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Yao YG, Lu L, Ni RJ, Bi R, Chen C, Chen JQ, Fuchs E, Gorbatyuk M, Lei H, Li H, Liu C, Lv LB, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Kohara M, Perez-Cruz C, Rainer G, Shan BC, Shen F, Tang AZ, Wang J, Xia W, Xia X, Xu L, Yu D, Zhang F, Zheng P, Zheng YT, Zhou J, Zhou JN. Study of tree shrew biology and models: A booming and prosperous field for biomedical research. Zool Res 2024; 45:877-909. [PMID: 39004865 PMCID: PMC11298672 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The tree shrew ( Tupaia belangeri) has long been proposed as a suitable alternative to non-human primates (NHPs) in biomedical and laboratory research due to its close evolutionary relationship with primates. In recent years, significant advances have facilitated tree shrew studies, including the determination of the tree shrew genome, genetic manipulation using spermatogonial stem cells, viral vector-mediated gene delivery, and mapping of the tree shrew brain atlas. However, the limited availability of tree shrews globally remains a substantial challenge in the field. Additionally, determining the key questions best answered using tree shrews constitutes another difficulty. Tree shrew models have historically been used to study hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, myopia, and psychosocial stress-induced depression, with more recent studies focusing on developing animal models for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite these efforts, the impact of tree shrew models has not yet matched that of rodent or NHP models in biomedical research. This review summarizes the prominent advancements in tree shrew research and reflects on the key biological questions addressed using this model. We emphasize that intensive dedication and robust international collaboration are essential for achieving breakthroughs in tree shrew studies. The use of tree shrews as a unique resource is expected to gain considerable attention with the application of advanced techniques and the development of viable animal models, meeting the increasing demands of life science and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China. E-mail:
| | - Li Lu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rong-Jun Ni
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Sichuan Clinical Medical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Chengdu, Sichuan 610044, China
| | - Rui Bi
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Jia-Qi Chen
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute of Primate Research, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Marina Gorbatyuk
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Long-Bao Lv
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima-city, Kagoshima 890-8580, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | | | - Gregor Rainer
- Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Bao-Ci Shan
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fang Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - An-Zhou Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Dandan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Yong-Tang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Jumin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Institute of Brain Science, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
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Mao YX, Li Y, Yang Z, Xu N, Zhang S, Wang X, Yang X, Sun Q, Mao Y. Comparative transcriptome analysis between rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) and crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis). Zool Res 2024; 45:299-310. [PMID: 38485500 PMCID: PMC11017088 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta, MMU) and crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as crucial nonhuman primate biomedical models with different phenotypes. To date, however, large-scale comparative transcriptome research between these two species has not yet been fully explored. Here, we conducted systematic comparisons utilizing newly sequenced RNA-seq data from 84 samples (41 MFA samples and 43 MMU samples) encompassing 14 common tissues. Our findings revealed a small fraction of genes (3.7%) with differential expression between the two species, as well as 36.5% of genes with tissue-specific expression in both macaques. Comparison of gene expression between macaques and humans indicated that 22.6% of orthologous genes displayed differential expression in at least two tissues. Moreover, 19.41% of genes that overlapped with macaque-specific structural variants showed differential expression between humans and macaques. Of these, the FAM220A gene exhibited elevated expression in humans compared to macaques due to lineage-specific duplication. In summary, this study presents a large-scale transcriptomic comparison between MMU and MFA and between macaques and humans. The discovery of gene expression variations not only enhances the biomedical utility of macaque models but also contributes to the wider field of primate genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiang Mao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Yamei Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Zikun Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhiyuan College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Shilong Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xuankai Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiangyu Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China. E-mail:
| | - Yafei Mao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Center for Genomic Research, International Institutes of Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China. E-mail:
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Han B, Liang W, Li XJ, Li S, Yan S, Tu Z. Large animal models for Huntington's disease research. Zool Res 2024; 45:275-283. [PMID: 38485497 PMCID: PMC11017086 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment available. Consequently, the development of appropriate disease models is critical to thoroughly investigate disease progression. The genetic basis of HD involves the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin ( HTT) gene, leading to the expansion of a polyglutamine repeat in the HTT protein. Mutant HTT carrying the expanded polyglutamine repeat undergoes misfolding and forms aggregates in the brain, which precipitate selective neuronal loss in specific brain regions. Animal models play an important role in elucidating the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as HD and in identifying potential therapeutic targets. Due to the marked species differences between rodents and larger animals, substantial efforts have been directed toward establishing large animal models for HD research. These models are pivotal for advancing the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, enhancing effective drug delivery methods, and improving treatment outcomes. We have explored the advantages of utilizing large animal models, particularly pigs, in previous reviews. Since then, however, significant progress has been made in developing more sophisticated animal models that faithfully replicate the typical pathology of HD. In the current review, we provide a comprehensive overview of large animal models of HD, incorporating recent findings regarding the establishment of HD knock-in (KI) pigs and their genetic therapy. We also explore the utilization of large animal models in HD research, with a focus on sheep, non-human primates (NHPs), and pigs. Our objective is to provide valuable insights into the application of these large animal models for the investigation and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bofeng Han
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Weien Liang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China. E-mail:
| | - Zhuchi Tu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China. E-mail:
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