1
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Abdul-Azees PA, Wang H, Chun YHP, Pizzini J, Dean DD, Reveles KR, Marinkovic M, Chen XD, Salmon AB, Yeh CK. Changes in oral health during aging in a novel non-human primate model. GeroScience 2024; 46:1909-1926. [PMID: 37775702 PMCID: PMC10828187 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00939-7] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral health plays a significant role in the quality of life and overall well-being of the aging population. However, age-related changes in oral health are not well understood due to challenges with current animal models. In this study, we analyzed the oral health and microbiota of a short-lived non-human primate (i.e., marmoset), as a step towards establishing a surrogate for studying the changes that occur in oral health during human aging. We investigated the oral health of marmosets using cadaveric tissues in three different cohorts: young (aged ≤6 years), middle-aged, and older (>10 years) and assessed the gingival bacterial community using analyses of the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene. The oldest cohort had a significantly higher number of dental caries, increased dental attrition/erosion, and deeper periodontal pocket depth scores. Oral microbiome analyses showed that older marmosets had a significantly greater abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Propionibacterium, and a lower abundance of Agrobacterium/Rhizobium at the genus level. Alpha diversity of the microbiome between the three groups showed no significant differences; however, principal coordinate analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that samples from middle-aged and older marmosets were more closely clustered than the youngest cohort. In addition, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe) identified a higher abundance of Esherichia-Shigella as a potential pathogenic biomarker in older animals. Our findings confirm that changes in the oral microbiome are associated with a decline in oral health in aging marmosets. The current study suggests that the marmoset model recapitulates some of the changes in oral health associated with human aging and may provide opportunities for developing new preventive strategies or interventions which target these disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveez Ahamed Abdul-Azees
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hanzhou Wang
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yong-Hee P Chun
- Department of Periodontics, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jason Pizzini
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David D Dean
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kelly R Reveles
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Milos Marinkovic
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiao-Dong Chen
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Adam B Salmon
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Chih-Ko Yeh
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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2
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Hickmott AJ, Cervantes L, Arroyo JP, Brasky K, Bene M, Salmon AB, Phillips KA, Ross CN. Age-related changes in hematological biomarkers in common marmosets. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23589. [PMID: 38143428 PMCID: PMC10959687 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Researchers and veterinarians often use hematology and clinical chemistry to evaluate animal health. These biomarkers are relatively easy to obtain, and understanding how they change across healthy aging is critical to clinical care and diagnostics for these animals. We aimed to evaluate how clinical biomarkers from a chemistry profile and complete blood count (CBC) change with age in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). We assessed blood samples collected during routine physical exams at the Southwest National Primate Research Center and the University of Texas Health San Antonio marmoset colonies from November 2020-November 2021. We found that chemistry and CBC profiles varied based on facility, sex, and age. Significant changes in albumin, phosphorus/creatinine ratio, albumin/globulin ratio, amylase, creatinine, lymphocyte percent, hematocrit, granulocytes percent, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width were all reported with advancing age. Aged individuals also demonstrated evidence for changes in liver, kidney, and immune system function compared with younger individuals. Our results suggest there may be regular changes associated with healthy aging in marmosets that are outside of the range typically considered as normal values for healthy young individuals, indicating the potential need for redefined healthy ranges for clinical biomarkers in aged animals. Identifying animals that exhibit values outside of this defined healthy aging reference will allow more accurate diagnostics and treatments for aging colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexana J. Hickmott
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Lidia Cervantes
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Juan Pablo Arroyo
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kathy Brasky
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michael Bene
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Adam B. Salmon
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kimberley A. Phillips
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Corinna N. Ross
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
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3
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Murai T, Bailey L, Schultz L, Mongeau L, DeSana A, Silva AC, Roberts AC, Sukoff Rizzo SJ. Improving preclinical to clinical translation of cognitive function for aging-related disorders: the utility of comprehensive touchscreen testing batteries in common marmosets. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:325-348. [PMID: 38200282 PMCID: PMC11039501 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Concerns about poor animal to human translation have come increasingly to the fore, in particular with regards to cognitive improvements in rodent models, which have failed to translate to meaningful clinical benefit in humans. This problem has been widely acknowledged, most recently in the field of Alzheimer's disease, although this issue pervades the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, recent efforts have focused on improving preclinical to clinical translation by incorporating more clinically analogous outcome measures of cognition, such as touchscreen-based assays, which can be employed across species, and have great potential to minimize the translational gap. For aging-related research, it also is important to incorporate model systems that facilitate the study of the long prodromal phase in which cognitive decline begins to emerge and which is a major limitation of short-lived species, such as laboratory rodents. We posit that to improve translation of cognitive function and dysfunction, nonhuman primate models, which have conserved anatomical and functional organization of the primate brain, are necessary to move the field of translational research forward and to bridge the translational gaps. The present studies describe the establishment of a comprehensive battery of touchscreen-based tasks that capture a spectrum of domains sensitive to detecting aging-related cognitive decline, which will provide the greatest benefit through longitudinal evaluation throughout the prolonged lifespan of the marmoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Murai
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Schultz
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Mongeau
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew DeSana
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Afonso C Silva
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Angela C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stacey J Sukoff Rizzo
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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4
