Development of a premature aging syndrome non-human primate model

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26640053
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Laboratory animal science
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Itoh Yasushi 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (90324566)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 老化 / 癌 / トランスレーショナルリサーチ / 病理学 / 霊長類モデル / ゲノム編集 / レンチウイルスベクター

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We established genetically modified cynomolgus monkeys to reveal pathogenicity of a premature aging syndrome. Using a lentivirus vector, we obtained cynomolgus macaques that express GFP in the whole body. Next, we made plasmid vectors to examine gene modification in the cultured cells of cynomolgus macaques using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. We confirmed the high efficiency of genome editing in the Werner DNA helicase gene with the CRISPR/Cas9 system in vitro. Thereafter, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and in vitro microfertilization, we have obtained a cynomolgus macaque that carries gene mutation in the Werner DNA helices gene. We continue observation of this macaque and examination of disease pathogenesis.

Free Research Field

病理学