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Schenk S, Sagendorf TJ, Many GM, Lira AK, de Sousa LGO, Bae D, Cicha M, Kramer KS, Muehlbauer M, Hevener AL, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Williams JP, Goodyear LJ, Esser KA, Newgard CB, Bodine SC. Physiological Adaptations to Progressive Endurance Exercise Training in Adult and Aged Rats: Insights from the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC). FUNCTION 2024; 5:zqae014. [PMID: 38984994 PMCID: PMC11245678 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqae014] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
While regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health, wellness, and vitality, the impact of endurance exercise training on molecular signaling within and across tissues remains to be delineated. The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) was established to characterize molecular networks underlying the adaptive response to exercise. Here, we describe the endurance exercise training studies undertaken by the Preclinical Animal Sites Studies component of MoTrPAC, in which we sought to develop and implement a standardized endurance exercise protocol in a large cohort of rats. To this end, Adult (6-mo) and Aged (18-mo) female (n = 151) and male (n = 143) Fischer 344 rats were subjected to progressive treadmill training (5 d/wk, ∼70%-75% VO2max) for 1, 2, 4, or 8 wk; sedentary rats were studied as the control group. A total of 18 solid tissues, as well as blood, plasma, and feces, were collected to establish a publicly accessible biorepository and for extensive omics-based analyses by MoTrPAC. Treadmill training was highly effective, with robust improvements in skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity in as little as 1-2 wk and improvements in maximum run speed and maximal oxygen uptake by 4-8 wk. For body mass and composition, notable age- and sex-dependent responses were observed. This work in mature, treadmill-trained rats represents the most comprehensive and publicly accessible tissue biorepository, to date, and provides an unprecedented resource for studying temporal-, sex-, and age-specific responses to endurance exercise training in a preclinical rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schenk
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tyler J Sagendorf
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Gina M Many
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Ana K Lira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Luis G O de Sousa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dam Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Michael Cicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kyle S Kramer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Michael Muehlbauer
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Andrea L Hevener
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - R Scott Rector
- Research Service,
Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Medical Center, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- NextGen Precision Health,
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- KU Diabetes Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - John P Williams
- Division of Aging Biology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20898, USA
| | - Laurie J Goodyear
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism,
Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Karyn A Esser
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christopher B Newgard
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Sue C Bodine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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2
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Meek S, Singh-Dolt K, Sutherland L, Sharp MGF, Del-Pozo J, Walker D, Burdon T. Redundancy of p75NTR neurotrophin receptor function in development, growth and fertility in the rat. Transgenic Res 2024:10.1007/s11248-024-00395-9. [PMID: 38981975 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-024-00395-9] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The p75NTR neurotrophin receptor has positive and negative roles regulating cell survival in the nervous system. Unambiguous interpretation of p75NTR function in vivo has been complicated, however, by residual expression of alternate forms of p75NTR protein in initial p75NTR knock-out mouse models. As rats are the preferred rodent for studying brain and behaviour, and to simplify interpretation of the knock-out phenotype, we report here the generation of a mutant rat devoid of the p75NTR protein. TALEN-mediated recombination in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was used to flank exon 2 of p75NTR with Lox P sites and produce transgenic rats carrying either un-recombined floxed p75NTREx2-fl, or recombined, exon-2 deleted p75NTREx2-Δ alleles. Crossing p75NTREx2-fl rats with a Cre-deleter strain efficiently removed exon 2 in vivo. Excision of exon 2 causes a frameshift after p75NTR Gly23 and eliminated p75NTR protein expression. Rats lacking p75NTR were healthy, fertile, and histological analysis did not reveal significant changes in cellular density or overall structure in their brains. p75NTR function is therefore largely dispensable for normal development, growth and basal homeostasis in the rat. However, the availability of constitutive and conditional p75NTREx2-Δ rats provides new opportunities to investigate specific roles of p75NTR upon injury and during tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Meek
- The Roslin Institute, RDSVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Karamjit Singh-Dolt
- The Roslin Institute, RDSVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Sutherland
- The Roslin Institute, RDSVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Matthew G F Sharp
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, University of Edinburgh, Chancellors Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Jorge Del-Pozo
- The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Science, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - David Walker
- The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Science, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- VPG Histology, 637 Gloucester Rd, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BJ, UK
| | - Tom Burdon
- The Roslin Institute, RDSVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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Jeon BJ, Kwon DH, Gim GM, Kim HK, Lee JH, Jang G. Stable long-term germline transmission of GFP transgenic rat via PiggyBac transposon mediated gene transfer. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:275. [PMID: 38918814 PMCID: PMC11201299 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgene silencing provides a significant challenge in animal model production via gene engineering using viral vectors or transposons. Selecting an appropriate strategy, contingent upon the species is crucial to circumvent transgene silencing, necessitating long-term observation of in vivo gene expression. This study employed the PiggyBac transposon to create a GFP rat model to address transgene silencing in rats. Surprisingly, transgene silencing occurred while using the CAG promoter, contrary to conventional understanding, whereas the Ef1α promoter prevented silencing. GFP expression remained stable through over five generations, confirming efficacy of the Ef1α promoter for long-term protein expression in rats. Additionally, GFP expression was consistently maintained at the cellular level in various cellular sources produced from the GFP rats, thereby validating the in vitro GFP expression of GFP rats. Whole-genome sequencing identified a stable integration site in Akap1 between exons 1 and 2, mitigating sequence-independent mechanism-mediated transgene silencing. This study established an efficient method for producing transgenic rat models using PiggyBac transposon. Our GFP rats represent the first model to exhibit prolonged expression of foreign genes over five generations, with implications for future research in gene-engineered rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom-Jin Jeon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyeok Kwon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hee-Kyoung Kim
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- K-BIO KIURI Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Jang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- LARTBio Incorp, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
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Seol DW, Park BJ, Koo DB, Kim JS, Jeon YH, Lee JE, Park JS, Jang H, Wee G. Optimizing Embryo Collection for Application of CRISPR/Cas9 System and Generation of Fukutin Knockout Rat Using This Method. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3752-3762. [PMID: 38785502 PMCID: PMC11120416 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050234] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rat animal models are widely used owing to their relatively superior cognitive abilities and higher similarity compared with mouse models to human physiological characteristics. However, their use is limited because of difficulties in establishing embryonic stem cells and performing genetic modifications, and insufficient embryological research. In this study, we established optimal superovulation and fertilized-egg transfer conditions, including optimal hormone injection concentration (≥150 IU/kg of PMSG and hCG) and culture medium (mR1ECM), to obtain high-quality zygotes and establish in vitro fertilization conditions for rats. Next, sgRNA with optimal targeting activity was selected by performing PCR analysis and the T7E1 assay, and the CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to construct a rat model for muscular dystrophy by inducing a deficiency in the fukutin gene without any off-target effect detected. The production of fukutin knockout rats was phenotypically confirmed by observing a drop-in body weight to one-third of that of the control group. In summary, we succeeded in constructing the first muscular dystrophy disease rat model using the CRISPR/CAS9 system for increasing future prospects of producing various animal disease models and encouraging disease research using rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Won Seol
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (KMEDIHUB), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (D.-W.S.); (Y.-H.J.); (J.-E.L.); (J.-S.P.)
- Non-Clinical Evaluation Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIO Health), Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Jin Park
- Primate Resources Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.K.)
| | - Deog-Bon Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ji-Su Kim
- Primate Resources Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.K.)
| | - Yong-Hyun Jeon
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (KMEDIHUB), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (D.-W.S.); (Y.-H.J.); (J.-E.L.); (J.-S.P.)
| | - Jae-Eon Lee
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (KMEDIHUB), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (D.-W.S.); (Y.-H.J.); (J.-E.L.); (J.-S.P.)
| | - Joon-Suk Park
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (KMEDIHUB), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (D.-W.S.); (Y.-H.J.); (J.-E.L.); (J.-S.P.)
| | - Hoon Jang
- Department of Life Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabbine Wee
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (KMEDIHUB), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (D.-W.S.); (Y.-H.J.); (J.-E.L.); (J.-S.P.)
