A retroviral vector pINC-lacZ containing an E coli β-galactosidase(β-gal)gene was constructed and introduced into the MESPU-13 cells by electroporation.Four G418-resistant colonies were obtained from 1×107,elec...A retroviral vector pINC-lacZ containing an E coli β-galactosidase(β-gal)gene was constructed and introduced into the MESPU-13 cells by electroporation.Four G418-resistant colonies were obtained from 1×107,electroporated MESPU-13 cells. Histochemical staining for β-gal activity showed that lacZ gene was expressed in at least three of the four colonies.Southern analysis proved that one copy of foreign gene was integrated in the chromosome of one of the transformed lines(MC15).These results showed that the expression of lacZ gene driven by SiCMVIE promoter can be detected in the transformed MESPU-13 cells.展开更多
Objective To identify the genetype of the PS1/APP double transgenie mouse model, then to analyse the histopathological changes in the brain and compare the differences between the transgenie mice models and Aβ1-40-in...Objective To identify the genetype of the PS1/APP double transgenie mouse model, then to analyse the histopathological changes in the brain and compare the differences between the transgenie mice models and Aβ1-40-injeeted rats models of Alzheimer disease. Methods The modified congo red staining, Nissl＇s staining and immunohistology staining was used to observe the Aβ deposits, activation of astrocyte respectively. Results ①The PS1/APP transgenic mouse extensively displayed Aβ deposits in the cortex and hippocampal structures, and GFAP positive cells were aggregated in mass and surrounded the congo red-positive plaque. ②The Aβ1-40-intrahippocmnpal-injeeted rat model showed the Aβ plaque deposits in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, with the astrocyte surrounded. The neurons loss was significant in the injection point and pin hole of injection with Nissl＇s staining methods. GFAP-positive cells increased significantly compared with the uninjected lateral of the hippocampus. Conclusion Although Aβ1-40-injected rat models could simulate some characteristic pathological features of human Alzheimer diseases, Aβ deposits and neurons loss in partial hippocampal, it would not simulate the progressive degenenration in the brain of AD. The double transgenie PS1/APP mice could simulate the specific pathogenesis and progressive changes of AD, mainly is Aβ deposits and the spongiocyte response , while no neurons loss were observed in this model.展开更多
Genetically engineered mouse(GEM)models are commonly used in biomedical research.Generating GEMs involve complex set of experimental procedures requiring sophisticated equipment and highly skilled technical staff.Beca...Genetically engineered mouse(GEM)models are commonly used in biomedical research.Generating GEMs involve complex set of experimental procedures requiring sophisticated equipment and highly skilled technical staff.Because of these reasons,most research institutes set up centralized core facilities where custom GEMs are created for research groups.Researchers,on the other hand,when they begin thinking about generating GEMs for their research,several questions arise in their minds.For example,what type of model(s)would be best useful for my research,how do I design them,what are the latest technologies and tools available for developing my model(s),and finally how to breed GEMs in my research.As there are several considerations and options in mouse designs,and as it is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor,careful planning upfront can ensure the highest chance of success.In this article,we provide brief answers to several frequently asked questions that arise when researchers begin thinking about generating mouse model(s)for their work.展开更多
Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mou...Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse brain tumor models （c-myc/SV40Tag＋/Tet-on＋） to explore the malignant trans- formation potential of neural stem cells by observing the differences of neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells in the tumor models. Results showed that chromosome instability occurred in brain tumor stem cells. The numbers of cytolysosomes and autophagosomes in brain tumor stem cells and induced neural stem cells were lower and the proliferative activity was obviously stronger than that in normal neural stem cells. Normal neural stem cells could differentiate into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and microtubule associated protein-2-positive cells, which were also negative for nestin. However, glial fibrillary acidic protein/nestin, microtubule associated protein-2/nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein/microtubule associated protein-2 double-positive cells were found in induced neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells. Results indicate that induced neural stem cells are similar to brain tumor stem cells, and are possibly the source of brain tumor stem cells.展开更多
To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the two gelatinases （MMP-2 and MMP-9）, and their roles in lung remodeling after irradiation-induced lung injury. Expressions of TGF-β1 were measured with western blot, and e...To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the two gelatinases （MMP-2 and MMP-9）, and their roles in lung remodeling after irradiation-induced lung injury. Expressions of TGF-β1 were measured with western blot, and expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed with zymography in a TGF-β1 transgenic mouse model after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy. We found expressions of TGF-β1 in the lung from the transgenic mice were three folds as compared to those from control mice. With densitometrical analysis, we found a significant decrease in MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared with those from non-transgenic control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-9 activity： C： 1. 000±0. 1091; TG： 0. 4772±0. 470 （n=8, P〈0.05）. But MMP-2 was constitutively expressed in the lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared to those from control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-2 activity 8 weeks after sham-irradiation： C： 1. 000±0. 1556, TG： 1. 0075±0. 1472）. Eight weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy, we observed a significant increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from both transgenic and normal mice. In TGF-β1 transgenic mice relative MMP-9 activity was increased to 1. 5321±0. 2217 folds 8 weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy as compared to those after sham-irradiation （1. 000±0. 2153）, and relative MMP-2 activity was increased to 1. 7142 ± 0. 4231 folds. Our results show that TGF-β1 itself down-regulates activity of MMP-9, thereby decreases ECM degradation in lungs of TGF-β1 transgenic mice. Also we find that ionizing irradiation upregulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Over-expressions of MMP-9 and MMP-2 after lung irradiation are involved in the inflammatory response associated with radiation-induced lung injury, and maybe further in radiation-induced lung fibrosis.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the influcnce ofchemotherapeutic agents and cytokines on growth ofbone marrow cells from MT/p210 her-ab1 transgenic mice.Methods: The bone marrow cells of transgenic chronicmyelogenous leukem...Objective: To investigate the influcnce ofchemotherapeutic agents and cytokines on growth ofbone marrow cells from MT/p210 her-ab1 transgenic mice.Methods: The bone marrow cells of transgenic chronicmyelogenous leukemia (CML) model mice carryingmetallothionein (MT) promoter/enhancer, her-abl (p210)cDNA and SV40 splicinglpoly (A) signal sequences werecultured in liquid and soft agar with hydroxyurea (Hu),5-nuorouracil (5-Fu), mouse stem cell factor (mSCF)and mouse interleukin-3 (mIL-3) independently orcollectively. The cells and colonies were counted. Thelevels of transgene expression were detected by reversetranscriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: The cell proliferation, colony formation andtransgene expression of the bone marrow cells werestimulated with mSCF and mIL-3, but there was littlegrowth without any growth factors, or when mSCF,mIL-3 and Hu or 5-Fu were added. Conclusion: Thecombined utilization of chemotherapeutants andcytokines is a potentially effective strategy of clinicaltreatment for CML.展开更多
