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Characterization of amyloid deposition in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer disease.

Transgenic mice carrying disease-linked forms of genes associated with Alzheimer disease often demonstrate deposition of the beta-amyloid as senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We have characterized the natural history of beta-amyloid deposition in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, a particularly aggressive transgenic mouse model generated with mutant transgenes for APP (APPswe: KM594/5NL) and PS1 (dE9: deletion of exon 9). Ex vivo histochemistry showed Abeta deposition by 4 months with a progressive increase in plaque number up to 12 months and a similar increase of Abeta levels. In vivo multiphoton microscopy at weekly intervals showed increasing beta-amyloid deposition as CAA and plaques. Although first appearing at an early age, CAA progressed at a significantly slower rate than in the Tg2576 mice. The consistent and early onset of beta-amyloid accumulation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 model confirms its utility for studies of biochemical and pathological mechanisms underlying beta-amyloid deposition, as well as exploring new therapeutic treatments.

Age Factors↗

Selective cerebral overexpression of growth hormone alters cardiac function, morphology, energy metabolism and catecholamines in transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: Growth hormone (GH) has important regulatory effects on cardiac morphology and function both during normal development as well as in pathophysiological settings such as myocardial infarction (MI) and congestive heart failure (CHF). In order to investigate in more detail the interaction between GH and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) system we studied the effects of selective cerebral GH overexpression on myocardial content of catecholamines, myocardial and brain energy metabolism as well as on cardiac function during resting and stress conditions in a transgenic mouse model. METHODS: Transgenic mice with selective bovine GH overexpression under control of glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter in the brain (GFAP-bGH, n=15) were created and compared to genetically matched non-transgenic mates (Control, n=15). Cardiac morphology and function were evaluated in vivo using transthoracic echocardiography during resting and stress conditions induced pharmacologically by dopamine (D) and isoprotenolol (ISO). Myocardial and brain energy metabolism were evaluated non-invasively using in vivo volume-selective phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS). Myocardial content of catecholamines was analyzed by means of HPLC. RESULTS: Compared to the C animals, the GFAP-bGH mice have showed several differences in the cardiac phenotype. Systolic (fractional shortening) and diastolic function (E/A wave ratio of mitral flow) was disturbed in the GFAP-bGH mice (both p<0.05). During the dopamine stress, there was chronotropic insufficiency in the GFAP-bGH group (p<0.01) while no difference was observed in response to isoprotenolol. Left ventricular dimensions were increased in GFAP-bGH mice (p<0.05). There was a tendency for higher body weight in GFAP-bGH compared to the control group (p=0.06) while no difference was observed in heart weight and brain weight when normalized for body weight. Myocardial content of noradrenaline was lower in the GFAP-bGH group (p<0.05). PCr/ATP ratio was higher (p<0.05) in the brain and lower in the heart (p<0.05) in the GFAP-bGH mice. CONCLUSIONS: Selective cerebral overexpression of GH results in alterations of cardiac function, morphology and metabolism in transgenic mice. Decreased myocardial content of catecholamines in the GFAP-bGH mice suggests central interaction between GH and sympathetic nervous system.

Animals↗

Renal matrix and adhesion in injury and inflammation.

Over the past year, there have been major advances in the descriptive analysis of the extracellular matrix in the kidney. Several aspects of the interaction of matrix molecules with renal and, in particular with glomerular cells via specific integrin receptors, have also been studied. Most results on cell-matrix interactions have been obtained by in vitro investigations of glomerular mesangial cells in two-dimensional culture. The regulation of matrix formation and degradation has been shown to involve the concerted action of several soluble factors, notably transforming growth factor-beta, as well as the effects of nonsoluble matrix components themselves, such as collagens and proteoglycans. The mediation of such complex interactions between cells, matrix, and cytokines is facilitated by the tightly regulated expression of cell surface receptors, eg, cytokine receptors and integrins of the beta 1 series, which bind specific matrix molecules. New results have yielded more insight into the regulation not only of matrix formation but also of the specific interactions between cells and matrix and of the modulation of cytokine activity by matrix molecules. Using experimental rat models and transgenic mouse models of kidney disease, the first in vivo findings using immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis have confirmed that major changes occur in the expression of matrix molecules, integrins, and cytokines in the process of glomerular inflammation. With the advent of specific modulators of the bioactivity of ligands and receptors, it is hoped that more information will be forthcoming on the functional relevance of various components of the cell-matrix-cytokine crosstalk in the normal and injured kidney.

