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Biology subjects

Zhi, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Zhi, M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2025

Efficient Generation of Humanized Cloned Cattle via Embryonic Stem Cell-Mediated Dual-Round Site-Specific Editing

Transgenic cloning allows genetic modification in cattle, yet its translational potential is constrained by low cloning efficiency and limited gene-editing capacity, due largely to the restricted proliferative ability of somatic donor cells. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), with their unlimited self-renewal ability, represent a promising alternative to overcome these bottlenecks. Here, we first established stable bovine epiblast stem cell lines (bEpiSCs) and achieved site-specific integration of the HCSN2-HLF-GFP cassette into the {beta}-casein locus, with high transfection (72.07%) and correct integration efficiency (80.48%). Following Cre LoxP mediated excision of the selectable marker, we obtained marker free HCSN2-HLF bEpiSCs that retained pluripotency markers, tri lineage differentiation potential, and supported target protein expression in immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cells. When used as nuclear donors, these cells produced blastocysts with quality comparable to in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Notably, cloning with HCSN2-HLF bEpiSCs resulted in the birth of twelve calves, with significantly higher birth and survival rates (30.71% and 16.74%, respectively) than those obtained using fibroblasts. Both PCR-based genotyping of the edited loci and microsatellite kinship analysis confirmed that all cloned calves were genetically derived from the HCSN2-HLF bEpiSCs. Collectively, this study establishes an efficient embryonic stem cell based platform for targeted gene editing and rapid production of multigene edited cloned cattle, offering a scalable strategy with strong potential for industrial translation.

bioengineering↗
bioRxiv2024

Enhanced microbiota profiling in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease through comparison with paired healthy first-degree relatives using fecal metagenomics and metabolomics

Prior studies indicate no correlation between gut microbiota of healthy first-degree relatives (HFDRs) of Crohns disease (CD) patients and development of CD. Here, we utilized HFDRs as controls to examine the microbiota and metabolome in individuals with active (CD-A) and quiescent (CD-R) CD, thereby minimizing the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Compared to non-relative controls, the use of HFDR controls identified fewer differential taxa. Faecalibacterium, Dorea, and Fusicatenibacter showed decreased abundances in CD-R, independent of inflammation, and correlated with fecal SCFAs. Validation with a large multi-center cohort confirmed decreased abundances in Faecalibacterium and other SCFA-producing genera in CD-R. Classification models based on these genera distinguished CD-R and CD-A from healthy individuals, in both the discovery and validation cohorts. Thus, the decreased presence of Faecalibacterium, Dorea, and Fusicatenibacter in CD-R likely contributed to disease relapse through reduced SCFA production, highlighting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for CD.

pathology↗