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5
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van Ginkel C, Hurst RE, Janssen D. The urothelial barrier in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: its form and function, an overview of preclinical models. Curr Opin Urol 2024; 34:77-83. [PMID: 37933666 PMCID: PMC10842656 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001147] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Investigating bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS) preclinically is challenging. Various research models have been used to mimic the urothelial barrier closely and replicate the disease. The aim of this review is to discuss preclinical research related to the urothelial barrier in context of IC/BPS. RECENT FINDINGS In vivo models mimic IC/BPS mainly with toxic substances in the urine, with protaminesulfate and proteoglycan deglycolysation resembling a temporary impaired barrier as seen in IC/BPS. This temporary increased permeability has also been found in vitro models. Glycosaminoglycan replenishment therapy has been described, in vivo and in vitro, to protect and enhance recover properties of the urothelium. The roles of immune and neurogenic factors in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS remains relatively understudied. SUMMARY Preclinical studies provide opportunities to identify the involvement of specific pathologic pathways in IC/BPS. For further research is warranted to elucidate the primary or secondary role of permeability, together with inflammatory and neurogenic causes of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte van Ginkel
- Department of Urology, Radboud university medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dick Janssen
- Department of Urology, Radboud university medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Arduini A, Fleming SJ, Xiao L, Hall AW, Akkad AD, Chaffin M, Bendinelli KJ, Tucker NR, Papangeli I, Mantineo H, Babadi M, Stegmann CM, García-Cardeña G, Lindsay ME, Klattenhoff C, Ellinor PT. Transcriptional profile of the rat cardiovascular system at single cell resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567085. [PMID: 38014050 PMCID: PMC10680727 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite the critical role of the cardiovascular system, our understanding of its cellular and transcriptional diversity remains limited. We therefore sought to characterize the cellular composition, phenotypes, molecular pathways, and communication networks between cell types at the tissue and sub-tissue level across the cardiovascular system of the healthy Wistar rat, an important model in preclinical cardiovascular research. We obtained high quality tissue samples under controlled conditions that reveal a level of cellular detail so far inaccessible in human studies. Methods and Results We performed single nucleus RNA-sequencing in 78 samples in 10 distinct regions including the four chambers of the heart, ventricular septum, sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, aorta, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary veins (PV), which produced an aggregate map of 505,835 nuclei. We identified 26 distinct cell types and additional subtypes, including a number of rare cell types such as PV cardiomyocytes and non-myelinating Schwann cells (NMSCs), and unique groups of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts (FBs), which gave rise to a detailed cell type distribution across tissues. We demonstrated differences in the cellular composition across different cardiac regions and tissue-specific differences in transcription for each cell type, highlighting the molecular diversity and complex tissue architecture of the cardiovascular system. Specifically, we observed great transcriptional heterogeneities among ECs and FBs. Importantly, several cell subtypes had a unique regional localization such as a subtype of VSMCs enriched in the large vasculature. We found the cellular makeup of PV tissue is closer to heart tissue than to the large arteries. We further explored the ligand-receptor repertoire across cell clusters and tissues, and observed tissue-enriched cellular communication networks, including heightened Nppa - Npr1 / 2 / 3 signaling in the sinoatrial node. Conclusions Through a large single nucleus sequencing effort encompassing over 500,000 nuclei, we broadened our understanding of cellular transcription in the healthy cardiovascular system. The existence of tissue-restricted cellular phenotypes suggests regional regulation of cardiovascular physiology. The overall conservation in gene expression and molecular pathways across rat and human cell types, together with our detailed transcriptional characterization of each cell type, offers the potential to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve preclinical models of cardiovascular disease.
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Zhang L, Huang J, Dai L, Zhu G, Yang XL, He Z, Li YH, Yang H, Zhang CQ, Shen KF, Liang P. Expression profiles of α-synuclein in cortical lesions of patients with FCD IIb and TSC, and FCD rats. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1255097. [PMID: 38020594 PMCID: PMC10662349 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1255097] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are common causes of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. However, the etiologies related to the development of FCD IIb and TSC are not fully understood. α-synuclein (α-syn) is a member of synucleins family that plays crucial roles in modulating synaptic transmission in central nervous system. Here, we explored the expression profiles and potential pathogenic functions of α-syn in cortical lesions of epileptic patients with FCD IIb and TSC. Methods Surgical specimens from epileptic patients with FCD IIb and TSC, as well as FCD rats generated by in utero X-ray-radiation were adopted in this study and studied with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation etc. molecular biological techniques. Result Our results showed that α-syn expression was reduced in FCD IIb and TSC lesions. Specifically, α-syn protein was intensely expressed in dysplastic neurons (DNs) and balloon cells (BCs) in FCD IIb lesions, whereas was barely detected in DNs and giant cells (GCs) of TSC lesions. Additionally, p-α-syn, the aggregated form of α-syn, was detected in DNs, BCs, GCs, and glia-like cells of FCD IIb and TSC lesions. We previous showed that the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) was enhanced in FCD rats generated by X-ray-radiation. Here, we found the interaction between α-syn and NMDAR subunits NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B were augmented in cortical lesions of FCD patients and FCD rats. Conclusion These results suggested a potential role of α-syn in the pathogenesis of FCD IIb and TSC by interfering with NMDAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Dai
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guang Yang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Hong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guang Yang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Feng Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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Many GM, Sanford JA, Sagendorf TJ, Hou Z, Nigro P, Whytock K, Amar D, Caputo T, Gay NR, Gaul DA, Hirshman M, Jimenez-Morales D, Lindholm ME, Muehlbauer MJ, Vamvini M, Bergman B, Fern Ndez FM, Goodyear LJ, Ortlund EA, Sparks LM, Xia A, Adkins JN, Bodine SC, Newgard CB, Schenk S. Sexual dimorphism and the multi-omic response to exercise training in rat subcutaneous white adipose tissue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.03.527012. [PMID: 36778330 PMCID: PMC9915732 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.03.527012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) is a dynamic storage and secretory organ that regulates systemic homeostasis, yet the impact of endurance exercise training and sex on its molecular landscape has not been fully established. Utilizing an integrative multi-omics approach with data generated by the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC), we identified profound sexual dimorphism in the dynamic response of rat scWAT to endurance exercise training. Despite similar cardiorespiratory improvements, only male rats reduced whole-body adiposity, scWAT adipocyte size, and total scWAT triglyceride abundance with training. Multi-omic analyses of adipose tissue integrated with phenotypic measures identified sex-specific training responses including enrichment of mTOR signaling in females, while males displayed enhanced mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. Overall, this study reinforces our understanding that sex impacts scWAT biology and provides a rich resource to interrogate responses of scWAT to endurance training.
