scholarly journals Hydroxylation of N-acetylneuraminic Acid Influences the in vivo Tropism of N-linked Sialic Acid-Binding Adeno-Associated Viruses AAV1, AAV5, and AAV6

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estrella Lopez-Gordo ◽  
Alejandro Orlowski ◽  
Arthur Wang ◽  
Alan Weinberg ◽  
Susmita Sahoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Sialic Acid ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Acetylneuraminic Acid ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Cytidine Monophosphate

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are promising candidates for gene therapy. However, a number of recent preclinical large animal studies failed to translate into the clinic. This illustrates the formidable challenge of choosing the animal models that promise the best chance of a successful translation into the clinic. Several of the most common AAV serotypes use sialic acid (SIA) as their primary receptor. However, in contrast to most mammals, humans lack the enzyme CMAH, which hydroxylates cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac) into cytidine monophosphate-N-glycolylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Gc). As a result, human glycans only contain Neu5Ac and not Neu5Gc. Here, we investigate the tropism of AAV1, 5, 6 and 9 in wild-type C57BL/6J (WT) and CMAH knock-out (CMAH−/−) mice. All N-linked SIA-binding serotypes (AAV1, 5 and 6) showed significantly lower transduction of the heart in CMAH−/− when compared to WT mice (5–5.8-fold) and, strikingly, skeletal muscle transduction by AAV5 was almost 30-fold higher in CMAH−/− compared to WT mice. Importantly, the AAV tropism or distribution of expression among different organs was also affected. For AAV1, AAV5 and AAV6, expression in the heart compared to the liver was 4.6–8-fold higher in WT than in CMAH−/− mice, and for AAV5 the expression in the heart compared to the skeletal muscle was 57.3-fold higher in WT than in CMAH−/− mice. These data thus strongly suggest that the relative abundance of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc plays a role in AAV tropism, and that results obtained in commonly used animal models might not translate into the clinic.

CRISPR/Cas9 Technology as a Modern Genetic Manipulation Tool for Recapitulating of Neurodegenerative Disorders in Large Animal Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Barazesh ◽  
Shiva Mohammadi ◽  
Yadollah Bahrami ◽  
Pooneh Mokarram ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Morowvat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Large Animal Models

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are often the consequence of alterations in structures and functions of the Central Nervous System [CNS] in patients. Despite obtaining massive genomic information concerning the molecular basis of these diseases and since the neurological disorders are multifactorial, causal connections between pathological pathways at molecular level and CNS disorders development have remained obscure and need to be elucidated to a great extent. Objective: Animal models serve as accessible and valuable tools for understanding and discovering the roles of causative factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and finding appropriate treatments. Contrary to rodents and other small animals, large animals especially non-human primates [NHPs] are remarkably alike humans; hence, they establish suitable models for recapitulating the main human’s neuropathological manifestations that may not be seen in rodent models. Also, they serve as useful models to discover effective therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders due to their similarity to humans in terms of physiology, evolutionary distance, anatomy, and behavior. Method: In this review, we recommend different strategies based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system for generating animal models of human neurodegenerative disorders and explain in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 delivery procedures of that are applied to disease models for therapeutic purposes. Results: With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 as a modern specific gene-editing technology in the field of genetic engineering, genetic modification procedures such as gene knock-in and knock-out have become increasingly easier compared to traditional gene targeting techniques. Unlike the old techniques, this versatile technology can efficiently generate transgenic large animal models without need to complicate lab instruments. Hence, these animals can accurately replicate the signs of neurodegenerative disorders. Conclusion: Preclinical applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology supply a unique opportunity to establish animal models of neurodegenerative disorders with high accuracy and facilitate perspectives for breakthroughs in the research on the nervous system disease therapy and drug discovery. Furthermore, the useful outcomes of CRISPR applications in various clinical phases are hopeful for their translation to the clinic in a short time.

scholarly journals Effects of Ultra-Low-Dose Aspirin in Thrombosis and Haemorrhage

