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Zeng L, Shali S, Gao Y, Du X, Zhu X, Li L, Dai Y, Zhou P. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Deletion of the Uox Gene Generates a Mouse Model of Hyperuricemia with Multiple Complications. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s12265-024-10526-6. [PMID: 38856882 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-024-10526-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disorder with severe complications. We aimed to develop a mouse model for spontaneous hyperuricemia. Uox-/- mouse model was generated on C57BL/6J background by deleting exon 2-4 of Uox using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The prototypic Uox -/-mice had 5.5-fold increased serum uric acid (1351.04±276.58μmol/L) as compared to the wild type mice (P<0.0001), but died by 4 weeks. After allopurinol (3ug/g) intervention, they all survived > 8 weeks. The serum uric acid was 612.55±146.98μmol/L in the 8-week-old allopurinol-rescued Uox -/-mice, which manifested multiple complications including severe renal insufficiency, hypertension, left ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction, aortic endothelial dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and elevated liver enzymes, as well as hyperglycemia and hypercholesteremia. The present Uox-/- mice developed spontaneous hyperuricemia complicated with urate nephropathy, cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic disorders, and may provide a novel tool to study hyperuricemia associated early-onset cardiovascular disorders in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Zeng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shalaimaiti Shali
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yabiao Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchen Du
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Dai
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Yang S, Liu H, Fang XM, Yan F, Zhang Y. Signaling pathways in uric acid homeostasis and gout: From pathogenesis to therapeutic interventions. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111932. [PMID: 38560961 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111932] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Uric acid is a product of purine degradation, and uric acid may have multiple physiologic roles, including the beneficial effects as an antioxidant and neuroprotector, maintenance of blood pressure during low salt ingestion, and modulation of immunity. However, overproduction of metabolic uric acid, and/or imbalance of renal uric acid secretion and reabsorption, and/or underexcretion of extrarenal uric acid, e.g. gut, will contribute to hyperuricemia, which is a common metabolic disease. Long-lasting hyperuricemia can induce the formation and deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within the joints and periarticular structures. MSU crystals further induce an acute, intensely painful, and sterile inflammation conditions named as gout by NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cleavage of pro-IL-1β to bioactive IL-1β. Moreover, hyperuricemia and gout are associated with multiple cardiovascular and renal disorders, e.g., hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. Although great efforts have been made by scientists of modern medicine, however, modern therapeutic strategies with a single target are difficult to exert long-term positive effects, and even some of these agents have severe adverse effects. The Chinese have used the ancient classic prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat metabolic diseases, including gout, by multiple targets, for more than 2200 years. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of urate homeostasis, the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and gout, and both modern medicine and TCM strategies for this commonly metabolic disorder. We hope these will provide the good references for treating hyperuricemia and gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangling Yang
- School of Health Sciences, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, China
| | - Haimei Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xian-Ming Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, China.
| | - Fuman Yan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Research Centre of Basic Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Issue 12(th) of Guangxi Apprenticeship Education of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shi‑Cheng Class of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine), College of Continuing Education, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, China.
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Yu Y, Wan X, Li D, Qi Y, Li N, Luo G, Yin H, Wang L, Qin W, Li Y, Li L, Duan W. Dieting alleviates hyperuricemia and organ injuries in uricase-deficient rats via down-regulating cell cycle pathway. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15999. [PMID: 37701826 PMCID: PMC10494837 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15999] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dieting is a basic treatment for lowering hyperuricemia. Here, we aimed to determine the optimal amount of dietary food that lowers serum uric acid (SUA) without modifying the dietary ingredients in rats. Increased SUA was found in food-deprived 45-day-old uricase-deficient rats (Kunming-DY rats), and the optimal amount of dietary food (75% dietary intake) to lower SUA was established by controlling the amount of food given daily from 25% to 100% for 2 weeks. In addition to lowering SUA by approximately 22.5 ± 20.5%, the optimal amount of dietary food given for 2 weeks inhibited urine uric acid excretion, lowered the uric acid content in multiple organs, improved renal function, lowered serum triglyceride, alleviated organ injuries (e.g., liver, kidney and intestinal tract) at the histological level, and down-regulated the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway of the cell cycle (ko04110). Taken together, these results demonstrate that 75% dietary food effectively lowers the SUA level without modifying dietary ingredients and alleviates the injuries resulting from uricase deficiency or hyperuricemia, the mechanism of which is associated with the down-regulation of the cell cycle pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xulian Wan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicne, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yalin Qi
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guangyun Luo
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hua Yin
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wan Qin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicne, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yongkun Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicne, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lvyu Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Weigang Duan
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Uricase-Deficient Larval Zebrafish with Elevated Urate Levels Demonstrate Suppressed Acute Inflammatory Response to Monosodium Urate Crystals and Prolonged Crystal Persistence. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122179. [PMID: 36553446 PMCID: PMC9777727 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gout is caused by elevated serum urate leading to the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals that can trigger episodes of acute inflammation. Humans are sensitive to developing gout because they lack a functional urate-metabolizing enzyme called uricase/urate oxidase (encoded by the UOX gene). A hallmark of long-standing disease is tophaceous gout, characterized by the formation of tissue-damaging granuloma-like structures ('tophi') composed of densely packed MSU crystals and immune cells. Little is known about how tophi form, largely due to the lack of suitable animal models in which the host response to MSU crystals can be studied in vivo long-term. We have previously described a larval zebrafish model of acute gouty inflammation where the host response to microinjected MSU crystals can be live imaged within an intact animal. Although useful for modeling acute inflammation, crystals are rapidly cleared following a robust innate immune response, precluding analysis at later stages. Here we describe a zebrafish uox null mutant that possesses elevated urate levels at larval stages. Uricase-deficient 'hyperuricemic' larvae exhibit a suppressed acute inflammatory response to MSU crystals and prolonged in vivo crystal persistence. Imaging of crystals at later stages reveals that they form granuloma-like structures dominated by macrophages. We believe that uox-/- larvae will provide a useful tool to explore the transition from acute gouty inflammation to tophus formation, one of the remaining mysteries of gout pathogenesis.
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Xu Z, Sha W, Hou C, Amakye WK, Yao M, Ren J. Comparison of 3 hyperuricemia mouse models and evaluation of food-derived anti-hyperuricemia compound with spontaneous hyperuricemia mouse model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 630:41-49. [PMID: 36137324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hyperuricemia animal models have long been used for evaluating food-derived anti-hyperuricemia compounds. Fructose and potassium oxonate are commonly used for developing hyperuricemia mouse model. Recent research also developed spontaneous hyperuricemia model by uricase knockout (Uox-/-). In this work, we evaluated 3 kinds of models with the same gene background to illustrate the differences between the treatments. Unlike the uric acid levels in potassium oxonate (224.79 ± 33.62 μmol/L) and Uox-/- groups (458.39 ± 38.29 μmol/L), fructose treatment did not lead to higher serum uric acid level (174.93 ± 30.46 μmol/L) comparing to the control group (153.53 ± 40.96 μmol/L). However, abnormal glycometabolism only developed in the fructose and the Uox-/- group. In addition, anemia, inflammasome and severe renal injury occurred in the Uox-/- group. The Uox-/- mice were then treated with puerarin and allopurinol, and found that puerarin could reduce serum uric acid and alleviated the serious renal damage associated with high uric acid. Thus, the Uox-/- mice could be a suitable model for screening and evaluating anti-hyperuricemia compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China; China-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, Guangzhou Knowledge City, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Wanqian Sha
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Chuanli Hou
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - William Kwame Amakye
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Maojin Yao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease & China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Jiaoyan Ren
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China; China-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, Guangzhou Knowledge City, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, 510663, China.