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Yang JM, Kim B, Kwak J, Lee MK, Kim JH, Baek IJ, Sung YH, Lee JY. Development of a novel knockout model of retinitis pigmentosa using Pde6b-knockout Long–Evans rats. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:909182. [PMID: 36213678 PMCID: PMC9532504 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.909182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rats with melanin-pigmentated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are physiologically more appropriate models for human eye research than their albino counterparts, reliable models from the former strain are not available to study retinal degeneration. Here, we describe the development of a novel Pde6b-knockout Long–Evans (LE Pde6b KO) rat model that recapitulates key features of human retinitis pigmentosa (RP). After the generation of the Pde6b-knockout Sprague–Dawley rats with the CRISPR-Cpf1 system, the LE rat was back-crossed over 5 generations to develop the pigmented LE Pde6b KO strain. Interestingly, LE Pde6b KO displayed well-developed bone-spicule pigmentation; a hallmark of fundus in patients with RP which cannot be observed in non-pigmented albino rats. Moreover, the rat model showed progressive thinning of the retina, which was evident by intravital imaging with optical coherence tomography. Histologically, significant atrophy was observed in the outer nuclear layer. Functionally, LE Pde6b KO presented a marked decrease of amplitude level during electroretinogram testing, demonstrating significant loss of visual function. Therefore, these findings suggest that the LE Pde6b KO model robustly recapitulates the hallmark phenotype of RP. We believe that the LE Pde6b KO model may be used effectively for preclinical translational research to further study retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Myung Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Bora Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiehoon Kwak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Kyung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Joo Yong Lee,
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Nutrigenetic Interaction of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Chromosome 20 Segment and High-Sucrose Diet Sensitizes to Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163428. [PMID: 36014934 PMCID: PMC9416443 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several corresponding regions of human and mammalian genomes have been shown to affect sensitivity to the manifestation of metabolic syndrome via nutrigenetic interactions. In this study, we assessed the effect of sucrose administration in a newly established congenic strain BN.SHR20, in which a limited segment of rat chromosome 20 from a metabolic syndrome model, spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), was introgressed into Brown Norway (BN) genomic background. We mapped the extent of the differential segment and compared the genomic sequences of BN vs. SHR within the segment in silico. The differential segment of SHR origin in BN.SHR20 spans about 9 Mb of the telomeric portion of the short arm of chromosome 20. We identified non-synonymous mutations e.g., in ApoM, Notch4, Slc39a7, Smim29 genes and other variations in or near genes associated with metabolic syndrome in human genome-wide association studies. Male rats of BN and BN.SHR20 strains were fed a standard diet for 18 weeks (control groups) or 16 weeks of standard diet followed by 14 days of high-sucrose diet (HSD). We assessed the morphometric and metabolic profiles of all groups. Adiposity significantly increased only in BN.SHR20 after HSD. Fasting glycemia and the glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test were higher in BN.SHR20 than in BN groups, while insulin levels were comparable. The fasting levels of triacylglycerols were the highest in sucrose-fed BN.SHR20, both compared to the sucrose-fed BN and the control BN.SHR20. The non-esterified fatty acids and total cholesterol concentrations were higher in BN.SHR20 compared to their respective BN groups, and the HSD elicited an increase in non-esterified fatty acids only in BN.SHR20. In a new genetically defined model, we have isolated a limited genomic region involved in nutrigenetic sensitization to sucrose-induced metabolic disturbances.
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11
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Krohn P, Rega LR, Harvent M, Festa BP, Taranta A, Luciani A, Dewulf J, Cremonesi A, Camassei FD, Hanson JVM, Gerth-Kahlert C, Emma F, Berquez M, Devuyst O. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2262-2278. [PMID: 35137071 PMCID: PMC9262394 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive mutations in the CTNS gene encoding the lysosomal transporter cystinosin cause cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disease leading to kidney failure and multisystem manifestations. A Ctns knockout mouse model recapitulates features of cystinosis, but the delayed onset of kidney manifestations, phenotype variability and strain effects limit its use for mechanistic and drug development studies. To provide a better model for cystinosis, we generated a Ctns knockout rat model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The Ctns−/− rats display progressive cystine accumulation and crystal formation in multiple tissues including kidney, liver and thyroid. They show an early onset and progressive loss of urinary solutes, indicating generalized proximal tubule dysfunction, with development of typical swan-neck lesions, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and kidney failure, and decreased survival. The Ctns−/− rats also present crystals in the cornea, and bone and liver defects, as observed in patients. Mechanistically, the loss of cystinosin induces a phenotype switch associating abnormal proliferation and dedifferentiation, loss of apical receptors and transporters, and defective lysosomal activity and autophagy in the cells. Primary cultures of proximal tubule cells derived from the Ctns−/− rat kidneys confirmed the key changes caused by cystine overload, including reduced endocytic uptake, increased proliferation and defective lysosomal dynamics and autophagy. The novel Ctns−/− rat model and derived proximal tubule cell system provide invaluable tools to investigate the pathogenesis of cystinosis and to accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Krohn
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Laura Rita Rega
- Renal Diseases Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Marianne Harvent
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Taranta
- Renal Diseases Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | | | - Joseph Dewulf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Alessio Cremonesi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8032, Switzerland
| | | | - James V M Hanson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Christina Gerth-Kahlert
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Emma
- Renal Diseases Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Division of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Marine Berquez
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: University of Zurich, Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders Group, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland. Tel: +41 (0)44 635 51 07; (Marine Berquez); Tel: +41 (0)44 635 50 82; Fax: +41 (0)44 635 68 14; (Olivier Devuyst)
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: University of Zurich, Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders Group, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland. Tel: +41 (0)44 635 51 07; (Marine Berquez); Tel: +41 (0)44 635 50 82; Fax: +41 (0)44 635 68 14; (Olivier Devuyst)
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12
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Šeda O. Parental overnutrition by carbohydrates in developmental origins of metabolic syndrome. Physiol Res 2021; 70:S585-S596. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
interplay of genomic component and the exposome. Parental diet has been shown to affect offspring metabolic health via multiple epigenetic mechanisms. Excess carbohydrate intake is one of the driving forces of the obesity and metabolic syndrome pandemics. This review summarizes the evidence for the effects of maternal carbohydrate (fructose, sucrose, glucose) overnutrition on the modulation of metabolic syndrome components in the offspring. Despite substantial discrepancies in experimental design, common effects of maternal carbohydrate overnutrition include increased body weight and hepatic lipid content of the "programmed" offspring. However, the administration of sucrose to several rat models leads to apparently favorable metabolic outcomes. Moreover, there is evidence for the role of genomic background in modulating the metabolic programming effect in the form of nutri-epigenomic interaction. Comprehensive, robust studies are needed to resolve the temporal, sex-specific, genetic, epigenetic and nutritional aspects of parental overnutrition in the intergenerational and transgenerational pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
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13
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Šeda O. Parental overnutrition by carbohydrates in developmental origins of metabolic syndrome. Physiol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.33549//physiolres.934806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent disease resulting from an interplay of genomic component and the exposome. Parental diet has been shown to affect offspring metabolic health via multiple epigenetic mechanisms. Excess carbohydrate intake is one of the driving forces of the obesity and metabolic syndrome pandemics. This review summarizes the evidence for the effects of maternal carbohydrate (fructose, sucrose, glucose) overnutrition on the modulation of metabolic syndrome components in the offspring. Despite substantial discrepancies in experimental design, common effects of maternal carbohydrate overnutrition include increased body weight and hepatic lipid content of the "programmed" offspring. However, the administration of sucrose to several rat models leads to apparently favorable metabolic outcomes. Moreover, there is evidence for the role of genomic background in modulating the metabolic programming effect in the form of nutri-epigenomic interaction. Comprehensive, robust studies are needed to resolve the temporal, sex-specific, genetic, epigenetic and nutritional aspects of parental overnutrition in the intergenerational and transgenerational pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Šeda
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and the General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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Clark KC, Kwitek AE. Multi-Omic Approaches to Identify Genetic Factors in Metabolic Syndrome. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:3045-3084. [PMID: 34964118 PMCID: PMC9373910 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly heritable disease and a major public health burden worldwide. MetS diagnosis criteria are met by the simultaneous presence of any three of the following: high triglycerides, low HDL/high LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, hypertension, and central obesity. These diseases act synergistically in people suffering from MetS and dramatically increase risk of morbidity and mortality due to stroke and cardiovascular disease, as well as certain cancers. Each of these component features is itself a complex disease, as is MetS. As a genetically complex disease, genetic risk factors for MetS are numerous, but not very powerful individually, often requiring specific environmental stressors for the disease to manifest. When taken together, all sequence variants that contribute to MetS disease risk explain only a fraction of the heritable variance, suggesting additional, novel loci have yet to be discovered. In this article, we will give a brief overview on the genetic concepts needed to interpret genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait locus (QTL) data, summarize the state of the field of MetS physiological genomics, and to introduce tools and resources that can be used by the physiologist to integrate genomics into their own research on MetS and any of its component features. There is a wealth of phenotypic and molecular data in animal models and humans that can be leveraged as outlined in this article. Integrating these multi-omic QTL data for complex diseases such as MetS provides a means to unravel the pathways and mechanisms leading to complex disease and promise for novel treatments. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-40, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C Clark
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anne E Kwitek
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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15
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Namba M, Kobayashi T, Kohno M, Koyano T, Hirose T, Fukushima M, Matsuyama M. Creation of X-linked Alport syndrome rat model with Col4a5 deficiency. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20836. [PMID: 34675305 PMCID: PMC8531394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome is an inherited chronic human kidney disease, characterized by glomerular basement membrane abnormalities. This disease is caused by mutations in COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 gene. The knockout mice for Col4α3, Col4α4, and Col4α5 are developed and well characterized for the study of Alport syndrome. However, disease progression and effects of pharmacological therapy depend on the genetic variability. This model was reliable only to mouse. In this study, we created a novel Alport syndrome rat model utilizing the rGONAD technology, which generated rat with a deletion of the Col4α5 gene. Col4α5 deficient rats showed hematuria, proteinuria, high levels of BUN, Cre, and then died at 18 to 28 weeks of age (Hemizygous mutant males). Histological and ultrastructural analyses displayed the abnormalities including parietal cell hyperplasia, mesangial sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis. Then, we demonstrated that α3/α4/α5 (IV) and α5/α5/α6 (IV) chains of type IV collagen disrupted in Col4α5 deficient rats. Thus, Col4α5 mutant rat is a reliable candidate for the Alport syndrome model for underlying the mechanism of kidney diseases and further identifying potential therapeutic targets for human renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Namba
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan
| | - Tomoe Kobayashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kohno
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan
| | - Takayuki Koyano
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan
| | - Takuo Hirose
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Endocrinology and Applied Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukushima
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan.,Shigei Medical Research Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama, 701-0202, Japan.
