Improved production of GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 triple-gene-modified Diannan miniature pigs for xenotransplantation by recloning.

Multiple genetic modification is necessary for successful xenotransplantation from pigs. However, multiple-genetically modified cells usually suffer from various drug selections and long-term in vitro culture, which have a poor performance for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce genetically modified pigs. We used to generate GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 triple-gene modified pigs by using drug-selective cell lines for SCNT, but the majority of cloned pigs were transgenic-negative individuals. In this study, to improve the production efficiency of multiple genetically modified pigs, we performed the recloning process by using transgenic porcine fetal fibroblast cells. As a result, two fetuses expressing hCD55 and hCD59 were obtained from 12 live-cloned fetuses, and one carrying high transgene expression was selected as a source of donor cells for recloning. Then we obtained 12 cloned piglets, all GTKO and carrying hCD55 and hCD59. Both hCD55 and hCD59 were expressed in fibroblast cells, but the expression levels of hCD55 and hCD59 were different among these piglets. Furthermore, piglet P5# had the highest expression of hCD55 and hCD59 in fibroblast cells than other piglets. Correspondingly, fibroblast cells of piglet P5# had significantly higher resistance against human serum-mediated cytolysis than those of piglet P11#. In conclusion, our results firstly provide support for improving efficiency of generating multiple genetically modified pig by recloning.

Efficient generation of P53 biallelic knockout Diannan miniature pigs via TALENs and somatic cell nuclear transfer.

BACKGROUND: Pigs have many features that make them attractive as biomedical models for various diseases, including cancer. P53 is an important tumor suppressor gene that exerts a central role in protecting cells from oncogenic transformation and is mutated in a large number of human cancers. P53 mutations occur in almost every type of tumor and in over 50% of all tumors. In a recent publication, pigs with a mutated P53 gene were generated that resulted in lymphoma and renal and osteogenic tumors. However, approximately 80% of human tumors have dysfunctional P53. A P53-deficient pig model is still required to elucidate. METHODS: Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) were designed to target porcine P53 exon 4. The targeting activity was evaluated using a luciferase SSA recombination assay. P53 biallelic knockout (KO) cell lines were established from single-cell colonies of fetal fibroblasts derived from Diannan miniature pigs followed by electroporation with TALENs plasmids. One cell line was selected as the donor cell line for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for the generation of P53 KO pigs. P53 KO stillborn fetuses and living piglets were obtained. Gene typing of the collected cloned individuals was performed by T7EI assay and sequencing. Fibroblast cells from Diannan miniature piglets with a P53 biallelic knockout or wild type were analyzed for the P53 response to doxorubicin treatment by confocal microscopy and western blotting. RESULTS: The luciferase SSA recombination assay revealed that the targeting activities of the designed TALENs were 55.35-fold higher than those of the control. Eight cell lines (8/19) were mutated for P53, and five of them were biallelic knockouts. One of the biallelic knockout cell lines was selected as nuclear donor cells for SCNT. The cloned embryos were transferred into five recipient gilts, three of them becoming pregnant. Five live fetuses were obtained from one surrogate by caesarean section after 38 days of gestation for genotyping. Finally, six live piglets and one stillborn piglet were collected from two recipients by caesarean section. Sequencing analyses of the target site confirmed the P53 biallelic knockout in all fetuses and piglets, consistent with the genotype of the donor cells. The qPCR analysis showed that the expression of the P53 mRNA had significant reduction in various tissues of the knockout piglets. Furthermore, confocal microscopy and western blotting analyses demonstrated that the fibroblast cells of Diannan miniature piglets with a P53 biallelic knockout were defective in mediating DNA damage when incubated with doxorubicin. CONCLUSION: TALENs combined with SCNT was successfully used to generate P53 KO Diannan miniature pigs. Although these genetically engineered Diannan miniature pigs had no tumorigenic signs, the P53 gene was dysfunctional. We believe that these pigs will provide powerful new resources for preclinical oncology and basic cancer research.

Efficient generation of GGTA1-null Diannan miniature pigs using TALENs combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer.

