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Genetic composition of the recombinant congenic strains.

For the study of biological phenomena influenced by multiple genes in mice, the Recombinant Congenic Strains (RCS) have been developed. An RCS series comprises approximately 20 homozygous strains, each of which contains on average 87.5% genes of a common background strain and 12.5% of a common donor strain. In an RCS series, non-linked genes involved in the control of a multigenic trait become distributed into different recombinant congenic strains. In this way a multigenic trait is transformed into a series of single gene traits in which each gene can be studied individually. For the ability to use the strength of the recombinant congenic strains system to its full extent, a thorough genetic characterization is indispensable. We have typed the CcS/Dem and OcB/Dem series for 611 and 550 markers, respectively. This results in a genetic characterization sufficient to detect most donor strain genes. In addition, we report the genetic characterization of the HcB/Dem and HcB(N4)/Dem series. Strains of the latter series contain on average 6.25% of the donor strain genome. Both series have been typed for 130 markers. All the typing data have been deposited in the Mouse Genome Database at The Jackson Laboratory.

Animals↗

An edited linkage map for the AXB and BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains.

We have updated the history of the AXB and BXA recombinant inbred (RI) strains, typed additional loci, and edited the AXB, BXA RI database. Thirteen of the original 51 AXB and BXA RI strains are either extinct or genetically contaminated, leaving 33 living strains available from The Jackson Laboratory. However, we found a high degree of similarity among three sets of strains, indicating that these strains are not independent, which leaves 27 independent RI strains in the set. Accordingly, we modified the database by combining the AXB and BXA RI sets and eliminating strains that were genetically contaminated or extinct with no available DNA. We added 92 newly typed loci, retyped some questionable genotypings, and removed loci with excessive double crossovers or an insufficient number of typed strains. The edited strain distribution pattern (SDP) is available on the World Wide Web (WWW) (http://www. informatics.jax.org/riset.html) and now includes over 700 loci. Each locus is linked to adjacent loci with a LOD score of at least 3.0 with a few described exceptions. We also carried out a second editing designed for the analysis of quantitative trait loci by deleting extinct strains and loci with identical SDPs; this edited database is also available on the WWW.

Animals↗

Genomic organization and expression analysis of mouse kynurenine aminotransferase II, a possible factor in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease.

Decreased levels of the endogenous neuroprotectant kynurenic acid (KYNA) have been observed in the brain of Huntington's Disease (HD) patients and may be related to neuronal loss in this disorder. This reduction may be caused by a dysfunction of kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), the major enzyme responsible for the synthesis of KYNA in the brain. Towards understanding the role of KAT II in HD, we isolated and characterized the cDNA sequence and determined the genomic organization of mouse KAT II (mKat-2). The full length mKat-2 cDNA is 1812 bp, encoding 425 amino acids, and shares 89.9% amino acid similarity with the rat Kat-2 sequence. The gene for mKat-2 is composed of 13 exons divided by 12 intronic sequences. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that mKat-2 mRNA is mainly expressed in kidney and liver. RT-PCR showed mKat-2 expression in the brain starting from at least d11 of embryonic development. An alternative isoform mKat-2beta, derived from the usage of novel exons, shows a different expression pattern from mKat-2. Western blot analysis of various mouse tissues shows a 40-kDa protein in brain, heart, kidney, and liver. In the kidney and liver an additional 45-kDa isoform was detected. Use of the BSS chromosomal mapping panel from The Jackson Laboratory indicates that the mKat-2 gene co-segregates with polymorphic markers D8Mit129 and D8Mit128 on mouse Chr 8. Knowledge of the genomic organization, the isoform tissue-specific expression patterns, the chromosomal localization of mKat-2, and the reagents generated here, will provide the tools for further studies and allow generation and characterization of mice that are nullizygous for mKat-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization and chromosomal mapping of a mouse ortholog of the late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis gene CLN2.