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6
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Yin N, Li X, Liu W, Qi Y, Wu R, Li Z, Ying S, Yang H, Gu Q, Wu Z, Zou N, Duan W, Peng J, Wan C. Jian Pi Shen Shi formula alleviates hyperuricemia and related renal fibrosis in uricase-deficient rats via suppression of the collagen-binding pathway. Int J Rheum Dis 2022; 25:1395-1407. [PMID: 36082436 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Jian Pi Shen Shi Formula (JPSSF) is a beneficial treatment for hyperuricemia and related tissue damage in the clinical setting. This study was designed to investigate its therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms in uricase-deficient rats (Uox-/- rats). METHODS Uox-/- rats were used to assess the therapeutic potential of JPSSF on hyperuricemia. Protein extracts from renal tissues of a Uox-/- group and a JPSSF group were analyzed using tandem mass tag labeling quantitative proteomic workflow. Collagen deposition in Uox-/- rat kidneys was analyzed by Masson trichromatic staining. The gene expression associated with collagen-binding-related signaling pathways in the kidneys was further explored using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The protein expressions of collagen 1a1 (col1a1), col6a1, and α-smooth muscle actin were measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS JPSSF significantly decreased renal function indices and alleviated renal injuries. The action of JPSSF was manifested by down-regulation of col6a1 and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2, which blocked the binding sites on collagen and further prevented kidney injury. The anti-renal fibrosis effect of JPSSF was confirmed by reducing the collagen deposition and hydroxyproline concentrations. JPSSF treatment also intensely down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of col6a1, col1a1, and α-smooth muscle actin, which inhibited the function of the collagen-binding-related signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that JPSSF notably ameliorated hyperuricemia and related renal fibrosis in Uox-/- rats through lowering uric acid and down-regulating the function of the collagen-binding pathway. This suggested that JPSSF is a potential empirical formula for treating hyperuricemia and accompanying renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yin
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaosi Li
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Weichao Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Qi
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Runfang Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Zhaofu Li
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Sai Ying
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Haihao Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Qianlan Gu
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Zhao Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Nanting Zou
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Weigang Duan
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Chunping Wan
- School of Clinical Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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7
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Gao Y, Yu Y, Qin W, Fan N, Qi Y, Chen H, Duan W. Uricase-deficient rats with similarly stable serum uric acid to human’s are sensitive model animals for studying hyperuricemia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264696. [PMID: 35239728 PMCID: PMC8893661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a sensitive model animal for studying hyperuricemia. Male uricase-deficient rats, named Kunming-DY rats, were raised for 130 days, or orally administered with purines and other chemicals. Serum uric acid (SUA) in the animals was assayed, and the UA level in their organs and their 24-h excretion was determined. Genes in the jejunum, ileum, kidney and liver related to UA synthesis and transportation were detected by quantitative RNA sequencing. Uricase-deficient rats have a high level of SUA and are sensitive to xanthine, adenosine, inosine, allopurinol, and alcohol. Besides, the high level of SUA in male uricase-deficient rats was stable, much higher than that in wild-type rats but similar to that in men. The distribution pattern of UA in uricase-deficient rats’ organs was different from that in wild-type rats. The kidney, liver, and small intestine were the top three organs where UA distributed, but the UA in the small intestine, colon, lung, thymus, and brain was less affected by uricase deficiency, indicating that these organs are constitutive distribution organs in UA. The 24-h UA excreted by a uricase-deficient rat was about five times higher than that excreted by a wild-type rat. However, the 24-h UA excreted through feces was not significantly changed. Both the urine volume and UA in uricase-deficient rats significantly increased, and more than 90% of UA was excreted via urine. The expression of xanthine dehydrogenase was not upregulated. Some genes of transporter associated with uric acid excretion in the kidney were significantly regulated, though not sufficient to explain the increase in SUA. In conclusion, male uricase-deficient rats’ UA metabolism is similar to that of men. The elevation of SUA in uricase-deficient rats is caused by uricase deficiency, and uricase-deficient rats are a sensitive model for studying hyperuricemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfang Gao
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yun Yu
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Wan Qin
- The Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Nan Fan
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yalin Qi
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weigang Duan
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Sato M, Nakamura S, Inada E, Takabayashi S. Recent Advances in the Production of Genome-Edited Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052548. [PMID: 35269691 PMCID: PMC8910656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat is an important animal model for understanding gene function and developing human disease models. Knocking out a gene function in rats was difficult until recently, when a series of genome editing (GE) technologies, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the type II bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems were successfully applied for gene modification (as exemplified by gene-specific knockout and knock-in) in the endogenous target genes of various organisms including rats. Owing to its simple application for gene modification and its ease of use, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is now commonly used worldwide. The most important aspect of this process is the selection of the method used to deliver GE components to rat embryos. In earlier stages, the microinjection (MI) of GE components into the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of a zygote was frequently employed. However, this method is associated with the use of an expensive manipulator system, the skills required to operate it, and the egg transfer (ET) of MI-treated embryos to recipient females for further development. In vitro electroporation (EP) of zygotes is next recognized as a simple and rapid method to introduce GE components to produce GE animals. Furthermore, in vitro transduction of rat embryos with adeno-associated viruses is potentially effective for obtaining GE rats. However, these two approaches also require ET. The use of gene-engineered embryonic stem cells or spermatogonial stem cells appears to be of interest to obtain GE rats; however, the procedure itself is difficult and laborious. Genome-editing via oviductal nucleic acids delivery (GONAD) (or improved GONAD (i-GONAD)) is a novel method allowing for the in situ production of GE zygotes existing within the oviductal lumen. This can be performed by the simple intraoviductal injection of GE components and subsequent in vivo EP toward the injected oviducts and does not require ET. In this review, we describe the development of various approaches for producing GE rats together with an assessment of their technical advantages and limitations, and present new GE-related technologies and current achievements using those rats in relation to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
