Interpreting Neonatal Lethal Phenotypes in Mouse Mutants: Insights Into Gene Function and Human Diseases

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Turgeon ◽  
Sylvain Meloche
Keyword(s):  
Gene Function ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Phenotypic Analysis ◽  
Mouse Mutants ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Neonatal Lethality ◽  
The Impact

The mouse represents the model of choice to study the biological function of mammalian genes through mutation of its genome. However, the biggest challenge of mouse geneticists remains the phenotypic analysis of mouse mutants. A survey of mouse mutant databases reveals a surprisingly high number of gene mutations leading to neonatal death. These genetically modified mouse mutants have been instrumental in elucidating gene function and have become important models of congenital human diseases. The main complication when phenotyping mutant mice dying during the neonatal period is the large spectrum of physiological systems whose defects can challenge neonatal survival. Here, we present a comprehensive review of gene mutations leading to neonatal lethality and discuss the impact of these mutations on the major physiological processes critical to mouse newborn survival: parturition, breathing, suckling, and homeostasis. Selected examples of mouse mutants are highlighted to illustrate how the precise identification of the timing and cause of death associated with these physiological processes allows for a more profound understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular defects. This review provides a guide for the analysis of neonatal lethal phenotypes in mutant mice that will be helpful for dissecting out the function of specific genes during mouse development.

scholarly journals Essential Nonredundant Function of the Catalytic Activity of Histone Deacetylase 2 in Mouse Development

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Hagelkruys ◽  
Katharina Mattes ◽  
Verena Moos ◽  
Magdalena Rennmayr ◽  
Manuela Ringbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Deacetylases ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Dominant Negative Effect ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Histone Deacetylase 2 ◽  
Histone Hyperacetylation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

The class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) HDAC1 and HDAC2 play partially redundant roles in the regulation of gene expression and mouse development. As part of multisubunit corepressor complexes, these two deacetylases exhibit both enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions. To examine the impact of the catalytic activities of HDAC1 and HDAC2, we generated knock-in mice expressing catalytically inactive isoforms, which are still incorporated into the HDAC1/HDAC2 corepressor complexes. Surprisingly, heterozygous mice expressing catalytically inactive HDAC2 die within a few hours after birth, while heterozygous HDAC1 mutant mice are indistinguishable from wild-type littermates. Heterozygous HDAC2 mutant mice show an unaltered composition but reduced associated deacetylase activity of corepressor complexes and exhibit a more severe phenotype than HDAC2-null mice. They display changes in brain architecture accompanied by premature expression of the key regulator protein kinase C delta. Our study reveals a dominant negative effect of catalytically inactive HDAC2 on specific corepressor complexes resulting in histone hyperacetylation, transcriptional derepression, and, ultimately, perinatal lethality.

scholarly journals Early loss of Scribble affects cortical development, interhemispheric connectivity and psychomotor activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Ezan ◽  
Maité M. Moreau ◽  
Tamrat M. Mamo ◽  
Miki Shimbo ◽  
Maureen Decroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Planar Cell Polarity ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Activity Impairment ◽  
Psychomotor Activity ◽  
Mouse Mutants ◽  
Interhemispheric Connectivity ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

AbstractNeurodevelopmental disorders arise from combined defects in processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and commissure formation. The evolutionarily conserved tumor-suppressor protein Scribble (Scrib) serves as a nexus to transduce signals for the establishment of apicobasal and planar cell polarity during these processes. Human SCRIB gene mutations are associated with neural tube defects and this gene is located in the minimal critical region deleted in the rare Verheij syndrome. In this study, we generated brain-specific conditional cKO mouse mutants and assessed the impact of the Scrib deletion on brain morphogenesis and behavior. We showed that embryonic deletion of Scrib in the telencephalon leads to cortical thickness reduction (microcephaly) and partial corpus callosum and hippocampal commissure agenesis. We correlated these phenotypes with a disruption in various developmental mechanisms of corticogenesis including neurogenesis, neuronal migration and axonal connectivity. Finally, we show that Scrib cKO mice have psychomotor deficits such as locomotor activity impairment and memory alterations. Altogether, our results show that Scrib is essential for early brain development due to its role in several developmental cellular mechanisms that could underlie some of the deficits observed in complex neurodevelopmental pathologies.

