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Alge JL, Wenderfer SE, Hicks J, Bekheirnia MR, Schady DA, Kain JS, Braun MC. Hemolytic uremic syndrome as the presenting manifestation of WT1 mutation and Denys-Drash syndrome: a case report. BMC Nephrol 2017; 18:243. [PMID: 28720077 PMCID: PMC5516385 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-017-0643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur as a primary process due to mutations in complement genes or secondary to another underlying disease. HUS sometimes occurs in the setting of glomerular diseases, and it has been described in association with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), which is characterized by the triad of abnormal genitourinary development; a pathognomonic glomerulopathy, diffuse mesangial sclerosis; and the development of Wilms tumor. Case presentation We report the case of a 46, XX female infant who presented with HUS and biopsy-proven thrombotic microangiopathy. Next generation sequencing of genes with known mutations causative of atypical HUS found that she was homozygous for the Complement Factor H H3 haplotype and heterozygous for a variant of unknown significance in the DGKE gene. Whole exome sequencing identified a de novo heterozygous WT1 c.1384C > T; p.R394W mutation, which is classically associated with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS). At the time of bilateral nephrectomy five months after her initial biopsy, she had diffuse mesangial sclerosis, typical of Denys-Drash syndrome, without evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy. Conclusion This unique case highlights HUS as a rare but important manifestation of WT1 mutation and provides new insight into the genetics underlying this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Alge
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrician-Scientist Training and Development Program, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Scott E Wenderfer
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Renal Section, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Hicks
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mir Reza Bekheirnia
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Deborah A Schady
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael C Braun
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Renal Section, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Facultative CTCF sites moderate mammary super-enhancer activity and regulate juxtaposed gene in non-mammary cells. Nat Commun 2017; 8:16069. [PMID: 28714474 PMCID: PMC5520053 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise spatiotemporal gene regulation is paramount for the establishment and maintenance of cell-specific programmes. Although there is evidence that chromatin neighbourhoods, formed by the zinc-finger protein CTCF, can sequester enhancers and their target genes, there is limited in vivo evidence for CTCF demarcating super-enhancers and preventing cross talk between distinct regulatory elements. Here, we address these questions in the Wap locus with its mammary-specific super-enhancer separated by CTCF sites from widely expressed genes. Mutational analysis demonstrates that the Wap super-enhancer controls Ramp3, despite three separating CTCF sites. Their deletion in mice results in elevated expression of Ramp3 in mammary tissue through augmented promoter–enhancer interactions. Deletion of the distal CTCF-binding site results in loss of Ramp3 expression in non-mammary tissues. This suggests that CTCF sites are porous borders, allowing a super-enhancer to activate a secondary target. Likewise, CTCF sites shield a widely expressed gene from suppressive influences of a silent locus. Chromatin neighbourhoods, formed by CTCF, have been proposed to isolate enhancers and their target genes from other regulatory elements. Here, the authors provide evidence that while CTCF binding does regulates mammary-specific super-enhancers, CTCF sites are relatively porous borders.