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16
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Koster C, van den Hurk KT, Lewallen CF, Talib M, ten Brink JB, Boon CJF, Bergen AA. The Lrat -/- Rat: CRISPR/Cas9 Construction and Phenotyping of a New Animal Model for Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137234. [PMID: 34281288 PMCID: PMC8267968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed and phenotyped a pigmented knockout rat model for lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) using CRISPR/Cas9. The introduced mutation (c.12delA) is based on a patient group harboring a homologous homozygous frameshift mutation in the LRAT gene (c.12delC), causing a dysfunctional visual (retinoid) cycle. METHODS The introduced mutation was confirmed by DNA and RNA sequencing. The expression of Lrat was determined on both the RNA and protein level in wildtype and knockout animals using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The retinal structure and function, as well as the visual behavior of the Lrat-/- and control rats, were characterized using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG) and vision-based behavioral assays. RESULTS Wildtype animals had high Lrat mRNA expression in multiple tissues, including the eye and liver. In contrast, hardly any expression was detected in Lrat-/- animals. LRAT protein was abundantly present in wildtype animals and absent in Lrat-/- animals. Lrat-/- animals showed progressively reduced ERG potentials compared to wildtype controls from two weeks of age onwards. Vison-based behavioral assays confirmed reduced vision. Structural abnormalities, such as overall retinal thinning, were observed in Lrat-/- animals. The retinal thickness in knockout rats was decreased to roughly 80% by four months of age. No functional or structural differences were observed between wildtype and heterozygote animals. CONCLUSIONS Our Lrat-/- rat is a new animal model for retinal dystrophy, especially for the LRAT-subtype of early-onset retinal dystrophies. This model has advantages over the existing mouse models and the RCS rat strain and can be used for translational studies of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Koster
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Koen T. van den Hurk
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Colby F. Lewallen
- Georgia Institute of Technology, G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA;
| | - Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Jacoline B. ten Brink
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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17
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Szpirer C. Rat Models of Human Diseases and Related Phenotypes: A Novel Inventory of Causative Genes. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:88-90. [PMID: 34184128 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) has been used for a long time as the model of choice in several biomedical disciplines. In 2020, I made an inventory of rat genes that had been identified as underlying diseases or playing a key role in critical biological processes that are altered in diseases. Over 350 genes could be found, a significant number of which have similar effects in rat and humans (Szpirer in J Biomed Sci 27:84-155, 2020). However, a few rat disease genes were unintentionally overlooked; in addition, since this review was published, numerous rat genes were inactivated by targeted mutations, revealing their potential role in diseases. It thus seems appropriate to update these data, which is the aim of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Szpirer
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium. .,, Avenue Jassogne, 27, B-1410, Waterloo, Belgium.
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18
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Jitsu M, Niwa K, Suzuki G, Obara T, Iwama Y, Hagisawa K, Takahashi Y, Matsushita Y, Takeuchi S, Nawashiro H, Sato S, Kawauchi S. Behavioral and Histopathological Impairments Caused by Topical Exposure of the Rat Brain to Mild-Impulse Laser-Induced Shock Waves: Impulse Dependency. Front Neurol 2021; 12:621546. [PMID: 34093390 PMCID: PMC8177106 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.621546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although an enormous number of animal studies on blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) have been conducted, there still remain many uncertain issues in its neuropathology and mechanisms. This is partially due to the complex and hence difficult experimental environment settings, e.g., to minimize the effects of blast winds (tertiary mechanism) and to separate the effects of brain exposure and torso exposure. Since a laser-induced shock wave (LISW) is free from dynamic pressure and its energy is spatially well confined, the effects of pure shock wave exposure (primary mechanism) solely on the brain can be examined by using an LISW. In this study, we applied a set of four LISWs in the impulse range of 15–71 Pa·s to the rat brain through the intact scalp and skull; the interval between each exposure was ~5 s. For the rats, we conducted locomotor activity, elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests. Axonal injury in the brain was also examined by histological analysis using Bodian silver staining. Only the rats with exposure at higher impulses of 54 and 71 Pa·s showed significantly lower spontaneous movements at 1 and 2 days post-exposure by the locomotor activity test, but after 3 days post-exposure, they had recovered. At 7 days post-exposure, however, these rats (54 and 71 Pa·s) showed significantly higher levels of anxiety-related and depression-like behaviors by the elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test, respectively. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there have been few studies in which a rat model showed both anxiety-related and depression-like behaviors caused by blast or shock wave exposure. At that time point (7 days post-exposure), histological analysis showed significant decreases in axonal density in the cingulum bundle and corpus callosum in impulse-dependent manners; axons in the cingulum bundle were found to be more affected by a shock wave. Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between the depression like-behavior and axonal density reduction in the cingulum bundle. The results demonstrated the dependence of behavior deficits and axonal injury on the shock wave impulse loaded on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoyuki Jitsu
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuki Niwa
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeyuki Obara
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Iwama
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Hagisawa
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Takahashi
- Military Medicine Research Unit, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Takeuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nawashiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Shunichi Sato
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Satoko Kawauchi
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Japan
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19
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The Role of GSK-3β in the Regulation of Protein Turnover, Myosin Phenotype, and Oxidative Capacity in Skeletal Muscle under Disuse Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105081. [PMID: 34064895 PMCID: PMC8151958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscles, being one of the most abundant tissues in the body, are involved in many vital processes, such as locomotion, posture maintenance, respiration, glucose homeostasis, etc. Hence, the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is crucial for overall health, prevention of various diseases, and contributes to an individual’s quality of life. Prolonged muscle inactivity/disuse (due to limb immobilization, mechanical ventilation, bedrest, spaceflight) represents one of the typical causes, leading to the loss of muscle mass and function. This disuse-induced muscle loss primarily results from repressed protein synthesis and increased proteolysis. Further, prolonged disuse results in slow-to-fast fiber-type transition, mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced oxidative capacity. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a key enzyme standing at the crossroads of various signaling pathways regulating a wide range of cellular processes. This review discusses various important roles of GSK-3β in the regulation of protein turnover, myosin phenotype, and oxidative capacity in skeletal muscles under disuse/unloading conditions and subsequent recovery. According to its vital functions, GSK-3β may represent a perspective therapeutic target in the treatment of muscle wasting induced by chronic disuse, aging, and a number of diseases.
