Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality in the developed world. EOC is a heterogeneous disease represented by several histological and molecular subtypes. Therefor...Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality in the developed world. EOC is a heterogeneous disease represented by several histological and molecular subtypes. Therefore, exploration of relevant preclinical animal models that consider the heterogenic nature of EOC is of great importance for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be translated clinically to combat this devastating disease. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the development of preclinical mouse models for EOC study as well as their advantages and limitations.展开更多
Substantial evidence points to the early onset of peripheral inflammation in the development of Parkinson's disease(PD),supporting the“body-first”hypothesis.However,there remains a notable absence of PD-specific...Substantial evidence points to the early onset of peripheral inflammation in the development of Parkinson's disease(PD),supporting the“body-first”hypothesis.However,there remains a notable absence of PD-specific animal models induced by inflammatory cytokines.This study introduces a novel mouse model of PD driven by the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL1,identified in our previous research.The involvement of CXCL1 in PD pathogenesis was validated using subacute and chronic MPTP-induced mouse models.Based on these findings,2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were intravenously administered CXCL1(20 ng/kg/day)for 2 weeks(5 days per week),successfully replicating motor deficits and pathological alterations in the substantia nigra observed in the chronic MPTP model.These results demonstrate the potential of CXCL1-induced inflammation as a mechanism for PD modeling.The model revealed activation of the PPAR signaling pathway in CXCL1-mediated neuronal damage by CXCL1.Linoleic acid,a PPAR-γactivator,significantly mitigated MPTPand CXCL1-induced toxicity and reduced serum CXCL1levels.In addition,the CXCL1-injected mouse model shortened the timeline for developing chronic PD mouse model to 2 weeks,offering an efficient platform for studying inflammation-driven processes in PD.The findings provide critical insights into the inflammatory mechanisms underlying PD and identify promising therapeutic targets for intervention.展开更多
Age-related osteoporosis poses a significant challenge in musculoskeletal health;a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture susceptibility in older individuals necessitates a better under...Age-related osteoporosis poses a significant challenge in musculoskeletal health;a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture susceptibility in older individuals necessitates a better understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.Emerging evidence suggests that osteocytes are the pivotal orchestrators of bone remodeling and represent novel therapeutic targets for age-related bone loss.Our study uses the prematurely aged PolgD257A/D257A(PolgA)mouse model to scrutinize age-and sex-related alterations in musculoskeletal health parameters(frailty,grip strength,gait data),bone and particularly the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network(LCN).Moreover,a new quantitative in silico image analysis pipeline is used to evaluate the alterations in the osteocyte network with aging.Our findings underscore the pronounced degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal health parameters,bone,and osteocyte LCN in PolgA mice as early as 40 weeks,with more prominent alterations evident in aged males.Our findings suggest that the PolgA mouse model serves as a valuable model for studying the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss,given the comparable aging signs and age-related degeneration of the bone and the osteocyte network observed in naturally aging mice and elderly humans.展开更多
Alzheimer'sdisease(AD)isaprogressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and distinct neuropathological features,including amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and reactive astrog...Alzheimer'sdisease(AD)isaprogressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and distinct neuropathological features,including amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and reactive astrogliosis.Developing effective diagnostic,preventative,and therapeutic strategies for AD necessitates the establishment of animal models that accurately recapitulate the pathophysiological processes of the disease.Existing transgenic mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding AD pathology but often fail to replicate the complexity of human AD.Additionally,these models are limited in their ability to elucidate the interplay among amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and reactive astrogliosis due to the absence of spatially and temporally specific genetic manipulation.In this study,we introduce a novel AD mouse model(APP/PS1-TauP301L-Adeno mice)designed to rapidly induce pathological symptoms and enhance understanding of AD mechanisms.Neurofibrillary tangles and severe reactive astrogliosis were induced by injecting AAVDJ-EF1a-hTauP301L-EGFP and Adeno-GFAP-GFP viruses into the hippocampi of 5-month-old APP/PS1 mice.Three months post-injection,these mice exhibited pronounced astrogliosis,substantial amyloid-βplaque accumulation,extensiveneurofibrillarytangles,accelerated neuronal loss,elevated astrocytic GABA levels,and significant spatial memory deficits.Notably,these pathological features were less severe in AAVTauP301L-expressing APP/PS1 mice without augmented reactive astrogliosis.These findings indicate an exacerbating role of severe reactive astrogliosis in amyloid-βplaque and neurofibrillary tangle-associated pathology.The APP/PS1-TauP301L-Adeno mouse model provides a valuable tool for advancing therapeutic research aimed at mitigating the progression of AD.展开更多
Craniometaphyseal dysplasia(CMD),a rare craniotubular disorder,occurs in an autosomal dominant(AD)or autosomal recessive(AR)form.CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and metaphyseal flaring of lo...Craniometaphyseal dysplasia(CMD),a rare craniotubular disorder,occurs in an autosomal dominant(AD)or autosomal recessive(AR)form.CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and metaphyseal flaring of long bones.Many patients with CMD suffer from neurological symptoms.The pathogenesis of CMD is not fully understood.展开更多
