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With certain complex medical conditions, it is now both reasonable and feasible to use genomic and other molecular analyses to identify the true drivers underlying the condition and correlative studies to link those drivers to specific treatments.1 Such an approach has been variably described as personalized medicine or molecularly guided medicine, but the term precision medicine is most often used. Note that the use of terms such as personalized medicine and precision medicine to describe this approach is not meant to suggest that other medical approaches are not personalized or precise. Rather, such usage highlights the greater degree of precision afforded by genomic analysis of individual patients.

The research community can have confidence in data from well-executed phenotyping projects.

Approximately one-third of all mammalian genes are essential for life. Phenotypes resulting from knockouts of these genes in mice have provided tremendous insight into gene function and congenital disorders. As part of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium effort to generate and phenotypically characterize 5,000 knockout mouse lines, here we identify 410 lethal genes during the production of the first 1,751 unique gene knockouts. Using a standardized phenotyping platform that incorporates high-resolution 3D imaging, we identify phenotypes at multiple time points for previously uncharacterized genes and additional phenotypes for genes with previously reported mutant phenotypes. Unexpectedly, our analysis reveals that incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity are common even on a defined genetic background. In addition, we show that human disease genes are enriched for essential genes, thus providing a dataset that facilitates the prioritization and validation of mutations identified in clinical sequencing efforts.

Expression of the bacterial beta-galactosidase reporter gene (lacZ) in the vector used for the Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP) is driven by the endogenous promoter of the target gene. In tissues from KOMP mice, histochemical staining for LacZ enzyme activity can be used to determine gene expression patterns. With this technique, we have produced a comprehensive resource of gene expression using both whole mount (WM) and frozen section (FS) LacZ staining in 313 unique KOMP mutant mouse lines. Of these, ∼80% of mutants showed specific staining in one or more tissues, while ∼20% showed no specific staining, ∼13% had staining in only one tissue, and ∼25% had staining in >6 tissues. The highest frequency of specific staining occurred in the brain (∼50%), male gonads (42%), and kidney (39%). The WM method was useful for rapidly identifying whole organ and some substructure staining, while the FS method often revealed substructure and cellular staining specificity. Both staining methods had >90% repeatability in biological replicates. Nonspecific LacZ staining occurs in some tissues due to the presence of bacteria or endogenous enzyme activity. However, this can be effectively distinguished from reporter gene activity by the combination of the WM and FS methods. After careful annotation, LacZ staining patterns in a high percentage of mutants revealed a unique structure-function not previously reported for many of these genes. The validation of methods for LacZ staining, annotation, and expression analysis reported here provides unique insights into the function of genes for which little is currently known.

WNT10A is a signaling molecule involved in tooth development, and WNT10A defects are associated with tooth agenesis. We characterized Wnt10a null mice generated by the knockout mouse project (KOMP) and six families with WNT10A mutations, including a novel p.Arg104Cys defect, in the absence of EDA,EDAR, or EDARADD variations. Wnt10a null mice exhibited supernumerary mandibular fourth molars, and smaller molars with abnormal cusp patterning and root taurodontism. Wnt10a (-/-) incisors showed distinctive apical-lingual wedge-shaped defects. These findings spurred us to closely examine the dental phenotypes of our WNT10A families. WNT10A heterozygotes exhibited molar root taurodontism and mild tooth agenesis (with incomplete penetrance) in their permanent dentitions. Individuals with two defective WNT10A alleles showed severe tooth agenesis and had fewer cusps on their molars. The misshapened molar crowns and roots were consistent with the Wnt10a null phenotype and were not previously associated with WNT10A defects. The missing teeth contrasted with the presence of supplemental teeth in the Wnt10a null mice and demonstrated mammalian species differences in the roles of Wnt signaling in early tooth development. We conclude that molar crown and root dysmorphologies are caused by WNT10A defects and that the severity of the tooth agenesis correlates with the number of defective WNT10A alleles.

Targeted mutations in mouse disrupt local chromatin structure and may lead to unanticipated local effects. We evaluated targeted gene promoter silencing in a group of six mutants carrying the tm1a Knockout Mouse Project allele containing both a LacZ reporter gene driven by the native promoter and a neo selection cassette. Messenger RNA levels of the reporter gene and targeted gene were assessed by qRT-PCR, and methylation of the promoter CpG islands and LacZ coding sequence were evaluated by sequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA. Mutants were stratified by LacZ staining into presumed Silenced and Expressed reporter genes. Silenced mutants had reduced relative quantities LacZ mRNA and greater CpG Island methylation compared with the Expressed mutant group. Within the silenced group, LacZ coding sequence methylation was significantly and positively correlated with CpG Island methylation, while promoter CpG methylation was only weakly correlated with LacZ gene mRNA. The results support the conclusion that there is promoter silencing in a subset of mutants carrying the tm1a allele. The features of targeted genes which promote local silencing when targeted remain unknown.

Marker assisted speed congenics technique is commonly used to facilitate backcrossing of mouse strains in nearly half the time it normally takes otherwise. Traditionally, the technique is performed by analyzing PCR amplified regions of simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) markers between the recipient and donor strains: offspring with the highest number of markers showing the recipient genome across all chromosomes is chosen for the next generation. Although there are well-defined panels of SSLP makers established between certain pairs of mice strains, they are incomplete for most strains. The availability of well-established marker sets for speed congenic screens would enable the scientific community to transfer mutations across strain backgrounds. In this study, we tested the suitability of over 400 SSLP marker sets among 10 mouse strains commonly used for generating genetically engineered models. The panel of markers presented here can readily identify the specified strains and will be quite useful in marker assisted speed congenic screens. Moreover, unlike newer single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array methods which require sophisticated equipment, the SSLP markers panel described here only uses PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis of amplified products; therefore it can be performed in most research laboratories.