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20
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Chenouard V, Remy S, Tesson L, Ménoret S, Ouisse LH, Cherifi Y, Anegon I. Advances in Genome Editing and Application to the Generation of Genetically Modified Rat Models. Front Genet 2021; 12:615491. [PMID: 33959146 PMCID: PMC8093876 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.615491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat has been extensively used as a small animal model. Many genetically engineered rat models have emerged in the last two decades, and the advent of gene-specific nucleases has accelerated their generation in recent years. This review covers the techniques and advances used to generate genetically engineered rat lines and their application to the development of rat models more broadly, such as conditional knockouts and reporter gene strains. In addition, genome-editing techniques that remain to be explored in the rat are discussed. The review also focuses more particularly on two areas in which extensive work has been done: human genetic diseases and immune system analysis. Models are thoroughly described in these two areas and highlight the competitive advantages of rat models over available corresponding mouse versions. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the advantages and potential of rat models for addressing specific scientific questions and to characterize the best genome-engineering tools for developing new projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Chenouard
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- genOway, Lyon, France
| | - Séverine Remy
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Laurent Tesson
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Séverine Ménoret
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Santé, Inserm UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Laure-Hélène Ouisse
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Ignacio Anegon
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
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21
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Tang D, Feng X, Ling L, Zhang W, Luo Y, Wang Y, Xiong Z. Experimental study for the establishment of a chemotherapy-induced ovarian insufficiency model in rats by using cyclophosphamide combined with busulfan. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 122:104915. [PMID: 33705838 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104915] [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: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
With an improvement in the survival rate of cancer patients, chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is increasingly affecting the quality of life of female patients. Currently, there are many relevant studies using mice as an animal model. However, a large coefficient of variation for weight in mice is not appropriate for endocrine-related studies, compared with rats; therefore, it is necessary to identify an appropriate experimental model in rats. In this study, cyclophosphamide combined with busulfan was used to establish an animal model. We compared several common modeling methods using chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), and we found that the combination of cyclophosphamide and busulfan was more effective in establishing a POI model in rats with few side effects by analyzing general physical conditions, pathological tissue sections of heart, liver, lung, spleen, kidney, uterus, and ovary, serum hormone levels, and follicle counts; thus, providing a more reliable model basis for subsequent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiushan Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjing Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengai Xiong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing MedicalUniversity, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Arnold AP. Four Core Genotypes and XY* mouse models: Update on impact on SABV research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:1-8. [PMID: 32980399 PMCID: PMC7736196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact of two mouse models is reviewed, the Four Core Genotypes and XY* models. The models are useful for determining if the causes of sex differences in phenotypes are either hormonal or sex chromosomal, or both. Used together, the models also can distinguish between the effects of X or Y chromosome genes that contribute to sex differences in phenotypes. To date, the models have been used to uncover sex chromosome contributions to sex differences in a wide variety of phenotypes, including brain and behavior, autoimmunity and immunity, cardiovascular disease, metabolism, and Alzheimer's Disease. In some cases, use of the models has been a strategy leading to discovery of specific X or Y genes that protect from or exacerbate disease. Sex chromosome and hormonal factors interact, in some cases to reduce the effects of each other. Future progress will come from more extensive application of these models, and development of similar models in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, UCLA, 610 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7239, United States.
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23
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Parker CC, Lusk R, Saba LM. Alcohol Sensitivity as an Endophenotype of Alcohol Use Disorder: Exploring Its Translational Utility between Rodents and Humans. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E725. [PMID: 33066036 PMCID: PMC7600833 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, chronic, relapsing disorder with multiple interacting genetic and environmental influences. Numerous studies have verified the influence of genetics on AUD, yet the underlying biological pathways remain unknown. One strategy to interrogate complex diseases is the use of endophenotypes, which deconstruct current diagnostic categories into component traits that may be more amenable to genetic research. In this review, we explore how an endophenotype such as sensitivity to alcohol can be used in conjunction with rodent models to provide mechanistic insights into AUD. We evaluate three alcohol sensitivity endophenotypes (stimulation, intoxication, and aversion) for their translatability across human and rodent research by examining the underlying neurobiology and its relationship to consumption and AUD. We show examples in which results gleaned from rodents are successfully integrated with information from human studies to gain insight in the genetic underpinnings of AUD and AUD-related endophenotypes. Finally, we identify areas for future translational research that could greatly expand our knowledge of the biological and molecular aspects of the transition to AUD with the broad hope of finding better ways to treat this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa C. Parker
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - Ryan Lusk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Laura M. Saba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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24
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Mondello SE, Pedigo BD, Sunshine MD, Fischedick AE, Horner PJ, Moritz CT. A micro-LED implant and technique for optogenetic stimulation of the rat spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2020; 335:113480. [PMID: 32991934 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To date, relatively few studies have used optogenetic stimulation to address basic science and therapeutic questions within the spinal cord. Even less have reported optogenetic stimulation in the rat spinal cord. This is likely due to a lack of accessible optogenetic implants. The development of a device that can be fabricated and operated by most laboratories, requiring no special equipment, would allow investigators to begin dissecting the functions of specific neuronal cell-types and circuitry within the spinal cord, as well as investigate therapies for spinal ailments like spinal cord injury. Here, we describe a long-term implantable μLED device designed for optogenetic stimulation of the spinal cord in awake, freely moving rats that is simple enough to be fabricated, implanted and operated by most laboratories. This device, which sits above the dorsal cord, can induce robust movements for at least 6 weeks without causing physical or thermal damage to the underlying spinal cord. In this regard, the presented μLED device could help tease apart the complexities of the spinal cord and uncover potential future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Mondello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - B D Pedigo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - M D Sunshine
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - A E Fischedick
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - P J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - C T Moritz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; University of Washington Institute for Neuroengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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25
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Hamdy N, Eide S, Sun HS, Feng ZP. Animal models for neonatal brain injury induced by hypoxic ischemic conditions in rodents. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113457. [PMID: 32889009 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and resulting encephalopathies are of significant concern. Intrapartum asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death globally. Among surviving infants, there remains a high incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, manifesting as mild conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and debilitating disorders such as cerebral palsy. Various animal models of neonatal hypoxic brain injury have been implemented to explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of novel therapeutic strategies, and characterize the functional and behavioural correlates of injury. Each of the animal models has individual advantages and limitations. The present review looks at several widely-used and alternative rodent models of neonatal hypoxia and hypoxia-ischemia; it highlights their strengths and limitations, and their potential for continued and improved use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Hamdy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sarah Eide
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hong-Shuo Sun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Zhong-Ping Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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26
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Augé C, Gamé X, Vergnolle N, Lluel P, Chabot S. Characterization and Validation of a Chronic Model of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1305. [PMID: 32982733 PMCID: PMC7485435 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by visceral pain and voiding symptoms. IC/BPS is still an unsolved enigma with ineffective diagnosis criteria and treatment. A main limitation in IC/BPS understanding is the lack of appropriate preclinical model. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is commonly used as an experimental model for IC/BPS in rodent. However, the proposed models are very aggressive, contrasting with what occurs in clinic, and often associated with severe toxicity and high mortality rate. In addition, visceral pain, the hallmark symptom of IC/BPS, has been validated in only few of them. In this study, we developed a chronic model of CYP-induced IC/BPS in female rat. In our protocol, no severe weight loss occurred and the survival rate was 100%. In accordance to human pathology, chronic CYP-injected rats developed severe painful behavior whereas only sparse inflammation was observed. Inflammatory response was characterized by bladder edema and focal urothelial damage but absence of massive infiltrate. This chronic model showed persistent symptoms indicative for a central sensitization mechanism. We further demonstrate that CYP-induced chronic visceral pain was significantly reduced by curative treatment with clinically relevant compounds (gabapentin, ibuprofen, and Ialuril®). We therefore developed and validated a rat model of chronic cystitis that shares strong similarity with human non-ulcerative IC/BPS features without overtly affecting the animal health. This model will thus provide mechanistic insights of the disease and help to evaluate therapeutic agents for IC/BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Augé
- Department of Pain and Inflammation, Urosphere, Toulouse, France
| | - Xavier Gamé
- Urology Department, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, I2MC-U1048, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Philippe Lluel
- Department of Pain and Inflammation, Urosphere, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Chabot
- Department of Pain and Inflammation, Urosphere, Toulouse, France
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27
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Szpirer C. Rat models of human diseases and related phenotypes: a systematic inventory of the causative genes. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:84. [PMID: 32741357 PMCID: PMC7395987 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory rat has been used for a long time as the model of choice in several biomedical disciplines. Numerous inbred strains have been isolated, displaying a wide range of phenotypes and providing many models of human traits and diseases. Rat genome mapping and genomics was considerably developed in the last decades. The availability of these resources has stimulated numerous studies aimed at discovering causal disease genes by positional identification. Numerous rat genes have now been identified that underlie monogenic or complex diseases and remarkably, these results have been translated to the human in a significant proportion of cases, leading to the identification of novel human disease susceptibility genes, helping in studying the mechanisms underlying the pathological abnormalities and also suggesting new therapeutic approaches. In addition, reverse genetic tools have been developed. Several genome-editing methods were introduced to generate targeted mutations in genes the function of which could be clarified in this manner [generally these are knockout mutations]. Furthermore, even when the human gene causing a disease had been identified without resorting to a rat model, mutated rat strains (in particular KO strains) were created to analyze the gene function and the disease pathogenesis. Today, over 350 rat genes have been identified as underlying diseases or playing a key role in critical biological processes that are altered in diseases, thereby providing a rich resource of disease models. This article is an update of the progress made in this research and provides the reader with an inventory of these disease genes, a significant number of which have similar effects in rat and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Szpirer
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- , Waterloo, Belgium.