Animals↗

Amyloid precursor protein-mediated free radicals and oxidative damage: implications for the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a late-onset dementia that is characterized by the loss of memory and an impairment of multiple cognitive functions. Advancements in molecular, cellular, and animal model studies have revealed that the formation of amyloid beta (Abeta) and other derivatives of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) are key factors in cellular changes in the AD brain, including the generation of free radicals, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Recent molecular, cellular, and gene expression studies have revealed that Abeta enters mitochondria, induces the generation of free radicals, and leads to oxidative damage in post-mortem brain neurons from AD patients and in brain neurons from cell models and transgenic mouse models of AD. In the last three decades, tremendous progress has been made in mitochondrial research and has provided significant findings to link mitochondrial oxidative damage and neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Researchers in the AD field are beginning to recognize the possible involvement of a mutant APP and its derivatives in causing mitochondrial oxidative damage in AD. This article summarizes the latest research findings on the generation of free radicals in mitochondria and provides a possible model that links Abeta proteins, the generation of free radicals, and oxidative damage in AD development and progression.

Aging↗

Cyclohexanehexol inhibitors of Abeta aggregation prevent and reverse Alzheimer phenotype in a mouse model.

When given orally to a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer disease, cyclohexanehexol stereoisomers inhibit aggregation of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) into high-molecular-weight oligomers in the brain and ameliorate several Alzheimer disease-like phenotypes in these mice, including impaired cognition, altered synaptic physiology, cerebral Abeta pathology and accelerated mortality. These therapeutic effects, which occur regardless of whether the compounds are given before or well after the onset of the Alzheimer disease-like phenotype, support the idea that the accumulation of Abeta oligomers has a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Renin promoter SV40 T-antigen transgenic mouse. A model of primary renal vascular hyperplasia.

Transgenic mice containing a ren-2 promoter T-antigen fusion construct (TAG+) develop renal vascular hypertrophy and hyperplasia associated with markedly suppressed renal renin mRNA, renal renin content, and plasma renin concentration. These animals are normotensive. In the present study, the renal and cardiovascular systems are characterized, revealing some surprising findings. Not only are the TAG+ mice normotensive in the face of pronounced renal pathology but also in the presence of an increase in plasma volume. These data raise interesting questions about blood pressure physiology and renal function of the TAG+ mice. Blood nitrogen urea of the TAG+ animal was markedly elevated and plasma creatinine level was in the normal range, indicating prerenal azotemia without renal failure. These findings are consistent with impaired renal perfusion with secondary volume expansion probably as the result of vascular hyperplasia. These transgenic animals provide a unique genetic model for studying the physiology of primarily renal vascular hyperplasia as well as blood pressure control in a low renin state.

Animals↗

Temporal memory deficits in Alzheimer's mouse models: rescue by genetic deletion of BACE1.

Transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit amyloid-beta (Abeta) accumulation and related cognitive impairments. Although deficits in hippocampus-dependent place learning have been well characterized in Alzheimer's transgenic mice, little is known about temporal memory function in these AD models. Here, we applied trace fear conditioning to two different Alzheimer's mouse models and investigated the relationship between pathogenic Abeta and temporal memory deficits. This behavioral test requires hippocampus-dependent temporal memory processing as the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli are separated by a trace interval of 30 s. We found that both amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic (Tg2576) and APP/presenilin (PS)1 transgenic (Tg6799) mice were impaired in memorizing this association across the time gap. Both transgenic groups performed as well as wild-type control mice in delay fear conditioning when the trace interval was removed, indicating that the trace conditioning deficits are hippocampus-specific. Importantly, Tg6799 mice engineered to lack the major Alzheimer's beta-secretase (beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1: BACE1) showed behavioral rescue from temporal memory deficits. Elevated levels of soluble Abeta oligomers found in Tg6799+ mouse brains returned to wild-type control levels without changes in APP/PS1 transgene expression in BACE1-/- * Tg6799+ bigenic mouse brains, suggesting Abeta oligomers as potential mediators of memory loss. Thus, trace fear conditioning is a useful assay to test the mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for Abeta-dependent deficits in temporal associative memory. Our gene-based approach suggests that lowering soluble Abeta oligomers by inhibiting BACE1 may be beneficial for alleviating cognitive disorders in AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗

New models for assessing carcinogenesis: an ongoing process.

