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Tozaki T, Ohnuma A, Nakamura K, Hano K, Takasu M, Takahashi Y, Tamura N, Sato F, Shimizu K, Kikuchi M, Ishige T, Kakoi H, Hirota KI, Hamilton NA, Nagata SI. Detection of Indiscriminate Genetic Manipulation in Thoroughbred Racehorses by Targeted Resequencing for Gene-Doping Control. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091589. [PMID: 36140757 PMCID: PMC9498419 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The creation of genetically modified horses is prohibited in horse racing as it falls under the banner of gene doping. In this study, we developed a test to detect gene editing based on amplicon sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We designed 1012 amplicons to target 52 genes (481 exons) and 147 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). NGS analyses showed that 97.7% of the targeted exons were sequenced to sufficient coverage (depth > 50) for calling variants. The targets of artificial editing were defined as homozygous alternative (HomoALT) and compound heterozygous alternative (ALT1/ALT2) insertion/deletion (INDEL) mutations in this study. Four models of gene editing (three homoALT with 1-bp insertions, one REF/ALT with 77-bp deletion) were constructed by editing the myostatin gene in horse fibroblasts using CRISPR/Cas9. The edited cells and 101 samples from thoroughbred horses were screened using the developed test, which was capable of identifying the three homoALT cells containing 1-bp insertions. Furthermore, 147 SNVs were investigated for their utility in confirming biological parentage. Of these, 120 SNVs were amenable to consistent and accurate genotyping. Surrogate (nonbiological) dams were excluded by 9.8 SNVs on average, indicating that the 120 SNV could be used to detect foals that have been produced by somatic cloning or embryo transfer, two practices that are prohibited in thoroughbred racing and breeding. These results indicate that gene-editing tests that include variant calling and SNV genotyping are useful to identify genetically modified racehorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruaki Tozaki
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Aoi Ohnuma
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
| | - Kotono Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuki Hano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masaki Takasu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Japan
| | - Norihisa Tamura
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Japan
| | - Fumio Sato
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Japan
| | - Kyo Shimizu
- Registration Department, Japan Association for International Racing and Stud Book, 4-5-4, Shimbashi, Minato, Tokyo 105-0004, Japan
| | - Mio Kikuchi
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
| | - Taichiro Ishige
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
| | - Hironaga Kakoi
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
| | - Kei-ichi Hirota
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
| | - Natasha A. Hamilton
- Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, 2 Randwick Way, Scone, NSW 2337, Australia
| | - Shun-ichi Nagata
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya 320-0851, Japan
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Use of Genome Editing Techniques to Produce Transgenic Farm Animals. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1354:279-297. [PMID: 34807447 PMCID: PMC9810480 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are essential for the treatment and diagnosis of clinical human ailments. The availability and biological activity of recombinant proteins is heavily influenced by production platforms. Conventional production platforms such as yeast, bacteria, and mammalian cells have biological and economical challenges. Transgenic livestock species have been explored as an alternative production platform for recombinant proteins, predominantly through milk secretion; the strategy has been demonstrated to produce large quantities of biologically active proteins. The major limitation of utilizing livestock species as bioreactors has been efforts required to alter the genome of livestock. Advancements in the genome editing field have drastically improved the ability to genetically engineer livestock species. Specifically, genome editing tools such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system have lowered efforts required to generate genetically engineered livestock, thus minimizing restrictions on the type of genetic modification in livestock. In this review, we discuss characteristics of transgenic animal bioreactors and how the use of genome editing systems enhances design and availability of the animal models.
