Intrinsic factors and CD1d1 but not CD1d2 expression levels control invariant natural killer T cell subset differentiation.

Invariant natural killer T (NKT) cell subsets are defined based on their cytokine-production profiles and transcription factors. Their distribution is different in C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c mice, with a bias for NKT1 and NKT2/NKT17 subsets, respectively. Here, we show that the non-classical class I-like major histocompatibility complex CD1 molecules CD1d2, expressed in BALB/c and not in B6 mice, could not account for this difference. We find however that NKT cell subset distribution is intrinsic to bone marrow derived NKT cells, regardless of syngeneic CD1d-ligand recognition, and that multiple intrinsic factors are likely involved. Finally, we find that CD1d expression levels in combination with T cell antigen receptor signal strength could also influence NKT cell distribution and function. Overall, this study indicates that CD1d-mediated TCR signals and other intrinsic signals integrate to influence strain-specific NKT cell differentiation programs and subset distributions.

Good Reporting Practice for Thermophysical and Thermochemical Property Measurements (IUPAC Technical Report).

Scientific projects frequently involve measurements of thermophysical, thermochemical, and other related properties of chemical compounds and materials. These measured property data have significant potential value for the scientific community, but incomplete and inaccurate reporting often hampers their utilization. The present IUPAC Technical Report summarizes the needs of chemical engineers and researchers as consumers of these data and shows how publishing practices can improve information transfer. In the Report, general principles of Good Reporting Practice are developed together with examples illustrating typical cases of reporting issues. Adoption of these principles will improve the quality, reproducibility, and usefulness of experimental data, bring a better level of consistency to results, and increase the efficiency and impact of research. Closely related to Good Reporting Practice, basic elements of Good Research Practice are also introduced with a goal to reduce the number of ambiguities and unresolved problems within the thermophysical property data domain.

The World Coral Conservatory (WCC): A Noah's ark for corals to support survival of reef ecosystems.

Global change causes widespread decline of coral reefs. In order to counter the anticipated disappearance of coral reefs by the end of this century, many initiatives are emerging, including creation of marine protected areas (MPAs), reef restoration projects, and assisted evolution initiatives. Such efforts, although critically important, are locally constrained. We propose to build a "Noah's Ark" biological repository for corals that taps into the network of the world's public aquaria and coral reef scientists. Public aquaria will serve not only as a reservoir for the purpose of conservation, restoration, and research of reef-building corals but also as a laboratory for the implementation of operations for the selection of stress-resilient and resistant genotypes. The proposed project will provide a global dimension to coral reef education and protection as a result of the involvement of a network of public and private aquaria.

Characterization of the developmental landscape of murine RORγt+ iNKT cells.

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells expressing the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and producing IL-17 represent a minor subset of CD1d-restricted iNKT cells (iNKT17) in C57BL/6J (B6) mice. We aimed in this study to define the reasons for their low distribution and the sequence of events accompanying their normal thymic development. We found that RORγt+ iNKT cells have higher proliferation potential and a greater propensity to apoptosis than RORγt- iNKT cells. These cells do not likely reside in the thymus indicating that thymus emigration, and higher apoptosis potential, could contribute to RORγt+ iNKT cell reduced thymic distribution. Ontogeny studies suggest that mature HSAlow RORγt+ iNKT cells might develop through developmental stages defined by a differential expression of CCR6 and CD138 during which RORγt expression and IL-17 production capabilities are progressively acquired. Finally, we found that RORγt+ iNKT cells perceive a strong TCR signal that could contribute to their entry into a specific 'Th17 like' developmental program influencing their survival and migration. Overall, our study proposes a hypothetical thymic developmental sequence for iNKT17 cells, which could be of great use to study molecular mechanisms regulating this developmental program.

A Loss-of-Function Mutation in the Integrin Alpha L (Itgal) Gene Contributes to Susceptibility to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection in Collaborative Cross Strain CC042.