Cholecystokinin (CCK), acting at CCK1 receptors (CCK1Rs) on intestinal vagal afferent terminals, has been implicated in the control of gastrointestinal function and food intake. Using CCK1R−/− mice, we tested the hypothesis that lipid-induced activation of the vagal afferent pathway and intestinal feedback of gastric function is CCK1R dependent. In anesthetized CCK1R+/+ (“wild type”) mice, meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion was inhibited by intestinal lipid infusion; this was abolished in CCK1R−/− mice. Gastric emptying of whole egg, measured by nuclear scintigraphy in awake mice, was significantly faster in CCK1R−/− than CCK1R+/+ mice. Gastric emptying of chow was significantly slowed in response to administration of CCK-8 (22 pmol) in CCK1R+/+ but not CCK1R−/− mice. Activation of the vagal afferent pathway was measured by immunohistochemical localization of Fos protein in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS; a region where vagal afferents terminate). CCK-8 (22 pmol ip) increased neuronal Fos expression in the NTS of fasted CCK1R+/+ mice; CCK-induced Fos expression was reduced by 97% in CCK1R−/− compared with CCK1R+/+ mice. Intralipid (0.2 ml of 20% Intralipid and 0.04 g lipid), but not saline, gavage increased Fos expression in the NTS of fasted CCK1R+/+ mice; lipid-induced Fos expression was decreased by 47% in CCK1R−/− compared with CCK1R+/+mice. We conclude that intestinal lipid activates the vagal afferent pathway, decreases gastric acid secretion, and delays gastric emptying via a CCK1R-dependent mechanism. Thus, despite a relatively normal phenotype, intestinal feedback in response to lipid is severely impaired in these mice.

The four members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in development and tumorigenesis of the mammary gland. Whereas the epidermal growth factor receptor, ErbB2 and ErbB3 are positively associated with various cancers, clinical studies of ErbB4 in breast cancer are contradictory. Results from tissue culture analyses and some clinical studies suggested that ErbB4 is either a tumor suppressor or is a negative regulator of ErbB2-driven tumors. Neu-Cre-ErbB4(flox/null) mice in which ErbB4 was inactivated by Cre-lox-mediated recombination in the mammary gland developed MMTV-Neu-driven mammary tumors with a similar latency period to mice with one or two wild-type ErbB4 alleles. Moreover, there was no difference in the histologies of tumors that developed, nor in the propensity to form lung metastases. Taken together these results suggest that ErbB4 is not a potent, highly penetrant tumor suppressor, nor is it a factor in Neu-mediated tumorigenesis in this model.

Coordinated regulation of neuronal progenitor differentiation in the subventricular zone (SVZ) is a fundamental feature of adult neurogenesis. However, the molecular control of this process remains mostly undeciphered. Here, we investigate the role of neuregulins (NRGs) in this process and show that a NRG receptor, ErbB4, is primarily expressed by polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule immature neuroblasts but is also detected in a subset of GFAP + astroglial cells, ependymal cells, and Dlx2 + precursors in the SVZ. Of the NRG ligands, both NRG1 and -2 are expressed by immature polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule neuroblasts in the SVZ. NRG2 is also expressed by some of the GFAP + putative stem cells lining the ventricles. Infusion of exogenous NRG1 leads to rapid aggregation of Dlx2 + cells in the SVZ and affects the initiation and maintenance of organized neuroblast migration from the SVZ toward the olfactory bulb. In contrast, the infusion of NRG2 increased the number of Sox2 and GFAP + precursors in the SVZ. An outcome of this NRG2 effect is an increase in the number of newly generated migrating neuroblasts in the rostral migratory stream and GABAergic interneurons in the olfactory bulb. The analysis of conditional null mice that lack NRG receptor, ErbB4, in the nervous system revealed that the observed activities of NRG2 require ErbB4 activation. These results indicate that different NRG ligands affect distinct populations of differentiating neural precursors in the neurogenic regions of the mature forebrain. Furthermore, these studies identify NRG2 as a factor capable of promoting SVZ proliferation, leading to the formation of new neurons in vivo .

Long chain triglyceride (>C12) in the intestinal lumen potently inhibits gastric emptying and acid secretion via the vagal afferent pathway. While the mechanism of inhibition involves the formation of chylomicrons, the essential role of the apolipoprotein apo A-IV is unclear. Using apo A-IV−/− mice, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion in response to dietary lipid is dependent upon apo A-IV. As measured by nuclear scintigraphy in awake mice, gastric emptying of an ingested whole-egg meal was significantly faster in apo A-IV−/− knockout versus A-IV+/+ controls (34 ± 1 versus 54 ± 3 min, P < 0.0001). In anaesthetized A-IV+/+ mice, meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion was 59% inhibited by intestinal lipid infusion; this was abolished in apo A-IV−/− mice. Oral gavage of lipid in awake mice activated neurones throughout the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in A-IV+/+ mice, measured by immunohistochemical localization of Fos protein expression. However, in the mid region of the NTS (bregma −7.32 to −7.76 mm), Fos expression in response to intestinal lipid was significantly decreased by 50% in apo A-IV−/− mice compared to A-IV+/+ controls. We conclude that activation of the vagal afferent pathway and inhibition of gastric function in response to dietary lipid is partly dependent upon apo A-IV.

The neuregulin receptor tyrosine kinase Erb-b4, initially linked to early cardiac development, is shown here to play a critical role in adult cardiac function. In wild-type mice, Erb-b4 protein localized to Z lines and to intercalated disks, suggesting a role in subcellular and intercellular communications of cardiomyocytes. Conditional inactivation of erb-b4 in ventricular muscle cells led to a severe dilated cardiomyopathy, characterized by thinned ventricular walls with eccentric hypertrophy, reduced contractility, and delayed conduction. This cardiac dysfunction may account for premature death in adult erb-b4-knockout mice. This study establishes a critical role for Erb-b4 in the maintenance of normal postnatal cardiac structure and function.

The Hfe( - / - ) mouse is a model for human hereditary hemochromatosis (HHH). The accumulation of tissue iron in this condition has led to the suggestion that HHH patients may be at higher risk for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, adult male Hfe( - / - ) mice and wildtype controls ( n = 12/group) were evaluated for impairment with motor tests (stride length, landing footsplay, rotarod) as well as a general observational battery (Functional Observational Battery, FOB). Hfe( - / - ) mice were characterized by more falls from the rotarod, wider forelimb landing footsplay and hypersensitivity to proximal stimulation. Iron accumulation in brain was not detected by histopathology. These data suggest that a motor syndrome may be associated with HHH that could be further understood through the Hfe( - / - ) mouse model.