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Song J, Zhang J, Xu J, Garcia-Barrio M, Chen YE, Yang D. Genome engineering technologies in rabbits. J Biomed Res 2021; 35:135-147. [PMID: 32934190 PMCID: PMC8038526 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.34.20190133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit has been recognized as a valuable model in various biomedical and biological research fields because of its intermediate size and phylogenetic proximity to primates. However, the technology for precise genome manipulations in rabbit has been stalled for decades, severely limiting its applications in biomedical research. Novel genome editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, have remarkably enhanced precise genome manipulation in rabbits, and shown their superiority and promise for generating rabbit models of human genetic diseases. In this review, we summarize the brief history of transgenic rabbit technology and the development of novel genome editing technologies in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Song
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Minerva Garcia-Barrio
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Detection of non-targeted transgenes by whole-genome resequencing for gene-doping control. Gene Ther 2020; 28:199-205. [PMID: 32770095 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-00185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene doping has raised concerns in human and equestrian sports and the horseracing industry. There are two possible types of gene doping in the sports and racing industry: (1) administration of a gene-doping substance to postnatal animals and (2) generation of genetically engineered animals by modifying eggs. In this study, we aimed to identify genetically engineered animals by whole-genome resequencing (WGR) for gene-doping control. Transgenic cell lines, in which the erythropoietin gene (EPO) cDNA form was inserted into the genome of horse fibroblasts, were constructed as a model of genetically modified horse. Genome-wide screening of non-targeted transgenes was performed to find structural variation using DELLY based on split-read and paired-end algorithms and Control-FREEC based on read-depth algorithm. We detected the EPO transgene as an intron deletion in the WGR data by the split-read algorithm of DELLY. In addition, single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions artificially introduced in the EPO transgene were identified by WGR. Therefore, genome-wide screening using WGR can contribute to gene-doping control even if the targets are unknown. This is the first study to detect transgenes as intron deletions for gene-doping detection.
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Afanassieff M, Perold F, Bouchereau W, Cadiou A, Beaujean N. Embryo-derived and induced pluripotent stem cells: Towards naive pluripotency and chimeric competency in rabbits. Exp Cell Res 2020; 389:111908. [PMID: 32057751 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Both embryo-derived (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been established in rabbit. They exhibit the essential characteristics of primed pluripotency. In this review, we described their characteristic features at both molecular and functional levels. We also described the attempts to reprogram rabbit pluripotent stem cells (rbPSCs) toward the naive state of pluripotency using methods established previously to capture this state in rodents and primates. In the last section, we described and discussed our current knowledge of rabbit embryo development pertaining to the mechanisms of early lineage segregation. We argued that the molecular signature of naive-state pluripotency differs between mice and rabbits. We finally discussed some of the key issues to be addressed for capturing the naive state in rbPSCs, including the generation of embryo/PSC chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Afanassieff
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, F-69500, Bron, France.
| | - Florence Perold
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, F-69500, Bron, France
| | - Wilhelm Bouchereau
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, F-69500, Bron, France
| | - Antoine Cadiou
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, F-69500, Bron, France
| | - Nathalie Beaujean
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, F-69500, Bron, France
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Lee JG, Sung YH, Baek IJ. Generation of genetically-engineered animals using engineered endonucleases. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 41:885-897. [PMID: 29777358 PMCID: PMC6153862 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The key to successful drug discovery and development is to find the most suitable animal model of human diseases for the preclinical studies. The recent emergence of engineered endonucleases is allowing for efficient and precise genome editing, which can be used to develop potentially useful animal models for human diseases. In particular, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat systems are revolutionizing the generation of diverse genetically-engineered experimental animals including mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, and even non-human primates that are commonly used for preclinical studies of the drug discovery. Here, we describe recent advances in engineered endonucleases and their application in various laboratory animals. We also discuss the importance of genome editing in animal models for more closely mimicking human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, ConveRgence mEDIcine research cenTer (CREDIT), Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Wei R, Zhao X, Hao H, Du W, Zhu H. Embryonic stem-like cells from rabbit blastocysts cultured with melatonin could differentiate into three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:1003-1014. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruxue Wei
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS); Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); Beijing P.R. China
| | - Xueming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS); Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); Beijing P.R. China
| | - Haisheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS); Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); Beijing P.R. China
| | - Weihua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS); Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); Beijing P.R. China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS); Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); Beijing P.R. China
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8
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Intawicha P, Siriboon C, Chen CH, Chiu YT, Lin TA, Kere M, Lo NW, Lee KH, Chang LY, Chiang HI, Ju JC. Derivation and characterization of putative embryonic stem cells from cloned rabbit embryos. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1799-810. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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9
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The potential impact of new generation transgenic methods on creating rabbit models of cardiac diseases. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 121:123-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Popken J, Dahlhoff M, Guengoer T, Wolf E, Zakhartchenko V. 3D structured illumination microscopy of mammalian embryos and spermatozoa. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 15:46. [PMID: 26610350 PMCID: PMC4661982 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy performed via 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) is well established on flat, adherent cells. However, blastomeres of mammalian embryos are non-adherent, round and large. Scanning whole mount mammalian embryos with 3D-SIM is prone to failure due to the movement during scanning and the large distance to the cover glass. Results Here we present a highly detailed protocol that allows performing 3D-SIM on blastomeres of mammalian embryos with an image quality comparable to scans in adherent cells. This protocol was successfully tested on mouse, rabbit and cattle embryos and on rabbit spermatozoa. Conclusions Our protocol provides detailed instructions on embryo staining, blastomere isolation, blastomere attachment, embedding, correct oil predictions, scanning conditions, and oil correction choices after the first scan. Finally, the most common problems are documented and solutions are suggested. To our knowledge, this protocol presents for the first time a highly detailed and practical way to perform 3D-SIM on mammalian embryos and spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Popken
- Division of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Biocenter, LMU Munich, Grosshaderner Str. 2, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. .,Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tuna Guengoer
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany. .,Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Hackerstr. 27, D-85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
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11
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Yin M, Jiang W, Fang Z, Kong P, Xing F, Li Y, Chen X, Li S. Generation of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene knockout rabbits by homologous recombination and gene trapping through somatic cell nuclear transfer. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16023. [PMID: 26522387 PMCID: PMC4629196 DOI: 10.1038/srep16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit is a common animal model that has been employed in studies on various human disorders, and the generation of genetically modified rabbit lines is highly desirable. Female rabbits have been successfully cloned from cumulus cells, and the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology is well established. The present study generated hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene knockout rabbits using recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated homologous recombination and SCNT. Gene trap strategies were employed to enhance the gene targeting rates. The male and female gene knockout fibroblast cell lines were derived by different strategies. When male HPRT knockout cells were used for SCNT, no live rabbits were obtained. However, when female HPRT+/− cells were used for SCNT, live, healthy rabbits were generated. The cloned HPRT+/− rabbits were fertile at maturity. We demonstrate a new technique to produce gene-targeted rabbits. This approach may also be used in the genetic manipulation of different genes or in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingru Yin
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenfu Fang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Fengying Xing
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Shangang Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
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12
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Lo NW, Intawicha P, Chiu YT, Lee KH, Lu HC, Chen CH, Chang YH, Chen CD, Ju JC. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Critically and Mutually Sustain Pluripotency of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells. Cell Transplant 2015; 24:319-38. [DOI: 10.3727/096368915x686832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on establishment and maintenance of rabbit embryonic stem cell (rESC) lines were assessed. When grown on MEF feeders, rESC lines derived from fertilized embryos were established and maintained in medium containing paracrine factors LIF (via STAT3) and/or FGF2 (via MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT). However, high levels of ERK1/2 and AKT activities in rESCs were crucial for maintaining their undifferentiated proliferation. Although rESCs under the influence of either LIF (500, 1,000, and 2,000 U/ml) or FGF2 (5, 10, and 20 ng/ml) alone had enhanced expression of pluripotency markers, peak expression occurred when both LIF (1,000 U/ml) and FGF2 (10 ng/ml) were applied. Induced dephosphorylation of STAT3, ERK1/2, and AKT by specific inhibitors limited growth of rESCs and caused remarkable losses of self-renewal capacity; therefore, we inferred that STAT3, ERK, and AKT had essential roles in maintaining rESC proliferation and self-renewal. We concluded that LIF and FGF2 jointly maintained the undifferentiated state and self-renewal of rESCs through an integrative signaling module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng-Wen Lo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Payungsuk Intawicha
