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Target Discovery and Validation Reviews and Protocols

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188 Houdebine<br />

explained at the molecular level. All these studies in vivo have led to the definition<br />

of more flexible in vitro systems in which cultured cells can transform<br />

the Prp c into PrP sc (135). Various transgenic mice are invaluable models for the<br />

evaluation of the therapeutic effects of chemical compounds. Encouraging<br />

results showing that different drugs can delay or even partly cure scrapie have<br />

recently been obtained. Other brain degenerative diseases are being studied by<br />

using transgenic models. Transgenic mice, which overexpress the α-synuclein<br />

gene in their brain, are used to study Parkinson’s disease (136).<br />

Huntington’s disease also is studied in transgenic mice overexpressing the<br />

Huntington gene variants having oligoglutamines of variable length in their N<br />

terminus (137). Apoptosis plays a major role in many biological events <strong>and</strong> is<br />

highly conserved in evolution. It is indispensable for development <strong>and</strong> organogenesis<br />

that imply specific cell elimination. Defaults in apoptosis may lead to<br />

autoimmune diseases, tumor formation, <strong>and</strong> neurodegeneracy. At least 25 genes<br />

involved in apoptosis have been knocked out (138), including genes for caspases,<br />

adaptors, regulators, bcl2 family numbers, <strong>and</strong> mitochondrial proteins.<br />

Aging is a complex phenomenon that has only been partially described. Defects<br />

in genomes seem to be a major cause of aging. A growing number of transgenic<br />

models are being used to study aging. Mice in which the XPD gene has been<br />

knocked out are more sensitive to oxidative DNA damage. This sensitivity was<br />

increased further when the XPA gene also was knocked out (139). These models<br />

reflect some of the agent syndromes in human. Arthrosclerosis results from<br />

complex disorders in lipid metabolism. Many genes are involved in this<br />

process. The disease has a genetic component, <strong>and</strong> its development is favored<br />

by cholesterol-rich diets.<br />

Numerous genes coding for different apolipoproteins, lipases, <strong>and</strong> other factors<br />

have been added or knocked out in mice (140). These studies have given<br />

important information as to the role of the different genes. However, lipid<br />

metabolism is very different in mouse <strong>and</strong> human. Mice must be submitted to<br />

diets very rich in cholesterol to mimic even partially atherosclerosis. The rabbit<br />

is much closer to humans for this biological function, <strong>and</strong> this animal is used<br />

extensively in addition to mice for the study of atherosclerosis (141). Some<br />

transgenic rabbits also are used to define new drugs capable of protecting<br />

humans against arteriosclerosis. Cancer occurs under multiple forms, <strong>and</strong> it is<br />

the result of several steps occurring sequentially. All these steps result from<br />

alterations of oncogenes <strong>and</strong> antioncogene expression <strong>and</strong> activity. Mutations,<br />

chromosomal translocations, <strong>and</strong> environmental factors are thus responsible for<br />

tumor formation.<br />

Transgenic mice were soon used to try to generate models for cancer study.<br />

The first oncomouse expressed c-myc gene in the mammary gl<strong>and</strong>. Further studies<br />

made it possible to identify additional genes involved in mammary cancer

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