A Novel Dosimetry Method for Small Animal Irradiators Using 3D-printed Mouse Phantoms and Alanine Dosimeters.Christopher Duncan1,Chad Gunther1(1.C&C Irradiator Service,LLC,Washington,DC,20006.)Abstract:Accurate do...A Novel Dosimetry Method for Small Animal Irradiators Using 3D-printed Mouse Phantoms and Alanine Dosimeters.Christopher Duncan1,Chad Gunther1(1.C&C Irradiator Service,LLC,Washington,DC,20006.)Abstract:Accurate dosimetry is a crucial component of small animal and preclinical irradiation studies.展开更多
Osteoclasts are essential for maintaining healthy bone.Pathological elevation of os-teoclastogenesis or osteoclast activity can cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of bone fracture.However,a few options are avail...Osteoclasts are essential for maintaining healthy bone.Pathological elevation of os-teoclastogenesis or osteoclast activity can cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of bone fracture.However,a few options are available for directly measuring osteoclast activity in vivo to test interventions that may affect osteoclasts.Here,we describe an in vivo method to measure osteoclast-mediated bone loss targeted at normal mouse calvaria.The method employs a novel procedure for measuring osteoclast resorption pits using micro-computed tomography.The potential utility of this mouse calvaria model to assess therapies targeting osteoclasts was validated using zoledronic acid,which is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drug used to treat osteoporosis.展开更多
Background:Wenqing Yin(WQY)is a classic prescription used to treat skin diseases like atopic dermatitis(AD)in China,and the aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of WQY o...Background:Wenqing Yin(WQY)is a classic prescription used to treat skin diseases like atopic dermatitis(AD)in China,and the aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of WQY on AD.Methods:The DNFB-induced mouse models of AD were established to investigate the therapeutic effects of WQY on AD.The symptoms of AD in the ears and backs of the mice were assessed,while inflammatory factors in the ear were quantified using quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and the percentages of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in the spleen were analyzed through flow cytometry.The compounds in WQY were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)analysis and the key targets and pathways of WQY to treat AD were predicted by network pharmacology.Subsequently,the key genes were tested and verified by qRT-PCR,and the potential active components and target proteins were verified by molecular docking.Results:WQY relieved the AD symptoms and histopathological injuries in the ear and back skin of mice with AD.Meanwhile,WQY significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-1βin ear tissue,as well as the ratio of CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)cells in spleen.Additionally,a total of 142 compounds were identified from the water extract of WQY by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS.39 key targets related to AD were screened out by network pharmacology methods.The KEGG analysis indicated that the effects of WQY were primarily mediated through pathways associated with Toll-like receptor signaling and T cell receptor signaling.Moreover,the results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that WQY significantly reduced the mRNA expressions of IL-4,IL-10,GATA3 and FOXP3,and molecular docking simulation verified that the active components of WQY had excellent binding abilities with IL-4,IL-10,GATA3 and FOXP3 proteins.Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that WQY effectively relieved AD symptoms in mice,decreased the inflammatory factors levels,regulated the balance of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells,and the mechanism may be associated with the suppression of Th2 and Treg cell immune responses.展开更多
Realistic models for cancer research representing disease progression that commensurately respond to therapeutics consistent with clinical observation are the holy grail for pre-clinical research and screening.Althoug...Realistic models for cancer research representing disease progression that commensurately respond to therapeutics consistent with clinical observation are the holy grail for pre-clinical research and screening.Although such an ideal is elusive,well-characterized in vivo models facilitate our understanding of disease,progression,and therapeutic opportunities.Here,we characterize a commonly used syngeneic BALB/c mouse model of triple negative breast cancer(4T1)after establishing tumors in their flanks.Tumors developed at the subcutaneous injection site for all experimental mice and their volumes were monitored.We quantified a rare subset of breast cancer stemlike cells(CSCs),classified as CD44^(+)/CD24^(−)phenotypes in in vitro and ex vivo cell populations.Chromosome numbers in ex vivo metaphase cells were greater than cells cultured in vitro(89.4±3.4,range of 70-132 and 82.6±1.1,range of 70-128;respectively).Further,we observed different types of chromosome aberrations,including gap,deletion,exchange,interstitial deletion,terminal deletion,ring,dicentric,and Robertsonian translocations.For both sources of cells,the number of aberrations was dominated by deletions,terminal deletions,and Robertsonian translocations.Ex vivo cells exhibited greater prevalence of deletions and terminal deletions,whereas in vitro cells displayed more ring aberrations and Robertsonian translocations.In conclusion,we successfully characterized cancer cells from a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer in terms of rare CSC proportion and a variety of chromosomal aberrations,which is useful for understanding tumor traits associated with cancer development and therapeutic action.The data act as a valuable resource for other studies using the 4T1 BALB/c model.展开更多
The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic...The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic activity across the entire brain and its numerous micro-regions remains incredibly challenging.Here,we offer a high-definition spatially resolved metabolomics technique to better understand the metabolic specialization and interconnection throughout the mouse brain using improved ambient mass spectrometry imaging.This method allows for the simultaneous mapping of thousands of metabolites at a 30 μm spatial resolution across the mouse brain,ranging from structural lipids to functional neurotransmitters.This approach effectively reveals the distribution patterns of delicate microregions and their distinctive metabolic characteristics.Using an integrated database,we annotated 259 metabolites,demonstrating that the metabolome and metabolic pathways are unique to each brain microregion.The distribution of metabolites,closely linked to functionally connected brain regions and their interactions,offers profound insights into the complexity of chemical processes and their roles in brain function.An initial dataset for future metabolomics research might be obtained from the high-definition mouse brain's spatial metabolome atlas.展开更多
