@article{harlow_griesgraber_seman_shuping_sommer_griffith_hileman_nestor_2022, title={The impact of undernutrition on KNDy (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin) neurons in female lambs}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1365-2826"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.13135}, DOI={10.1111/jne.13135}, abstractNote={Undernutrition limits reproduction through inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Because KNDy neurons coexpress neuropeptides that play stimulatory (kisspeptin and neurokinin B [NKB]) and inhibitory (dynorphin) roles in pulsatile GnRH/LH release, we hypothesized that undernutrition would inhibit kisspeptin and NKB expression at the same time as increasing dynorphin expression. Fifteen ovariectomized lambs were either fed to maintain pre-study body weight (controls) or feed-restricted to lose 20% of pre-study body weight (FR) over 13 weeks. Blood samples were collected and plasma from weeks 0 and 13 were assessed for LH by radioimmunoassay. At week 13, animals were killed, and brain tissue was processed for assessment of KNDy peptide mRNA or protein expression. Mean LH and LH pulse amplitude were lower in FR lambs compared to controls. We observed lower mRNA abundance for kisspeptin within KNDy neurons of FR lambs compared to controls with no significant change in mRNA for NKB or dynorphin. We also observed that FR lambs had fewer numbers of arcuate nucleus kisspeptin and NKB perikarya compared to controls. These findings support the idea that KNDy neurons are important for regulating reproduction during undernutrition in female sheep.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Harlow, KaLynn and Griesgraber, Max J. and Seman, Andrew D. and Shuping, Sydney L. and Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Griffith, Emily H. and Hileman, Stanley M. and Nestor, Casey C.}, year={2022}, month={May} }
 @article{merkley_shuping_sommer_nestor_2021, title={Evidence That Agouti-Related Peptide May Directly Regulate Kisspeptin Neurons in Male Sheep}, volume={11}, ISBN={2218-1989}, DOI={10.3390/metabol1030138}, number={3}, journal={METABOLITES}, author={Merkley, Christina M. and Shuping, Sydney L. and Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Nestor, Casey C.}, year={2021}, month={Mar} }
 @article{harlow_renwick_shuping_sommer_lents_knauer_nestor_2021, title={Evidence that pubertal status impacts kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin neurons in the gilt(dagger)}, volume={105}, ISSN={["1529-7268"]}, DOI={10.1093/biolre/ioab189}, abstractNote={Puberty onset is a complex physiological process, which enables the capacity for reproduction through increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone and subsequently luteinizing hormone secretion. While cells that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are believed to govern the timing of puberty, the degree to which kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons exist and are regulated by pubertal status remains to be determined in the gilt. Hypothalamic tissue from prepubertal and postpubertal, early follicular phase gilts was used to determine the expression of kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin within the arcuate nucleus. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed that the majority (>74%) of arcuate nucleus neurons that express mRNA for kisspeptin coexpressed mRNA for NKB and dynorphin. There were fewer arcuate nucleus cells that expressed mRNA for dynorphin in postpubertal gilts compared to prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05), but the number of arcuate nucleus cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin or NKB was not different between groups. Within KNDy neurons, mRNA abundance for kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin of postpubertal gilts was the same as, less than, and greater than, respectively, prepubertal gilts. Immunostaining for kisspeptin did not differ between prepubertal and postpubertal gilts, but there were fewer NKB immunoreactive fibers in postpubertal gilts compared to prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05). Together, these data reveal novel information about KNDy neurons in gilts and support the idea that NKB and dynorphin play a role in puberty onset in the female pig.}, number={6}, journal={BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION}, author={Harlow, KaLynn and Renwick, Allison N. and Shuping, Sydney L. and Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Lents, Clay A. and Knauer, Mark T. and Nestor, Casey C.}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={1533–1544} }
 @article{harlow_renwick_shuping_sommer_knauer_nestor_2020, title={Effects of genetic selection for early puberty on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in gilts}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skaa054.368}, abstractNote={Abstract Puberty onset in gilts is an awakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that is the result of reduced estradiol-negative feedback at the level of the hypothalamus which yields elevated gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary. Given the importance of hypothalamic kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB) signaling for the onset of puberty in other species, the objective of this study was to determine if gilts selected for early pubertal onset (SELECT) would display measurable differences within the hypothalamus (i.e. increased expression of kisspeptin and NKB) and within the ovary (i.e. increased ovarian mass) compared to age-matched and weight-matched gilts (CONTROL) that achieve puberty 20 days later than SELECT gilts. Gilts were sacrificed at three timepoints: Timepoint A, both groups were determined to be prepubertal (n=6/group), Timepoint B, SELECT gilts were determined to be pubertal and CONTROL gilts were determined to be prepubertal (n=6/group), and Timepoint C, both groups were determined to be pubertal (n=6/group). All animals were euthanized, heads were perfused with 8 L of 4% paraformaldehyde, and ovaries were harvested. Brain tissue was removed post-fixation, submerged in fixative for 24 hrs followed by 20% sucrose until sectioned for immunohistochemistry. Ovarian mass tended (p≤0.10) to be greater for SELECT gilts on the right ovary (4.34 vs. 3.67 g) and the left ovary (4.49 vs. 3.68 g) when compared to CONTROL (Timepoints A and C), and at Timepoint B right ovary mass from SELECT gilts was heavier than CONTROL gilts (p< 0.05; 7.22 vs. 4.65 g). Hypothalamic immunohistochemistry for kisspeptin and NKB revealed differences in neuronal fiber density between both groups at various timepoints. Therefore, we conclude that gilts genetically selected for early puberty do so via changes within the hypothalamus that increase gonadotropin secretion and, in turn, stimulate ovarian growth to ultimately advance the timing of puberty onset.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Harlow, KaLynn and Renwick, Allison and Shuping, Sydney and Sommer, Jeff and Knauer, Mark and Nestor, Casey}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={212–212} }
 @article{carvalho_sanglard_nascimento_moriel_sommer_merrill_poore_duarte_serao_2020, title={miRNAs explain the variation in muscle and blood transcriptomes of beef calves born from dams with or without energy restriction during late gestation}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skaa054.292}, abstractNote={Abstract Maternal energy restriction during late gestation affects the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in muscle and immune response in blood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The aim of this study was to identify potentials miRNA involved in the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in muscle and blood following exposure to maternal gestational energy restriction. Forty days before the expected calving date, cows were assigned to one of two diets: 100% (CTRL) or 70% (REST) of the daily energy requirement. For RNA-seq analysis, muscle samples were collected from 12 heifers and 12 steers, and blood samples were collected from 12 steers. miRNAs were identified from the RNA-seq data based on the bovine genome annotation, with 38 and 10 miRNAs identified in blood and muscle, respectively. The expression of the miRNAs and the previously identified 160 and 450 DEGs in muscle and blood, respectively, was pre-adjusted for fixed effects before final analyses. A stepwise selection (P-value < 0.05) was used to identify miRNAs (dependent variables) explaining variation in DEGs, for each DEG at a time, and analyses performed separately for blood and muscle. The R2 of selected models ranged from 0.88 to 0.99 in muscle and 0.92 to 0.99 in blood. Of the most selected miRNA in muscle, MiR-133a and MiR-1 are known to be related to muscle hypertrophy, and MiR-143 and bta-let-7i promote adipocyte differentiation. Of the most selected miRNA in blood, MiR-21 regulates immune system by different pathways. Using RNA-seq data, we identified miRNAs explaining a large amount of the variation of DEGs, with the identification of important miRNAs related to muscle development and immune system.