Traditionally, the use of rodent models in assessing the carcinogenic potential of chemicals has been expensive and lengthy, and the relevance of the carcinogenic effect to humans is often not fully understood. Today, however, with the rapid advances in molecular biology, genetically altered mice containing genes relevant to humans (e.g. oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes) and reporter genes (e.g. lacI) provide powerful tools for examining specific chemical-gene interactions thereby allowing a better understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in a shorter period of time. This paper will cover an overview of ongoing validation efforts, followed by examples of studies using several genetically engineered models including the p53def mouse model and the Big Blue transgenic mouse model. Specifically, examples where transgenic models were integrated into the testing program based on specific hypotheses dealing with genetic alterations in cancer genes and reporter genes will be discussed. The examples will highlight possible ways genetically altered mice may be integrated into a comprehensive research and testing strategy and thereby provide an improved estimation of human health risks.

Animals↗

Spontaneous pituitary abnormalities and mammary hyperplasia in FVB/NCr mice: implications for mouse modeling.

The FVB/N mouse strain is widely used in the generation of transgenic mouse models. We have observed that mammary glands of wild-type virgin female FVB/NCr mice frequently have the morphologic and histologic appearance of a gland during pregnancy. By 13 months of age, the mammary glands of more than 40% of the mice examined had lobuloalveolar hyperplasia that was characterized by the presence of secretory alveoli and distended ducts apparently containing secretory material. The prevalence of this phenotype further increased with age. The mammary phenotype was highly correlated with the presence of proliferative, prolactin-secreting lesions in the pituitary gland. In mice aged 18 to 23 months, hyperplasia of the pars distalis was seen in 11 of 21 mice (52%), and a further 4 of 21 mice (19%) had pituitary adenomas. Pituitary hyperplasia was already evident in some mice as young as nine months. The pituitary phenotype was also associated with high prevalence (4/6 mice) of spontaneous mammary tumors in aged multiparous, but not virgin FVB/NCr mice. This high prevalence of pituitary abnormalities and their effects on the mammary gland have important consequences for the interpretation of new phenotypes generated in transgenic models using this mouse substrain.

Animals↗

Multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are structurally and functionally intact during hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis B virus transgenic mice.

In the current study we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms which might contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis in a hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope transgenic mouse model in which chronic hepatocellular injury and inflammation lead to regenerative hyperplasia and eventually to the development of chromosomal abnormalities and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thereby reiterating many of the pathophysiological events that occur prior to the development of HCC in chronic HBV infection in humans. We have previously demonstrated that HBV envelope gene expression is decreased in regenerating hepatocytes and preneoplastic nodules early in the disease process and that expression of alpha-fetoprotein and the multidrug transporter gene mdr-III is activated in the tumors that develop in this model, but not prior to tumor development. In the current study, we examined the structure and expression of a large panel of dominant acting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the liver at all stages of the disease process in order to determine the extent to which they contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis in these transgenic mice. To our surprise, no changes were observed in the structure or function of any of these genes, many of which are commonly activated in other rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis but rarely activated in human HCC. These findings suggest that the HBV transgenic mouse model is different from most other rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis and that it may relate more closely to the events involved in HBV-induced human hepatocarcinogenesis, where generalized chromosomal abnormalities are common, while structural and functional changes in most of the commonly studied positive-acting oncogenes examined herein are not. Since p53 and RB mutations have recently been reported to be late events in human hepatocarcinogenesis, the structural integrity of the RB locus and the absence of p53 mutations in the HBV transgenic mouse model suggest that they may represent a relatively early stage of hepatocellular tumorigenesis and that further manipulation of this model is warranted in order to more fully reproduce the molecular-genetic events that characterize HBV-induced HCC in humans.

Animals↗

E2F1 has both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties in a transgenic model.

Using a transgenic mouse model expressing the E2F1 gene under the control of a keratin 5 (K5) promoter, we previously demonstrated that increased E2F1 activity can promote tumorigenesis by cooperating with either a v-Ha-ras transgene to induce benign skin papillomas or p53 deficiency to induce spontaneous skin carcinomas. We now report that as K5 E2F1 transgenic mice age, they are predisposed to develop spontaneous tumors in a variety of K5-expressing tissues, including the skin, vagina, forestomach, and odontogenic epithelium. On the other hand, K5 E2F1 transgenic mice are found to be resistant to skin tumor development following a two-stage carcinogenesis protocol. Additional experiments suggest that this tumor-suppressive effect of E2F1 occurs at the promotion stage and may involve the induction of apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that increased E2F1 activity can either promote or inhibit tumorigenesis, dependent upon the experimental context.

Animals↗

Oligodendrogliomas result from the expression of an activated mutant epidermal growth factor receptor in a RAS transgenic mouse astrocytoma model.