Background:Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2(SCA2)is a neurodegenerative disease marked by significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity,primarily caused by expanded CAG mutations in the ATXN2 gene.The unstable expansion...Background:Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2(SCA2)is a neurodegenerative disease marked by significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity,primarily caused by expanded CAG mutations in the ATXN2 gene.The unstable expansion of CAG repeats disrupts the genetic stability of animal models,which is detrimental to disease research.Methods:In this study,we established a mouse model in which CAG repeats do not undergo microsatellite instability(MSI)across generations.A humanized ATXN2 cDNA with four CAA interruptions within 73 CAG expansions was inserted into the Rosa26 locus of C57BL/6J mice.A 23 CAG control mouse model was also generated to verify ATXN2 integration and expression.Results:In our model,the number of CAG repeats remained stable during transmission,with no CAG repeat expansion observed in 64 parent-to-offspring transmissions.Compared with SCA2-Q23 mice,SCA2-Q73 mice exhibited progressive motor impairment,reduced Purkinje cell count and volume(indicative of cell atrophy),and muscle atrophy.These observations in the mice suggest that the behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes may reflect the features of SCA2 patients.RNA-seq analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle in SCA2-Q73 mice showed significant changes in muscle differentiation and development gene expression at 56 weeks,with no significant differences at 16 weeks compared to SCA2-Q23 mice.The expression level of the Myf6 gene significantly changed in the muscles of aged mice.Conclusion:In summary,the establishment of this model not only provides a stable animal model for studying CAG transmission in SCA2 but also indicates that the lack of long-term neural stimulation leads to muscle atrophy.展开更多
Dear Editor,Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever(CCHF),caused by the CCHF virus(CCHFV),is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution,posing a significant threat with case fatality rates ranging from...Dear Editor,Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever(CCHF),caused by the CCHF virus(CCHFV),is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution,posing a significant threat with case fatality rates ranging from 5%to 70%(Hawman and Feldmann,2023).Due to the lack of approved vaccines and therapeutics,the World Health Organization(WHO)has listed CCHF as one of the priority diseases(Semper et al.,2024).CCHF initially presents as a nonspecific febrile illness,characterized by fever,malaise,myalgia,and nausea,which can rapidly progress to hemorrhagic disease.The hemorrhagic stage is particularly pronounced in severe cases,with rapid progression to disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),overt bleeding,kidney or liver failure,and shock(Frank et al.,2024).Up to date,there is an absence of a suitable animal model that can accurately mimic the coagulopathy and bleeding associated with CCHFV infection.Consequently,our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these conditions remains limited(Rodriguez et al.,2022).展开更多
Background:Most mutations in the COL6A3 gene lead to collagen VI-related myopathies.This is due to a reduced expression or mislocalization of the COL6A3 protein.Therefore,studying the consequence of knocking out the C...Background:Most mutations in the COL6A3 gene lead to collagen VI-related myopathies.This is due to a reduced expression or mislocalization of the COL6A3 protein.Therefore,studying the consequence of knocking out the Col6a3 gene in mouse models is relevant,but the Col6a3 mouse models reported so far do not entirely abolish COL6A3 protein expression.Methods:Here,we present the development,validation and preliminary phenotypic characterization of a novel CRISPR-based knockout mouse model targeting Col6a3 exon 3(Col6a3^(d3/d3)).Results:In this mouse model,Col6a3 mRNA is still expressed at a similar level to wild-type littermates,although the expected protein is undetectable by mass spectrometry.Histological analysis of Col6a3^(d3/d3)quadriceps revealed an abnormally high frequency of muscle cells with internally nucleated muscle cells,consistent with a myopathy phenotype.Interestingly,Col6a3^(d3/d3)mice are smaller in size,with their fat,muscle,and bone kept proportional compared to wild-type littermates.Conclusions:In summary,we performed the validation and preliminary phenotypic characterization of a novel Col6a3 knockout mouse model that could be further characterized and used to study COL6A3 biology and model collagen VI-associated diseases.展开更多
The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is la...The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown.In patients who underwent discontinuation after multiple injections of denosumab,the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b increased compared to pretreatment levels,indicating a phenomenon known as“overshoot.”The rate of decrease in bone mineral density during the withdrawal period was higher than the rate of decrease associated with aging,suggesting that the physiological bone metabolism had broken down.Overshoot and significant bone loss were also observed in mice receiving continuous administration of anti-RANKL antibody after treatment was interrupted,resembling the original pathology.In mice long out of overshoot,bone resorption recovered,but osteoblast numbers and bone formation remained markedly reduced.The bone marrow exhibited a significant reduction in stem cell(SC)antigen 1-and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-expressing osteoblast progenitors(PαS cells)and alkaline phosphatase-positive early osteoblasts.Just before the overshoot phase,the osteoclast precursor cell population expands and RANKL-bearing extracellular vesicles(EVs)became abundant in the serum,leading to robust osteoclastogenesis after cessation of anti-RANKL treatment.Thus,accelerated bone resorption due to the accumulation of RANKLbearing EVs and long-term suppression of bone formation uncoupled from bone resorption leads to the severe bone loss characteristic of denosumab discontinuation.展开更多
Murine subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)induced using the filament perforation method is a useful in vivo experimental model to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain underlying SAH.However,identifying ...Murine subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)induced using the filament perforation method is a useful in vivo experimental model to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain underlying SAH.However,identifying mice with comorbid acute neurogenic pulmonary edema(NPE),a life-threatening systemic consequence often induced by SAH,in this model is difficult without histopathological investiga-tions.Herein,we present an imaging procedure involving dual-energy X-ray absorp-tiometry(DXA)to identify NPE in a murine model of SAH.We quantified the lung lean mass(LM)and compared the relationship between micro-computed tomography(CT)evidence of Hounsfield unit(HU)values and histopathological findings of PE.Of the 85 mice with successful induction of SAH by filament perforation,16(19%)had NPE,as verified by postmortem histology.The DXA-LM values correlate well with CT-HU levels(r=0.63,p<0.0001).Regarding the relationship between LM and HU in mice with post-SAH NPE,the LM was positively associated with HU values(r2=0.43;p=0.0056).A receiver operating characteristics curve of LM revealed a sensitivity of 87%and specificity of 57%for detecting PE,with a similar area under the curve as the HU(0.79±0.06 vs.0.84±0.07;p=0.21).These data suggest that confirming acute NPE using DXA-LM is a valuable method for selecting a clinically relevant murine NPE model that could be used in future experimental SAH studies.展开更多
Background:Rabies virus(RABV)-derived neuronal tracing tools are extensively applied in retrograde tracing due to their strict retrograde transsynaptic transfer property and low neurotoxicity.However,the RABV infectio...Background:Rabies virus(RABV)-derived neuronal tracing tools are extensively applied in retrograde tracing due to their strict retrograde transsynaptic transfer property and low neurotoxicity.However,the RABV infection and expression of fluorescence products would be gradually cleared while the infected neurons still survive,a phenomenon known as non-cytolytic immune clearance(NCLIC).This phenomenon introduced the risk of fluorescence loss and led to the omission of a subset of neurons that should be labeled,thereby interfering in the analysis of tracing results.Methods:To compensate for the fluorescence loss problem,in this study,we developed a novel marker footprints(MF)mouse,involving a Cre recombinase-dependent red fluorescent reporter system and systemic expression of glycoprotein(G)and ASLV-A receptor(TVA).Using this mouse model combined with the well-developed RABV-EnvA-ΔG-GFP-Cre viral tool,we developed a novel green-to-red spectral labeling strategy.Results:Neurons in the MF mouse could be co-labeled with green fluorescence from the very quick expression of the viral tool and with red fluorescence from the relatively slow expression of the neuron itself,so neurons undergoing NCLIC with green fluorescence loss could be relabeled red.Furthermore,newly infected neurons could be labeled green and other neurons could be labeled yellow due to the temporal expression difference between the two fluorescent proteins.Conclusions:This is the first polysynaptic retrograde tracing labeling strategy that could label neurons using spectral fluorescence colors with only one injection of the viral tool,enabling its application in recognizing the labeling sequence of neurons in brain regions and enhancing the spatiotemporal resolution of neuronal tracing.展开更多
Background:The precise insertion of large DNA fragments(>3–5 kb)remains one of the key obstacles in establishment of genetically modified murine models.Methods:A 21 kb large DNA fragment containing three tandemly ...Background:The precise insertion of large DNA fragments(>3–5 kb)remains one of the key obstacles in establishment of genetically modified murine models.Methods:A 21 kb large DNA fragment containing three tandemly linked copies of the human HRAS gene was inserted into the genome of C57BL/6J mouse,generating a mouse model designated as KI.C57-ras(or named NF-h HRAS).Whole-genome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were utilized to it confirm precise insertion and copy number.The stability of transgene expression among different generations was verified from multiple aspects using by digital PCR,western blot and DNA sequencing.To assess tumor susceptibility in the mouse model,N-Nitroso-N-methylurea(MNU)was administered at a dosage of 75 mg/kg.Histopathological examinations were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining.Results:The HRAS DNA fragment was inserted into mouse chromosome 15E1 site,locating between 80623202 bp and 80625020 bp.NF-h HRAS mice exhibited stable inheritance and displayed consistent phenotypes across individuals.Moreover,this mouse model exhibited a high susceptibility to carcinogens.Upon administration of MNU the earliest mortality onset was earlier than that of wild-type littermates(day 65 vs.day 78 for male and day 56 vs.day 84 for female).Notably,100%of the NF-h HRAS transgenic mice developed tumors,with approximately 84%of male NF-h HRAS mice exhibiting specific tumor types,such as squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell papilloma,which was consistent with the previously reported carcinogenic rasH2 mouse model.The types of tumors and the target organs exhibited diversity in NFh HRAS mice,while the spontaneous tumor incidence remained low(1/50).Conclusions:The NF-h HRAS mice demonstrated excellent genetic stability,a reproducible phenotype,and high susceptibility to carcinogens,indicating their potential utility in non-clinical safety evaluations of drugs as per the S1B guidelines issued by the ICH(The International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use).展开更多
Primary liver cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Due to differences in prevalence of etiological factors the incidence of primary liver can-cer varies among the world, with a peak in East-As...Primary liver cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Due to differences in prevalence of etiological factors the incidence of primary liver can-cer varies among the world, with a peak in East-Asia. As this disease is still lethal in most of the cases, research has to be done to improve our understanding of the disease, offering insights for possible treatment options. For this purpose, animal models are widely used, especially mouse models. In this review, we describe the different types of mouse models used in liver cancer research, with emphasis on genetically engineered mice used in this field. We focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as this is by far the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 70%-85% of cases.展开更多
Fibroblast growth factor （FGF）/fibroblast growth factor receptor （FGFR） signaling plays essential roles in bone development and diseases. Missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs in humans can cause various congenital...Fibroblast growth factor （FGF）/fibroblast growth factor receptor （FGFR） signaling plays essential roles in bone development and diseases. Missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs in humans can cause various congenital bone diseases, including chondrodysplasia syndromes, craniosynostosis syndromes and syndromes with dysregulated phosphate metabolism. FGF/FGFR signaling is also an important pathway involved in the maintenance of adult bone homeostasis. Multiple kinds of mouse models, mimicking human skeleton diseases caused by missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs, have been established by knock-m/out and transgenic technologies. These genetically modified mice provide good models for studying the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in skeleton development and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the mouse models of FGF signaling-related skeleton diseases and recent progresses regarding the molecular mechanisms, underlying the role of FGFs/FGFRs in the regulation of bone development and homeostasis. This review also provides a perspective view on future works to explore the roles of FGF signaling in skeletal development and homeostasis.展开更多