Late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis (CLN2) is an autosomal recessively inherited, neurodegenerative disease in humans. The CLN2 locus has been mapped to Chromosome (Chr) 11p15, and its sequence and genomic organization have recently been reported. In the present study, the cDNA sequence, exon/intron organization, and chromosomal localization of a mouse ortholog of the CLN2 gene are described. The mouse cDNA contains an open reading frame that predicts a protein product of 562 amino acids. The mouse and human coding regions are 86% and 88% identical at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels, respectively. One less codon appears in the mouse cDNA when compared with the human ortholog. The mouse gene (Cln2) spans more than 6 kb and consists of 13 exons separated by introns ranging in size from 111 to 1259 bp. Length polymorphism in an (AC)(n) microsatellite in intron 3 of the mouse Cln2 gene was used to perform segregation analysis with The Jackson Laboratory DNA Panel Mapping Resource. On the basis of this analysis, the Cln2 gene was localized to a region of mouse Chr 7 that corresponds to human Chr 11p15. Characterization of the mouse Cln2 gene will facilitate generation of a mouse model for late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis by gene targeting and identification of functionally important regions of the Cln2 protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Spontaneous, heritable colitis in a new substrain of C3H/HeJ mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: C3H/HeJ mice at the Jackson Laboratory have periodically been culled because of the occurrence of soft feces, perianal ulceration, and right-sided colitis. No pathogens have been isolated. The goal of the current study was to establish a substrain with a high incidence of this disease. METHODS: Affected male and female C3H/HeJ mice were bred. The clinical, pathological, microbiological, and genetic features of 216 mice of the resulting pedigree were characterized. RESULTS: A severely affected female crossed with a normal male resulted in a new substrain, denoted C3H/HeJBir, with a high incidence of right-sided colitis. Histologically, lesions occurred primarily in the cecum and proximal colon, characterized by acute and chronic inflammation, crypt abscesses, ulcerations, regenerative hyperplasia, and submucosal scarring. Such colitis peaked at 3-6 weeks; however, similar disease was found sporadically in animals more than 1 year of age. Small lesions at the anorectal junction were common throughout life. An extensive search for pathogens was negative. Genetic analysis of C3H/HeJBir mice suggested that the disease was inherited as a quantitative trait. CONCLUSIONS: C3H/HeJBir mice develop a spontaneous, heritable form of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease and will be a valuable resource for genetic and immunologic studies of this disease.

Animals↗

The beige mouse model for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease: optimal conditions for the host and parasite.

We extended our earlier studies to establish the beige (C57B1/6/bgJ/bgJ) mouse model for experimental acute infections with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Optimal conditions of the host and the parasites have been determined. Mice bred at our center showed similar responses to those obtained from Jackson Laboratories, the original supplier. Both male and female mice showed similar responses, but older mice in both sexes showed less susceptibility than younger mice. Strain 101 of MAC showed remarkable consistency in its pathogenicity to beige mice, as evidenced by the distribution of colony forming unit (CFU) counts at various time points after intravenous challenge, in several experiments. CFU counts showed an association with the dose of challenge, and histopathological observations.

Animals↗

Hydrocephalus with hop gait (hyh): a new mutation on chromosome 7 in the mouse.

Hydrocephalus with hop gait (hyh) is a new lethal recessive mouse mutation that arose in the C57BL/10J strain at The Jackson Laboratory. It has been mapped to the proximal end of Chromosome 7 close to the Gpi-1 locus. This homozygous mutant is characterized clinically by a domed head and a hopping gait observable at 2 weeks of age and death between 4 and 10 weeks of age. The affected mice have dilated lateral ventricles and a large third ventricular cyst, patent through narrowed rostral cerebral aqueduct, cystic caudal aqueduct and no communication of the aqueduct with the fourth ventricle. The cerebellum has a mild cortical malformation.

Animals↗

A novel murine model of aging, Senescence-Accelerated Mouse (SAM).

Senescence-Accelerated Mouse (SAM) has been under development by our research team at Kyoto University since 1970, based on the AKR/J strain donated by the Jackson Laboratory in 1968. The SAM mouse has an accelerated senescence and age-associated pathologies such as senile amyloidosis, senile osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, cataract, deficits in learning and memory, brain atrophy, hyperinflation of lungs, hearing impairment and so on. SAM research is advancing world-wide and attempts are being made to clarify fundamental mechanisms involved in primary aging processes, pathogenesis of age-associated pathologies and effective methods to modulate or ameliorate the advance of senescence and disease processes involved in age-associated pathologies.

Journal Article↗

Auditory function in the C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ mouse strains.

The C3H inbred mouse strain arose in 1920 and includes several substrains, such as the C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ variants. However, use of these C3H mice in hearing research has been limited because their auditory function has not been described. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize auditory function in two C3H representative substrains. C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratories for auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing at ages from 2 to 30 months. Animals were tested with tone bursts at frequencies of 4,8,16,24, and 32 kHz. These early responses were evaluated for age-related threshold shifts as an index of peripheral auditory function. Both strains show normal sensitivity up to 14 months of age. Thresholds for both strains were slightly elevated at most frequencies at 18 months. C3H/HeSnJ mice tested at 30 months demonstrated little hearing function due to extensive sensorineural degeneration. Thus, these C3H strains maintain excellent cochlear function past 1 year of age.

