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Chlamydia pneumoniae infection significantly exacerbates aortic atherosclerosis in an LDLR-/- mouse model within six months.

We have previously shown that infection with the C. pneumoniae AR39 strain once monthly for 9 consecutive months significantly exacerbated atherosclerosis in mice with LDL receptor deficiency (LDLR-/-) in the presence of a high cholesterol diet. To further optimize the LDLR-/- mouse model for studying the mechanisms of C. pneumoniae atherogenesis, we have tested a different infection protocol with intranasal inoculation twice monthly for 6 consecutive months in the present study. We found that C. pneumoniae infection for 6 months was sufficient to produce a 130%, significantly greater exacerbation of aortic atherosclerosis in LDLR-/- mice in the presence of a high cholesterol diet. Mice receiving a high cholesterol diet alone displayed a lesion area index of 18.2 +/- 6.1 (S.D.) while mice treated with both the high cholesterol diet and C. pneumoniae infection had a lesion area index of 41.8 +/- 15.2 (S.D.). However, the chlamydial infection did not significantly alter the mouse serum total cholesterol or the LDL levels induced by the high cholesterol diet. This study not only confirms our previous findings that C. pneumoniae infection can exacerbate aortic atherosclerosis lesion in the LDLR-/- mice, but also further optimizes the LDLR-/- mouse model for future mechanism studies.

Animals↗

Evaluation of the Emu-pim-1 transgenic mouse model for short-term carcinogenicity testing.

The value of the chronic rodent carcinogenicity assay in adequately predicting cancer risk in humans has become a matter of debate over the past few years. Therefore, more rapid and accurate alternative tests are urgently needed. Transgenic mouse models, those harboring genetic changes that are relevant to the multistage cancer process, may provide such alternative tests. Transgenic Emu-pim-1 mice, developed by Berns and coworkers in 1989, contain the pimn-1 oncogene, which is expressed at elevated levels in their lymphoid compartments. As a result, these mice are predisposed to the development of T-cell lymphomas. Because of the low incidence of spontaneous tumors and the increased sensitivity to N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced carcinogenesis, Emu-pim-1 mice were suggested to be one of the first potential and attractive candidates to be used in short-term carcinogenicity testing. In the present article, the results from 2 recent short-term assays (with mitomycin C and x-rays) are briefly presented, together with a review of all 11 performed bioassays and their corresponding histopathologic and molecular data. The overall results allow the first evaluation of the Emu-pim-1 mouse model with regard to its usefulness in short-term carcinogenicity testing. It has been shown that the model is primarily suitable as a sensitive short-term assay for genotoxic carcinogens that not only induce (at least) gene mutations and/or large deletions and rearrangements but that also sufficiently target the lymphoid system. However, the Emu-pim-1 mice lack sufficient sensitivity to justify their routine use in short-term carcinogenicity testing in general.

Animals↗

Leuprorelin rescues polyglutamine-dependent phenotypes in a transgenic mouse model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an adult-onset motor neuron disease that affects males. It is caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in androgen receptors. Female carriers are usually asymptomatic. No specific treatment has been established. Our transgenic mouse model carrying a full-length human androgen receptor with expanded polyQ has considerable gender-related motor impairment. This phenotype was abrogated by castration, which prevented nuclear translocation of mutant androgen receptors. We examined the effect of androgen-blockade drugs on our mouse model. Leuprorelin, a lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist that reduces testosterone release from the testis, rescued motor dysfunction and nuclear accumulation of mutant androgen receptors in male transgenic mice. Moreover, leuprorelin treatment reversed the behavioral and histopathological phenotypes that were once caused by transient increases in serum testosterone. Flutamide, an androgen antagonist promoting nuclear translocation of androgen receptors, yielded no therapeutic effect. Leuprorelin thus seems to be a promising candidate for the treatment of SBMA.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Correlation between the production of extracellular substances by type III group B streptococcal strains and virulence in a mouse model.

Twelve strains of serotype III group B streptococci (8 isolated from cases of neonatal disease, 3 isolated from asymptomatically colonized infants, and 1 laboratory reference strain) were examined for the vitro production of three potential extracellular virulence products: type-specific antigen, neuraminidase, and protease. In addition, virulence in a mouse model, expressed as 50% lethal dose, was determined for the 12 strains to determine whether a relationship existed between the production of any of the three extracellular products and virulence. Only production of extracellular type-specific antigen showed a correlation with virulence in the mouse model. The high producers of extracellular type-specific antigen were an average of 166-fold more virulent for mice than low producers of the same component. There was no correlation between virulence and either neuraminidase or protease production, nor was there a correlation between either of these two extracellular products and the levels of extracellular type-specific antigen. When levels of group B streptococci of each type (a high and low producer of extracellular type-specific antigen) in organs of infected mice were examined, comparable levels of organisms were found in the brain, spleen, and lungs of mice near death regardless of the initial inoculum. However, the high producer of extracellular type-specific antigen caused death in mice with a 2 to 3 log lower inoculum than the low producer, suggesting that these strains may be more invasive.