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Carvalho, Elisa B. and Sanglard, Leticia P. and Nascimento, Moyses and Moriel, Philipe and Sommer, Jeffrey and Merrill, Melissa and Poore, Matthew and Duarte, Marcio and Serao, Nick}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={165–165} }
 @article{khanal_sanglard_mayberry_sommer_poore_poole_serao_2019, title={Genes and functions associated with tolerance to fescue toxicosis in Angus cows}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz122.295}, abstractNote={Abstract The objective of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) and functions associated with tolerance to fescue toxicosis (FT). Forty pregnant purebred Angus cows were selected based on their growth at two locations in North Carolina (Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory, BBFCL; Upper Piedmont Research Station, UPRS) and classified as either high tolerant (HT) or low tolerant (LT) to FT with 20 cows in each group balanced by location. Blood samples were collected on weeks 1, 5, 9, and 13 for RNA sequencing. Counts were analyzed using a negative binomial model including the effects of genetic group, location, time, all possible interactions of these effects, flow cell, covariate of RNA integrity number, and normalized library size as offset. Genotype-by-location-by-time interaction was evident with a high number (4,453) of DEG (q-value<0.1) between genetic groups on week 5 at UPRS compared to all other possible interactions. So further analyses were focused on week 5 at UPRS. The most significant upregulated genes in LT and HT animals were ENPP6 and MESP2, respectively, with log2 fold changes of 1.90 [95% confidence interval = 0.89, 2.92] q-value=0.005) and 0.91 [0.35, 1.47] (q-value=0.01), respectively. Other top 5 upregulated genes for HT animals were CTBS, CLDN19, SPDYC, HEYL, and SDC2, and for LT animals were OLIG1, IL13, ANXA13, ENSBTAG00000024188and CXCL13. Enrichment analysis (P < 0.05) showed that DEG between genetic groups have general functions, such as metabolic, biosynthetic, and catabolic processes, as well as DNA and RNA-related functions, such as translation, transcription, and repair. These findings helped characterizing the genetic basis of tolerance to FT in cattle. In addition, we identified genes that may serve as potential biomarkers for tolerance to FT}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Khanal, Piush and Sanglard, Leticia Pereira and Mayberry, Kyle and Sommer, Jeffrey and Poore, Matthew H. and Poole, Daniel H. and Serao, Nick V. L.}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={167–167} }
 @article{chung_zhang_collins_sper_gleason_simpson_koh_sommer_flowers_petters_et al._2018, title={High mobility group A2 (HMGA2) deficiency in pigs leads to dwarfism, abnormal fetal resource allocation, and cryptorchidism}, volume={115}, ISSN={0027-8424 1091-6490}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1721630115}, DOI={10.1073/pnas.1721630115}, abstractNote={Significance We show that mutations in HMGA2 affect fetal resource allocation, testis descent, and the size of pigs and provides a target for gene modification that can be used to modulate size in other mammalian species. This can have implications in agriculture as well as in the development of new strains of companion animals. In addition, most xenograft pig donors have adult organs larger than those of humans. Recently, it has been shown that regulation of organ growth is donor-controlled, not host-controlled, resulting in organ overgrowth and damage after transplantation. We show here that the HMGA2 gene is a potential target for organ-size regulation in xenotransplantation.}, number={21}, journal={Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, publisher={Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, author={Chung, Jaewook and Zhang, Xia and Collins, Bruce and Sper, Renan B. and Gleason, Katherine and Simpson, Sean and Koh, Sehwon and Sommer, Jeffrey and Flowers, William L. and Petters, Robert M. and et al.}, year={2018}, month={May}, pages={5420–5425} }