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Perez-Cruz C, Rodriguez-Callejas JDD. The common marmoset as a model of neurodegeneration. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:394-409. [PMID: 36907677 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Human life expectancy has increased over the past few centuries, and the incidence of dementia in the older population is also projected to continue to rise. Neurodegenerative diseases are complex multifactorial conditions for which no effective treatments are currently available. Animal models are necessary to understand the causes and progression of neurodegeneration. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) offer significant advantages for the study of neurodegenerative disease. Among them, the common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, stands out due to its easy handling, complex brain architecture, and occurrence of spontaneous beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau aggregates with aging. Furthermore, marmosets present physiological adaptations and metabolic alterations associated with the increased risk of dementia in humans. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the use of marmosets as a model of aging and neurodegeneration. We highlight aspects of marmoset physiology associated with aging, such as metabolic alterations, which may help understand their vulnerability to developing a neurodegenerative phenotype that goes beyond normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Perez-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Research and Advance Studies (Cinvestav-I.P.N.), Av. Politecnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Juan de Dios Rodriguez-Callejas
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Research and Advance Studies (Cinvestav-I.P.N.), Av. Politecnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
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5
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Yamazaki Y, Moriya S, Kawarai S, Morita H, Kikusui T, Iriki A. Effects of enhanced insect feeding on the faecal microbiota and transcriptome of a family of captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279380. [PMID: 36548292 PMCID: PMC9779035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Common marmosets have been widely used in biomedical research for years. Nutritional control is an important factor in managing their health, and insect intake would be beneficial for that purpose because common marmosets frequently feed on insects in natural habitats. Here, we examined the effect of enhanced insect feeding on the gut by analysing the faecal microbiota and transcripts of captive marmosets. A family consisting of six marmosets was divided into two groups. During the seven-day intervention period, one group (the insect feeding group, or Group IF) was fed one cricket and one giant mealworm per marmoset per day, while the other (the control group, or Group C) was not fed these insects. RNA was extracted from faecal samples to evaluate the ecology and transcripts of the microbiota, which were then compared among time points before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and two weeks after the intervention (Follow_up) using total RNA sequencing. The gut microbiota of marmosets showed Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria as dominant phyla. Linear discriminant analysis showed differential characteristics of microbiota with and without insect feeding treatment. Further analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed increases and decreases in Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, respectively, corresponding to the availability of insects under both Post and Follow_up conditions. Significant changes specific to insect feeding were also detected within the transcriptome, some of which were synchronized with the fluctuations in the microbiota, suggesting a functional correlation or interaction between the two. The rapid changes in the microbiota and transcripts may be achieved by the microbiota community originally developed in the wild through marmosets' feeding ecology. The results were informative for identifying the physiological impact of insect feeding to produce a better food regimen and for detecting transcripts that are currently unidentifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Yamazaki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shigeharu Moriya
- Photonics Control Technology Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shinpei Kawarai
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Laboratory of Small Animal Clinics, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Morita
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Companion Animal Research, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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6
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Shigeno Y, Liu H, Sano C, Inoue R, Niimi K, Nagaoka K. Individual variations and effects of birth facilities on the fecal microbiome of laboratory-bred marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) assessed by a longitudinal study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273702. [PMID: 36040908 PMCID: PMC9426884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory animals are used for scientific research in various fields. In recent years, there has been a concern that the gut microbiota may differ among laboratory animals, which may yield different results in different laboratories where in-vivo experiments are performed. Our knowledge of the gut microbiota of laboratory-reared common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) is limited; thus, in this study, we analyzed the daily changes in fecal microbiome composition, individual variations, and effects of the birth facility in healthy female laboratory-reared marmosets, supplied by three vendors. We showed that the marmoset fecal microbiome varied among animals from the same vendor and among animals from different vendors (birth facility), with daily changes of approximately 37%. The fecal microbiome per vendor is characterized by alpha diversity and specific bacteria, with Bifidobacterium for vendor A, Phascolarctobacterium for vendor B, and Megamonas for vendor C. Furthermore, we found that plasma progesterone concentrations and estrous cycles were not correlated with daily fecal microbiome changes. In contrast, animals with an anovulatory cycle lacked Megamonas and Desulfovibrio bacteria compared to normal estrous females. This study suggests that the source of the animal, such as breeding and housing facilities, is important for in-vivo experiments on the marmoset gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Shigeno
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Resources Division, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hong Liu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chie Sano
- Research Resources Division, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ryo Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kimie Niimi
- Research Resources Division, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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7
