Large-scale gene trapping in C57BL/6N mouse embryonic stem cells

We report the construction and analysis of a mouse gene trap mutant resource created in the C57BL/6N genetic background containing more than 350,000 sequence-tagged embryonic stem (ES) cell clones. We also demonstrate the ability of these ES cell clones to contribute to the germline and produce knockout mice. Each mutant clone is identified by a genomic sequence tag representing the exact insertion location, allowing accurate prediction of mutagenicity and enabling direct genotyping of mutant alleles. Mutations have been identified in more than 10,000 genes and show a bias toward the first intron. The trapped ES cell lines, which can be requested from the Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine, are readily available to the scientific community.     

Comparison of the N- and O-linked glycopeptides of lymph node cells from C57 BL/6 lpr/lpr and C57 BL/6 mice.

We have tested the hypothesis that some phenotypic characteristics of the lymphocytes from mice with lymphoproliferative disease (lpr) could be explained by abnormal glycosylation of membrane proteins. Lymph node cells from normal C57 BL/6 and from C57 BL/lpr mice were labelled with tritiated sugars. Membrane proteins were released with trypsin, then with pronase. After complete pronase digestion, glycopeptides were first separated on Bio Gel P-6 and then on Con A-Sepharose. Fractions not binding to Con A (Con A negative) were also separated on Lens culinaris agglutinin-Sepharose. Marked differences between normal and lpr cells were noticed. First, there were more glucosamine-labelled peptides with very high molecular weight (eluting fast on Bio Gel P-6) on lpr cells than on normal lymphocytes. Second, the proportion of mannose-labelled peptides binding to Con A was smaller in the lpr cells. Third, among the Con A negative peptides, the proportion binding to Lens culinaris agglutinin was higher in lpr cells. Thus, lpr cells seem to carry more alpha 1-6 fucosylated chains and larger size carbohydrates. These alterations were also confirmed by gel electrophoresis of lectin-selected iodinated cell surface antigens and seem to be restricted to a very limited number of peptides. Thus, there may be primary changes in glycosylation in lpr cells. Alternatively, the glycosylation pattern of lpr cells may be characteristic for a subpopulation of T-lymphocytes that is expanded in this disease, or for a certain stage of activation. A large proportion of Con A-negative, Lens culinaris-positive peptides is a rather unusual feature in murine cells and requires further investigation.     

Knockout血清替代品可提高C57BL/6J小鼠胚胎干细胞建系效率

目的:在培养液中添加knockout血清替代品(knockout serum replacement,KSR)代替胎牛血清(FBS)用于建立C57BL/6J小鼠胚胎干细胞(ESC)细胞系,以便消除血清中的不确定因子对ESC增殖的影响。方法:以C57BL/6J小鼠3.5 d的囊胚为材料分离ESC,比较KSR和FBS用于建立小鼠ESC细胞系的效率,并通过体内、外分化验证所分离获得的小鼠ESC的发育潜能。结果:培养液中添加KSR,成功从13个小鼠囊胚中分离获得一个ESC细胞系(MES-1),体外培养传代超过20代仍保持未分化状态,核型为正常XX型,碱性磷酸酶及oct-4基因高表达,悬浮培养可以生成拟胚体,接种到裸鼠皮下可形成畸胎瘤,注射到ICR小鼠3.5 d囊胚中,ESC可以参与胚胎发育并产生嵌合体小鼠。而培养液中添加FBS的对照组未能获得超过3代的ESC细胞系。结论:在培养液中添加KSR代替FBS适合于C57BL/6J小鼠ESC的分离与培养,从而可避免实验前对所用血清的筛选。     

The derivation of mesenchymal stem cells from human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold promise for tissue regeneration therapies by providing a potentially unlimited source of cells capable of undergoing differentiation into specified cell types. Several preclinical studies and a few clinical studies use human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) to treat skeletal diseases and repair damaged tissue. However, hBMSCs have limited proliferation and differentiation capacity, suggesting that an alternate cell source is desirable, and hESCs may serve this purpose. Here we describe a protocol for the reproducible derivation of mesenchymal stem cells from hESCs (hES-MSCs). The hES-MSCs have a similar immunophenotype to hBMSCs, specifically they are CD73+, STRO-1+ and CD45-, and are karyotypically stable. The derived hES-MSCs are also capable of differentiating into osteoblasts and adipocytes. When the hES-MSCs were genetically modified with the lineage-specific Col2.3-GFP lentivirus and cultured in osteogenic medium, increased GFP expression was detected over time, indicating the hES-MSCs have the capacity to differentiate down the osteogenic lineage and had progressed toward a mature osteoblast phenotype.     

