Endoreplication is the process by which a cell undergoes DNA replication in the absence of cell division, becoming polyploid. Developmentally programmed endoreplication occurs in several mammalian tissues during pregnancy and is usually linked to terminal differentiation. In the placenta, trophectoderm cells undergo endoreplication and differentiate into trophoblast giant cells, which penetrate the uterus and promote blastocyst implantation. Subsequently, in the uterus, stromal cells of the endometrium endoreplicate and differentiate into decidual cells, which further facilitate blastocyst implantation and vascularization. Another example is pregnancyinducedliver growth occurring through hepatocyte hypertrophy that is generated by endoreplication. In the mammary gland (MG), alveolar cells undergo endoreplication at the onset of lactation. While these phenomena have long been observed and considered adaptations necessary for tissue expansion during pregnancy, the molecular mechanisms driving these pregnancy-induced endoreplication events remain poorly understood.The MG plays an essential role in the survival of mammalian species by producing milk required for the nourishment of offspring. During pregnancy, the MG undergoes a profound morphological change known as alveologenesis, in which epithelial luminal progenitors proliferate and subsequently differentiate into polyploid alveolar cells that secrete milk during lactation. This polyploidization of the MG is conserved across many mammalian species, including mice and humans, and it is required for efficient milk production. Once breastfeeding is complete, in a process known as involution, massive cell death clears these milk-producing polyploid cells and tissue remodeling brings the epithelium back to a pre-pregnancy-like state.The mechanisms regulating the transition from a proliferative mitotic cell cycle to an endocycle in the MG have yet to be elucidated. The DNA damage response (DDR) plays a central role in the regulation of the cell cycle, to ensure genomic stability and safeguard inheritance. In the event of DNA damage, the DDR kinases ATM and ATR initiate a signaling cascade that activates cell cycle checkpoints, at either the G1/S or G2/M transitions, through inactivation of CDK/Cyclin complexes. These checkpoints permit the DDR to perform any necessary repairs before giving rise to a daughter cell. DNA damage as a consequence of exogenous genotoxic insults has been shown to trigger endoreplication and terminal differentiation through G2/M checkpoint activation .

Porcine astrovirus (PoAstV) was first detected by electron microscopy in the feces of piglets with diarrhea in 1980. There are five known genotypes of PoAstV, which are thought to be more closely related to other species than to each other. This divergence among genotypes suggests different ancestral origin of PoAstVs. PoAstVs have been detected across the globe including South Africa, Canada, China, Colombia, and Chile. All five genotypes are present in the US with high incidence. It is currently thought to be endemic in commercial swine in the US and potentially elsewhere. One study of fecal samples from 509 pigs from 255 farms across 19 US states showed PoAstV4 was the most prevalent genotype in 62% (317/509) of samples. At least one PoAstV genotype was found in 64% (326/509) of the samples. It is common for multiple astroviruses to be detected in a single pig at once, which could provide opportunity for recombination to occur and lead to the emergence of new strains. Multiple studies have connected PoAstV to a range of disease manifestations, with the virus frequently detected in feces of pigs displaying diarrheal symptoms as well as asymptomatic pigs. PoAstV5 is a cause of clinical enteritis, while PoAstV3 has been identified and characterized in the central nervous system of pigs with neurologic signs and nonsuppurative polioencephalomyelitis. Additionally, PoAstV4 has been identified in nasal samples from pigs with respiratory disease.Researchers have investigated cases of bronchitis and/or tracheitis in pigs where PCR results were negative for influenza virus and other known causes of respiratory virus infection. Next generation sequencing revealed reads of PoAstV4. In a retrospective study of cases of tracheitis and/or bronchitis of unknown etiology, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) was used to detect PoAstV4 RNA in airway epithelium (trachea, bronchi, or bronchioles), revealing PoAstV4 RNA in 73% (85/117) of cases. So PoAstV4 is strongly associated with lesions of epitheliotropic viral infection in young pigs with clinical respiratory disease.Accurate tests and vaccines for PoAstV4 infection are clearly needed.    

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a biologic dressing derived from fish skin to enhance wound healing.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a way to introduce large genetic modifications in livestock species, in a high throughput manner.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a genetic discovery associated with the physical conformation and gait performance in horses.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed agents made from terpenoids and salicylates that can be used as anesthetics in human and non-human animals, as well as environmentally friendly euthanasia agents in food-producing animals.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a system to assess, estimate and devise a comprehensive control and prevention plan for bovine respiratory disease in pre-weaned dairy calves.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed adjunctive therapies applicable to multiple types of infectious conditions. These therapies – derived from compounds found in natural herbs - also have potential prophylactic efficacy.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a highly sensitive, wearable hormone monitoring platform.

Small molecule drug compound demonstrated to resolve laminitis, and treat inflammation, inflammatory pain, and neuropathic pain in equines.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a novel high resolution imaging technique, referred to as Photo-Magnetic Imaging (PMI), that combines the abilities of optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems. Images are created with PMI by heating tissue with a light (e.g. laser) and measuring the resulting temperature change with MR Thermometry. This change in temperature can then be related to a tissue’s absorption, scattering, and metabolic properties. PMI addresses the limitations of current optical imaging techniques by providing a repeatable, non-contact, high resolution optical image with increased quantitative accuracy. This technique can be used for a wide-range of applications including but not limited to imaging of small animals for research purposes. This technique may also be used in imaging the tissue and organs of a patient.