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | | | - Kun-Hsiung Lee
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Laboratories, Agriculture Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chi Lu
- Department of Food Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Chen
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Laboratories, Agriculture Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yong-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Da Chen
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Cherng Ju
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Center and Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Medical Research Department, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Computer Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Honsho K, Hirose M, Hatori M, Yasmin L, Izu H, Matoba S, Togayachi S, Miyoshi H, Sankai T, Ogura A, Honda A. Naïve-like conversion enhances the difference in innate in vitro differentiation capacity between rabbit ES cells and iPS cells. J Reprod Dev 2014; 61:13-9. [PMID: 25345855 PMCID: PMC4354226 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Quality evaluation of pluripotent stem cells using appropriate animal models needs to be improved for human regenerative medicine. Previously, we demonstrated that although the in vitro neural differentiating capacity of rabbit induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be mitigated by improving their baseline level of pluripotency, i.e., by converting them into the so-called "naïve-like" state, the effect after such conversion of rabbit embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains to be elucidated. Here we found that naïve-like conversion enhanced the differences in innate in vitro differentiation capacity between ESCs and iPSCs. Naïve-like rabbit ESCs exhibited several features indicating pluripotency, including the capacity for teratoma formation. They differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes much more effectively (3.3-7.2 times) than naïve-like iPSCs. This suggests an inherent variation in differentiation potential in vitro among PSC lines. When naïve-like ESCs were injected into preimplantation rabbit embryos, although they contributed efficiently to forming the inner cell mass of blastocysts, no chimeric pups were obtained. Thus, in vitro neural differentiation following naïve-like conversion is a promising option for determining the quality of PSCs without the need to demonstrate chimeric contribution. These results provide an opportunity to evaluate which pluripotent stem cells or treatments are best suited for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiko Honsho
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
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14
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Jiang Y, Kou Z, Wu T, An W, Zhou R, Wang H, Gao Y, Gao S. Xist deficiency and disorders of X-inactivation in rabbit embryonic stem cells can be rescued by transcription-factor-mediated conversion. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:2283-96. [PMID: 24805295 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The deficiency of X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) on the inactive X chromosome affects the behavior of female human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and further chromosomal erosion can occur with continued passaging of these cells. However, X chromosome instability has not been identified in other species. In the present study, we investigated three female rabbit ESC (rbESC) lines and found that two of them expressed Xist normally and obtained both Xist RNA coating and H3K27me3 foci, thus defined as Xi(Xist)Xa. Interestingly, the third female rbESC line lacked Xist expression during ESC maintenance and differentiation. This line showed H3K27me3 foci but no Xist RNA coating in the early passages and was thus defined as Xi(w/oXist)Xa. Similar to Xi(w/oXist)Xa hESCs or hiPSCs, Xi(w/oXist)Xa rbESCs lose H3K27me3 and undergo Xi erosion (Xe) with passaging. Moreover, Xist-deficient rbESCs also exhibit impaired differentiation ability and upregulation of cancer-related genes. By overexpressing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC in Xist-deficient rbESCs under optimized culture conditions, we successfully obtained mouse ESC-like (mESC-like) cells. The mESC-like rbESCs displayed dome-shaped colony morphology, activation of the LIF/STAT3-dependent pathway, and conversion of disordered X chromosome. Importantly, the defective differentiation potential was also greatly improved. Our data demonstrate that variations in X chromosome inactivation occur in early passage of rbESCs; thus, Xi disorders are conserved across species and are reversible using the proper epigenetic reprogramming and culture conditions. These findings may be very useful for future efforts toward deriving fully pluripotent rbESCs or rabbit iPSCs (rbiPSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Jiang
- 1 College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing, China
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Yan Q, Zhang Q, Yang H, Zou Q, Tang C, Fan N, Lai L. Generation of multi-gene knockout rabbits using the Cas9/gRNA system. CELL REGENERATION 2014; 3:12. [PMID: 25408890 PMCID: PMC4230364 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9769-3-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated system (Cas) is a simple, robust and efficient technique for gene targeting in model organisms such as zebrafish, mice and rats. In this report, we applied CRISPR technology to rabbits by microinjection of Cas9 mRNA and guided RNA (gRNA) into the cytoplasm of pronuclear-stage embryos. We achieved biallelic gene knockout (KO) rabbits by injection of 1 gene (IL2rg) or 2 gene (IL2rg and RAG1) Cas9 mRNA and gRNA with an efficiency of 100%. We also tested the efficiency of multiple gene KOs in early rabbit embryos and found that the efficiency of simultaneous gene mutation on target sites is as high as 100% for 3 genes (IL2rg, RAG1 and RAG2) and 33.3% for 5 genes (IL2rg, RAG1, RAG2, TIKI1 and ALB). Our results demonstrate that the Cas9/gRNA system is a highly efficient and fast tool not only for single-gene editing but also for multi-gene editing in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanmei Yan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Quanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062 China
