【Animal modeling】-Analysis of biological parameters and cardiac physiological function in mice overexpressing Slit2 gene

  OBJECTIVE: To measure and evaluate the basic biological parameters, cardiac ultrasound morphology and function, and transcriptome sequencing of human Slit2 gene overexpressing mice (Slit2-Tg mice), so as to provide reference for the application of this mouse in biomedical research.

  METHODS: The breeding situation of inbred Slit2-Tg and C57BL/6J mice was observed and compared, PCR technology was used to determine genotype, blood was collected for blood routine and blood biochemical tests, and organ tissues were collected for protein expression and pathological analysis. As well as ultrasound evaluation and transcriptome sequencing analysis of the heart.

  RESULTS: The litter size of Slit2-Tg mice was significantly higher than that of C57BL/6J mice, and the high expression of Slit2 gene and protein could be detected. The organ coefficient of the spleen of Slit2-Tg mice was significantly increased, but there was no abnormal tissue structure. Slit2-Tg mice had significant changes in red blood cells, platelets, eosinophils, glucose, globulin, urea nitrogen, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and atherosclerosis index. The hearts of Slit2-Tg mice were not significantly different except for the thickness of the anterior wall of the left ventricle at the end of diastole, and there was no significant difference in other indicators. Among the 17 513 genes examined in the heart tissue of the Slit2-Tg mice, the expression of 535 genes was significantly increased or decreased, mainly involving 15 biological processes and signal transduction pathways.

  Conclusion: The biological parameters of Slit2-Tg mice are improved, and it is suggested that this model animal is also suitable for cardiovascular disease related research.