scholarly journals Early loss of Scribble affects cortical development and interhemispheric connectivity resulting in psychomotor dysregulation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Ezan ◽  
Maité M. Moreau ◽  
Tamrat M. Mamo ◽  
Miki Shimbo ◽  
Maureen Decroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Planar Cell Polarity ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Axonal Guidance ◽  
Activity Impairment ◽  
Mouse Mutants ◽  
Interhemispheric Connectivity ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Early Brain Development ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

AbstractNeurodevelopmental disorders arise from combined defects in processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and commissure formation. The evolutionarily conserved tumor-suppressor protein Scribble (Scrib) serves as a nexus to transduce signals for the establishment of apicobasal and planar cell polarity during these processes. Human SCRIB gene mutations are associated with neural tube defects and this gene is located in the minimal critical region deleted in the rare Verheij syndrome. In this study, we generated brain-specific conditional cKO mouse mutants and assessed the impact of the Scrib deletion on brain morphogenesis and behavior. We showed that embryonic deletion of Scrib in the telencephalon leads to cortical thickness reduction (microcephaly) and alteration of interhemispheric connectivity (corpus callosum and hippocampal commissure agenesis). We correlated these phenotypes with the identification of novel roles for Scrib, both cell- and non-cell-autonomous, on neuronal migration and axonal guidance respectively. Finally, we show that Scrib cKO mice have psychomotor deficits such as locomotor activity impairment and memory alterations. Altogether, we show that Scrib is essential for early brain development and that the outcomes of its brain-specific disruption support a direct or indirect participation of Scrib to neurodevelopmental pathologies.

Reproductive performance in female ClockΔ19 mutant mice

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 801 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Kennaway ◽  
Michael J. Boden ◽  
Athena Voultsios
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Gene Function ◽  
Clock Gene ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Control Line ◽  
Cba Mice ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between circadian rhythmicity and rodent reproductive cyclicity is well established, but the impact of disrupted clock gene function on reproduction has not been well established. The present study evaluated the reproductive performance of mice carrying the ClockΔ19 mutation that were either melatonin deficient (ClockΔ19/Δ19) or had the capacity to synthesise melatonin reinstated (ClockΔ19/Δ19+MEL). The ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice took 2–3 days longer to mate, and to subsequently deliver pups, than their control line. The melatonin-competent mutants had a smaller, but still significant (P < 0.05), delay. The ClockΔ19 mutation resulted in smaller median litter sizes compared with control lines (seven v. eight pups; P < 0.05), whereas melatonin proficiency reversed this difference. Survival to weaning was 84% and 80% for the ClockΔ19/Δ19 and ClockΔ19/Δ19+MEL lines, respectively, compared with 94–96% for the two control lines. The ClockΔ19/Δ19 mutants became behaviourally arrhythmic in constant darkness but, despite this, seven of seven became pregnant when paired with males after at least 14 days of constant darkness (five of seven within 4 days of pairing). In the ClockΔ19/Δ19+MEL mice, seven of 15 became arrhythmic in constant darkness but still became pregnant. The seven mice that free ran for at least 14 days in constant darkness with a period of 27.1 h also became pregnant. The present study has demonstrated that the ClockΔ19 mutation has significant, but subtle, effects on reproductive performance. The reintroduction of melatonin competency and/or other genes as a result of crosses with CBA mice reduced the impact of the mutation further. It would appear that redundancy in genes in the circadian system allows the reproductive cyclicity to persist in mice, albeit at a suboptimal level.