| | - Nana Fan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China ; College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062 China
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16
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Germline transgenesis in rabbits by pronuclear microinjection of Sleeping Beauty transposons. Nat Protoc 2014; 9:794-809. [PMID: 24625779 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2014.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is widely used as a model for a variety of inherited and acquired human diseases. In addition, the rabbit is the smallest livestock animal that is used to transgenically produce pharmaceutical proteins in its milk. Here we describe a protocol for high-efficiency germline transgenesis and sustained transgene expression in rabbits by using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. The protocol is based on co-injection into the pronuclei of fertilized oocytes of synthetic mRNA encoding the SB100X hyperactive transposase together with plasmid DNA carrying a transgene construct flanked by binding sites for the transposase. The translation of the transposase mRNA is followed by enzyme-mediated excision of the transgene cassette from the plasmids and its permanent genomic insertion to produce stable transgenic animals. Generation of a germline-transgenic founder animal by using this protocol takes ∼2 months. Transposon-mediated transgenesis compares favorably in terms of both efficiency and reliable transgene expression with classic pronuclear microinjection, and it offers comparable efficacies (numbers of transgenic founders obtained per injected embryo) to lentiviral approaches, without limitations on vector design, issues of transgene silencing, and the toxicity and biosafety concerns of working with viral vectors.
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17
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Wang Y, Fan N, Song J, Zhong J, Guo X, Tian W, Zhang Q, Cui F, Li L, Newsome PN, Frampton J, Esteban MA, Lai L. Generation of knockout rabbits using transcription activator-like effector nucleases. CELL REGENERATION 2014; 3:3. [PMID: 25408882 PMCID: PMC4230510 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9769-3-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases are novel gene-editing platforms contributing to redefine the boundaries of modern biological research. They are composed of a non-specific cleavage domain and a tailor made DNA-binding module, which enables a broad range of genetic modifications by inducing efficient DNA double-strand breaks at desired loci. Among other remarkable uses, these nucleases have been employed to produce gene knockouts in mid-size and large animals, such as rabbits and pigs, respectively. This approach is cost effective, relatively quick, and can produce invaluable models for human disease studies, biotechnology or agricultural purposes. Here we describe a protocol for the efficient generation of knockout rabbits using transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and a perspective of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Nana Fan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Jun Song
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Juan Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Weihua Tian
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Quanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Fenggong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Philip N Newsome
- NIHR Liver BRU and Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK ; Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jon Frampton
- Institute for Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
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18
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Maraghechi P, Hiripi L, Tóth G, Bontovics B, Bősze Z, Gócza E. Discovery of pluripotency-associated microRNAs in rabbit preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem-like cells. Reproduction 2013; 145:421-37. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate multiple biological processes. Increasing experimental evidence implies an important regulatory role of miRNAs during embryonic development and in embryonic stem (ES) cell biology. In the current study, we have described and analyzed the expression profile of pluripotency-associated miRNAs in rabbit embryos and ES-like cells. The rabbit specific ocu-miR-302 and ocu-miR-290 clusters, and three homologs of the human C19MC cluster (ocu-miR-512, ocu-miR-520e, and ocu-miR-498) were identified in rabbit preimplantation embryos and ES-like cells. The ocu-miR-302 cluster was highly similar to its human homolog, while ocu-miR-290 revealed a low level of evolutionary conservation with its mouse homologous cluster. The expression of the ocu-miR-302 cluster began at the 3.5 days post-coitum early blastocyst stage and they stayed highly expressed in rabbit ES-like cells. In contrast, a high expression level of the ocu-miR-290 cluster was detected during preimplantation embryonic development, but a low level of expression was found in rabbit ES-like cells. Differential expression of the ocu-miR-302 cluster and ocu-miR-512 miRNA was detected in rabbit trophoblast and embryoblast. We also found that Lefty has two potential target sites in its 3′UTR for ocu-miR-302a and its expression level increased upon ocu-miR-302a inhibition. We suggest that the expression of the ocu-miR-302 cluster is characteristic of the rabbit ES-like cell, while the ocu-miR-290 cluster may play a crucial role during early embryonic development. This study presents the first identification, to our knowledge, of pluripotency-associated miRNAs in rabbit preimplantation embryos and ES-like cells, which can open up new avenues to investigate the regulatory function of ocu-miRNAs in embryonic development and stem cell biology.
