian cells. However, other intriguing features of CTP, including its activity in vitro, and distribution and tissue infiltration abilities in vivo, remain to be explored. The present study was initiated to (1) further confirm the cytoplasmic localization preference and the enzymatic activity of the transduced CTP-beta-gal in vitro and (2) examine the kinetics and tissue distribution of the CTP-beta-gal fusion protein in mice. A CTP-beta-gal fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and either transduced into BaF3-BCR/ABL cells or administered intravenously into female Balb/C mice at a dose of 100 microg per mouse. Its localization in BaF3-BCR/ABL cells was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and in situ X-gal staining, and its distribution in various tissues was analyzed both by in situ X-gal staining and quantitative enzymatic activity assay. beta-Galactosidase enzyme activity was observed in BaF3-BCR/ABL cells and in all tissues tested, with peak activity occurring at 15 min in most tissues and at 24h in brain. These data will not only allow rational selection of delivery schedules for therapeutic CTP, but will also aid the use of CTP fusion protein transduction in the development of protein therapeutics targeting the cytoplasmic compartment both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Feng Huang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated by the Ministry of Education, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
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