BACKGROUND: α1,3-Galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) is essential for the biosynthesis of glycoproteins and therefore a simple and effective target for disrupting the expression of galactose α-1,3-galactose epitopes, which mediate hyperacute rejection (HAR) in xenotransplantation. Miniature pigs are considered to have the greatest potential as xenotransplantation donors. A GGTA1-knockout (GTKO) miniature pig might mitigate or prevent HAR in xenotransplantation. METHODS: Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) were designed to target exon 6 of porcine GGTA1 gene. The targeting activity was evaluated using a luciferase SSA recombination assay. Biallelic GTKO cell lines were established from single-cell colonies of fetal fibroblasts derived from Diannan miniature pigs following transfection by electroporation with TALEN plasmids. One cell line was selected as donor cell line for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for the generation of GTKO pigs. GTKO aborted fetuses, stillborn fetuses and live piglets were obtained. Genotyping of the collected cloned individuals was performed. The Gal expression in the fibroblasts and one piglet was analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), confocal microscopy, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and western blotting. RESULTS: The luciferase SSA recombination assay revealed that the targeting activities of the designed TALENs were 17.1-fold higher than those of the control. Three cell lines (3/126) showed GGTA1 biallelic knockout after modification by the TALENs. The GGTA1 biallelic modified C99# cell line enabled high-quality SCNT, as evidenced by the 22.3 % (458/2068) blastocyst developmental rate of the reconstructed embryos. The reconstructed GTKO embryos were subsequently transferred into 18 recipient gilts, of which 12 became pregnant, and six miscarried. Eight aborted fetuses were collected from the gilts that miscarried. One live fetus was obtained from one surrogate by caesarean after 33 d of gestation for genotyping. In total, 12 live and two stillborn piglets were collected from six surrogates by either caesarean or natural birth. Sequencing analyses of the target site confirmed the homozygous GGTA1-null mutation in all fetuses and piglets, consistent with the genotype of the donor cells. Furthermore, FACS, confocal microscopy, IHC and western blotting analyses demonstrated that Gal epitopes were completely absent from the fibroblasts, kidneys and pancreas of one GTKO piglet. CONCLUSIONS: TALENs combined with SCNT were successfully used to generate GTKO Diannan miniature piglets.

Exploring the Spatial Variation in the Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism of the Compound Stomach in Intensively Farmed Yaks.

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak's gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants.

Intensive feeding alters the rumen microbiota and its fermentation parameters in natural grazing yaks.

Introduction: Amidst the challenging environmental conditions characterized by low oxygen levels and cold temperatures on the plateau, alterations in nutrient supply emerge as pivotal factors influencing the survival and reproduction of yaks. Intensive feeding stands out as a substantial mechanism for nutrient provision, initiating discernible changes in the host's rumen flora. Within the extreme natural conditions prevailing in the plateau area of northwest Yunnan, China, there exists a con-strained comprehension of the variations in rumen microflora, fermentation parameters, and growth responses exhibited by yaks subjected to intensive feeding. Methods: This study employs 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing methods to scrutinize the rumen flora of yaks engaged in both natural grazing (G) and intensive feeding (F) on the plateau. Results: The outcomes unveil that, during the severe winter season, yaks adeptly modulate the abundance and diversity of rumen flora in response to dietary modifications under intensive feeding, aiming to optimize the efficient utilization of dietary fiber and energy. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) illustrates a substantial alteration in the rumen microbial community of naturally grazing yaks when exposed to intensive feeding. The natural grazing group manifests a higher prevalence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the intensive feeding group exhibits heightened levels of Prevotella in the rumen. The Rikenellaceae _ RC9 _ gut_ group, associated with mycobacteria, prevails more abundantly in the natural grazing setting. PICRUSt2 analysis indicates that intensive feeding induces bacterial gene overexpression linked to protein metabolism. Rumen fungi showcase heightened diversity under intensification. Intensive feeding results in an augmented abundance of non-fiber-degrading bacteria and semi-fiber-degrading bacteria, accompanied by elevated concentrations of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA). Discussion: These findings yield novel insights into the shifts in the rumen microflora of yaks acclimated to intensive feeding in high-altitude environments, provide an important reference for the nutritional regulation of supplemental feeding of natural grazing yaks in the cold season, ultimately contributing to their enhanced growth.

Exploring the elevation dynamics of rumen bacterial communities in Barn feeding cattle from 900 to 3,600 meters by full-length 16S sequencing.