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Sheh A, Artim SC, Burns MA, Molina-Mora JA, Lee MA, Dzink-Fox J, Muthupalani S, Fox JG. Alterations in common marmoset gut microbiome associated with duodenal strictures. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5277. [PMID: 35347206 PMCID: PMC8960757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are the most common diseases in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Despite standardized housing, diet and husbandry, a recently described gastrointestinal syndrome characterized by duodenal ulcers and strictures was observed in a subset of marmosets sourced from the New England Primate Research Center. As changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with GI diseases, the gut microbiome of 52 healthy, non-stricture marmosets (153 samples) were compared to the gut microbiome of 21 captive marmosets diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer/stricture (57 samples). No significant changes were observed using alpha diversity metrics, and while the community structure was significantly different when comparing beta diversity between healthy and stricture cases, the results were inconclusive due to differences observed in the dispersion of both datasets. Differences in the abundance of individual taxa using ANCOM, as stricture-associated dysbiosis was characterized by Anaerobiospirillum loss and Clostridium perfringens increases. To identify microbial and serum biomarkers that could help classify stricture cases, we developed models using machine learning algorithms (random forest, classification and regression trees, support vector machines and k-nearest neighbors) to classify microbiome, serum chemistry or complete blood count (CBC) data. Random forest (RF) models were the most accurate models and correctly classified strictures using either 9 ASVs (amplicon sequence variants), 4 serum chemistry tests or 6 CBC tests. Based on the RF model and ANCOM results, C. perfringens was identified as a potential causative agent associated with the development of strictures. Clostridium perfringens was also isolated by microbiological culture in 4 of 9 duodenum samples from marmosets with histologically confirmed strictures. Due to the enrichment of C. perfringens in situ, we analyzed frozen duodenal tissues using both 16S microbiome profiling and RNAseq. Microbiome analysis of the duodenal tissues of 29 marmosets from the MIT colony confirmed an increased abundance of Clostridium in stricture cases. Comparison of the duodenal gene expression from stricture and non-stricture marmosets found enrichment of genes associated with intestinal absorption, and lipid metabolism, localization, and transport in stricture cases. Using machine learning, we identified increased abundance of C. perfringens, as a potential causative agent of GI disease and intestinal strictures in marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sheh
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Stephen C Artim
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Merck Research Laboratories, Merck, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monika A Burns
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jose Arturo Molina-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mary Anne Lee
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | - JoAnn Dzink-Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - James G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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8
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Sheh A, Artim SC, Burns MA, Molina-Mora JA, Lee MA, Dzink-Fox J, Muthupalani S, Fox JG. Analysis of gut microbiome profiles in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in health and intestinal disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4430. [PMID: 35292670 PMCID: PMC8924212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are the most common diseases in captive common marmosets. To understand the role of the microbiome in GI diseases, we characterized the gut microbiome of 91 healthy marmosets (303 samples) and 59 marmosets diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (200 samples). Healthy marmosets exhibited "humanized," Bacteroidetes-dominant microbiomes. After up to 2 years of standardized diet, housing and husbandry, marmoset microbiomes could be classified into four distinct marmoset sources based on Prevotella and Bacteroides levels. Using a random forest (RF) model, marmosets were classified by source with an accuracy of 93% with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity using abundance data from 4 Prevotellaceae amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), as well as single ASVs from Coprobacter, Parabacteroides, Paraprevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Oribacterium and Fusobacterium. A single dysbiotic IBD state was not found across all marmoset sources, but IBD was associated with lower alpha diversity and a lower Bacteroides:Prevotella copri ratio within each source. IBD was highest in a Prevotella-dominant cohort, and consistent with Prevotella-linked diseases, pro-inflammatory genes in the jejunum were upregulated. RF analysis of serum biomarkers identified serum calcium, hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) counts as potential biomarkers for marmoset IBD. This study characterizes the microbiome of healthy captive common marmosets and demonstrates that source-specific microbiomes can be retained despite standardized diets and husbandry practices. Marmosets with IBD had decreased alpha diversity and a shift in the ratio of Bacteroides:Prevotella copri compared to healthy marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sheh
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Stephen C Artim
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Merck Research Laboratories, Merck, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monika A Burns
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jose Arturo Molina-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mary Anne Lee
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | - JoAnn Dzink-Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - James G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Murray KN, Clark TS, Kebus MJ, Kent ML. Specific Pathogen Free - A review of strategies in agriculture, aquaculture, and laboratory mammals and how they inform new recommendations for laboratory zebrafish. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:78-93. [PMID: 34864461 PMCID: PMC9120263 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals are bred and managed to exclude pathogens associated with significant morbidity or mortality that may secondarily pose a risk to public health, food safety and food security, and research replicability. Generating and maintaining SPF animals requires detailed biosecurity planning for control of housing, environmental, and husbandry factors and a history of regimented pathogen testing. Successful programs involve comprehensive risk analysis and exclusion protocols that are rooted in a thorough understanding of pathogen lifecycle and modes of transmission. In this manuscript we review the current state of SPF in domestic agriculture (pigs and poultry), aquaculture (salmonids and shrimp), and small laboratory mammals. As the use of laboratory fish, especially zebrafish (Danio rerio), as models of human disease is expanding exponentially, it is prudent to define standards for SPF in this field. We use the guiding principles from other SPF industries and evaluate zebrafish pathogens against criteria to be on an SPF list, to propose recommendations for establishing and maintaining SPF laboratory zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina N Murray
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - Tannia S Clark
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Myron J Kebus
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, WI 53708, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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10
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Horvath S, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Lu AT, Raj K, Jasinska AJ, Mattison JA, Salmon AB. DNA methylation age analysis of rapamycin in common marmosets. GeroScience 2021; 43:2413-2425. [PMID: 34482522 PMCID: PMC8599537 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human DNA methylation data have previously been used to develop highly accurate biomarkers of aging ("epigenetic clocks"). Subsequent studies demonstrate that similar epigenetic clocks can also be developed for mice and many other mammals. Here, we describe epigenetic clocks for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) based on novel DNA methylation data generated from highly conserved mammalian CpGs that were profiled using a custom Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). From these, we developed and present here two epigenetic clocks for marmosets that are applicable to whole blood samples. We find that the human-marmoset clock for relative age exhibits moderately high age correlations in two other non-human primate species: vervet monkeys and rhesus macaques. In a separate cohort of marmosets, we tested whether intervention with rapamycin, a drug shown to extend lifespan in mice, would alter the epigenetic age of marmosets, as measured by the marmoset epigenetic clocks. These clocks did not detect significant effects of rapamycin on the epigenetic age of marmoset blood. The common marmoset stands out from other mammals in that it is not possible to build accurate estimators of sex based on DNA methylation data: the accuracy of a random forest predictor of sex (66%) was substantially lower than that observed for other mammals (which is close to 100%). Overall, the epigenetic clocks developed here for the common marmoset are expected to be useful for age estimation of wild-born animals and for anti-aging studies in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Dickerson, MD USA