Salmonella is an intracellular bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammalian, avian, and reptilian hosts. Mouse models have been extensively used to model in vivo distinct aspects of human Salmonella infections and have led to the identification of several host susceptibility genes. We have investigated the susceptibility of Collaborative Cross strains to intravenous infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a model of human systemic invasive infection. In this model, strain CC042/GeniUnc (CC042) mice displayed extreme susceptibility with very high bacterial loads and mortality. CC042 mice showed lower spleen weights and decreased splenocyte numbers before and after infection, affecting mostly CD8+ T cells, B cells, and all myeloid cell populations, compared with control C57BL/6J mice. CC042 mice also had lower thymus weights with a reduced total number of thymocytes and double-negative and double-positive (CD4+, CD8+) thymocytes compared to C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of bone marrow-resident hematopoietic progenitors showed a strong bias against lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitors. An F2 cross between CC042 and C57BL/6N mice identified two loci on chromosome 7 (Stsl6 and Stsl7) associated with differences in bacterial loads. In the Stsl7 region, CC042 carried a loss-of-function variant, unique to this strain, in the integrin alpha L (Itgal) gene, the causative role of which was confirmed by a quantitative complementation test. Notably, Itgal loss of function increased the susceptibility to S. Typhimurium in a (C57BL/6J × CC042)F1 mouse background but not in a C57BL/6J mouse inbred background. These results further emphasize the utility of the Collaborative Cross to identify new host genetic variants controlling susceptibility to infections and improve our understanding of the function of the Itgal gene.

Deficient LRRC8A-dependent volume-regulated anion channel activity is associated with male infertility in mice.

Ion channel-controlled cell volume regulation is of fundamental significance to the physiological function of sperm. In addition to volume regulation, LRRC8A-dependent volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) activity is involved in cell cycle progression, insulin signaling, and cisplatin resistance. Nevertheless, the contribution of LRRC8A and its dependent VRAC activity in the germ cell lineage remain unknown. By utilizing a spontaneous Lrrc8a mouse mutation (c.1325delTG, p.F443*) and genetically engineered mouse models, we demonstrate that LRRC8A-dependent VRAC activity is essential for male germ cell development and fertility. Lrrc8a-null male germ cells undergo progressive degeneration independent of the apoptotic pathway during postnatal testicular development. Lrrc8a-deficient mouse sperm exhibit multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), a feature commonly observed in the sperm of infertile human patients. Importantly, we identified a human patient with a rare LRRC8A hypomorphic mutation (c.1634G>A, p.Arg545His) possibly linked to Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), a male sterility disorder characterized by the loss of germ cells. Thus, LRRC8A is a critical factor required for germ cell development and volume regulation in the mouse, and it might serve as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for SCOS patients.

Identification of new loci involved in the host susceptibility to Salmonella Typhimurium in collaborative cross mice.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella is a Gram-negative bacterium causing a wide range of clinical syndromes ranging from typhoid fever to diarrheic disease. Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars infect humans and animals, causing important health burden in the world. Susceptibility to salmonellosis varies between individuals under the control of host genes, as demonstrated by the identification of over 20 genetic loci in various mouse crosses. We have investigated the host response to S. Typhimurium infection in 35 Collaborative Cross (CC) strains, a genetic population which involves wild-derived strains that had not been previously assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-eight mice from 35 CC strains were challenged intravenously with 1000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of S. Typhimurium. Bacterial load was measured in spleen and liver at day 4 post-infection. CC strains differed significantly (P < 0.0001) in spleen and liver bacterial loads, while sex and age had no effect. Two significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 8 and 10 and one suggestive QTL on chromosome 1 were found for spleen bacterial load, while two suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 6 and 17 were found for liver bacterial load. These QTLs are caused by distinct allelic patterns, principally involving alleles originating from the wild-derived founders. Using sequence variations between the eight CC founder strains combined with database mining for expression in target organs and known immune phenotypes, we were able to refine the QTLs intervals and establish a list of the most promising candidate genes. Furthermore, we identified one strain, CC042/GeniUnc (CC042), as highly susceptible to S. Typhimurium infection. CONCLUSIONS: By exploring a broader genetic variation, the Collaborative Cross population has revealed novel loci of resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium. It also led to the identification of CC042 as an extremely susceptible strain.

Enhanced Macrophage M1 Polarization and Resistance to Apoptosis Enable Resistance to Plague.