Background & Aims: We tested the hypothesis that N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate surgery-induced opioid release in enteric neurons. Methods: We used μ opioid receptor (μOR) internalization as a measure of opioid release with immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. μOR internalization was quantified in enteric neurons from nondenervated and denervated ileal segments of guinea pig after abdominal laparotomy with and without pretreatment with NMDA-receptor antagonists acting at different recognition sites (+)-5-methyl-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [ a , b ] cyclohepten-5, 10-imine (MK-801) or (D) 2-amino-5-phosphopenoic acid (AP-5) at .5, 1 mg/kg; 8-chloro-4-hydroxy-1-oxo-1, 2-dihydropyridazinol [4,5-]quinoline-5-oxide choline (MRZ 2/576) or 8-chloro-1, 4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridazinol [4,5-]quinoline choline salt (MRZ 2/596) at .3, 1 mg/kg, or with an antagonist for the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione (1, 3 mg/kg). To determine whether NMDA stimulation induces opioid release, (1) ilea were exposed to NMDA (100 μmol/L) and D-serine (10 μmol/L) with or without the antagonist MK-801 or AP-5 (50 μmol/L); and (2) neuromuscular preparations of the ileum were stimulated electrically (20 Hz, 20 min) with or without MK-801 or AP-5 (50 μmol/L). Results: μOR endocytosis induced by abdominal laparotomy was inhibited significantly by NMDA-receptor antagonists in nondenervated and denervated ileal segments, but not by the AMPA-receptor antagonist. μOR endocytosis in neurons exposed to NMDA or electrical stimulation was prevented by NMDA-R antagonists. Conclusions: Abdominal laparotomy evokes local release of glutamate that results in endogenous opioid release through the activation of peripheral NMDA receptors. This suggests an interaction between the glutamatergic and opioid systems in response to the noxious and perhaps mechanosensory stimulation of surgery.

Neural progenitor proliferation, differentiation and migration are continually active in the rostral migratory stream of the adult brain. Here, we show that the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4 is expressed prominently by the neuroblasts present in the subventricular zone and the rostral migratory stream. The neuregulins (NRG1-NRG3), which have been identified as ErbB4 ligands, are detected either in the stream or in adjacent regions. Mice deficient in ErbB4 expressed under the control of either the nestin or the hGFAP promoter have altered neuroblast chain organization and migration and deficits in the placement and differentiation of olfactory interneurons. These findings suggest that ErbB4 activation helps to regulate the organization of neural chains that form the rostral migratory stream and influences the differentiation of olfactory interneuronal precursors.

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is associated with one of the most prominent human neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease. It is therefore of high interest to identify molecules with trophic effects on this neuronal population. We show here that the neuregulin receptor ErbB4 is differentially expressed in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, found in the substantia nigra and in a subregion of the ventral tegmentum but not in the retrorubral field. Early developmental onset and continued expression of ErbB4 into the adult and the presence of two high affinity ligands, neuregulin-1 and betacellulin, in the basal ganglia, suggested that these molecules might participate in the differentiation and/or maintenance of the nigrostriatal system. In order to address this hypothesis, we used a loxP flanked ErbB4 allele in combination with a nestin-Cre transgene and generated brain-specific ErbB4 null mice. These mutant animals survived into adulthood. The distribution of dopaminergic cell bodies in the midbrain, the expression of numerous genes specific to mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, and the axonal projection to the basal ganglia all appeared normal. Finally, an assessment of their motor function revealed no behavioral deficits. The apparent lack of any mutant phenotype suggests the presence of a strong compensatory mechanism.

Altered expression of genes encoding mitogenic growth factors thought to play key regulatory roles in preimplantation development may contribute to poor cloning efficiency. In this study, we compared the pattern, timing, and level of expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor–alpha (TGF-α) genes and their cognate receptor EGFR in mouse embryos derived by cloning with in vivo–(naturally fertilized) and in vitro–fertilized embryos at four preimplantation stages of development. In cloned embryos, EGF, TGF- α, and EGF-R expression levels were nearly undetectable, while expression of a housekeeping gene, transcription factor SP1, was normal. In contrast, growth factor genes were expressed in in vitro–fertilized embryos, although significantly less than in in vivo embryos (p < 0.05). In all embryos examined, the timing and pattern of gene expression were similar. Expression in the gravid uterus paralleled that in preimplantation embryos, while no expression was measured in non-gr...

ErbB4 is an important brain receptor for the neuregulin1 growth factor. A conditional knock-out mouse was developed lacking both alleles of the erbB4 gene in neurons/glia, and one allele in other cells. The conditional mutant mice were compared to heterozygous null (one null allele and one wildtype allele in all tissues) and wildtype control (no gene deletion) littermates in a battery of behavioral tests. Conditional mutants displayed a lower level of spontaneous motor activity and reduced grip strength compared to wildtype control mice. Group mean scores of heterozygous nulls were intermediate on these measures. However, heterozygous nulls were delayed in motor development and male heterozygous nulls demonstrated altered cue use in a Morris maze learning and memory task relative to both wildtype control and conditional mutant mice. These findings were interpreted based on more detailed analysis of the behavioral data and considerations of the complex nature and multiple roles of the neuregulin/erbB4 system in the nervous system.

Objective— Vascular tissues express 2 types of estrogen receptors (ERs): ERα and ERβ. Their role in early atherosclerosis remains poorly understood, particularly in males. We developed and characterized an atherosclerosis model in ERα knockout male mice to investigate directly its role in atheroma. Methods and Results— Cholesterol-fed ERα knockout and wild-type mice developed early atheroma characterized by fatty streaks and foam cells. ERα wild-type mice developed 3.8-fold greater lesion area, more advanced lesions, more extensive lesion distribution, twice the number of lesions, and at a 2.2-fold faster rate than ERα knockout mice. Lesion development and atheroma susceptibility in ERα wild-type and knockout mice were independent of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, 17β-estradiol, and testosterone levels. In contrast, castration eliminated the predilection of ERα wild-type mice for atheroma, suggesting that testosterone mediates ERα-dependent atheroma formation in males. Conclusions— This study is the first to report that the ERα mediates susceptibility to early atherosclerosis in male mice by a testosterone-dependent pathway, suggesting that local production of estrogen from testosterone in the vessel wall may promote atheroma formation in ERα males. Our findings may have implications for selective targeting of ERα in atherosclerotic disease.

Nature 537, 508–514 (2016); doi:10.1038/nature19356 In this Article, the author Wolfgang Wurst was erroneously omitted from the author list. They are associated with the affiliations: HelmholtzZentrum Munich, Institute of Developmental Genetics, 85764 Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; Technical Universityof Munich, Chair of Developmental Genetics, 85764 Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany.

The Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP) Repository archives and distributes vectors, embryonic stem cell clones, frozen germplasm, and live mutant mice for 8,500 knockout genes. Here, we describe the creation and functions of the KOMP Repository.

