Canine Mammary Tumours (CMTs) exploit mitochondrial cholesterol for aggressive reprogramming.

In human breast cancer the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) aids pro-survival cellular response by facilitating the formation of mitochondrial contact sites with the nucleus termed Nucleus Associated Mitochondria (NAM). Here, we show that TSPO positively associates with the aggressiveness of tissues and cells isolated from Canine Mammary Tumours (CMTs). TSPO is also readily upregulated in reprogrammed mammary tumour cells following long-term deprivation of oestrogen or exposure to the endocrine chemotherapeutic (ET) agent Tamoxifen.

Surgical treatment of headshaking by removal of a paracondylar process fragment via modified hyovertebrotomy approach: A detailed anatomical and surgical description in an adult horse.

Objective: To describe, in detail, the relevant anatomy and surgical approach to access the paracondylar process (PCP) and report its application in a clinical case of headshaking.

Animal: A seven-year-old, mixed breed mare.

Study Design: Experimental study/case report.

Social Network Analysis as a Tool in the Care and Wellbeing of Zoo Animals: A Case Study of a Family Group of Black Lemurs ().

Social network analysis (SNA) is an increasingly utilised technique in the literature examining the social structures and organisation of animals and understanding the bonds between groups and individuals. Using a case study as an illustration, the applications of SNA are explored, including the identification of dominance hierarchies and detection of sources of social pressure, with a particular focus on the applications of SNA to holistic assessments of animal welfare alongside other methods. Based on the examination of social dynamics in a family group of four black lemurs (), a primate whose social organisation is characterised by patterns of female dominance, it is demonstrated that SNA can be used to examine the affiliative and agonistic interactions between individuals living in human care.

Supporting collaborative dissection through the development of an online wiki positively impacts the learning of veterinary anatomy.

An innovative series of dissections of the canine abdomen was created to facilitate social distancing in the dissection room following COVID-19 restrictions imposed in the UK. In groups of six, first-year veterinary students took turns dissecting selected parts of the canine abdomen while maintaining social distancing and documenting their work with video and photographs. Here, students learned about the canine abdominal anatomy by dissecting, recording the dissections of others in their group, and compiling the recorded material into a collaborative electronic media portfolio (Wiki).

A Cell Culture System to Investigate Marek's Disease Virus Integration into Host Chromosomes.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that causes a devastating neoplastic disease in chickens. MDV has been shown to integrate its genome into the telomeres of latently infected and tumor cells, which is crucial for efficient tumor formation. Telomeric repeat arrays present at the ends of the MDV genome facilitate this integration into host telomeres; however, the integration mechanism remains poorly understood.

The Role of Marek's Disease Virus UL12 and UL29 in DNA Recombination and the Virus Lifecycle.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that infects chickens and integrates its genome into the telomeres of latently infected cells. MDV encodes two proteins, UL12 and UL29 (ICP8), that are conserved among herpesviruses and could facilitate virus integration. The orthologues of UL12 and UL29 in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) possess exonuclease and single strand DNA-binding activity, respectively, and facilitate DNA recombination; however, the role of both proteins in the MDV lifecycle remains elusive.

Telomeres and Telomerase: Role in Marek's Disease Virus Pathogenesis, Integration and Tumorigenesis.

Telomeres protect the ends of vertebrate chromosomes from deterioration and consist of tandem nucleotide repeats (TTAGGG) that are associated with a number of proteins. Shortening of the telomeres occurs during genome replication, thereby limiting the replication potential of somatic cells. To counteract this shortening, vertebrates encode the telomerase complex that maintains telomere length in certain cell types via de novo addition of telomeric repeats.