Background: Susceptibility to infection is in part genetically driven, and C57BL/6 mice resist various pathogens through the proinflammatory response of their M1 macrophages (MPs). However, they are susceptible to plague. It has been reported elsewhere that Mus spretus SEG mice resist plague and develop an immune response characterized by a strong recruitment of MPs. Methods: The responses of C57BL/6 and SEG MPs exposed to Yersinia pestis in vitro were examined. Results: SEG MPs exhibit a stronger bactericidal activity with higher nitric oxide production, a more proinflammatory polarized cytokine response, and a higher resistance to Y. pestis-induced apoptosis. This response was not specific to Y. pestis and involved a reduced sensitivity to M2 polarization/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 activation and inhibition of caspase 8. The enhanced M1 profile was inducible in C57BL/6 MPs in vitro, and when transferred to susceptible C57BL/6 mice, these MPs significantly increased survival of bubonic plague. Conclusions: MPs can develop an enhanced functional profile beyond the prototypic M1, characterized by an even more potent proinflammatory response coordinated with resistance to killing. This programming plays a key role in the plague-resistance phenotype and may be similarly significant in other highly lethal infections, suggesting that orienting the MP response may represent a new therapeutic approach.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cell-rich congenic mouse strain allows functional evaluation.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) have potent antimicrobial activity and are abundant in humans (5%-10% in blood). Despite strong evolutionary conservation of the invariant TCR-α chain and restricting molecule MR1, this population is rare in laboratory mouse strains (≈0.1% in lymphoid organs), and lack of an appropriate mouse model has hampered the study of MAIT biology. Herein, we show that MAITs are 20 times more frequent in clean wild-derived inbred CAST/EiJ mice than in C57BL/6J mice. Increased MAIT frequency was linked to one CAST genetic trait that mapped to the TCR-α locus and led to higher usage of the distal Vα segments, including Vα19. We generated a MAIThi congenic strain that was then crossed to a transgenic Rorcgt-GFP reporter strain. Using this tool, we characterized polyclonal mouse MAITs as memory (CD44+) CD4-CD8lo/neg T cells with tissue-homing properties (CCR6+CCR7-). Similar to human MAITs, mouse MAITs expressed the cytokine receptors IL-7R, IL-18Rα, and IL-12Rß and the transcription factors promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) and RAR-related orphan receptor γ (RORγt). Mouse MAITs produced Th1/2/17 cytokines upon TCR stimulation and recognized a bacterial compound in an MR1-dependent manner. During experimental urinary tract infection, MAITs migrated to the bladder and decreased bacterial load. Our study demonstrates that the MAIThi congenic strain allows phenotypic and functional characterization of naturally occurring mouse MAITs in health and disease.

Increased Susceptibility to Skin Carcinogenesis Associated with a Spontaneous Mouse Mutation in the Palmitoyl Transferase Zdhhc13 Gene.

Here we describe a spontaneous mutation in the Zdhhc13 (zinc finger, DHHC domain containing 13) gene (also called Hip14l), one of 24 genes encoding palmitoyl acyltransferase (PAT) enzymes in the mouse. This mutation (Zdhhc13luc) was identified as a nonsense base substitution, which results in a premature stop codon that generates a truncated form of the ZDHHC13 protein, representing a potential loss-of-function allele. Homozygous Zdhhc13luc/Zdhhc13luc mice developed generalized hypotrichosis, associated with abnormal hair cycle, epidermal and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and increased epidermal thickness. Increased keratinocyte proliferation and accelerated transit from basal to more differentiated layers were observed in mutant compared with wild-type (WT) epidermis in untreated skin and after short-term 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate treatment and acute UVB exposure. Interestingly, this epidermal phenotype was associated with constitutive activation of NF-κB (RelA) and increased neutrophil recruitment and elastase activity. Furthermore, tumor multiplicity and malignant progression of papillomas after chemical skin carcinogenesis were significantly higher in mutant mice than WT littermates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a protective role for PAT in skin carcinogenesis.

An animal model of type A cystinuria due to spontaneous mutation in 129S2/SvPasCrl mice.

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the mutation of either SLC3A1 gene encoding for rBAT (type A cystinuria) or SLC7A9 gene encoding for b0,+AT (type B cystinuria). Here, we evidenced in a commonly used congenic 129S2/SvPasCrl mouse substrain a dramatically high frequency of kidney stones that were similar to those of patients with cystinuria. Most of 129S2/SvPasCrl exhibited pathognomonic cystine crystals in urine and an aminoaciduria profile similar to that of patients with cystinuria. In addition, we observed a heterogeneous inflammatory infiltrate and cystine tubular casts in the kidney of cystinuric mice. As compared to another classical mouse strain, C57BL/6J mice, 129S2/SvPasCrl mice had an increased mortality associated with bilateral obstructive hydronephrosis. In 129S2/SvPasCrl mice, the heavy subunit rBAT of the tetrameric transporter of dibasic amino acids was absent in proximal tubules and we identified a single pathogenic mutation in a highly conserved region of the Slc3a1 gene. This novel mouse model mimicking human disease would allow us further pathophysiological studies and may be useful to analyse the crystal/tissue interactions in cystinuria.

