1
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Pinot M, Le Borgne R. Spatio-Temporal Regulation of Notch Activation in Asymmetrically Dividing Sensory Organ Precursor Cells in Drosophila melanogaster Epithelium. Cells 2024; 13:1133. [PMID: 38994985 PMCID: PMC11240559 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The Notch communication pathway, discovered in Drosophila over 100 years ago, regulates a wide range of intra-lineage decisions in metazoans. The division of the Drosophila mechanosensory organ precursor is the archetype of asymmetric cell division in which differential Notch activation takes place at cytokinesis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which epithelial cell polarity, cell cycle and intracellular trafficking participate in controlling the directionality, subcellular localization and temporality of mechanosensitive Notch receptor activation in cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Le Borgne
- Univ Rennes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 6290, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), F-35000 Rennes, France
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2
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Papageorgiou L, Papa L, Papakonstantinou E, Mataragka A, Dragoumani K, Chaniotis D, Beloukas A, Iliopoulos C, Bongcam-Rudloff E, Chrousos GP, Kossida S, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. SNP and Structural Study of the Notch Superfamily Provides Insights and Novel Pharmacological Targets against the CADASIL Syndrome and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:529. [PMID: 38790158 PMCID: PMC11120892 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a mediator of direct cell-cell communication between neighboring cells during development. Notch plays a crucial role in various fundamental biological processes in a wide range of tissues. Accordingly, the aberrant signaling of this pathway underlies multiple genetic pathologies such as developmental syndromes, congenital disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Over the last two decades, significant data have shown that the Notch signaling pathway displays a significant function in the mature brains of vertebrates and invertebrates beyond neuronal development and specification during embryonic development. Neuronal connection, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory appear to be regulated by this pathway. Specific mutations in human Notch family proteins have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, CADASIL, and ischemic injury. Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable disorders of the central nervous system that cause the progressive degeneration and/or death of brain nerve cells, affecting both mental function and movement (ataxia). There is currently a lot of study being conducted to better understand the molecular mechanisms by which Notch plays an essential role in the mature brain. In this study, an in silico analysis of polymorphisms and mutations in human Notch family members that lead to neurodegenerative diseases was performed in order to investigate the correlations among Notch family proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. Particular emphasis was placed on the study of mutations in the Notch3 protein and the structure analysis of the mutant Notch3 protein that leads to the manifestation of the CADASIL syndrome in order to spot possible conserved mutations and interpret the effect of these mutations in the Notch3 protein structure. Conserved mutations of cysteine residues may be candidate pharmacological targets for the potential therapy of CADASIL syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Lefteria Papa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Antonia Mataragka
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Costas Iliopoulos
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Erik Bongcam-Rudloff
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - George P. Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofia Kossida
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGenetics Information System, Laboratoire d’ImmunoGénétique Moléculaire LIGM, Institut de Génétique Humaine, (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
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3
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Pires da Silva A, Kelleher R, Reynoldson L. Decoding lifespan secrets: the role of the gonad in Caenorhabditis elegans aging. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 5:1380016. [PMID: 38605866 PMCID: PMC11008531 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1380016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The gonad has become a central organ for understanding aging in C. elegans, as removing the proliferating stem cells in the germline results in significant lifespan extension. Similarly, when starvation in late larval stages leads to the quiescence of germline stem cells the adult nematode enters reproductive diapause, associated with an extended lifespan. This review summarizes recent advancements in identifying the mechanisms behind gonad-mediated lifespan extension, including comparisons with other nematodes and the role of lipid signaling and transcriptional changes. Given that the gonad also mediates lifespan regulation in other invertebrates and vertebrates, elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help to gain new insights into the mechanisms and evolution of aging.
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4
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Tan CH, Cheng KW, Park H, Chou TF, Sternberg PW. LINKIN-associated proteins necessary for tissue integrity during collective cell migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527750. [PMID: 36798316 PMCID: PMC9934607 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell adhesion plays essential roles in almost every aspect of metazoan biology. LINKIN (Human: ITFG1, Caenorhabditis elegans: lnkn-1) is a conserved transmembrane protein that has been identified to be necessary for tissue integrity during migration. In C. elegans, loss of lnkn-1 results in the detachment of the lead migratory cell from the rest of the developing male gonad. Previously, three interactors of ITFG1/lnkn-1 - RUVBL1/ruvb-1, RUVBL2/ruvb-2, and alpha-tubulin - were identified by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) analysis using human HEK293T cells and then validated in the nematode male gonad. The ITFG1-RUVBL1 interaction has since been independently validated in a breast cancer cell line model that also implicates the involvement of the pair in metastasis. Here, we showed that epitope-tagged ITFG1 localized to the cell surface of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Using IP-MS analysis, we identified a new list of potential interactors of ITFG1. Loss-of-function analysis of their C. elegans orthologs found that three of the interactors - ATP9A/tat-5, NME1/ndk-1, and ANAPC2/apc-2 - displayed migratory detachment phenotypes similar to that of lnkn-1. Taken together with the other genes whose reduction-of-function phenotype is similar to that of lnkn-1 (notably cohesion and condensin), suggests the involvement of membrane remodeling and chromosome biology in LINKIN-dependent cell adhesion and supports the hypothesis for a structural role of chromosomes in post-mitotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology
| | - Kai-Wen Cheng
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology
| | - Heenam Park
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology
| | - Tsui-Fen Chou
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology
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5
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Chen B, Jin W. A comprehensive review of stroke-related signaling pathways and treatment in western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1200061. [PMID: 37351420 PMCID: PMC10282194 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1200061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides insight into the complex network of signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in stroke pathophysiology. It summarizes the historical progress of stroke-related signaling pathways, identifying potential interactions between them and emphasizing that stroke is a complex network disease. Of particular interest are the Hippo signaling pathway and ferroptosis signaling pathway, which remain understudied areas of research, and are therefore a focus of the review. The involvement of multiple signaling pathways, including Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and AMPK in pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress and apoptosis, highlights the complexity of stroke. The review also delves into the details of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies such as Rehmanniae and Astragalus, providing an analysis of the recent status of western medicine in the treatment of stroke and the advantages and disadvantages of TCM and western medicine in stroke treatment. The review proposes that since stroke is a network disease, TCM has the potential and advantages of a multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of action in the treatment of stroke. Therefore, it is suggested that future research should explore more treasures of TCM and develop new therapies from the perspective of stroke as a network disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhao Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Yamakawa T, Yuslimatin Mujizah E, Matsuno K. Notch Signalling Under Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition. Fly (Austin) 2022; 16:347-359. [PMID: 36346359 PMCID: PMC9645253 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2022.2139981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of all animal embryos is initially directed by the gene products supplied by their mothers. With the progression of embryogenesis, the embryo's genome is activated to command subsequent developments. This transition, which has been studied in many model animals, is referred to as the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition (MZT). In many organisms, including flies, nematodes, and sea urchins, genes involved in Notch signaling are extensively influenced by the MZT. This signaling pathway is highly conserved across metazoans; moreover, it regulates various developmental processes. Notch signaling defects are commonly associated with various human diseases. The maternal contribution of its factors was first discovered in flies. Subsequently, several genes were identified from mutant embryos with a phenotype similar to Notch mutants only upon the removal of the maternal contributions. Studies on these maternal genes have revealed various novel steps in the cascade of Notch signal transduction. Among these genes, pecanex and almondex have been functionally characterized in recent studies. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the roles of these two maternal genes in Notch signaling and discuss future research directions on its maternal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Yamakawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,CONTACT Tomoko Yamakawa Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Matsuno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:95. [PMID: 35332121 PMCID: PMC8948217 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH gene was identified approximately 110 years ago. Classical studies have revealed that NOTCH signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway. NOTCH receptors undergo three cleavages and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes. NOTCH signaling deeply participates in the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues and organs, the aberration of which results in cancerous and noncancerous diseases. However, recent studies indicate that the outcomes of NOTCH signaling are changeable and highly dependent on context. In terms of cancers, NOTCH signaling can both promote and inhibit tumor development in various types of cancer. The overall performance of NOTCH-targeted therapies in clinical trials has failed to meet expectations. Additionally, NOTCH mutation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in many cancers. Collectively, the NOTCH pathway needs to be integrally assessed with new perspectives to inspire discoveries and applications. In this review, we focus on both classical and the latest findings related to NOTCH signaling to illustrate the history, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, contributions to physiological development, related diseases, and therapeutic applications of the NOTCH pathway. The contributions of NOTCH signaling to the tumor immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. We hope this review will help not only beginners but also experts to systematically and thoroughly understand the NOTCH signaling pathway.