Animals↗

Mouse models of thrombosis: thrombomodulin.

This review describes animal models of TM-deficiency that cause thrombosis in mice. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a key component of the protein C anticoagulant pathway by facilitating the activation of protein C by thrombin. In addition, TM integrates fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory responses in a manner that is in part independent of protein C and thrombin. A series of genetically modified mouse strains is available in which the various and distinct functions of TM have been altered by means of site-directed mutagenesis of the TM gene locus (Thbd). The focus of the current review is the pathological activation of the hemostatic mechanism in mice with altered TM function (the pathologic activation of the hemostatic mechanism). The analysis of these mouse models has revealed novel and in part organ-specific functions of TM, most notably in the vascular bed of the placenta. In these mouse models, the severity and phenotypic expression of thrombosis is highly variable and is dependent on interaction with secondary genetic or environmental modifiers. The mutant mouse strains replicate important aspects of thrombophilia and thrombosis in humans, and provide a valuable resource to validate existing, and develop novel concepts of disease mechanisms in human patients.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective effects of creatine in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness for which there is no effective therapy. We examined whether creatine, which may exert neuroprotective effects by increasing phosphocreatine levels or by stabilizing the mitochondrial permeability transition, has beneficial effects in a transgenic mouse model of HD (line 6/2). Dietary creatine supplementation significantly improved survival, slowed the development of brain atrophy, and delayed atrophy of striatal neurons and the formation of huntingtin-positive aggregates in R6/2 mice. Body weight and motor performance on the rotarod test were significantly improved in creatine-supplemented R6/2 mice, whereas the onset of diabetes was markedly delayed. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that creatine supplementation significantly increased brain creatine concentrations and delayed decreases in N-acetylaspartate concentrations. These results support a role of metabolic dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model of HD and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy to slow the pathological process.

Animals↗

Striatal neuronal apoptosis is preferentially enhanced by NMDA receptor activation in YAC transgenic mouse model of Huntington disease.

Huntington disease (HD), caused by expansion >35 of a polyglutamine tract in huntingtin, results in degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Previous studies demonstrated mitochondrial dysfunction, altered intracellular calcium release, and enhanced NMDAR-mediated current and apoptosis in cellular and mouse models of HD. Here, we exposed cultured MSNs from YAC transgenic mice, expressing full-length human huntingtin with 18, 72, or 128 repeats, to a variety of apoptosis-inducing compounds that inhibit mitochondrial function or increase intracellular calcium, and assessed apoptosis 24 h later. All compounds produced a polyglutamine length-dependent increase in apoptosis, but NMDA produced the largest potentiation in apoptosis of YAC72 and YAC128 versus YAC18 MSNs. Moreover, reduction of NMDAR-mediated current and calcium influx in YAC72 MSNs to levels seen in wild-type reduced NMDAR-mediated apoptosis proportionately to wild-type levels. Our results suggest that increased NMDAR signaling plays a major role in enhanced excitotoxic MSN death in this HD mouse model.

Animals↗

Mouse models to study the role of telomeres in cancer, aging and DNA repair.

The chromosome ends have protective structures that distinguish them from broken chromosomes, known as telomeres. The function of telomeres, and that of the cellular activity that synthesises them, telomerase, are proposed to be biological determinants in the processes of cancer and aging. In this review, we will focus on mammalian telomeres and, in particular, on the analysis of different mouse models for proteins that are important for telomere function, such as telomerase and various telomere-binding proteins. These mouse models have allowed the relevance of telomeres and telomerase in tumour development and the aging of the organism to be directly tested.

Aging↗

A knock-out mouse model for methylmalonic aciduria resulting in neonatal lethality.

Methylmalonic aciduria is a human autosomal recessive disorder of organic acid metabolism resulting from a functional defect in the activity of the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Based upon the homology of the human mutase locus with the mouse locus, we have chosen to disrupt the mouse mutase locus within the critical CoA binding domain using gene-targeting techniques to create a mouse model of methylmalonic aciduria. The phenotype of homozygous knock-out mice (mut-/-) is one of early neonatal lethality. Mice appear phenotypically normal at birth and are indistinguishable from littermates. By 15 h of age, they develop reduced movement and suckle less. This is followed by the development of abnormal breathing, and all of the mice with a null phenotype die by 24 h of age. Urinary levels of methylmalonic and methylcitric acids are grossly increased. Measurement of acylcarnitines in blood shows elevation of propionylcarnitine with no change in the levels of acetylcarnitine and free carnitine. Incorporation of [14C]propionate in primary fibroblast cultures from mut-/- mice is reduced to approximately 6% of normal level, whereas there is no detectable synthesis of mut mRNA in the liver. This is the first mouse model that recapitulates the key phenotypic features of mut0 methylmalonic aciduria.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Mouse models for telomere and telomerase biology.