The signaling molecule p66Shc is often described as a longevity protein. This conclusion is based on a single life span study that used a small number of mice. The purpose of the present studies was to measure life span in a sufficient number of mice to determine if longevity is altered in mice with decreased Shc levels (ShcKO). Studies were completed at UC Davis and the European Institute of Oncology (EIO). At UC Davis, male C57BL/6J WT and ShcKO mice were fed 5% or 40% calorie-restricted (CR) diets. In the 5% CR group, there was no difference in survival curves between genotypes. There was also no difference between genotypes in prevalence of neoplasms or other measures of end-of-life pathology. At 40% calorie restriction group, 70th percentile survival was increased in ShcKO, while there were no differences between genotypes in median or subsequent life span measures. At EIO, there was no increase in life span in ShcKO male or female mice on C57BL/6J, 129Sv, or hybrid C57BL/6J-129Sv backgrounds. These studies indicate that p66Shc is not a longevity protein. However, additional studies are needed to determine the extent to which Shc proteins may influence the onset and severity of specific age-related diseases.

Successful production of genetically modified mouse lines is dependent on germline transmission (GLT) of mutant alleles from chimeras. When natural mating fails to achieve GLT due to male infertility, sickness, or other problems, sperm can be harvested from chimeras and used for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to attempt to “rescue” GLT. However, a rational, evidence-based approach to determine if such extraordinary efforts should be attempted on a chimera has not been established. Therefore, in the present study we assessed the production, quality and genotype of epididymal sperm harvested from male chimeras generated by blastocyst or morula microinjection of gene targeted embryonic stem (ES) cell clones containing a LacZ expression cassette and that failed to achieve GLT. Results of this analysis enabled us to determine the cause of GLT failure, correlate coat color chimerism with the proportion of LacZ-positive sperm, and test the likelihood of achieving GLT by IVF. In 415 chimeras, 332 (80 %) produced no offspring by natural mating (“infertile”), while 83 (20 %) produced only wildtype offspring (“fertile”). Of the 332 infertile chimeras, 209 (63 %) failed to produce any sperm whatsoever, 48 (15 %) had extremely poor quality sperm, and 75 (23 %) had good quality sperm. These results indicate that most chimeras that do not achieve GLT by natural mating are infertile, and the primary cause of infertility is failed spermatogenesis. Genotyping of sperm from 519 chimeras revealed a significant positive linear correlation between coat color chimerism and mean percentage of LacZ-positive sperm (R2 = 0.95). Finally, IVF using good quality, LacZ-positive sperm from fertile and infertile chimeras “rescued” GLT for 19 out of 56 genes. We conclude that an assessment of coat color chimerism together with sperm quality and genotype can better inform the selection of chimeras for IVF to rescue GLT than coat color chimerism alone.

Cold transport of epididymides from genetically modified mice is an efficient alternative to the shipment of live animals between research facilities. Mouse sperm from epididymides cold-stored for short periods can maintain viability. We previously reported that cold storage of mouse epididymides in Lifor® perfusion medium prolonged sperm motility and fertilization potential and that the sperm efficiently fertilized oocytes when reduced glutathione was added to the fertilization medium. Cryopreservation usually results in decreased sperm viability; an optimized protocol for cold storage of epididymides plus sperm cryopreservation has yet to be established. Here, we examined the motility and fertilization potential of cryopreserved, thawed (frozen-thawed) sperm from previously cold-stored mouse epididymides. We also examined the protective effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) on sperm viability when S1P was added to the preservation medium during cold storage. We assessed viability of frozen-thawed sperm from mouse epididymides that had been cold-transported domestically or internationally and investigated whether embryos fertilized in vitro with these sperm developed normally when implanted in pseudo-pregnant mice. Our results indicate that frozen-thawed sperm from epididymides cold-stored for up to 48 hours maintained high fertilization potential. Fertilization potential was reduced after cold storage for 72 hours, but not if S1P was included in the cold storage medium. Live pups were born normally to recipients after in vitro fertilization using frozen-thawed sperm from cold-transported epididymides. In summary, we demonstrate an improved protocol for cold-storage of epididymides that can facilitate transport of genetically engineered-mice and preserve sperm viability after cryopreservation.

The role of CCK in mediating neuronal activity in the brain in response to dietary carbohydrate was measured by detecting Fos immunoreactivity in response to duodenal glucose load in rats after administration of the CCK-A receptor antagonist devazepide. In adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats, infusion for 30 min of 545 mg (2.18 kcal) dextrose through a duodenal cannula induced Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), area postrema (AP), lateral division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeAL), and the external subnucleus of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBE). Devazepide treatment (1 mg/kg) attenuated Fos expression in the NTS and AP by 81 and 78%, respectively, but not in the CeAL or LPBE. These results indicate that central neuronal activation is elicited by dietary glucose in the intestinal lumen and that activation of neurons in the NTS and AP is mediated by CCK-A receptors.

A monoclonal antibody to gastrin was used to study the role of circulating gastrin in mediating acid secretion stimulated by sham feeding in dogs. On separate days, four conscious, fasted, adult mongrel dogs with esophageal and gastric fistulae were pretreated intravenously with either 7 mg of gastrin monoclonal antibody (MAb 28.2), 7 mg of keyhole limpet hemocyanin monoclonal antibody as control, or 12.5 micrograms/kg atropine sulfate. Thirty minutes later, acid secretion was stimulated first by sham feeding for 5 min, then, 60 min later, by an intravenous infusion of a maximum stimulatory dose of histamine (40 micrograms/kg) for 60 min, and after returning to basal, by intravenous infusion of a submaximal stimulatory dose of gastrin (200 pmol.kg-1.h-1) for 60 min. Acid output from secretions collected every 15 min by gravity drainage was determined by titration to pH 7.0 with 0.2 N NaOH. Sham feeding-stimulated acid output (17.7 +/- 5.5 mmol/h) was significantly inhibited by administration of either MAb 28.2 (0 mmol/h) or atropine (1.7 +/- 1.1 mmol/h). Histamine-stimulated acid output (19.6 +/- 3.4 mmol/h) was not reduced by either pretreatment. Gastrin-stimulated acid output (3.9 +/- 0.6 mmol/h) was significantly reduced only by pretreatment with MAb 28.2 (0.1 +/- 0.1 mmol/h) and not by atropine (2.2 +/- 1.4 mmol/h). A background intravenous infusion of pentagastrin (0.5 microgram.kg-1.h-1) restored sham feeding-stimulated acid output blocked by administration of MAb 28.2, although the intrinsic acid response to sham feeding could not be seen with the background pentagastrin infusion. Furthermore, the plasma gastrin response to sham feeding was not blocked by atropine pretreatment. Because immunoneutralization of both gastrin and cholinergic blockade significantly inhibited acid output during sham feeding, circulating gastrin and cholinergic pathways are involved in mediating the cephalic phase of gastric acid secretion in dogs.