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8
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Majumder S, Crabtree JS, Golde TE, Minter LM, Osborne BA, Miele L. Targeting Notch in oncology: the path forward. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 20:125-144. [PMID: 33293690 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Notch signalling is involved in many aspects of cancer biology, including angiogenesis, tumour immunity and the maintenance of cancer stem-like cells. In addition, Notch can function as an oncogene and a tumour suppressor in different cancers and in different cell populations within the same tumour. Despite promising preclinical results and early-phase clinical trials, the goal of developing safe, effective, tumour-selective Notch-targeting agents for clinical use remains elusive. However, our continually improving understanding of Notch signalling in specific cancers, individual cancer cases and different cell populations, as well as crosstalk between pathways, is aiding the discovery and development of novel investigational Notch-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Judy S Crabtree
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lisa M Minter
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Barbara A Osborne
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA. .,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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9
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Stevens L, Félix M, Beltran T, Braendle C, Caurcel C, Fausett S, Fitch D, Frézal L, Gosse C, Kaur T, Kiontke K, Newton MD, Noble LM, Richaud A, Rockman MV, Sudhaus W, Blaxter M. Comparative genomics of 10 new Caenorhabditis species. Evol Lett 2019; 3:217-236. [PMID: 31007946 PMCID: PMC6457397 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been central to the understanding of metazoan biology. However, C. elegans is but one species among millions and the significance of this important model organism will only be fully revealed if it is placed in a rich evolutionary context. Global sampling efforts have led to the discovery of over 50 putative species from the genus Caenorhabditis, many of which await formal species description. Here, we present species descriptions for 10 new Caenorhabditis species. We also present draft genome sequences for nine of these new species, along with a transcriptome assembly for one. We exploit these whole-genome data to reconstruct the Caenorhabditis phylogeny and use this phylogenetic tree to dissect the evolution of morphology in the genus. We reveal extensive variation in genome size and investigate the molecular processes that underlie this variation. We show unexpected complexity in the evolutionary history of key developmental pathway genes. These new species and the associated genomic resources will be essential in our attempts to understand the evolutionary origins of the C. elegans model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Stevens
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3JTUnited Kingdom
| | - Marie‐Anne Félix
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, École Normale SupérieureParis Sciences et Lettres75005ParisFrance
| | - Toni Beltran
- MRC London Institute of Medical SciencesLondonW12 0NNUnited Kingdom
| | - Christian Braendle
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, InsermInstitute of Biology Valrose06108NiceFrance
| | - Carlos Caurcel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3JTUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Fausett
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, InsermInstitute of Biology Valrose06108NiceFrance
| | - David Fitch
- Department of BiologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003
| | - Lise Frézal
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, École Normale SupérieureParis Sciences et Lettres75005ParisFrance
| | - Charlie Gosse
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, École Normale SupérieureParis Sciences et Lettres75005ParisFrance
| | - Taniya Kaur
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of BiologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003
| | - Karin Kiontke
- Department of BiologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003
| | - Matthew D. Newton
- MRC London Institute of Medical SciencesLondonW12 0NNUnited Kingdom
- Molecular Virology, Department of MedicineImperial College LondonDu Cane RoadLondonW12 0NNUnited Kingdom
| | - Luke M. Noble
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of BiologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003
| | - Aurélien Richaud
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, École Normale SupérieureParis Sciences et Lettres75005ParisFrance
| | - Matthew V. Rockman
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of BiologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003
| | - Walter Sudhaus
- Institut für Biologie/ZoologieFreie Universität BerlinBerlinD‐14195Germany
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3JTUnited Kingdom
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10
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Artiles KL, Fire AZ, Frøkjær-Jensen C. Assessment and Maintenance of Unigametic Germline Inheritance for C. elegans. Dev Cell 2019; 48:827-839.e9. [PMID: 30799227 PMCID: PMC6435406 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The recent work of Besseling and Bringmann (2016) identified a molecular intervention for C. elegans in which premature segregation of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the fertilized oocyte can produce viable animals exhibiting a non-Mendelian inheritance pattern. Overexpression in embryos of a single protein regulating chromosome segregation (GPR-1) provides a germline derived clonally from a single parental gamete. We present a collection of strains and cytological assays to consistently generate and track non-Mendelian inheritance. These tools allow reproducible and high-frequency (>80%) production of non-Mendelian inheritance, the facile and simultaneous homozygosis for all nuclear chromosomes in a single generation, the precise exchange of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes between strains, and the assessments of non-canonical mitosis events. We show the utility of these strains by demonstrating a rapid assessment of cell lineage requirements (AB versus P1) for a set of genes (lin-2, lin-3, lin-12, and lin-31) with roles in C. elegans vulval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Artiles
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew Z Fire
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Christian Frøkjær-Jensen
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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11
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Chen L, Ho VWS, Wong MK, Huang X, Chan LY, Ng HCK, Ren X, Yan H, Zhao Z. Establishment of Signaling Interactions with Cellular Resolution for Every Cell Cycle of Embryogenesis. Genetics 2018; 209:37-49. [PMID: 29567658 PMCID: PMC5937172 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular signaling interactions play a key role in breaking fate symmetry during animal development. Identification of signaling interactions at cellular resolution is technically challenging, especially in a developing embryo. Here, we develop a platform that allows automated inference and validation of signaling interactions for every cell cycle of Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. This is achieved by the generation of a systems-level cell contact map, which consists of 1114 highly confident intercellular contacts, by modeling analysis and is validated through cell membrane labeling coupled with cell lineage analysis. We apply the map to identify cell pairs between which a Notch signaling interaction takes place. By generating expression patterns for two ligands and two receptors of the Notch signaling pathway with cellular resolution using the automated expression profiling technique, we are able to refine existing and identify novel Notch interactions during C. elegans embryogenesis. Targeted cell ablation followed by cell lineage analysis demonstrates the roles of signaling interactions during cell division in breaking fate symmetry. Finally, we describe the development of a website that allows online access to the cell-cell contact map for mapping of other signaling interactions by the community. The platform can be adapted to establish cellular interactions from any other signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Ming-Kin Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Xiaotai Huang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126 China
| | - Lu-Yan Chan
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | | | - Xiaoliang Ren
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongying Zhao
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
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12
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Salazar JL, Yamamoto S. Integration of Drosophila and Human Genetics to Understand Notch Signaling Related Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1066:141-185. [PMID: 30030826 PMCID: PMC6233323 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89512-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Notch signaling research dates back to more than one hundred years, beginning with the identification of the Notch mutant in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Since then, research on Notch and related genes in flies has laid the foundation of what we now know as the Notch signaling pathway. In the 1990s, basic biological and biochemical studies of Notch signaling components in mammalian systems, as well as identification of rare mutations in Notch signaling pathway genes in human patients with rare Mendelian diseases or cancer, increased the significance of this pathway in human biology and medicine. In the 21st century, Drosophila and other genetic model organisms continue to play a leading role in understanding basic Notch biology. Furthermore, these model organisms can be used in a translational manner to study underlying mechanisms of Notch-related human diseases and to investigate the function of novel disease associated genes and variants. In this chapter, we first briefly review the major contributions of Drosophila to Notch signaling research, discussing the similarities and differences between the fly and human pathways. Next, we introduce several biological contexts in Drosophila in which Notch signaling has been extensively characterized. Finally, we discuss a number of genetic diseases caused by mutations in genes in the Notch signaling pathway in humans and we expand on how Drosophila can be used to study rare genetic variants associated with these and novel disorders. By combining modern genomics and state-of-the art technologies, Drosophila research is continuing to reveal exciting biology that sheds light onto mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Salazar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, USA.