Telomeres serve a critical role in maintenance of genomic stability in all eukaryotes, from yeast to human. The maintenance of telomeres is achieved by the telomerase complex, which is largely composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA component (TERC). A variety of mouse models have provided valuable insights into the relationship between the telomerase complex and telomere dysfunction at the organismal level and helped understand their biological significance in human. Recently, in addition to its role in maintenance of the telomeres, novel functions of the telomerase complex have been emerging. In this review, studies of all gene-targeted or transgenic mouse models so far generated for telomerase and telomere biology are comprehensively described, and potential novel functions of telomerase are briefly discussed.

Animals↗

Therapeutic efficacy of a 188Re-labeled alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptide analog in murine and human melanoma-bearing mouse models.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic efficacy of (188)Re-(Arg(11))[Cys(3,4,10),d-Phe(7)]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(3-13) (CCMSH) in the B16/F1 murine melanoma- and TXM13 human melanoma-bearing mouse models. METHODS: (Arg(11))CCMSH was synthesized and labeled with (188)Re to form (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH. B16/F1 melanoma-bearing mice were administrated 7.4 MBq, 22.2 MBq, and 2 x 14.8 MBq of (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH via the tail vein. TXM13 melanoma-bearing mice were separately injected with 22.2 MBq, 2 x 14.8 MBq, and 37.0 MBq of (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH through the tail vein. Two groups of 10 mice bearing either B16/F1 or TXM13 tumors were injected with saline as untreated controls. RESULTS: In contrast to the untreated control group, (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH yielded rapid and lasting therapeutic effects in the treatment groups with either B16/F1 or TXM13 tumors. The tumor growth rate was reduced and the survival rate was prolonged in the treatment groups. Treatment with 2 x 14.8 MBq of (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH significantly extended the mean life of B16/F1 tumor mice (P < 0.05), whereas the mean life of TXM13 tumor mice was significantly prolonged after treatment with 22.2-MBq and 37.0- MBq doses of (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH (P < 0.05). High-dose (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH produced no observed normal tissue toxicity. CONCLUSION: The therapy study results revealed that (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH yielded significant therapeutic effects in both B16/F1 murine melanoma- and TXM13 human melanoma-bearing mouse models. (188)Re-(Arg(11))CCMSH appears to be a promising radiolabeled peptide for targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma.

Animals↗

Transgenic mouse models of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a late-onset motor neuron disease characterized by proximal muscle atrophy, weakness, contraction fasciculations, and bulbar involvement. Only males develop symptoms, while female carriers usually are asymptomatic. A specific treatment for SBMA has not been established. The molecular basis of SBMA is the expansion of a trinucleotide CAG repeat, which encodes the polyglutamine (polyQ) tract, in the first exon of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The pathologic hallmark is nuclear inclusions (NIs) containing the mutant and truncated AR with expanded polyQ in the residual motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord as well as in some other visceral organs. Several transgenic (Tg) mouse models have been created for studying the pathogenesis of SBMA. The Tg mouse model carrying pure 239 CAGs under human AR promoter and another model carrying truncated AR with expanded CAGs show motor impairment and nuclear NIs in spinal motor neurons. Interestingly, Tg mice carrying full-length human AR with expanded polyQ demonstrate progressive motor impairment and neurogenic pathology as well as sexual difference of phenotypes. These models recapitulate the phenotypic expression observed in SBMA. The ligand-dependent nuclear localization of the mutant AR is found to be involved in the disease mechanism, and hormonal therapy is suggested to be a therapeutic approach applicable to SBMA.

Animals↗

A transgenic mouse model of metastatic prostate cancer originating from neuroendocrine cells.

A transgenic mouse model of metastatic prostate cancer has been developed that is 100% penetrant in multiple pedigrees. Nucleotides -6500 to +34 of the mouse cryptdin-2 gene were used to direct expression of simian virus 40 T antigen to a subset of neuroendocrine cells in all lobes of the FVB/N mouse prostate. Transgene expression is initiated between 7 and 8 weeks of age and leads to development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia within a week. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia progresses rapidly to local invasion. Metastases to lymph nodes, liver, lung, and bone are common by 6 months. Tumorigenesis is not dependent on androgens. This model indicates that the neuroendocrine cell lineage of the prostate is exquisitely sensitive to transformation and provides insights about the significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in human prostate cancer.

Animals↗

Adrenal medullary tumors and iris proliferation in a transgenic mouse model of neurofibromatosis.