| | - Adam B. Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, and Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX USA
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11
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Holtze S, Gorshkova E, Braude S, Cellerino A, Dammann P, Hildebrandt TB, Hoeflich A, Hoffmann S, Koch P, Terzibasi Tozzini E, Skulachev M, Skulachev VP, Sahm A. Alternative Animal Models of Aging Research. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:660959. [PMID: 34079817 PMCID: PMC8166319 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.660959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most research on mechanisms of aging is being conducted in a very limited number of classical model species, i.e., laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), rat (Rattus norvegicus domestica), the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans). The obvious advantages of using these models are access to resources such as strains with known genetic properties, high-quality genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data, versatile experimental manipulation capabilities including well-established genome editing tools, as well as extensive experience in husbandry. However, this approach may introduce interpretation biases due to the specific characteristics of the investigated species, which may lead to inappropriate, or even false, generalization. For example, it is still unclear to what extent knowledge of aging mechanisms gained in short-lived model organisms is transferable to long-lived species such as humans. In addition, other specific adaptations favoring a long and healthy life from the immense evolutionary toolbox may be entirely missed. In this review, we summarize the specific characteristics of emerging animal models that have attracted the attention of gerontologists, we provide an overview of the available data and resources related to these models, and we summarize important insights gained from them in recent years. The models presented include short-lived ones such as killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), long-lived ones such as primates (Callithrix jacchus, Cebus imitator, Macaca mulatta), bathyergid mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber, Fukomys spp.), bats (Myotis spp.), birds, olms (Proteus anguinus), turtles, greenland sharks, bivalves (Arctica islandica), and potentially non-aging ones such as Hydra and Planaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Gorshkova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stan Braude
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Alessandro Cellerino
- Biology Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Philip Dammann
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas B. Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoeflich
- Division Signal Transduction, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Steve Hoffmann
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Koch
- Core Facility Life Science Computing, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Eva Terzibasi Tozzini
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Maxim Skulachev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Skulachev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arne Sahm
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
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12
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Fitz C, Goodroe A, Wierenga L, Mejia A, Simmons H. Clinical Management of Gastrointestinal Disease in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). ILAR J 2021; 61:199-217. [PMID: 33989417 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal disease is a frequently encountered problem among captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies. Management can be challenging due to the number of etiologies responsible for gastrointestinal disease in this species, limitations on diagnostic capabilities, and lack of effective treatments. Understanding commonly described GI diseases in the captive marmoset can provide insight on the impact these diseases have on research studies and aid in the development of appropriate management strategies. A review of commonly encountered GI disease processes as well as routinely implicated causes of GI disease in the common marmoset are provided. Current strategies in clinical management of GI disease in the common marmoset, including approaches to colony health, diagnostic testing, and commonly employed treatments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Fitz
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anna Goodroe
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute and Southwest National Primate Research Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren Wierenga
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Research Animal Resources and Compliance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andres Mejia
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Heather Simmons
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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13
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Goodroe A, Wachtman L, Benedict W, Allen-Worthington K, Bakker J, Burns M, Diaz LL, Dick E, Dickerson M, Eliades SJ, Gonzalez O, Graf DJ, Haroush K, Inoue T, Izzi J, Laudano A, Layne-Colon D, Leblanc M, Ludwig B, Mejia A, Miller C, Sarfaty A, Sosa M, Vallender E, Brown C, Forney L, Schultz-Darken N, Colman R, Power M, Capuano S, Ross C, Tardif S. Current practices in nutrition management and disease incidence of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). J Med Primatol 2021; 50:164-175. [PMID: 33913156 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A survey was developed to characterize disease incidence, common pathology lesions, environmental characteristics, and nutrition programs within captive research marmoset colonies. METHODS Seventeen research facilities completed the electronic survey. RESULTS Nutritional management programs varied amongst research institutions housing marmosets; eight primary base diets were reported. The most common clinical syndromes reported were gastrointestinal disease (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease like disease, chronic lymphocytic enteritis, chronic malabsorption, chronic diarrhea), metabolic bone disease or fracture, infectious diarrhea, and oral disease (tooth root abscesses, gingivitis, tooth root resorption). The five most common pathology morphologic diagnoses were colitis, nephropathy/nephritis, enteritis, chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, and cholecystitis. Obesity was more common (average 20% of a reporting institution's population) than thin body condition (average 5%). CONCLUSIONS Through review of current practices, we aim to inspire development of evidence-based practices to standardize husbandry and nutrition practices for marmoset research colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goodroe
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - William Benedict
- Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Jaco Bakker
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Burns
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leslie Lynn Diaz
- Comparative Bioscience Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward Dick
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mary Dickerson