It was suggested that chronic ethanol exposure could result in testicular germ cell apoptosis, but the mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we use a model of transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing hu...It was suggested that chronic ethanol exposure could result in testicular germ cell apoptosis, but the mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we use a model of transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing human FasL to investigate whether Fas ligand plays a role in ethanol-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. Both wild-type (WT)mice and transgenic (TG) mice were treated with acute ethanol (20% v/v) by introperitoneal injection for five times.After ethanol injection, WT mice displayed up-regulation of Fas ligand in the testes, which was shown by FITCconjugated flow cytometry and western blotting. Moreover, TG mice exhibited significantly more apoptotic germ cells than WT mice did after ethanol injection, which was demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, PI staining flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. In addition, histopathological examination revealed that degenerative changes of epithelial component of the tubules occurred in FasL overexpressing transgenic mice while testicular morphology was normal in wild-type mice after acute ethanol exposure, suggesting FasL expression determines the sensitivity of testes to ethanol in mice. In summary, we provide the direct evidences that Fas ligand mediates the apoptosis of testicular germ cells induced by acute ethanol using FasL transgenic mice.展开更多
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic caused more than 96 million infections and over 2 million deaths worldwide so far.However,there is no approved vaccine available for severe acute respiratory synd...The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic caused more than 96 million infections and over 2 million deaths worldwide so far.However,there is no approved vaccine available for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the disease causative agent.Vaccine is the most effective approach to eradicate a pathogen.The tests of safety and efficacy in animals are pivotal for developing a vaccine and before the vaccine is applied to human populations.Here we evaluated the safety,immunogenicity,and efficacy of an inactivated vaccine based on the whole viral particles in human ACE2 transgenic mouse and in non-human primates.Our data showed that the inactivated vaccine successfully induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice and non-human primates,and subsequently provided partial(in low dose)or full(in high dose)protection of challenge in the tested animals.In addition,passive serum transferred from vaccine-immunized mice could also provide full protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice.These results warranted positive outcomes in future clinical trials in humans.展开更多
Parietal cells are one of the largest epithelium cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid. To study the function of gastric parietal cells during gastric epithelium homeostasis, we ge...Parietal cells are one of the largest epithelium cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid. To study the function of gastric parietal cells during gastric epithelium homeostasis, we generated a transgenic mouse line, namely, Atp4b-Cre, in which the expression of Cre recombinase was controlled by a 1.0 kb promoter of mouse β-subunit of H^＋-, K^＋-ATPase gene （Atp4b）. In order to test the tissue distribution and excision activity of Cre recombinase in vivo, the Atp4b-Cre transgenic mice were bred with the reporter strain ROSA26 and a mouse strain that carries Smad4 conditional alleles （Smad4Ca/Co）. Multiple-tissue PCR of Atp4b-Cre;Smad4Co/＋ mice revealed that the recombination only happened in the stomach. As indicated by LacZ staining, ROSA26;Atp4b-Cre double transgenic mice showed efficient expression of Cre recombinase within the gastric parietal cells. These results showed that this Atp4b-Cre mouse line could be used as a powerful tool to achieve conditional gene knockout in gastric parietal cells.展开更多
Hemophilia A （HA） is an inherited X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by coagulant factor VIII （FVIII） deficiency. Previous studies showed that introduction of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） modified by F...Hemophilia A （HA） is an inherited X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by coagulant factor VIII （FVIII） deficiency. Previous studies showed that introduction of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） modified by FVIll-expressing retrovims may result in phenotypic correction of HA animals. This study aimed at the investigation of an alternative gene therapy strategy that may lead to sustained FVIII transgene expression in HA mice. B-domain-de/eted human FVIll （hFVHIBD） vector was microinjected into single-cell embryos of wild-type mice to generate a transgenic mouse line, from which hFVIIIBD-MSCs were isolated, followed by transplantation into HA mice. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of hFVlllBD in multi-organs of recipient HA mice. Immunohistochemistry showed the presence of hFVIIIBD positive staining in multi-organs of recipient HA mice. ELISA indicated that plasma hFVIIIBD level in recipient mice reached its peak （77 ng/ mL） at the 3rd week after implantation, and achieved sustained expression during the 5-week observation period. Plasma FVIII activities of recipient HA mice increased from 0% to 32% after hFVIIIBD-MSCs transplantation. APTT （activated partial thromboplastin time） value decreased in hFVIIIBD-MSCs transplanted HA mice compared with untreated HA mice （45.5 s vs. 91.3 s）. Our study demonstrated an effective phenotypic correction in HA mice using genetically modified MSCs from hFVIIIBD transgenic mice.展开更多
AIMTo determine the effect of overexpression of fibrinogen-like protein 2(FGL2)on regulatory T cell(Treg)and effector T(Teff)cell function on T cell-induced colitis in Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice.METHODSTreg an...AIMTo determine the effect of overexpression of fibrinogen-like protein 2(FGL2)on regulatory T cell(Treg)and effector T(Teff)cell function on T cell-induced colitis in Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice.METHODSTreg and Teff cells from fgl2<sup>-/-</sup>,fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>,and fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>mice were purified by FACS.They were studied in vitro for immunosuppressive activity and cell proliferation and in vivo for their effects on the development and prevention of T cell-induced colitis in Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice.RESULTSIn vitro,fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg had enhanced immunosuppressive activity,and fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Teff had reduced proliferation to alloantigen stimulation.Transfer of Teff from C57Bl/6J mice(fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>)into Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice produced both clinical and histologic colitis with dense infiltrates of CD3<sup>+</sup>T cells,crypt abscesses and loss of goblet cells.Fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg prevented the development of T cell-induced colitis,whereas fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>and fgl2<sup>-/-</sup>Treg were only partially protective.In mice that received fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg,the ratio of Foxp3<sup>+</sup>to CD3<sup>+</sup>cells was increased both in the colon and in mesenteric lymph nodes,and Teff cell proliferation as determined by staining with Ki67 was reduced.Teff cells from fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>mice did not produce colitis.CONCLUSIONHere we show that fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Teff are hypoproliferative and do not induce colitis.We further demonstrate that fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg prevent colitis in contrast to fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>Treg,which were only partially protective.These studies collectively provide a rationale for exploring the use of FGL2 or Treg expressing high levels of FGL2 in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.展开更多
The identification of the origin and molecular characteristics of prostate cancer(PCa)has crucial implications for personalized treatment.The development of effective treatments for PCa has been limited;however,the re...The identification of the origin and molecular characteristics of prostate cancer(PCa)has crucial implications for personalized treatment.The development of effective treatments for PCa has been limited;however,the recent establishment of several transgenicmouse lines and/or xenografting models is better reflecting the disease in vivo.With appropriate models,valuable tools for elucidating the functions of specific genes have gone deep into prostate development and carcinogenesis.In the present review,we summarize a number of important PCa research models established in our laboratories(PSA-Cre-ERT2/PTEN transgenic mouse models,AP-OX model,tissue recombination-xenografting models and PDX models),which represent advances of translational models from transgenic mouse lines to human tumor xenografting.Better understanding of the developments of these models will offer new insights into tumor progression and may help explain the functional significance of genetic variations in PCa.Additionally,this understanding could lead to new modes for curing PCa based on their particular biological phenotypes.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Apoptosis plays an important role in central neural diseases and trauma. B-cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 （Bcl-2） can inhibit apoptosis in a wide variety of cells including neurons. In this experiment, by stu...BACKGROUND： Apoptosis plays an important role in central neural diseases and trauma. B-cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 （Bcl-2） can inhibit apoptosis in a wide variety of cells including neurons. In this experiment, by studying Bcl-2 over-expression transgenic （TG） mice subjected to spinal cord injury （SCI）, we investigated whether Bcl-2 could reduce posttraumatic neuronal apoptosis, reduce the range of damage, and improve the behavioral functional recovery after contusive SCI.METHODS： Nine Bcl-2 TG mice and nine control mice were subjected to SCI of moderate severity at T10, with the use of weight dropping （WD） method （impact force 2.5×3.0 g/cm）. At times up to 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after SCI, functional defi cits were evaluated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan （BBB） scales, and apoptosis of neurons was investigated by using the TUNEL method. Another three control mice only underwent lamina opening, but were not subjected to SCI, to provide blank comparison.RESULTS： The mean functional scores for the control mice （5.05 ±0.35） were lower than those for the Bcl-2 TG mice （5.45 ±0.15）, although the unpaired T-test revealed no signifi cant difference （P=0.67）. On the other hand, the number of TUNEL positive neurons and integrated option density （IOD） scores for the Bcl-2 TG mice were both signifi cantly lower than those for the control mice （P〈0.05）.CONCLUSIONS： This experiment suggests that overexpression of Bcl-2 may suppress neuronal apoptosis after SCI. Bcl-2 may be an important factor within the central nervous system that can relieve the damage after trauma.展开更多
Alzheimers disease(AD)is a chronic neurodegenerative disease.The symptoms include memoryand spatial learning dificulties,language disorders,and loss of motivation,which get worse overtime,eventually ending in death.No...Alzheimers disease(AD)is a chronic neurodegenerative disease.The symptoms include memoryand spatial learning dificulties,language disorders,and loss of motivation,which get worse overtime,eventually ending in death.No ffective treatments are available for AD,currently.Currenttreatments only attenuate symptoms temporarily and are associated with severe side ffects.Nearinfra-red(NIR)light has been studied for a long time.We investigated the effect of NIR on ADusing a transgenic mouse model,which was obtained by co-injecting two vectors carrying ADmutations in amyloid precursor protein(APP)and presenilin-i(PSEN1)into C57BL/6J mice.The irradiation equipment consisted of an accommodating box and an LED array.The wave-length of NIR light emitted from LED was between 1040 nm and 1090 nm.The power densitydelivered at the level of the mice was approximately 15 mW/cm^(2),Firstly,we treated the micewith NIR for 40 days,Then,the irradiation was suspended for 28 days.Finally,another 15 daystreatment was brought to mice.We conducted Morris water maze and immunofluorescenceanalysis to evaluate the effects of treatment.Immunofuorescence analysis was based on mea-suring the quantity of plaques in mouse brain slices,Our results show that NIR light improvesmemory and spatial learning ability and reduces plaques moderately.NIR light represents apotential treatment for AD.展开更多
Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Met...Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Methods: We produced transgenic mice overexpressing the Asp567Gly human FSHR under the control of a 1.5kb 5' flanking region fragment of its promoter. Results: Mice were phenotypically normal and fertile. In males, mRNA could be detected in the testis and the brain, indicating that the 1.5kb promoter fragment drives expression not only in the gonads. The testis weight/body weight ratio and the testosterone levels in transgenic and non-transgenic litter mates were similar. By in situ hybridisation we found that the transgenic FSHR was highly expressed in Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, a radioligand receptor assay failed to show a significant difference in total FSHR binding sites in testis homogenates of transgenic and wild type animals, suggesting that the transgenic FSHR is probably not translated into functional receptor protein. Conclusion: A 1.5kb 5 '-region of the human FSHR drives mRNA expression of the transgene in the testis but leads to ectopic expression in germ cells and in the brain. No phenotypic consequences could be documented due to the lack of protein expression.展开更多
