Synergistic roles of tristetraprolin family members in myeloid cells in the control of inflammation.

Members of the tristetraprolin (TTP) family of RNA-binding proteins can bind to and promote the decay of specific transcripts containing AU-rich motifs. ZFP36 (TTP) is best known for regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in myeloid cells; however, its mammalian paralogues ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 have not been viewed as important in controlling inflammation. We knocked out these genes in myeloid cells in mice, singly and together. Single-gene myeloid-specific knockouts resulted in almost no spontaneous phenotypes. In contrast, mice with myeloid cell deficiency of all three genes developed severe inflammation, with a median survival of 8 wk. Macrophages from these mice expressed many more stabilized transcripts than cells from myeloid-specific TTP knockout mice; many of these encoded pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The failure of weight gain, arthritis, and early death could be prevented completely by two normal alleles of any of the three paralogues, and even one normal allele of Zfp36 or Zfp36l2 was enough to prevent the inflammatory phenotype. Our findings emphasize the importance of all three family members, acting in concert, in myeloid cell function.

A protocol for visualization of murine in situ neurovascular interfaces.

Mapping cranial vasculature and adjacent neurovascular interfaces in their entirety will enhance our understanding of central nervous system function in any physiologic state. We present a workflow to visualize in situ murine vasculature and surrounding cranial structures using terminal polymer casting of vessels, iterative sample processing and image acquisition, and automated image registration and processing. While this method does not obtain dynamic imaging due to mouse sacrifice, these studies can be performed before sacrifice and processed with other acquired images. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rosenblum et al.1.

Elastin Insufficiency Confers Proximal and Distal Pulmonary Vasculopathy in Mice, Partially Remedied by the KATP Channel Opener Minoxidil: Considerations and Cautions for the Treatment of People With Williams-Beuren Syndrome.

Background: Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a recurrent microdeletion disorder that removes one copy of elastin (ELN), resulting in large artery vasculopathy. Early stenosis of the pulmonary vascular tree is common, but few data are available on longer-term implications of the condition. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) angiogram (n = 11) and echocardiogram (n = 20) were performed in children with WBS aged 3.4-17.8 years. Controls (n = 11, aged 4.4-16.8 years) also underwent echocardiogram. Eln +/- mice were analyzed by invasive catheter, echocardiogram, micro-CT (µCT), histology, and pressure myography. We subsequently tested whether minoxidil resulted in improved pulmonary vascular endpoints. Results: WBS participants with a history of main or branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis requiring intervention continued to exhibit increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, echocardiogram) relative to their peers without intervention (p < 0.01), with no clear difference in PA size. Untreated Eln +/- mice also show elevated RVSP by invasive catheterization (p < 0.0001), increased normalized right heart mass (p < 0.01) and reduced caliber branch PAs by pressure myography (p < 0.0001). Eln +/- main PA medias are thickened histologically relative to Eln +/+ (p < 0.0001). Most Eln +/- phenotypes are shared by both sexes, but PA medial thickness is substantially greater in Eln +/- males (p < 0.001). Eln +/- mice showed more acute proximal branching angles (p < 0.0001) and longer vascular segment lengths (p < 0.0001) (µCT), with genotype differences emerging by P7. Diminished PA acceleration time (p < 0.001) and systolic notching (p < 0.0001) were also observed in Eln +/- echocardiography. Vascular casting plus µCT revealed longer generation-specific PA arcade length (p < 0.0001), with increased PA branching detectable by P90 (p < 0.0001). Post-weaning minoxidil decreased RVSP (p < 0.01) and normalized PA caliber (p < 0.0001) but not early-onset proximal branching angle or segment length, nor later-developing peripheral branch number. Conclusions: Vascular deficiencies beyond arterial caliber persist in individuals with WBS who have undergone PA stenosis intervention. Evaluation of Eln +/- mice reveals complex vascular changes that affect the proximal and distal vasculatures. Minoxidil, given post-weaning, decreases RVSP and improves lumen diameter, but does not alter other earlier-onset vascular patterns. Our data suggest additional therapies including minoxidil could be a useful adjunct to surgical therapy, and future trials should be considered.