 @article{sanglard_nascimento_moriel_sommer_ashwell_poore_duarte_serão_2018, title={Impact of energy restriction during late gestation on the muscle and blood transcriptome of beef calves after preconditioning}, volume={19}, ISSN={1471-2164}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-5089-8}, DOI={10.1186/s12864-018-5089-8}, abstractNote={Maternal nutrition has been highlighted as one of the main factors affecting intra-uterine environment. The increase in nutritional requirements by beef cows during late gestation can cause nutritional deficiency in the fetus and impact the fetal regulation of genes associated with myogenesis and immune response. Forty days before the expected calving date, cows were assigned to one of two diets: 100% (control) or 70% (restricted group) of the daily energy requirement. Muscle samples were collected from 12 heifers and 12 steers, and blood samples were collected from 12 steers. The objective of this work was to identify and to assess the biological relevance of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the skeletal muscle and blood of beef calves born from cows that experienced [or not] a 30% energy restriction during the last 40 days of gestation. A total of 160, 164, and 346 DEG (q-value< 0.05) were identified in the skeletal muscle for the effects of diet, sex, and diet-by-sex interaction, respectively. For blood, 452, 1392, and 155 DEG were identified for the effects of diet, time, and diet-by-time interaction, respectively. For skeletal muscle, results based on diet identified genes involved in muscle metabolism. In muscle, from the 10 most DEG down-regulated in the energy-restricted group (REST), we identified 5 genes associated with muscle metabolism and development: SLCO3A1, ATP6V0D1, SLC2A1, GPC4, and RASD2. In blood, among the 10 most DEG, we found genes related to response to stress up-regulated in the REST after weaning, such as SOD3 and INO80D, and to immune response down-regulated in the REST after vaccination, such as OASL, KLRF1, and LOC104968634. In conclusion, maternal energy restriction during late gestation may limit the expression of genes in the muscle and increase expression in the blood of calves. In addition, enrichment analysis showed that a short-term maternal energy restriction during pregnancy affects the expression of genes related to energy metabolism and muscle contraction, and immunity and stress response in the blood. Therefore, alterations in the intra-uterine environment can modify prenatal development with lasting consequences to adult life.}, number={1}, journal={BMC Genomics}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Sanglard, Leticia P and Nascimento, Moysés and Moriel, Philipe and Sommer, Jeffrey and Ashwell, Melissa and Poore, Matthew H and Duarte, Márcio de S and Serão, Nick V L}, year={2018}, month={Sep} }
 @article{lima_lin_jacobi_man_sommer_flowers_blikslager_gonzalez_odle_2017, title={Supplementation of Maternal Diets with Docosahexaenoic Acid and Methylating Vitamins Impacts Growth and Development of Fetuses from Malnourished Gilts}, volume={2}, ISSN={2475-2991}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/cdn.117.001958}, DOI={10.3945/cdn.117.001958}, abstractNote={Like many species, pregnant swine mobilize and repartition body nutrient stores during extreme malnutrition to support fetal development. The objective of this study was to model chronic human maternal malnutrition and measure effects of methylating-vitamins (MVs, containing choline, folate, B-6, B-12, and riboflavin) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on fetal growth and development. Pregnant gilts (n = 24) were either fully nourished (2.0 kg/d) with a corn-plus-isolated-soy-protein basal diet (control) supplemented with MVs and DHA or nourishment was restricted throughout gestation. Basal diet fed to malnourished gilts was reduced progressively from 50% to 70% restriction (1.0 to 0.6 kg/d) and was supplemented following a 2 (±MVs) x 2 (±DHA) factorial design. Full-term c-sections were performed to assess impacts on low and normal birth weight (LBW/NBW) fetuses (n = 238). Body weight gain of malnourished gilts was 10% of full-fed control dams (P < 0.05), but offspring birth weight, length, girth, and percentage of LBW fetuses were not different between treatments. The number of pigs per litter was reduced