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28
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Yeo JH, Jung BK, Lee H, Baek IJ, Sung YH, Shin HS, Kim HK, Seo KY, Lee JY. Development of a Pde6b Gene Knockout Rat Model for Studies of Degenerative Retinal Diseases. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1519-1526. [PMID: 31009522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe the phenotypes of a newly developed Pde6b-deficient rat model of retinal degeneration. Methods Pde6b knockout rats were produced by CRISPR-Cpf1 technology. Pde6b knockout rats were evaluated for ocular abnormalities by comparison with wild-type eyes. Eyes were imaged using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and examined by TUNEL assay. Finally, eyes were functionally assessed by electroretinograms (ERGs). Results Pde6b knockout rats exhibited visible photoreceptor degeneration at 3 weeks of postnatal age. The fundus appearance of mutants was notable for pigmentary changes, vascular attenuation with an irregular vascular pattern, and outer retinal thinning, which resembled retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans. OCT showed profound retinal thinning in Pde6b knockout rats; the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was significantly thinner in Pde6b knockout rats, with relative preservation of the inner retina at 3 weeks of postnatal age. H&E staining confirmed extensive degeneration of the ONL, beginning at 3 weeks of postnatal age; no ONL remained in the retina by 16 weeks of postnatal age. Retinal sections of Pde6b knockout rats were highly positive for TUNEL, specifically in the ONL. In ERGs, Pde6b knockout rats showed no detectable a- or b-waves at 8 weeks of postnatal age. Conclusions The Pde6b knockout rat exhibits photoreceptor degeneration. It may provide a better model for experimental therapy for RP because of its slower progression and larger anatomic architecture than the corresponding mouse model. Further studies in this rat model may yield insights into effective therapies for human RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyung Yeo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bok Kyoung Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Sol Shin
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Kyung Kim
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Yul Seo
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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29
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Lee JG, Ha CH, Yoon B, Cheong SA, Kim G, Lee DJ, Woo DC, Kim YH, Nam SY, Lee SW, Sung YH, Baek IJ. Knockout rat models mimicking human atherosclerosis created by Cpf1-mediated gene targeting. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2628. [PMID: 30796231 PMCID: PMC6385241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38732-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat is a time-honored traditional experimental model animal, but its use is limited due to the difficulty of genetic modification. Although engineered endonucleases enable us to manipulate the rat genome, it is not known whether the newly identified endonuclease Cpf1 system is applicable to rats. Here we report the first application of CRISPR-Cpf1 in rats and investigate whether Apoe knockout rat can be used as an atherosclerosis model. We generated Apoe- and/or Ldlr-deficient rats via CRISPR-Cpf1 system, characterized by high efficiency, successful germline transmission, multiple gene targeting capacity, and minimal off-target effect. The resulting Apoe knockout rats displayed hyperlipidemia and aortic lesions. In partially ligated carotid arteries of rats and mice fed with high-fat diet, in contrast to Apoe knockout mice showing atherosclerotic lesions, Apoe knockout rats showed only adventitial immune infiltrates comprising T lymphocytes and mainly macrophages with no plaque. In addition, adventitial macrophage progenitor cells (AMPCs) were more abundant in Apoe knockout rats than in mice. Our data suggest that the Cpf1 system can target single or multiple genes efficiently and specifically in rats with genetic heritability and that Apoe knockout rats may help understand initial-stage atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohyun Yoon
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doo Jae Lee
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Cheol Woo
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hak Kim
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Lee
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Singer-Englar T, Barlow G, Mathur R. Obesity, diabetes, and the gut microbiome: an updated review. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 13:3-15. [PMID: 30791839 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2019.1543023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and diabetes are two of the most prevalent health problems and leading causes of death globally. As research on the intestinal microbiome increases, so does our understanding of its intricate relationship to these diseases, although this has yet to be fully elucidated. Areas covered: This review evaluates the role of the gut microbiome in obesity and diabetes, including the influences of internal and environmental factors. Literature searches were performed using the keywords 'diabetes,' 'insulin resistance,' 'gut microbiome,' 'gut microbes,' 'obesity,' and 'weight gain.' Expert commentary: Highlights of recent research include new findings regarding the effects of caloric restriction, which expound the importance of diet in shaping the gut microbiome, and studies reinforcing the lasting implications of antibiotic use for diabetes and obesity, particularly repeated doses in early childhood. Mechanistically, interactions between the microbiome and the host innate immune system, mediated by TLR4-LPS signaling, have been shown to meditate the metabolic benefits of caloric restriction. Further, gut microbes haven now been shown to regulate oxygen availability via butyrate production, thus protecting against the proliferation of pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. However, many microbial metabolites remain unidentified and their roles in obesity and diabetes remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahli Singer-Englar
- a Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Gillian Barlow
- a Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Ruchi Mathur
- a Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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31
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Howe DG, Blake JA, Bradford YM, Bult CJ, Calvi BR, Engel SR, Kadin JA, Kaufman TC, Kishore R, Laulederkind SJF, Lewis SE, Moxon SAT, Richardson JE, Smith C. Model organism data evolving in support of translational medicine. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 47:277-289. [PMID: 30224793 PMCID: PMC6322546 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-018-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Model organism databases (MODs) have been collecting and integrating biomedical research data for 30 years and were designed to meet specific needs of each model organism research community. The contributions of model organism research to understanding biological systems would be hard to overstate. Modern molecular biology methods and cost reductions in nucleotide sequencing have opened avenues for direct application of model organism research to elucidating mechanisms of human diseases. Thus, the mandate for model organism research and databases has now grown to include facilitating use of these data in translational applications. Challenges in meeting this opportunity include the distribution of research data across many databases and websites, a lack of data format standards for some data types, and sustainability of scale and cost for genomic database resources like MODs. The issues of widely distributed data and application of data standards are some of the challenges addressed by FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable) data principles. The Alliance of Genome Resources is now moving to address these challenges by bringing together expertly curated research data from fly, mouse, rat, worm, yeast, zebrafish, and the Gene Ontology consortium. Centralized multi-species data access, integration, and format standardization will lower the data utilization barrier in comparative genomics and translational applications and will provide a framework in which sustainable scale and cost can be addressed. This article presents a brief historical perspective on how the Alliance model organisms are complementary and how they have already contributed to understanding the etiology of human diseases. In addition, we discuss four challenges for using data from MODs in translational applications and how the Alliance is working to address them, in part by applying FAIR data principles. Ultimately, combined data from these animal models are more powerful than the sum of the parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Howe
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | | | - Yvonne M Bradford
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | - Brian R Calvi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Stacia R Engel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ranjana Kishore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Stanley J F Laulederkind
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Suzanna E Lewis
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sierra A T Moxon
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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32