Homeopathy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 108 (03) ◽  
pp. 158-168
Author(s):  
Francisco Xavier Eizayaga ◽  
Philippe Belon ◽  
Vanessa Desplat ◽  
Omar Aguejouf ◽  
Christian Doutremepuich
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Animal Models Of Disease ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Pharmacologically Active ◽  
The University

Background Aspirin is the oldest and possibly the most widely used pharmacologically active substance still used in allopathic medicine. Its effect on fever and inflammation has paved the way to its anti-thrombotic effect. Dilutions of aspirin have been tested for many years in the University of Bordeaux, in humans as well as in animal models. Methods This article is a review of the totality of articles published by the Laboratory of Hematology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Bordeaux, reporting different doses and dilutions of aspirin, different kinds of inhibitors, transgenic mice and animal models of disease such as portal hypertension and cirrhosis. Results Homeopathic dilutions of aspirin, notably 15 cH, have shown a pro-thrombotic effect in humans and in in-vivo animal studies. Longitudinal studies in rats have also shown an initial anti-thrombotic effect followed by a pro-thrombotic effect of aspirin several days after a single high-dose administration. This pro-thrombotic effect seems to act by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway in studies performed with COX selective inhibitors and in knock-out mice without COX-1 or COX-2. This effect may explain the thrombo-embolic complications described after aspirin withdrawal for the purposes of surgery or after non-compliance with anti-platelet therapy, and it may be beneficial in normalising primary haemostasis and decreasing haemorrhage in animal models of portal hypertension and cirrhosis. Conclusions Aspirin 15 cH acts through the inhibition of the COX-2 pathway producing a clear pro-thrombotic effect. Further studies should clarify if the pro-thrombotic effect of aspirin withdrawal and the effect of aspirin 15 cH are related, as secondary effects of the same drug. Clarifying this last outcome may be of great significance to public health.

scholarly journals Large Animal Models for Investigating Cell Therapies of Stress Urinary Incontinence

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 6092
Author(s):  
Bastian Amend ◽  
Niklas Harland ◽  
Jasmin Knoll ◽  
Arnulf Stenzl ◽  
Wilhelm K. Aicher
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Stress Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Surgical Instruments ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Cell Therapies ◽  
Large Animal Models

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant health concern for patients affected, impacting their quality of life severely. To investigate mechanisms contributing to SUI different animal models were developed. Incontinence was induced under defined conditions to explore the pathomechanisms involved, spontaneous recovery, or efficacy of therapies over time. The animal models were coined to mimic known SUI risk factors such as childbirth or surgical injury. However, animal models neither reflect the human situation completely nor the multiple mechanisms that ultimately contribute to the pathogenesis of SUI. In the past, most SUI animal studies took advantage of rodents or rabbits. Recent models present for instance transgenic rats developing severe obesity, to investigate metabolic interrelations between the disorder and incontinence. Using recombinant gene technologies, such as transgenic, gene knock-out or CRISPR-Cas animals may narrow the gap between the model and the clinical situation of patients. However, to investigate surgical regimens or cell therapies to improve or even cure SUI, large animal models such as pig, goat, dog and others provide several advantages. Among them, standard surgical instruments can be employed for minimally invasive transurethral diagnoses and therapies. We, therefore, focus in this review on large animal models of SUI.

scholarly journals Review: Tissue Engineering of Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts and Their In Vivo Evaluation in Large Animals and Humans

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 713
Author(s):  
Shu Fang ◽  
Ditte Gry Ellman ◽  
Ditte Caroline Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Vascular Grafts ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Large Animal Models ◽  
Graft Outcome ◽  
Limited Success ◽  
Large Animals