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19
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Liu J, Yang Z, Qiu M, Luo Y, Pang M, Wu Y, Zhang Y. Developmental potential of cloned goat embryos from an SSEA3(+) subpopulation of skin fibroblasts. Cell Reprogram 2013; 15:159-65. [PMID: 23441574 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2012.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that skin stem cells expressing the pluripotency marker stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3) are easier to reprogram into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) than skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, it is widely speculated that the undifferentiated state may make stem cells more efficient donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we isolated SSEA3(+) cells from goat skin fibroblast cells (SFCs) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and examined expression of pluripotency markers and in vitro development of cloned embryos following SCNT. Results showed that cell clusters from SSEA3(+) cells were consistently positive for alkaline phosphatase staining and pluripotency markers, Nanog, Oct4, Sox2, and SSEA3. The cleavage rate of cloned embryos derived from SSEA3(+) cells did not differ compared with SFCs (70.5±0.8% and 68.4±2.1%, respectively), but was significantly higher compared with SSEA3(-) cells (64.9±1.6%, p<0.05). The blastocyst rate was significantly increased in the SSEA3(+) cell group compared with the SFC and SSEA3(-) cell groups (30.3±1.2% vs. 21.2±0.9 and 19.0±1.0%, respectively, p<0.05). The quality of cloned blastocysts from SSEA3(+) cells was higher compared with SFCs and SSEA3(-) cells, based on total cell number and number of apoptotic cells per blastocyst. These findings suggest that using SSEA3(+) cells as donors for SCNT is beneficial for enhancing in vitro development and quality of cloned goat embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, PR China
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20
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Abstract
Experimental animals in biomedical research provide insights into disease mechanisms and models for determining the efficacy and safety of new therapies and for discovery of corresponding biomarkers. Although mouse and rat models are most widely used, observations in these species cannot always be faithfully extrapolated to human patients. Thus, a number of domestic species are additionally used in specific disease areas. This review summarizes the most important applications of domestic animal models and emphasizes the new possibilities genetic tailoring of disease models, specifically in pigs, provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bähr
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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21
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Postimplantation Development of Cloned Rabbit Embryos Reconstructed with Foetal and Adult Skin-Derived Fibroblast Cell Nuclei. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/v10220-012-0006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Postimplantation Development of Cloned Rabbit Embryos Reconstructed with Foetal and Adult Skin-Derived Fibroblast Cell NucleiThe aim of the study was to determine the postimplantation developmental potential of nuclear transfer (NT) derived rabbit embryos, which were reconstructed with foetal fibroblast (FF) or adult skin fibroblast (AF) cell nuclei. A total of 97 embryos reconstructed with FF cell nuclei (Group I) were transferred into the oviducts of 6 pseudopregnant recipients and 101 embryos reconstructed with AF cell nuclei (Group II) were transferred to 6 foster mothers. The presence of fetuses (with the symptoms of early resorption of amniotic sacs) was confirmed in the 4/6 (66.7%) and 1/6 (16.7%) recipient-females in Group I and Group II, respectively. The implantation rate was significantly higher for cloned embryos originating from the oocytes receiving foetal fibroblasts than for those derived from adult skin fibroblasts (P<0.1). Nonetheless, all pregnancies were lost and no progeny were obtained.