Gastrin is the principal hormonal mediator of gastric acid secretion. Using an in vivo, intact, anesthetized rat model, we studied the role of gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptors in regulating the release of histamine and somatostatin during intragastric stimulation of acid secretion during a peptone meal. In pylorusligated, adult male rats (each implanted with a gastric cannula and portal venous and splenic artery catheters), after a 30-min basal period, gastric acid secretion was stimulated for 90 min either by an intravenous infusion of gastrin-17 (15 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) or by extragastric titration of 5 ml 8% peptone meal at pH 5.5. Basal and stimulated acid outputs and portal venous plasma gastrin, histamine, and somatostatin concentrations were measured before and after close-arterial injection of a new, relatively selective, gastrin/CCK-B receptor antagonist GR143330X. GR143330X reduced basal acid output by 50% but not basal plasma gastrin, histamine, or somatostatin concentrations. GR143330X reduced gastrin-stimulated acid output by 80%, plasma histamine by 70%, and plasma somatostatin by 34%. During intragastric peptone meal stimulation GR143330X reduced the acid response by 42% during the 30- to 60-min period but not during the 60- to 90-min period. GR143330X reduced the plasma histamine response by 72 and 68%, and the plasma somatostatin response by 32 and 54% during the 30- to 60- and 60- to 90-min periods, respectively. GR143330X did not block the gastrin response to peptone at any time. These results indicate that GR143330X is an effective agent for blocking gastrin-stimulated acid secretion and histamine and somatostatin release in rats. Furthermore, we show for the first time in an intact, in vivo, anesthetized rat model that meal-stimulated activation of gastrin/CCK-B receptors stimulates acid secretion in part by regulating the release of histamine and somatostatin.

Summary Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. COPD is caused by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke and/or other environmental pollutants that are believed to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that gradually disrupt signalling pathways responsible for maintaining lung integrity. Here we identify the antioxidant protein sestrin-2 (SESN2) as a repressor of PDGFRβ signalling, and PDGFRβ signalling as an upstream regulator of alveolar maintenance programmes. In mice, the mutational inactivation of Sesn2 prevents the development of cigarette-smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema by upregulating PDGFRβ expression via a selective accumulation of intracellular superoxide anions (O2-). We also show that SESN2 is overexpressed and PDGFRβ downregulated in the emphysematous lungs of individuals with COPD and to a lesser extent in human lungs of habitual smokers without COPD, implicating a negative SESN2-PDGFRβ interrelationship in the pathogenesis of COPD. Taken together, our results imply that SESN2 could serve as both a biomarker and as a drug target in the clinical management of COPD.

There has been a significant increase in the use of C57BL/6N-derived ES cells for the production of gene knockout mice. However, the potential for germline transmission (GLT) from chimeras on this genetic background has been observed to be highly variable. Using coat color as an indicator of somatic chimerism to infer the extent of chimeric contribution to the germ cell population, even highly agouti C57BL/6N-derived chimeras can fail to achieve GLT. We investigated the extent to which quantitative PCR genotyping for a marker gene expressed in gene targeted ES cells can be performed on DNA extracted from sperm present in copulatory plugs to determine the contribution of ES cells to the germ cells. We found that an objective assessment of sperm DNA from copulatory plugs combined with a subjective assessment of coat color chimerism can be used to accurately inform the selection of chimeras for breeding that are likely to achieve GLT. These results indicate that, compared to random selection of chimeras, including an analysis of copulatory plugs to set chimeras for breeding can help to reduce costs, minimize time, and facilitate research for projects requiring the production, selection, breeding, and testing of chimeras to generate gene-targeted mice.

Procedures for cryopreserving embryos vary considerably, each having its specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of technical feasibility, embryo survival yield, temperature permissibility and species- or strain-dependent applicability. Here we report a high osmolality vitrification (HOV) method that is advantageous in these respects. Cryopreservation by vitrification is generally very simple, but, unlike slow freezing, embryos should be kept at a supercooling temperature (below -130°C) to avoid cryodamage. We overcame this problem by using an HOV solution containing 42.5% (v/v) ethylene glycol, 17.3% (w/v) Ficoll and 1.0 M sucrose. This solution is more viscous than other cryopreservation solutions, but easy handling of embryos was assured by employing a less viscous equilibration solution before vitrification. Most (>80%) embryos cryopreserved in this solution survived at -80°C for at least 30 days. Normal mice were recovered even after intercontinental transportation in a conventional dry-ice package for 2-3 days, indicating that special containers such as dry shippers with liquid nitrogen vapor are unnecessary. The HOV solution could also be employed for long-term storage in liquid nitrogen, as with other conventional cryoprotectants. Finally, we confirmed that this new vitrification method could be applied successfully to embryos of all six strains of mice we have tested so far. Thus, our HOV method provides an efficient and reliable strategy for the routine cryopreservation of mouse embryos in animal facilities and biomedical laboratories, and for easy and cheap transportation.

The role of endogenous gastrin in oxyntic mucosal proliferation during feeding in the rat was studied by immunoneutralization with a gastrin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) (CURE 051091.5). The immunochemical characteristics of this antibody were characterized by competitive radioimmunoassay, and the in vivo immunoneutralizing properties were validated by measuring effects on gastric acid and pancreatic secretion. Oxyntic mucosal proliferation in response to feeding was measured in adult male rats after a 48-h fast using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. Gastrin-specific MAb inhibited gastrin-17- but not pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and had no effect on cholecystokinin (CCK)-stimulated pancreatic secretion. In contrast, a MAb specific for the common COOH-terminal pentapeptide of gastrin and CCK inhibited gastrin-17- and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and CCK-stimulated pancreatic secretion. Pretreatment with gastrin-specific MAb 8 h before refeeding significantly reduced by 61% the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the oxyntic mucosal proliferative zone compared with control MAb-treated rats. These results demonstrate the importance of endogenous gastrin in the proliferative response of the oxyntic mucosa to feeding in the rat.