During aging,the spine undergoes degenerative changes,particularly with vertebral endplate bone expansion and sclerosis,that are associated with nonspecific low back pain.We report that parathyroid hormone(PTH)treatme...During aging,the spine undergoes degenerative changes,particularly with vertebral endplate bone expansion and sclerosis,that are associated with nonspecific low back pain.We report that parathyroid hormone(PTH)treatment reduced vertebral endplate sclerosis and improved pain behaviors in three mouse models of spinal degeneration(aged,SM/J,and young lumbar spine instability mice).Aberrant innervation in the vertebral body and endplate during spinal degeneration was decreased with PTH treatment as quantified by PGP9.5^(+)and CGRP^(+)nerve fibers,as well as CGRP expression in dorsal root ganglia.The neuronal repulsion factor Slit3 significantly increased in response to PTH treatment mediated by transcriptional factor FoxA2.PTH type 1 receptor and Slit3 deletion in osteocalcin-expressing cells prevented PTH-reduction of endplate porosity and improvement in behavior tests.Altogether,PTH stimulated osteoblast production of Slit3,decreased aberrant sensory nerve innervation,and provided symptomatic relief of LBP associated with mouse spinal degeneration.展开更多
Dentin,the main component of dental hard tissues,is produced by differentiated odontoblasts.How odontoblast differentiation is regulated remains understudied.Here,we screen that the expression of membrane-associated R...Dentin,the main component of dental hard tissues,is produced by differentiated odontoblasts.How odontoblast differentiation is regulated remains understudied.Here,we screen that the expression of membrane-associated RING finger protein 2(March2) is the highest among all March family members,with an increasing trend during odontoblast differentiation.In mouse incisors and molars,MARCH2 is moderately expressed in the undifferentiated dental papilla cells and strongly expressed in the odontoblasts.Knockdown and overexpression experiments demonstrate that MARCH2 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells(mDPCs).Additionally,both March2 deficient mice and mice with odontoblast specific knockdown of March2 exhibit the phenotype of increased dentin thickness,accelerated dentin deposition as well as elevated expression levels of odontoblast markers compared with control littermates.Therefore,MARCH2 plays an inhibitory role in odontoblast differentiation.Mechanistically,MARCH2 interacts with protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta(PTPRD) and facilitates its K27-linked polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation,which is dependent on the ligase activity of MARCH2.The presence of MARCH2promotes the translocation of PTPRD from the cell membrane to the lysosome,thereby enhancing its degradation via the lysosomal pathway.Further experiments show that knockdown of endogenous Ptprd impairs odontoblastic differentiation of mDPCs.Ptprd and March2 double knockdown in mDPCs apparently reversed the enhanced odontoblastic differentiation by knockdown of March2 alone,indicating that MARCH2 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation by promoting PTPRD degradation.This study unveils a novel mechanism where an E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates odontoblast differentiation through post-translational modification of a membrane protein,highlighting a promising direction for future exploration.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.Although increasing evidence suggests that disruptions in lipid metabolism are closely associated with the disease,the overall profile of lipid and sterol chan...Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.Although increasing evidence suggests that disruptions in lipid metabolism are closely associated with the disease,the overall profile of lipid and sterol changes that occur in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.In this study,we compared brain tissues extracted from 32-week-old male wild-type mice and 5×FAD transgenic Alzheimer’s disease model mice,which carry mutations in the amyloid precursor protein(APP)and presenilin 1(PS1)genes.Using untargeted lipidomics and sterolomics techniques,we investigated the metabolic profiles of lipids,with a focus on sterols specifically,in three brain regions:cerebellum,hippocampus,and olfactory bulb.Our results revealed significant alterations in various lipids,particularly in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb,suggesting changes in energy levels in these regions.Further pathway analysis indicated notable disruptions in key metabolic processes,particularly those related to fatty acids and cell membrane components.Additionally,we observed decreased expression of 15 genes involved in lipid and sterol regulation.Collectively,these findings provide new insights into how imbalances in lipid and sterol metabolism may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,highlighting potential metabolic pathways involved in the development of this debilitating disease.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease is initially thought to be caused by age-associated accumulation of plaques,in recent years,research has increasingly associated Alzheimer’s disease with lysosomal storage and metabolic disorders...Alzheimer’s disease is initially thought to be caused by age-associated accumulation of plaques,in recent years,research has increasingly associated Alzheimer’s disease with lysosomal storage and metabolic disorders,and the explanation of its pathogenesis has shifted from amyloid and tau accumulation to oxidative stress and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism aggravated by hypoxic conditions.However,the underlying mechanisms linking those cellular processes and conditions to disease progression have yet to be defined.Here,we applied a disease similarity approach to identify unknown molecular targets of Alzheimer’s disease by using transcriptomic data from congenital diseases known to increase Alzheimer’s disease risk,namely Down syndrome,Niemann-Pick type C disease,and mucopolysaccharidoses I.We uncovered common pathways,hub genes,and miRNAs across in vitro and in vivo models of these diseases as potential molecular targets for neuroprotection and amelioration of Alzheimer’s disease pathology,many of which have never been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.We then investigated common molecular alterations in brain samples from a Niemann-Pick type C disease mouse model by juxtaposing them with brain samples of both human and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.Detailed phenotypic,molecular,chronological,and biological aging analyses revealed that the Npc1tm(I1061T)Dso mouse model can serve as a potential short-lived in vivo model for brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease research.This research represents the first comprehensive approach to congenital disease association with neurodegeneration and a new perspective on Alzheimer’s disease research while highlighting shortcomings and lack of correlation in diverse in vitro models.Considering the lack of an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model that recapitulates the physiological hallmarks of brain aging,the short-lived Npc1^(tm(I1061T)Dso) mouse model can further accelerate the research in these fields and offer a unique model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease from a perspective of accelerated brain aging.展开更多