- Office of Comparative Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Steven J Eliades
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga Gonzalez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Dina-Jo Graf
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Keren Haroush
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Takashi Inoue
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Jessica Izzi
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Allison Laudano
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Donna Layne-Colon
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mathias Leblanc
- Gene Expression Lab, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Andres Mejia
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cory Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Sarfaty
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Megan Sosa
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric Vallender
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Celeste Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Larry Forney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | | | - Ricki Colman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Power
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saverio Capuano
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Corinna Ross
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Suzette Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
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14
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Sheh A. The Gastrointestinal Microbiota of the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). ILAR J 2021; 61:188-198. [PMID: 33620078 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota is heavily involved in both health and disease pathogenesis, but defining a normal, healthy microbiota in the common marmoset has been challenging. The aim of this review was to systematically review recent literature involving the gastrointestinal microbiome of common marmosets in health and disease. Twelve sources were included in this review. The gut microbiome composition was reviewed across institutions worldwide, and taxonomic shifts between healthy individuals were described. Unlike the human gut microbiome, which is dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, the marmoset gut microbiome shows great plasticity across institutions, with 5 different phyla described as dominant in different healthy cohorts. Genera shared across institutions include Anaerobiospirillum, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Fusobacterium, Megamonas, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Prevotella. Shifts in the abundance of Prevotella or Bifidobacterium or invasion by pathogens like Clostridium perfringens may be associated with disease. Changes in microbial composition have been described in healthy and diseased marmosets, but factors influencing the severe changes in microbial composition have not been established. Multi-institutional, prospective, and longitudinal studies that utilize multiple testing methodologies are required to determine sources of variability in the reporting of marmoset microbiomes. Furthermore, methods of microbial manipulation, whether by diet, enrichment, fecal microbiome transplantation, etc, need to be established to modulate and maintain robust and resilient microbiome communities in marmoset colonies and reduce the incidence of idiopathic gastrointestinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sheh
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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15
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Ross CN, Reveles KR. Feasibility of fecal microbiota transplantation via oral gavage to safely alter gut microbiome composition in marmosets. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23196. [PMID: 32970852 PMCID: PMC7679041 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23196] [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: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of microbial communities within human hosts has been associated with infection, obesity, cognitive decline, cancer risk and frailty, suggesting that microbiome-targeted therapies may be an option for improving healthspan and lifespan. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of delivering fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) to marmosets via oral gavage and to evaluate if alteration of the gut microbiome post-FMT could be achieved. This was a prospective study of marmosets housed at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies in San Antonio, Texas. Eligible animals included healthy young adult males (age 2-5 years) with no recent medication use. Stool from two donors was combined and administered in 0.5 ml doses to five young recipients once weekly for 3 weeks. Safety outcomes and alterations in the gut microbiome composition via 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing were compared at baseline and monthly up to 6 months post-FMT. Overall, significant differences in the percent relative abundance was seen in FMT recipients at the phylum and family levels from baseline to 1 month and baseline to 6 months post-FMT. In permutational multivariate analysis of variance analyses, treatment status (donor vs. recipient) (p = .056) and time course (p = .019) predicted β diversity (p = .056). The FMT recipients did not experience any negative health outcomes over the course of the treatment. FMT via oral gavage was safe to administer to young adult marmosets. The marmoset microbiome may be altered by FMT; however, progressive changes in the microbiome are strongly driven by the host and its baseline microbiome composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna N Ross
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Research, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kelly R Reveles
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education & Research Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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16
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Evaluating rectal swab collection method for gut microbiome analysis in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224950. [PMID: 31697779 PMCID: PMC6837755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is increasingly used as an animal model for biomedical research; however, gastrointestinal diseases causing significant morbidity are endemic in many captive marmoset colonies. Establishing gut microbiome patterns in a marmoset colony may aid in clinical decision-making and model reproducibility. A standardized method of sample collection and storage is essential for proper interpretation of microbiome data. While microbiome studies commonly utilize fecal samples, the goal of this study was to determine whether the microbiome profile from a rectal swab performed on a sedated animal was comparable to the microbiome profile from a fecal sample. During routine physical exams, paired fecal and rectal swab samples were collected from each of 23 marmosets. DNA was extracted from all fecal and rectal swab samples and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were amplified and analyzed. Initial comparison of the relative abundance of bacterial phyla between paired samples had a r2 value of 0.70 with S of 0.08 with no significant differences in α and β diversity metrics between fecal and rectal samples. Initial analysis however, revealed 5 discordant fecal-rectal pairs which corresponded only with the 5 rectal swabs that were classified as free of visible fecal matter during collection. Exclusion of these 5 pairs resulted in an optimized fit of the data as evidenced by a r2 value of 0.91 with S of 0.05. These results demonstrate that rectal swabs are a reliable method for profiling the fecal microbiome in the marmoset since the bacterial composition from a rectal swab with visible fecal contents correlated well with the bacterial composition from a fecal sample from the same marmoset. This study highlights the importance of standardized sample collection methods and exclusion of inappropriate samples.
