Placenta-specific gene manipulation in rabbits

Lentiviral gene constructs can be efficiently and specifically delivered to trophoblast cell lineages in rodents. In vivo genetic manipulation of trophoblast cell lines enables functional and developmental studies in the placenta. In this report we show that genetic modification can be produced in the extraembryonic tissues of rabbits by lentiviral gene constructs. When 8-16 cell stage embryos were injected with lentiviral particles, strong reporter gene expression resulted in the rabbit placenta. The expression pattern displayed some mosaicism. A strikingly high degree of mosaic GFP expression was detected in some parts of the yolk sac, which is a hypoblast-derived tissue. Whereas expression of the reporter gene construct was detected in placentas and yolk sacs, fetuses never expressed the transgene. As rabbits are an ideal model for functional studies in the placenta, our method would open new possibilities in rabbit biotechnology and placentation studies.

Germline transgenesis in rodents by pronuclear microinjection of Sleeping Beauty transposons

We describe a protocol for high-efficiency germline transgenesis and sustained transgene expression in two important biomedical models, the mouse and the rat, by using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. The procedure is based on co-injection of synthetic mRNA encoding the SB100X hyperactive transposase, together with circular plasmid DNA carrying a transgene construct flanked by binding sites for the transposase, into the pronuclei of fertilized oocytes. Upon translation of the transposase mRNA, enzyme-mediated excision of the transgene cassettes from the injected plasmids followed by permanent genomic insertion produces stable transgenic animals. Generation of a germline-transgenic founder animal by using this protocol takes ∼3 months. Transposon-mediated transgenesis compares favorably in terms of both efficiency and reliable transgene expression with classic pronuclear microinjection, and it offers comparable efficacies to lentiviral approaches without limitations on vector design, issues of transgene silencing, and the toxicity and biosafety concerns of working with viral vectors.

Recombinant protein expression in milk of livestock species

Producing complex recombinant proteins in the milk of transgenic animals offers several advantages: large amounts of proteins can be obtained, and in most cases, these proteins are properly folded, assembled, cleaved, and glycosylated. The level of expression of foreign genes in the mammalian gland cannot be predicted in all cases, and appropriate vectors must be used. The main elements of these vectors are as follows: a well-characterized specific promoter, the coding region of the gene of interest, preferably with a homologous or heterologous intron, to improve transcription efficiency, and an insulator or boundary element to counteract the chromosomal position effects at the integration site. Once high expression levels are achieved, and the recombinant protein is purified, an essential step in the analysis of the final product is determining its degree of glycosylation. This is an important readout because it can affect among other parameters the stability and immunogenicity of the recombinant protein.

Producing recombinant human milk proteins in the milk of livestock species

Recombinant human proteins produced by the mammary glands of genetically modified transgenic livestock mammals represent a special aspect of milk bioactive components. For therapeutic applications, the often complex posttranslational modifications of human proteins should be recapitulated in the recombinant products. Compared to alternative production methods, mammary gland production is a viable option, underlined by a number of transgenic livestock animal models producing abundant biologically active foreign proteins in their milk. Recombinant proteins isolated from milk have reached different phases of clinical trials, with the first marketing approval for human therapeutic applications from the EMEA achieved in 2006.

Production of identical mouse twins and a triplet with predicted gender

The aim of this study was to develop a method to generate identical twins and triplets with predicted gender. As a first step toward that aim, single blastomeres obtained from EGFP expressing eight-cell stage embryos and either diploid or tetraploid host embryos were used to compose chimera. We could follow the fate of EGFP expressing diploid blastomere derived cells in 3.5- and 4.5-day-old chimera embryos in vitro. We found that the diploid blastomere-derived cells had significantly higher chance to contribute to the inner cell mass if tetraploid host embryos were applied. After that, we developed a quick and reliable multiplex PCR strategy for sex diagnosis from single blastomeres by simultaneous amplification of the homologous ZFX and ZFY genes. By composed chimeras using single blastomeres, derived from sexed eight-cell stage embryos and a tetraploid host embryo, we could get preplanned sex newborns, wholly derived from these blastomeres. Among these mice, identical twins and a triplet were identified by microsatellite analysis. Unlike clones produced by nuclear transfer, these mice are identical at both the nuclear as well as mitochondrial DNA level. Therefore, the tetraploid embryo complementation method to produce monozygotic twins and triplets could be a valuable tool both in biomedical and agricultural applications.