Animals↗

Condylar cartilage in the muscular dystrophic mouse.

The adaptability of condylar cartilage has been demonstrated previously after experimentally created functional alteration. This study was undertaken to examine the morphology of condylar cartilage in animals affected with a progressive muscular disease. Muscular dystrophic male mice (genotype: dy/dy, dy/+ x dy/+, Jackson Laboratory, Maine) and corresponding unaffected control mice were decapitated at ages 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks, and their heads processed for histology. The cellular morphology of the condylar cartilage in the youngest age group was similar in dystrophic and control mice: the cartilage was a hypertrophic type. At ages 6 and 9 weeks, the maturational progression toward the nonhypertrophic form was observed in the dystrophic and control groups, the latter having flatter condylar heads. Differences were still evident at age 12 weeks. These observations were supported by measurements of the ratios of the mean cartilage thickness to condylar width (c/w), mean condylar height to width (h/w), and mean cartilage thickness to condylar height (c/h). This study supports the hypothesis that the adaptive nature of condylar cartilage may be regulated by the force levels to which the condyle is subjected.

Animals↗

Sleep-wake behavior and responses of interleukin-6-deficient mice to sleep deprivation.

Interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are involved in the regulation of non-rapid eye movements sleep (NREMS). Accumulating evidence suggests IL-6 modulates sleep under some pathophysiologic conditions. We used mice lacking a functional IL-6 gene to investigate further a potential role for IL-6 in the regulation of sleep. IL-6 knockout mice (B6.129S6-Il6tm1Kopf; n=10) and C57BL/6J mice (n=10) were purchased from the Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME). Twenty-four-hour baseline recordings were obtained from mice in the absence of any experimental manipulation. Mice were then subjected to 6-h sleep deprivation beginning at light onset. Recordings were obtained during the deprivation period and for 18 h thereafter. During baseline conditions there were no differences between mouse strains with respect to the duration, timing or intensity of NREMS. However, across the 24-h recording period IL-6 knockout mice spent approximately 30% more time in rapid eye movements sleep (REMS) than did C57BL/6J mice. Relative to C57BL/6J mice, core body temperatures of IL-6 knockout mice were higher during the light period of the light:dark cycle. Both strains responded to sleep deprivation by spending more time in NREMS and REMS. Although the total increase in the amount of NREMS after sleep deprivation was the same in both strains, IL-6 knockout mice took 6h longer to accumulate this additional sleep. Under the conditions of this study, IL-6 does not appear necessary for the full manifestation of NREMS, although this cytokine may influence the dynamics of responses to sleep deprivation. That mice lacking IL-6 spend more time in REMS suggests that interactions between IL-6 and REMS regulatory mechanisms may differ from those of IL-1 and/or TNF.

Animals↗

The heterozygous reeler mouse: behavioural phenotype.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether heterozygous reeler mice (+/rl) could be used as a genetic mouse model of schizophrenia, as previously suggested [J. Med. Chem. 44 (2001) 477]. The behavioural phenotype of male and female +/rl mice (young adult: 50-70 days old, and fully adult: >75 days old) was compared to their wild type (+/+) littermates. A complex behavioural test battery was employed: Irwin test, rotarod, spontaneous locomotor activity, social behaviour, light-dark transition test, startle response and prepulse inhibition, and hot-plate test. Overall, +/rl mice did not differ from their +/+ littermates at either age, although fully adult +/rl male mice spent more time engaged in social investigation. Some of the behavioural measures investigated were influenced by gender. Young female mice were more active in the light/dark transition test than males, while males were more aggressive than females during social interaction. In addition, performance on the rotarod was shown to deteriorate with age. Our data are in agreement with previous findings [Soc. Neurosci. Abst. 27 (2001) 238; J. Psychopharmacol. 17 (2003) A43], but contrary to those of Costa et al. [Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 2 (2002) 56], although mice used in the present and previous studies were derived from the same genetic stock at Jackson Laboratories, USA. The present study clearly shows that, compared to its +/+ littermates, the +/rl mouse (young/fully adult) exhibits normal behaviour in a wide range of behavioural measures and suggest that these mice may not be suitable for use as a genetic animal model of schizophrenia.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

ROR alpha in genetic control of cerebellum development: 50 staggering years.