To date, a wide range of materials, from synthetic to natural or a mixture of these, has been explored, modified, and examined as small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (SD-TEVGs) for tissue regeneration either in vitro or in vivo. However, very limited success has been achieved due to mechanical failure, thrombogenicity or intimal hyperplasia, and improvements of the SD-TEVG design are thus required. Here, in vivo studies investigating novel and relative long (10 times of the inner diameter) SD-TEVGs in large animal models and humans are identified and discussed, with emphasis on graft outcome based on model- and graft-related conditions. Only a few types of synthetic polymer-based SD-TEVGs have been evaluated in large-animal models and reflect limited success. However, some polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), show favorable biocompatibility and potential to be further modified and improved in the form of hybrid grafts. Natural polymer- and cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM)-based SD-TEVGs tested in large animals still fail due to a weak strength or thrombogenicity. Similarly, native ECM-based SD-TEVGs and in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs that contain xenogeneic molecules or matrix seem related to a harmful graft outcome. In contrast, allogeneic native ECM-based SD-TEVGs, in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs with allogeneic banked human cells or isolated autologous stem cells, and in-body tissue architecture (IBTA)-based SD-TEVGs seem to be promising for the future, since they are suitable in dimension, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and availability.

scholarly journals N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid in Animal Models for Human Influenza A Virus

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 815
Author(s):  
Cindy M. Spruit ◽  
Nikoloz Nemanichvili ◽  
Masatoshi Okamatsu ◽  
Hiromu Takematsu ◽  
Geert-Jan Boons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sialic Acid ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Human Influenza ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Sialic Acid Content ◽  
Acetylneuraminic Acid

The first step in influenza virus infection is the binding of hemagglutinin to sialic acid-containing glycans present on the cell surface. Over 50 different sialic acid modifications are known, of which N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) are the two main species. Animal models with α2,6 linked Neu5Ac in the upper respiratory tract, similar to humans, are preferred to enable and mimic infection with unadapted human influenza A viruses. Animal models that are currently most often used to study human influenza are mice and ferrets. Additionally, guinea pigs, cotton rats, Syrian hamsters, tree shrews, domestic swine, and non-human primates (macaques and marmosets) are discussed. The presence of NeuGc and the distribution of sialic acid linkages in the most commonly used models is summarized and experimentally determined. We also evaluated the role of Neu5Gc in infection using Neu5Gc binding viruses and cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH)-/- knockout mice, which lack Neu5Gc and concluded that Neu5Gc is unlikely to be a decoy receptor. This article provides a base for choosing an appropriate animal model. Although mice are one of the most favored models, they are hardly naturally susceptible to infection with human influenza viruses, possibly because they express mainly α2,3 linked sialic acids with both Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc modifications. We suggest using ferrets, which resemble humans closely in the sialic acid content, both in the linkages and the lack of Neu5Gc, lung organization, susceptibility, and disease pathogenesis.

Abstract 121: Development of Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Mammalian Models of Barth Syndrome

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Dinca ◽  
Wei-Ming Chien ◽  
Michael Chin
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Barth Syndrome ◽  
Protein Therapy ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Enzyme Replacement ◽  
C Terminus

Barth Syndrome (BTHS) is caused by a single gene mutation in the mitochondrial transacylase, tafazzin (TAZ), which results in impaired lipid metabolism leading to dysfunction in highly energetic tissues such as the heart and skeletal muscle. TAZ remodels the signature mitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), which is responsible for providing support to the electron transport chain. BTHS patients suffer from growth deficiencies, cardiomyopathy, hypotonia and neutropenia. Currently, treatment for patients with BTHS is supportive, seeking to ameliorate rather than prevent heart problems, skeletal muscle problems and recurring infections. Protein therapy, on the other hand, might treat and even prevent cardiac, skeletal muscle as well as infection-related morbidities. We designed a recombinant TAZ protein containing a cell penetrating peptide in its C-terminus, which enables the recombinant TAZ to penetrate cells and then treated TAZ-deficient cells with it. We tested the permeability of the recombinant protein by direct delivery to H9C2 cardiomyoblasts and found that the protein is successfully taken up by the cells. We have generated a CRISPR-mediated TAZ knock out cardiomyoblast cell line and we found that TAZ knock out cells show a decrease in oxygen consumption as compared to the wild type cells; this is consistent with data from BTHS patient-derived cells. We are using this cell line to assess the enzymatic activity of the delivered protein by conducting mitochondrial respiration measurements. We have also acquired a mouse model of BTHS and are testing the recombinant TAZ in vivo. Preliminary data shows an augmentation in oxygen consumption following treatment with TAZ. These results indicate that the protein is able to reach the mitochondria, where it is enzymatically active and able to enhance respiration. As the protein is able to rescue respiration in cells in which tafazzin was absent, this suggests that our approach should not only be able to prevent onset of symptoms, but also rescue the phenotype in already affected tissues.