- Program in Developmental Biology, BCM, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Williams E, Villar-Prados A, Bowser J, Broaddus R, Gladden AB. Loss of polarity alters proliferation and differentiation in low-grade endometrial cancers by disrupting Notch signaling. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189081. [PMID: 29206870 PMCID: PMC5716545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion and apicobasal polarity together maintain epithelial tissue organization and homeostasis. Loss of adhesion has been described as a prerequisite for the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. However, what role misregulation of apicobasal polarity promotes tumor initiation and/or early progression remains unclear. We find that human low-grade endometrial cancers are associated with disrupted localization of the apical polarity protein Par3 and Ezrin while, the adhesion molecule E-cadherin remains unchanged, accompanied by decreased Notch signaling, and altered Notch receptor localization. Depletion of Par3 or Ezrin, in a cell-based model, results in loss of epithelial architecture, differentiation, increased proliferation, migration and decreased Notch signaling. Re-expression of Par3 in endometrial cancer cell lines with disrupted Par3 protein levels blocks proliferation and reduces migration in a Notch dependent manner. These data uncover a function for apicobasal polarity independent of cell adhesion in regulating Notch-mediated differentiation signals in endometrial epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Williams
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Program of Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Villar-Prados
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Program of Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jessica Bowser
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Russell Broaddus
- Program of Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Andrew B. Gladden
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Program of Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
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Neves J, Abelló G, Petrovic J, Giraldez F. Patterning and cell fate in the inner ear: a case for Notch in the chicken embryo. Dev Growth Differ 2012; 55:96-112. [PMID: 23252974 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of the inner ear provides a beautiful example of one basic problem in development, that is, to understand how different cell types are generated at specific times and domains throughout embryonic life. The functional unit of the inner ear consists of hair cells, supporting cells and neurons, all deriving from progenitor cells located in the neurosensory competent domain of the otic placode. Throughout development, the otic placode resolves into the complex inner ear labyrinth, which holds the auditory and vestibular sensory organs that are innervated in a highly specific manner. How does the early competent domain of the otic placode give rise to the diverse specialized cell types of the different sensory organs of the inner ear? We review here our current understanding on the role of Notch signaling in coupling patterning and cell fate determination during inner ear development, with a particular emphasis on contributions from the chicken embryo as a model organism. We discuss further the question of how these two processes rely on two modes of operation of the Notch signaling pathway named lateral induction and lateral inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Neves
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Abstract
Notch is a receptor that mediates cell-cell interactions in animal development, and aberrations in Notch signal transduction can cause cancer and other human diseases. Here, I describe the major advances in the Notch field from the identification of the first mutant in Drosophila almost a century ago through the elucidation of the unusual mechanism of signal transduction a little over a decade ago. As an essay for the GENETICS Perspectives series, it is my personal and critical commentary as well as an historical account of discovery.
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Abstract
Axon regeneration is a medically relevant process that can repair damaged neurons. This review describes current progress in understanding axon regeneration in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Factors that regulate axon regeneration in C. elegans have broadly similar roles in vertebrate neurons. This means that using C. elegans as a tool to leverage discovery is a legitimate strategy for identifying conserved mechanisms of axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid El Bejjani
- Department of Genetics, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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17
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Kofler NM, Shawber CJ, Kangsamaksin T, Reed HO, Galatioto J, Kitajewski J. Notch signaling in developmental and tumor angiogenesis. Genes Cancer 2012; 2:1106-16. [PMID: 22866202 DOI: 10.1177/1947601911423030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that Notch, a key regulator of cell fate determination, is functional in the vasculature has greatly improved our understanding of differentiation and specialization of vessels. Notch signaling has been proven to be critical for arterial specification, sprouting angiogenesis, and vessel maturation. In newly forming vascular sprouts, Notch promotes the distinction between the leading "tip" endothelial cell and the growing "stalk" cell, the endothelial cells that eventually form a new capillary. Notch signaling has also been implicated in vessel stability by regulating vascular mural cell function. More recently, macrophages carrying an activated Notch have been implicated in shaping the course of new sprout formation. Tumor vessels abide by similar principles and use Notch signaling in similar ways. An exciting discovery, made by several researchers, shows that blocking Notch function in tumor vasculature provides a means by which to suppress tumor growth. The authors discuss the developmental and physiological role of Notch in the vasculature and apply this knowledge to an overview of how Notch targeting in the tumor environment can affect tumor angiogenesis and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Kofler
- Ob/Gyn, Pathology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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19
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Abstract
Many neurons have limited capacity to regenerate their axons after injury. Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system do not regenerate, and even neurons in the peripheral nervous system often fail to regenerate to their former targets. This failure is likely due in part to pathways that actively restrict regeneration; however, only a few factors that limit regeneration are known. Here, using single-neuron analysis of regeneration in vivo, we show that Notch/lin-12 signaling inhibits the regeneration of mature C. elegans neurons. Notch signaling suppresses regeneration by acting autonomously in the injured cell to prevent growth cone formation. The metalloprotease and gamma-secretase cleavage events that lead to Notch activation during development are also required for its activity in regeneration. Furthermore, blocking Notch activation immediately after injury improves regeneration. Our results define a postdevelopmental role for the Notch pathway as a repressor of axon regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid El Bejjani
- Department of Genetics, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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20
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Notch Signaling during Oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:648207. [PMID: 22720165 PMCID: PMC3376496 DOI: 10.1155/2012/648207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling mechanism that is required for embryonic development, cell fate specification, and stem cell maintenance. Discovered and studied initially in Drosophila melanogaster, the Notch pathway is conserved and functionally active throughout the animal kingdom. In this paper, we summarize the biochemical mechanisms of Notch signaling and describe its role in regulating one particular developmental pathway, oogenesis in Drosophila.