by 30% in malnourished control dams. Fetal brain weights were reduced by 7% compared to positive controls (P < 0.05). Micronutrient supplementation to malnourished dams increased fetal brain weights back to full-fed control levels. Dams with DHA produced offspring with higher DHA concentrations in brain and liver (P < 0.05). Plasma choline concentration was 4-fold higher in fetuses from unsupplemented malnourished dams (P < 0.0001). Global DNA methylation status of fetuses from restricted dams was higher than in control fetuses, including brain, liver, heart, muscle, and placenta tissues (P < 0.05). Addition of DHA increased methylation in LBW fetal brains (P < 0.05). Despite the mobilization of maternal stores, malnourished litters displayed reduced brain development that was fully mitigated by micronutrient supplementation. Severe maternal malnutrition increased global DNA methylation in several fetal tissues that was unaltered by choline and B-vitamin supplementation.}, number={3}, journal={Current Developments in Nutrition}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Lima, Hope K and Lin, Xi and Jacobi, Sheila K and Man, Caolai and Sommer, Jeffrey and Flowers, William and Blikslager, Anthony and Gonzalez, Liara and Odle, Jack}, year={2017}, month={Dec} }
 @article{jeong_nelson_niedziela_dickey_2016, title={Effect of Plant Species, Fertilizer Acidity/Basicity, and Fertilizer Concentration on pH of Soilless Root Substrate}, volume={51}, ISSN={["2327-9834"]}, DOI={10.21273/hortsci11237-16}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to determine how plant species, fertilizer potential acidity/basicity rating (PABR), and fertilizer concentration affect root substrate pH. Three experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 13 herbaceous species were grown in a root substrate of three sphagnum peatmoss: one perlite (v/v) with deionized water and a neutral fertilizer (NF) with a PABR of 0 for 78 days to determine species relationships to substrate pH. The decrease in substrate pH ranged from 0.14 to 2.45 units, depending on species. In the second experiment, four of the 13 species from the previous trial representing the range of pH suppression were grown under similar growth conditions as the first experiment for 70 days. Substrate pH was lowered in the range of 0.47 to 2.72 units. In the third experiment, three fertilizers with PABRs of 150 kg·t −1 CaCO 3 equivalent alkalinity, 0 neutral, and 193 kg·t −1 CaCO 3 equivalent acidity were applied in a factorial design at 100 and 200 mg·L −1 N at each irrigation to kalanchoe (the species with the greatest pH suppression from the previous experiments) for 56 days. When applied at the lower fertilizer rate (100 mg·L −1 N), the PABRs resulted in the final substrate pH levels of 4.68, 5.60, and 6.11 for the acidic fertilizer (AF), NF, and basic fertilizer (BF), respectively. At the high fertilizer rate (200 mg·L −1 N), substrate pH declined continuously to 3.97, 4.03, and 4.92 for the AF, NF, and BF, respectively. Expression of PABR depended on the balance between the abiotic (chemical) effect of the fertilizers vs. the biotic (physiological) effects of the fertilizers on microbes and plants. The PABR was best expressed when the fertilizer supply was just adequate or lower indicating a closer connection to the biotic effect.}, number={12}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Jeong, Ka Yeon and Nelson, Paul V. and Niedziela, Carl E., Jr. and Dickey, David A.}, year={2016}, month={Dec}, pages={1596–1601} }
 @article{sommer_chavali_simpson_ayyagari_petters_2012, title={Cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of the pig (Sus scrofa) C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein-5 gene}, volume={18}, number={12-14}, journal={Molecular Vision}, author={Sommer, J. R. and Chavali, V. R. M. and Simpson, S. G. and Ayyagari, R. and Petters, R. M.}, year={2012}, pages={92–102} }
 @article{sommer_jackson_simpson_collins_piedrahita_petters_2012, title={Transgenic Stra8-EYFP pigs: a model for developing male germ cell technologies}, volume={21}, ISSN={["0962-8819"]}, DOI={10.1007/s11248-011-9542-6}, number={2}, journal={TRANSGENIC RESEARCH}, author={Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Jackson, Lauren R. and Simpson, Sean G. and Collins, Edwin B. and Piedrahita, Jorge A. and Petters, Robert M.}, year={2012}, month={Apr}, pages={383–392} }