Airflow Obstruction in Adults with Williams Syndrome and Mice with Elastin Insufficiency.

Williams−Beuren syndrome (WS) results from the deletion of 25−27 coding genes, including elastin (ELN), on human chromosome 7q11.23. Elastin provides recoil to tissues; emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been linked to its destruction. Consequently, we hypothesized that elastin insufficiency would predispose to obstructive features. Twenty-two adults with WS (aged 18−55) and controls underwent pulmonary function testing, 6 min walk, and chest computed tomography (CT). Lung and airspace dimensions were assessed in Eln+/− and control mice via microCT and histology. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in adults with WS (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The FEV1/FVC ratio was more frequently below the lower limit of normal in cases (p < 0.01). The ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC, percent predicted) was higher in cases (p < 0.01), suggesting air trapping. People with WS showed reduced exercise capacity (p < 0.0001). In Eln+/− mice, ex vivo lung volumes were increased (p < 0.0001), with larger airspaces (p < 0.001). Together these data show that elastin insufficiency impacts lung physiology in the form of increased air trapping and obstruction, suggesting a role for lung function monitoring in adults with WS.

Non-invasive in situ Visualization of the Murine Cranial Vasculature.

Understanding physiologic and pathologic central nervous system function depends on our ability to map the entire in situ cranial vasculature and neurovascular interfaces. To accomplish this, we developed a non-invasive workflow to visualize murine cranial vasculature via polymer casting of vessels, iterative sample processing and micro-computed tomography, and automatic deformable image registration, feature extraction, and visualization. This methodology is applicable to any tissue and allows rapid exploration of normal and altered pathologic states.

Tentorial venous anatomy of mice and humans.

We recently described a transtentorial venous system (TTVS), which to our knowledge was previously unknown, connecting venous drainage throughout the brain in humans. Prior to this finding, it was believed that the embryologic tentorial plexus regresses, resulting in a largely avascular tentorium. Our finding contradicted this understanding and necessitated further investigation into the development of the TTVS. Herein, we sought to investigate mice as a model to study the development of this system. First, using vascular casting and ex vivo micro-CT, we demonstrated that this TTVS is conserved in adult mice. Next, using high-resolution MRI, we identified the primitive tentorial venous plexus in the murine embryo at day 14.5. We also found that, at this embryologic stage, the tentorial plexus drains the choroid plexus. Finally, using vascular casting and micro-CT, we found that the TTVS is the dominant venous drainage in the early postnatal period (P8). Herein, we demonstrated that the TTVS is conserved between mice and humans, and we present a longitudinal study of its development. In addition, our findings establish mice as a translational model for further study of this system and its relationship to intracranial physiology.

Multimodal Atlas of the Murine Inner Ear: From Embryo to Adult.

The inner ear is a complex organ housed within the petrous bone of the skull. Its intimate relationship with the brain enables the transmission of auditory and vestibular signals via cranial nerves. Development of this structure from neural crest begins in utero and continues into early adulthood. However, the anatomy of the murine inner ear has only been well-characterized from early embryogenesis to post-natal day 6. Inner ear and skull base development continue into the post-natal period in mice and early adulthood in humans. Traditional methods used to evaluate the inner ear in animal models, such as histologic sectioning or paint-fill and corrosion, cannot visualize this complex anatomy in situ. Further, as the petrous bone ossifies in the postnatal period, these traditional techniques become increasingly difficult. Advances in modern imaging, including high resolution Micro-CT and MRI, now allow for 3D visualization of the in situ anatomy of organs such as the inner ear. Here, we present a longitudinal atlas of the murine inner ear using high resolution ex vivo Micro-CT and MRI.

Mastocytosis-derived extracellular vesicles deliver miR-23a and miR-30a into pre-osteoblasts and prevent osteoblastogenesis and bone formation.