scholarly journals Neuromuscular Development and Disease: Learning From in vitro and in vivo Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Fralish ◽  
Ethan M. Lotz ◽  
Taylor Chavez ◽  
Alastair Khodabukus ◽  
Nenad Bursac
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Small Animal Models

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.

scholarly journals Large Animal Studies to Reduce the Foreign Body Reaction in Brain–Computer Interfaces: A Systematic Review

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 275
Author(s):  
Shan Yasin Mian ◽  
Jonathan Roy Honey ◽  
Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte ◽  
Damiano Giuseppe Barone
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Body ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Foreign Body Reaction ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Brain Computer Interfaces ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Electrode Insertion

Brain–computer interfaces (BCI) are reliant on the interface between electrodes and neurons to function. The foreign body reaction (FBR) that occurs in response to electrodes in the brain alters this interface and may pollute detected signals, ultimately impeding BCI function. The size of the FBR is influenced by several key factors explored in this review; namely, (a) the size of the animal tested, (b) anatomical location of the BCI, (c) the electrode morphology and coating, (d) the mechanics of electrode insertion, and (e) pharmacological modification (e.g., drug eluting electrodes). Trialing methods to reduce FBR in vivo, particularly in large models, is important to enable further translation in humans, and we systematically reviewed the literature to this effect. The OVID, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Scholar databases were searched. Compiled results were analysed qualitatively. Out of 8388 yielded articles, 13 were included for analysis, with most excluded studies experimenting on murine models. Cats, rabbits, and a variety of breeds of minipig/marmoset were trialed. On average, over 30% reduction in inflammatory cells of FBR on post mortem histology was noted across intervention groups. Similar strategies to those used in rodent models, including tip modification and flexible and sinusoidal electrode configurations, all produced good effects in histology; however, a notable absence of trials examining the effect on BCI end-function was noted. Future studies should assess whether the reduction in FBR correlates to an improvement in the functional effect of the intended BCI.

scholarly journals Consequences of mitral valve prolapse on chordal tension: Ex vivo and in vivo studies in large animal models

2011 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
pp. 1585-1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Granier ◽  
Morten O. Jensen ◽  
Jesper L. Honge ◽  
Alain Bel ◽  
Philippe Menasché ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Mitral Valve Prolapse ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Large Animal Models

scholarly journals Establishment and Characterization of a Multi-Purpose Large Animal Exposure Chamber for Investigating Health Effects

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinze Peng ◽  
Mia R. Maltz ◽  
Jon K. Botthoff ◽  
Emma L. Aronson ◽  
Tara M. Nordgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Exposure Chamber ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Uniform Dispersion ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Animal Exposure

Air pollution poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. Most in-vivo health studies conducted regarding air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) and gas phase pollutants, have been either through traditional medical intranasal treatment or using a tiny chamber, which limit animal activities. In this study, we designed and tested a large, whole-body, multiple animal exposure chamber with uniform dispersion and exposure stability for animal studies. The chamber simultaneously controls particle size distribution and PM mass concentration. Two different methods were used to generate aerosol suspension through either soluble material (Alternaria extract), liquid particle suspension (Nanosilica solution) or dry powder (silica powder). We demonstrate that the chamber system provides well controlled and characterized whole animal exposures, where dosage is by inhalation of particulate matter.

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