Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a precise gene-editing approach using Cas9 nickase that shortened DNA repeats in mouse models of Huntington’s disease, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine.
Cardiff University Gene Editing Reduces Huntington’s Toxins
The Cas9 nickase enzyme cuts only a single strand of DNA within the repeated CAG/CTG sequences, offering a safer alternative to conventional gene-editing methods. When packaged into viral vectors and delivered directly to the striatum, the therapy shortened DNA repeats in the majority of targeted neurons.
Professor Dion stated that the approach led to fewer toxic Huntington protein aggregates and restored healthier gene expression pathways in brain cells. The treated mouse models also showed significant improvements in motor function during locomotion tests, with researchers detecting no unwanted mutations in brain cells.
Smoking Impacts Reproductive Organs in Mice Study
At the Universities of Sheffield and Nottingham, a new study examined how different levels of cigarette smoke exposure affect the reproductive organs of male and female mice over a 12-week period. In females, smoke exposure reduced the activity of genes responsible for cell division and metabolism while increasing protein-production genes, mirroring accelerated ovarian ageing.
In males, higher levels of smoke exposure enlarged the seminiferous tubules where sperm develop. Genes regulating sperm production became overactive, while infection- and inflammation-protection genes decreased in activity, disrupting essential biological processes for healthy testicular function.
Enzyme Activation Extends Lifespan Across Three Organisms
Research involving Queen Mary University of London found that directly activating AMP-activated protein kinase extended lifespan in fruit flies, nematode worms, and fission yeast. Published in Aging Cell, the study provides new evidence that the ancient cellular energy sensor could target longevity and healthy ageing.
UCL Researchers Discover Immune Fog in Lung Cancer
UCL researchers analyzing blood and tissue samples alongside mouse models discovered that regulatory T cells build up months or years before lung cancer develops.
Prototype blood tests helped identify patients at increasing risk or with early-stage disease by monitoring Treg levels. Targeted cancer drugs reversed the immune-suppressing effect, halving the proportion of laboratory animals that developed lung tumours and preventing the formation of all large tumours.
Pirbright Institute Advances Pig Immunology and Vaccine Tools
The Pirbright Institute developed new tools to identify T follicular helper cells in pigs, publishing findings in the Journal of Immunology. The research confirmed that pig Tfh and Tfr cells share characteristics with humans and mice, reinforcing the value of pigs as a model for vaccine-induced immunity.
Additionally, Pirbright is leading a three-year project funded by the UK Vaccine Network to develop a bivalent vaccine protecting pigs against Nipah virus and pseudorabies. The project, titled Duo-ProTectz and led by Professor Simon Graham, aims to address a critical global health gap. The Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia in 1998 to 1999 resulted in the culling of more than one million pigs and caused economic losses estimated at £433 million ($582m USD).
Artificial Intelligence Model Maps Mouse Behaviour
Dr Dario Campagner and Professor Tiago Branco at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre received BBSRC funding to create an open-source AI model recognizing patterns in animal behaviour. Using the Aeon platform, the team collected hundreds of billions of frames of mouse behaviour to build a general model.
“Thanks to the Aeon platform, we have now collected hundreds of billions of frames of mouse behaviour across a wide range of natural and learned behaviours, all recorded in a consistent format,” said Dr Dario Campagner.
Researchers from the University of Bristol Veterinary School and The Pirbright Institute discovered lipid-reactive Natural Killer T-like cells in birds. Published in the European Journal of Immunology, the finding marks the first time these immune cells have been characterized in birds, potentially transforming poultry vaccine development.
Frequently Asked Questions on Animal Research Developments
What specific enzyme was used in the Cardiff University gene-editing study?
Researchers utilized a precise gene-editing enzyme called Cas9 nickase, which cuts only a single strand of DNA within repeated CAG/CTG sequences in mouse models.
Which international organization lists Nipah virus as a priority pathogen?
The World Health Organization identified Nipah virus as a priority pathogen with epidemic and pandemic potential due to its high pathogenicity and ability to spread from animals to humans.
What did the UCL study identify as the cause of early immune suppression in lung cancer?
UCL researchers found that regulatory T cells gradually build up months or years before cancer develops, forming an immune-suppressing fog that allows pre-cancers to grow.