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21
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22
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Andersen P, Uosaki H, Shenje LT, Kwon C. Non-canonical Notch signaling: emerging role and mechanism. Trends Cell Biol 2012; 22:257-65. [PMID: 22397947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Notch is an ancient transmembrane receptor with crucial roles in cell-fate choices. Although the 'canonical' Notch pathway and its core members are well established - involving ligand-induced cleavage of Notch for transcriptional regulation - it has been unclear whether Notch can also function independently of ligand and transcription ('non-canonically') through a common mechanism. Recent studies suggest that Notch can non-canonically exert its biological functions by post-translationally targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, an important cellular and developmental regulator. The non-canonical Notch pathway appears to be highly conserved from flies to mammals. Here, we discuss the emerging conserved mechanism and role of ligand/transcription-independent Notch signaling in cell and developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andersen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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23
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Abstract
Notch is a well-conserved signaling pathway and its function in cell fate determination is crucial in embryonic development and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis during adult life. Notch activation depends on cell-cell interactions that are essential for the generation of cell diversity from initially equivalent cell populations. In the adult hematopoiesis, Notch is undoubtedly a very efficient promoter of T-cell differentiation, and this has masked for a long time the effects of Notch on other blood lineages, which are gradually being identified. However, the adult hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) remains mostly refractory to Notch intervention in experimental systems. In contrast, Notch is essential for the generation of the HSCs, which takes place during embryonic development. This review summarizes the knowledge accumulated in recent years regarding the role of the Notch pathway in the different stages of HSC ontology from embryonic life to fetal and adult bone marrow stem cells. In addition, we briefly examine other systems where Notch regulates specific stem cell capacities, in an attempt to understand how Notch functions in stem cell biology.
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Nakano S, Ellis RE, Horvitz HR. Otx-dependent expression of proneural bHLH genes establishes a neuronal bilateral asymmetry in C. elegans. Development 2010; 137:4017-27. [PMID: 21041366 DOI: 10.1242/dev.058834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral asymmetry in Caenorhabditis elegans arises in part from cell lineages that differ on the left and right sides of the animal. The unpaired MI neuron descends from the right side of an otherwise left-right symmetric cell lineage that generates the MI neuron on the right and the e3D epithelial cell on the left. We isolated mutations in three genes that caused left-right symmetry in this normally asymmetric cell lineage by transforming MI into an e3D-like cell. These genes encode the proneural bHLH proteins NGN-1 and HLH-2 and the Otx homeodomain protein CEH-36. We identified the precise precursor cells in which ceh-36 and ngn-1 act, and showed that CEH-36 protein is asymmetrically expressed and is present in an MI progenitor cell on the right but not in its bilateral counterpart. This asymmetric CEH-36 expression promotes asymmetric ngn-1 and hlh-2 expression, which in turn induces asymmetric MI neurogenesis. Our results indicate that this left-right asymmetry is specified within the two sister cells that first separate the left and right branches of the cell lineage. We conclude that the components of an evolutionarily conserved Otx/bHLH pathway act sequentially through multiple rounds of cell division on the right to relay an initial apparently cryptic asymmetry to the presumptive post-mitotic MI neuron, thereby creating an anatomical bilateral asymmetry in the C. elegans nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Nakano
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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25
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Johnston RJ, Desplan C. Stochastic mechanisms of cell fate specification that yield random or robust outcomes. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2010; 26:689-719. [PMID: 20590453 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100109-104113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although cell fate specification is tightly controlled to yield highly reproducible results and avoid extreme variation, developmental programs often incorporate stochastic mechanisms to diversify cell types. Stochastic specification phenomena are observed in a wide range of species and an assorted set of developmental contexts. In bacteria, stochastic mechanisms are utilized to generate transient subpopulations capable of surviving adverse environmental conditions. In vertebrate, insect, and worm nervous systems, stochastic fate choices are used to increase the repertoire of sensory and motor neuron subtypes. Random fate choices are also integrated into developmental programs controlling organogenesis. Although stochastic decisions can be maintained to produce a mosaic of fates within a population of cells, they can also be compensated for or directed to yield robust and reproducible outcomes.
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26
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Tian C, Sen D, Shi H, Foehr ML, Plavskin Y, Vatamaniuk OK, Liu J. The RGM protein DRAG-1 positively regulates a BMP-like signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Development 2010; 137:2375-84. [PMID: 20534671 DOI: 10.1242/dev.051615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway regulates multiple developmental and homeostatic processes. Mutations in the pathway can cause a variety of somatic and hereditary disorders in humans. Multiple levels of regulation, including extracellular regulation, ensure proper spatiotemporal control of BMP signaling in the right cellular context. We have identified a modulator of the BMP-like Sma/Mab pathway in C. elegans called DRAG-1. DRAG-1 is the sole member of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family of proteins in C. elegans, and is crucial in regulating body size and mesoderm development. Using a combination of molecular genetic and biochemical analyses, we demonstrate that DRAG-1 is a membrane-associated protein that functions at the ligand-receptor level to modulate the Sma/Mab pathway in a cell-type-specific manner. We further show that DRAG-1 positively modulates this BMP-like pathway by using a novel Sma/Mab-responsive reporter. Our work provides a direct link between RGM proteins and BMP signaling in vivo and a simple and genetically tractable system for mechanistic studies of RGM protein regulation of BMP pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Tian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 439 Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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27
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Abstract
Although now dogma, the idea that nonvertebrate organisms such as yeast, worms, and flies could inform, and in some cases even revolutionize, our understanding of oncogenesis in humans was not immediately obvious. Aided by the conservative nature of evolution and the persistence of a cohort of devoted researchers, the role of model organisms as a key tool in solving the cancer problem has, however, become widely accepted. In this review, we focus on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and its diverse and sometimes surprising contributions to our understanding of the tumorigenic process. Specifically, we discuss findings in the worm that address a well-defined set of processes known to be deregulated in cancer cells including cell cycle progression, growth factor signaling, terminal differentiation, apoptosis, the maintenance of genome stability, and developmental mechanisms relevant to invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Kirienko
- University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department of Molecular Biology, Dept 3944, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Kumaran Mani
- University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department of Molecular Biology, Dept 3944, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - David S. Fay
- University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department of Molecular Biology, Dept 3944, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071
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28