Background:In recent decades,the global incidence of dengue fever has been stead-ily increasing,with continuous geographical expansion.Researchers have successfully modeled most clinical symptoms of human dengue fever...Background:In recent decades,the global incidence of dengue fever has been stead-ily increasing,with continuous geographical expansion.Researchers have successfully modeled most clinical symptoms of human dengue fever using interferon type I(IFN-I)or combined IFN-I/II receptor knockout mice infected with dengue virus(DENV).However,this model requires further optimization to better support related studies.Methods:This study aimed to establish a stable dengue infection model by evaluating the effects of different genetic backgrounds and injection routes on DENV infection in interferon receptor knockout mice.We first infected various strains of interferon receptor-deficient mice with DENV and compared their susceptibility based on clini-cal symptoms,viremia levels,organ indices,histopathological findings,and vascular leakage markers.Subsequently,we selected the most susceptible strain to further investigate the impact of different injection methods on infection outcomes.Results:We found that BALB/c background mice with type 1 interferon recep-tor knockout(IFNAR)had the most obvious symptoms.Subsequently,we selected IFNAR−/−BALB/c mice to further explore the effects of different injection methods on dengue virus infection.The results showed that the intraperitoneal injection group had the most severe clinical symptoms,the longest duration of viremia,and the most obvious degree of organ damage.Conclusion:Through systematic screening and optimization,we established a robust animal model of dengue virus infection via intraperitoneal injection in IFNAR−/−BALB/c mice.This model offers a valuable tool for future dengue research.展开更多
In the article titled“Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis,promotes microglial M1 polarization,and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model,”published in Neural Regeneration Rese...In the article titled“Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis,promotes microglial M1 polarization,and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model,”published in Neural Regeneration Research(Ding et al.,2025),the title was incorrectly presented due to an error during the language polishing process.展开更多
Spared regions of the damaged central nervous system undergo dynamic remodelling and exhibit a remarkable potential for therapeutic exploitation1.Lesion-remote astrocytes(LRAs),which interact with viable neurons and g...Spared regions of the damaged central nervous system undergo dynamic remodelling and exhibit a remarkable potential for therapeutic exploitation1.Lesion-remote astrocytes(LRAs),which interact with viable neurons and glia,undergo reactive transformations whose molecular and functional properties are poorly understood2.Here,using multiple transcriptional profiling methods,we investigated LRAs from spared regions of mouse spinal cord following traumatic spinal cord injury.展开更多
The triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease(3×Tg-AD)is a widely used model that exhibits region-dependent patterns of progressive amyloid-βand tau pathology.Although structural brain abnormalities ...The triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease(3×Tg-AD)is a widely used model that exhibits region-dependent patterns of progressive amyloid-βand tau pathology.Although structural brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging have been observed in 3×Tg-AD mice at later disease stages(>12 months)and as early as 2 months,few studies have investigated changes in these mice during the stage with extensive amyloid-βdeposition and onset of tau pathology(around 9 months).This study aimed to assess brain morphometry and microstructure alterations in 9 month-old 3×Tg-AD mice to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying these specific pathological features.Voxel-based analyses were employed on T2-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging to identify differences between 3×Tg-AD and control mice.Compared with controls,3×Tg-AD mice exhibited lower gray matter volume in several regions including both hippocampal regions,the right thalamus,the left caudoputamen,and the cortex.Reduced white matter volume was observed in fiber tracts including the corpus callosum,internal capsule,stria terminalis,and olfactory tract.Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging analysis revealed a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in both radial and mean diffusivity within the left dentate gyrus of the hippocampal region and right striatum-like amygdala nuclei,with no significant difference in axial diffusivity.Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between behavioral performance measures,with both gray and white matter volumes within regions showing significant morphometric differences.Notably,behavioral performance also exhibited significant correlations with diffusion tensor imaging measures particularly within the left dentate gyrus of the hippocampal region and right striatum-like amygdala nuclei.Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed increased amyloid-βplaques and p-Tau protein expression in the hippocampal regions of 3×Tg-AD mice,which corroborated the magnetic resonance imaging findings.Transcriptome analysis in hippocampus tissue identified 1389 differentially expressed genes.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that numerous differentially expressed genes were enriched in biological processes relevant to synapse structure,cognition,learning,and memory,with particular emphasis on Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.Collectively,these findings suggest that intricate anatomical and microstructural alterations occur in 3×Tg-AD model mice at the onset of pathology around 9 months,potentially driven by gene expression alterations.Moreover,our results support the potential utility of brain volume and diffusion metrics as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease pathology,which could have significant implications for clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease patients.展开更多
Background:Humanized mouse models are essential for studying the human immune response and antibody development.However,conventional models show limited B cell maturation and antigen-specific humoral responses.To over...Background:Humanized mouse models are essential for studying the human immune response and antibody development.However,conventional models show limited B cell maturation and antigen-specific humoral responses.To overcome these limitations,we used the NOG-EXL mice expressing human interleukin 3(IL-3)and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)to enhance myeloid and B-cell lineage differentiation.Methods:Human CD34^(+)hematopoietic stem cells(HSC)were transplanted into NOG-EXL mice to produce humanized immune systems.After immune cell reconstitution was confirmed across 12 weeks,the mice were immunized twice with inactivated severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)antigens.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenocytes were analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry to assess human immune cell subsets.Antigen-specific immunoglobulin G(IgG)production was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and virus-specific B cells were isolated using antigen-labeled recombinant protein probes.Results:Twelve weeks after transplantation of HSCs into NOG-EXL mice,they exhibited robust engraftment of human leukocytes,including T,B,and dendritic cells,compared to NOG mice.Unlike NOG mice,humanized NOG-EXL mice exhibited an increase in human IgG levels,indicating the production of human antibody responses to antigens.Humanized NOG-EXL mice were immunized twice every 2 weeks with inactivated SFTSV,and antigen-specific human antibodies against the virus were detected in the mouse sera by ELISA.Sera from SFTSV-immunized humanized mice demonstrated neutralizing activity against SFTSV,confirming the induction of functional virus-specific neutralizing antibodies.Antigen-binding IgG-positive human B cells were isolated from mouse splenocytes using recombinant protein probes.Conclusion:This model provides a valuable platform for evaluating humoral immunity and isolating B cells using high-affinity human monoclonal antibodies without genetic engineering.展开更多