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17
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Brown CJ, Mtui D, Oswald BP, Van Leuven JT, Vallender EJ, Schultz‐Darken N, Ross CN, Tardif SD, Austad SN, Forney LJ. Comparative genomics of Bifidobacterium species isolated from marmosets and humans. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e983. [PMID: 31062394 PMCID: PMC6900142 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The genus Bifidobacterium is purported to have beneficial consequences for human health and is a major component of many gastrointestinal probiotics. Although species of Bifidobacterium are generally at low relative frequency in the adult human gastrointestinal tract, they can constitute high proportions of the gastrointestinal communities of adult marmosets. To identify genes that might be important for the maintenance of Bifidobacterium in adult marmosets, ten strains of Bifidobacterium were isolated from the feces of seven adult marmosets, and their genomes were sequenced. There were six B. reuteri strains, two B. callitrichos strains, one B. myosotis sp. nov. and one B. tissieri sp. nov. among our isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three of the four species we isolated were most closely related to B. bifidum, B. breve and B. longum, which are species found in high abundance in human infants. There were 1357 genes that were shared by at least one strain of B. reuteri, B. callitrichos, B. breve, and B. longum, and 987 genes that were found in all strains of the four species. There were 106 genes found in B. reuteri and B. callitrichos but not in human bifidobacteria, and several of these genes were involved in nutrient uptake. These pathways for nutrient uptake appeared to be specific to Bifidobacterium from New World monkeys. Additionally, the distribution of Bifidobacterium in fecal samples from captive adult marmosets constituted as much as 80% of the gut microbiome, although this was variable between individuals and colonies. We suggest that nutrient transporters may be important for the maintenance of Bifidobacterium during adulthood in marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste J. Brown
- Department of Biological ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
- Center for Modeling Complex InteractionsUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary StudiesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
| | - Dorah Mtui
- Department of Biological ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
| | - Benjamin P. Oswald
- Department of Biological ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary StudiesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
| | | | - Eric J. Vallender
- New England Primate Research CenterHarvard Medical SchoolSouthboroughMassachusetts
| | - Nancy Schultz‐Darken
- Wisconsin National Primate Research CenterUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsin
| | - Corinna N. Ross
- Southwest National Primate Research CenterTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexas
- Department of Science and MathematicsTexas A&M UniversitySan AntonioTexas
| | - Suzette D. Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Research CenterTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTexas
| | - Steven N. Austad
- Department of Cellular and Structural BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Larry J. Forney
- Department of Biological ScienceUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary StudiesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho
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18
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Abstract
Traditional animal models have been used to make seminal discoveries in biomedical research including a better understanding of the biology of the aging process. However, translation of these findings from laboratory to clinical populations has likely been hindered due to fundamental biological and physiological differences between common laboratory animals and humans. Non-human primates (NHP) may serve as an effective bridge towards translation, and short-lived NHP like the common marmoset offer many advantages as models for aging research. Here, we address these advantages and discuss what is currently understood about the changes in physiology and pathology that occur with age in the marmoset. In addition, we discuss how aging research might best utilize this model resource, and outline an ongoing study to address whether pharmaceutical intervention can slow aging in the marmoset. With this manuscript, we clarify how common marmosets might assist researchers in geroscience as a potential model for pre-clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna N Ross
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - Adam B Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
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19
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Parambeth JC, Ross CN, Miller AD, Austad SN, Lidbury JA, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM. Serum Cobalamin and Folate Concentrations in Common Marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) with Chronic Lymphocytic Enteritis. Comp Med 2019; 69:135-143. [PMID: 30902119 PMCID: PMC6464084 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-18-000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations can serve as surrogate markers of gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats, where they can have diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. Chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly chronic lymphocytic enteritis (CLE), occurs frequently in captive common marmosets. The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available assay for measuring serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets, to establish reference intervals for these analytes in healthy marmosets, and to measure serum concentrations in common marmosets with CLE. The commercial assay was linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for the measurement of serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets. In healthy marmosets, the serum cobalamin concentration ranged from 322 to 2642 pg/mL (n = 35) and serum folate concentration from 54.8 to 786.4 ng/mL (n = 37). Low serum folate concentrations were moderately sensitive (greater than 70%) for CLE, and low serum cobalamin concentrations were moderately (greater than 70%) specific for CLE. Both serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were relatively unchanged in marmosets during 120 to 220 d. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were stable for approximately 7 y when samples were stored at -80 °C. Additional studies are warranted to further study the clinical implications of low serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cyrus Parambeth
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas;,
| | - Corinna N Ross
- College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A and M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Steven N Austad
- Department of Biology and Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jonathan A Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jörg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas
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20
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Reveles KR, Patel S, Forney L, Ross CN. Age-related changes in the marmoset gut microbiome. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22960. [PMID: 30802990 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is known to play a significant role in human health but its role in aging remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the gut microbiome composition between young adult and geriatric non-human primates (marmosets) as a model of human health and disease. Stool samples were collected from geriatric (8+ years) and young adult males (2-5 years). Stool 16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequences were amplified and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units and classified via Mothur's Bayesian classifier referenced against the Greengenes database. A total of 10 young adult and 10 geriatric marmosets were included. Geriatric marmosets had a lower mean Shannon diversity compared with young marmosets (3.15 vs. 3.46; p = 0.0191). Geriatric marmosets had a significantly higher mean abundance of Proteobacteria (0.22 vs. 0.09; p = 0.0233) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (0.15 vs. 0.19; p = 0.0032) compared with young marmosets. Geriatric marmosets had a significantly higher abundance of Succinivibrionaceae (0.16 vs. 0.01; p = 0.0191) and lower abundance of Porphyromonadaceae (0.07 vs. 0.11; p = 0.0494). In summary, geriatric marmosets had significantly altered microbiome diversity and composition compared with young adult marmosets. Further studies are needed to test microbiome-targeted therapies to improve healthspan and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Reveles
- Phamacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Pharmacotherapy Education & Research Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Shrina Patel
- Phamacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Pharmacotherapy Education & Research Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Larry Forney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Corinna N Ross
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Research, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
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21
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Ross CN, Adams J, Gonzalez O, Dick E, Giavedoni L, Hodara VL, Phillips K, Rigodanzo AD, Kasinath B, Tardif SD. Cross-sectional comparison of health-span phenotypes in young versus geriatric marmosets. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22952. [PMID: 30664265 PMCID: PMC7036287 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of the marmoset as a translational model for healthspan and lifespan studies relies on the characterization of health parameters in young and geriatric marmosets. This cross-sectional study examined health phenotypes in marmosets for five domains of interest for human health and aging: mobility, cognition, metabolism, homeostasis, and immune function. Geriatric marmosets were found to have significant executive function impairment when compared to young animals. While geriatric animals did not show gross abnormalities in mobility and measures of locomotion, their types of movement were altered from young animals. Geriatric marmosets had alterations in cardiac function, with significantly increased mean arterial pressures; metabolism, with significantly lower VO2 ; and suppressed immune function. Further, this study sought to characterize and describe histopathology for both young and geriatric healthy marmosets. Overall this study provides a characterization of health parameters for young and geriatric marmosets which will greatly enhance future aging and interventional testing in marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna N Ross
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jessica Adams
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Olga Gonzalez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Edward Dick
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Luis Giavedoni
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Vida L Hodara
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Anna D Rigodanzo
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Balakuntalam Kasinath
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Suzette D Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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22
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Tardif SD. Marmosets as a translational aging model-Introduction. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22912. [PMID: 30725472 PMCID: PMC6684291 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The life history of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) points to this species as a premiere nonhuman primate aging model. In order to take advantage of these features, we require an expanded and refined understanding of aging in this species. The papers in this special issue move this field forward substantially by providing exciting new findings about the aging of the common marmoset and the potential this species offers for revealing aging's secrets and improving the lives of aging humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette D Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
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23
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JEONG ES, PARK JH, RYU SH, CHOI SY, LEE KS, KIM JM, HYUN BH, CHOI YK. Detection of Chilomastix mesnili in Common Marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) and Treatment with Metronidazole. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 14:334-339. [PMID: 31543923 PMCID: PMC6737374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the use of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has increased in biomedical research as an animal model. This study aimed to test fecal samples to monitor bacterial and parasite infections in common marmoset at the Laboratory Animal Center of Osong Medical Innovation Foundation in Korea. METHODS To monitor bacteria and parasites in common marmoset, we tested 43 fecal samples of 43 common marmosets by culture and parasitological test in 2014. Infection by Chilomastix mesnili was determined by PCR method. RESULTS We identified nonpathogenic bacteria such as Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli in feces of normal common marmosets. Interestingly, C. mesnili was isolated from a healthy common marmoset by fecal centrifugation concentration and PCR. The monkey infected with C. mesnili was treated with metronidazole. After the treatment, C. mesnili were not found in feces using fecal centrifugation concentration and PCR. CONCLUSION This is the first case report of C. mesnili infection in common marmoset. Treatment with metronidazole is found to be highly effective in eradicating C. mesnili infection in common marmoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Suk JEONG
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea, Laboratory Animal Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyung PARK
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun RYU
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young CHOI