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53
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Li Y, Wang L, Ai W, He N, Zhang L, Du J, Wang Y, Mao X, Ren J, Xu D, Zhou B, Li R, Mai L. Regulation of retinoic acid synthetic enzymes by WT1 and HDAC inhibitors in 293 cells. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:661-672. [PMID: 28677722 PMCID: PMC5547963 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which is mainly generated endogenously via two steps of oxidation from vitamin A (retinol), plays an indispensible role in the development of the kidney and many other organs. Enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of retinol to generate atRA, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family (ALDH1)A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, exhibit complex expression patterns at different stages of renal development. However, molecular triggers that control these differential expression levels are poorly understood. In this study, we provide in vitro evidence to demonstrate that Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) negatively regulates the expression of the atRA synthetic enzymes, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, in the 293 cell line, leading to significant blockage of atRA production. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the suppression of ALDH1A1 by WT1 can be markedly attenuated by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Taken together, we provide evidence to indicate that WT1 and HDACs are strong regulators of endogenous retinoic acid synthetic enzymes in 293 cells, indicating that they may be involved in the regulation of atRA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Weipeng Ai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Nianhui He
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Jihui Du
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Xingjian Mao
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Junqi Ren
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Bei Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Rong Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
| | - Liwen Mai
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital/Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P.R. China
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Nora EP, Goloborodko A, Valton AL, Gibcus JH, Uebersohn A, Abdennur N, Dekker J, Mirny LA, Bruneau BG. Targeted Degradation of CTCF Decouples Local Insulation of Chromosome Domains from Genomic Compartmentalization. Cell 2017; 169:930-944.e22. [PMID: 28525758 PMCID: PMC5538188 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1056] [Impact Index Per Article: 150.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying folding of mammalian chromosomes remain poorly understood. The transcription factor CTCF is a candidate regulator of chromosomal structure. Using the auxin-inducible degron system in mouse embryonic stem cells, we show that CTCF is absolutely and dose-dependently required for looping between CTCF target sites and insulation of topologically associating domains (TADs). Restoring CTCF reinstates proper architecture on altered chromosomes, indicating a powerful instructive function for CTCF in chromatin folding. CTCF remains essential for TAD organization in non-dividing cells. Surprisingly, active and inactive genome compartments remain properly segregated upon CTCF depletion, revealing that compartmentalization of mammalian chromosomes emerges independently of proper insulation of TADs. Furthermore, our data support that CTCF mediates transcriptional insulator function through enhancer blocking but not as a direct barrier to heterochromatin spreading. Beyond defining the functions of CTCF in chromosome folding, these results provide new fundamental insights into the rules governing mammalian genome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elphège P Nora
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Anton Goloborodko
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anne-Laure Valton
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Program in Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-0103, USA
| | - Johan H Gibcus
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Program in Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-0103, USA
| | - Alec Uebersohn
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nezar Abdennur
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Job Dekker
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Program in Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-0103, USA
| | - Leonid A Mirny
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Benoit G Bruneau
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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55
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WT1 expression in breast cancer disrupts the epithelial/mesenchymal balance of tumour cells and correlates with the metabolic response to docetaxel. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45255. [PMID: 28345629 PMCID: PMC5366898 DOI: 10.1038/srep45255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
WT1 is a transcription factor which regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal balance during embryonic development and, if mutated, can lead to the formation of Wilms' tumour, the most common paediatric kidney cancer. Its expression has also been reported in several adult tumour types, including breast cancer, and usually correlates with poor outcome. However, published data is inconsistent and the role of WT1 in this malignancy remains unclear. Here we provide a complete study of WT1 expression across different breast cancer subtypes as well as isoform specific expression analysis. Using in vitro cell lines, clinical samples and publicly available gene expression datasets, we demonstrate that WT1 plays a role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal balance of breast cancer cells and that WT1-expressing tumours are mainly associated with a mesenchymal phenotype. WT1 gene expression also correlates with CYP3A4 levels and is associated with poorer response to taxane treatment. Our work is the first to demonstrate that the known association between WT1 expression in breast cancer and poor prognosis is potentially due to cancer-related epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and poor chemotherapy response.
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56