Production of transgenic chimeric rabbits and transmission of the transgene through the germline

Here we report that improved reproductive technologies combined with an efficient microinjection method and in vitro cultivation medium enabled us to create germ line chimeric rabbits. To follow the fate of the chimeric embryo a blastomere marked with the human blood coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII) transgene was microinjected into a morula stage wild type embryo. The degree of chimerism in different tissues was estimated by real-time PCR and was found to be in the range of 0.1-42%. Among the four chimeric animals, one was identified as a chromosomal intersex and two were germline chimeras.

Comparative analysis on the structural features of the 5' flanking region of kappa-casein genes from six different species

Kappa-casein plays an essential role in the formation, stabilisation and aggregation of milk micelles. Control of kappa-casein expression reflects this essential role, although an understanding of the mechanisms involved lags behind that of the other milk protein genes. We determined the 5'-flanking sequences for the murine, rabbit and human kappa-casein genes and compared them to the published ruminant sequences. The most conserved region was not the proximal promoter region but an approximately 400 bp long region centred 800 bp upstream of the TATA box. This region contained two highly conserved MGF/STAT5 sites with common spacing relative to each other. In this region, six conserved short stretches of similarity were also found which did not correspond to known transcription factor consensus sites. On the contrary to ruminant and human 5' regulatory sequences, the rabbit and murine 5'-flanking regions did not harbour any kind of repetitive elements. We generated a phylogenetic tree of the six species based on multiple alignment of the kappa-casein sequences. This study identified conserved candidate transcriptional regulatory elements within the kappa-casein gene promoter.

Stage-and tissue-specific expression of a Col2a1-Cre fusion gene in transgenic mice

To achieve chondrocyte-specific deletion of floxed genes we generated a transgenic mouse line expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the mouse type II collagen gene (Col2a1) regulatory regions. Northern and in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated the expression of the transgene (Col2a1-Cre) in cartilaginous tissues. To test the excision efficiency of Cre, the Col2a1-Cre strain was crossed with the ROSA26 reporter strain. LacZ staining of double transgenic mice revealed Cre activity in both chondrogenic and non-chondrogenic tissues. During early embryonic development (E9.5-11.5), LacZ expression was detected in tissues where the endogenous Col2a1 transcript is expressed such as the otic capsule, notochord, developing brain, sclerotome and mesenchymal condensations of future cartilage. At later stages, Cre activity was observed in all cartilaginous tissues with virtually 100% of chondrocytes being LacZ positive. These data suggest that the Col2a1-Cre mouse strain described here can be useful to achieve Cre-mediated recombination in Col2a1 expressing cells, especially in chondrocytes.

Effect of rabbit kappa-casein expression on the properties of milk from transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were produced carrying the coding region of the rabbit kappa-casein gene linked to the upstream region of the rabbit whey acidic protein gene. Mice from the highest-expressing line produced 2.5 mg rabbit kappa-casein/ml in their milk. The foreign protein was associated with the casein micelles and altered micelle size, though in the high-expressing line rabbit kappa-casein also segregated into the whey fraction obtained after centrifuging the milk samples. Milk from transgenic mice had the same overall protein content as that from non-transgenic mice, except for the transgene product. However, litters fed with this transgenic mouse milk grew less well than litters given milk from non-transgenic mice. This reduction in growth was not related to changes in mammary gland structure or mammary cell morphology. Preliminary results indicated that milk from the transgenic mice had a higher viscosity.