Methoxychlor metabolite HPTE alters viability and differentiation of embryonic thymocytes from C57BL/6 mice

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are widespread in the built and natural environments. Heightened public awareness of their potential danger has led to concern about whether EDC and their metabolites have significant negative biological effects. Studies have shown that EDC like DDT and other organochlorine pesticides, such as methoxychlor (MXC), have adverse effects on immune cells, but no studies have addressed the impact of HPTE, the primary metabolite of MXC. To elucidate the presence and significance of HPTE adverse effects, this study explored the impact of HPTE on a critical window and component of immune system development, embryonic T-cell development. Lesions at this phase of development can lead to lifelong immune dysfunction and increased incidence of immune disease, such as autoimmunity. Embry-onic thymocytes (GD 16-18) from C57BL/6 mice were subjected to an in vitro differentiation culture that mimicked early steps in thymocyte development in the presence of 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, or 50?μM HPTE, or a model endocrine disruptor, DES. The results indicated that compared to the vehicle control, HPTE- and DES-induced death of thymocytes. Annexin-V staining and Caspase 8, markers of programed cell death, revealed that the loss of cells was due at least in part to induction of apoptosis. Moreover, HPTE-induced cell death not only resulted in selective loss of double positive thymocytes, but also loss of developing CD4 intermediate cells (post-double positive partially differentiated thymocyte population). Phenotypic analysis of thymocyte maturation (T-cell receptor, TCR) and TCR ligation (CD5) surface markers revealed that surviving embryonic thymocytes expressed low levels of both. Taken together these data demonstrate that immature embryonic thymocytes are sensitive to HPTE exposure and that HPTE exposure targets thymocyte populations undergoing critical differentiation steps. These findings suggest HPTE may play a pivotal role in MXC exposure-induced immune dysfunction.     

TSLP-induced placental DC activation and IL-10(+) NK cell expansion: comparative study based on BALB/c x C57BL/6 and NOD/SCID x C57BL/6 pregnant models

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-TSLP receptor (TSLP-R) interactions activate CD11c(+) dendritic cells (DCs) and increase epithelial cell Th2-type cytokine production. We detected intracellular TSLP expression on CK7(+) trophoblast cells and TSLP-R expression on placental DCs from pregnant BALB/cxC57BL/6 and NOD/SCIDxC57BL/6 mice on gestational day 12.5. Murine recombinant TSLP activated DCs from BALB/c mice, with increased CD80 and CD83 expressions; TSLP-activated DCs induced IL-10-producing NK cell expansion. This was abrogated by anti-TSLP Ab or by culturing CD49b(+) NK cells alone. No TSLP-DC-induced IL-10(+)CD49b(+) cell expansion occurred when DCs and CD49b(+) cells were cultured separately. Although TSLP-induced DC activation occurred in NOD/SCID mice, the IL-10(+) NK cell percentage was unchanged. CK7(+) trophoblast cells may activate placental DCs via a TSLP-TSLP-R interaction and induce DC-dependent placental NK cell IL-10 production. TSLP-DC and NK cell contact appears necessary for IL-10(+)CD49b(+) cell expansion. Placental NK cells from NOD/SCIDxC57BL/6 mice appear less sensitive to TSLP-DC induction.     

Activation of C57BL/6 spleen cells by the mitogenic principle derived from mycoplasma arthritidis

A T cell mitogen derived from the supernatant of cultured mycoplasma arthritidis (MAS) has been recently discovered. Here we show that among a variety of strains, mycoplasma arthritidis was the only one elaborating the mitogen. Pools of MAS obtained at different occasions were quite variable in their biologic activity. Thus, in an attempt to obtain a more uniform preparation, MAS was semi-purified by Sephadex G-150 columns. Biologic activity eluted in a single peak in the molecular weight range of 13,000 daltons. "Nonresponsive" C57BL/6 spleen cells could be reconstituted to respond to MAS by the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). This reconstitutive effect was seen even when 2-ME was added 12 h after MAS. In further experiments, the lymphocyte culture technique was modified. Adherent spleen cells (AC) were grown and repeatedly washed before the simultaneous addition of nylon-purified T cells and MAS. Also in this experimental set-up, 2-ME could be added after the T cells. Finally, AC were cultured in the presence of MAS and after 4 h washed repeatedly. Subsequently, T cells and 2-ME were added. Also under these conditions, C57BL/6 spleen cells were capable of responding to MAS. These data suggest that 2-ME does not act on AC but on T cells. However, nylon-purified T cells in the complete absence of AC did not respond to MAS even in the presence of 2-ME. Thus, in order for the response to MAS to occur in "nonresponsive" C57BL/6 spleen cells, both AC and 2-ME are required. So far, our experiments have failed to conclusively unravel the mode of action of 2-ME. Yet, experiments using monoclonal antibodies against I-E have suggested that the response of "non-reacting" C57BL/6 spleen cells to MAS in the presence of 2-ME is not restricted by the molecule on the cell surface coded for by the I-E region.     

