Eric P. Sandgren

Bio: Eric P. Sandgren is an academic researcher from University of Wisconsin-Madison. The author has contributed to research in topics: Transgene & Genetically modified mouse. The author has an hindex of 35, co-authored 70 publications receiving 7278 citations. Previous affiliations of Eric P. Sandgren include University of California, Los Angeles & Vanderbilt University.

Replacement of diseased mouse liver by hepatic cell transplantation

Abstract: Adult liver has the unusual ability to fully regenerate after injury. Although regeneration is accomplished by the division of mature hepatocytes, the replicative potential of these cells is unknown. Here, the replicative capacity of adult liver cells and their medical usefulness as donor cells for transplantation were investigated by transfer of adult mouse liver cells into transgenic mice that display an endogenous defect in hepatic growth potential and function. The transplanted liver cell populations replaced up to 80 percent of the diseased recipient liver. These findings demonstrate the enormous growth potential of adult hepatocytes, indicating the feasibility of liver cell transplantation as a method to replace lost or diseased hepatic parenchyma.

Heterologous introns can enhance expression of transgenes in mice.

Abstract: In a previous study we showed that genomic constructs were expressed more efficiently in transgenic mice than constructs that were identical except for the lack of introns. Using the mouse metallothionein promoter-rat growth hormone gene construct as a model, we show that the first intron of the rat growth hormone gene is essential for high-level expression, whereas the other three introns are less effective. Several heterologous introns placed 3' of the coding region of an intronless rat growth hormone gene are also ineffective. However, insertion of some heterologous introns between the metallothionein promoter and the growth hormone gene improves expression. To determine whether addition of heterologous introns would provide a general strategy for improving expression, we have tested them in conjunction with other intronless genes and with different promoters.

Cancer-related inflammation.

Abstract: The mediators and cellular effectors of inflammation are important constituents of the local environment of tumours. In some types of cancer, inflammatory conditions are present before a malignant change occurs. Conversely, in other types of cancer, an oncogenic change induces an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes the development of tumours. Regardless of its origin, 'smouldering' inflammation in the tumour microenvironment has many tumour-promoting effects. It aids in the proliferation and survival of malignant cells, promotes angiogenesis and metastasis, subverts adaptive immune responses, and alters responses to hormones and chemotherapeutic agents. The molecular pathways of this cancer-related inflammation are now being unravelled, resulting in the identification of new target molecules that could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.

Classification and grading of gastritis.The updated Sydney system

Abstract: The Sydney System for the classification of gastritis emphasized the importance of combining topographical, morphological, and etiological information into a schema that would help to generate reproducible and clinically useful diagnoses. To reappraise the Sydney System 4 years after its introduction, a group of gastrointestinal pathologists from various parts of the world met in Houston, Texas, in September 1994. The aims of the workshop were (a) to establish an agreed terminology of gastritis; (b) to identify, define, and attempt to resolve some of the problems associated with the Sydney System. This article introduces the Sydney System as it was revised at the Houston Gastritis Workshop and represents the consensus of the participants. Overall, the principles and grading of the Sydney System were only slightly modified, the grading being aided by the provision of a visual analogue scale. The terminology of the final classification has been improved to emphasize the distinction between the atrophic and nonatrophic stomach; the names used for each entity were selected because they are generally acceptable to both pathologists and gastroenterologists. In addition to the main categories and atrophic and nonatrophic gastritis, the special or distinctive forms are described and their respective diagnostic criteria are provided. The article includes practical guidelines for optimal biopsy sampling of the stomach, for the use of the visual analogue scales for grading the histopathologic features, and for the formulation of a comprehensive standardized diagnosis. A glossary of gastritis-related terms as used in this article is provided.

Transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies and methods for producing human sequence antibodies which bind to human antigens with substantial affinity.