Polymorphism of the rabbit kappa kasein gene and its influence on performance traits

The rabbit kappa-casein encoding gene has previously been shown to possess two alleles. The two alleles do not differ in their coding region and in the accumulation levels of mRNA. However they differ greatly with respect to their intronic regions. The rearranged regions in the first and fourth introns were found to be inverse and complementary LINE sequences. The A allele was found to be more frequent in different European breeds. Correlation of the kappa-casein genotype with the breeding capacity in a New Zealand White rabbit stock has been examined.

Normal skeletal development of mice lacking matrilin 1: redundant function of matrilins in cartilage?

Matrilin 1, or cartilage matrix protein, is a member of a novel family of extracellular matrix proteins. To date, four members of the family have been identified, but their biological role is unknown. Matrilin 1 and matrilin 3 are expressed in cartilage, while matrilin 2 and matrilin 4 are present in many tissues. Here we describe the generation and analysis of mice carrying a null mutation in the Crtm gene encoding matrilin 1. Anatomical and histological studies demonstrated normal development of homozygous mutant mice. Northern blot and biochemical analyses show no compensatory up-regulation of matrilin 2 or 3 in the cartilage of knockout mice. Although matrilin 1 interacts with the collagen II and aggrecan networks of cartilage, suggesting that it may play a role in cartilage tissue organization, studies of collagen extractability indicated that collagen fibril maturation and covalent cross-linking were unaffected by the absence of matrilin 1. Ultrastructural analysis did not reveal any abnormalities of matrix organization. These data suggest that matrilin 1 is not critically required for cartilage structure and function and that matrilin 1 and matrilin 3 may have functionally redundant roles.

Polymorphic insertions/deletions of both 1550nt and 100nt in two microsatellite-containing, LINE-related intronic regions of the rabbit kappa-casein gene

The most frequent allele of the rabbit kappa-casein (kappa-Cas)-encoding gene (A allele) has previously been shown to possess two sequences similar to those found in the 5' end of long interspersed repeated elements (LINE). Part of an inverted rabbit LINE is present in the first intron and part of a direct rabbit LINE in the fourth intron. We describe herewith a less frequent allele (B allele) that lacks both 100bp in the first intron and 1550bp in the fourth intron. It was not possible to identify any allele exhibiting only one of the deletions in a population of 55 rabbits. The 100bp present in the first intron of the A allele, but absent from the B allele, are located at the 5' end of the inverse complementary LINE and include the poly (T) track of the LINE. The 1550bp present in the fourth intron of the A allele, but absent from the B allele, include the entire direct LINE sequence. Therefore, the B allele only possesses one partial LINE sequence that is located in the first intron and is truncated when compared to the copy found in the first intron of the A allele. The B allele might thus be more recent than the A allele. Differences between the sequences of transcripts corresponding to each allele are limited to two silent mutations and three modifications in the 3' UTR. In the mammary glands of lactating rabbits, which are homozygous for both alleles, kappa-Cas mRNA accumulate to similar levels and are translated into identical kappa-Cas that are secreted at similar concentrations into milk.

Sequence, structure and chromosomal localization of Crtm gene encoding mouse cartilage matrix protein and its exclusion as a candidate for murine achondroplasia

The mouse cartilage matrix protein gene (Crtm) was isolated from a cosmid library using a mouse Crtm cDNA fragment as probe. Crtm spans 12.2 kb from the start of translation to the polyadenylation signal sequence and comprises eight exons. Sequencing of the 1.9 kb 5' flanking region revealed a TATA-like box 72 bp upstream from the initiator Met codon as well as several cis-acting motifs known to bind eukaryotic transcription factors. Analysis of the exon-intron junctions demonstrated that the last intron does not follow the gt/ag rule but belongs to the minor class of pre-mRNA introns that contain "at" and "ac" at their 5'and 3' ends, respectively. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was used to map Crtm to the distal part of chromosome 4 between the microsatellite markers D4Mit16 and D4Mit339. Achodroplasia (cn), a recessive skeletal disorder in mice, has already been mapped to this region. Immunostaining for CMP and sequence of Crtm in cn/cn mice failed to reveal any disease-specific mutations, suggesting that mutations in Crtm do not cause achondroplasia.