Using lactation in mice as a model, we sought to determine whether ceilings on sustained energy expenditure reside in the capacities of energy-acquiring and input organs (such as the intestine) or of energy-expending and output organs (such as the mammary glands). To distinguish between these possibilities experimentally, we surgically varied the teat number of lactating mother mice while simultaneously varying their litter size. The energy burden on each teat (i.e. the pup/teat ratio) could thus be varied independently of the energy burden (i.e. litter size) on the mother herself or on her intestine. At each teat number, pup mass proved to be maximal at intermediate litter sizes. At a given pup/teat ratio, mothers with five teats weaned pups no larger than the pups of normal (10-teat) mothers, even though the total energy burden on the former mothers was only half as large. Mothers with only two teats could not wean any pups. Litter size controlled maternal food intake, which in turn controlled intestinal mass and nutrient uptake capacity. Disproportionately high food intake for the smallest litters appears to reflect capital start-up costs of lactation. Pup mass is evidently limited by inadequate suckling stimulation of mammary glands.

A monoclonal antibody to gastrin was used to study the role of circulating gastrin in mediating insulin-stimulated acid output. On separate days, seven adult dogs with chronic gastric fistulas were pretreated i.v. with either 1) 7 mg of a gastrin monoclonal antibody (mAb 28.2); 2) 12.5 micrograms/kg atropine; 3) mAb 28.2 and atropine together; or 4) vehicle (0.1% canine serum albumin in 0.15 M NaCl). Thirty minutes later, acid secretion was stimulated by insulin (0.5 U/kg, i.v.), followed in 2 h by a 1-h infusion of histamine (40 micrograms/kg/h, i.v.). Acid output (mmol/15 min) in gastric effluent collected through the gastric fistula was determined by titration with 0.2 N NaOH to pH 7.0. Plasma gastrin was measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma glucose was measured by a glucose oxidase method on an auto analyzer. Insulin induced a profound hypoglycemia (55 +/- 8 mg/dl) that coincided with a marked increase in acid output to 7.1 +/- 0.6 mmol/30 min by 45 min after injection. MAb 28.2 pretreatment and atropine pretreatment reduced insulin-stimulated acid outputs to 2.7 +/- 0.7 mmol/30 min and to 0.6 +/- 0.2 mmol/ 30 min, respectively. Acid output after combined pretreatment (0.5 +/- 0.2 mmol/30 min) was not significantly different than after atropine alone. Histamine-stimulated acid output (15.8 +/- 2.5 mmol/30 min) was not significantly reduced by any pretreatment. Insulin injection increased circulating gastrin concentrations to 32 +/- 7 fmol/ml, which was not significantly affected by atropine (39 +/- 9 fmol/ml). This study demonstrates that, in dogs, a significant part of insulin-stimulated acid secretion is mediated by circulating gastrin.

Bombesin-like peptides stimulate gastrin release and gastric acid secretion. The increase in gastric acid output is thought to be secondary to gastrin release. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed specifically to gastrin (MAb 28.2) was used to study the role of circulating gastrin in the regulation of bombesin-stimulated acid secretion in dogs. Seven conscious, fasted dogs with gastric fistulas received intravenous bombesin infusions in fourfold increasing doses from 200 to 3,200 pmol.kg-1.h-1. Each dose was given for 45 min. On separate days, dogs were pretreated with an intravenous infusion of 7 mg of MAb 28.2 or vehicle (0.1% canine serum albumin). Samples of gastric effluent were collected by gravity drainage through the gastric fistula, and acid output was measured by titration of gastric effluent to pH 7.0, using 0.2 N NaOH. Plasma gastrin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Bombesin infusion produced dose-dependent increases in plasma gastrin concentrations and gastric acid output. Administration of gastrin MAb 28.2 abolished bombesin-stimulated gastric acid output. Immunoneutralization of circulating gastrin in vivo using a gastrin monoclonal antibody in dogs indicates that the acid stimulatory response to bombesin is mediated by gastrin.

The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers (MMPCs) were founded in 2001 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance biomedical research by providing the scientific community with standardized, high-quality phenotyping services for mouse models of diabetes, obesity, and their complications. The intent is to allow researchers to take optimum advantage of the many new mouse models produced in labs and in high-throughput public efforts. The six MMPCs are located at universities around the country and perform complex metabolic tests in intact mice and hormone and analyte assays in tissues on a fee-for-service basis. Testing is subsidized by the NIH in order to reduce the barriers for mouse researchers. Although data derived from these tests belong to the researcher submitting mice or tissues, these data are archived after publication in a public database run by the MMPC Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit. It is hoped that data from experiments performed in many mouse models of metabolic diseases, using standard protocols, will be useful in understanding the nature of these complex disorders. The current areas of expertise include energy balance and body composition, insulin action and secretion, whole-body and tissue carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular and renal function, and metabolic pathway kinetics. In addition to providing services, the MMPC staff provides expertise and advice to researchers, and works to develop and refine test protocols to best meet the community’s needs in light of current scientific developments. Test technology is disseminated by publications and through annual courses.

Because the mouse is used so widely for biomedical research and the number of mouse models being generated is increasing rapidly, centralized repositories are essential if the valuable mouse strains and models that have been developed are to be securely preserved and fully exploited. Ensuring the ongoing availability of these mouse strains preserves the investment made in creating and characterizing them and creates a global resource of enormous value. The establishment of centralized mouse repositories around the world for distributing and archiving these resources has provided critical access to and preservation of these strains. This article describes the common and specialized activities provided by major mouse repositories around the world.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates vagal afferent fiber discharge, both gastric and intestinal, which seems to result in reflex decrease in gastric motility, gastric acid secretion, and stimulation of pancreatic protein secretion. Endogenous release of CCK by fat or soybean trypsin inhibitor also alters function by way of a capsaicin-sensitive pathway. We suggest that CCK is released locally from the intestine and acts locally or systemically to stimulate vagal afferent fiber discharge to alter proximal gastrointestinal function (Fig. 14). In this way, in addition to its effect on food intake, CCK and the neural pathway integrate function in the proximal gastrointestinal tract, regulating the entry of food into the duodenum to ensure effective digestion and absorption.