The diversity and abundance of rumen microorganisms serve as indicators not only of the host's digestive and metabolic capacity but also of its health status. The complex microbial communities in the rumen are influenced to varying degrees by environmental adaptability. In this study, we collected 24 rumen fluid samples from 24 healthy male cattle in three regions of Yunnan, China. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data analysis, we examined the variations in rumen microorganisms among cattle fed at altitudes of 900 m, 1800 m, and 3,600 m. Altitude-related environmental factors did not surpass phylogeny as the main driving force behind the convergent evolution of yellow cattle rumen microbiome composition. However, they did have an impact on the alpha diversity of the rumen microbiome and the coevolution of the core microbiome. The change in altitude noticeably influenced the diversity and richness of the rumen microbiota, highlighting the environmental effect of altitude. As altitude increased, there was an observed increase in the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the abundance of ruminal Proteobacteria and Kiritimatiellaeota decreased. Importantly, at the genus level, the core genus exhibited distinct dynamic changes as altitude increased. Ruminants exhibit the ability to adapt their gut type in accordance with altitude, thereby optimizing energy utilization, especially in high-altitude settings. These discoveries offer valuable insights into the coevolution of host-microbe interactions during ruminant adaptation to various altitudinal environments.

Exploring the temporal dynamics of rumen bacterial and fungal communities in yaks (Bos grunniens) from 5 days after birth to adulthood by full-length 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing.

The rumen of ruminants is inhabited by complex and diverse microorganisms. Young animals are exposed to a variety of microorganisms from their mother and the environment, and a few colonize and survive in their digestive tracts, forming specific microflora as the young animals grow and develop. In this study, we conducted full-length sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities in the rumen of pastured yaks of different ages (from 5 days after birth to adulthood) using amplified sequencing technology. The results showed that the rumen microflora of Zhongdian yaks changed gradually from 5 to 180 days after birth and tended to stabilize at 2 years of age. The rumen of adult yaks was the most suitable for the growth and reproduction of most bacteria. Bactria diversity of the yak rumen increased gradually from 5 days after birth to adulthood. With the growth of yaks, different dominated bacteria were enriched in different groups, but Prevotella remained highly abundant in all groups. The yak rumen at 90 days of age was the most suitable for the growth and reproduction of most fungi, and 90 days of age could be a cut-off point for the distribution of fungal communities. Fungal Thelebolus was the firstly reported in yak rumen and was enriched in the yak rumen of 90 days after birth. The most abundant and balanced fungal genera were found in adult yaks, and most of them were only detected in adult yaks. Our study reported on the rumen bacterial and fungal communities of Zhongdian yaks grazed at different ages and provided insights into the dynamic changes of dominant microflora with yak growth.

Generation of GTKO Diannan Miniature Pig Expressing Human Complementary Regulator Proteins hCD55 and hCD59 via T2A Peptide-Based Bicistronic Vectors and SCNT.

Pig-to-human organ transplantation has drawn attention in recent years due to the potential use of pigs as an alternative source of human donor organs. While GGTA1 knockout (GTKO) can protect xenografts from hyperacute rejection, complement-dependent cytotoxicity might still contribute to this type of rejection. To prolong the xenograft survival, we utilized a T2A-mediated pCMV-hCD55-T2A-hCD59-Neo vector and transfected the plasmid into GTKO Diannan miniature pig fetal fibroblasts. After G418 selection combined with single-cell cloning culture, four colonies were obtained, and three of these were successfully transfected with the hCD55 and hCD59. One of the three colonies was selected as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Then, the reconstructed embryos were transferred into eight recipient gilts, resulting in four pregnancies. Three of the pregnant gilts delivered, yielding six piglets. Only one piglet carried hCD55 and hCD59 genetic modification. The expression levels of the GGTA1, hCD55, and hCD59 in the tissues and fibroblasts of the piglet were determined by q-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting analyses. The results showed the absence of GGTA1 and the coexpression of the hCD55 and hCD59. However, the mRNA expression levels of hCD55 and hCD59 in the GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 pig fibroblasts were lower than that in human 293T cells, which may be caused by low copy number and/or CMV promoter methylation. Furthermore, we performed human complement-mediated cytolysis assays using human serum solutions from 0 to 60%. The result showed that the fibroblasts of this triple-gene modified piglet had greater survival rates than that of wild-type and GTKO controls. Taken together, these results indicate that T2A-mediated polycistronic vector system combined with SCNT can effectively generate multiplex genetically modified pigs, additional hCD55 and hCD59 expression on top of a GTKO genetic background markedly enhance the protective effect towards human serum-mediated cytolysis than those of GTKO alone. Thus, we suggest that GTKO/hCD55/hCD59 triple-gene-modified Diannan miniature pig will be a more eligible donor for xenotransplantation.