The staggerer mutation was first identified at the Jackson Laboratory in 1955. In the ensuing half-century, studies of staggerer mice have provided new insights into developmental neurobiology, gene regulatory networks, and circadian behavior. Recent work has expanded the role of RORalpha, the transcription factor mutated in staggerer, to peripheral tissues, including cholesterol and lipid metabolism, immune function, and bone development. This review focuses on the role of RORalpha in neural development and behavior revealed by the staggerer mutation and subsequent molecular studies.

Animals↗

Immunomodulation by interleukin-4 suppresses matrix metalloproteinases and improves cardiac function in murine myocarditis.

Immune response is critically involved in determining the course of viral myocarditis and immunomodulation. Different cytokines may have either deleterious or protective effects. Following acute Coxsackievirus B3 infection, intramyocardial inflammation is associated with altered myocardial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and left ventricular dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the effect of exogenous interleukin-4 treatment on myocardial inflammation, MMPs and left ventricular function in Coxsackievirus B3-induced acute murine myocarditis. Eight-week-old inbred male BALB/c (H-2d) mice (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA) were used. Myocardial inflammation was measured by immunohistochemical detection of CD3(+)-, CD8a(+)-T-lymphocytes, and CD11b+ macrophages. In situ hybridization was used to detect enteroviral genome in the myocardium. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect cytokine and MMP mRNA. MMP activity was quantified by zymography analysis. Detection of myocytolysis was performed by Luxol fast blue staining. In the early acute phase, in comparison to infected mice without treatment, interleukin-4 administration (200 ng daily) reduced intramyocardial inflammation (CD3+ lymphocytes: 55.3+/-7.0 vs. 72.1+/-13.7 cells/mm2, P < 0.05; CD8a+ lymphocytes: 31.7+/-3.6 vs. 64.2+/-7.7 cells/mm2, P < 0.05; CD11b+ macrophages: 5.1+/-2.3 vs. 13.2+/-2.5 cells/mm2, P < 0.05). It also down-regulated interleukin-2 (IL) (1.7-fold, P < 0.001) but increased transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF) (1.5-fold, P < 0.001) and IL-4 (1.4-fold, P < 0.001). IL-4 suppressed MMP-2/-3/-9 transcription and activity. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by a significant improvement of left ventricular function as assessed by Milar tip catheter (left ventricular endsystolic pressure, 1.3-fold, P < 0.01; dP/dt max, 1.5-fold, P < 0.01). Immunomodulation by exogenous IL-4 treatment may lead to an anti-inflammatory effect with the inhibition of Th1 cell phenotypic response, which may further mediate the down-regulation of MMPs. A significant suppression of MMPs may mainly contribute to an improvement of left ventricular dysfunction in acute murine CVB3-induced myocarditis.

Animals↗

A new spontaneous mutation in the mouse protocadherin 15 gene.

We have characterized a new allele of the protocadherin 15 gene (designatedPcdh15(av-6J)) that arose as a spontaneous, recessive mutation in the C57BL/6J inbred strain at Jackson Laboratory. Analysis revealed an inframe deletion in Pcdh15, which is predicted to result in partial deletion of cadherin domain (domain 9) in Pcdh15. Morphologic study revealed normal to moderately defective cochlear hair cell stereocilia in Pcdh15(av-6J) mutants at postnatal day 2 (P2). Stereocilia abnormalities were consistently present at P5 and P10. Degenerative changes including loss of inner and outer hair cells were seen at P20, with severe sensory cell loss in all cochlear turns occurring by P40. The hair cell phenotype observed in the 6J allele between P0 and P20 is the least severe phenotype yet observed in Pcdh15 alleles. However, young Pcdh15(av-6J) mice are unresponsive to auditory stimulation and show circling behavior indicative of vestibular dysfunction. Since these animals show severe functional deficits but have relatively mild stereocilia defects at a young age they may provide an appropriate model to test for a direct role of Pcdh15 in mechanotransduction.