Regulation of cell-type specific expression of lacZ by the 5'-flanking region of mouse GAD67 gene in the central nervous system of transgenic mice

The transcriptional regulation of the murine gene encoding the 67-kDa form of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) was studied by beta-galactosidase histochemistry in transgenic mice carrying fusion genes between progressively longer portions of the 5'-upstream regulatory region of GAD67 and E. coli lacZ. No expression was detected in brains of mice carrying 1.3 kb of upstream sequences including a housekeeping and two conventional promoters, and two negative regulatory elements with homology to known silencers. In mice carrying the same portion of the promoter region plus the first intron, lacZ expression in the adult central nervous system was found in few, exclusively neuronal sites. The number of correctly stained GABAergic centres increased dramatically with increasing the length of the 5'-upstream region included in the construct which suggests that multiple putative spatial enhancers are located in this region. Their action is influenced by epigenetic mechanisms that may be due to site-of-integration and transgene copy-number effects. Additional cis-acting elements are needed to obtain fully correct expression in all GABAergic neurons of the adult central nervous system.

Structure of the rabbit kappa-casein encoding gene: expression of the cloned gene in the mammary gland of transgenic mice

The rabbit kappa-casein (kappa-Cas) encoding gene has been isolated as a series of overlapping DNA fragments cloned from a rabbit genomic library constructed in bacteriophage lambda EMBL3. The clones harboured the 7.5-kb gene flanked by about 2.1 kb upstream and 9 kb downstream sequences. The cloned gene is the most frequently occurring of two kappa-Cas alleles identified in New Zealand rabbits. Comparison of the corresponding domains in rabbit and bovine kappa-Cas shows that both genes comprise 5 exons and that the exon/intron boundary positions are conserved whereas the introns have diverged considerably. The first three introns are shorter in the rabbit, the second intron showing the greatest difference between the two species: 1.35 kb instead of 5.8 kb in the bovine gene. Repetitive sequence motives reminiscent of the rabbit C type repeat and the complementary inverted C type repeat were identified in the fourth and first introns, respectively. Transgenic mice were produced by microinjecting into mouse oocytes an isolated genomic DNA fragment which contained the entire kappa-Cas coding region, together with 2.1-kb 5' and 4.0-kb 3' flanking region. Expression of transgene rabbit kappa-Cas mRNA could be detected in the mammary gland of lactating transgenic mice and the production of rabbit kappa-Cas was detected in milk using species-specific antibodies. The cloned gene is thus functional.

Cloning, sequencing and expression analysis of mouse cartilage matrix protein cDNA

A cDNA encoding the mouse cartilage matrix protein (CMP) was cloned following the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends procedures using mRNA isolated from trachea. The open reading frame encodes a product of 500 amino acids. Large parts of the protein have been completely conserved when compared to chicken and human sequences, including all 12 cysteine residues of the mature CMP. In situ hybridization reveals an even distribution of the CMP mRNA in the developing skeleton, which is followed by a zonal distribution paralleling hypertrophy and calcification. From early cartilage differentiation and onwards, CMP transcript is absent in the forming articular surfaces and intervertebral discs. Extraskeletal expression of CMP mRNA was detected in the adult eye.