C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞生物学特性及饲养层制备

背景：昆明小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞是目前最常用的饲养层细胞,C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞作为饲养层的研究鲜有报道。目的：体外分离和培养C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞,制备饲养层,力求扩大小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞的来源。方法：用不同浓度胰蛋白酶分步消化法体外分离和培养C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞,观察其生物学特性,研究其生长规律,并制备小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞饲养层,检测干细胞在所制备饲养层上的生长状态。结果与结论：不同浓度胰蛋白酶分步消化法制备的C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞生长状态好,获得的成纤维细胞数量多,增殖活跃。在细胞冻存后1,2周、1,3,6个月内复苏的细胞存活率差异无显著性意义。C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞在第2-5代增殖旺盛,第6代以后细胞增殖出现明显下降。种植到培养皿上的C57BL/6小鼠饲养层细胞在种植后3 d内活力高,种植4 d以后细胞活力急剧下降。所以C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞来源的饲养层的最佳使用时间为灭活后3 d内,C57BL/6小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞饲养层和昆明小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞饲养层一样,能很好地支持胚胎干细胞及诱导多能干细胞生长。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程全文链接：     

Recent advances in the derivation of germ cells from the embryonic stem cells

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the establishment and differentiation of human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. The primordial germ cells (PGCs) and embryonic germ (EG) cells derived from them share many of their properties with ES cells. ES cell lines have now been derived from different stages of germ cell development and they have differentiated into gametes and shown embryonic development in mice, including the production of live pups. Conversely, germ cells can also be derived from ES cells. It has been demonstrated that murine (m) ES cells can differentiate into PGCs and subsequently into early gametes (oocytes and sperms) and blastocysts. Recently, immature sperm cells derived from mES cells in culture have produced live offspring. Preliminary research has indicated that human (h) ES cells probably have the potential to differentiate into germ cells. Adult stem cells have been reported to differentiate into mature germ cells in vitro. Therefore, stem cells may offer a valuable in vitro model for the investigation of germ cell development and the early stages of human gametogenesis, including epigenetic modifications of the germ line. This review discusses recent developments in the derivation and specification of mammalian germ cells from ES cells and describes some of the mechanisms of germ cell development.     

C57BL/6J×129/J杂交小鼠ES细胞系的建株(英)

 目的：建立C57BL/6J×129/J杂交小鼠ES细胞系。 方法： 收集3.5 d.p.c.的囊胚，培养在预先铺有小鼠成纤维细胞（MEFs）的高糖DMEM培养液中。3-4 d后，挑出内细胞团（ICM），消化后重新种到新鲜的有MEFS培养液中。等到有典型的ES样集落长出，即传代以得到永久ES细胞系。通过分析碱性磷酸酶活性，SSEA-1，Oct-4的表达和形成畸胎瘤的能力来鉴定ES细胞的多向分化能力。 结果： 获得的两个C57BL/6J×129/J杂交小鼠ES细胞系绝大多数细胞具有正常的核型（40，XY），碱性磷酸酶染色阳性，SSEA-1，Oct-4表达阳性， ES细胞注入SCID鼠后可获得来自3个胚层的组织。 结论： 建立了两株具有长期自我更新能力和多向分化潜能的C57BL/6J×129/J杂交小鼠ES细胞系。     

Increased resistance of (CBA x C57BL/6)F1 hybrids to the systemic graft versus host reaction during regeneration of the spleen

Partial splenectomy was performed on (CBA x C57BL/6)F₁ hybrid mice 2, 12, 15, and 20 days before induction of the graft versus host reaction (GVHR) and 2 and 10 days after injection of parental immunocompetent cells. Recipients with an intact spleen, and those undergoing total splenectomy or a mock operation served as the control. Hybrids with a regenerating spleen up to 12 days of regeneration were shown to have increased resistance to GVHR, whereas splenectomy increased the resistance of the hybrids to GVHR only if carried out 2 days before induction of GVHR or 2 days after it.Department of Microbiology, Smolensk Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. P. Avtsyn.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 88, No. 11, pp. 587–589, November, 1979.     