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22
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Tancos Z, Nemes C, Polgar Z, Gocza E, Daniel N, Stout T, Maraghechi P, Pirity M, Osteil P, Tapponnier Y, Markossian S, Godet M, Afanassieff M, Bosze Z, Duranthon V, Savatier P, Dinnyes A. Generation of rabbit pluripotent stem cell lines. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1774-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Revised: 06/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Fischer B, Chavatte-Palmer P, Viebahn C, Navarrete Santos A, Duranthon V. Rabbit as a reproductive model for human health. Reproduction 2012; 144:1-10. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The renaissance of the laboratory rabbit as a reproductive model for human health is closely related to the growing evidence of periconceptional metabolic programming and its determining effects on offspring and adult health. Advantages of rabbit reproduction are the exact timing of fertilization and pregnancy stages, high cell numbers and yield in blastocysts, relatively late implantation at a time when gastrulation is already proceeding, detailed morphologic and molecular knowledge on gastrulation stages, and a hemochorial placenta structured similarly to the human placenta. To understand, for example, the mechanisms of periconceptional programming and its effects on metabolic health in adulthood, these advantages help to elucidate even subtle changes in metabolism and development during the pre- and peri-implantation period and during gastrulation in individual embryos. Gastrulation represents a central turning point in ontogenesis in which a limited number of cells program the development of the three germ layers and, hence, the embryo proper. Newly developed transgenic and molecular tools offer promising chances for further scientific progress to be attained with this reproductive model species.
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24
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Duranthon V, Beaujean N, Brunner M, Odening KE, Santos AN, Kacskovics I, Hiripi L, Weinstein EJ, Bosze Z. On the emerging role of rabbit as human disease model and the instrumental role of novel transgenic tools. Transgenic Res 2012; 21:699-713. [PMID: 22382461 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-012-9599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is widely used as a model for human diseases, because of its size, which permits non-lethal monitoring of physiological changes and similar disease characteristics. Novel transgenic tools such as, the zinc finger nuclease method and the sleeping beauty transposon mediated or BAC transgenesis were recently adapted to the laboratory rabbit and opened new opportunities in precise tissue and developmental stage specific gene expression/silencing, coupled with increased transgenic efficiencies. Many facets of human development and diseases cannot be investigated in rodents. This is especially true for early prenatal development, its long-lasting effects on health and complex disorders, and some economically important diseases such as atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases. The first transgenic rabbits models of arrhythmogenesis mimic human cardiac diseases much better than transgenic mice and hereby underline the importance of non-mouse models. Another emerging field is epigenetic reprogramming and pathogenic mechanisms in diabetic pregnancy, where rabbit models are indispensable. Beyond that rabbit is used for decades as major source of polyclonal antibodies and recently in monoclonal antibody production. Alteration of its genome to increase the efficiency and value of the antibodies by humanization of the immunoglobulin genes, or by increasing the expression of a special receptor (Fc receptor) that augments humoral immune response is a current demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Duranthon
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
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Tian J, Song J, Li H, Yang D, Li X, Ouyang H, Lai L. Effect of donor cell type on nuclear remodelling in rabbit somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:544-52. [PMID: 22034900 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01915.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cloned rabbits have been produced for many years by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The efficiency of cloning by SCNT, however, has remained extremely low. Most cloned embryos degenerate in utero, and the few that develop to term show a high incidence of post-natal death and abnormalities. The cell type used for donor nuclei is an important factor in nuclear transfer (NT). As reported previously, NT embryos reconstructed with fresh cumulus cells (CC-embryos) have better developmental potential than those reconstructed with foetal fibroblasts (FF-embryos) in vivo and in vitro. The reason for this disparity in developmental capacity is still unknown. In this study, we compared active demethylation levels and morphological changes between the nuclei of CC-embryos and FF-embryos shortly after activation. Anti-5-methylcytosine immunofluorescence of in vivo-fertilized and cloned rabbit embryos revealed that there was no detectable active demethylation in rabbit zygotes or NT-embryos derived from either fibroblasts or CC. In the process of nuclear remodelling, however, the proportion of nuclei with abnormal appearance in FF-embryos was significantly higher than that in CC-embryos during the first cell cycle. Our study demonstrates that the nuclear remodelling abnormality of cloned rabbit embryos may be one important factor for the disparity in developmental success between CC-embryos and FF-embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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26