[Detection of the kappa-casein genotype in bulls using restriction fragment length polymorphisms]

Genetic analysis of RFLP was used for detection of genotype and allele frequencies of kappa-casein in Slovakian Spotted (60 bulls) and Slovakian Pinzgau (22 bulls) cattle breeds, according to the method of Medrano et al. (1990). DNA was prepared from the semen of animals. In the Slovakian Spotted breed the frequencies of alleles were as follows: kappa-CnA = 0.666, kappa-CnB = 0.333. The frequencies of kappa-Cn A/A, A/B and B/B genotypes were 45.00, 43.33 and 11.66, respectively. In the 22 tested Pinzgau bulls, the frequencies of the A and B alleles were 0.682 and 0.318, respectively. The percentual occurrence of genotypes was also determined: 54.54 (kappa-Cn A/A), 27.27 (kappa-Cn A/B) and 18.18 (kappa-Cn B/B). Comparing our own results with those of Mácha et al. (1968), who carried out the analysis of distribution of the kappa-casein genetic variants in the same cattle breeds by starch gel electrophoresis of the milk samples of 170 cows (Tab. I), the 16 p.c. decrease of the allele B in the Slovakian Spotted cattle, lasting about 30 years, is very remarkable. The occurrence of homozygous genotype BB decreased by 35 p.c. In addition, the homozygous genotype AA increased by about 18 p.c. and the occurrence of heterozygous genotype is also higher by nearly 17 p.c. In the same comparison of the Slovakian Pinzgau breed, no difference was estimated in the allele frequencies of kappa-Cn (Tab. I).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The zonal expression of chicken cartilage matrix protein gene in the developing skeleton of transgenic mice

Cartilage matrix protein (CMP) is a major noncollagenous glycoprotein of hyaline cartilage with a molecular mass of about 148 kDa. It has been proposed to be involved in matrix organization by its interactions with proteoglycan and type II collagen. The 54-kDa monomers form homotrimers stabilized by disulfide bonds. The gene for chicken cartilage matrix protein was isolated, and its regulation has been studied recently in transient expression experiments. To learn more about the spatial and temporal expression of the gene during ontogenic development, we created transgenic mice via microinjection of a 21.8-kb genomic fragment, encoding the chicken cartilage matrix protein. None of the founder animals exhibited any abnormal phenotype. The developmental stage-specific expression of the transgene was examined by immunostaining with a chicken CMP specific antiserum at different stages of embryonic development in cartilage from different sources: lower and upper limb, vertebrae, ribs and nasal septum. The level of transgene expression showed marked differences in various zones of cartilage. Briefly, high levels were found in the zones of proliferating chondrocytes, while little if any transgene product was detected in the very early and hypertrophic stage of chondrogenesis. The expression pattern of the transgene correlated with the endogenous mouse CMP and did not cause any morphological changes detectable by microscopic analysis of cartilage. These data indicate that the injected CMP gene with its flanking sequences contained all the information necessary for cell type-specific expression in transgenic mice.

Characterization of rabbit kappa-casein cDNA: control of kappa-casein gene expression in vivo and in vitro

The rabbit kappa-casein cDNA was cloned and sequenced. One of the isolated clones included almost the entire 5' end, while another clone corresponded to the 3' end of the cDNA. No polyadenylation site was found and therefore this clone did not harbour the complete cDNA. The amino acid sequence of a full-length protein was deduced from the nucleotide sequence obtained for this partial cDNA. It revealed the presence of a chymosin cleavage site and five potential phosphorylation sites. Rabbit kappa-casein was compared with those already described in other species. The rabbit sequence is closer to the ovine than to the mouse sequence. This result supports the idea that Lagomorpha are not closer to Rodentia than to Artiodactyla. The cDNA described above was used to study kappa-casein gene expression in the rabbit mammary gland. This expression was induced primarily by prolactin in mammary gland organoids and was similar to alpha s1-casein gene expression in vivo. The kappa-casein gene present in the casein gene locus is thus subject to the same regulation as the alpha s1-casein gene, although it has evolved from a fibrinogen gene.

Identification of positive and negative regulatory regions controlling expression of the cartilage matrix protein gene

A complex pattern of regulation of the cartilage matrix protein gene was revealed by transient expression experiments. A minimal promoter from positions -15 to +64 functioned in chondrocytes and fibroblasts. An enhancer located in the first intron exerted chondrocyte-specific stimulation on the minimal promoter activity. The same fragment, however, had a negative effect in fibroblasts. Between -334 and -15, a silencer was found which inhibited the gene expression driven from its homologous as well as heterologous promoters both in chondrocytes and fibroblasts. Additional positive and negative control regions were mapped further upstream of the promoter.