Osteoblasts participate in bone formation, bone mineralization, osteoclast differentiation and many pathological processes. To study the function of genes in osteoblasts using Cre-LoxP system, we generated a mouse lin...Osteoblasts participate in bone formation, bone mineralization, osteoclast differentiation and many pathological processes. To study the function of genes in osteoblasts using Cre-LoxP system, we generated a mouse line expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the rat Collagenlcd （Collα1） promoter （Collα1-Cre）. Two founders were identified by genomic PCR from 16 offsprings, and the integration efficiency is 12.5%. In order to determine the tissue distribution and the activity of Cre recombinase in the transgenic mice, the Coll αl-Cre transgenic mice were bred with the ROSA26 reporter strain and a mouse strain that carries Smad4 conditional alleles （Smad4^Co/Co）. Multiple tissue PCR of Collα1-Cre;Smad4^Co/＋ mice revealed the restricted Cre activity in bone tissues containing osteoblasts and tendon. LacZ staining in the Collα1-Cre;ROSA26 double transgenic mice revealed that the Cre recombinase began to express in the osteoblasts of calvaria at E14.5. Cre activity was observed in the osteoblasts and osteocytes of P10 double transgenic mice. All these data indicated that the Collα1-Cre transgenic mice could serve as a valuable tool for osteoblast lineage analysis and conditional gene knockout in osteoblasts.展开更多
Transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing murine γ aminobutyric acid transporter subtype Ⅰ were created. Unexpectedly, these mice markedly exhibited heritable obesity, which features significantly increased body w...Transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing murine γ aminobutyric acid transporter subtype Ⅰ were created. Unexpectedly, these mice markedly exhibited heritable obesity, which features significantly increased body weight and fat deposition. Behavioral examination revealed that transgeinc mice have slightly reduced spontaneous locomotive capacity and altered feeding pattern. Tills preliminary finding indicates that the inappropriate level of γ-aminobutyric acid transporters may be directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenic mechanism underlying certain types of obesity.展开更多
Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis...Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD.While brain lesions are a major feature of AD,retinal pathological changes also occur in patients.In this study,we investigated the temporal changes in β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1（BACE1） expression in the retina and brain to determine whether it could serve as a suitable biomarker for early monitoring of AD.APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,3,6 and 8 months of age,were used as an experimental group,and age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type mice served as the control group.In the Morris water maze test,there were no significant differences in escape latency or in the number of crossings in the target area among mice of different ages.Compared with wild-type mice,no changes in learning or memory abilities were detected in transgenic mice at 3 months of age.However,compared with wild-type mice,the escape latency was significantly increased in transgenic mice at 6 months,starting on day 3,and at 8 months,starting on day 2,during Morris water maze training.In addition,the number of crossings of the target area was significantly decreased in transgenic mice.The learning and memory abilities of transgenic mice were further worsened at 8 months of age.Immunohistochemical staining revealed no BACE1 plaques in wild-type mice at 3,6 or 8 months or in transgenic mice at 3 months,but they were clearly found in the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of transgenic mice at 6 and 8 months.BACE1 expression was not detected in the retina of wild-type mice at 3 months,but weak BACE1 expression was detected in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer at 6 and 8 months.In transgenic mice,BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer was increased at 3 months,and BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer was significantly increased at 6 and 8 months,compared with age-matched wild-type mice.Taken together,these results indicate that changes in BACE1 expression appear earlier in the retina than in the brain and precede behavioral deficits.Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of BACE1 in the retina is an early pathological change in APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,and that BACE1 might have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD in humans.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of LW-AFC,a new formula of the main active components extracted fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on treatment of Alzheimer disease(AD) in mouse models.METHODS After treatment LW-AFC,mic...OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of LW-AFC,a new formula of the main active components extracted fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on treatment of Alzheimer disease(AD) in mouse models.METHODS After treatment LW-AFC,mice were cognitively evaluated in behavioral experiments.Neuron loss,amyloid-β(Αβ) deposition,and Αβ level were analyzed using Nissl staining,immunofluorescence,and an Alpha LISA assay,respectively.Multiplex bead analysis,a radioimmunoassay,immunochemiluminometry,and an ELISA were used to measure cytokine and hormone levels.Lymphocyte subsets were detected using flow cytometry.RESULTS LW-AFC ameliorated the cognitive impairment observed in APP/PS1 mice,including the impairment of object recognition memory,spatial learning and memory,and active and passive avoidance.In addition,LW-AFC alleviated the neuron loss in the hippocampus,suppressed Αβ deposition in the brain,and reduced the concentration of Aβ1-42 in the hippocampus and plasma of APP/PS1 mice.LW-AFC treatment also significantly decreased the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus,and adrenocorticotropic hormone,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary.Moreover,LW-AFC increased CD8+CD28+T cells,and reduced CD4^+CD25^+Foxp3^+T cells in the spleen lymphocytes,down-regulated interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-23,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and tumor necrosis factor-α and-β,and up-regulated IL-4 and granulocyte colony stimulating factor in the plasma of APP/PS1 mice.CONCLUSION LW-AFC ameliorated the behavioral and pathological deterioration of APP/PS1 transgenic micevia the restoration of the NIM network to a greater extent than either memantineor donepezil,which supports the use of LW-AFC as a potential agent for AD therapy.展开更多
CD146 molecule,the surface marker of tumor vascular,plays a key role in the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cell.However,due to lack of suitable animal model,the research about the role of CD146 in...CD146 molecule,the surface marker of tumor vascular,plays a key role in the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cell.However,due to lack of suitable animal model,the research about the role of CD146 in angiogenesis has been limited to molecular and cellular biological level,which could not be deepened in vivo.To solve this problem,we generated the CD146 conditional knock out mouse using the Cre-LoxP system,in which the promoter region and the first exon were flanked by two LoxP site.展开更多
文摘A retroviral vector pINC-lacZ containing an E coli β-galactosidase(β-gal)gene was constructed and introduced into the MESPU-13 cells by electroporation.Four G418-resistant colonies were obtained from 1×107,electroporated MESPU-13 cells. Histochemical staining for β-gal activity showed that lacZ gene was expressed in at least three of the four colonies.Southern analysis proved that one copy of foreign gene was integrated in the chromosome of one of the transformed lines(MC15).These results showed that the expression of lacZ gene driven by SiCMVIE promoter can be detected in the transformed MESPU-13 cells.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （ No. 30100087, 30500148, 30571770）funded by the Collaborating Research Fund for Young Scholars from Abroad of National Natural Science Foundation of China （ No. 30228018 ）.