 @article{sommer_wong_petters_2011, title={Phenotypic stability of Pro347Leu rhodopsin transgenic pigs as indicated by photoreceptor cell degeneration}, volume={20}, ISSN={["0962-8819"]}, DOI={10.1007/s11248-011-9491-0}, number={6}, journal={TRANSGENIC RESEARCH}, author={Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Wong, Fulton and Petters, Robert M.}, year={2011}, month={Dec}, pages={1391–1395} }
 @article{sommer_estrada_collins_bedell_alexander_yang_hughes_mir_gilger_grob_et al._2011, title={Production of ELOVL4 transgenic pigs: a large animal model for Stargardt-like macular degeneration}, volume={95}, ISSN={0007-1161}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2011-300417}, DOI={10.1136/bjophthalmol-2011-300417}, abstractNote={Truncation mutations in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids-4 (AF277094, MIM #605512) (ELOVL4) gene cause Stargardt-like macular dystrophy type 3 (STGD3). Mice expressing truncated ELOVL4 develop rapid retinal degeneration, but are poor STGD3 models since mice lack a macula. Photoreceptor topography in the pig retina is more similar to that in humans as it includes the cone rich, macula-like area centralis. The authors generated transgenic pigs expressing human disease-causing ELOVL4 mutations to better model the pathobiology of this macular disease.Pronuclear DNA microinjection and somatic cell nuclear transfer were used to produce transgenic pigs for two different ELOVL4 mutations: the 5 base pair deletion (5 bpdel) and the 270 stop mutation (Y270terEYFP). Retinal transgene expression, morphology and electrophysiology were examined.The authors obtained four lines of Y270terEYFP and one line of 5 bpdel transgenic animals. Direct fluorescence microscopy indicated that the Y270terEYFP protein is expressed in photoreceptors and mislocalised within the cell. Immunohistochemical examination of transgenic pigs showed photoreceptor loss and disorganised inner and outer segments. Electroretinography demonstrated diminished responses in both transgenic models.These transgenic pigs provide unique animal models for examining macular degeneration and STGD3 pathogenesis.}, number={12}, journal={British Journal of Ophthalmology}, publisher={BMJ}, author={Sommer, J. R. and Estrada, J. L. and Collins, E. B. and Bedell, M. and Alexander, C. A. and Yang, Z. and Hughes, G. and Mir, B. and Gilger, B. C. and Grob, S. and et al.}, year={2011}, month={Aug}, pages={1749–1754} }
 @article{chavali_sommer_petters_ayyagari_2010, title={Identification of a Promoter for the Human C1q-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Protein-5 Gene Associated with Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration}, volume={51}, ISSN={["1552-5783"]}, DOI={10.1167/iovs.10-5543}, abstractNote={Purpose.: The Complement-1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5 (C1QTNF5/CTRP5) gene is located in the 3′ untranslated region of the Membrane Frizzled Related Protein (MFRP) gene, and these two genes are reported to be dicistronic. The authors examined the 5′ upstream sequence of CTRP5 for the presence of a promoter regulating the expression of this gene. Methods.: The sequence upstream of the translational start site of human CTRP5 (hCTRP5) was analyzed by Promoter Inspector software. A series of plasmids containing segments of hCTRP5 putative promoter sequence (−29 bp to −3.6 kb) upstream of the luciferase gene were generated. Cells were transiently transfected with these plasmids, and luciferase activity was measured. 5′ RACE analysis was performed to determine the functional transcription start site. V5 tagged-pig CTRP5 (pCTRP5) gene, cloned downstream of the hCTRP5 putative promoter, was expressed in a human retinal cell line (ARPE-19) and a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) to study the functionality of the putative promoter. Results.: Bioinformatic analysis identified a putative promoter region between nt −1322 and +1 sequence of hCTRP5. 