To investigate the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of ischemic stroke,some methods have been proposed that can simultaneously monitor and create embolisms in the animal cerebral cortex.However,these me...To investigate the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of ischemic stroke,some methods have been proposed that can simultaneously monitor and create embolisms in the animal cerebral cortex.However,these methods often require complex systems and the effect of age on cerebral embolism has not been adequately studied,although ischemic stroke is strongly age-related.In this study,we propose an optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy-based visualized photothrombosis methodology to create and monitor ischemic stroke in mice simultaneously using a 532 nm pulsed laser.We observed the molding process in mice of different ages and presented age-dependent vascular embolism differentiation.Moreover,we integrated optical coherence tomography angiography to investigate age-associated trends in cerebrovascular variability following a stroke.Our imaging data and quantitative analyses underscore the differential cerebrovascular responses to stroke in mice of different ages,thereby highlighting the technique's potential for evaluating cerebrovascular health and unraveling age-related mechanisms involved in ischemic strokes.展开更多
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by extended CAG trinucleotide repeats in the androgen receptor gene,which encodes a ligand-dependent transcription facto r.The mutant androgen r...Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by extended CAG trinucleotide repeats in the androgen receptor gene,which encodes a ligand-dependent transcription facto r.The mutant androgen receptor protein,characterized by polyglutamine expansion,is prone to misfolding and forms aggregates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in the brain in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy patients.These aggregates alter protein-protein interactions and compromise transcriptional activity.In this study,we reported that in both cultured N2a cells and mouse brain,mutant androgen receptor with polyglutamine expansion causes reduced expression of mesencephalic astrocyte-de rived neurotrophic factor.Overexpressio n of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor amelio rated the neurotoxicity of mutant androgen receptor through the inhibition of mutant androgen receptor aggregation.Conversely.knocking down endogenous mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse brain exacerbated neuronal damage and mutant androgen receptor aggregation.Our findings suggest that inhibition of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor expression by mutant androgen receptor is a potential mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.展开更多
This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Associ...This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic ...BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic immune response.AIM To investigate the effects of ImmTOR in PBC mouse models.METHODS PBC models were induced in C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations of 2-octynoic acid-coupled bovine serum albumin at two-week intervals,and polycytidylic acid every three days.The PBC mouse models were separated into the treatment group and the control group.The levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alanine aminotransferase in the mice were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver and spleen mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry,and serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA)and the related cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Liver histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and scored.RESULTS After treatment with ImmTOR,the ALP level was significantly decreased(189.60 U/L±27.25 U/L vs 156.00 U/L±17.21 U/L,P<0.05),the level of AMA was reduced(1.28 ng/mL±0.27 ng/mL vs 0.56 ng/mL±0.07 ng/mL,P<0.001)and the expression levels of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factorαwere significantly decreased(48.29 pg/mL±10.84 pg/mL vs 25.01 pg/mL±1.49 pg/mL,P<0.0001)and(84.24 pg/mL±23.47 pg/mL vs 40.66 pg/mL±14.65 pg/mL,P<0.001).The CD4+T lymphocytes,CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the liver were significantly reduced,with statistically significant differences(24.21%±6.55%vs 15.98%±3.03%,P<0.05;9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The expression of CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the ImmTOR treatment group also decreased(9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The liver pathology of PBC mice in the treatment group showed reduced inflammation and a decreased total pathology score,and the difference in the scores was statistically significant(4.50±2.88 vs 1.75±1.28,P<0.05).CONCLUSION ImmTOR can improve biochemistry and pathology of liver obvious by inhibiting the expression of CD8+T cells and B cells,and reducing the titer of AMA.展开更多
Background:Over the past few decades,a threefold increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes(T2D)has placed a heavy burden on the health-care system and society.Previous studies have shown correlations between obesity,T2D...Background:Over the past few decades,a threefold increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes(T2D)has placed a heavy burden on the health-care system and society.Previous studies have shown correlations between obesity,T2D,and neurodegenera-tive diseases,including dementia.It is imperative to further understand the relation-ship between obesity,T2D,and cognitive deficits.Methods:This investigation tested and evaluated the cognitive impact of obesity and T2D induced by high-fat diet(HFD)and the effect of the host genetic background on the severity of cognitive decline caused by obesity and T2D in collaborative cross(CC)mice.The CC mice are a genetically diverse panel derived from eight inbred strains.Results:Our findings demonstrated significant variations in the recorded phenotypes across different CC lines compared to the reference mouse line,C57BL/6J.CC037 line exhibited a substantial increase in body weight on HFD,whereas line CC005 ex-hibited differing responses based on sex.Glucose tolerance tests revealed significant variations,with some lines like CC005 showing a marked increase in area under the curve(AUC)values on HFD.Organ weights,including brain,spleen,liver,and kidney,varied significantly among the lines and sexes in response to HFD.Behavioral tests using the Morris water maze indicated that cognitive performance was differentially affected by diet and genetic background.Conclusions:Our study establishes a foundation for future quantitative trait loci map-ping using CC lines and identifying genes underlying the comorbidity of Alzheimer's disease(AD),caused by obesity and T2D.The genetic components may offer new tools for early prediction and prevention.展开更多
文摘A Novel Dosimetry Method for Small Animal Irradiators Using 3D-printed Mouse Phantoms and Alanine Dosimeters.Christopher Duncan1,Chad Gunther1(1.C&C Irradiator Service,LLC,Washington,DC,20006.)Abstract:Accurate dosimetry is a crucial component of small animal and preclinical irradiation studies.