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sun LEE
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Man KIM
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hwa HYUN
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang-Kyu CHOI
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea,Correspondence
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24
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Hoffman JM, Ross C, Tran V, Promislow DEL, Tardif S, Jones DP. The metabolome as a biomarker of mortality risk in the common marmoset. Am J Primatol 2018; 81:e22944. [PMID: 30585652 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the common marmoset has been proposed as a non-human primate model of aging. Their short lifespan coupled with pathologies that are similar to humans make them an ideal model to understand the genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors that influence aging and longevity. However, many of the underlying physiological changes that occur with age in the marmoset are unknown. Here, we attempt to determine if individual metabolites are predictive of future death and to recapitulate past metabolomic results after a change in environment (move across the country) was imposed on a colony of marmosets. We first determined that low levels of tryptophan metabolism metabolites were associated with risk of death in a 2-year follow-up in the animals, suggesting these metabolites may be used as future biomarkers of mortality. We also discovered that betaine metabolism and methionine metabolism are associated with aging regardless of environment for the animals, or of metabolomic assay technique. These two metabolic pathways are therefore of particular interest to examine as future targets for health and lifespan extending interventions. Many of the pathways associated with age in our first study of marmoset metabolomics were not found to have significant age effects in our second study, suggesting more work is needed to understand the reproducibility of large scale metabolomic studies in mammalian models. Overall, we were able to show that while several metabolomics markers show promise in understanding health and lifespan relationships with aging, it is possible that choice of technique for assay and reproducibility in these types of studies are still issues that need to be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Hoffman
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Corinna Ross
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - ViLinh Tran
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Daniel E L Promislow
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Suzette Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dean P Jones
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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25
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Sills AM, Artavia JM, DeRosa BD, Ross CN, Salmon AB. Long-term treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin has minor effect on clinical laboratory markers in middle-aged marmosets. Am J Primatol 2018; 81:e22927. [PMID: 30311681 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Interventions to extend lifespan and improve health with increasing age would have significant impact on a growing aged population. There are now several pharmaceutical interventions that extend lifespan in laboratory rodent models with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) being the most well studied. In this study, we report on the hematological effects in a cohort of middle-aged common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) that were enrolled in a study to test the effects of daily rapamycin treatment on aging in this species. In addition, we assessed whether sex was a significant factor in either baseline assessment or as an interaction with rapamycin treatment. Among our cohort at baseline, we found few differences in either basic morphology or hematological markers of blood cell counts, metabolism or inflammation between male and female marmosets. After dosing with rapamycin, surprisingly we found trough blood concentrations of rapamycin were significantly lower in female compared to male marmosets. Despite this pharmacological difference, both sexes had only minor changes in cellular blood counts after 9 months of rapamycin. These data then suggest that the potential clinical hematological side effects of rapamycin are not likely outcomes of long-term rapamycin in relatively healthy, middle-aged marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Sills
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Joselyn M Artavia
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brian D DeRosa
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Corinna N Ross
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Adam B Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas
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26
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Workman KP, Healey B, Carlotto A, Lacreuse A. One-year change in cognitive flexibility and fine motor function in middle-aged male and female marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Am J Primatol 2018; 81:e22924. [PMID: 30281810 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is uniquely suited for longitudinal studies of cognitive aging, due to a relatively short lifespan, sophisticated cognitive abilities, and patterns of brain aging that resemble those of humans. We examined cognitive function and fine motor skills in male and female marmosets (mean age ∼5 at study entry) followed longitudinally for 2 years. Each year, monkeys were tested on a reversal learning task with three pairs of stimuli (n = 18, 9 females) and a fine motor task requiring them to grasp small rewards from two staircases (Hill and Valley test, n = 12, 6 females). There was little evidence for a decline in cognitive flexibility between the two time points, in part because of practice effects. However, independent of year of testing, females took longer than males to reach criterion in the reversals, indicating impaired cognitive flexibility. Motivation was unlikely to contribute to this effect, as males refused a greater percentage of trials than females in the reversals. With regards to motor function, females were significantly faster than males in the Hill and Valley task. From Year 1 to Year 2, a slight slowing of motor function was observed in both sexes, but accuracy decreased significantly in males only. This study (1) demonstrates that marmosets exhibit sex differences in cognitive flexibility and fine motor function that resemble those described in humans; (2) that changes in fine motor function can already be detected at middle-age; and (3) that males may experience greater age-related changes in fine motor skills than females. Additional data points will determine whether these sex and age differences persist over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Workman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Brianna Healey
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa Carlotto
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.,Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.,Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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