Morphoquantitative analysis of the Ileum of C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) fed with a high-fat diet

Due to the increase in overweight and obesity in humans, various studies have been conducted in recent years that demonstrate the detrimental effects on tissues and organs. The aim of this study was to assess the morphoquantitative changes produced in the ileum of mice, associated with high-fat diets. Fourteen male C57BL/6 mice, 5 months old, were fed two types of diets for 14 weeks. The control group (C) was fed a standard diet (10% fat, AIN-93M) and the experimental group (E) was fed a high-fat diet (42% fat, AIN-93M-AG). The assessments included: body weight, calorie consumption, food efficiency, biochemical analysis of plasma lipids, diameter, total wall thickness, thickness of the tunica mucosa and tunica muscularis, length and width of the intestinal villi, depth of the intestinal crypts and number of goblet cells per mm^-2 (N_A). For the statistical analysis the Student’s t-test was used, considering a P value less than 0.05. The mice in the E group presented greater weight gain (P = 0.028), higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively), and length of the intestinal villi (P = 0.000). The width of the intestinal villi and the NA of PAS-positive goblet cells presented significantly lower values (P = 0.037 and P = 0.039, respectively) than the C group. The observed changes could be related to the higher demand for fat absorption and to possible alterations in the intestinal microflora and inflammation by action of high-fat diets.     

The Y chromosome from autoimmune BXSB/MpJ mice induces a lupus-like syndrome in (NZW x C57BL/6)F1 male mice, but not in C57BL/6 male mice

The Y chromosome of the BXSB mouse has been shown to be responsible for the acceleration of lupus-like autoimmune syndrome in inbred BXSB mice and in their F1 hybrids with NZB or NZW mice. To further define the role of this as yet unidentified gene linked to the BXSB Y chromosome, designated Yaa (Y chromosome-linked autoimmune acceleration), the Y chromosome was transferred from the BXSB strain to nonautoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) mice. The effect of the Yaa gene on the autoantibody formation and the development of glomerulonephritis was investigated in B6 mice and in their F1 hybrids with NZW mice. The presence of the BXSB Y chromosome was not able to induce significant autoimmune responses in B6 mice. However, (NZW x B6)F1 males bearing the BXSB Y chromosome developed a severe lupus-like autoimmune syndrome, as documented by the production of anti-DNA antibodies and gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes and the development of lethal lupus nephritis. Both sexes of (NZW x B6)F1 hybrids without the BXSB Y chromosome were essentially normal. Our results suggest that (a) the BXSB Y chromosome by itself is not sufficient to initiate autoimmune responses in nonautoimmune B6 mice, and (b) it is able to induce autoimmune responses in mice potentially capable of developing the disease, but whose autosomal abnormality by itself is not sufficient to develop autoimmune diseases.     

Chromosomal aberrations in embryonic liver and bone marrow cells of A/He and C57BL/6 mice induced by thiotepa

Chromosomal aberrations in the first mitosis of embryonic liver and bone marrow cells were studied in A/He and C57Bl/6 mice after injection of the alkylating agent thioTEPA in the g₁-S period of the cell cycle. Chromosomes of A/He mice were shown to be more sensitive to the mutagenic action of the compound.Laboratory of Experimental Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR N. P. Bochkov.) Translated from Byulleten Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 88, No. 10, pp. 458–460, October, 1979.     

The C57BL/6 nu/nu lpr/lpr mouse. I. Expression of the 'lpr phenotype' in the C57BL/6 genetic background

The C57BL/6 lpr/lpr mice develop within 3-6 moths a series of abnormalities of their immune system which characterize the 'lpr phenotype' and allow them to be distinguished easily from normal C57BL/6 as well as from C57BL/6 nu/nu: lymphadenopathy, hyperimmunoglobulinemia, high anti-nuclear antibody titers and, less regularly, anti-whole DNA antibody. Though C57BL/6 nu/nu occasionally present auto-antibody too, the combined use of three or four of the aforementioned parameters for each tested animal allows an easy detection of animals presenting the lpr phenotype. In our C57BL/6 lpr/lpr colony, the lymphadenopathy does not seem to start by chance in any lymphoid organ but shows a very strong preferential occurrence in the cervical lymph nodes. These parameters of the lpr phenotype have been used to trace the lpr genes and to construct the C57BL/6 nu/nu lpr/lpr as described in the companion paper.     