基金National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health,Grant/Award Number:R01AR069044Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School Department of Orthopaedics。
文摘Osteoclasts are essential for maintaining healthy bone.Pathological elevation of os-teoclastogenesis or osteoclast activity can cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of bone fracture.However,a few options are available for directly measuring osteoclast activity in vivo to test interventions that may affect osteoclasts.Here,we describe an in vivo method to measure osteoclast-mediated bone loss targeted at normal mouse calvaria.The method employs a novel procedure for measuring osteoclast resorption pits using micro-computed tomography.The potential utility of this mouse calvaria model to assess therapies targeting osteoclasts was validated using zoledronic acid,which is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drug used to treat osteoporosis.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82004252)the Project of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Province(202405112017596500)the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau(202102020533).
文摘Background:Wenqing Yin(WQY)is a classic prescription used to treat skin diseases like atopic dermatitis(AD)in China,and the aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of WQY on AD.Methods:The DNFB-induced mouse models of AD were established to investigate the therapeutic effects of WQY on AD.The symptoms of AD in the ears and backs of the mice were assessed,while inflammatory factors in the ear were quantified using quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and the percentages of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in the spleen were analyzed through flow cytometry.The compounds in WQY were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)analysis and the key targets and pathways of WQY to treat AD were predicted by network pharmacology.Subsequently,the key genes were tested and verified by qRT-PCR,and the potential active components and target proteins were verified by molecular docking.Results:WQY relieved the AD symptoms and histopathological injuries in the ear and back skin of mice with AD.Meanwhile,WQY significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-1βin ear tissue,as well as the ratio of CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)cells in spleen.Additionally,a total of 142 compounds were identified from the water extract of WQY by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS.39 key targets related to AD were screened out by network pharmacology methods.The KEGG analysis indicated that the effects of WQY were primarily mediated through pathways associated with Toll-like receptor signaling and T cell receptor signaling.Moreover,the results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that WQY significantly reduced the mRNA expressions of IL-4,IL-10,GATA3 and FOXP3,and molecular docking simulation verified that the active components of WQY had excellent binding abilities with IL-4,IL-10,GATA3 and FOXP3 proteins.Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that WQY effectively relieved AD symptoms in mice,decreased the inflammatory factors levels,regulated the balance of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells,and the mechanism may be associated with the suppression of Th2 and Treg cell immune responses.
基金National Research,Development and Innovation Fund of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation under the National Laboratories Program(National Tumor Biology Laboratory,Grant/Award Number:2022-2.1.1-NL-2022-00010)Senior Research Fellowship from National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia,Grant/Award Number:1156693+1 种基金Hungarian Thematic Excellence Program,Grant/Award Number:TKP2021-EGA-44Tour de Cure,Pioneering Grant,Grant/Award Number:RSP-253-18/19。
文摘Realistic models for cancer research representing disease progression that commensurately respond to therapeutics consistent with clinical observation are the holy grail for pre-clinical research and screening.Although such an ideal is elusive,well-characterized in vivo models facilitate our understanding of disease,progression,and therapeutic opportunities.Here,we characterize a commonly used syngeneic BALB/c mouse model of triple negative breast cancer(4T1)after establishing tumors in their flanks.Tumors developed at the subcutaneous injection site for all experimental mice and their volumes were monitored.We quantified a rare subset of breast cancer stemlike cells(CSCs),classified as CD44^(+)/CD24^(−)phenotypes in in vitro and ex vivo cell populations.Chromosome numbers in ex vivo metaphase cells were greater than cells cultured in vitro(89.4±3.4,range of 70-132 and 82.6±1.1,range of 70-128;respectively).Further,we observed different types of chromosome aberrations,including gap,deletion,exchange,interstitial deletion,terminal deletion,ring,dicentric,and Robertsonian translocations.For both sources of cells,the number of aberrations was dominated by deletions,terminal deletions,and Robertsonian translocations.Ex vivo cells exhibited greater prevalence of deletions and terminal deletions,whereas in vitro cells displayed more ring aberrations and Robertsonian translocations.In conclusion,we successfully characterized cancer cells from a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer in terms of rare CSC proportion and a variety of chromosomal aberrations,which is useful for understanding tumor traits associated with cancer development and therapeutic action.The data act as a valuable resource for other studies using the 4T1 BALB/c model.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.82473887 and 21927808)the Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Shanghai (No.23DZ2202500)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (No.2021-1-I2M-026)。
文摘The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic activity across the entire brain and its numerous micro-regions remains incredibly challenging.Here,we offer a high-definition spatially resolved metabolomics technique to better understand the metabolic specialization and interconnection throughout the mouse brain using improved ambient mass spectrometry imaging.This method allows for the simultaneous mapping of thousands of metabolites at a 30 μm spatial resolution across the mouse brain,ranging from structural lipids to functional neurotransmitters.This approach effectively reveals the distribution patterns of delicate microregions and their distinctive metabolic characteristics.Using an integrated database,we annotated 259 metabolites,demonstrating that the metabolome and metabolic pathways are unique to each brain microregion.The distribution of metabolites,closely linked to functionally connected brain regions and their interactions,offers profound insights into the complexity of chemical processes and their roles in brain function.An initial dataset for future metabolomics research might be obtained from the high-definition mouse brain's spatial metabolome atlas.
