Selected Grantee Publications
Prostatic Escherichia coli Infection Drives CCR2-Dependent Recruitment of Fibrocytes and Collagen Production
Scharpf et al., Disease Models & Mechanisms. 2025.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11789281
In men, lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is commonly linked to prostatic collagen accumulation through inflammation-mediated mechanisms. Researchers used 8- to 10-week-old male reporter mice, exposed to either sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or Escherichia coli, to identify that circulating Lyz2+S100a4+Gli1+ myeloid-derived cells are recruited to the prostate to drive inflammation and collagen synthesis. Researchers also used 8- to 10-week-old male Ccr2‑/ - null and Ccr2+/- control mice, exposed to either sterile PBS or E. coli, to determine if Ccr2 is necessary for the fibrotic response to prostatic uropathogen infection. Results demonstrated that CCR2+ cells mediate the collagen abundance and fibrotic response to prostate inflammation. This study elucidates the cell types underlying prostate fibrosis and can be utilized to develop targeted therapies. Supported by ORIP (T32OD010957), NCI, NIDDK, and NIEHS.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of Cyclooxygenase Pathway Enzymes During Vertebrate Embryonic Development
Leathers et al., Developmental Biology. 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39581452/
The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway plays a fundamental role in embryonic development. Disruptions of the COX pathway during pregnancy cause developmental anomalies, including craniofacial clefts, impaired gut innervation, and neural tube defects in the embryo. Researchers used Gallus gallus embryos to study the expression of COX pathway enzymes during neurulation. COX-1 protein expression was upregulated in cells undergoing mitosis, whereas COX-2 protein expression was ubiquitous. This study provides spatiotemporal expression data of COX pathway enzymes at key embryonic development stages in G. gallus and guides future studies focused on defining the role of these enzymes during embryonic development. Supported by ORIP (T35OD010956), NEI, NIDCR, and NIGMS.
The Widely Used Ucp1-Cre Transgene Elicits Complex Developmental and Metabolic Phenotypes
Halurkar et al., Nature Communications. 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39824816
Bacterial artificial chromosome technology is instrumental to mouse transgenics, including in studies of highly thermogenic brown adipose tissue and energy-storing white adipose tissue. Researchers discovered that male and female Ucp1-CreEvdr transgenic mice, which are commonly used to study fat tissue, may have unintended effects on metabolism and development. Findings revealed that these mice show changes in both brown and white fat function and disruptions in gene activity, suggesting broader physiological impacts than previously thought. This study emphasizes the need for careful validation of genetic tools in research to ensure accurate results, highlighting the potential concerns in using the Ucp1-CreEvdr model in metabolic and developmental studies. Supported by ORIP (R21OD034470, R21OD031907) NCATS, NIDCR, and NIDDK.