Limited knowledge of the genetic causes of male infertility has resulted in few treatment and targeted therapeutic options. Although the ideal approach to identify infertility causing mutations is to conduct studies i...Limited knowledge of the genetic causes of male infertility has resulted in few treatment and targeted therapeutic options. Although the ideal approach to identify infertility causing mutations is to conduct studies in the human population, this approach has progressed slowly due to the limitations described herein. Given the complexity of male fertility, the entire process cannot be modeled in vitro. As such, animal models, in particular mouse models, provide a valuable alternative for gene identification and experimentation. Since the introduction of molecular biology and recent advances in animal model production, there has been a substantial acceleration in the identification and characterization of genes associated with many diseases, including infertility. Three major types of mouse models are commonly used in biomedical research, including knockoutJknockin/gene-trapped, transgenic and chemical-induced point mutant mice. Using these mouse models, over 400 genes essential for male fertility have been revealed. It has, however, been estimated that thousands of genes are involved in the regulation of the complex process of male fertility, as many such genes remain to be characterized. The current review is by no means a comprehensive list of these mouse models, rather it contains examples of how mouse models have advanced our knowledge of post-natal germ cell development and male fertility regulation.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human malignancies ranking 4th among cancer-related death in the western world and in the United States,and potent therapeutic options are lacking.Although during the las...Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human malignancies ranking 4th among cancer-related death in the western world and in the United States,and potent therapeutic options are lacking.Although during the last few years there have been important advances in the understanding of the molecular events responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer,currently specific mechanisms of treatment resistance remain poorly understood and new effective systemic drugs need to be developed and probed.In vivo models to study pancreatic cancer and approach this issue remain limited and present different molecular features that must be considered in the studies depending on the purpose to fit special research themes.In the last few years,several genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic exocrine neoplasia have been developed.These models mimic the disease as they reproduce genetic alterations implicated in the progression of pancreatic cancer.Genetic alterations such as activating mutations in KRas,or TGFb and/or inactivation of tumoral suppressors such as p53,INK4A/ARF BRCA2 and Smad4 are the most common drivers to pancreatic carcinogenesis and have been used to create transgenic mice.These mouse models have a spectrum of pathologic changes,from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to lesions that progress histologically culminating in fully invasive and metastatic disease and represent the most useful preclinical model system.These models can characterize the cellular and molecular pathology of pancreatic neoplasia and cancer and constitute the best tool to investigate new therapeutic approaches,chemopreventive and/or anticancer treatments.Here,we review and update the current mouse models that reproduce different stages of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and will have clinical relevance in future pancreatic cancer developments.展开更多
Objective: To develop a BALB/c mouse model of oral submucous fibrosis(OSF)induced by arecoline and to exhibit an accumulation of collagen and angiogenesis changes.Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to either ...Objective: To develop a BALB/c mouse model of oral submucous fibrosis(OSF)induced by arecoline and to exhibit an accumulation of collagen and angiogenesis changes.Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to either the control(distilled water) or experimental group(arecoline)(n = 40). Eight mice from each group were sacrificed every 4 weeks since 8 weeks post treatment. Changes in histopathologic features, levels of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ, and angiogenesis were measured.Results: In the 8th week, epithelium atrophy, collagen cumulation and micrangium pathologic changes in the lamina propria were observed in the oral mucosa. In the 20th week, hyaline degeneration of the connective tissues was observed on the tongue and palate mucosa. The angiogenesis and collagen type Ⅰ changed significantly as the diseases advanced(P < 0.05); however, collagen type Ⅲ was not statistically different.Conclusions: An OSF model involving mice can be rapidly induced by drinking a highdose of arecoline. OSF angiogenic changes in mice primarily decrease and collagen accumulation is mainly collagen type Ⅰ.展开更多
The mechanism of androgen action is complex. Recently, significant advances have been made into our understanding of how androgens act via the androgen receptor （AR） through the use of genetically modified mouse mod...The mechanism of androgen action is complex. Recently, significant advances have been made into our understanding of how androgens act via the androgen receptor （AR） through the use of genetically modified mouse models. A number of global and tissue-specific AR knockout （ARKO） models have been generated using the Cre-loxP system which allows tissue- and/or cell-specific deletion. These ARKO models have examined a number of sites of androgen action including the cardiovascular system, the immune and hemopoetic system, bone, muscle, adipose tissue, the prostate and the brain. This review focuses on the insights that have been gained into human androgen deficiency through the use of ARKO mouse models at each of these sites of action, and highlights the strengths and limitations of these Cre-loxP mouse models that should be considered to ensure accurate interpretation of the phenotype.展开更多
Thoracic aortic dissection(TAD)is one of the most lethal aortic diseases due to its acute onset,rapid progress,and high rate of aortic rupture.The pathogenesis of TAD is not completely understood.In this mini-review,w...Thoracic aortic dissection(TAD)is one of the most lethal aortic diseases due to its acute onset,rapid progress,and high rate of aortic rupture.The pathogenesis of TAD is not completely understood.In this mini-review,we introduce three emerging experimental mouse TAD models usingβ-aminopropionitrile(BAPN)alone,BAPN for a prolonged duration(four weeks)and then with added infusion of angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ),or co-administration of BAPN and AngⅡchronically.We aim to provide insights into appropriate application of these three mouse models,thereby enhancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TAD.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stern cells (ADSCs) for limited cutaneous scleroderma (LS) in mouse models. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice an...Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stern cells (ADSCs) for limited cutaneous scleroderma (LS) in mouse models. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice and LS was induced in wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice via daily injection of bleomycin (0.1 mL x 300 mu g/mL) for 4 weeks; then the ADSCs were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal area in the model treatment group, and 100 mu L of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was injected into the same site in the model control group. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to track the cells using an in vivo imaging system on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after transplantation. All mice were sacrificed and histologic analyses were performed after 4 weeks, and the skin thickness, collagen deposition and the total content of hydroxyproline were evaluated. Additionally, immunohistochemistry were performed to compare the tissue expression and distribution of TGF-beta 1 and VEGF between the ADSCs treatment group and the treatment control group. Results: WT C57BL/6 LS mouse model were successfully established and GFP in vivo fluorescence imaging showed that the translated ADSCs survived at the local for at least 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, the ADSCs treatment group significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, reduced the skin thickness and the total content of hydroxyproline (P<0.05). The ADSCs treatment group displayed significantly lower levels of TGF-beta 1 and higher levels of VEGF than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: ADSCs may provide a feasible and practical treatment for autoimmune diseases such as LS and ameliorate dermal fibrosis.展开更多