基金supported by the U.S.Department of Health&Human Services NIH National Institute on Aging under Award Number P01AG066603(to J.C.)。
文摘During aging,the spine undergoes degenerative changes,particularly with vertebral endplate bone expansion and sclerosis,that are associated with nonspecific low back pain.We report that parathyroid hormone(PTH)treatment reduced vertebral endplate sclerosis and improved pain behaviors in three mouse models of spinal degeneration(aged,SM/J,and young lumbar spine instability mice).Aberrant innervation in the vertebral body and endplate during spinal degeneration was decreased with PTH treatment as quantified by PGP9.5^(+)and CGRP^(+)nerve fibers,as well as CGRP expression in dorsal root ganglia.The neuronal repulsion factor Slit3 significantly increased in response to PTH treatment mediated by transcriptional factor FoxA2.PTH type 1 receptor and Slit3 deletion in osteocalcin-expressing cells prevented PTH-reduction of endplate porosity and improvement in behavior tests.Altogether,PTH stimulated osteoblast production of Slit3,decreased aberrant sensory nerve innervation,and provided symptomatic relief of LBP associated with mouse spinal degeneration.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82370913,82170914 to Guohua Yuan and 82270947 to Guobin Yang)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Program (82230029 to Z.C)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2042022dx0003)the Innovation Project of Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (2023020201010170) to Guohua Yuan。
文摘Dentin,the main component of dental hard tissues,is produced by differentiated odontoblasts.How odontoblast differentiation is regulated remains understudied.Here,we screen that the expression of membrane-associated RING finger protein 2(March2) is the highest among all March family members,with an increasing trend during odontoblast differentiation.In mouse incisors and molars,MARCH2 is moderately expressed in the undifferentiated dental papilla cells and strongly expressed in the odontoblasts.Knockdown and overexpression experiments demonstrate that MARCH2 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells(mDPCs).Additionally,both March2 deficient mice and mice with odontoblast specific knockdown of March2 exhibit the phenotype of increased dentin thickness,accelerated dentin deposition as well as elevated expression levels of odontoblast markers compared with control littermates.Therefore,MARCH2 plays an inhibitory role in odontoblast differentiation.Mechanistically,MARCH2 interacts with protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta(PTPRD) and facilitates its K27-linked polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation,which is dependent on the ligase activity of MARCH2.The presence of MARCH2promotes the translocation of PTPRD from the cell membrane to the lysosome,thereby enhancing its degradation via the lysosomal pathway.Further experiments show that knockdown of endogenous Ptprd impairs odontoblastic differentiation of mDPCs.Ptprd and March2 double knockdown in mDPCs apparently reversed the enhanced odontoblastic differentiation by knockdown of March2 alone,indicating that MARCH2 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation by promoting PTPRD degradation.This study unveils a novel mechanism where an E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates odontoblast differentiation through post-translational modification of a membrane protein,highlighting a promising direction for future exploration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82200784,32271311Qizhen Foundation,No.226‐2023‐00008(all to LH).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.Although increasing evidence suggests that disruptions in lipid metabolism are closely associated with the disease,the overall profile of lipid and sterol changes that occur in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.In this study,we compared brain tissues extracted from 32-week-old male wild-type mice and 5×FAD transgenic Alzheimer’s disease model mice,which carry mutations in the amyloid precursor protein(APP)and presenilin 1(PS1)genes.Using untargeted lipidomics and sterolomics techniques,we investigated the metabolic profiles of lipids,with a focus on sterols specifically,in three brain regions:cerebellum,hippocampus,and olfactory bulb.Our results revealed significant alterations in various lipids,particularly in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb,suggesting changes in energy levels in these regions.Further pathway analysis indicated notable disruptions in key metabolic processes,particularly those related to fatty acids and cell membrane components.Additionally,we observed decreased expression of 15 genes involved in lipid and sterol regulation.Collectively,these findings provide new insights into how imbalances in lipid and sterol metabolism may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,highlighting potential metabolic pathways involved in the development of this debilitating disease.
基金supported by the NIA/NIH(1K01AG060040).Studies performed by JN were funded by the NICHD/NIH(5R00HD096117)Microscopy Core Facility supported,in part,with funding from NIH-NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016059.
文摘Alzheimer’s disease is initially thought to be caused by age-associated accumulation of plaques,in recent years,research has increasingly associated Alzheimer’s disease with lysosomal storage and metabolic disorders,and the explanation of its pathogenesis has shifted from amyloid and tau accumulation to oxidative stress and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism aggravated by hypoxic conditions.However,the underlying mechanisms linking those cellular processes and conditions to disease progression have yet to be defined.Here,we applied a disease similarity approach to identify unknown molecular targets of Alzheimer’s disease by using transcriptomic data from congenital diseases known to increase Alzheimer’s disease risk,namely Down syndrome,Niemann-Pick type C disease,and mucopolysaccharidoses I.We uncovered common pathways,hub genes,and miRNAs across in vitro and in vivo models of these diseases as potential molecular targets for neuroprotection and amelioration of Alzheimer’s disease pathology,many of which have never been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.We then investigated common molecular alterations in brain samples from a Niemann-Pick type C disease mouse model by juxtaposing them with brain samples of both human and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.Detailed phenotypic,molecular,chronological,and biological aging analyses revealed that the Npc1tm(I1061T)Dso mouse model can serve as a potential short-lived in vivo model for brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease research.This research represents the first comprehensive approach to congenital disease association with neurodegeneration and a new perspective on Alzheimer’s disease research while highlighting shortcomings and lack of correlation in diverse in vitro models.Considering the lack of an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model that recapitulates the physiological hallmarks of brain aging,the short-lived Npc1^(tm(I1061T)Dso) mouse model can further accelerate the research in these fields and offer a unique model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease from a perspective of accelerated brain aging.
