scholarly journals Blocking gephyrin phosphorylation or microglia BDNF signaling prevents synapse loss and reduces infarct volume after ischemia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Cramer ◽  
Raminder Gill ◽  
Zahra S Thirouin ◽  
Markus Vaas ◽  
Suchita Sampath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hippocampal Formation ◽  
Infarct Volume ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Null Point ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Infarct Area ◽  
Synapse Plasticity ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice

AbstractMicroglia interact with neurons to facilitate synapse plasticity; however, signal transducers between microglia and neuron remain unknown. Here, using in vitro organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and transient MCAO in genetically-engineered mice in vivo, we report that at 24 h post-ischemia microglia release BDNF to downregulate glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses within the peri-infarct area. Analysis of the CA1 hippocampal formation in vitro shows that proBDNF and mBDNF downregulate glutamatergic dendritic spines and gephyrin scaffold stability through p75NTR and TrkB receptors respectively. Post-MCAO, we report that in the peri- infarct area and in the corresponding contralateral hemisphere similar neuroplasticity occur through microglia activation and gephyrin phosphorylation at Ser268, Ser270 in vivo. Targeted deletion of the Bdnf gene in microglia or GphnS268A/S270A (phospho-null) point-mutations protect against ischemic brain damage, neuroinflamation and synapse downregulation normally seen post-MCAO. Collectively, we report that gephyrin phosphorylation and microglia derived BDNF faciliate synapse plasticity after transient ischemia.

scholarly journals Generation and Characterization of Typhoid Toxin-Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuyao Jiao ◽  
Sarah Smith ◽  
Gabrielle Stack ◽  
Qi Liang ◽  
Allan Bradley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Human Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
Typhoid Toxin

ABSTRACT Typhoid toxin is a virulence factor of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and is thought to be responsible for the symptoms of severe disease. This toxin has a unique A2B5 architecture with two active subunits, the ADP ribosyl transferase PltA and the DNase CdtB, linked to a pentameric B subunit, which is alternatively made of PltB or PltC. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of typhoid toxin-neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies by immunizing genetically engineered mice that have a full set of human immunoglobulin variable region genes. We identified several monoclonal antibodies with strong in vitro and in vivo toxin-neutralizing activity and different mechanisms of toxin neutralization. These antibodies could serve as the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against typhoid fever.

scholarly journals Discrete Role for Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α in Platelets

2002 ◽  
Vol 196 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Wong ◽  
Yoshihiro Kita ◽  
Naonori Uozumi ◽  
Takao Shimizu
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Collagen Receptors ◽  
Cytosolic Phospholipase ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
Cytosolic Pla2 ◽  
In Vivo Effects ◽  
Deficient Mice

Among several different types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)α and group IIA (IIA) secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) have been studied intensively. To determine the discrete roles of cPLA2α in platelets, we generated two sets of genetically engineered mice (cPLA2α−/−/sPLA2-IIA−/− and cPLA2α−/−/sPLA2-IIA+/+) and compared their platelet function with their respective wild-type C57BL/6J mice (cPLA2α+/+/sPLA2-IIA−/−) and C3H/HeN (cPLA2α+/+/sPLA2-IIA+/+). We found that cPLA2α is needed for the production of the vast majority of thromboxane (TX)A2 with collagen stimulation of platelets. In cPLA2α-deficient mice, however, platelet aggregation in vitro is only fractionally decreased because small amounts of TX produced by redundant phospholipase enzymes sufficiently preserve aggregation. In comparison, adenosine triphosphate activation of platelets appears wholly independent of cPLA2α and sPLA2-IIA for aggregation or the production of TX, indicating that these phospholipases are specifically linked to collagen receptors. However, the lack of high levels of TX limiting vasoconstriction explains the in vivo effects seen: increased bleeding times and protection from thromboembolism. Thus, cPLA2α plays a discrete role in the collagen-stimulated production of TX and its inhibition has a therapeutic potential against thromboembolism, with potentially limited bleeding expected.

scholarly journals PF-06463922 is a potent and selective next-generation ROS1/ALK inhibitor capable of blocking crizotinib-resistant ROS1 mutations

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3493-3498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Y. Zou ◽  
Qiuhua Li ◽  
Lars D. Engstrom ◽  
Melissa West ◽  
Vicky Appleman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antitumor Activity ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Model