文摘Objective To identify the genetype of the PS1/APP double transgenie mouse model, then to analyse the histopathological changes in the brain and compare the differences between the transgenie mice models and Aβ1-40-injeeted rats models of Alzheimer disease. Methods The modified congo red staining, Nissl＇s staining and immunohistology staining was used to observe the Aβ deposits, activation of astrocyte respectively. Results ①The PS1/APP transgenic mouse extensively displayed Aβ deposits in the cortex and hippocampal structures, and GFAP positive cells were aggregated in mass and surrounded the congo red-positive plaque. ②The Aβ1-40-intrahippocmnpal-injeeted rat model showed the Aβ plaque deposits in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, with the astrocyte surrounded. The neurons loss was significant in the injection point and pin hole of injection with Nissl＇s staining methods. GFAP-positive cells increased significantly compared with the uninjected lateral of the hippocampus. Conclusion Although Aβ1-40-injected rat models could simulate some characteristic pathological features of human Alzheimer diseases, Aβ deposits and neurons loss in partial hippocampal, it would not simulate the progressive degenenration in the brain of AD. The double transgenie PS1/APP mice could simulate the specific pathogenesis and progressive changes of AD, mainly is Aβ deposits and the spongiocyte response , while no neurons loss were observed in this model.
基金We thank D.D.Meigs(University of Nebraska Medical Center)and Tonya Cejka(freelance English editor)for editing assistance.C.B.G.is funded by NIH grants R35HG010719,R21GM129559,R21AI143394 and R21DA046831.M.O.is funded by 2016–2017 Tokai University School of Medicine Project Research,the Research Aid from the Institute of Medical Sciences in Tokai University,Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(25290035)from MEXTa Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research(15K14371)from JSPS.
文摘Genetically engineered mouse(GEM)models are commonly used in biomedical research.Generating GEMs involve complex set of experimental procedures requiring sophisticated equipment and highly skilled technical staff.Because of these reasons,most research institutes set up centralized core facilities where custom GEMs are created for research groups.Researchers,on the other hand,when they begin thinking about generating GEMs for their research,several questions arise in their minds.For example,what type of model(s)would be best useful for my research,how do I design them,what are the latest technologies and tools available for developing my model(s),and finally how to breed GEMs in my research.As there are several considerations and options in mouse designs,and as it is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor,careful planning upfront can ensure the highest chance of success.In this article,we provide brief answers to several frequently asked questions that arise when researchers begin thinking about generating mouse model(s)for their work.
文摘Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse brain tumor models （c-myc/SV40Tag＋/Tet-on＋） to explore the malignant trans- formation potential of neural stem cells by observing the differences of neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells in the tumor models. Results showed that chromosome instability occurred in brain tumor stem cells. The numbers of cytolysosomes and autophagosomes in brain tumor stem cells and induced neural stem cells were lower and the proliferative activity was obviously stronger than that in normal neural stem cells. Normal neural stem cells could differentiate into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and microtubule associated protein-2-positive cells, which were also negative for nestin. However, glial fibrillary acidic protein/nestin, microtubule associated protein-2/nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein/microtubule associated protein-2 double-positive cells were found in induced neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells. Results indicate that induced neural stem cells are similar to brain tumor stem cells, and are possibly the source of brain tumor stem cells.
文摘To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the two gelatinases （MMP-2 and MMP-9）, and their roles in lung remodeling after irradiation-induced lung injury. Expressions of TGF-β1 were measured with western blot, and expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed with zymography in a TGF-β1 transgenic mouse model after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy. We found expressions of TGF-β1 in the lung from the transgenic mice were three folds as compared to those from control mice. With densitometrical analysis, we found a significant decrease in MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared with those from non-transgenic control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-9 activity： C： 1. 000±0. 1091; TG： 0. 4772±0. 470 （n=8, P〈0.05）. But MMP-2 was constitutively expressed in the lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared to those from control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-2 activity 8 weeks after sham-irradiation： C： 1. 000±0. 1556, TG： 1. 0075±0. 1472）. Eight weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy, we observed a significant increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from both transgenic and normal mice. In TGF-β1 transgenic mice relative MMP-9 activity was increased to 1. 5321±0. 2217 folds 8 weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy as compared to those after sham-irradiation （1. 000±0. 2153）, and relative MMP-2 activity was increased to 1. 7142 ± 0. 4231 folds. Our results show that TGF-β1 itself down-regulates activity of MMP-9, thereby decreases ECM degradation in lungs of TGF-β1 transgenic mice. Also we find that ionizing irradiation upregulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Over-expressions of MMP-9 and MMP-2 after lung irradiation are involved in the inflammatory response associated with radiation-induced lung injury, and maybe further in radiation-induced lung fibrosis.
文摘Objective: To investigate the influcnce ofchemotherapeutic agents and cytokines on growth ofbone marrow cells from MT/p210 her-ab1 transgenic mice.Methods: The bone marrow cells of transgenic chronicmyelogenous leukemia (CML) model mice carryingmetallothionein (MT) promoter/enhancer, her-abl (p210)cDNA and SV40 splicinglpoly (A) signal sequences werecultured in liquid and soft agar with hydroxyurea (Hu),5-nuorouracil (5-Fu), mouse stem cell factor (mSCF)and mouse interleukin-3 (mIL-3) independently orcollectively. The cells and colonies were counted. Thelevels of transgene expression were detected by reversetranscriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: The cell proliferation, colony formation andtransgene expression of the bone marrow cells werestimulated with mSCF and mIL-3, but there was littlegrowth without any growth factors, or when mSCF,mIL-3 and Hu or 5-Fu were added. Conclusion: Thecombined utilization of chemotherapeutants andcytokines is a potentially effective strategy of clinicaltreatment for CML.