Osteoporosis and other manifestations of bone disease are frequent in patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) in association with the presence of mast cell infiltrates in bone marrow, although the mechanisms behind bone disease remain poorly understood. We find that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by neoplastic mast cells and present in the serum of patients with SM (SM-EVs) block osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in culture, and when injected into mice diminish the expression of osteoblast markers, and trabecular bone volume and microarchitecture. We demonstrate that miRNA-30a and miRNA-23a, increased in SM-EVs and neoplastic mast cell-derived EVs, attenuate osteoblast maturation by suppressing expression of RUNX2 and SMAD1/5, essential drivers of osteogenesis. Thus, SM-EVs carry and deliver miRNAs that epigenetically interfere with bone formation and can contribute to bone mass reduction in SM. These findings also suggest possibilities for novel approaches to the management of bone disease in mast cell proliferative disorders.

Synthesis, characterization, and imaging of radiopaque bismuth beads for image-guided transarterial embolization.

Current therapy for hypervascular cancers, e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, includes occlusion of the tumor blood supply by arterial infusion of embolic microspheres (beads) suspended in iodine-based contrast under fluoroscopic guidance. Available radiopaque, imageable beads use iodine as the radiopacifier and cannot be differentiated from contrast. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize imageable beads using bismuth as the radiopacifier that could be distinguished from iodine contrast based upon the difference in the binding energy of k-shell electrons (k-edge). Radiodense bismuth beads were successfully synthesized some with uniform bismuth distribution across the beads. The beads were spherical and could be infused through clinical microcatheters. The bismuth beads could be imaged with clinical dual-energy computed tomography (CT), where iodine-based contrast could be distinguished from the microspheres. The ability to separate iodine from bismuth may enhance the diagnostic information acquired on follow-up CT, identifying the distribution of the embolic beads separately from the contrast. Furthermore, with sequential use of iodine- and bismuth-based beads, the two radiopaque beads could be spatially distinguished on imaging, which may enable the development of dual drug delivery and dual tracking.

Developmental vascular malformations in EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome.

Mutations in EPAS1, encoding hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α), were previously identified in a syndrome of multiple paragangliomas, somatostatinoma, and polycythemia. HIF-2α, when dimerized with HIF-1ß, acts as an angiogenic transcription factor. Patients referred to the NIH for new, recurrent, and/or metastatic paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma were confirmed for EPAS1 gain-of-function mutation; imaging was evaluated for vascular malformations. We evaluated the Epas1A529V transgenic syndrome mouse model, corresponding to the mutation initially detected in the patients (EPAS1A530V), for vascular malformations via intravital 2-photon microscopy of meningeal vessels, terminal vascular perfusion with Microfil silicate polymer and subsequent intact ex vivo 14T MRI and micro-CT, and histologic sectioning and staining of the brain and identified pathologies. Further, we evaluated retinas from corresponding developmental time points (P7, P14, and P21) and the adult dura via immunofluorescent labeling of vessels and confocal imaging. We identified a spectrum of vascular malformations in all 9 syndromic patients and in all our tested mutant mice. Patient vessels had higher variant allele frequency than adjacent normal tissue. Veins of the murine retina and intracranial dura failed to regress normally at the expected developmental time points. These findings add vascular malformation as a new clinical feature of EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome.

X-ray microtomosynthesis of unstained pathology tissue samples.

