Bridge, J. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2020

Derivation and characterization of chimera-competent eXtra-Embryonic eNdoderm 1 (XEN) cells from pig blastocysts

In this article, we report for the first time the derivation and characterization of extra-embryonic endoderm (XEN) cells from primitive endoderm (PrE) of porcine (p) embryos. The pXEN cells can be reliably and reproducibly generated from parthenote, in vitro and in vivo derived embryos. The pXEN cells retained all the hallmarks of PrE including expression of canonical PrE and XEN cell markers (GATA4, GATA6, SOX17, SALL4, FOXA2, and HNF4A). Transcriptome analysis further confirmed their XEN cell origin. The pXEN cells when introduced into blastocyst stage embryo contributed to wide-spread chimerism including visceral yolk sac, chorion, as well as embryonic gut and liver primordium in the fetus. The pXEN cells were shown to be an efficient nuclear donor for generating cloned offspring. Taken together, pXEN cells fulfil a longstanding need for a stable, chimera-competent, and nuclear transfer-compatible porcine embryonic cells with applications for agriculture and medicine. Significance StatementWe report for the first time, the derivation and characterization of extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) stem cells from porcine (p) embryos. The pXEN cells can be reliably and reproducibly derived from primitive endoderm precursors. When injected into blastocyst-stage embryos, the pXEN cells have contributed to wide-spread chimerism including visceral yolk sac, chorion of the extraembryonic membranes, as well as definitive endoderm of the fetus, primarily the embryonic gut and liver primordium. Additionally, these XEN cells have proven to be an efficient nuclear donor for generating cloned offspring. These newly discovered stem cells provide a novel model for studying lineage segregation, as well as a source for interspecies chimeras for generating endodermal organs, and for genome editing in livestock.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Murine models of renal ischaemia reperfusion injury: An opportunity for refinement using non-invasive monitoring methods

BackgroundRenal Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury (R-IRI) can cause Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. To understand the underlying mechanisms, reproducible small-animal models of AKI and CKD are needed. We describe how innovative technologies for measuring kidney function non-invasively in small rodents allow successful refinement of the R-IRI models, and offer the unique opportunity to monitor longitudinally in individual animals the transition from AKI to CKD. MethodsMale BALB/c mice underwent bilateral renal pedicle clamping (AKI) or unilateral renal pedicle clamping with delayed contralateral nephrectomy (CKD) under isoflurane anaesthetic. Transdermal GFR monitoring and multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography in combination with statistical analysis were used to identify and standardise variables within these models. ResultsPre-clamping anaesthetic time was one of the most important predictors of AKI severity after R-IRI. Standardising pre-clamping time resulted in a more predictably severe AKI model. In the CKD model, initial improvement in renal function was followed by significant progressive reduction in function between weeks 2 and 4. Performing contralateral nephrectomy on day 14 enabled the development of CKD in a survivable way. ConclusionsNon-invasive monitoring of global and individual renal function after R-IRI is feasible, reproducible and correlates well with classical markers of injury. This facilitates refinement of kidney injury models and enables the degree of injury seen in pre-clinical models to be translated to those seen in the clinical setting. Thus, future therapies can be tested in a clinically relevant, non-invasive manner. What is already knownThe severity of Renal Ischaemia Reperfusion injury (R-IRI) varies between animal strain, gender and age. Experimental variables including temperature and clamping time are usually tightly controlled but significant variability still exists. Classically, small rodent experiments depend on endpoint evaluation of serum and histological features of disease. However, new technologies including transdermal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) monitoring and Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) may enable renal function to be accurately monitored longitudinally, enabling better refinement of these models. What this study addsThis study shows that transdermal GFR measurements have reliably enabled refinement of the R-IRI model by standardisation of the duration of isoflurane prior to commencing surgery. Individual kidney function can be assessed in-vivo after unilateral R-IRI using MSOT imaging. The excretion tmax of IRDye-800 reliably represents the relative function of the injured kidney, permitting longitudinal in-vivo assessment of differential kidney function. What impact this may have on practiceThis study demonstrates the utility of two minimally-invasive in-vivo methods of monitoring kidney function which have advantages over classical methods and potentially enable fewer animals to be used in future studies. The study demonstrates refinement of bilateral and unilateral R-IRI models which will also enable a reduction in the number of animals needed for experimentation.

physiology↗