A significant proportion of human malignant gliomas exhibit amplification, overexpression, or mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To define the functional role(s) of the EGFR in the pathogenesis of gliomas, we established transgenic mice that express both wild-type (wt) and mutant (EGFRvIII) EGFR molecules using the human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. Both GFAP-EGFR(wt) and GFAP-EGFRvIII transgenic mice demonstrated increased numbers of astrocytes compared with control littermates, however, developed normally without formation of gliomas. To determine whether EGFR overexpression could modify the tumor phenotype in our previously reported GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras transgenic mouse astrocytoma model, mice expressing both activated RAS and EGFR were developed. GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras;GFAP-EGFRvIII, but not GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras;GFAP-EGFR(wt) double transgenic mice, had decreased survival with fifty percent of the mice dead at 2-4 weeks from gliomas, compared with 12-16 weeks for the GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras mice. Furthermore, GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras;GFAP-EGFRvIII mice developed oligodendrogliomas and mixed oligoastrocytoma tumors, instead of the fibrillary astrocytomas observed in GFAP-V(12)Ha-ras mice. In addition to yielding a spontaneous model of infiltrating oligodendroglioma, this study demonstrates that astrocyte-specific expression of EGFRvIII alone is insufficient for gliomagenesis but rather contributes to glioma progression in the context of existing predisposing genetic changes.

Animals↗

Elevated levels of amyloid precursor protein in muscle of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a mouse model of the disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease defined by motor neuron loss. Transgenic mouse models show features that closely mimic those seen in the clinical situation, reflected in the molecular changes observed in mouse models and in tissues from patients. We report a dramatic increase in the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hindlimb muscles, but not the spinal cord of the G93A transgenic mouse model, significantly before the appearance of clinical abnormalities. APP levels were unchanged in nontransgenic mice and in mice overexpressing human wild-type Cu/Zn-dependent superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Preliminary results indicate a similar change in APP expression in human deltoid muscle samples from ALS patients compared with age-matched controls. The inhibitory role of APP in innervation at the neuromuscular junction and increased expression in inclusion-body myositis suggest that presymptomatic upregulation of APP may be consistent with a potential role for APP in ALS pathology.

Adult↗

Vaccines for Alzheimer's disease: how close are we?

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function. Despite the considerable progress being made, a complete description of the molecular pathology of this disease has yet to be elucidated. The evidence indicates that abnormal processing and extracellular deposition of the longer form of the beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide (Abeta(1-42), a proteolytic derivative of the amyloid precursor protein [APP]) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In this respect, recent use of experimental mouse models, in which the mice develop some aspects of Alzheimer's disease in a reproducible fashion, has provided a new opportunity for a multidisciplinary and invasive analysis of mechanisms behind the amyloid pathology and its role in Alzheimer's disease. It has been demonstrated, using a single transgenic mouse model system that overexpresses the human mutated APP gene, that an immunisation against Abeta(1-42) causes a marked reduction in the amyloid burden in the brain. The follow-up research provided more evidence that both active and passive Abeta immunisation also reduces cognitive dysfunction in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Other studies using different approaches - such as secretase, cholesterol and Abeta metalloprotein inhibitors or NSAIDs - but all targeting the abnormal metabolism of Abeta have confirmed in each case that a significant reduction of amyloid plaque burden can be achieved in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. This research strongly supports the notion that abnormal Abeta processing is essential to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and provides a crucial platform for the development and detailed testing of potential treatments in experimental models before each of these approaches can be proposed as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Although the first clinical trial of active immunisation with a pre-aggregated synthetic Abeta(42) preparation (AN-1792 vaccine) met with some setbacks and was discontinued after several patients experienced meningoencephalitis, the follow-up analysis of the effect of immunisation against Abeta in humans revealed a powerful effect of vaccination in the clearance of amyloid plaques from the cerebral cortex.

Alzheimer Disease↗

[Value of transgenic mouse as model for the study of human lipoprotein metabolism].

Lipoprotein transport genes have been used to make either transgenic or knockout mice with altered lipoprotein levels and metabolism. These models have provided information in at least three major issues. First, transgenic mice allow to study gene expression regulation. This approach has been helpful in identifying tissue specific expression of two clusters of apolipoprotein genes apo E/CI/CII and apo AI/CIII/AIV. Another example is the identification of a cis-acting region controlling transcription of the CETP gene in response to diet. Second, transgenic mice model provides relevant insights into lipoprotein metabolism: the structural role of human apo AII, the effect of apo AI on HDL subfractions distribution, the contribution of apo CIII to hypertriglyceridemia, and by contrast of apo E in the clearance of atherogenic TG rich lipoproteins, the role of CETP in the balance of LDL and HDL concentration and distribution. Finally, certain strains of mice under specific conditions of diet develop atherosclerotic lesions which have been shown to be reduced in human apo AI transgenic animals. However, the best mouse model for further investigation of human atherosclerosis seems to be apo E knockout mice.