1033 REDUCING NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS BY BALANCING THE NITROGEN SULFUR RATIO

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 576d-576
Author(s):  
Ellen T. Paparozzi
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Contamination ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Consumer Acceptance ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Plans

Fertilizer particularly nitrogen is part of the concern about groundwater contamination. Many floricultural and ornamental plants do not need the high rates of nitrogen that are typically recommended. However, whenever one alters the quantity of a given nutrient the overall nutrient balance, as well as other physiological processes, changes. A brief overview of our research on poinsettias, roses, and chrysanthemums will be presented. Suggested ratios, critical S levels and nutrient problems associated with incorrect balances will be shared. Limitations due to statistical methods and the impact nutrient balance has on certain plant processes such as flowering and coloring and thus, consumer acceptance will be summarized. Future plans in this area may focus on the need for new statistical techniques, nutrient acquisition by roots and consumer perceptions of plant quality.

scholarly journals Generation and Characterization of dickkopf3 Mutant Mice

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 2317-2326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan del Barco Barrantes ◽  
Ana Montero-Pedrazuela ◽  
Ana Guadaño-Ferraz ◽  
Maria-Jesus Obregon ◽  
Raquel Martinez de Mena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Lung Ventilation ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Phenotypic Analysis ◽  
Thyroid Hormone Metabolism ◽  
Hormone Binding Protein ◽  
Deficient Mice

ABSTRACT dickkopf (dkk) genes encode a small family of secreted Wnt antagonists, except for dkk3, which is divergent and whose function is poorly understood. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of dkk3 mutant mice. dkk3-deficient mice are viable and fertile. Phenotypic analysis shows no major alterations in organ morphology, physiology, and most clinical chemistry parameters. Since Dkk3 was proposed to function as thyroid hormone binding protein, we have analyzed deiodinase activities, as well as thyroid hormone levels. Mutant mice are euthyroid, and the data do not support a relationship of dkk3 with thyroid hormone metabolism. Altered phenotypes in dkk3 mutant mice were observed in the frequency of NK cells, immunoglobulin M, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, as well as lung ventilation. Furthermore, dkk3-deficient mice display hyperactivity.

A Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist Induces Skin and Hair Pigmentation in Patients with Monogenic Mutations in the Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Varvara Kanti ◽  
Lia Puder ◽  
Irina Jahnke ◽  
Philipp Maximilian Krabusch ◽  
Jan Kottner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leptin Receptor ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Continuous Treatment ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Hair Color ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

<b><i>Background and Objectives:</i></b> Gene mutations within the leptin-melanocortin signaling pathway lead to severe early-onset obesity. Recently, a phase 2 trial evaluated new pharmacological treatment options with the MC4R agonist <i>setmelanotide</i> in patients with mutations in the genes encoding proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and leptin receptor (LEPR). During treatment with <i>setmelanotide,</i> changes in skin pigmentation were observed, probably due to off-target effects on the closely related melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Here, we describe in detail the findings of dermatological examinations and measurements of skin pigmentation during this treatment over time and discuss the impact of these changes on patient safety. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In an investigator-initiated, phase 2, open-label pilot study, 2 patients with loss-of-function POMC gene mutations and 3 patients with loss-of-function variants in LEPR were treated with the MC4R agonist <i>setmelanotide</i>. Dermatological examination, dermoscopy, whole body photographic documentation, and spectrophotometric measurements were performed at screening visit and approximately every 3 months during the course of the study. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We report the results of a maximum treatment duration of 46 months. Skin pigmentation increased in all treated patients, as confirmed by spectrophotometry. During continuous treatment, the current results indicate that elevated tanning intensity levels may stabilize over time. Lips and nevi also darkened. In red-haired study participants, hair color changed to brown after initiation of <i>setmelanotide</i> treatment. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> <i>Setmelanotide</i> treatment leads to skin tanning and occasionally hair color darkening in both POMC- and LEPR-deficient patients. No malignant skin changes were observed in the patients of this study. However, the results highlight the importance of regular skin examinations before and during MC4R agonist treatment.

scholarly journals Synthesis and Biological Activity of Brassinosteroid Analogues with a Nitrogen-Containing Side Chain

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Mikhail V. Diachkov ◽  
Karoll Ferrer ◽  
Jana Oklestkova ◽  
Lucie Rarova ◽  
Vaclav Bazgier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Short Side ◽  
Arabidopsis Root ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Brassinosteroid Analogues