基金supported by the US National Institutes of Health (R01CA160331, R01CA163377, R01CA202919,R01CA239128, P01AG031862, P50CA228991 to R.G.Z. and K99CA241395 to S.K.)US Department of Defense (OC180109 and OC190181 to R.G.Z.)+2 种基金The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research (to R.G.Z.)Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Collaborative Research Development Grant (to R.G.Z.)Core facilities support was provided by a Cancer Centre Support Grant(CA010815) to the Wistar Institute。
文摘Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality in the developed world. EOC is a heterogeneous disease represented by several histological and molecular subtypes. Therefore, exploration of relevant preclinical animal models that consider the heterogenic nature of EOC is of great importance for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be translated clinically to combat this devastating disease. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the development of preclinical mouse models for EOC study as well as their advantages and limitations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32471049,32170984,32471188,32200802)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2023QH110)。
文摘Substantial evidence points to the early onset of peripheral inflammation in the development of Parkinson's disease(PD),supporting the“body-first”hypothesis.However,there remains a notable absence of PD-specific animal models induced by inflammatory cytokines.This study introduces a novel mouse model of PD driven by the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL1,identified in our previous research.The involvement of CXCL1 in PD pathogenesis was validated using subacute and chronic MPTP-induced mouse models.Based on these findings,2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were intravenously administered CXCL1(20 ng/kg/day)for 2 weeks(5 days per week),successfully replicating motor deficits and pathological alterations in the substantia nigra observed in the chronic MPTP model.These results demonstrate the potential of CXCL1-induced inflammation as a mechanism for PD modeling.The model revealed activation of the PPAR signaling pathway in CXCL1-mediated neuronal damage by CXCL1.Linoleic acid,a PPAR-γactivator,significantly mitigated MPTPand CXCL1-induced toxicity and reduced serum CXCL1levels.In addition,the CXCL1-injected mouse model shortened the timeline for developing chronic PD mouse model to 2 weeks,offering an efficient platform for studying inflammation-driven processes in PD.The findings provide critical insights into the inflammatory mechanisms underlying PD and identify promising therapeutic targets for intervention.
基金the European Research Council(ERC Advanced MechAGE-ERC-2016-ADG-741883)the Swiss National Science Foundation(no.188522).
文摘Age-related osteoporosis poses a significant challenge in musculoskeletal health;a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture susceptibility in older individuals necessitates a better understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.Emerging evidence suggests that osteocytes are the pivotal orchestrators of bone remodeling and represent novel therapeutic targets for age-related bone loss.Our study uses the prematurely aged PolgD257A/D257A(PolgA)mouse model to scrutinize age-and sex-related alterations in musculoskeletal health parameters(frailty,grip strength,gait data),bone and particularly the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network(LCN).Moreover,a new quantitative in silico image analysis pipeline is used to evaluate the alterations in the osteocyte network with aging.Our findings underscore the pronounced degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal health parameters,bone,and osteocyte LCN in PolgA mice as early as 40 weeks,with more prominent alterations evident in aged males.Our findings suggest that the PolgA mouse model serves as a valuable model for studying the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss,given the comparable aging signs and age-related degeneration of the bone and the osteocyte network observed in naturally aging mice and elderly humans.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)funded by the Ministry of Science,ICT&Future Planning (2022R1A2C2006229,2022R1A6A3A01086868)Korea Dementia Research Project through the Korea Dementia Research Center (KDRC)funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare and Ministry of Science and ICT,Republic of Korea (RS-2024-00345328)KIST Institutional Grant (2E32851)。
文摘Alzheimer'sdisease(AD)isaprogressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and distinct neuropathological features,including amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and reactive astrogliosis.Developing effective diagnostic,preventative,and therapeutic strategies for AD necessitates the establishment of animal models that accurately recapitulate the pathophysiological processes of the disease.Existing transgenic mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding AD pathology but often fail to replicate the complexity of human AD.Additionally,these models are limited in their ability to elucidate the interplay among amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and reactive astrogliosis due to the absence of spatially and temporally specific genetic manipulation.In this study,we introduce a novel AD mouse model(APP/PS1-TauP301L-Adeno mice)designed to rapidly induce pathological symptoms and enhance understanding of AD mechanisms.Neurofibrillary tangles and severe reactive astrogliosis were induced by injecting AAVDJ-EF1a-hTauP301L-EGFP and Adeno-GFAP-GFP viruses into the hippocampi of 5-month-old APP/PS1 mice.Three months post-injection,these mice exhibited pronounced astrogliosis,substantial amyloid-βplaque accumulation,extensiveneurofibrillarytangles,accelerated neuronal loss,elevated astrocytic GABA levels,and significant spatial memory deficits.Notably,these pathological features were less severe in AAVTauP301L-expressing APP/PS1 mice without augmented reactive astrogliosis.These findings indicate an exacerbating role of severe reactive astrogliosis in amyloid-βplaque and neurofibrillary tangle-associated pathology.The APP/PS1-TauP301L-Adeno mouse model provides a valuable tool for advancing therapeutic research aimed at mitigating the progression of AD.
基金supported by NIH/NIDCR grant R01DE025664 to IPC.
文摘Craniometaphyseal dysplasia(CMD),a rare craniotubular disorder,occurs in an autosomal dominant(AD)or autosomal recessive(AR)form.CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and metaphyseal flaring of long bones.Many patients with CMD suffer from neurological symptoms.The pathogenesis of CMD is not fully understood.