Oncogenic c-ros oncogene1 (ROS1) fusion kinases have been identified in a variety of human cancers and are attractive targets for cancer therapy. The MET/ALK/ROS1 inhibitor crizotinib (Xalkori, PF-02341066) has demonstrated promising clinical activity in ROS1 fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, emerging clinical evidence has shown that patients can develop resistance by acquiring secondary point mutations in ROS1 kinase. In this study we characterized the ROS1 activity of PF-06463922, a novel, orally available, CNS-penetrant, ATP-competitive small-molecule inhibitor of ALK/ROS1. In vitro, PF-06463922 exhibited subnanomolar cellular potency against oncogenic ROS1 fusions and inhibited the crizotinib-refractory ROS1G2032Rmutation and the ROS1G2026Mgatekeeper mutation. Compared with crizotinib and the second-generation ALK/ROS1 inhibitors ceritinib and alectinib, PF-06463922 showed significantly improved inhibitory activity against ROS1 kinase. A crystal structure of the PF-06463922-ROS1 kinase complex revealed favorable interactions contributing to the high-affinity binding. In vivo, PF-06463922 showed marked antitumor activity in tumor models expressing FIG-ROS1, CD74-ROS1, and the CD74-ROS1G2032Rmutation. Furthermore, PF-06463922 demonstrated antitumor activity in a genetically engineered mouse model of FIG-ROS1 glioblastoma. Taken together, our results indicate that PF-06463922 has potential for treating ROS1 fusion-positive cancers, including those requiring agents with CNS-penetrating properties, as well as for overcoming crizotinib resistance driven by ROS1 mutation.

scholarly journals Simple and large-scale chromosomal engineering of mouse zygotes via in vitro and in vivo electroporation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Iwata ◽  
Hitomi Nakadai ◽  
Daisuke Fukushi ◽  
Mami Jose ◽  
Miki Nagahara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Genome Engineering ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Guide Rna ◽  
Chromosomal Inversions ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
Cas9 Protein ◽  
Mouse Zygotes

Abstract The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has facilitated dramatic progress in the field of genome engineering. Whilst microinjection of the Cas9 protein and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) into mouse zygotes is a widespread method for producing genetically engineered mice, in vitro and in vivo electroporation (which are much more convenient strategies) have recently been developed. However, it remains unknown whether these electroporation methods are able to manipulate genomes at the chromosome level. In the present study, we used these techniques to introduce chromosomal inversions of several megabases (Mb) in length in mouse zygotes. Using in vitro electroporation, we successfully introduced a 7.67 Mb inversion, which is longer than any previously reported inversion produced using microinjection-based methods. Additionally, using in vivo electroporation, we also introduced a long chromosomal inversion by targeting an allele in F1 hybrid mice. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of target-specific chromosomal inversions in mammalian zygotes using electroporation.

scholarly journals S-opsin knockout mice with the endogenous M-opsin gene replaced by an L-opsin variant

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
SCOTT H. GREENWALD ◽  
JAMES A. KUCHENBECKER ◽  
DANIEL K. ROBERSON ◽  
MAUREEN NEITZ ◽  
JAY NEITZ
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Opsin Gene ◽  
Cone Dystrophy ◽  
Vision Disorders ◽  
Exon 2 ◽  
Cone Opsin ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice

AbstractSpecific variants of human long-wavelength (L) and middle-wavelength (M) cone opsin genes have recently been associated with a variety of vision disorders caused by cone malfunction, including red-green color vision deficiency, blue cone monochromacy, myopia, and cone dystrophy. Strikingly, unlike disease-causing mutations in rhodopsin, most of the cone opsin alleles that are associated with vision disorders do not have deleterious point mutations. Instead, specific combinations of normal polymorphisms that arose by genetic recombination between the genes encoding L and M opsins appear to cause disease. Knockout/knock-in mice promise to make it possible to study how these deleterious cone opsin variants affect the structure, function, and viability of the cone photoreceptors. Ideally, we would like to evaluate different variants that cause vision disorders in humans against a control pigment that is not associated with vision disorders, and each variant should be expressed as the sole photopigment in each mouse cone, as is the case in humans. To evaluate the feasibility of this approach, we created a line of mice to serve as the control in the analysis of disease-causing mutations by replacing exon 2 through 6 of the mouse M-opsin gene with the corresponding cDNA for a human L-opsin variant that is associated with normal vision. Experiments reported here establish that the resulting pigment, which differs from the endogenous mouse M opsin at 35 amino acid positions, functions normally in mouse cones. This pigment was evaluated in mice with and without coexpression of the mouse short wavelength (S) opsin. Here, the creation and validation of two lines of genetically engineered mice that can be used to study disease-causing variants of human L/M-opsins, in vivo, are described.

scholarly journals Precision modeling of gall bladder cancer patients in mice based on orthotopic implantation of organoid-derived tumor buds

Oncogenesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shingo Kato ◽  
Kentaro Fushimi ◽  
Yuichiro Yabuki ◽  
Yoshiaki Maru ◽  
Sho Hasegawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gall Bladder ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
Carcinogenesis Models ◽  
Subcutaneous Inoculation

AbstractGenetically engineered mice (GEM) are the gold standard for cancer modeling. However, strict recapitulation of stepwise carcinogenesis from a single tumor-initiating epithelial cell among genetically intact cells in adults is not feasible with the currently available techniques using GEM. In previous studies, we partially overcame this challenge by physically isolating organs from adult animals, followed by genetic engineering in organoids and subcutaneous inoculation in nude mice. Despite the establishment of suitable ex vivo carcinogenesis models for diverse tissues, tumor development remained ectopic and occurred under immunodeficient conditions. Further refinement was, therefore, necessary to establish ideal models. Given the poor prognosis and few models owing to the lack of gall bladder (GB)-specific Cre strain, we assumed that the development of authentic models would considerably benefit GB cancer research. Here, we established a novel model using GB organoids with mutant Kras and Trp53 loss generated in vitro by lentiviral Cre transduction and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, respectively. Organoid-derived subcutaneous tumor fragments were sutured to the outer surface of the GB in syngeneic mice, which developed orthotopic tumors that resembled human GB cancer in histological and transcriptional features. This model revealed the infiltration of similar subsets of immune cells in both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumors, confirming the appropriate immune environment during carcinogenesis. In addition, we accurately validated the in vivo efficacy of gemcitabine, a common therapeutic agent for GB cancer, in large cohorts. Taken together, this model may serve as a promising avatar of patients with GB cancer in drug discovery and precision medicine.