This chapter has focused on many of the gut hormones that regulate gastric function. Gastrin remains the principal, and only, gastric hormone controlling gastric acid secretion during the cephalic, gastric and intestinal phases of secretion. Several other hormones, including cholecystokinin, peptide YY and secretin, released from intestinal endocrine cells in response to food substrates, have significant inhibitory effects on gastric acid secretion. Many of these hormones, including enteroglucagon and glucagon-like peptide, may act through paracrine release of somatostatin, which in turn acts as the final mediator of acid inhibition. In addition, several peptides contained in nerves, including gastrin releasing peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide, have been shown to regulate gastric acid secretion and motor function. With the creation of specific monoclonal antibodies for use in in vivo immunoneutralization studies, and the development of selective chemical antagonists for use in receptor blockade experiments, the specific contributions of the different gut hormones in the regulation of gastric function, can be assessed.

As fetal swallowing is documented in utero, supplementation of the ingested amniotic fluid with nutrients or hormones has been postulated as a potential prenatal treatment for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). To study the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the developing fetal small intestine, 12 pregnant rabbits underwent operation on day 24 of a normal 31-day gestation. Bilateral ovarian end fetuses underwent catheterization of their respective amniotic cavities with attachment to a miniosmotic pump. Study fetuses received recombinant human EGF at approximately 300 micrograms/kg/d for 1 week; controls received carrier solution only at an equivalent rate. On gestational day 31, fetuses were delivered by cesarean section and somatic measurements were recorded. The small intestine was harvested and proximal, middle, and distal regions were analyzed for lactase and maltase enzyme activity. Additionally, the uptake of radiolabeled glucose and proline was measured by a standard everted mucosal sleeve technique for each segment. Results were analyzed by Student's paired t test and reported as mean +/- SEM. Nine fetal pairs survived (75%). Small intestinal (SI) length was increased in EGF fetuses (54.8 +/- 1.9 cm) versus control (50.4 +/- 2.7 cm) (P = .02). Lactase activity, reported as UE/g protein, was significantly increased in the proximal segments in the EGF-infused fetuses; maltase was significantly increased in both the proximal and middle segments (P.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nature advance online publication 14 April 2010., Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that interferes with the function of several brain systems required for cognition and normal social behaviour. Although the most notable clinical aspects of the disease only become apparent during late adolescence or early adulthood, many lines of evidence suggest that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component1, 2. Several independent studies have identified neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and its receptor ERBB4 as important risk genes for schizophrenia3, 4, although their precise role in the disease process remains unknown. Here we show that Nrg1 and ErbB4 signalling controls the development of inhibitory circuitries in the mammalian cerebral cortex by cell-autonomously regulating the connectivity of specific GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-containing interneurons. In contrast to the prevalent view, which supports a role for these genes in the formation and function of excitatory synapses between pyramidal cells, we found that ErbB4 expression in the mouse neocortex and hippocampus is largely confined to certain classes of interneurons. In particular, ErbB4 is expressed by many parvalbumin-expressing chandelier and basket cells, where it localizes to axon terminals and postsynaptic densities receiving glutamatergic input. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrate that ErbB4 cell-autonomously promotes the formation of axo-axonic inhibitory synapses over pyramidal cells, and that this function is probably mediated by Nrg1. In addition, ErbB4 expression in GABA-containing interneurons regulates the formation of excitatory synapses onto the dendrites of these cells. By contrast, ErbB4 is dispensable for excitatory transmission between pyramidal neurons. Altogether, our results indicate that Nrg1 and ErbB4 signalling is required for the wiring of GABA-mediated circuits in the postnatal cortex, providing a new perspective to the involvement of these genes in the aetiology of schizophrenia.

In awake dogs with chronic gastric, duodenal, and jejunal fistulas, F(ab)1 fragments of somatostatin monoclonal antibody (mAb S607) were administered intravenously (IV) to test the hypothesis that intraintestinal lipid inhibits peptone-stimulated gastric acid secretion and emptying by a hormonal somatostatin mechanism. Plasma somatostatin was increased significantly by duodenal and jejunal perfusion with 20% lipid. Somatostatin administered IV caused dose-dependent inhibition of meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion and gastric emptying similar to that seen after intestinal perfusion with lipid. Administration of mAb S607 F(ab)1 fragments significantly reversed somatostatin (400 pmol.kg-1.h-1, IV)-induced inhibition of peptone-stimulated acid output and gastric emptying. Acid output inhibited by intraduodenal lipid was reversed partially after F(ab)1 administration, but the inhibitory effect of intrajejunal lipid was not altered. Inhibition of acid secretion by IV somatostatin and by intraintestinal fat was not caused by a decrease in circulating gastrin concentrations. Gastric emptying delayed by intraintestinal lipid was unaffected by antibody administration. Somatostatin does not appear to be a major hormonal mediator of intestinal fat-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion or delayed gastric emptying in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether selective antagonism of type "A" cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors blocks inhibition of gastric acid secretion produced by CCK and whether this inhibition is mediated through either a somatostatin-dependent pathway or a vago-vagal reflex. Intravenous infusion of CCK (0.04-10 nmol.kg-1.h-1) dose dependently inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in urethan-anesthetized rats, with a 50% inhibitory dose of 0.9 nmol.kg-1.h-1 and a maximum inhibition of approximately 50%. Blockade of type A CCK receptors using the selective type A receptor antagonist MK-329 completely reversed the inhibitory effect produced by a maximal dose (4 nmol.kg-1.h-1) of CCK. Immunoneutralization of endogenous somatostatin by administration of somatostatin monoclonal antibody abolished the inhibition produced by CCK. Concentrations of somatostatin in portal venous plasma were significantly increased after CCK administration; the increase in somatostatin was blocked by pretreatment with MK-329. In contrast, CCK-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion was unaltered after perivagal capsaicin treatment. These results indicate that CCK inhibits gastric acid secretion in rats by activation of type A CCK receptors and through release of endogenous somatostatin.

We report the characterization of a highly germline competent C57BL/6N mouse embryonic stem cell line, JM8. To simplify breeding schemes, the dominant agouti coat color gene was restored in JM8 cells by targeted repair of the C57BL/6 nonagouti mutation. These cells provide a robust foundation for large-scale mouse knockout programs that aim to provide a public resource of targeted mutations in the C57BL/6 genetic background.