Animals↗

Establishment and characterization of clonal cell lines derived from a fibrosarcoma of the H2-K/V-JUN transgenic mouse. A model of H2-K/V-JUN mediated tumorigenesis.

We used fibrosarcoma from an H2-K/V-JUN transgenic mouse to derive a series of three immortal cell lines (JUN-1, -2, and -3). The cell lines exhibit strikingly different behavior regarding phenotype transformation. Features examined include contact inhibition and density limitation of growth, proliferation, invasiveness, motility, and organization of the microfilament system. Overall, JUN-2 and JUN-3 represent extreme phenotypes, with JUN-2 having a phenotype indicative of low-level cellular transformation and JUN-3 meeting all the criteria of the transformed phenotype. JUN-1 cells can also be regarded as transformed, but to a lesser extent than JUN-3. Their phenotype is in the majority of characteristics intermediary between JUN-2 and JUN-3. The transformation status is inversely related to the expression of the V-JUN transgene, which is the highest in JUN-2, lower in JUN-1 and very low in JUN-3. This might be related to the MHC class I promoter driving its expression and to the general observation of repression of MHC class I genes coupled with cellular transformation. Based on this premise, we present a model of H2-K/V-JUN-mediated tumorigenesis, in which v-jun-conditioned transformation represents merely an initial phase of tumorigenesis. Later during tumor progression, additional oncogenes are activated and/or tumor suppressor genes inactivated, leading on the one hand to further exacerbation of the transformed phenotype, and on the other hand to the repression of the H2-K/V-JUN transgene (fixed in JUN-3). We believe that the system of JUN cell lines can be valuable for further molecular analysis of transformation-related traits.

Actins↗

[Electrophysiological characterization of connexin 40 deficient hearts--in vivo studies in mice].

Intercellular communication is not only mediated by extracellular transmitters, but also directly by gap junction channels. One channel is composed of two hexameric hemichannels which consist of six polypeptide subunits called connexines (Cx). In the mammalian heart the following connexines have been documented: Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, Cx46, Cx50 and Cx57. The labeling by number represents the rounded, molecular mass of the amino acid sequences given in kD. If identical connexin-isotypes form both connexons of a gap junction channel, homotypic coupling exists and a homomeric gap junction channel is formed. Different connexin-isotypes within both connexons cause form heterotypic coupling and heteromeric gap junction channels. Each channel type has specific properties regarding permeability and electrical conductance. Beside a typical age-dependent alignment of gap junction channels on the surface of the cardiac myocytes, regional distribution of the different connexins is different at distinct parts of the mouse heart. Cx40 is not found in the ventricular working myocardium of mice. In the atria as well as in the conduction system, Cx40 is the most frequently expressed. In line with the localization and the conduction properties of distinct homotypic gap junction channels, the Cx40 deficient mouse is suitable for analysis of atrial arrhythmias. Cx40-deficiency in the mouse heart results in characteristic ECG changes like first degree atrioventricular block and prolongation of the QRS duration. Thus, an impairment of the sinuatrial, intraatrial and atrioventricular conduction properties is documented in Cx40 deficient mice. These observations are associated with an increased atrial vulnerability. The Cx40 deficient mouse provides a good example of the relevance of transgenic mouse models to clarify the mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis. The clinical impact of future transgenic mouse models depends on the cooperation of geneticists, basic researchers and clinicians.

Animals↗

Human coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) expression in transgenic mouse prostate tumors enhances adenoviral delivery of genes.

BACKGROUND: Transgenic mice that recapitulate the progression of human diseases are potentially useful models for testing the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies. Their use in pre-clinical testing of adenovirally-delivered gene therapies, however, is limited because of restricted cell surface expression of Coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) in mice. METHODS: To develop a more suitable transgenic mouse model for testing adenoviral-based gene therapies for prostate cancer, we generated prostate specific antigen/human CAR (PSA/hCAR) transgenic mice in which a chimeric enhancer/promoter sequence of the human PSA gene drives expression of a functional hCAR coding sequence. RESULTS: Expression of an adenovirally-delivered luciferase reporter gene in prostate tumor cells in bigenic mice (PSA/hCAR + TRAMP) was enhanced compared to the level in tumor cells lacking the PSA/hCAR transgene. CONCLUSIONS: Breeding PSA/hCAR mice to existing transgenic mouse models for prostate cancer (e.g., TRAMP) results in improved mouse models for testing adenovirally-delivered therapeutic genes.

Adenoviridae↗