In pathology protocols, a tissue block, such as one containing a mouse brain or a biopsy sample from a patient, can produce several hundred thin sections. Substantial time may be required to analyse all sections. In cases of uncertainty regarding which sections to focus on, noninvasive scout imaging of intact blocks can help in guiding the pathology procedure. The scouting step is ideally done in a time window of minutes without special sample preparation that may interfere with the pathology procedures. The challenge is to obtain some visibility of unstained tissue structures at sub-10 µm resolution. We explored a novel x-ray tomosynthesis method as a way to maximise contrast-to-noise ratio, a determinant of tissue visibility. It provided a z-stack of thousands of images at 7.3 µm resolution (10% contrast, half-period of 68.5 line pairs/mm), in scans of 5-15 minutes. When compared with micro-CT scans, the straight-line tomosynthesis scan did not need to rotate the sample, which allowed flat samples, such as paraffin blocks, to be kept as close as possible to the x-ray source. Thus, given the same hardware, scan time and resolution, this mode maximised the photon flux density through the sample, which helped in maximising the contrast-to-noise ratio. The tradeoff of tomosynthesis is incomplete 3D information. The microtomosynthesis scanner has scanned 110 unstained human and animal tissue samples as part of their respective pathology protocols. In all cases, the z-stack of images showed tissue structures that guided sectioning or provided correlative structural information. We describe six examples that presented different levels of visibility of soft tissue structures. Additionally, in a set of coronary artery samples from an HIV patient donor, microtomosynthesis made a new discovery of isolated focal calcification in the internal elastic lamina of coronary wall, which was the onset of medial calcific sclerosis in the arteries.

A microscopy version of the imaging method for 3D luggage screening has been adapted to image unstained pathology samples. Pathology tests of tissue samples are used for clinical diagnosis and for biomedical research. The tissue samples are often embedded in paraffin blocks and sectioned into many thin slices, which are then stained with the appropriate agents for light microscopy. Since each tissue block can produce several hundred thin sections, much time and labour is required to analyse all sections. Noninvasive scout imaging of intact blocks can help in guiding the pathology procedure. The scouting step is ideally done in a time window of minutes without special sample preparation that may interfere with the pathology procedures. The challenge is to obtain some visibility of unstained tissue structures at sufficient resolution. X-ray imaging is a promising tool to meet the challenge since x-rays can penetrate thick samples that are opaque to visible light. With x-ray imaging, a determinant of tissue visibility is the flux density of photons that illuminate the sample. We explored a novel x-ray tomosynthesis method as a way to maximise this factor. It provided a stack of thousands of cross-sectional images at 7.3 µm resolution (half-period of 68.5 line pairs/mm) in scans of 5-15 minutes. When compared with micro-CT scans (a widely used laboratory technology), this method did not need to rotate the sample, which allowed flat samples such as paraffin blocks to be kept as close as possible to the x-ray source. Thus, given the same hardware, scan time and resolution, this method maximised the photon flux density through the sample, which helped in improving the visibility of unstained tissue under x-ray. The tradeoff of the method is incomplete 3D information. Over 100 unstained human and animal tissue samples have been scanned with this method as part of their respective pathology protocols. In all cases, the stack of cross-sectional images showed tissue structures that guided pathology analysis or provided correlative structural information. We describe six examples that presented different levels of tissue visibility. Additionally, in a set of coronary artery samples from an HIV patient donor, microtomosynthesis made a new discovery of isolated focal calcification in the internal elastic lamina of coronary wall, which was the onset of medial calcific sclerosis in the arteries.

