Placentation defects are highly prevalent in embryonic lethal mouse mutants.

Large-scale phenotyping efforts have demonstrated that approximately 25-30% of mouse gene knockouts cause intrauterine lethality. Analysis of these mutants has largely focused on the embryo and not the placenta, despite the crucial role of this extraembryonic organ for developmental progression. Here we screened 103 embryonic lethal and sub-viable mouse knockout lines from the Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders program for placental phenotypes. We found that 68% of knockout lines that are lethal at or after mid-gestation exhibited placental dysmorphologies. Early lethality (embryonic days 9.5-14.5) is almost always associated with severe placental malformations. Placental defects correlate strongly with abnormal brain, heart and vascular development. Analysis of mutant trophoblast stem cells and conditional knockouts suggests that a considerable number of factors that cause embryonic lethality when ablated have primary gene function in trophoblast cells. Our data highlight the hugely under-appreciated importance of placental defects in contributing to abnormal embryo development and suggest key molecular nodes that govern placenta formation.

Genome-wide in vivo screen identifies novel host regulators of metastatic colonization.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death for cancer patients. This multi-stage process requires tumour cells to survive in the circulation, extravasate at distant sites, then proliferate; it involves contributions from both the tumour cell and tumour microenvironment ('host', which includes stromal cells and the immune system). Studies suggest the early steps of the metastatic process are relatively efficient, with the post-extravasation regulation of tumour growth ('colonization') being critical in determining metastatic outcome. Here we show the results of screening 810 mutant mouse lines using an in vivo assay to identify microenvironmental regulators of metastatic colonization. We identify 23 genes that, when disrupted in mouse, modify the ability of tumour cells to establish metastatic foci, with 19 of these genes not previously demonstrated to play a role in host control of metastasis. The largest reduction in pulmonary metastasis was observed in sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter spinster homologue 2 (Spns2)-deficient mice. We demonstrate a novel outcome of S1P-mediated regulation of lymphocyte trafficking, whereby deletion of Spns2, either globally or in a lymphatic endothelial-specific manner, creates a circulating lymphopenia and a higher percentage of effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells present in the lung. This allows for potent tumour cell killing, and an overall decreased metastatic burden.

High-throughput genotyping of high-homology mutant mouse strains by next-generation sequencing.

Genotyping of knockout alleles in mice is commonly performed by end-point PCR or gene-specific/universal cassette qPCR. Both have advantages and limitations in terms of assay design and interpretation of results. As an alternative method for high-throughput genotyping, we investigated next generation sequencing (NGS) of PCR amplicons, with a focus on CRISPR-mediated exon deletions where antibiotic selection markers are not present. By multiplexing the wild type and mutant-specific PCR reactions, the genotype can be called by the relative sequence counts of each product. The system is highly scalable and can be applied to a variety of different allele types, including those produced by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium and associated projects. One potential challenge with any assay design is locating unique areas of the genome, especially when working with gene families or regions of high homology. These can result in misleading or ambiguous genotypes for either qPCR or end-point assays. Here, we show that genotyping by NGS can negate these issues by simple, automated filtering of undesired sequences. Analysis and genotype calls can also be fully automated, using FASTQ or FASTA input files and an in-house Perl script and SQL database.

Mammalian Hbs1L deficiency causes congenital anomalies and developmental delay associated with Pelota depletion and 80S monosome accumulation.

Hbs1 has been established as a central component of the cell's translational quality control pathways in both yeast and prokaryotic models; however, the functional characteristics of its human ortholog (Hbs1L) have not been well-defined. We recently reported a novel human phenotype resulting from a mutation in the critical coding region of the HBS1L gene characterized by facial dysmorphism, severe growth restriction, axial hypotonia, global developmental delay and retinal pigmentary deposits. Here we further characterize downstream effects of the human HBS1L mutation. HBS1L has three transcripts in humans, and RT-PCR demonstrated reduced mRNA levels corresponding with transcripts V1 and V2 whereas V3 expression was unchanged. Western blot analyses revealed Hbs1L protein was absent in the patient cells. Additionally, polysome profiling revealed an abnormal aggregation of 80S monosomes in patient cells under baseline conditions. RNA and ribosomal sequencing demonstrated an increased translation efficiency of ribosomal RNA in Hbs1L-deficient fibroblasts, suggesting that there may be a compensatory increase in ribosome translation to accommodate the increased 80S monosome levels. This enhanced translation was accompanied by upregulation of mTOR and 4-EBP protein expression, suggesting an mTOR-dependent phenomenon. Furthermore, lack of Hbs1L caused depletion of Pelota protein in both patient cells and mouse tissues, while PELO mRNA levels were unaffected. Inhibition of proteasomal function partially restored Pelota expression in human Hbs1L-deficient cells. We also describe a mouse model harboring a knockdown mutation in the murine Hbs1l gene that shared several of the phenotypic elements observed in the Hbs1L-deficient human including facial dysmorphism, growth restriction and retinal deposits. The Hbs1lKO mice similarly demonstrate diminished Pelota levels that were rescued by proteasome inhibition.