Modeling the solubility of carbon dioxide in imidazolium-based ionic liquids with the PC-SAFT equation of state.

The goal of this work was to check the ability of the PC-SAFT equation to represent the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in ionic liquids. Parameters of pure imidazolium-based ionic liquids were estimated using experimental densities over a large range of temperatures and then correlated with respect to the molecular weight and structure of the solvents. It was found that such a correlation is able to predict the density with high accuracy. The solubility of carbon dioxide in such ionic liquids was then studied. The binary interaction parameter k(ij) needed for the representation of such binary systems was first fitted to experimental liquid-vapor equilibria data. In a second step, a correlation based on the group contribution concept was developed to determine this temperature-dependent parameter. The ability of the model to describe accurately carbon dioxide solubility in imidazolium-based ionic liquids is demonstrated.

Early systemic bacterial dissemination and a rapid innate immune response characterize genetic resistance to plague of SEG mice.

BACKGROUND: Although laboratory mice are usually highly susceptible to Yersinia pestis, we recently identified a mouse strain (SEG) that exhibited an exceptional capacity to resist bubonic plague and used it to identify immune mechanisms associated with resistance. METHODS: The kinetics of infection, circulating blood cells, granulopoiesis, lesions, and cellular populations in the spleen, and cytokine production in various tissues were compared in SEG and susceptible C57BL/6J mice after subcutaneous infection with the virulent Y. pestis CO92. RESULTS: Bacterial invasion occurred early (day 2) but was transient in SEG/Pas mice, whereas in C57BL/6J mice it was delayed but continuous until death. The bacterial load in all organs significantly correlated with the production of 5 cytokines (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage cationic peptide-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1α, and interleukin 6) involved in monocyte and neutrophil recruitment. Indeed, higher proportions of these 2 cell types in blood and massive recruitment of F4/80(+)CD11b(-) macrophages in the spleen were observed in SEG/Pas mice at an early time point (day 2). Later times after infection (day 4) were characterized in C57BL/6J mice by destructive lesions of the spleen and impaired granulopoiesis. CONCLUSION: A fast and efficient Y. pestis dissemination in SEG mice may be critical for the triggering of an early and effective innate immune response necessary for surviving plague.

High carbon dioxide solubilities in imidazolium-based ionic liquids and in poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether.

This work is focused on the possible capture of carbon dioxide using ionic liquids (ILs). Such solvents are gaining special attention because the efficiency of many processes can be enhanced by the judicious manipulation of their properties. The absorption of greenhouse gases can be enhanced by the basic character of the IL. In this work, these characteristics are evaluated through the study of the gas-liquid equilibrium of four imidazolium-based ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF(4)], 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [BMIM][SCN], 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylphosphonate [DMIM][MP], and 1,3-diethoxyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [(ETO)(2)IM][Tf(2)N] with CO(2) at temperatures up to 373 K and pressures up to 300 bar. Solubility of carbon dioxide in poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether, component of selexol, was also measured to evaluate the capture's efficiency of ionic liquids. Experimental data indicate that 67 to 123 g of CO(2) can be absorbed per kg of ionic liquid and 198 g per kg of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether.

Two hypomorphic alleles of mouse Ass1 as a new animal model of citrullinemia type I and other hyperammonemic syndromes.

Citrullinemia type I (CTLN1, OMIM# 215700) is an inherited urea cycle disorder that is caused by an argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) enzyme deficiency. In this report, we describe two spontaneous hypomorphic alleles of the mouse Ass1 gene that serve as an animal model of CTLN1. These two independent mouse mutant alleles, also described in patients affected with CTLN1, interact to produce a range of phenotypes. While some mutant mice died within the first week after birth, others survived but showed severe retardation during postnatal development as well as alopecia, lethargy, and ataxia. Notable pathological findings were similar to findings in human CTLN1 patients and included citrullinemia and hyperammonemia along with delayed cerebellar development, epidermal hyperkeratosis, and follicular dystrophy. Standard treatments for CTLN1 were effective in rescuing the phenotype of these mutant mice. Based on our studies, we propose that defective cerebellar granule cell migration secondary to disorganization of Bergmann glial cell fibers cause cerebellar developmental delay in the hyperammonemic and citrullinemic brain, pointing to a possible role for nitric oxide in these processes. These mouse mutations constitute a suitable model for both mechanistic and preclinical studies of CTLN1 and other hyperammonemic encephalopathies and, at the same time, underscore the importance of complementing knockout mutations with hypomorphic mutations for the generation of animal models of human genetic diseases.