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Sanders PGT, Muñoz-Descalzo S, Balayo T, Wirtz-Peitz F, Hayward P, Arias AM. Ligand-independent traffic of Notch buffers activated Armadillo in Drosophila. PLoS Biol 2009; 7:e1000169. [PMID: 19668359 PMCID: PMC2716527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Full-length Notch receptor binds to the Wnt pathway effector β-catenin and mediates its endocytosis and degradation, demonstrating a novel mechanism by which Notch may modulate Wnt pathway activity. Notch receptors act as ligand-dependent membrane-tethered transcription factors with a prominent role in binary cell fate decisions during development, which is conserved across species. In addition there is increasing evidence for other functions of Notch, particularly in connection with Wnt signalling: Notch is able to modulate the activity of Armadillo/ß-catenin, the effector of Wnt signalling, in a manner that is independent of its transcriptional activity. Here we explore the mechanism of this interaction in the epithelium of the Drosophila imaginal discs and find that it is mediated by the ligand-independent endocytosis and traffic of the Notch receptor. Our results show that Notch associates with Armadillo near the adherens junctions and that it is rapidly endocytosed promoting the traffic of an activated form of Armadillo into endosomal compartments, where it may be degraded. As Notch has the ability to interact with and downregulate activated forms of Armadillo, it is possible that in vivo Notch regulates the transcriptionally competent pool of Armadillo. These interactions reveal a previously unknown activity of Notch, which serves to buffer the function of activated Armadillo and might underlie some of its transcription-independent effects. Establishment of the correct shape and pattern of tissues within an organism requires the integration of molecular information present in signalling and transcriptional networks and demands delicate exchanges and balances of their activities. A large body of experimental work has revealed close correlations in the activities of two pathways: Notch and Wnt, which suggest the existence of multiple links between them. Notch signalling relies in part upon the activity of the Notch protein, a membrane-bound receptor with a transcription factor domain that can be released from the membrane by proteolytic cleavage. On the other hand Wnt proteins are ligands that trigger changes in the activity of ß-catenin, which is called Armadillo in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In this study we uncover a previously unknown activity for Notch: endocytosis and trafficking of full length Notch, which targets Armadillo for degradation. This activity of Notch is independent of its ligands, Delta and Serrate, and of its downstream effector, the transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless. We further show that in the absence of Notch, which has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in mammals, expression of an activated form of Armadillo causes tissue overgrowth and changes in the polarity of cells. Our results suggest that Drosophila Notch can promote the degradation of activated forms of Armadillo and may buffer cells against fluctuations in Wnt signalling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil G. T. Sanders
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tina Balayo
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Penelope Hayward
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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29
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Differential expression of Notch family members in astrocytomas and medulloblastomas. Pathol Oncol Res 2009; 15:703-10. [PMID: 19424825 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-009-9173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway plays an integral role in determining cell fates in development. Growing evidence demonstrates that Notch signaling pathway has versatile effects in tumorigenesis depending on the tumor type, grade and stage. Notch signaling pathway is deregulated in some brain tumors. To examine the differential expression of Notch family members (Notch1, 2, 3, 4) in human astrocytomas and medulloblastomas, and to evaluate their roles in the development of both tumor types. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were used to detect Notch1, 2, 3, 4 expression in tissue microarray and freshly resected tissue samples of normal brain, astrocytomas and medulloblastomas. Notch family members were not expressed or barely detectable in normal brain tissues. Notch1, 3, 4 were highly expressed but Notch2 was not expressed in astrocytomas. The percentage of immunopositive tumor cells and level of Notch1 expression was increased with tumor grade. In addition, overexpression of Notch2 was detected in medulloblastomas in contrast to low or no expression of Notch1, 3, 4. Differential expression of Notch1, 2, 3, 4 is detected in astrocytomas and medulloblastomas, that may be related to their different roles playing in the development of brain tumors.
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30
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Theodosiou A, Arhondakis S, Baumann M, Kossida S. Evolutionary Scenarios of Notch Proteins. Mol Biol Evol 2009; 26:1631-40. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msp075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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31
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Ghai V, Gaudet J. The CSL transcription factor LAG-1 directly represses hlh-6 expression in C. elegans. Dev Biol 2008; 322:334-44. [PMID: 18706403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans gene hlh-6 is expressed specifically in pharyngeal glands, one of five distinct pharyngeal cell types. Expression of hlh-6 is controlled by a discrete set of cis-regulatory elements, including a negative element called HRL1. Here we demonstrate that HRL1 is a functional binding site for LAG-1, the CSL transcriptional effector of Notch in C. elegans, and that regulation of hlh-6 by LAG-1 is direct. Regulation of hlh-6 by LAG-1 is strictly negative: removal of HRL1 or LAG-1 regulation results in ectopic expression of hlh-6, but does not affect expression in pharyngeal glands. Furthermore, direct regulation of hlh-6 expression does not appear to involve Notch signaling, contrary to the canonical mechanism by which CSL factors regulate target genes. We also identify an additional cis-regulatory element in the hlh-6 promoter that, together with previously identified elements, is sufficient to overcome repression by LAG-1 and activate hlh-6 expression in pharyngeal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Ghai
- Genes and Development Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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32
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Sadot A, Fisher J, Barak D, Admanit Y, Stern MJ, Hubbard EJA, Harel D. Toward verified biological models. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2008; 5:223-234. [PMID: 18451431 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2007.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The last several decades have witnessed a vast accumulation of biological data and data analysis. Many of these data sets represent only a small fraction of the system's behavior, making the visualization of full system behavior difficult. A more complete understanding of a biological system is gained when different types of data (and/or conclusions drawn from the data) are integrated into a larger-scale representation or model of the system. Ideally, this type of model is consistent with all available data about the system, and it is then used to generate additional hypotheses to be tested. Computer-based methods intended to formulate models that integrate various events and to test the consistency of these models with respect to the laboratory-based observations on which they are based are potentially very useful. In addition, in contrast to informal models, the consistency of such formal computer-based models with laboratory data can be tested rigorously by methods of formal verification. We combined two formal modeling approaches in computer science that were originally developed for non-biological system design. One is the inter-object approach using the language of live sequence charts (LSCs) with the Play-Engine tool, and the other is the intra-object approach using the language of statecharts and Rhapsody as the tool. Integration is carried out using InterPlay, a simulation engine coordinator. Using these tools, we constructed a combined model comprising three modules. One module represents the early lineage of the somatic gonad of C. elegans in LSCs, while a second more detailed module in statecharts represents an interaction between two cells within this lineage that determine their developmental outcome. Using the advantages of the tools, we created a third module representing a set of key experimental data using LSCs. We tested the combined statechart-LSC model by showing that the simulations were consistent with the set of experimental LSCs. This small-scale modular example demonstrates the potential for using similar approaches for verification by exhaustive testing of models by LSCs. It also shows the advantages of these approaches for modeling biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Sadot
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel.
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33
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Kimble J, Austin J. Genetic control of cellular interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans development. CIBA FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM 2007; 144:212-20; discussion 221-6, 290-5. [PMID: 2673678 DOI: 10.1002/9780470513798.ch12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
During development of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, cell interactions play a significant role in controlling cell fate. Regulatory cells in the somatic gonad control proliferation in the germline and induce formation of the vulva in the hypodermis. In the early embryo, mesodermal cells are induced in a process similar to embryonic induction. In addition, interactions between precursor cells of equivalent developmental potential direct one cell to adopt one fate and the other to adopt a second fate. Two genes have been identified in C. elegans that appear to mediate cell interactions. The glp-1 gene is required for embryonic induction and continued germline proliferation; lin-12 is required for cells of equal developmental potential to adopt different fates. Genetic mosaics indicate that glp-1 may be part of the receiving mechanism in controlling germline proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kimble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
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34
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Harrison MM, Lu X, Horvitz HR. LIN-61, one of two Caenorhabditis elegans malignant-brain-tumor-repeat-containing proteins, acts with the DRM and NuRD-like protein complexes in vulval development but not in certain other biological processes. Genetics 2007; 176:255-71. [PMID: 17409073 PMCID: PMC1893064 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.106.069633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulval development in Caenorhabiditis elegans is inhibited by the redundant functions of the synthetic multivulva (synMuv) genes. At least 26 synMuv genes have been identified, many of which appear to act via transcriptional repression. Here we report the molecular identification of the class B synMuv gene lin-61, which encodes a protein composed of four malignant brain tumor (MBT) repeats. MBT repeats, domains of approximately 100 amino acids, have been found in multiple copies in a number of transcriptional repressors, including Polycomb-group proteins. MBT repeats are important for the transcriptional repression mediated by these proteins and in some cases have been shown to bind modified histones. C. elegans contains one other MBT-repeat-containing protein, MBTR-1. We demonstrate that a deletion allele of mbtr-1 does not cause a synMuv phenotype nor does mbtr-1 appear to act redundantly with or in opposition to lin-61. We further show that lin-61 is phenotypically and biochemically distinct from other class B synMuv genes. Our data indicate that while the class B synMuv genes act together to regulate vulval development, lin-61 functions separately from some class B synMuv proteins in other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Harrison
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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35
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Goldstein JL, Glossip D, Nayak S, Kornfeld K. The CRAL/TRIO and GOLD domain protein CGR-1 promotes induction of vulval cell fates in Caenorhabditis elegans and interacts genetically with the Ras signaling pathway. Genetics 2005; 172:929-42. [PMID: 16219793 PMCID: PMC1456255 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.104.035550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-mediated signaling is necessary for the induction of vulval cell fates during Caenorhabditis elegans development. We identified cgr-1 by screening for suppressors of the ectopic vulval cell fates caused by a gain-of-function mutation of the let-60 ras gene. Analysis of two cgr-1 loss-of-function mutations indicates that cgr-1 positively regulates induction of vulval cell fates. cgr-1 is likely to function at a step in the Ras signaling pathway that is downstream of let-60, which encodes Ras, and upstream of lin-1, which encodes a transcription factor, if these genes function in a linear signaling pathway. These genetic studies are also consistent with the model that cgr-1 functions in a parallel pathway that promotes vulval cell fates. Localized expression studies suggest that cgr-1 functions cell autonomously to affect vulval cell fates. cgr-1 also functions early in development, since cgr-1 is necessary for larval viability. CGR-1 contains a CRAL/TRIO domain likely to bind a small hydrophobic ligand and a GOLD domain that may mediate interactions with proteins. A bioinformatic analysis revealed that there is a conserved family of CRAL/TRIO and GOLD domain-containing proteins that includes members from vertebrates and Drosophila. The analysis of cgr-1 identifies a novel in vivo function for a member of this family and a potential new regulator of Ras-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Goldstein
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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36
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Liu Z, Fujii T, Nukazuka A, Kurokawa R, Suzuki M, Fujisawa H, Takagi S. C. elegans PlexinA PLX-1 mediates a cell contact-dependent stop signal in vulval precursor cells. Dev Biol 2005; 282:138-51. [PMID: 15936335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2005] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PLX-1 is a PlexinA transmembrane protein in Caenorhabditis elegans, and the transmembrane-type semaphorin, SMP-1, is a ligand for PLX-1. The SMP-1/PLX-1 system has been shown to be necessary for proper epidermal morphogenesis in the male tail and seam cells. Here, we show that the SMP-1/PLX-1 system also regulates vulval morphogenesis. In plx-1 and smp-1 mutants, hermaphrodites sometimes exhibit a protruding vulva or multiple vulva-like protrusions. Throughout the vulval development of plx-1 and smp-1 mutants, the arrangement of vulval cells is often disrupted. In the initial step of vulval morphogenesis, vulval precursor cells (VPCs) are generated normally but are subsequently arranged abnormally in mutants. Continuous observation revealed that plx-1 VPC fails to terminate longitudinal extension after making contact with neighbor VPCs. The arrangement defects of VPCs in plx-1 and smp-1 mutants are rescued by expressing the respective cDNA in VPCs. plx-1::egfp and smp-1::egfp transgenes are both expressed in all vulval cells, including VPCs, throughout vulval development. We propose that the SMP-1/PLX-1 system is responsible for a cell contact-mediated stop signal for VPC extension. Analyses using cell fate-specific markers showed that the arrangement defects of VPCs also affect cell fate specification and cell lineages, but in a relatively small fraction of plx-1 mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicen Liu
- Division of Biological Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Science, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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37
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Chao MY, Larkins-Ford J, Tucey TM, Hart AC. lin-12 Notch functions in the adult nervous system of C. elegans. BMC Neurosci 2005; 6:45. [PMID: 16011804 PMCID: PMC1181819 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-6-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Accepted: 07/12/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Notch signaling pathways are conserved across species and traditionally have been implicated in cell fate determination during embryonic development. Notch signaling components are also expressed postdevelopmentally in the brains of adult mice and Drosophila. Recent studies suggest that Notch signaling may play a role in the physiological, rather than developmental, regulation of neurons. Here, we investigate a new non-developmental role for Caenorhabditis elegans lin-12 Notch signaling in neurons regulating the spontaneous reversal rate during locomotion. RESULTS The spontaneous reversal rate of C. elegans during normal locomotion is constant. Both lin-12 gain and loss of function mutant animals had significantly increased reversal rates compared to wild type controls. These defects were caused by lin-12 activity, because the loss of function defect could be rescued by a wild type lin-12 transgene. Furthermore, overexpression of lin-12 recapitulated the gain-of-function defect. Increasing or decreasing lin-12 activity in the postdevelopmental adult animal was sufficient to rapidly and reversibly increase reversals, thereby excluding a developmental role for lin-12. Although lin-12 is expressed in the vulval and somatic gonad lineages, we find that these tissues play no role in regulating reversal rates. In contrast, altering lin-12 activity specifically in the nervous system was sufficient to increase reversals. These behavioral changes require components of the canonical lin-12 signaling cascade, including the ligand lag-2 and the transcriptional effector lag-1. Finally, the C. elegans AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor homolog glr-1 shows strong genetic interactions with lin-12, suggesting that glr-1 and/or other glutamate gated channels may be targets of lin-12 regulation. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a neuronal role for lin-12 Notch in C. elegans and suggest that lin-12 acutely regulates neuronal physiology to modulate animal behavior, without altering neuronal cell fate specification or neurite outgrowth. This is consistent with a role for Notch signaling in neurological disease with late onset symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Chao