Alkaline ceramidase 1 is essential for mammalian skin homeostasis and regulating whole-body energy expenditure.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that acts as a barrier to protect the body from the external environment and to control water and heat loss. This barrier function is established through the multistage differentiation of keratinocytes and the presence of bioactive sphingolipids such as ceramides, the levels of which are tightly regulated by a balance of ceramide synthase and ceramidase activities. Here we reveal the essential role of alkaline ceramidase 1 (Acer1) in the skin. Acer1-deficient (Acer1(-/-) ) mice showed elevated levels of ceramide in the skin, aberrant hair shaft cuticle formation and cyclic alopecia. We demonstrate that Acer1 is specifically expressed in differentiated interfollicular epidermis, infundibulum and sebaceous glands and consequently Acer1(-/-) mice have significant alterations in infundibulum and sebaceous gland architecture. Acer1(-/-) skin also shows perturbed hair follicle stem cell compartments. These alterations result in Acer1(-/-) mice showing increased transepidermal water loss and a hypermetabolism phenotype with associated reduction of fat content with age. We conclude that Acer1 is indispensable for mammalian skin homeostasis and whole-body energy homeostasis. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Blastocyst genotyping for quality control of mouse mutant archives: an ethical and economical approach.

With the advent of modern developmental biology and molecular genetics, the scientific community has generated thousands of newly genetically altered strains of laboratory mice with the aim of elucidating gene function. To this end, a large group of Institutions which form the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium is generating and phenotyping a knockout mouse strain for each of the ~20,000 protein-coding genes using the mutant ES cell resource produced by the International Knockout Mouse Consortium. These strains are made available to the research community via public repositories, mostly as cryopreserved sperm or embryos. To ensure the quality of this frozen resource there is a requirement that for each strain the frozen sperm/embryos are proven able to produce viable mutant progeny, before the live animal resource is removed from cages. Given the current requirement to generate live pups to demonstrate their mutant genotype, this quality control check necessitates the use and generation of many animals and requires considerable time, cage space, technical and economic resources. Here, we describe a simple and efficient method of genotyping pre-implantation stage blastocysts with significant ethical and economic advantages especially beneficial for current and future large-scale mouse mutagenesis projects.

Rapid conversion of EUCOMM/KOMP-CSD alleles in mouse embryos using a cell-permeable Cre recombinase.

We describe here use of a cell-permeable Cre to efficiently convert the EUCOMM/KOMP-CSD tm1a allele to the tm1b form in preimplantation mouse embryos in a high-throughput manner, consistent with the requirements of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium-affiliated NIH KOMP2 project. This method results in rapid allele conversion and minimizes the use of experimental animals when compared to conventional Cre transgenic mouse breeding, resulting in a significant reduction in costs and time with increased welfare benefits.

Genomic analysis of a novel spontaneous albino C57BL/6N mouse strain.

We report an albino C57BL/6N mouse strain carrying a spontaneous mutation in the tyrosinase gene (C57BL/6N-Tyr(cWTSI)). Deep whole genome sequencing of founder mice revealed very little divergence from C57BL/6NJ and C57BL/6N (Taconic). This coisogenic strain will be of great utility for the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC), which uses the EUCOMM/KOMP targeted C57BL/6N ES cell resource, and other investigators wishing to work on a defined C57BL/6N background.

Molecular characterization of mutant mouse strains generated from the EUCOMM/KOMP-CSD ES cell resource.

The Sanger Mouse Genetics Project generates knockout mice strains using the EUCOMM/KOMP-CSD embryonic stem (ES) cell collection and characterizes the consequences of the mutations using a high-throughput primary phenotyping screen. Upon achieving germline transmission, new strains are subject to a panel of quality control (QC) PCR- and qPCR-based assays to confirm the correct targeting, cassette structure, and the presence of the 3' LoxP site (required for the potential conditionality of the allele). We report that over 86 % of the 731 strains studied showed the correct targeting and cassette structure, of which 97 % retained the 3' LoxP site. We discuss the characteristics of the lines that failed QC and postulate that the majority of these may be due to mixed ES cell populations which were not detectable with the original screening techniques employed when creating the ES cell resource.

Mutations in SLC29A3, encoding an equilibrative nucleoside transporter ENT3, cause a familial histiocytosis syndrome (Faisalabad histiocytosis) and familial Rosai-Dorfman disease.

The histiocytoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by an excessive number of histiocytes. In most cases the pathophysiology is unclear and treatment is nonspecific. Faisalabad histiocytosis (FHC) (MIM 602782) has been classed as an autosomal recessively inherited form of histiocytosis with similarities to Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) (also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML)). To elucidate the molecular basis of FHC, we performed autozygosity mapping studies in a large consanguineous family and identified a novel locus at chromosome 10q22.1. Mutation analysis of candidate genes within the target interval identified biallelic germline mutations in SLC29A3 in the FHC kindred and in two families reported to have familial RDD. Analysis of SLC29A3 expression during mouse embryogenesis revealed widespread expression by e14.5 with prominent expression in the central nervous system, eye, inner ear, and epithelial tissues including the gastrointestinal tract. SLC29A3 encodes an intracellular equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT3) with affinity for adenosine. Recently germline mutations in SLC29A3 were also described in two rare autosomal recessive disorders with overlapping phenotypes: (a) H syndrome (MIM 612391) that is characterised by cutaneous hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis, hepatomegaly, heart anomalies, hearing loss, and hypogonadism; and (b) PHID (pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) syndrome. Our findings suggest that a variety of clinical diagnoses (H and PHID syndromes, FHC, and familial RDD) can be included in a new diagnostic category of SLC29A3 spectrum disorder.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage Protocol Reduces Timing of Door to Correction Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening complication of oral anticoagulant therapy that sometimes results in hematoma expansion after onset. Our facility did not have a standardized process for treating oral anticoagulant-associated ICH; this resulted in lag times from order to reversal agent administration. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a rapid anticoagulant reversal protocol, combined with warfarin and direct-acting oral anticoagulant therapy, in decreasing door to first intervention times. METHODS: This study used a retrospective quality assessment research approach in examining an oral anticoagulant reversal protocol to compare the control and intervention groups. Phytonadione was the first intervention treatment for most study participants diagnosed with warfarin-associated ICH with an international normalized ratio greater than 1.4. Factor IX was the first intervention treatment for all but one study participant with DOAC-associated ICH. RESULTS: Findings were statistically significant (P < .05) for door to first intervention treatments. Door to phytonadione in minutes decreased from 232.7 (SD, 199.4) to posttest findings of 111.4 (SD, 64.6). Door to factor IX in minutes decreased from 183.9 (SD, 230.2) to posttest findings of 116.6 (SD, 69.1). CONCLUSION: Study findings support the hypothesis that the new protocol was associated with lower door-to-treatment times for eligible patients.

FBXO7 sensitivity of phenotypic traits elucidated by a hypomorphic allele.

FBXO7 encodes an F box containing protein that interacts with multiple partners to facilitate numerous cellular processes and has a canonical role as part of an SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Mutation of FBXO7 is responsible for an early onset Parkinsonian pyramidal syndrome and genome-wide association studies have linked variants in FBXO7 to erythroid traits. A putative orthologue in Drosophila, nutcracker, has been shown to regulate the proteasome, and deficiency of nutcracker results in male infertility. Therefore, we reasoned that modulating Fbxo7 levels in a murine model could provide insights into the role of this protein in mammals. We used a targeted gene trap model which retained 4-16% residual gene expression and assessed the sensitivity of phenotypic traits to gene dosage. Fbxo7 hypomorphs showed regenerative anaemia associated with a shorter erythrocyte half-life, and male mice were infertile. Alterations to T cell phenotypes were also observed, which intriguingly were both T cell intrinsic and extrinsic. Hypomorphic mice were also sensitive to infection with Salmonella, succumbing to a normally sublethal challenge. Despite these phenotypes, Fbxo7 hypomorphs were produced at a normal Mendelian ratio with a normal lifespan and no evidence of neurological symptoms. These data suggest that erythrocyte survival, T cell development and spermatogenesis are particularly sensitive to Fbxo7 gene dosage.

The Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi mouse line: lessons from the Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders program.

The Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders (DMDD) program uses a systematic and standardised approach to characterise the phenotype of embryos stemming from mouse lines, which produce embryonically lethal offspring. Our study aims to provide detailed phenotype descriptions of homozygous Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi mutants produced in DMDD and harvested at embryonic day 14.5. This shall provide new information on the role Col4a2 plays in organogenesis and demonstrate the capacity of the DMDD database for identifying models for researching inherited disorders. The DMDD Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi mutants survived organogenesis and thus revealed the full spectrum of organs and tissues, the development of which depends on Col4a2 encoded proteins. They showed defects in the brain, cranial nerves, visual system, lungs, endocrine glands, skeleton, subepithelial tissues and mild to severe cardiovascular malformations. Together, this makes the DMDD Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi line a useful model for identifying the spectrum of defects and for researching the mechanisms underlying autosomal dominant porencephaly 2 (OMIM # 614483), a rare human disease. Thus we demonstrate the general capacity of the DMDD approach and webpage as a valuable source for identifying mouse models for rare diseases.