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Lee JG, Sung YH, Baek IJ. Generation of genetically-engineered animals using engineered endonucleases. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 41:885-897. [PMID: 29777358 PMCID: PMC6153862 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The key to successful drug discovery and development is to find the most suitable animal model of human diseases for the preclinical studies. The recent emergence of engineered endonucleases is allowing for efficient and precise genome editing, which can be used to develop potentially useful animal models for human diseases. In particular, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat systems are revolutionizing the generation of diverse genetically-engineered experimental animals including mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, and even non-human primates that are commonly used for preclinical studies of the drug discovery. Here, we describe recent advances in engineered endonucleases and their application in various laboratory animals. We also discuss the importance of genome editing in animal models for more closely mimicking human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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NF1 deficiency correlates with estrogen receptor signaling and diminished survival in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2018; 4:29. [PMID: 30182054 PMCID: PMC6117327 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-018-0080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The key negative regulatory gene of the RAS pathway, NF1, is mutated or deleted in numerous cancer types and is associated with increased cancer risk and drug resistance. Even though women with neurofibromatosis (germline NF1 mutations) have a substantially increased breast cancer risk at a young age and NF1 is commonly mutated in sporadic breast cancers, we have a limited understanding of the role of NF1 in breast cancer. We utilized CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create Nf1 rat models to evaluate the effect of Nf1 deficiency on tumorigenesis. The resulting Nf1 indels induced highly penetrant, aggressive mammary adenocarcinomas that express estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR). We identified distinct Nf1 mRNA and protein isoforms that were altered during tumorigenesis. To evaluate NF1 in human breast cancer, we analyzed genomic changes in a data set of 2000 clinically annotated breast cancers. We found NF1 shallow deletions in 25% of sporadic breast cancers, which correlated with poor clinical outcome. To identify biological networks impacted by NF1 deficiency, we constructed gene co-expression networks using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and identified a network connected to ESR1 (estrogen receptor). Moreover, NF1-deficient cancers correlated with established RAS activation signatures. Estrogen-dependence was verified by estrogen-ablation in Nf1 rats where rapid tumor regression was observed. Additionally, Nf1 deficiency correlated with increased estrogen receptor phosphorylation in mammary adenocarcinomas. These results demonstrate a significant role for NF1 in both NF1-related breast cancer and sporadic breast cancer, and highlight a potential functional link between neurofibromin and the estrogen receptor.
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Generation of Immunodeficient Rats With Rag1 and Il2rg Gene Deletions and Human Tissue Grafting Models. Transplantation 2018; 102:1271-1278. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Martín-Gálvez D, Dunoyer de Segonzac D, Ma MCJ, Kwitek AE, Thybert D, Flicek P. Genome variation and conserved regulation identify genomic regions responsible for strain specific phenotypes in rat. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:986. [PMID: 29272997 PMCID: PMC5741965 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4351-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genomes of laboratory rat strains are characterised by a mosaic haplotype structure caused by their unique breeding history. These mosaic haplotypes have been recently mapped by extensive sequencing of key strains. Comparison of genomic variation between two closely related rat strains with different phenotypes has been proposed as an effective strategy for the discovery of candidate strain-specific regions involved in phenotypic differences. We developed a method to prioritise strain-specific haplotypes by integrating genomic variation and genomic regulatory data predicted to be involved in specific phenotypes. Specifically, we aimed to identify genomic regions associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a disorder of energy utilization and storage affecting several organ systems. Results We compared two Lyon rat strains, Lyon Hypertensive (LH) which is susceptible to MetS, and Lyon Low pressure (LL), which is susceptible to obesity as an intermediate MetS phenotype, with a third strain (Lyon Normotensive, LN) that is resistant to both MetS and obesity. Applying a novel metric, we ranked the identified strain-specific haplotypes using evolutionary conservation of the occupancy three liver-specific transcription factors (HNF4A, CEBPA, and FOXA1) in five rodents including rat. Consideration of regulatory information effectively identified regions with liver-associated genes and rat orthologues of human GWAS variants related to obesity and metabolic traits. We attempted to find possible causative variants and compared them with the candidate genes proposed by previous studies. In strain-specific regions with conserved regulation, we found a significant enrichment for published evidence to obesity—one of the metabolic symptoms shown by the Lyon strains—amongst the genes assigned to promoters with strain-specific variation. Conclusions Our results show that the use of functional regulatory conservation is a potentially effective approach to select strain-specific genomic regions associated with phenotypic differences among Lyon rats and could be extended to other systems. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4351-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martín-Gálvez
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Denis Dunoyer de Segonzac
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Man Chun John Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Present address: MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne E Kwitek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David Thybert
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK. .,Present address: Earlham Institute, Norwich research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.
| | - Paul Flicek
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK.
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Lukaszewicz KM, Durand MJ, Priestley JRC, Schmidt JR, Allen LA, Geurts AM, Lombard JH. Evaluation of Vascular Control Mechanisms Utilizing Video Microscopy of Isolated Resistance Arteries of Rats. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29286398 DOI: 10.3791/56133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This protocol describes the use of in vitro television microscopy to evaluate vascular function in isolated cerebral resistance arteries (and other vessels), and describes techniques for evaluating tissue perfusion using Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) and microvessel density utilizing fluorescently labeled Griffonia simplicifolia (GS1) lectin. Current methods for studying isolated resistance arteries at transmural pressures encountered in vivo and in the absence of parenchymal cell influences provide a critical link between in vivo studies and information gained from molecular reductionist approaches that provide limited insight into integrative responses at the whole animal level. LDF and techniques to selectively identify arterioles and capillaries with fluorescently-labeled GS1 lectin provide practical solutions to enable investigators to extend the knowledge gained from studies of isolated resistance arteries. This paper describes the application of these techniques to gain fundamental knowledge of vascular physiology and pathology in the rat as a general experimental model, and in a variety of specialized genetically engineered "designer" rat strains that can provide important insight into the influence of specific genes on important vascular phenotypes. Utilizing these valuable experimental approaches in rat strains developed by selective breeding strategies and new technologies for producing gene knockout models in the rat, will expand the rigor of scientific premises developed in knockout mouse models and extend that knowledge to a more relevant animal model, with a well understood physiological background and suitability for physiological studies because of its larger size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James R Schmidt
- Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia, Texas Wesleyan University
| | | | - Aron M Geurts
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
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Mullins LJ, Conway BR, Menzies RI, Denby L, Mullins JJ. Renal disease pathophysiology and treatment: contributions from the rat. Dis Model Mech 2017; 9:1419-1433. [PMID: 27935823 PMCID: PMC5200898 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat has classically been the species of choice for pharmacological studies and disease modeling, providing a source of high-quality physiological data on cardiovascular and renal pathophysiology over many decades. Recent developments in genome engineering now allow us to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge acquired over the last century. Here, we review rat models of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and acute and chronic kidney disease. These models have made important contributions to our understanding of renal diseases and have revealed key genes, such as Ace and P2rx7, involved in renal pathogenic processes. By targeting these genes of interest, researchers are gaining a better understanding of the etiology of renal pathologies, with the promised potential of slowing disease progression or even reversing the damage caused. Some, but not all, of these target genes have proved to be of clinical relevance. However, it is now possible to generate more sophisticated and appropriate disease models in the rat, which can recapitulate key aspects of human renal pathology. These advances will ultimately be used to identify new treatments and therapeutic targets of much greater clinical relevance. Summary: This Review highlights the key role that the rat continues to play in improving our understanding of the etiologies of renal pathologies, and how these insights have opened up new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Mullins
- University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Bryan R Conway
- University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Robert I Menzies