A DNA element responsible for the different tissue specificities of Friend and Moloney retroviral enhancers

The transcriptional enhancers of the Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MuSV) and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) have different cell type specificities from that of the Friend MuLV. While the three enhancers are approximately equally active in erythroid cells, the Moloney MuSV and Moloney MuLV enhancers are 20- to 40-fold more active than the Friend MuLV enhancer in T-lymphoid cells. Using mutant enhancers, we have shown that specific differences between the nucleotide sequences of the Moloney MuSV and Friend MuLV enhancers are responsible for their different activities in T cells. Our data allow the localization of a DNA element, repeated several times within the enhancer, which modulates the activity of the enhancer in T cells without affecting it in erythroid cells. This element therefore appears to be one of the determinants of the tissue specificity of the enhancer.

A transcriptional enhancer with specificity for erythroid cells is located in the long terminal repeat of the Friend murine leukemia virus

We investigated the ability of the U3 region of the long terminal repeats (LTR) of the Friend murine leukemia virus (Fr-MuLV) and Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) to promote transcription in a variety of human cell lines. Our analysis reveals the presence of a transcriptional enhancer with specificity for erythroid cells in the U3 region of the Fr-MuLV. This constitutes the first example of an enhancer with such a property. Analysis of the Mo-MuLV enhancer suggests that it is active at least in erythroid and lymphoid cells and has thus a less restricted specificity than the Fr-MuLV enhancer. The different tissue specificities of the two enhancers correlate with the different tissue selectivities and pathogenic properties of the two viruses.

Tumorigenicity in nude mice of dexamethasone-sensitive and -resistant, differentiated and dedifferentiated hepatoma cells

The tumorigenicity of cell clones of the same histogenetic origin but with different dexamethasone sensitivities and states of differentiation was examined. Neither the degree of differentiation nor the glucocorticoid resistance influenced the tumor-forming capacity of Reuber rat hepatoma clones in nude mice. However, the tumorigenicity of independently isolated resistant clones maintained in vitro continuously for more than 1 year in the presence of a high concentration of dexamethasone decreased considerably. The fact that not only the differentiated but also the partially dedifferentiated and the dedifferentiated hepatoma cells grew in the form of tumors in nude mice made it possible to examine whether reexpression of the extinguished liver-specific functions occurs in the tumors. Reexpression of different liver-specific functions of the tumor cell lines derived from a partially dedifferentiated, dexamethasone-resistant clone was found, showing that in vivo tumor formation may induce differentiation.

Expression of differentiated functions in dexamethasone-resistant hepatoma cells

The expression of liver-specific functions of different dexamethasone-resistant variants derived from a well-differentiated dexamethasone-sensitive Reuber H35 rat hepatoma cell line (Faza 967) was examined during long-term cultivation. The dexamethasone-sensitive Faza 967 cells are characterized by the activity of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) and gluconeogenic enzymes, secretion of serum albumin, and the presence of liver isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase (L-ADH), aldolase (aldolase-B), and five isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The hormone-resistant cells undergo a very dramatic change in expression of most liver-specific functions (dedifferentiation) during long-term culture, in contrast to the sensitive cells in which only certain functions (TAT activity, inducibility, and synthesis of serum albumin) exhibit considerable changes. The hormone-dependent growth sensitivity and the expression of other differentiated functions is not controlled in coordinated way in Faza 967 cells. The time course of the expression of liver-specific functions shows that the cells are resistant before they became 'dedifferentiated', i.e., loss of these liver-specific functions is not a prerequisite of the establishment of the hormone-resistant state.

