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Knock-out mice
Knock-out mice
Mice raised with genetically modified endogenous genes that allowed for expression of cell surface proteins, specifically DPP4, were critical in laboratory testing to understand the interaction between MERS and hosts. In order to create an environment in which the virus could replicate, CRISPR was used to facilitate the expression of DPP4 in mice, and these mice were subjected to a battery of tests to assess organ failure associated with infection. (Baric, 2016)
Microscope studies and imaging of Dromedary Camels
Microscope studies and imaging of Dromedary Camels
After successfully isolating MERS from naturally infected dromedary camels, scanning electron microscopy was used to identify differences between those infected camels and naive camels. Infected camels showed lesions on the epithelial membranes lining their nasal cavities and respiratory tract where DPP4 proteins were expressed in the highest quantities. (Alnaeem, 2018)
Turbinates of uninfected camel showing normal distribution of cilia
Turbinates of naturally infected camel showing areas of ciliary loss
SEM of trachea of uninfected camels, showing normal distribution of cilia and goblet cells
SEM of a naturally infected camel, showing moderate ciliary loss and moderate goblet cell proliferation areas covered with mucous secretion
Lung of uninfected camel, showing normal alveoli
Lung of naturally infected camel showings thickening of the walls of alveoli
Lung tissues of a non-infected camel showed normal distribution of thin wall alveoli and normal bronchiole
Lung tissues of an infected camel showed thickening in the alveolar wall
Cladogram analysis
Cladogram analysis
Different clades, or evolutionary trees that break down one taxa, can be used to identify similarities in genome sequences and break the different variants of the virus into groups. The scanning electron microscopy above was indicated to be most associated with the virus strain in Clade B. (Alnaeem, 2018)
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