基金This work was supported by foundations from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Special Funds for Major State Basic Research of China(No.G19990539).
文摘It was suggested that chronic ethanol exposure could result in testicular germ cell apoptosis, but the mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we use a model of transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing human FasL to investigate whether Fas ligand plays a role in ethanol-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. Both wild-type (WT)mice and transgenic (TG) mice were treated with acute ethanol (20% v/v) by introperitoneal injection for five times.After ethanol injection, WT mice displayed up-regulation of Fas ligand in the testes, which was shown by FITCconjugated flow cytometry and western blotting. Moreover, TG mice exhibited significantly more apoptotic germ cells than WT mice did after ethanol injection, which was demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, PI staining flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. In addition, histopathological examination revealed that degenerative changes of epithelial component of the tubules occurred in FasL overexpressing transgenic mice while testicular morphology was normal in wild-type mice after acute ethanol exposure, suggesting FasL expression determines the sensitivity of testes to ethanol in mice. In summary, we provide the direct evidences that Fas ligand mediates the apoptosis of testicular germ cells induced by acute ethanol using FasL transgenic mice.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2020YFC0842000 to Z.M.Yuan and 2020YFC0842100 to C.Shan)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB29010101 to Z.L.Shi)+1 种基金the China Natural Science Foundation(82041013 to P.Zhou)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)(2019328 to X.L.Yang)。
文摘The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic caused more than 96 million infections and over 2 million deaths worldwide so far.However,there is no approved vaccine available for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the disease causative agent.Vaccine is the most effective approach to eradicate a pathogen.The tests of safety and efficacy in animals are pivotal for developing a vaccine and before the vaccine is applied to human populations.Here we evaluated the safety,immunogenicity,and efficacy of an inactivated vaccine based on the whole viral particles in human ACE2 transgenic mouse and in non-human primates.Our data showed that the inactivated vaccine successfully induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice and non-human primates,and subsequently provided partial(in low dose)or full(in high dose)protection of challenge in the tested animals.In addition,passive serum transferred from vaccine-immunized mice could also provide full protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice.These results warranted positive outcomes in future clinical trials in humans.
基金supported by Chinese National Key Program on Basic Research (Nos. 2006CB943501 and 2006BAI23B01-3)Key Project for Drug Discovery and Development in China (No. 2009ZX09501-027)+1 种基金Key Project for Infectious Diseases in China (No. 2008ZX10002-016)E-Institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (E03003)
文摘Parietal cells are one of the largest epithelium cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid. To study the function of gastric parietal cells during gastric epithelium homeostasis, we generated a transgenic mouse line, namely, Atp4b-Cre, in which the expression of Cre recombinase was controlled by a 1.0 kb promoter of mouse β-subunit of H^＋-, K^＋-ATPase gene （Atp4b）. In order to test the tissue distribution and excision activity of Cre recombinase in vivo, the Atp4b-Cre transgenic mice were bred with the reporter strain ROSA26 and a mouse strain that carries Smad4 conditional alleles （Smad4Ca/Co）. Multiple-tissue PCR of Atp4b-Cre;Smad4Co/＋ mice revealed that the recombination only happened in the stomach. As indicated by LacZ staining, ROSA26;Atp4b-Cre double transgenic mice showed efficient expression of Cre recombinase within the gastric parietal cells. These results showed that this Atp4b-Cre mouse line could be used as a powerful tool to achieve conditional gene knockout in gastric parietal cells.
基金supported by the grants from China National Basic Research Program(Nos.2010CB945202 and 2010CB529902)Clinical Specialty Key Program of Ministry of Public HealthState and Shanghai Key Discipline(B204)
文摘Hemophilia A （HA） is an inherited X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by coagulant factor VIII （FVIII） deficiency. Previous studies showed that introduction of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） modified by FVIll-expressing retrovims may result in phenotypic correction of HA animals. This study aimed at the investigation of an alternative gene therapy strategy that may lead to sustained FVIII transgene expression in HA mice. B-domain-de/eted human FVIll （hFVHIBD） vector was microinjected into single-cell embryos of wild-type mice to generate a transgenic mouse line, from which hFVIIIBD-MSCs were isolated, followed by transplantation into HA mice. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of hFVlllBD in multi-organs of recipient HA mice. Immunohistochemistry showed the presence of hFVIIIBD positive staining in multi-organs of recipient HA mice. ELISA indicated that plasma hFVIIIBD level in recipient mice reached its peak （77 ng/ mL） at the 3rd week after implantation, and achieved sustained expression during the 5-week observation period. Plasma FVIII activities of recipient HA mice increased from 0% to 32% after hFVIIIBD-MSCs transplantation. APTT （activated partial thromboplastin time） value decreased in hFVIIIBD-MSCs transplanted HA mice compared with untreated HA mice （45.5 s vs. 91.3 s）. Our study demonstrated an effective phenotypic correction in HA mice using genetically modified MSCs from hFVIIIBD transgenic mice.
基金Supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,No.G-13-0002851the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Training Program in Regenerative Medicine to Bartczak A and Chruscinski Athe Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology to Bartczak A.