Hematopoiesis from human embryonic stem cells: overcoming the immune barrier in stem cell therapies

The multipotency and proliferative capacity of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) make them a promising source of stem cells for transplant therapies and of vital importance given the shortage in organ donation. Recent studies suggest some immune privilege associated with hESC-derived tissues. However, the adaptability of the immune system makes it unlikely that fully differentiated tissues will permanently evade immune rejection. One promising solution is to induce a state of immune tolerance to a hESC line using tolerogenic hematopoietic cells derived from it. This could provide acceptance of other differentiated tissues from the same line. However, this approach will require efficient multilineage hematopoiesis from hESCs. This review proposes that more efficient differentiation of hESCs to the tolerogenic cell types required is most likely to occur through applying knowledge gained of the ontogeny of complex regulatory signals used by the embryo for definitive hematopoietic development in vivo. Stepwise formation of mesoderm, induction of definitive hematopoietic stem cells, and the application of factors key to their self-renewal may improve in vitro production both quantitatively and qualitatively.     

非酒精性脂肪肝C57BL/6小鼠模型的建立

 BACKGROUND: The establishment of a safe, reliable and easily repeatable mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the prerequisite for the study of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.     

Cytogenetic studies of ethyl acrylate using C57BL/6 mice

The clastogenicity of ethyl acrylate (EA) was examined in vivo by injecting i.p. five male C57BL/6 mice per dose group with either 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg EA dissolved in saline. Controls received solvent only. Acrylamide (100 mg/kg), because of its similarity in structure and mode of action to EA, was used as a positive control. Twenty-four hours after injection, the animals were anesthetized and the spleens aseptically removed. Splenocytes were isolated on density gradients and cultured with concanavalin A to stimulate cell division. In half the cultures bromodeoxyuridine was added at 21 h for analysis of chromosome aberrations (CAs) in first division cells and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in second division cells. In the remaining cultures cytochalasin B was added to produce binucleated cells for scoring of micronuclei (MN). There was no significant increase in SCE or CAs at any of the doses of EA examined. At the highest dose examined (1000 mg/kg), EA did cause a small but significant increase in binucleated cell MN. Acrylamide caused an increase in MN and SCEs in splenocytes. Because others have found EA to be clastogenic in vitro, isolated splenocytes were exposed to a wide range of concentrations of EA during the G0 stage of the cell cycle or 23 h after mitogen stimulation during the late G1 or early S phase of the cell cycle. Although EA was toxic for both exposure regimens, significant increases in chromatid-type aberrations were found only when the target cells were treated 23 h after mitogenic stimulation. No statistically significant increase in SCE frequency was found after either treatment regimen. These data suggest that EA is only clastogenic at near toxic concentrations during a specific stage of the cell cycle.     

Breaking the non-responsiveness of C57BL/6 mice to the malarial antigen EB200--the role of carrier and adjuvant molecules

Poor immunogenicity and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction of immune responses to certain recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides impose problems in developing effective vaccines. EB200 is one of the vaccine candidate antigens from Plasmodium falciparum, which induces MHC-restricted immune responses in mice of different haplotypes. A way of overcoming this problem is to conjugate the antigen to an immunogenic protein carrier and to use optimal adjuvant substances. We have investigated the carrier effect of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in CBA and C57BL/6 mice which are high and low responder to EB200, respectively. Our results reveal that the MHC restriction in C57BL/6 mice was broken by the use of GST as a carrier. Studies on the B-cell repertoires in both strains of mice immunized with GST-EB200 by preparing hybridoma cell lines indicate that the B-cell repertoires were similar in both CBA and C57BL/6 mice. However, the antibody affinity and the magnitude of the response were still lower in the low-responder C57BL/6 mice compared with that in CBA even when cholera toxin (CT) was used as adjuvant. To improve the response, the efficacy of various adjuvant substances like alum and Hsp 70 from Trypanosoma cruzi and the combination of various adjuvants was analysed. CT and Hsp 70 together act synergistically and markedly improve the immunogenicity of EB200 by increasing antibody affinity and the magnitude of the responses in C57BL/6 mice, which may be explained by the complementary effect of adjuvants. These results are of importance in the design of efficient vaccines.