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Sung LY, Chen CH, Xu J, Lin TA, Su HY, Chang WF, Liu CC, Sung YS, Cheng WTK, Zhang J, Tian XC, Ju JC, Chen YE, Wu SC, Du F. Follicular oocytes better support development in rabbit cloning than oviductal oocytes. Cell Reprogram 2011; 13:503-12. [PMID: 22029417 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2011.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effect of rabbit oocytes collected from ovaries or oviducts on the developmental potential of nuclear transplant embryos. Donor nuclei were obtained from adult skin fibroblasts, cumulus cells, and embryonic blastomeres. Rabbit oocytes were flushed from the oviducts (oviductal oocytes) or aspirated from the ovaries (follicular oocytes) of superovulated does at 10, 11, or 12 h post-hCG injection. The majority of collected oocytes were still attached to the sites of ovulation on the ovaries. We found that follicular oocytes had a significantly higher rate of fusion with nuclear donor cells than oviductal oocytes. There was no difference in the cleavage rate between follicular and oviductal groups, but morula and blastocyst development was significantly higher in the follicular group than in the oviductal group. Two live clones were produced in follicular group using blastomere and cumulus nuclear donors, whereas one live clone was produced in the oviductal group using a cumulus nuclear donor. These results demonstrate that cloned rabbit embryos derived from follicular oocytes have better developmental competence than those derived from oviductal oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Sung
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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27
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Flisikowska T, Thorey IS, Offner S, Ros F, Lifke V, Zeitler B, Rottmann O, Vincent A, Zhang L, Jenkins S, Niersbach H, Kind AJ, Gregory PD, Schnieke AE, Platzer J. Efficient immunoglobulin gene disruption and targeted replacement in rabbit using zinc finger nucleases. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21045. [PMID: 21695153 PMCID: PMC3113902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbits are widely used in biomedical research, yet techniques for their precise genetic modification are lacking. We demonstrate that zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) introduced into fertilized oocytes can inactivate a chosen gene by mutagenesis and also mediate precise homologous recombination with a DNA gene-targeting vector to achieve the first gene knockout and targeted sequence replacement in rabbits. Two ZFN pairs were designed that target the rabbit immunoglobulin M (IgM) locus within exons 1 and 2. ZFN mRNAs were microinjected into pronuclear stage fertilized oocytes. Founder animals carrying distinct mutated IgM alleles were identified and bred to produce offspring. Functional knockout of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus was confirmed by serum IgM and IgG deficiency and lack of IgM(+) and IgG(+) B lymphocytes. We then tested whether ZFN expression would enable efficient targeted sequence replacement in rabbit oocytes. ZFN mRNA was co-injected with a linear DNA vector designed to replace exon 1 of the IgM locus with ∼1.9 kb of novel sequence. Double strand break induced targeted replacement occurred in up to 17% of embryos and in 18% of fetuses analyzed. Two major goals have been achieved. First, inactivation of the endogenous IgM locus, which is an essential step for the production of therapeutic human polyclonal antibodies in the rabbit. Second, establishing efficient targeted gene manipulation and homologous recombination in a refractory animal species. ZFN mediated genetic engineering in the rabbit and other mammals opens new avenues of experimentation in immunology and many other research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Flisikowska
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Irmgard S. Thorey
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Offner
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Ros
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Valeria Lifke
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Bryan Zeitler
- Sangamo BioSciences Inc., Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Oswald Rottmann
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Anna Vincent
- Sangamo BioSciences Inc., Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo BioSciences Inc., Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Shirin Jenkins
- Sangamo BioSciences Inc., Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Helmut Niersbach
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Alexander J. Kind
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Philip D. Gregory
- Sangamo BioSciences Inc., Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Angelika E. Schnieke
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Josef Platzer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
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