文摘AIMTo determine the effect of overexpression of fibrinogen-like protein 2(FGL2)on regulatory T cell(Treg)and effector T(Teff)cell function on T cell-induced colitis in Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice.METHODSTreg and Teff cells from fgl2<sup>-/-</sup>,fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>,and fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>mice were purified by FACS.They were studied in vitro for immunosuppressive activity and cell proliferation and in vivo for their effects on the development and prevention of T cell-induced colitis in Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice.RESULTSIn vitro,fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg had enhanced immunosuppressive activity,and fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Teff had reduced proliferation to alloantigen stimulation.Transfer of Teff from C57Bl/6J mice(fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>)into Rag1<sup>-/-</sup>mice produced both clinical and histologic colitis with dense infiltrates of CD3<sup>+</sup>T cells,crypt abscesses and loss of goblet cells.Fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg prevented the development of T cell-induced colitis,whereas fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>and fgl2<sup>-/-</sup>Treg were only partially protective.In mice that received fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg,the ratio of Foxp3<sup>+</sup>to CD3<sup>+</sup>cells was increased both in the colon and in mesenteric lymph nodes,and Teff cell proliferation as determined by staining with Ki67 was reduced.Teff cells from fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>mice did not produce colitis.CONCLUSIONHere we show that fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Teff are hypoproliferative and do not induce colitis.We further demonstrate that fgl2<sup>Tg</sup>Treg prevent colitis in contrast to fgl2<sup>+/+</sup>Treg,which were only partially protective.These studies collectively provide a rationale for exploring the use of FGL2 or Treg expressing high levels of FGL2 in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
基金The study was supported by funding from the NIDDK(DK098277)to Douglas W.Strandfrom the National Nature Scientific Foundation of China(NSFC No.81372772)to Dr.Ming Jiang,the Scientific Research Foundation for Jiangsu Specially-Appointed Professor(Sujiaoshi[2012]No.34),to Dr.Ming Jiang,Department of Education in Jiangsu Province,China and the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD),China.
文摘The identification of the origin and molecular characteristics of prostate cancer(PCa)has crucial implications for personalized treatment.The development of effective treatments for PCa has been limited;however,the recent establishment of several transgenicmouse lines and/or xenografting models is better reflecting the disease in vivo.With appropriate models,valuable tools for elucidating the functions of specific genes have gone deep into prostate development and carcinogenesis.In the present review,we summarize a number of important PCa research models established in our laboratories(PSA-Cre-ERT2/PTEN transgenic mouse models,AP-OX model,tissue recombination-xenografting models and PDX models),which represent advances of translational models from transgenic mouse lines to human tumor xenografting.Better understanding of the developments of these models will offer new insights into tumor progression and may help explain the functional significance of genetic variations in PCa.Additionally,this understanding could lead to new modes for curing PCa based on their particular biological phenotypes.
文摘BACKGROUND： Apoptosis plays an important role in central neural diseases and trauma. B-cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 （Bcl-2） can inhibit apoptosis in a wide variety of cells including neurons. In this experiment, by studying Bcl-2 over-expression transgenic （TG） mice subjected to spinal cord injury （SCI）, we investigated whether Bcl-2 could reduce posttraumatic neuronal apoptosis, reduce the range of damage, and improve the behavioral functional recovery after contusive SCI.METHODS： Nine Bcl-2 TG mice and nine control mice were subjected to SCI of moderate severity at T10, with the use of weight dropping （WD） method （impact force 2.5×3.0 g/cm）. At times up to 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after SCI, functional defi cits were evaluated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan （BBB） scales, and apoptosis of neurons was investigated by using the TUNEL method. Another three control mice only underwent lamina opening, but were not subjected to SCI, to provide blank comparison.RESULTS： The mean functional scores for the control mice （5.05 ±0.35） were lower than those for the Bcl-2 TG mice （5.45 ±0.15）, although the unpaired T-test revealed no signifi cant difference （P=0.67）. On the other hand, the number of TUNEL positive neurons and integrated option density （IOD） scores for the Bcl-2 TG mice were both signifi cantly lower than those for the control mice （P〈0.05）.CONCLUSIONS： This experiment suggests that overexpression of Bcl-2 may suppress neuronal apoptosis after SCI. Bcl-2 may be an important factor within the central nervous system that can relieve the damage after trauma.
基金supported by grants awarded by the National Major Scientic Research Program of China(Grant No.2011CB910404)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61227017)+1 种基金the State Key Basic Research Development Program of China(2012CB518103)National Outstanding Young Scientist Award of China(61425006).
文摘Alzheimers disease(AD)is a chronic neurodegenerative disease.The symptoms include memoryand spatial learning dificulties,language disorders,and loss of motivation,which get worse overtime,eventually ending in death.No ffective treatments are available for AD,currently.Currenttreatments only attenuate symptoms temporarily and are associated with severe side ffects.Nearinfra-red(NIR)light has been studied for a long time.We investigated the effect of NIR on ADusing a transgenic mouse model,which was obtained by co-injecting two vectors carrying ADmutations in amyloid precursor protein(APP)and presenilin-i(PSEN1)into C57BL/6J mice.The irradiation equipment consisted of an accommodating box and an LED array.The wave-length of NIR light emitted from LED was between 1040 nm and 1090 nm.The power densitydelivered at the level of the mice was approximately 15 mW/cm^(2),Firstly,we treated the micewith NIR for 40 days,Then,the irradiation was suspended for 28 days.Finally,another 15 daystreatment was brought to mice.We conducted Morris water maze and immunofluorescenceanalysis to evaluate the effects of treatment.Immunofuorescence analysis was based on mea-suring the quantity of plaques in mouse brain slices,Our results show that NIR light improvesmemory and spatial learning ability and reduces plaques moderately.NIR light represents apotential treatment for AD.
文摘Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Methods: We produced transgenic mice overexpressing the Asp567Gly human FSHR under the control of a 1.5kb 5' flanking region fragment of its promoter. Results: Mice were phenotypically normal and fertile. In males, mRNA could be detected in the testis and the brain, indicating that the 1.5kb promoter fragment drives expression not only in the gonads. The testis weight/body weight ratio and the testosterone levels in transgenic and non-transgenic litter mates were similar. By in situ hybridisation we found that the transgenic FSHR was highly expressed in Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, a radioligand receptor assay failed to show a significant difference in total FSHR binding sites in testis homogenates of transgenic and wild type animals, suggesting that the transgenic FSHR is probably not translated into functional receptor protein. Conclusion: A 1.5kb 5 '-region of the human FSHR drives mRNA expression of the transgene in the testis but leads to ectopic expression in germ cells and in the brain. No phenotypic consequences could be documented due to the lack of protein expression.