基金CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,Grant/Award Number:CIFMS,2021-I2M-1-024The Joint Fund for the Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province-Kunming Medical University,Grant/Award Number:202201AY070001-007+1 种基金Open Research Fund Project of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Natural Medicines,Grant/Award Number:YKLPNP-G2403The Science and Technology Leading Talent Program of Yunnan Province,Grant/Award Number:202405AB350002。
文摘Background:Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2(SCA2)is a neurodegenerative disease marked by significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity,primarily caused by expanded CAG mutations in the ATXN2 gene.The unstable expansion of CAG repeats disrupts the genetic stability of animal models,which is detrimental to disease research.Methods:In this study,we established a mouse model in which CAG repeats do not undergo microsatellite instability(MSI)across generations.A humanized ATXN2 cDNA with four CAA interruptions within 73 CAG expansions was inserted into the Rosa26 locus of C57BL/6J mice.A 23 CAG control mouse model was also generated to verify ATXN2 integration and expression.Results:In our model,the number of CAG repeats remained stable during transmission,with no CAG repeat expansion observed in 64 parent-to-offspring transmissions.Compared with SCA2-Q23 mice,SCA2-Q73 mice exhibited progressive motor impairment,reduced Purkinje cell count and volume(indicative of cell atrophy),and muscle atrophy.These observations in the mice suggest that the behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes may reflect the features of SCA2 patients.RNA-seq analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle in SCA2-Q73 mice showed significant changes in muscle differentiation and development gene expression at 56 weeks,with no significant differences at 16 weeks compared to SCA2-Q23 mice.The expression level of the Myf6 gene significantly changed in the muscles of aged mice.Conclusion:In summary,the establishment of this model not only provides a stable animal model for studying CAG transmission in SCA2 but also indicates that the lack of long-term neural stimulation leads to muscle atrophy.
基金supported in part by grants from the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB0490000 to Z.H.)National Key Research and Development Program(2021YFF0702002 to J.L.,2022YFC2303300 to Z.H.,and 2023YFC2305900 to M.W.)+3 种基金“Youth Commando”project(2023QNTJ-02 TO J.L.)Key Project(2024JZZD-02 to Z.H.)of State Key Laboratory of Virology and BiosafetyWuhan Institute of Virology,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22A20336 to Z.H.and Y.Z.)Wuhan Natural Science Foundation(202404071010067 to M.W.and 202404071010068 to J.L.).
文摘Dear Editor,Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever(CCHF),caused by the CCHF virus(CCHFV),is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution,posing a significant threat with case fatality rates ranging from 5%to 70%(Hawman and Feldmann,2023).Due to the lack of approved vaccines and therapeutics,the World Health Organization(WHO)has listed CCHF as one of the priority diseases(Semper et al.,2024).CCHF initially presents as a nonspecific febrile illness,characterized by fever,malaise,myalgia,and nausea,which can rapidly progress to hemorrhagic disease.The hemorrhagic stage is particularly pronounced in severe cases,with rapid progression to disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),overt bleeding,kidney or liver failure,and shock(Frank et al.,2024).Up to date,there is an absence of a suitable animal model that can accurately mimic the coagulopathy and bleeding associated with CCHFV infection.Consequently,our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these conditions remains limited(Rodriguez et al.,2022).
文摘Background:Most mutations in the COL6A3 gene lead to collagen VI-related myopathies.This is due to a reduced expression or mislocalization of the COL6A3 protein.Therefore,studying the consequence of knocking out the Col6a3 gene in mouse models is relevant,but the Col6a3 mouse models reported so far do not entirely abolish COL6A3 protein expression.Methods:Here,we present the development,validation and preliminary phenotypic characterization of a novel CRISPR-based knockout mouse model targeting Col6a3 exon 3(Col6a3^(d3/d3)).Results:In this mouse model,Col6a3 mRNA is still expressed at a similar level to wild-type littermates,although the expected protein is undetectable by mass spectrometry.Histological analysis of Col6a3^(d3/d3)quadriceps revealed an abnormally high frequency of muscle cells with internally nucleated muscle cells,consistent with a myopathy phenotype.Interestingly,Col6a3^(d3/d3)mice are smaller in size,with their fat,muscle,and bone kept proportional compared to wild-type littermates.Conclusions:In summary,we performed the validation and preliminary phenotypic characterization of a novel Col6a3 knockout mouse model that could be further characterized and used to study COL6A3 biology and model collagen VI-associated diseases.
文摘The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown.In patients who underwent discontinuation after multiple injections of denosumab,the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b increased compared to pretreatment levels,indicating a phenomenon known as“overshoot.”The rate of decrease in bone mineral density during the withdrawal period was higher than the rate of decrease associated with aging,suggesting that the physiological bone metabolism had broken down.Overshoot and significant bone loss were also observed in mice receiving continuous administration of anti-RANKL antibody after treatment was interrupted,resembling the original pathology.In mice long out of overshoot,bone resorption recovered,but osteoblast numbers and bone formation remained markedly reduced.The bone marrow exhibited a significant reduction in stem cell(SC)antigen 1-and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-expressing osteoblast progenitors(PαS cells)and alkaline phosphatase-positive early osteoblasts.Just before the overshoot phase,the osteoclast precursor cell population expands and RANKL-bearing extracellular vesicles(EVs)became abundant in the serum,leading to robust osteoclastogenesis after cessation of anti-RANKL treatment.Thus,accelerated bone resorption due to the accumulation of RANKLbearing EVs and long-term suppression of bone formation uncoupled from bone resorption leads to the severe bone loss characteristic of denosumab discontinuation.
基金supported by the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI 22K09110.
文摘Murine subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)induced using the filament perforation method is a useful in vivo experimental model to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain underlying SAH.However,identifying mice with comorbid acute neurogenic pulmonary edema(NPE),a life-threatening systemic consequence often induced by SAH,in this model is difficult without histopathological investiga-tions.Herein,we present an imaging procedure involving dual-energy X-ray absorp-tiometry(DXA)to identify NPE in a murine model of SAH.We quantified the lung lean mass(LM)and compared the relationship between micro-computed tomography(CT)evidence of Hounsfield unit(HU)values and histopathological findings of PE.Of the 85 mice with successful induction of SAH by filament perforation,16(19%)had NPE,as verified by postmortem histology.The DXA-LM values correlate well with CT-HU levels(r=0.63,p<0.0001).Regarding the relationship between LM and HU in mice with post-SAH NPE,the LM was positively associated with HU values(r2=0.43;p=0.0056).A receiver operating characteristics curve of LM revealed a sensitivity of 87%and specificity of 57%for detecting PE,with a similar area under the curve as the HU(0.79±0.06 vs.0.84±0.07;p=0.21).These data suggest that confirming acute NPE using DXA-LM is a valuable method for selecting a clinically relevant murine NPE model that could be used in future experimental SAH studies.
基金Hubei Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Number:2024AFB593。
文摘Background:Rabies virus(RABV)-derived neuronal tracing tools are extensively applied in retrograde tracing due to their strict retrograde transsynaptic transfer property and low neurotoxicity.However,the RABV infection and expression of fluorescence products would be gradually cleared while the infected neurons still survive,a phenomenon known as non-cytolytic immune clearance(NCLIC).This phenomenon introduced the risk of fluorescence loss and led to the omission of a subset of neurons that should be labeled,thereby interfering in the analysis of tracing results.Methods:To compensate for the fluorescence loss problem,in this study,we developed a novel marker footprints(MF)mouse,involving a Cre recombinase-dependent red fluorescent reporter system and systemic expression of glycoprotein(G)and ASLV-A receptor(TVA).Using this mouse model combined with the well-developed RABV-EnvA-ΔG-GFP-Cre viral tool,we developed a novel green-to-red spectral labeling strategy.Results:Neurons in the MF mouse could be co-labeled with green fluorescence from the very quick expression of the viral tool and with red fluorescence from the relatively slow expression of the neuron itself,so neurons undergoing NCLIC with green fluorescence loss could be relabeled red.Furthermore,newly infected neurons could be labeled green and other neurons could be labeled yellow due to the temporal expression difference between the two fluorescent proteins.Conclusions:This is the first polysynaptic retrograde tracing labeling strategy that could label neurons using spectral fluorescence colors with only one injection of the viral tool,enabling its application in recognizing the labeling sequence of neurons in brain regions and enhancing the spatiotemporal resolution of neuronal tracing.
基金National Key R&D Program of China,Grant/Award Number:2023YFC3402000National Institutes for Food and Drug Control,State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science,Grant/Award Number:2023SKLDRS0124。
文摘Background:The precise insertion of large DNA fragments(>3–5 kb)remains one of the key obstacles in establishment of genetically modified murine models.Methods:A 21 kb large DNA fragment containing three tandemly linked copies of the human HRAS gene was inserted into the genome of C57BL/6J mouse,generating a mouse model designated as KI.C57-ras(or named NF-h HRAS).Whole-genome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were utilized to it confirm precise insertion and copy number.The stability of transgene expression among different generations was verified from multiple aspects using by digital PCR,western blot and DNA sequencing.To assess tumor susceptibility in the mouse model,N-Nitroso-N-methylurea(MNU)was administered at a dosage of 75 mg/kg.Histopathological examinations were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining.Results:The HRAS DNA fragment was inserted into mouse chromosome 15E1 site,locating between 80623202 bp and 80625020 bp.NF-h HRAS mice exhibited stable inheritance and displayed consistent phenotypes across individuals.Moreover,this mouse model exhibited a high susceptibility to carcinogens.Upon administration of MNU the earliest mortality onset was earlier than that of wild-type littermates(day 65 vs.day 78 for male and day 56 vs.day 84 for female).Notably,100%of the NF-h HRAS transgenic mice developed tumors,with approximately 84%of male NF-h HRAS mice exhibiting specific tumor types,such as squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell papilloma,which was consistent with the previously reported carcinogenic rasH2 mouse model.The types of tumors and the target organs exhibited diversity in NFh HRAS mice,while the spontaneous tumor incidence remained low(1/50).Conclusions:The NF-h HRAS mice demonstrated excellent genetic stability,a reproducible phenotype,and high susceptibility to carcinogens,indicating their potential utility in non-clinical safety evaluations of drugs as per the S1B guidelines issued by the ICH(The International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use).
文摘Primary liver cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Due to differences in prevalence of etiological factors the incidence of primary liver can-cer varies among the world, with a peak in East-Asia. As this disease is still lethal in most of the cases, research has to be done to improve our understanding of the disease, offering insights for possible treatment options. For this purpose, animal models are widely used, especially mouse models. In this review, we describe the different types of mouse models used in liver cancer research, with emphasis on genetically engineered mice used in this field. We focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as this is by far the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 70%-85% of cases.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81030036, 81270012, 81170809)Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (2014CB942904) +1 种基金the Committee of Science and Technology of Chongqing (CSTC 2011jjA1468)the foundation from national key laboratory (SKLZZ201017)
文摘Fibroblast growth factor （FGF）/fibroblast growth factor receptor （FGFR） signaling plays essential roles in bone development and diseases. Missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs in humans can cause various congenital bone diseases, including chondrodysplasia syndromes, craniosynostosis syndromes and syndromes with dysregulated phosphate metabolism. FGF/FGFR signaling is also an important pathway involved in the maintenance of adult bone homeostasis. Multiple kinds of mouse models, mimicking human skeleton diseases caused by missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs, have been established by knock-m/out and transgenic technologies. These genetically modified mice provide good models for studying the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in skeleton development and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the mouse models of FGF signaling-related skeleton diseases and recent progresses regarding the molecular mechanisms, underlying the role of FGFs/FGFRs in the regulation of bone development and homeostasis. This review also provides a perspective view on future works to explore the roles of FGF signaling in skeletal development and homeostasis.