5′ RACE analysis revealed the presence of the transcriptional start site (TSS) at 62 bp upstream of the start codon in the CTRP5. The 1.3-kb sequence of the hCTRP5 predicted promoter produced higher levels of luciferase activity, indicating the strength of the cloned CTRP5 promoter. The promoter sequence between nt −1322 bp to −29 bp upstream of the first ATG of CTRP5 was found to be essential for this promoter activity. The predicted hCTRP5 promoter was found to control the expression of V5-tagged pCTRP5 and nuclear GFP, indicating that the promoter was functional. Conclusions.: This study revealed the presence of a functional promoter for the CTRP5 gene located 5′ of its start site. Understanding the regulation of CTRP5 gene transcription may provide insights into the possible role of CTRP5 in the retina and the pathology underlying late-onset retinal degeneration caused by mutations in this gene. In addition, these studies will determine whether CTRP5 and MFRP are functionally dicistronic.}, number={11}, journal={INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE}, author={Chavali, Venkata R. M. and Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Petters, Robert M. and Ayyagari, Radha}, year={2010}, month={Nov}, pages={5499–5507} }
 @article{estrada_collins_york_bischoff_sommer_tsai_petters_piedrahita_2008, title={Successful cloning of the Yucatan minipig using commercial/occidental breeds as oocyte donors and embryo recipients}, volume={10}, ISSN={["1536-2302"]}, DOI={10.1089/clo.2008.0005}, abstractNote={The widespread application of porcine SCNT to biomedical research is being hampered by the large adult size (300-600 lbs) of the commercial breeds commonly used for SCNT. The Yucatan minipig, in contrast, has an adult weight of 140-150 lbs and a long history of utility in biomedical research. In order to combine the wide availability of commercial swine with the biomedical value of the Yucatan minipig, we utilized SCNT using the Yucatan as nuclear donors and commercial swine as both oocyte donors and recipients. Of six recipient gilts receiving 631 SCNT embryos, three went to term and delivered seven piglets, four of which survived to adulthood. Additionally, we obtained fetal fibroblasts from a cloned Yucatan and used them for a second round of SCNT. Of three recipients receiving 315 reconstructed embryos, one went to term and delivered three piglets, one of which survived to adulthood. Both microsatellite and D-loop sequence analysis confirmed that all of the piglets generated were nuclear-mitochondrial hybrids carrying Yucatan nuclear DNA and commercial breed mitochondrial DNA. This report shows that it is possible to produce viable Yucatan SCNT clones and opens up the possibility of developing valuable biomedical models in this porcine breed.}, number={2}, journal={CLONING AND STEM CELLS}, author={Estrada, Jose L. and Collins, Bruce and York, Abby and Bischoff, Steve and Sommer, Jeff and Tsai, Shengdar and Petters, Robert M. and Piedrahita, Jorge A.}, year={2008}, month={Jun}, pages={287–296} }
 @article{estrada_sommer_collins_mir_martin_york_petters_piedrahita_2007, title={Swine generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer have increased incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)}, volume={9}, ISSN={["1536-2302"]}, DOI={10.1089/clo.2006.0079}, abstractNote={While somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successful in several species, many pregnancies are lost and anomalies are found in fetal and perinatal stages. In this study SCNT and artificial inseminations (AI) populations were compared for litter size, average birth weight, piglets alive at birth, stillborn, mummies, dead at the first week, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and large for gestational age (LGA). Twenty-three SCNT litters (143 individuals) were compared to 112 AI litters (1300 individuals). Litter size average was 11.5 for AI and 6.2 for SCNT. Litter weight and average birth weight adjusted by litter size were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in AI than in SCNT litters. The SCNT population had a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of IUGRs per litter with LSmeans 7.2 +/- 1.4 versus 19.4 +/- 3.5 and means 8.0 +/- 10.8 versus 15.5 +/- 24.5 for AI and SCNT, respectively. Additionally, there was a trend for higher postnatal mortality and stillbirths in the SCNT population. These findings demonstrate that there are some differences between SCNT-derived and AI litters. SCNT-derived pigs are excellent models to study epigenetic factors and genes involved in IUGRs, and to develop effective means to improve fetal growth in humans and animals.}, number={2}, journal={CLONING AND STEM CELLS}, author={Estrada, Jose and Sommer, Jeffrey and Collins, Bruce and Mir, Bashir and Martin, Amy and York, Abby and Petters, Robert M. and Piedrahita, Jorge A.}, year={2007}, pages={229–236} }