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Jonah Larkins-Ford
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA, USA
| | - Tim M Tucey
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA, USA
| | - Anne C Hart
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
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38
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Inoue T, Wang M, Ririe TO, Fernandes JS, Sternberg PW. Transcriptional network underlying Caenorhabditis elegans vulval development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:4972-7. [PMID: 15749820 PMCID: PMC555976 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0408122102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The vulval development of Caenorhabditis elegans provides an opportunity to investigate genetic networks that control gene expression during organogenesis. During the fourth larval stage (L4), seven vulval cell types are produced, each of which executes a distinct gene expression program. We analyze how the expression of cell-type-specific genes is regulated. Ras and Wnt signaling pathways play major roles in generating the spatial pattern of cell types and regulate gene expression through a network of transcription factors. One transcription factor (lin-29) primarily controls the temporal expression pattern. Other transcription factors (lin-11, cog-1, and egl-38) act in combination to control cell-type-specific gene expression. The complexity of the network arises in part because of the dynamic nature of gene expression, in part because of the presence of seven cell types, and also because there are multiple regulatory paths for gene expression within each cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Inoue
- Division of Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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39
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Miley GR, Fantz D, Glossip D, Lu X, Saito RM, Palmer RE, Inoue T, Van Den Heuvel S, Sternberg PW, Kornfeld K. Identification of residues of the Caenorhabditis elegans LIN-1 ETS domain that are necessary for DNA binding and regulation of vulval cell fates. Genetics 2005; 167:1697-709. [PMID: 15342509 PMCID: PMC1471005 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.104.029017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
LIN-1 is an ETS domain protein. A receptor tyrosine kinase/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates LIN-1 in the P6.p cell to induce the primary vulval cell fate during Caenorhabditis elegans development. We identified 23 lin-1 loss-of-function mutations by conducting several genetic screens. We characterized the molecular lesions in these lin-1 alleles and in several previously identified lin-1 alleles. Nine missense mutations and 10 nonsense mutations were identified. All of these lin-1 missense mutations affect highly conserved residues in the ETS domain. These missense mutations can be arranged in an allelic series; the strongest mutations eliminate most or all lin-1 functions, and the weakest mutation partially reduces lin-1 function. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to demonstrate that purified LIN-1 protein has sequence-specific DNA-binding activity that required the core sequence GGAA. LIN-1 mutant proteins containing the missense substitutions had dramatically reduced DNA binding. These experiments identify eight highly conserved residues of the ETS domain that are necessary for DNA binding. The identification of multiple mutations that reduce the function of lin-1 as an inhibitor of the primary vulval cell fate and also reduce DNA binding suggest that DNA binding is essential for LIN-1 function in an animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger R Miley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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40
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Sakamoto K, Chao WS, Katsube KI, Yamaguchi A. Distinct roles of EGF repeats for the Notch signaling system. Exp Cell Res 2005; 302:281-91. [PMID: 15561108 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2004.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2004] [Revised: 09/22/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Notch is a single-pass transmembrane receptor that mediates cell fate choice in various species and developmental contexts. The Notch signal is transduced by its intracellular domain, which acts as a transcriptional activator, and is released from the plasma membrane by proteolytic cleavages. This process is initiated by intercellular association of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats between Notch and the DSL (Delta, Serrate, Lag-2) ligands but the detailed mechanism is yet to be clarified. Here we demonstrate that Notch1 can form homodimers, which is achieved by its EGF motifs. The Notch1 dimer formation increased in response to ligand presentation and HES1 promoter was stimulated, implying that receptor homodimerization is an important initial step in Notch signal transduction. EGF motifs also serve as a protection against proteases, including TNF-alpha converting enzyme, which prevents Notch1 from ligand-independent activation. Multiple functions of the Notch EGF motifs, such as the prevention of constitutive activation, reciprocal interaction with the ligands and lateral interaction for homodimerization, appear to constitute crucial elements of the Notch signaling system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Sakamoto
- Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.
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41
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Inoue T, Oz HS, Wiland D, Gharib S, Deshpande R, Hill RJ, Katz WS, Sternberg PW. C. elegans LIN-18 is a Ryk ortholog and functions in parallel to LIN-17/Frizzled in Wnt signaling. Cell 2004; 118:795-806. [PMID: 15369677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2004.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2004] [Revised: 07/14/2004] [Accepted: 07/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Wnt proteins are intercellular signals that regulate various aspects of animal development. In Caenorhabditis elegans, mutations in lin-17, a Frizzled-class Wnt receptor, and in lin-18 affect cell fate patterning in the P7.p vulval lineage. We found that lin-18 encodes a member of the Ryk/Derailed family of tyrosine kinase-related receptors, recently found to function as Wnt receptors. Members of this family have nonactive kinase domains. The LIN-18 kinase domain is dispensable for LIN-18 function, while the Wnt binding WIF domain is required. We also found that Wnt proteins LIN-44, MOM-2, and CWN-2 redundantly regulate P7.p patterning. Genetic interactions indicate that LIN-17 and LIN-18 function independently of each other in parallel pathways, and different ligands display different receptor specificities. Thus, two independent Wnt signaling pathways, one employing a Ryk receptor and the other a Frizzled receptor, function in parallel to regulate cell fate patterning in the C. elegans vulva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Inoue
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125, USA
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42
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Shawber CJ, Kitajewski J. Notch function in the vasculature: insights from zebrafish, mouse and man. Bioessays 2004; 26:225-34. [PMID: 14988924 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Vascular development entails multiple cell-fate decisions to specify a diverse array of vascular structures. Notch proteins are signaling receptors that regulate cell-fate determination in a variety of cell types. The finding that Notch genes are robustly expressed in the vasculature suggests roles for Notch in guiding endothelial and associated mural cells through the myriad of cell-fate decisions needed to form the vasculature. In fact, mice with defects in genes encoding Notch, Notch ligands, and components of the Notch signaling cascade invariably display vascular defects. Human Notch genes are linked to Alagille's Syndrome, a developmental disorder with vascular defects, and CADASIL, a cerebral arteriopathy. Studies in zebrafish, mice and humans indicate that Notch works in conjunction with other angiogenic pathways to pattern and stabilize the vasculature. Here, we will focus on established functions for Notch in vascular remodeling and arterial/venous specification and more speculative roles in vascular homeostasis and organ-specific angiogenesis.
