Targeted disruption of LDLR causes hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in Yucatan miniature pigs.

ABSTRACT: Recent progress in engineering the genomes of large animals has spurred increased interest in developing better animal models for diseases where current options are inadequate. Here, we report the creation of Yucatan miniature pigs with targeted disruptions of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene in an effort to provide an improved large animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Yucatan miniature pigs are well established as translational research models because of similarities to humans in physiology, anatomy, genetics, and size. Using recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene targeting and somatic cell nuclear transfer, male and female LDLR+/- pigs were generated. Subsequent breeding of heterozygotes produced LDLR-/- pigs. When fed a standard s

SUBMITTER: Davis BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3972179 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature