ABSTRACT
A number of mouse models have been identified and are being used for aging and age-associated disease research. However, the use of the genetically manipulated mouse model is still a relatively untapped resource for the study of the biology of aging. Genetically altered mice can be powerful tools for biology of aging research because gene expression can be controlled and correlated with established biomarkers. Standard transgene overexpression and gene targeting techniques were modified and used to generate 30 mouse lines during a 4-year period. These lines include models of Werner's syndrome (premature aging or progeria), Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative condition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, immune dysfunction, musculoskeletal disorders, and oxidative stress. These new mouse models are providing additional insights into aging processes and will be useful for developing intervention strategies and collaborative interactions.
Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Mice, Transgenic , Models, Animal , Animals , Mice , Microinjections , Phenotype , Stem Cells/metabolismABSTRACT
ATP bioluminescence, based on the firefly luciferase system, is used for the rapid determination of hygienic practices in the food industry. This study has demonstrated the use of caged ATP as an internal ATP standard and quantified the effects of industrial cleansing solutions, alcoholic beverages and pH on firefly luciferase activity. The light signal was quenched 6-47% by five cleansing solutions at standard working concentrations. Ethanol at 1% (v/v) inhibited bioluminescence by 15% (w/v) whereas concentrations above 4% enhanced the light output. The light signal was quenched by 20-25% at pH values below pH 4 and above pH 10.
Subject(s)
Adenosine Triphosphate/analogs & derivatives , Adenosine Triphosphate/analysis , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism , Detergents , Environment, Controlled , Ethanol , Firefly Luciferin , Food Industry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Luciferases , Luminescent Measurements , Quaternary Ammonium CompoundsABSTRACT
Huntington's chorea is prevalent among the Afrikaner population of South Africa. The origin of the gene for the disorder in this population group has been traced over 14 generations from the present time to the days of the first free burghers at the Cape of Good Hope. Over 200 affected individuals in more than 50 supposedly unrelated families have been found to be ancestrally related through a common progenitor in the 17th century.