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43
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Michaely P, Bennett V. The ANK repeat: a ubiquitous motif involved in macromolecular recognition. Trends Cell Biol 2004; 2:127-9. [PMID: 14731966 DOI: 10.1016/0962-8924(92)90084-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many proteins rely on stable, noncovalent interactions with other macromolecules to perform their function. The identification of a repeated sequence motif, the ANK repeat, in diverse proteins whose common function involves binding to other proteins indicates one way nature may achieve a wide range of protein-protein interactions. In this article, we describe evidence that these ANK repeats are involved in the specific recognition of proteins and possibly DNA, and present a model for the folding of the motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michaely
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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44
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Moghal N, Garcia LR, Khan LA, Iwasaki K, Sternberg PW. Modulation of EGF receptor-mediated vulva development by the heterotrimeric G-protein Galphaq and excitable cells in C. elegans. Development 2003; 130:4553-66. [PMID: 12925583 DOI: 10.1242/dev.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which excitable cells and behavior modulate animal development has not been examined in detail. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a novel pathway for promoting vulval fates in C. elegans that involves activation of the heterotrimeric Galphaq protein, EGL-30. EGL-30 acts with muscle-expressed EGL-19 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels to promote vulva development, and acts downstream or parallel to LET-60 (RAS). This pathway is not essential for vulval induction on standard Petri plates, but can be stimulated by expression of activated EGL-30 in neurons, or by an EGL-30-dependent change in behavior that occurs in a liquid environment. Our results indicate that excitable cells and animal behavior can provide modulatory inputs into the effects of growth factor signaling on cell fates, and suggest that communication between these cell populations is important for normal development to occur under certain environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Moghal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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45
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Takizawa N, Schmidt DJ, Mabuchi K, Villa-Moruzzi E, Tuft RA, Ikebe M. M20, the small subunit of PP1M, binds to microtubules. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2003; 284:C250-62. [PMID: 12388116 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00153.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myosin light chain phosphatase (PP1M) is composed of three subunits, i.e., M20, MBS, and a catalytic subunit. Whereas MBS is assigned as a myosin binding subunit, the function of M20 is unknown. In the present study, we found that M20 binds to microtubules. The binding activity was revealed by cosedimentation of M20 with microtubules and binding of tubulin to M20 affinity resin. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged M20 (M20-GFP) was expressed in chicken primary smooth muscle cells and COS-7 cells and was used as a probe for studying the association between M20 and microtubules in living cells. M20-GFP was localized on filamentous structures in both cell types. Colocalization analysis revealed that M20-GFP colocalized with tubulin. Treatment with nocodazole, but not cytochalasin B, abolished the filamentous structure of M20-GFP. These results indicate that M20-GFP associates with microtubules in cells. Microinjection of rhodamine-tubulin into the M20-expressing cells revealed that incorporation of rhodamine-tubulin into microtubules was significantly facilitated by microtubule-associated M20. Consistent with this result, M20 enhanced the rate of tubulin polymerization in vitro and produced elongated microtubules. These results suggest that M20 has a microtubule binding activity and plays a role in regulating microtubule dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Takizawa
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA
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46
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Moghal N, Sternberg PW. A component of the transcriptional mediator complex inhibits RAS-dependent vulval fate specification in C. elegans. Development 2003; 130:57-69. [PMID: 12441291 DOI: 10.1242/dev.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Negative regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling pathways is important for normal development and the prevention of disease in humans. We have used a genetic screen in C. elegans to identify genes that antagonize the activity of activated LET-23, a member of the EGFR family of RTKs. We identified two loss-of-function mutations in dpy-22, previously cloned as sop-1, that promote the ability of activated LET-23 to induce ectopic vulval fates. DPY-22 is a glutamine-rich protein that is most similar to human TRAP230, a component of a transcriptional mediator complex. DPY-22 has previously been shown to regulate WNT responses through inhibition of the beta-catenin-like protein BAR-1. We provide evidence that DPY-22 also inhibits RAS-dependent vulval fate specification independently of BAR-1, and probably regulates the activities of multiple transcription factors during development. Furthermore, we demonstrate that although inhibition of BAR-1-dependent gene expression has been shown to require the C-terminal glutamine-rich region, this region is dispensable for inhibition of RAS-dependent cell differentiation. Thus, the glutamine-rich region contributes to specificity of this class of mediator protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Moghal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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47
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Palmer RE, Inoue T, Sherwood DR, Jiang LI, Sternberg PW. Caenorhabditis elegans cog-1 locus encodes GTX/Nkx6.1 homeodomain proteins and regulates multiple aspects of reproductive system development. Dev Biol 2002; 252:202-13. [PMID: 12482710 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2002.0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of the reproductive system in Caenorhabditis elegans is a well-established model system for patterning and organogenesis. We report the characterization of the cog-1 gene, mutations in which cause novel phenotypes in late patterning in vulval lineages, establishment of the vulva-uterine connection, development and function of the spermathecal-uterine junction, and the development of vas deferens-proctodeal connection in the male. We positionally cloned cog-1 and found that it encodes a homeobox protein most similar to the mammalian GTX and Nkx6.1 proteins. Analysis of cog-1 transcripts revealed that cog-1 is likely a complex locus with two promoters. Two mutant alleles of cog-1 differentially affect alternative transcripts and cause different phenotypes, suggesting that the two forms of cog-1 have distinct functions in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Palmer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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48
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Rudel D, Kimble J. Evolution of discrete Notch-like receptors from a distant gene duplication in Caenorhabditis. Evol Dev 2002; 4:319-33. [PMID: 12356262 DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-142x.2002.02027.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Caenorhabditis elegans possesses two Notch-like receptors, LIN-12 and GLP-1, which have both overlapping and individual biological functions. We examined the lin-12 and glp-1 genes in closely related nematodes to learn about their evolution. Here we report molecular and functional analyses of lin-12 orthologs from two related nematodes, C. briggsae (Cb) and C. remanei (Cr). In addition, we compare these lin-12 findings with similar studies of Cb-glp-1 and Cr-glp-1 orthologs. Cb-LIN-12 and Cr-LIN-12 retain the same number and order of motifs as Ce-LIN-12. Intriguingly, we find that LIN-12 conservation differs from that of GLP-1 in two respects. First, individual motifs are conserved to a different degree for the two receptors. For example, the transmembrane domain is 16-32% identical among LIN-12 orthologs but 65-70% identical among GLP-1 orthologs. Second, certain amino acids are conserved in a receptor-specific manner, a phenomenon most prevalent in the CC-linker. We suggest that LIN-12 and GLP-1 have been molded by selective constraints that are receptor specific and that the two proteins may not be entirely interchangeable. To analyze the functions of the lin-12 orthologs, we used RNA-mediated interference (RNAi). Cb-lin-12(RNAi) or Cr-lin-12(RNAi) progeny are nearly 100% Lag, a larval lethality typical of C. elegans lin-12 glp-1 double mutants, but not the primary defect observed in Ce-lin-12 null mutants or Ce-lin-12(RNAi). Therefore, LIN-12 functions are similar, but not identical, among the Caenorhabditis species. We suggest that ancestral functions may have been divided between LIN-12 and GLP-1 receptors in a process contributing to the retention of both genes after gene duplication (i.e., subfunctionalization).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rudel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA
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49
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Alper S, Kenyon C. The zinc finger protein REF-2 functions with the Hox genes to inhibit cell fusion in the ventral epidermis of C. elegans. Development 2002; 129:3335-48. [PMID: 12091304 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129.14.3335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During larval development in C. elegans, some of the cells of the ventral epidermis, the Pn.p cells, fuse with the growing epidermal syncytium hyp7. The pattern of these cell fusions is regulated in a complex, sexually dimorphic manner. It is essential that some Pn.p cells remain unfused in order for some sex-specific mating structures to be generated. The pattern of Pn.p cell fusion is regulated combinatorially by two genes of the C. elegans Hox gene cluster: lin-39 and mab-5. Some of the complexity in the Pn.p cell fusion pattern arises because these two Hox proteins can regulate each other’s activities. We describe a zinc-finger transcription factor, REF-2, that is required for the Pn.p cells to be generated and to remain unfused. REF-2 functions with the Hox proteins to prevent Pn.p cell fusion. ref-2 may also be a transcriptional target of the Hox proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Alper
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0448, USA
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50
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Ohishi K, Varnum-Finney B, Bernstein ID. The notch pathway: modulation of cell fate decisions in hematopoiesis. Int J Hematol 2002; 75:449-59. [PMID: 12095143 DOI: 10.1007/bf02982106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The hematopoietic system is maintained by a rare population of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) that are thought to undergo self-renewal as well as continuously produce progeny that differentiate into the various hematopoietic lineages. However, the mechanisms regulating cell fate choices by HSC and their progeny have not been understood. Results of most studies support a stochastic model of cell fate determination in which growth factors support only the survival or proliferation of the progeny specified along a particular lineage. In other developmental systems, however, Notch signaling has been shown to play a central role in regulating fate decisions of numerous types of precursors, often inhibiting a particular (default) pathway while permitting self-renewal or differentiation along an alternative pathway. There is also accumulating evidence that the Notch pathway affects survival, proliferation, and cell fate choices at various stages of hematopoietic cell development, including the decisions of HSC to self-renew or differentiate and of common lymphoid precursors to undergo T- or B-cell differentiation. These data suggest that the Notch pathway plays a fundamental role in the development and maintenance of the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ohishi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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