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9
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Fan N, Yu Y, Li L, Xia H, Dong X, Li Y, Chen H, Duan W. Uricase deficiency causes mild and multiple organ injuries in rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256594. [PMID: 34437605 PMCID: PMC8389383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Uricase-deficient rats could be one of the optimal model animals to study hyperuricemia. The present study aimed to find the biological differences between uricase-deficient (Kunming-DY rats) and wild-type male rats. Uricase-deficient rats and wild-type rats were commonly bred. Their body weight, water and food consumption, 24-h urine and feces, uric acid in serum and organs, and serum indexes were recorded or assayed. Organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, thymus, stomach, duodenum, and ileum, were examined using a routine hematoxylin-eosin staining assay. We found that the growth of male uricase-deficient rats was retarded. These rats excreted more urine than the wild-type rats. Their organ indexes (organ weight body weight ratio), of the heart, liver, kidney, and thymus significantly increased, while those of the stomach and small intestine significantly decreased. The uricase-deficient rats had a significantly higher level of serum uric acid and excreted more uric acid via urine at a higher concentration. Except for the liver, uric acid increased in organs and intestinal juice of uricase-deficient rats. Histological examination of the uricase-deficient rats showed mild injuries to the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, thymus, stomach, duodenum, and ileum. Our results suggest that uricase-deficient rats have a different biological pattern from the wild-type rats. Uricase deficiency causes growth retardation of young male rats and the subsequent increase in serum uric acid results in mild organs injuries, especially in the kidney and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Fan
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yun Yu
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lvyu Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Heng Xia
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiangxian Dong
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yongkun Li
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weigang Duan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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10
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Tátrai P, Erdő F, Dörnyei G, Krajcsi P. Modulation of Urate Transport by Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13060899. [PMID: 34204277 PMCID: PMC8235739 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum urate (SU) levels in primates are extraordinarily high among mammals. Urate is a Janus-faced molecule that acts physiologically as a protective antioxidant but provokes inflammation and gout when it precipitates at high concentrations. Transporters play crucial roles in urate disposition, and drugs that interact with urate transporters either by intention or by accident may modulate SU levels. We examined whether in vitro transporter interaction studies may clarify and predict such effects. METHODS Transporter interaction profiles of clinically proven urate-lowering (uricosuric) and hyperuricemic drugs were compiled from the literature, and the predictive value of in vitro-derived cut-offs like Cmax/IC50 on the in vivo outcome (clinically relevant decrease or increase of SU) was assessed. RESULTS Interaction with the major reabsorptive urate transporter URAT1 appears to be dominant over interactions with secretory transporters in determining the net effect of a drug on SU levels. In vitro inhibition interpreted using the recommended cut-offs is useful at predicting the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS In vitro safety assessments regarding urate transport should be done early in drug development to identify candidates at risk of causing major imbalances. Attention should be paid both to the inhibition of secretory transporters and inhibition or trans-stimulation of reabsorptive transporters, especially URAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Tátrai
- Solvo Biotechnology, Science Park, Building B2, 4-20 Irinyi József utca, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Franciska Erdő
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Gabriella Dörnyei
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Péter Krajcsi
- Solvo Biotechnology, Science Park, Building B2, 4-20 Irinyi József utca, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
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Aboriginal Bacterial Flora in the Uricase-Deficient Rat Gut is Not the Main Factor Affecting Serum Uric Acid. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5587642. [PMID: 34113389 PMCID: PMC8154307 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5587642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between intestinal bacteria and hyperuricemia is a hot research topic. To better understand this relationship, uricase-deficient Sprague–Dawley rats (Kunming-DY rats) were used. The wild-type rats and Kunming-DY rats were used as controls. Kunming-DY rats were treated with ampicillin (90 mg/kg) and ciprofloxacin (150 mg/kg) for 5 days. Bacterial 16S rDNA in the fresh stool was sequenced, and the abundance was calculated. The rats' serum uric acid (SUA) level was assayed, and the rats' intake and output in 24 h were recorded. The bacterial diversity in three groups' fresh stool was analyzed. The gut bacterial diversity and abundance changed in the Kunming-DY rats. More than 99% of bacteria were inhibited or killed by the combination of antibiotics. In contrast to each of the antibiotics alone, the combination of antibiotics lowered the Kunming-DY rats' SUA level; it also caused mild diarrhea, which increased uric acid excretion through stool. These results suggested that the aboriginal gut bacteria in uricase-deficient rats play a minor role in determining the SUA levels. It is too early to conclude that aboriginal gut bacteria are a tempting target for lowering SUA levels.
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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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