Reducing of nitrous oxide emissions using ionic liquids.

This work is focused on the possible capture of nitrous oxide and more precisely protoxide using ionic liquids (ILs). ILs are gaining special attention since the efficiency of many processes can be enhanced by the judicious manipulation of their properties. The absorption of greenhouse gases can be enhanced by the basic character of the IL. In this work, these characteristics are evaluated through the study of the gas-liquid equilibrium of five imidazolium-based ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF(4)]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]), 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylphosphonate ([DMIM][MP]), 1,3-diethoxyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([(ETO)(2)IM][Tf(2)N]), and 1,3-dihydroxyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([(OH)(2)IM][Tf(2)N]) with N(2)O at temperatures up to 373 K and pressures up to 300 bar. Experimental data indicate that 44-105 g of N(2)O can be absorbed per kilograms of IL.

Extraction of benzene or thiophene from n-heptane using ionic liquids. NMR and thermodynamic study.

In this work, (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy were used to study the interactions between thiophene or benzene with three imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs): 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylphosphonate, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate. NMR study indicates that solubility of thiophene or benzene in ionic liquid strongly depends on the structure of the ionic liquid. Structural organizations of such systems have been proposed. From these results, liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) measurements of ternary mixtures containing benzene or thiophene with n-heptane and these ILs were carried out at 298.15 K in order to check the ability of these ILs to act as extractive solvents.

Partition coefficients of organic compounds in new imidazolium based ionic liquids using inverse gas chromatography.

Partition coefficients of organic compounds in four ionic liquids: 1-ethanol-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-ethanol-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate were measured using inverse gas chromatography from 303.3 to 332.55K. The influence of gas-liquid and gas-solid interfacial adsorption of different solutes on ionic liquids was also studied. Most of the polar solutes were retained largely by partition while light hydrocarbons were retained predominantly by interfacial adsorption on the ionic liquids studied in this work. The solvation characteristics of the ionic liquids were evaluated using the Abraham solvation parameter model.

Behavioral effects of a deletion in Kcnn2, the gene encoding the SK2 subunit of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (SK) channels are heteromeric complexes of SK alpha-subunits and calmodulin that modulate membrane excitability, are responsible for part of the after-hyperpolarization (AHP) following action potentials, and thus control the firing patterns and excitability of most central neurons. An engineered knockout allele for the SK2 subunit has previously been reported. The hippocampal neurons of these mice lacked the medium latency component of the AHP, but the animals were not described as presenting any overt behavioral phenotype. In this report, we describe a deletion in the 5' region of the Kcnn2 gene encoding the SK2 subunit in the mouse neurological frissonnant (fri) mutant. The frissonnant mutant phenotype is characterized by constant rapid tremor and locomotor instability. It has been suggested, based merely on its phenotype, as a potential model for human Parkinson disease. We used a positional cloning strategy to identify the mutation underlying the frissonnant phenotype. We narrowed the genetic disease interval and identified a 3,441-bp deletion in the Kcnn2 gene, one of the three candidate genes present in the interval. Expression studies showed complete absence of normal Kcnn2 transcripts while some tissue-specific abnormal truncated variants were detected. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings of central vestibular neurons revealed permanent alterations of the AHP and firing behavior that might cause the tremor and associated locomotor deficits. Thus, the fri mutation suggests a new, potentially important physiological role, which had not been described, for the SK2 subunit of small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels.

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution of organic compounds in 1-(meth)acryloyloxyalkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide using inverse gas chromatography.

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution, gammainfinity, of organic compounds in two new room-temperature ionic liquids (n-methacryloyloxyhexyl-N-methylimidazolium bromide (C10H17O2MIM)(Br) at 313.15 and 323.15 K and n-acryloyloxypropyl-N-methylimidazolium bromide(C6H11O2MIM)(Br)) were determined using inverse gas chromatography. Phase loading studies of the net retention volume per gram of packing as a function of the percent phase loading were used to estimate the influence of concurrent retention mechanisms on the accuracy of activity coefficients at infinite dilution of solutes in both ionic liquids. It was found that most of the solutes were retained largely by partition with a small contribution from adsorption and that n-alkanes were retained predominantly by interfacial adsorption on ionic liquids studied in this work. The solvation characteristics of the two ionic liquids were evaluated using the Abraham solvation parameter model.