The expression of the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) tax gene in transgenic mice has been shown to result in the development of neurofibromas. Further characterization of these transgenic mice has revealed other significant pathologic similarities between this transgenic mouse model and human neurofibromatosis (NF). Pheochromocytomas of the adrenal medulla and hamartomas of the iris are well-recognized manifestations of human NF. Adrenal medullary tumors have been found in 68% of transgenic animals that were studied. They appear, however, not to be pheochromocytomas, but rather composed of undifferentiated spindle cells. Proliferation of fibroblastlike cells in the iris also occurs in one-half of the transgenic animals surviving more than 6 months. Melanocytes, however, have not been found in the transgenic iris lesion, although they are characteristically found in the Lisch nodules of human NF. The similarities between human neurofibromatosis and this transgenic mouse model (in which the overexpression of a single gene results in neoplasia) are discussed. This transgenic system may provide further insights into molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Dissecting the genetic basis of rheumatoid arthritis in mouse models.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA, is a common polygenic multi-factorial chronic inflammatory disorder that involves complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Despite major advances, the aetiology of the disease is still not completely understood. In this post-genome era, the sequencing of the human and some murine genomes as well as advances in global screening technologies offer an opportunity to accelerate the search for new pathological pathways and to identify new therapeutic targets. Animal models of RA offer an opportunity to dissect the genetic basis of disease in a simplified genome and controlled environment with the aim of identifying new pathological pathways and thus new therapeutic targets. Linkage analysis in the mouse model has identified more than 60 Loci, controlling disease phenotypes, immune response and cytokines. This indicates that gene variations among inbred mice strains affect the disease and that those polymorphic genes could be potential therapeutic targets. However, progress in identification of susceptibility genes in mouse models is slow. The progress is hampered by the complexity of disease as well as the traditional genetic dissection strategies. In this post-genome era, the sequencing of the human and some murine genomes as well as advances in global screening technologies offer an opportunity to accelerate the progress.

Animals↗

Transgenic mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The discovery of missense mutations in the gene coding for the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in subsets of familial cases was rapidly followed by the generation of transgenic mice expressing various forms of SOD1 mutants. The mice overexpressing high levels of mutant SOD1 mRNAs do develop motor neuron disease but unraveling the mechanisms of pathogenesis has been very challenging. Studies with mouse lines suggest that the toxicity of mutant SOD1 is unrelated to copper-mediated catalysis but rather to propensity of a subfraction of mutant SOD1 proteins to form misfolded protein species and aggregates. However, the mechanism of toxicity of SOD1 mutants remains to be elucidated. Involvement of cytoskeletal components in ALS pathogenesis is supported by several mouse models of motor neuron disease with neurofilament abnormalities and with genetic defects in microtubule-based transport. Here, we describe how transgenic mouse models have been used for understanding pathogenic pathways of motor neuron disease and for pre-clinical drug testing.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

Physiological functions of CLC Cl- channels gleaned from human genetic disease and mouse models.

The CLC gene family encodes nine different Cl() channels in mammals. These channels perform their functions in the plasma membrane or in intracellular organelles such as vesicles of the endosomal/lysosomal pathway or in synaptic vesicles. The elucidation of their cellular roles and their importance for the organism were greatly facilitated by mouse models and by human diseases caused by mutations in their respective genes. Human mutations in CLC channels are known to cause diseases as diverse as myotonia (muscle stiffness), Bartter syndrome (renal salt loss) with or without deafness, Dent's disease (proteinuria and kidney stones), osteopetrosis and neurodegeneration, and possibly epilepsy. Mouse models revealed blindness and infertility as further consequences of CLC gene disruptions. These phenotypes firmly established the roles CLC channels play in stabilizing the plasma membrane voltage in muscle and possibly in neurons, in the transport of salt and fluid across epithelia, in the acidification of endosomes and synaptic vesicles, and in the degradation of bone by osteoclasts.

Animals↗

Therapeutic treatment with heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae (SRL172) in a mild and severe mouse model for allergic asthma.

The hypothesis that a lack of early childhood bacterial infections would favor the development of allergic disease suggests that bacteria can be used as a potential treatment for allergic asthma. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae in two mouse models of allergic asthma. For this purpose, mice were sensitized i.p. with ovalbumin/alum (severe model) or ovalbumin alone (mild model) and challenged on days 77, 80 and 83 by inhalation of either ovalbumin or saline aerosols. Treatment of mice with M. vaccae (s.c. 10(7) or 10(8) colony-forming units) on days 56 and 63, however, did not reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia, IgE and interleukin-5 production 24 h after ovalbumin challenge in either mouse model. We therefore conclude that treatment of sensitized mice with M. vaccae before allergen exposure is not able to reduce the allergic and asthma-like response in a mild and a severe model of allergic asthma.

Allergens↗