It has been shown in the past that mouse spermatozoa could be dried under a stream of nitrogen gas at ambient temperature and stored at 4 degrees C or 22 degrees C for up to 3 months and was capable of generating live-born offspring. In previous desiccation work, dried sperm were stored in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag placed in a vacuum-packed Mylar bag. However, dried specimens stored in this way often lost moisture, particularly in samples stored at higher temperatures (22 degrees C) compared to lower temperatures (4 degrees C). The present report describes a method which minimizes this water loss from the dried sperm samples. Its use is described in a preliminary study on the effect of supplementing the trehalose with glycerol. The results have demonstrated that mouse sperm can be stored at 4 degrees C over saturated NaBr without the uptake of water which occurs when they are stored in Mylar packages. In addition, we were able to get some survival of sperm (9-15%) at room temperature storage after 3 months. The addition of glycerol to trehalose had little effect on the survival of dried mouse sperm stored over NaBr for 1 and 3 months.

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is an important and commonly used assisted reproductive technology (ART) in humans and animals. However, conventional ICSI has proven to be difficult and inefficient, especially in mice. Fortunately, the application of piezo-electric technology to assist the injection process has made ICSI more effective and efficient in recent years. Despite this advance, the pipette tip is unstable in response to the force exerted by the piezoelectric pulse during injection. To some extent, this instability can be mitigated by the use of mercury, which is highly toxic. In an effort to overcome these hurdles, we developed and tested a completely different and mercury-free technology, called the “Ros-Drill©” (rotationally oscillating drill), which uses a microprocessor-controlled actuator to generate rotational oscillations on a spiked micropipette. ICSI utilizing the Ros-Drill© requires neither mercury nor piezoelectricity. Early experimental trials reveal high survival (≫70% of the injected oocytes), fertilization (≫ 80% of the survived oocytes), and blastocyst formation rates (∼ 50% of the survived oocytes). After surgical transfer of blastocysts created by Ros-Drill© ICSI into pseudopregnant surrogate mothers, healthy pups were born and weaned. Because the Ros-Drill ICSI technique is automated, a very short training period is required, especially for specialists. These studies in mice have revealed, that Ros-Drill ICSI has mentioned advantages over conventional and piezo-assisted ICSI starting with the elimination of mercury in the process.

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its ErbB2/B4 receptors are encoded by candidate susceptibility genes for schizophrenia, yet the essential functions of NRG1 signaling in the CNS are still unclear. Using CRE/LOX technology, we have inactivated ErbB2/B4-mediated NRG1 signaling specifically in the CNS. In contrast to expectations, cell layers in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum develop normally in the mutant mice. Instead, loss of ErbB2/B4 impairs dendritic spine maturation and perturbs interactions of postsynaptic scaffold proteins with glutamate receptors. Conversely, increased NRG1 levels promote spine maturation. ErbB2/B4 -deficient mice show increased aggression and reduced prepulse inhibition. Treatment with the antipsychotic drug clozapine reverses the behavioral and spine defects. We conclude that ErbB2/B4-mediated NRG1 signaling modulates dendritic spine maturation, and that defects at glutamatergic synapses likely contribute to the behavioral abnormalities in ErbB2 / B4 -deficient mice.

To determine if mouse spermatozoa could be preserved long-term without using liquid nitrogen, mouse spermatozoa in trehalose-EGTA solution were partially evaporatively dried under nitrogen gas (5 min at flow rate10 l/min) and stored for 1 week and 5 months at 4, -20, and -80 degrees C before intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertilization rates were neither different with spermatozoa stored at 4, -20, or -80 degrees C for 1 week or 1, 3, and 5 months respectively, nor blastocyst formation rates with spermatozoa stored for 1 week and 1 month. However, spermatozoa stored at 4 and -20 degrees C for 3 months resulted in fewer blastocysts (35.1 and 54.3% respectively) when compared with spermatozoa stored at -80 degrees C (74.4%). Blastocyst formation rates using spermatozoa stored for 5 months at -20 degrees C (57.4%) or -80 degrees C (74.5%) were not significantly different from those stored for 3 months at the same temperatures respectively, but were significantly better than those stored for 5 months at 4 degrees C (10.2%). Blastocysts derived from spermatozoa stored for 3 and 5 months at -20 and -80 degrees C respectively, were then transferred to pseudopregnant mothers to develop into healthy liveborn offspring. No significant differences were found in embryo transfer rates (number of pups born/number of embryos transferred), weaning rates, or sex ratios of resultant pups, which were healthy and reproductively sound. These results demonstrate for the first time that partially evaporatively dried mouse spermatozoa in trehalose-EGTA solution can be preserved for long term at -20 and -80 degrees C. The possibility that the storage temperature must be less than the glass transition temperature is discussed.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes contemporary techniques of manipulation of mouse gametes and embryos. In this context, “manipulation” refers to the creation by assisted reproduction, for example, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection; genetic modification, for example, transgenesis and gene targeting; preservation, for example, cryopreservation; rederivation, such as embryo transfer; and cloning, such as intracytoplasmic nuclear injection, of mouse embryos. Assisted reproduction refers to any procedure that ultimately results in the creation of a diploid embryo using a non-natural means to combine male (sperm) and female (oocytes) gametes. This chapter summarizes the techniques applied to derive viable embryos with the potential to develop into liveborn offspring. In each category, the purpose, applications, advantages, and disadvantages of each procedure are discussed in the chapter. The chapter further summarizes the techniques that are most often applied to manipulation of embryos to create genetically altered mouse strains.

Publisher Summary Mouse mutagenesis refers to any genetic abnormality in the mouse genome. Genetic mutations can either occur spontaneously or be induced. Spontaneous events cause unpredictable and variable mutations at a very low frequency of occurrence at any one locus. On the other hand, induced mutations can be accomplished either by random changes in DNA or by directed mechanisms that have a significantly higher frequency of occurrence at any one locus. Because available methods enable their relative expediency and efficiency, induced mutations more rapidly lead to models of human and animal disease and development in a shorter period of time than spontaneous mutations. Induced mutations can further be categorized into those resulting from either indirect or direct manipulation of the genome. This chapter focuses on strategies for directly induced gene-specific mutagenesis that refers to the induction of specific genetic alterations in a gene by either inserting a mutagenized allele into an endogenous gene or replacing an endogenous gene with a mutagenized allele. In these approaches, the nature of the mutation is already known as a result of using a genotypic screening method for which one must apply only a reverse genetics approach to define the mutant phenotype. The chapter describes DNA transgenesis, gene targeting, gene trapping as well as the modifying techniques of conditional (spatial) and inducible (temporal) mutagenesis. For completeness, the application of RNA-interference mutagenesis is presented in the chapter. The principles and applications of each of the strategies are also discussed, although exhaustive technical details are not provided.