 @article{sommer_collins_estrada_petters_2007, title={Synchronization and superovulation of mature cycling gilts for the collection of pronuclear stage embryos}, volume={100}, ISSN={["1873-2232"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.10.010}, abstractNote={An efficient protocol was developed to synchronize and superovulate mature pigs for the collection of pronuclear stage embryos suitable for DNA microinjection. A timed and coordinated regimen of Lutalyse®, PG600® and Chorulon® along with daily checking for estrus allowed synchronization of groups of gilts having estrous cycles at regular intervals. Pigs 10–16 days after the beginning of standing estrus have been successfully synchronized into estrus using this protocol. A standard dose of each drug was used independent of size or age of the animal. One protocol averaged 38.9 ovulations and 31.1 one-cell embryos recovered per animal.}, number={3-4}, journal={ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE}, author={Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Collins, E. Bruce and Estrada, Jose L. and Petters, Robert M.}, year={2007}, month={Aug}, pages={402–410} }
 @article{sommer_aiderson_laible_petters_2006, title={Reporter system for the detection of in vivo gene conversion - Changing colors from blue to green using GFP variants}, volume={33}, ISSN={["1559-0305"]}, DOI={10.1385/MB:33:2:115}, number={2}, journal={MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY}, author={Sommer, Jeffrey R. and Aiderson, On and Laible, Goetz and Petters, Robert M.}, year={2006}, month={Jun}, pages={115–121} }
 @article{su_wu_sommer_gore_petters_miller_2005, title={Conditional induction of ovulation in mice}, volume={73}, ISSN={["1529-7268"]}, DOI={10.1095/biolreprod.104.039164}, abstractNote={Follicle-stimulating hormone controls the maturation of mammalian ovarian follicles. In excess, it can increase ovulation (egg production). Reported here is a transgenic doxycycline-activated switch, tested in mice, that produced more FSHB subunit (therefore more FSH) and increased ovulation by the simple feeding of doxycycline (Dox). The transgenic switch was expressed selectively in pituitary gonadotropes and was designed to enhance normal expression of FSH when exposed to Dox, but to be regulated by all the hormones that normally control FSH production in vivo. Feeding maximally effective levels of Dox increased overall mRNA for FSHB and serum FSH by over half in males, and Dox treatment more than doubled the normal ovulation rate of female mice for up to 10 reproductive cycles. Lower levels of Dox increased the number of developing embryos by 30%. Ovarian structure and function appeared normal. In summary, gene switch technology and normal FSH regulation were combined to effectively enhance ovulation in mice. Theoretically, the same strategy can be used with any genetic switch to increase ovulation (or any highly conserved physiology) in any mammal.}, number={4}, journal={BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION}, author={Su, P and Wu, JC and Sommer, JR and Gore, AJ and Petters, RM and Miller, WL}, year={2005}, month={Oct}, pages={681–687} }
 @article{sommer_collins_neiding_rozeboom_wong_petters_2002, title={Conservation and regeneration of transgenic lines of swine by semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination}, volume={31}, number={1}, journal={Lab Animal}, author={Sommer, J. R. and Collins, E. B. and Neiding, T. and Rozeboom, K. and Wong, F. and Petters, R. M.}, year={2002}, pages={25–31} }
 @article{petters_sommer_2000, title={Transgenic animals as models for human disease}, volume={9}, ISSN={["0962-8819"]}, DOI={10.1023/A:1008926303533}, number={4-5}, journal={TRANSGENIC RESEARCH}, author={Petters, RM and Sommer, JR}, year={2000}, month={Jan}, pages={347–351} }
 @article{petters_alexander_wells_collins_sommer_blanton_rojas_hao_flowers_banin_et al._1997, title={Genetically engineered large animal model for studying cone photoreceptor survival and degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1087-0156"]}, DOI={10.1038/nbt1097-965}, number={10}, journal={NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY}, author={Petters, RM and Alexander, CA and Wells, KD and Collins, EB and Sommer, JR and Blanton, MR and Rojas, G and Hao, Y and Flowers, WL and Banin, E and et al.}, year={1997}, month={Oct}, pages={965–970} }