Protein synthesis in differentiated and dedifferentiated hepatoma cell lines. Effect of glucocorticoids

The pattern of protein synthesis in hepatoma cell clones was analysed by two-dimensional separation of [35S]methionine-labelled proteins. The clones were derived from the differentiated Reuber H 35 hepatoma and showed differences in the expression of a number of liver-specific functions and the resistance to the growth-inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids. Five protein spots were observed in the extracts of the differentiated Faza 967 cells that were absent from the electrophoretogram of the dedifferentiated H 56 cells. This clone, on the other hand, displayed six spots absent from Faza 967 cells. The growth of both Faza 967 and H 56 cells was strongly inhibited by 1 microM dexamethasone. The dexamethasone-resistant clone 2, a dedifferentiated derivative of Faza 967 cells, synthesized two polypeptides that were not present in Faza 967 or H 56 cells and produced four polypeptides at a lower level than Faza 967 cells. The examination of the short-term effect of dexamethasone on protein synthesis in Faza 967 cells revealed nine induced and one repressed protein spots, which appeared to be in good agreement with earlier published data. It is concluded that dedifferentiation, although bringing about marked changes in certain liver-specific functions, such as enzyme activities or protein secretion, affects only a relatively small fraction of the genes expressed.

Changes in the expression of differentiated functions during long-term cultivation of rat hepatoma cells

The stability of the expression of six differentiated functions was examined during long-term cultivation of rat hepatoma cells. Faza 967 cell line--a clonal descendant of the Reuber H35 hepatoma--is characterized by the activity of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) and gluconeogenetic enzymes; secretion of serum albumin; and the presence of liver isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH-L), aldolase (aldolase-B) and five isozymes of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). During the 3-year-long cultivation of Faza 967 cells TAT specific activity, inducibility, and albumin production were reduced drastically whereas the expression of the three liver-specific isozymes examined was maintained. The majority of Faza 967 cells were able to perform gluconeogenesis after 3 years of continuous cultivation. Our results show that long-term cultivation of hepatoma cells may change the expression of certain liver-specific functions independently of the expression of other differentiated functions.

Genetic control of the proliferative response to oxazolone in H-2 congenic and recombinant strains of mice

The proliferation of the regional lymph node cells as one of the early responses to oxazolone sensitization has been studied in H-2 congenic and recombinant strains of mice. The proliferative response has been quantified by measuring the extent of ³H-Tdr incorporation and in some cases by determining of the ratio of cells actively synthesizing DNA in the regional lymph nodes. Nearly all of the cells responding with proliferation to oxazolone were Thy 1.2 bearing T cells. Using H-2 congenic strains of mice the high or low proliferative response was found to be in positive correlation with those H-2 haplotypes which supported high or low delayed-type hypersensitivity to oxazolone, respectively. Further analysis on H-2 recombinant strains of mice showed that the gene(s) governing the proliferative response to oxazolone is mapped at the I-B subregion of the H-2 complex, although the influence of other background genes can be observed also. It is suggested that the same or closely related gene(s) controls the magnitude of the proliferative response, the delayed-type hypersensitivity and IgG responses, after oxazolone sensitization in inbred mice.

Differences in [3H]-thymidine uptake of lymph node cells stimulated by Con A and PHA in H-2 congenic mouse strains

The genetic control of the lymphocyte responsiveness to Con A and PHA-P has been studied by using inbred, H-2 congenic mouse strains. Segregation studies were carried out on F1 and backcross mice of a high and a low responder strain. According to the results, there is a strong correlation between the responsiveness of lymph node cells to mitogens and H-2 haplotypes in different H-2 congenic strains of mice and in different backcross generations. High responsiveness to PHA-P is associated with H-2b, while low responsiveness with H-2a or H-2k haplotypes, but the correlation is the inverse in response to Con A, in the parental strains and backcross mice as well. The magnitude of the responses to both Con A and PHA-P was found to be intermediate in F1 heterozygotes of a low and high responder parental strain. The effect of other non H-2 genes on the responsiveness to these mitogens has also been demonstrated.