文摘Limited knowledge of the genetic causes of male infertility has resulted in few treatment and targeted therapeutic options. Although the ideal approach to identify infertility causing mutations is to conduct studies in the human population, this approach has progressed slowly due to the limitations described herein. Given the complexity of male fertility, the entire process cannot be modeled in vitro. As such, animal models, in particular mouse models, provide a valuable alternative for gene identification and experimentation. Since the introduction of molecular biology and recent advances in animal model production, there has been a substantial acceleration in the identification and characterization of genes associated with many diseases, including infertility. Three major types of mouse models are commonly used in biomedical research, including knockoutJknockin/gene-trapped, transgenic and chemical-induced point mutant mice. Using these mouse models, over 400 genes essential for male fertility have been revealed. It has, however, been estimated that thousands of genes are involved in the regulation of the complex process of male fertility, as many such genes remain to be characterized. The current review is by no means a comprehensive list of these mouse models, rather it contains examples of how mouse models have advanced our knowledge of post-natal germ cell development and male fertility regulation.
基金Supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos (CIBERehd)
文摘Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human malignancies ranking 4th among cancer-related death in the western world and in the United States,and potent therapeutic options are lacking.Although during the last few years there have been important advances in the understanding of the molecular events responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer,currently specific mechanisms of treatment resistance remain poorly understood and new effective systemic drugs need to be developed and probed.In vivo models to study pancreatic cancer and approach this issue remain limited and present different molecular features that must be considered in the studies depending on the purpose to fit special research themes.In the last few years,several genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic exocrine neoplasia have been developed.These models mimic the disease as they reproduce genetic alterations implicated in the progression of pancreatic cancer.Genetic alterations such as activating mutations in KRas,or TGFb and/or inactivation of tumoral suppressors such as p53,INK4A/ARF BRCA2 and Smad4 are the most common drivers to pancreatic carcinogenesis and have been used to create transgenic mice.These mouse models have a spectrum of pathologic changes,from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to lesions that progress histologically culminating in fully invasive and metastatic disease and represent the most useful preclinical model system.These models can characterize the cellular and molecular pathology of pancreatic neoplasia and cancer and constitute the best tool to investigate new therapeutic approaches,chemopreventive and/or anticancer treatments.Here,we review and update the current mouse models that reproduce different stages of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and will have clinical relevance in future pancreatic cancer developments.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81460105)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81360407)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province(Grant No.2058321)Foundation of Health Department of Hainan Province(Grant No.14A210189)
文摘Objective: To develop a BALB/c mouse model of oral submucous fibrosis(OSF)induced by arecoline and to exhibit an accumulation of collagen and angiogenesis changes.Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to either the control(distilled water) or experimental group(arecoline)(n = 40). Eight mice from each group were sacrificed every 4 weeks since 8 weeks post treatment. Changes in histopathologic features, levels of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ, and angiogenesis were measured.Results: In the 8th week, epithelium atrophy, collagen cumulation and micrangium pathologic changes in the lamina propria were observed in the oral mucosa. In the 20th week, hyaline degeneration of the connective tissues was observed on the tongue and palate mucosa. The angiogenesis and collagen type Ⅰ changed significantly as the diseases advanced(P < 0.05); however, collagen type Ⅲ was not statistically different.Conclusions: An OSF model involving mice can be rapidly induced by drinking a highdose of arecoline. OSF angiogenic changes in mice primarily decrease and collagen accumulation is mainly collagen type Ⅰ.
文摘The mechanism of androgen action is complex. Recently, significant advances have been made into our understanding of how androgens act via the androgen receptor （AR） through the use of genetically modified mouse models. A number of global and tissue-specific AR knockout （ARKO） models have been generated using the Cre-loxP system which allows tissue- and/or cell-specific deletion. These ARKO models have examined a number of sites of androgen action including the cardiovascular system, the immune and hemopoetic system, bone, muscle, adipose tissue, the prostate and the brain. This review focuses on the insights that have been gained into human androgen deficiency through the use of ARKO mouse models at each of these sites of action, and highlights the strengths and limitations of these Cre-loxP mouse models that should be considered to ensure accurate interpretation of the phenotype.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81870292 and 81971860)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2016YFC1301204)。
文摘Thoracic aortic dissection(TAD)is one of the most lethal aortic diseases due to its acute onset,rapid progress,and high rate of aortic rupture.The pathogenesis of TAD is not completely understood.In this mini-review,we introduce three emerging experimental mouse TAD models usingβ-aminopropionitrile(BAPN)alone,BAPN for a prolonged duration(four weeks)and then with added infusion of angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ),or co-administration of BAPN and AngⅡchronically.We aim to provide insights into appropriate application of these three mouse models,thereby enhancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TAD.
文摘Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stern cells (ADSCs) for limited cutaneous scleroderma (LS) in mouse models. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice and LS was induced in wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice via daily injection of bleomycin (0.1 mL x 300 mu g/mL) for 4 weeks; then the ADSCs were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal area in the model treatment group, and 100 mu L of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was injected into the same site in the model control group. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to track the cells using an in vivo imaging system on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after transplantation. All mice were sacrificed and histologic analyses were performed after 4 weeks, and the skin thickness, collagen deposition and the total content of hydroxyproline were evaluated. Additionally, immunohistochemistry were performed to compare the tissue expression and distribution of TGF-beta 1 and VEGF between the ADSCs treatment group and the treatment control group. Results: WT C57BL/6 LS mouse model were successfully established and GFP in vivo fluorescence imaging showed that the translated ADSCs survived at the local for at least 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, the ADSCs treatment group significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, reduced the skin thickness and the total content of hydroxyproline (P<0.05). The ADSCs treatment group displayed significantly lower levels of TGF-beta 1 and higher levels of VEGF than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: ADSCs may provide a feasible and practical treatment for autoimmune diseases such as LS and ameliorate dermal fibrosis.