基金the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China (No. 30430350)the National Science Supporting Program (No. 2006BAI23B01-3).
文摘Osteoblasts participate in bone formation, bone mineralization, osteoclast differentiation and many pathological processes. To study the function of genes in osteoblasts using Cre-LoxP system, we generated a mouse line expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the rat Collagenlcd （Collα1） promoter （Collα1-Cre）. Two founders were identified by genomic PCR from 16 offsprings, and the integration efficiency is 12.5%. In order to determine the tissue distribution and the activity of Cre recombinase in the transgenic mice, the Coll αl-Cre transgenic mice were bred with the ROSA26 reporter strain and a mouse strain that carries Smad4 conditional alleles （Smad4^Co/Co）. Multiple tissue PCR of Collα1-Cre;Smad4^Co/＋ mice revealed the restricted Cre activity in bone tissues containing osteoblasts and tendon. LacZ staining in the Collα1-Cre;ROSA26 double transgenic mice revealed that the Cre recombinase began to express in the osteoblasts of calvaria at E14.5. Cre activity was observed in the osteoblasts and osteocytes of P10 double transgenic mice. All these data indicated that the Collα1-Cre transgenic mice could serve as a valuable tool for osteoblast lineage analysis and conditional gene knockout in osteoblasts.
文摘Transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing murine γ aminobutyric acid transporter subtype Ⅰ were created. Unexpectedly, these mice markedly exhibited heritable obesity, which features significantly increased body weight and fat deposition. Behavioral examination revealed that transgeinc mice have slightly reduced spontaneous locomotive capacity and altered feeding pattern. Tills preliminary finding indicates that the inappropriate level of γ-aminobutyric acid transporters may be directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenic mechanism underlying certain types of obesity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(to JFH,DC,JBT),No.81371011,81400399,81471107a grant from the Project of Innovation-driven Plan of Central South University(to DC),No.2015CXS022+2 种基金a grant from the National Key Technologies Research and Development Program of China(to JFH),No.2012BAK14B03Fundamental Research Funds of Central South University of China(to HW),No.2010QZZD022Graduate Thesis Innovation Foundation of Central South University of China(to LL),No.2011ssxt106
文摘Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD.While brain lesions are a major feature of AD,retinal pathological changes also occur in patients.In this study,we investigated the temporal changes in β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1（BACE1） expression in the retina and brain to determine whether it could serve as a suitable biomarker for early monitoring of AD.APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,3,6 and 8 months of age,were used as an experimental group,and age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type mice served as the control group.In the Morris water maze test,there were no significant differences in escape latency or in the number of crossings in the target area among mice of different ages.Compared with wild-type mice,no changes in learning or memory abilities were detected in transgenic mice at 3 months of age.However,compared with wild-type mice,the escape latency was significantly increased in transgenic mice at 6 months,starting on day 3,and at 8 months,starting on day 2,during Morris water maze training.In addition,the number of crossings of the target area was significantly decreased in transgenic mice.The learning and memory abilities of transgenic mice were further worsened at 8 months of age.Immunohistochemical staining revealed no BACE1 plaques in wild-type mice at 3,6 or 8 months or in transgenic mice at 3 months,but they were clearly found in the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of transgenic mice at 6 and 8 months.BACE1 expression was not detected in the retina of wild-type mice at 3 months,but weak BACE1 expression was detected in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer at 6 and 8 months.In transgenic mice,BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer was increased at 3 months,and BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer was significantly increased at 6 and 8 months,compared with age-matched wild-type mice.Taken together,these results indicate that changes in BACE1 expression appear earlier in the retina than in the brain and precede behavioral deficits.Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of BACE1 in the retina is an early pathological change in APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,and that BACE1 might have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD in humans.
基金supported by National Science and Technology Major Projects Initiative(2013ZX09508104)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81473191)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of LW-AFC,a new formula of the main active components extracted fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on treatment of Alzheimer disease(AD) in mouse models.METHODS After treatment LW-AFC,mice were cognitively evaluated in behavioral experiments.Neuron loss,amyloid-β(Αβ) deposition,and Αβ level were analyzed using Nissl staining,immunofluorescence,and an Alpha LISA assay,respectively.Multiplex bead analysis,a radioimmunoassay,immunochemiluminometry,and an ELISA were used to measure cytokine and hormone levels.Lymphocyte subsets were detected using flow cytometry.RESULTS LW-AFC ameliorated the cognitive impairment observed in APP/PS1 mice,including the impairment of object recognition memory,spatial learning and memory,and active and passive avoidance.In addition,LW-AFC alleviated the neuron loss in the hippocampus,suppressed Αβ deposition in the brain,and reduced the concentration of Aβ1-42 in the hippocampus and plasma of APP/PS1 mice.LW-AFC treatment also significantly decreased the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus,and adrenocorticotropic hormone,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary.Moreover,LW-AFC increased CD8+CD28+T cells,and reduced CD4^+CD25^+Foxp3^+T cells in the spleen lymphocytes,down-regulated interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-23,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and tumor necrosis factor-α and-β,and up-regulated IL-4 and granulocyte colony stimulating factor in the plasma of APP/PS1 mice.CONCLUSION LW-AFC ameliorated the behavioral and pathological deterioration of APP/PS1 transgenic micevia the restoration of the NIM network to a greater extent than either memantineor donepezil,which supports the use of LW-AFC as a potential agent for AD therapy.
文摘CD146 molecule,the surface marker of tumor vascular,plays a key role in the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cell.However,due to lack of suitable animal model,the research about the role of CD146 in angiogenesis has been limited to molecular and cellular biological level,which could not be deepened in vivo.To solve this problem,we generated the CD146 conditional knock out mouse using the Cre-LoxP system,in which the promoter region and the first exon were flanked by two LoxP site.