基金Guangdong Province Medical Research Fund Project,Grant/Award Number:B2024112The Scientific Research Special Project of the Joint Construction Project of High-level Hospitals between Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and the Scientific Research Fund Project,Grant/Award Number:GZYZS2024G09+2 种基金Special Project of the Research Platform of Guangdong Provincial Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Grant/Award Number:20254040the Project of the Incubation Program for the Science and Technology Development of Chinese Medicine Guangdong Laboratory/Hengqin Laboratory,Grant/Award Number:HQL2024PZ043Guangdong Province Natural Science Foundation-Guangzhou-South China Joint Youth Fund Project,Grant/Award Number:2023A1515110849。
文摘Background:In recent decades,the global incidence of dengue fever has been stead-ily increasing,with continuous geographical expansion.Researchers have successfully modeled most clinical symptoms of human dengue fever using interferon type I(IFN-I)or combined IFN-I/II receptor knockout mice infected with dengue virus(DENV).However,this model requires further optimization to better support related studies.Methods:This study aimed to establish a stable dengue infection model by evaluating the effects of different genetic backgrounds and injection routes on DENV infection in interferon receptor knockout mice.We first infected various strains of interferon receptor-deficient mice with DENV and compared their susceptibility based on clini-cal symptoms,viremia levels,organ indices,histopathological findings,and vascular leakage markers.Subsequently,we selected the most susceptible strain to further investigate the impact of different injection methods on infection outcomes.Results:We found that BALB/c background mice with type 1 interferon recep-tor knockout(IFNAR)had the most obvious symptoms.Subsequently,we selected IFNAR−/−BALB/c mice to further explore the effects of different injection methods on dengue virus infection.The results showed that the intraperitoneal injection group had the most severe clinical symptoms,the longest duration of viremia,and the most obvious degree of organ damage.Conclusion:Through systematic screening and optimization,we established a robust animal model of dengue virus infection via intraperitoneal injection in IFNAR−/−BALB/c mice.This model offers a valuable tool for future dengue research.
文摘In the article titled“Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis,promotes microglial M1 polarization,and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model,”published in Neural Regeneration Research(Ding et al.,2025),the title was incorrectly presented due to an error during the language polishing process.
文摘Spared regions of the damaged central nervous system undergo dynamic remodelling and exhibit a remarkable potential for therapeutic exploitation1.Lesion-remote astrocytes(LRAs),which interact with viable neurons and glia,undergo reactive transformations whose molecular and functional properties are poorly understood2.Here,using multiple transcriptional profiling methods,we investigated LRAs from spared regions of mouse spinal cord following traumatic spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2023YFE0209500(to ZQ)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China,Nos.2023A1515010772(to YL),2025A1515011720(to YL)+1 种基金the Medical Science and Technology Research Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.A2024120(to YL)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U22A20371(to ZQ).
文摘The triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease(3×Tg-AD)is a widely used model that exhibits region-dependent patterns of progressive amyloid-βand tau pathology.Although structural brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging have been observed in 3×Tg-AD mice at later disease stages(>12 months)and as early as 2 months,few studies have investigated changes in these mice during the stage with extensive amyloid-βdeposition and onset of tau pathology(around 9 months).This study aimed to assess brain morphometry and microstructure alterations in 9 month-old 3×Tg-AD mice to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying these specific pathological features.Voxel-based analyses were employed on T2-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging to identify differences between 3×Tg-AD and control mice.Compared with controls,3×Tg-AD mice exhibited lower gray matter volume in several regions including both hippocampal regions,the right thalamus,the left caudoputamen,and the cortex.Reduced white matter volume was observed in fiber tracts including the corpus callosum,internal capsule,stria terminalis,and olfactory tract.Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging analysis revealed a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in both radial and mean diffusivity within the left dentate gyrus of the hippocampal region and right striatum-like amygdala nuclei,with no significant difference in axial diffusivity.Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between behavioral performance measures,with both gray and white matter volumes within regions showing significant morphometric differences.Notably,behavioral performance also exhibited significant correlations with diffusion tensor imaging measures particularly within the left dentate gyrus of the hippocampal region and right striatum-like amygdala nuclei.Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed increased amyloid-βplaques and p-Tau protein expression in the hippocampal regions of 3×Tg-AD mice,which corroborated the magnetic resonance imaging findings.Transcriptome analysis in hippocampus tissue identified 1389 differentially expressed genes.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that numerous differentially expressed genes were enriched in biological processes relevant to synapse structure,cognition,learning,and memory,with particular emphasis on Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.Collectively,these findings suggest that intricate anatomical and microstructural alterations occur in 3×Tg-AD model mice at the onset of pathology around 9 months,potentially driven by gene expression alterations.Moreover,our results support the potential utility of brain volume and diffusion metrics as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease pathology,which could have significant implications for clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
基金The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Grant/Award Number:2022-ER1701-00,2022-NI-041-02,2024-ER1702-00 and 2025-NI-014-00。
文摘Background:Humanized mouse models are essential for studying the human immune response and antibody development.However,conventional models show limited B cell maturation and antigen-specific humoral responses.To overcome these limitations,we used the NOG-EXL mice expressing human interleukin 3(IL-3)and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)to enhance myeloid and B-cell lineage differentiation.Methods:Human CD34^(+)hematopoietic stem cells(HSC)were transplanted into NOG-EXL mice to produce humanized immune systems.After immune cell reconstitution was confirmed across 12 weeks,the mice were immunized twice with inactivated severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)antigens.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenocytes were analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry to assess human immune cell subsets.Antigen-specific immunoglobulin G(IgG)production was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and virus-specific B cells were isolated using antigen-labeled recombinant protein probes.Results:Twelve weeks after transplantation of HSCs into NOG-EXL mice,they exhibited robust engraftment of human leukocytes,including T,B,and dendritic cells,compared to NOG mice.Unlike NOG mice,humanized NOG-EXL mice exhibited an increase in human IgG levels,indicating the production of human antibody responses to antigens.Humanized NOG-EXL mice were immunized twice every 2 weeks with inactivated SFTSV,and antigen-specific human antibodies against the virus were detected in the mouse sera by ELISA.Sera from SFTSV-immunized humanized mice demonstrated neutralizing activity against SFTSV,confirming the induction of functional virus-specific neutralizing antibodies.Antigen-binding IgG-positive human B cells were isolated from mouse splenocytes using recombinant protein probes.Conclusion:This model provides a valuable platform for evaluating humoral immunity and isolating B cells using high-affinity human monoclonal antibodies without genetic engineering.
