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Sex differences and rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers have developed a new breed of transgenic mice with autoimmune responses similar to human RA patients, revealing a significant sex bias. The study found that female mice developed arthritis at a higher rate than male mice, exhibiting all disease hallmarks at higher levels.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateDec 28, 2006

USC researchers produce a hairier mouse

Researchers at USC have created a transgenic mouse with an overexpressed noggin gene, resulting in increased hair follicles, thicker fur, and additional whiskers. The study also reveals unusual changes to the mice's eyes, feet, and genitalia, challenging the distinction between normal and abnormal variations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 2004

Researchers reveal insidious role of a 'serpin' in Alzheimer's Disease

A team of researchers found that the protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin doubles the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid plaque in mice brains, indicating a potential therapeutic target. The study suggests that reducing or inhibiting this protein's activity could help prevent plaque formation and brain damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 4, 2000

Researchers identify key enzyme in aneurysm development

The study identified metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a key player in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The researchers found that MMP-9 production was significantly reduced in patients who took doxycycline, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing aneurysm expansion.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 23, 2000

University of Pittsburgh research may lead to new therapies for diabetes

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed transgenic mice that overexpress hepatocyte growth factor, leading to increased beta cell proliferation and insulin production. The study suggests that this approach may lead to new therapies for diabetes by enabling islet cells to proliferate and produce insulin more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 14, 2000

Gene-Altered Mice Boost Studies of Cardiomyopathy: Enables Research Into Causes And Treatment Of Heart Failure

Scientists have created gene-altered mice that closely reproduce the clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy, allowing for unprecedented study of early changes and development of new therapies. The model enables researchers to understand the causes and mechanism of the disease, ultimately aiming to develop more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 1998

Transgenic Mice With Widest Known Range Of Vision Among Mammals Created To Investigate Human Vision Problems, Evolution Of Sight

Researchers have created transgenic mice that can see over a range of about 360 nanometers, more than humans or old world primates. The mice will be used to investigate scientific questions related to the nervous system's adaptability and how neurons connect to new information.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 11, 1998

New Clue To apoE Function

Researchers have generated mice with human apoE3 or apoE4 genes, showing that apoE3 promotes nerve cell outgrowth while apoE4 does not. This study provides new insights into the biological effects of apoE variants and may offer a common mechanism for their adverse effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

New Discovery May Offer Protection Against Stroke

A new study suggests that inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme may protect nerve cells from energy loss and prevent irreversible damage after a stroke. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that genetically modified mice without the PARP gene experienced reduced brain damage compared to unaltered mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 29, 1997