An NLRP3 Mutation Causes Arthropathy and Osteoporosis in Humanized Mice.

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in host defense by facilitating caspase I activation and maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, whereas dysregulation of inflammasome activity results in autoinflammatory disease. Factors regulating human NLRP3 activity that contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of NLRP3-related diseases have largely been inferred from the study of Nlrp3 mutant mice. By generating a mouse line in which the NLRP3 locus is humanized by syntenic replacement, we show the functioning of the human NLRP3 proteins in vivo, demonstrating the ability of the human inflammasome to orchestrate immune reactions in response to innate stimuli.

Salt restriction leads to activation of adult renal mesenchymal stromal cell-like cells via prostaglandin E2 and E-prostanoid receptor 4.

Despite the importance of juxtaglomerular cell recruitment in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, the mechanisms that underlie renin production under conditions of chronic stimulation remain elusive. We have previously shown that CD44+ mesenchymal-like cells (CD44+ cells) exist in the adult kidney. Under chronic sodium deprivation, these cells are recruited to the juxtaglomerular area and differentiate to new renin-expressing cells.

Mice lacking three Loci encoding 14 glutathione transferase genes: a novel tool for assigning function to the GSTP, GSTM, and GSTT families.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) form a superfamily defined by their ability to catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with electrophilic substrates. These enzymes are proposed to play a critical role in protection of cellular components from damage mediated by reactive metabolites. Twenty-two cytosolic GSTs, grouped into seven families, are recognized in mice.

Effects of pain mitigation and method of castration on behavior and feedlot performance in cull beef bulls.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of castration method (banding vs. surgical) and use of analgesia on behavior and feedlot performance in cull bulls. Angus, Hereford, and Angus-crossbred bulls (n = 20; initial BW = 384 ± 59.