- University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Laura Denby
- University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John J Mullins
- University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Forbes KP, Kouranova E, Tinker D, Janowski K, Cortner D, McCoy A, Cui X. Creation and Preliminary Characterization of Pregnane X Receptor and Constitutive Androstane Receptor Knockout Rats. Drug Metab Dispos 2017; 45:1068-1076. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.117.075788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Strzemecki D, Guzowska M, Grieb P. Survival rates of homozygotic Tp53 knockout rats as a tool for preclinical assessment of cancer prevention and treatment. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2017; 22:9. [PMID: 28536640 PMCID: PMC5437597 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-017-0039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The gene that encodes tumor protein p53, Tp53, is mutated or silenced in most human cancers and is recognized as one of the most important cancer drivers. Homozygotic Tp53 knockout mice, which develop lethal cancers early in their lives, are already used in cancer prevention studies, and now Tp53 knockout rats have also been generated. This study assessed feasibility of using homozygous Tp53 knockout rats to evaluate the possible outcome of cancer chemoprevention. Methods A small colony of Tp53 knockout rats with a Wistar strain genetic background was initiated and maintained in the animal house at our institution. Tp53 heterozygotic females were bred with Tp53 homozygous knockout males to obtain a surplus of knockout homozygotes. To evaluate the reproducibility of their lifespan, 4 groups of Tp53 homozygous knockout male rats born during consecutive quarters of the year were kept behind a sanitary barrier in a controlled environment until they reached a moribund state. Their individual lifespan data were used to construct quarterly survival curves. Results The four consecutive quarterly survival curves were highly reproducible. They were combined into a single “master” curve for use as a reference in intervention studies. The average lifespan of untreated male Tp53 homozygous knockout rats was normally distributed, with a median of 133 days. Sample size vs. effect calculations revealed that confirming a 20% and 30% increase in the lifespan would respectively require a sample size of 18 and 9 animals (when assessed using the t-test with a power of 80% and alpha set at 0.05). As an example, the Tp53 homozygous knockout rat model was used to test the chemopreventive properties of carnosine, a dipeptide with suspected anticancer properties possibly involving modulation of the mTOR pathway. The result was negative. Conclusion Further evaluation of the Tp53 homozygous knockout male rat colony is required before it can be confirmed as a viable tool for assessing new methods of cancer prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Strzemecki
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., Warsaw, 02-106 Poland
| | - Magdalena Guzowska
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., Warsaw, 02-106 Poland
| | - Paweł Grieb
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., Warsaw, 02-106 Poland
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40
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Quadros RM, Miura H, Harms DW, Akatsuka H, Sato T, Aida T, Redder R, Richardson GP, Inagaki Y, Sakai D, Buckley SM, Seshacharyulu P, Batra SK, Behlke MA, Zeiner SA, Jacobi AM, Izu Y, Thoreson WB, Urness LD, Mansour SL, Ohtsuka M, Gurumurthy CB. Easi-CRISPR: a robust method for one-step generation of mice carrying conditional and insertion alleles using long ssDNA donors and CRISPR ribonucleoproteins. Genome Biol 2017; 18:92. [PMID: 28511701 PMCID: PMC5434640 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-017-1220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conditional knockout mice and transgenic mice expressing recombinases, reporters, and inducible transcriptional activators are key for many genetic studies and comprise over 90% of mouse models created. Conditional knockout mice are generated using labor-intensive methods of homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells and are available for only ~25% of all mouse genes. Transgenic mice generated by random genomic insertion approaches pose problems of unreliable expression, and thus there is a need for targeted-insertion models. Although CRISPR-based strategies were reported to create conditional and targeted-insertion alleles via one-step delivery of targeting components directly to zygotes, these strategies are quite inefficient. RESULTS Here we describe Easi-CRISPR (Efficient additions with ssDNA inserts-CRISPR), a targeting strategy in which long single-stranded DNA donors are injected with pre-assembled crRNA + tracrRNA + Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (ctRNP) complexes into mouse zygotes. We show for over a dozen loci that Easi-CRISPR generates correctly targeted conditional and insertion alleles in 8.5-100% of the resulting live offspring. CONCLUSIONS Easi-CRISPR solves the major problem of animal genome engineering, namely the inefficiency of targeted DNA cassette insertion. The approach is robust, succeeding for all tested loci. It is versatile, generating both conditional and targeted insertion alleles. Finally, it is highly efficient, as treating an average of only 50 zygotes is sufficient to produce a correctly targeted allele in up to 100% of live offspring. Thus, Easi-CRISPR offers a comprehensive means of building large-scale Cre-LoxP animal resources.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- DNA, Single-Stranded/genetics
- DNA, Single-Stranded/metabolism
- Endonucleases/genetics
- Endonucleases/metabolism
- Founder Effect
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Loci
- Integrases/genetics
- Integrases/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic/genetics
- Mice, Transgenic/growth & development
- Microinjections
- Mutagenesis, Insertional/methods
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
- Recombinational DNA Repair
- Ribonucleoproteins/genetics
- Ribonucleoproteins/metabolism
- Zygote/growth & development
- Zygote/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolen M Quadros
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hiromi Miura
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
- Center for Matrix Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Donald W Harms
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hisako Akatsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
- Department of Host Defense Mechanism, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takehito Sato
- Department of Host Defense Mechanism, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Tomomi Aida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Laboratory of Recombinant Animals, MRI, TMDU, 2-3-10, 2-3-10, Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
- Present address: McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ronald Redder
- High-Throughput DNA Sequencing and Genotyping Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Guy P Richardson
- Sussex Neuroscience, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Yutaka Inagaki
- Center for Matrix Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shannon M Buckley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Sarah A Zeiner
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Ashley M Jacobi
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Yayoi Izu
- Department of Animal Risk Management, Chiba Institute of Science, 3 Shiomi-cho, Choshi, Chiba, 288-0025, Japan
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Lisa D Urness
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Suzanne L Mansour
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
- Center for Matrix Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Channabasavaiah B Gurumurthy
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Moreno-Moral A, Petretto E. From integrative genomics to systems genetics in the rat to link genotypes to phenotypes. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:1097-1110. [PMID: 27736746 PMCID: PMC5087832 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.026104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementary to traditional gene mapping approaches used to identify the hereditary components of complex diseases, integrative genomics and systems genetics have emerged as powerful strategies to decipher the key genetic drivers of molecular pathways that underlie disease. Broadly speaking, integrative genomics aims to link cellular-level traits (such as mRNA expression) to the genome to identify their genetic determinants. With the characterization of several cellular-level traits within the same system, the integrative genomics approach evolved into a more comprehensive study design, called systems genetics, which aims to unravel the complex biological networks and pathways involved in disease, and in turn map their genetic control points. The first fully integrated systems genetics study was carried out in rats, and the results, which revealed conserved trans-acting genetic regulation of a pro-inflammatory network relevant to type 1 diabetes, were translated to humans. Many studies using different organisms subsequently stemmed from this example. The aim of this Review is to describe the most recent advances in the fields of integrative genomics and systems genetics applied in the rat, with a focus on studies of complex diseases ranging from inflammatory to cardiometabolic disorders. We aim to provide the genetics community with a comprehensive insight into how the systems genetics approach came to life, starting from the first integrative genomics strategies [such as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) mapping] and concluding with the most sophisticated gene network-based analyses in multiple systems and disease states. Although not limited to studies that have been directly translated to humans, we will focus particularly on the successful investigations in the rat that have led to primary discoveries of genes and pathways relevant to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Moreno-Moral
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore
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