Brassinosteroids are a class of plant hormones that regulate a broad range of physiological processes such as plant growth, development and immunity, including the suppression of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this paper, we report the synthesis of new brassinosteroid analogues with a nitrogen-containing side chain and their biological activity on Arabidopis thaliana. Based on molecular docking experiments, two groups of brassinosteroid analogues were prepared with short and long side chains in order to study the impact of side chain length on plants. The derivatives with a short side chain were prepared with amide, amine and ammonium functional groups. The derivatives with a long side chain were synthesized using amide and ammonium functional groups. A total of 25 new brassinosteroid analogues were prepared. All 25 compounds were tested in an Arabidopsis root sensitivity bioassay and cytotoxicity screening. The synthesized substances showed no significant inhibitory activity compared to natural 24-epibrassinolide. In contrast, in low concentration, several compounds (8a, 8b, 8e, 16e, 22a and 22e) showed interesting growth-promoting activity. The cytotoxicity assay showed no toxicity of the prepared compounds on cancer and normal cell lines.

scholarly journals Current insights into the implications of m6A RNA methylation and autophagy interaction in human diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuechai Chen ◽  
Jianan Wang ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Fangfang Zhang ◽  
Yuanyuan Ran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Rna Modification ◽  
Rna Methylation ◽  
M6a Rna Methylation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAutophagy is a conserved degradation process crucial to maintaining the primary function of cellular and organismal metabolism. Impaired autophagy could develop numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, and the fate of m6A modified transcripts is controlled by m6A RNA binding proteins. m6A modification influences mRNA alternative splicing, stability, translation, and subcellular localization. Intriguingly, recent studies show that m6A RNA methylation could alter the expression of essential autophagy-related (ATG) genes and influence the autophagy function. Thus, both m6A modification and autophagy could play a crucial role in the onset and progression of various human diseases. In this review, we summarize the latest studies describing the impact of m6A modification in autophagy regulation and discuss the role of m6A modification-autophagy axis in different human diseases, including obesity, heart disease, azoospermatism or oligospermatism, intervertebral disc degeneration, and cancer. The comprehensive understanding of the m6A modification and autophagy interplay may help in interpreting their impact on human diseases and may aid in devising future therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals Zinc limitation in Klebsiella pneumoniae profiled by quantitative proteomics influences transcriptional regulation and cation transporter-associated capsule production

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Sukumaran ◽  
S. Pladwig ◽  
J. Geddes-McAlister
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Metal Ion ◽  
Ion Homeostasis ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Phenotypic Analysis ◽  
Metal Ion Homeostasis ◽  
Capsule Production ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Microbial organisms encounter a variety of environmental conditions, including changes to metal ion availability. Metal ions play an important role in many biological processes for growth and survival. As such, microbes alter their cellular protein levels and secretion patterns in adaptation to a changing environment. This study focuses on Klebsiella pneumoniae, an opportunistic bacterium responsible for nosocomial infections. By using K. pneumoniae, we aim to determine how a nutrient-limited environment (e.g., zinc depletion) modulates the cellular proteome and secretome of the bacterium. By testing virulence in vitro, we provide novel insight into bacterial responses to limited environments in the presence of the host. Results Analysis of intra- and extracellular changes identified 2380 proteins from the total cellular proteome (cell pellet) and 246 secreted proteins (supernatant). Specifically, HutC, a repressor of the histidine utilization operon, showed significantly increased abundance under zinc-replete conditions, which coincided with an expected reduction in expression of genes within the hut operon from our validating qRT-PCR analysis. Additionally, we characterized a putative cation transport regulator, ChaB that showed significantly higher abundance under zinc-replete vs. -limited conditions, suggesting a role in metal ion homeostasis. Phenotypic analysis of a chaB deletion strain demonstrated a reduction in capsule production, zinc-dependent growth and ion utilization, and reduced virulence when compared to the wild-type strain. Conclusions This is first study to comprehensively profile the impact of zinc availability on the proteome and secretome of K. pneumoniae and uncover a novel connection between zinc transport and capsule production in the bacterial system.

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