基金supported by University of Macao,China,Nos.MYRG2022-00054-FHS and MYRG-GRG2023-00038-FHS-UMDF(to ZY)the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund,China,Nos.FDCT0048/2021/AGJ and FDCT0020/2019/AMJ and FDCT 0011/2018/A1(to ZY)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China,No.EF017/FHS-YZ/2021/GDSTC(to ZY)。
文摘To investigate the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of ischemic stroke,some methods have been proposed that can simultaneously monitor and create embolisms in the animal cerebral cortex.However,these methods often require complex systems and the effect of age on cerebral embolism has not been adequately studied,although ischemic stroke is strongly age-related.In this study,we propose an optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy-based visualized photothrombosis methodology to create and monitor ischemic stroke in mice simultaneously using a 532 nm pulsed laser.We observed the molding process in mice of different ages and presented age-dependent vascular embolism differentiation.Moreover,we integrated optical coherence tomography angiography to investigate age-associated trends in cerebrovascular variability following a stroke.Our imaging data and quantitative analyses underscore the differential cerebrovascular responses to stroke in mice of different ages,thereby highlighting the technique's potential for evaluating cerebrovascular health and unraveling age-related mechanisms involved in ischemic strokes.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2021YFA0805200(to SY)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31970954(to SY)two grants from the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province,Nos.2021ZT09Y007,2020B121201006(both to XJL)。
文摘Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by extended CAG trinucleotide repeats in the androgen receptor gene,which encodes a ligand-dependent transcription facto r.The mutant androgen receptor protein,characterized by polyglutamine expansion,is prone to misfolding and forms aggregates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in the brain in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy patients.These aggregates alter protein-protein interactions and compromise transcriptional activity.In this study,we reported that in both cultured N2a cells and mouse brain,mutant androgen receptor with polyglutamine expansion causes reduced expression of mesencephalic astrocyte-de rived neurotrophic factor.Overexpressio n of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor amelio rated the neurotoxicity of mutant androgen receptor through the inhibition of mutant androgen receptor aggregation.Conversely.knocking down endogenous mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse brain exacerbated neuronal damage and mutant androgen receptor aggregation.Our findings suggest that inhibition of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor expression by mutant androgen receptor is a potential mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
文摘This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.
基金Supported by Cultivation Project of Hebei Natural Science Foundation-Precision Medicine Joint Fund,No.H2021206239.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic immune response.AIM To investigate the effects of ImmTOR in PBC mouse models.METHODS PBC models were induced in C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations of 2-octynoic acid-coupled bovine serum albumin at two-week intervals,and polycytidylic acid every three days.The PBC mouse models were separated into the treatment group and the control group.The levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alanine aminotransferase in the mice were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver and spleen mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry,and serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA)and the related cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Liver histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and scored.RESULTS After treatment with ImmTOR,the ALP level was significantly decreased(189.60 U/L±27.25 U/L vs 156.00 U/L±17.21 U/L,P<0.05),the level of AMA was reduced(1.28 ng/mL±0.27 ng/mL vs 0.56 ng/mL±0.07 ng/mL,P<0.001)and the expression levels of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factorαwere significantly decreased(48.29 pg/mL±10.84 pg/mL vs 25.01 pg/mL±1.49 pg/mL,P<0.0001)and(84.24 pg/mL±23.47 pg/mL vs 40.66 pg/mL±14.65 pg/mL,P<0.001).The CD4+T lymphocytes,CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the liver were significantly reduced,with statistically significant differences(24.21%±6.55%vs 15.98%±3.03%,P<0.05;9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The expression of CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the ImmTOR treatment group also decreased(9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The liver pathology of PBC mice in the treatment group showed reduced inflammation and a decreased total pathology score,and the difference in the scores was statistically significant(4.50±2.88 vs 1.75±1.28,P<0.05).CONCLUSION ImmTOR can improve biochemistry and pathology of liver obvious by inhibiting the expression of CD8+T cells and B cells,and reducing the titer of AMA.
文摘Background:Over the past few decades,a threefold increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes(T2D)has placed a heavy burden on the health-care system and society.Previous studies have shown correlations between obesity,T2D,and neurodegenera-tive diseases,including dementia.It is imperative to further understand the relation-ship between obesity,T2D,and cognitive deficits.Methods:This investigation tested and evaluated the cognitive impact of obesity and T2D induced by high-fat diet(HFD)and the effect of the host genetic background on the severity of cognitive decline caused by obesity and T2D in collaborative cross(CC)mice.The CC mice are a genetically diverse panel derived from eight inbred strains.Results:Our findings demonstrated significant variations in the recorded phenotypes across different CC lines compared to the reference mouse line,C57BL/6J.CC037 line exhibited a substantial increase in body weight on HFD,whereas line CC005 ex-hibited differing responses based on sex.Glucose tolerance tests revealed significant variations,with some lines like CC005 showing a marked increase in area under the curve(AUC)values on HFD.Organ weights,including brain,spleen,liver,and kidney,varied significantly among the lines and sexes in response to HFD.Behavioral tests using the Morris water maze indicated that cognitive performance was differentially affected by diet and genetic background.Conclusions:Our study establishes a foundation for future quantitative trait loci map-ping using CC lines and identifying genes underlying the comorbidity of Alzheimer's disease(AD),caused by obesity and T2D.The genetic components may offer new tools for early prediction and prevention.