scholarly journals Ultra-strong bio-glue from genetically engineered polypeptides

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Ma ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Yang Feng ◽  
Yao Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Covalent Bond ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Supramolecular Interactions ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
High Adhesion ◽  
Strong Adhesion ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

AbstractThe development of biomedical glues is an important, yet challenging task as seemingly mutually exclusive properties need to be combined in one material, i.e. strong adhesion and adaption to remodeling processes in healing tissue. Here, we report a biocompatible and biodegradable protein-based adhesive with high adhesion strengths. The maximum strength reaches 16.5 ± 2.2 MPa on hard substrates, which is comparable to that of commercial cyanoacrylate superglue and higher than other protein-based adhesives by at least one order of magnitude. Moreover, the strong adhesion on soft tissues qualifies the adhesive as biomedical glue outperforming some commercial products. Robust mechanical properties are realized without covalent bond formation during the adhesion process. A complex consisting of cationic supercharged polypeptides and anionic aromatic surfactants with lysine to surfactant molar ratio of 1:0.9 is driven by multiple supramolecular interactions enabling such strong adhesion. We demonstrate the glue’s robust performance in vitro and in vivo for cosmetic and hemostasis applications and accelerated wound healing by comparison to surgical wound closures.

scholarly journals Compensatory mechanisms in resistant Anopheles gambiae AcerKis and KdrKis neurons modulate insecticide-based mosquito control

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Perrier ◽  
Eléonore Moreau ◽  
Caroline Deshayes ◽  
Marine El-Adouzi ◽  
Delphine Goven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Calcium Concentration ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Compensatory Mechanisms ◽  
Pyrethroid Insecticides

AbstractIn the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, two point mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (ace-1R) and the sodium channel (kdrR) genes confer resistance to organophosphate/carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides, respectively. The mechanisms of compensation that recover the functional alterations associated with these mutations and their role in the modulation of insecticide efficacy are unknown. Using multidisciplinary approaches adapted to neurons isolated from resistant Anopheles gambiae AcerKis and KdrKis strains together with larval bioassays, we demonstrate that nAChRs, and the intracellular calcium concentration represent the key components of an adaptation strategy ensuring neuronal functions maintenance. In AcerKis neurons, the increased effect of acetylcholine related to the reduced acetylcholinesterase activity is compensated by expressing higher density of nAChRs permeable to calcium. In KdrKis neurons, changes in the biophysical properties of the L1014F mutant sodium channel, leading to enhance overlap between activation and inactivation relationships, diminish the resting membrane potential and reduce the fraction of calcium channels available involved in acetylcholine release. Together with the lower intracellular basal calcium concentration observed, these factors increase nAChRs sensitivity to maintain the effect of low concentration of acetylcholine. These results explain the opposite effects of the insecticide clothianidin observed in AcerKis and KdrKis neurons in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Characterization of LDD-2633 as a Novel RET Kinase Inhibitor with Anti-Tumor Effects in Thyroid Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Hyo Jeong Lee ◽  
Pyeonghwa Jeong ◽  
Yeongyu Moon ◽  
Jungil Choi ◽  
Jeong Doo Heo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Carcinoma Cells ◽  
Medullary Thyroid ◽  
Potent Inhibition ◽  
Kinase Inhibitory Activity

Rearranged during transfection (RET), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is activated by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands. Chromosomal rearrangement or point mutations in RET are observed in patients with papillary thyroid and medullary thyroid carcinomas. Oncogenic alteration of RET results in constitutive activation of RET activity. Therefore, inhibiting RET activity has become a target in thyroid cancer therapy. Here, the anti-tumor activity of a novel RET inhibitor was characterized in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells. The indirubin derivative LDD-2633 was tested for RET kinase inhibitory activity. In vitro, LDD-2633 showed potent inhibition of RET kinase activity, with an IC50 of 4.42 nM. The growth of TT thyroid carcinoma cells harboring an RET mutation was suppressed by LDD-2633 treatment via the proliferation suppression and the induction of apoptosis. The effects of LDD-2633 on the RET signaling pathway were examined; LDD-2633 inhibited the phosphorylation of the RET protein and the downstream molecules Shc and ERK1/2. Oral administration of 20 or 40 mg/kg of LDD-2633 induced dose-dependent suppression of TT cell xenograft tumor growth. The in vivo and in vitro experimental results supported the potential use of LDD-2633 as an anticancer drug for thyroid cancers.

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