Alleles↗

Background and gender effects on survival in the TgN(SOD1-G93A)1Gur mouse model of ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder. While most cases of ALS are sporadic, 10-15% are familial, and of these 15-20% possess a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In families of ALS patients with specific SOD1 mutations, affected members demonstrate significant heterogeneity of disease and a large variation in age of onset and severity, suggesting that there are genetic modifiers of disease expression. Transgenic mice expressing mutant forms of SOD1 demonstrate symptoms similar to those seen in patients with ALS. We have observed in our colony of G93A SOD1 transgenic mice a milder phenotype in mice in a C57BL/6J background than the C57BL/6JxSJL/J hybrid background used by Jackson Laboratories to maintain their colony. To investigate the effect of genetic background on phenotype, we have constructed congenic lines on two genetic backgrounds, C57BL/6J (B6) and SJL/J (SJL). We report the influence of background and gender on the survival of these congenic lines compared to the hybrid C57BL/6JxSJL/J background. The mean survival of G93A SOD1 mice in the hybrid B6/SJL background was 130 days, with females surviving significantly longer than males. When compared to the hybrid B6/SJL background, the survival of mice in the SJL background significantly decreased, and the gender difference in survival was maintained. On the other hand, mean survival in the B6 background significantly increased, and in contrast to the B6/SJL and SJL backgrounds, there was no difference in survival between males and females. Transgene copy numbers were verified in all animals to ensure that any phenotypic differences observed were not due to alterations in copy number. This is the first report of a shortened lifespan when the G93A SOD1 transgene is placed on the SJL/J background and an increased survival with the loss of gender influences when the transgene is placed on the C57BL/6J background.

Age Factors↗

Degenerative knee joint disease in mice lacking 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthetase 2 (Papss2) activity: a putative model of human PAPSS2 deficiency-associated arthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Murine brachymorphism (bm) results from an autosomal recessive mutation of the Papss2 gene that encodes 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthetase 2, one of the principal enzymes required for the sulfation of extracellular matrix molecules in cartilage and other tissues. A spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia has been identified in Pakistani kindred having a mutation of PAPSS2. In addition to skeletal malformations that include short stature evident at birth due to limb shortening, brachydactyly, and kyphoscoliosis, affected individuals demonstrate premature onset degenerative joint disease. We investigated whether loss of Papss2 activity would similarly lead to degenerative joint disease in mice. METHODS: Mice carrying the bm mutation on a C57BL/6 background were obtained from the Jackson Laboratory. Limbs were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (microCT) and histology. RESULTS: At 12 months of age both male and female bm mice exhibited severe degenerative knee joint disease, with cartilage damage being primarily evident in the patello-femoral and medial compartments. Control 12-14-month-old C57BL/6 mice, in contrast, only occasionally demonstrated minimal cartilage damage. muCT imaging of bm limbs revealed shortened diaphyses associated with flared metaphyses in the proximal elements of both fore and hind limbs. Additionally, the bm hind limbs demonstrated extensive structural alterations, characterized by distortion of the patello-femoral groove, and prominent bowing of both tibia and fibula. CONCLUSIONS: The bm mutant, which develops severe articular cartilage lesions of the knee joint by approximately 12 months of age, represents a novel example of murine degenerative joint disease, possibly representing a model of human PAPSS2 deficiency-associated arthrosis.

Animals↗

Acute stress and intravesical corticotropin-releasing hormone induces mast cell dependent vascular endothelial growth factor release from mouse bladder explants.

PURPOSE: Corticotropin-releasing hormone is typically released from the hypothalamus but it has proinflammatory effects outside of the brain, possibly through the activation of mast cells. These cells express corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors with selective secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis. This condition is characterized by bladder inflammation and worsened by stress. We investigated the effect of intravesical corticotropin-releasing hormone and acute restraint stress on vascular endothelial growth factor release from mouse bladder explants and the role of mast cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bladder of C57BL/6 mast cell deficient (W/W(v)) and normal congenic (+/+) female mice (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Maine) at ages 10 to 12 weeks was catheterized using anesthesia. After emptying urine 1) normal saline or corticotropin-releasing hormone was introduced for 45 minutes, urine was collected and the mice were allowed to recover for 4 hours before sacrifice or 2) the mice were stressed by placing them in a restrainer for 4 hours before sacrifice and urine was collected 2 hours after stress. The bladder was removed 4 hours after stress and processed for corticotropin-releasing hormone immunohistochemical staining. In other experiments the bladder was removed, minced into 1 mm(2) pieces and cultured with or without corticotropin-releasing hormone overnight. Urine and medium were frozen for histamine, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor assay. RESULTS: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (100 nM) or acute restraint stress (4 hours) increased histamine release in urine and vascular endothelial growth factor release in medium without increasing interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the bladder explants of C57BL/6 or +/+ but not W/W(v) mice. No vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha was detected in urine before or after stimulation. Corticotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity was present in control bladders but it increased dramatically in the bladder of stressed mice. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical corticotropin-releasing hormone and acute restraint stress induced mast cell dependent vascular endothelial growth factor release from bladder explants. These findings suggest that stress, corticotropin-releasing hormone, mast cells and vascular endothelial growth factor might participate in the pathogenesis of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, which is worsened by stress, and provide for new therapeutic targets.

Acute Disease↗