Correction to: Yttrium-90 radioembolization as a possible new treatment for brain cancer: proof of concept and safety analysis in a canine model.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization as a possible new treatment for brain cancer: proof of concept and safety analysis in a canine model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization (RE) as a minimally invasive treatment in a canine model with presumed spontaneous brain cancers. MATERIALS: Three healthy research dogs (R1-R3) and five patient dogs with spontaneous intra-axial brain masses (P1-P5) underwent cerebral artery RE with 90Y glass microspheres (TheraSphere). 90Y-RE was performed on research dogs from the unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) while animals with brain masses were treated from the ICA. Post-treatment 90Y PET/CT was performed along with serial neurological exams by a veterinary neurologist. One month after treatment, research dogs were euthanized and the brains were extracted and sent for microdosimetric and histopathologic analyses. Patient dogs received post-treatment MRI at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals with long-term veterinary follow-up. RESULTS: The average absorbed dose to treated tissue in R1-R3 was 14.0, 30.9, and 73.2 Gy, respectively, with maximum doses exceeding 1000 Gy. One month after treatment, research dog pathologic analysis revealed no evidence of cortical atrophy and rare foci consistent with chronic infarcts, e.g., < 2-mm diameter. Absorbed doses to masses in P1-P5 were 45.5, 57.6, 58.1, 45.4, and 64.1 Gy while the dose to uninvolved brain tissue was 15.4, 27.6, 19.2, 16.7, and 33.3 G, respectively. Among both research and patient animals, 6 developed acute neurologic deficits following treatment. However, in all surviving dogs, the deficits were transient resolving between 7 and 33 days post-therapy. At 1 month post-therapy, patient animals showed a 24-94% reduction in mass volume with partial response in P1, P3, and P4 at 6 months post-treatment. While P2 initially showed a response, by 5 months, the mass had advanced beyond pre-treatment size, and the dog was euthanized. CONCLUSION: This proof of concept demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of 90Y-RE in dogs, while preliminary, initial data on the efficacy of 90Y-RE as a potential treatment for brain cancer is encouraging.

Vascular Casting of Adult and Early Postnatal Mouse Lungs for Micro-CT Imaging.

Blood vessels form intricate networks in 3-dimensional space. Consequently, it is difficult to visually appreciate how vascular networks interact and behave by observing the surface of a tissue. This method provides a means to visualize the complex 3-dimensional vascular architecture of the lung. To accomplish this, a catheter is inserted into the pulmonary artery and the vasculature is simultaneously flushed of blood and chemically dilated to limit resistance. Lungs are then inflated through the trachea at a standard pressure and the polymer compound is infused into the vascular bed at a standard flow rate. Once the entire arterial network is filled and allowed to cure, the lung vasculature may be visualized directly or imaged on a micro-CT (µCT) scanner. When performed successfully, one can appreciate the pulmonary arterial network in mice ranging from early postnatal ages to adults. Additionally, while demonstrated in the pulmonary arterial bed, this method can be applied to any vascular bed with optimized catheter placement and endpoints.

Neuraxial dysraphism in EPAS1-associated syndrome due to improper mesenchymal transition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of somatic, postzygotic, gain-of-function mutation of Endothelial Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain protein 1 (EPAS1) encoding hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) on posterior fossa development and spinal dysraphism in EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome, which consists of multiple paragangliomas, somatostatinoma, and polycythemia. METHODS: Patients referred to our institution for evaluation of new, recurrent, and/or metastatic paragangliomas/pheochromocytoma were confirmed for EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome by identification of the EPAS1 gain-of-function mutation in resected tumors and/or circulating leukocytes. The posterior fossa, its contents, and the spine were evaluated retrospectively on available MRI and CT images of the head and neck performed for tumor staging and restaging. The transgenic mouse model underwent Microfil vascular perfusion and subsequent intact ex vivo 14T MRI and micro-CT as well as gross dissection, histology, and immunohistochemistry to assess the role of EPAS1 in identified malformations. RESULTS: All 8 patients with EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome demonstrated incidental posterior fossa malformations-one Dandy-Walker variant and 7 Chiari malformations without syringomyelia. These findings were not associated with a small posterior fossa; rather, the posterior fossa volume exceeded that of its neural contents. Seven of 8 patients demonstrated spinal dysraphism; 4 of 8 demonstrated abnormal vertebral segmentation. The mouse model similarly demonstrated features of neuraxial dysraphism, including cervical myelomeningocele and spinal dysraphism, and cerebellar tonsil displacement through the foramen magnum. Histology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated incomplete mesenchymal transition in the mutant but not the control mouse. CONCLUSIONS: This study characterized posterior fossa and spinal malformations seen in EPAS1 gain-of-function syndrome and suggests that gain-of-function mutation in HIF-2α results in improper mesenchymal transition.