Transgenic mice expressing yeast CUP1 exhibit increased copper utilization from feeds

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Animal Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Copper is an essential micronutrient vital for animal growth and development, required for enzyme function.
• Dietary inorganic copper is often poorly utilized by animals, necessitating strategies to improve its bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop transgenic mouse models for enhanced copper utilization.
• To investigate the efficacy of salivary copper-chelating proteins in improving copper absorption and reducing excretion.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a transgene plasmid with the S. cerevisiae CUP1 gene, regulated for salivary gland expression.
• Generated transgenic mice expressing the CUP1 gene in salivary glands, producing a 9-kDa copper-chelating protein in saliva.
• Assessed copper levels, body weight, and animal health through biochemical and histological analyses.

Main Results:

• Transgenic mice exhibited high expression of the CUP1 gene in salivary glands, secreting copper-chelating proteins.
• Fecal copper content was reduced by 21.61% in transgenic mice.
• Body weight increased by 12.97% in transgenic mice, indicating improved copper utilization and absorption.
• No negative health impacts were observed in transgenic mice.

Conclusions:

• Expression of salivary copper-chelating proteins effectively enhances copper utilization and absorption in animals.
• This approach offers a potential strategy to increase copper bioavailability and reduce copper excretion in animal feeds.
• The CUP1 transgene shows promise for improving animal nutrition and reducing environmental copper load.