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Bharathavikru R, Dudnakova T, Aitken S, Slight J, Artibani M, Hohenstein P, Tollervey D, Hastie N. Transcription factor Wilms' tumor 1 regulates developmental RNAs through 3' UTR interaction. Genes Dev 2017; 31:347-352. [PMID: 28289143 PMCID: PMC5358755 DOI: 10.1101/gad.291500.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bharathavikru et al. show that Wilms’ tumour 1 (WT1) binds preferentially to 3′ UTRs of developmental targets, which are down-regulated upon WT1 depletion in cell culture and developing kidney mesenchyme. Combining experimental and computational analyses, they propose that WT1 influences key developmental and disease processes in part through regulating mRNA turnover. Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) is essential for the development and homeostasis of multiple mesodermal tissues. Despite evidence for post-transcriptional roles, no endogenous WT1 target RNAs exist. Using RNA immunoprecipitation and UV cross-linking, we show that WT1 binds preferentially to 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of developmental targets. These target mRNAs are down-regulated upon WT1 depletion in cell culture and developing kidney mesenchyme. Wt1 deletion leads to rapid turnover of specific mRNAs. WT1 regulates reporter gene expression through interaction with 3′ UTR-binding sites. Combining experimental and computational analyses, we propose that WT1 influences key developmental and disease processes in part through regulating mRNA turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthrothaselvi Bharathavikru
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Dudnakova
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Aitken
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Slight
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Artibani
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.,Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Hastie
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
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57
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Sikora MJ, Jacobsen BM, Levine K, Chen J, Davidson NE, Lee AV, Alexander CM, Oesterreich S. WNT4 mediates estrogen receptor signaling and endocrine resistance in invasive lobular carcinoma cell lines. Breast Cancer Res 2016; 18:92. [PMID: 27650553 PMCID: PMC5028957 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-016-0748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast typically presents with clinical biomarkers consistent with a favorable response to endocrine therapies, and over 90 % of ILC cases express the estrogen receptor (ER). However, a subset of ILC cases may be resistant to endocrine therapies, suggesting that ER biology is unique in ILC. Using ILC cell lines, we previously demonstrated that ER regulates a distinct gene expression program in ILC cells, and we hypothesized that these ER-driven pathways modulate the endocrine response in ILC. One potential novel pathway is via the Wnt ligand WNT4, a critical signaling molecule in mammary gland development regulated by the progesterone receptor. METHODS The ILC cell lines MDA-MB-134-VI, SUM44PE, and BCK4 were used to assess WNT4 gene expression and regulation, as well as the role of WNT4 in estrogen-regulated proliferation. To assess these mechanisms in the context of endocrine resistance, we developed novel ILC endocrine-resistant long-term estrogen-deprived (ILC-LTED) models. ILC and ILC-LTED cell lines were used to identify upstream regulators and downstream signaling effectors of WNT4 signaling. RESULTS ILC cells co-opted WNT4 signaling by placing it under direct ER control. We observed that ER regulation of WNT4 correlated with use of an ER binding site at the WNT4 locus, specifically in ILC cells. Further, WNT4 was required for endocrine response in ILC cells, as WNT4 knockdown blocked estrogen-induced proliferation. ILC-LTED cells remained dependent on WNT4 for proliferation, by either maintaining ER function and WNT4 regulation or uncoupling WNT4 from ER and upregulating WNT4 expression. In the latter case, WNT4 expression was driven by activated nuclear factor kappa-B signaling in ILC-LTED cells. In ILC and ILC-LTED cells, WNT4 led to suppression of CDKN1A/p21, which is critical for ILC cell proliferation. CDKN1A knockdown partially reversed the effects of WNT4 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS WNT4 drives a novel signaling pathway in ILC cells, with a critical role in estrogen-induced growth that may also mediate endocrine resistance. WNT4 signaling may represent a novel target to modulate endocrine response specifically for patients with ILC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sikora
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Present address: Department of Pathology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8104, Research Complex 1 South, Room 5117, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Britta M Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kevin Levine
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Chen
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nancy E Davidson
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caroline M Alexander
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Carmona R, Cañete A, Cano E, Ariza L, Rojas A, Muñoz-Chápuli R. Conditional deletion of WT1 in the septum transversum mesenchyme causes congenital diaphragmatic hernia in mice. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27642710 PMCID: PMC5028188 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect. Wt1-null mouse embryos develop CDH but the mechanisms regulated by WT1 are unknown. We have generated a murine model with conditional deletion of WT1 in the lateral plate mesoderm, using the G2 enhancer of the Gata4 gene as a driver. 80% of G2-Gata4Cre;Wt1fl/fl embryos developed typical Bochdalek-type CDH. We show that the posthepatic mesenchymal plate coelomic epithelium gives rise to a mesenchyme that populates the pleuroperitoneal folds isolating the pleural cavities before the migration of the somitic myoblasts. This process fails when Wt1 is deleted from this area. Mutant embryos show Raldh2 downregulation in the lateral mesoderm, but not in the intermediate mesoderm. The mutant phenotype was partially rescued by retinoic acid treatment of the pregnant females. Replacement of intermediate by lateral mesoderm recapitulates the evolutionary origin of the diaphragm in mammals. CDH might thus be viewed as an evolutionary atavism. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16009.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Carmona
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Cañete
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Cano
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Ariza
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Anabel Rojas
- Andalusian Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ramon Muñoz-Chápuli
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
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Repression of CMIP transcription by WT1 is relevant to podocyte health. Kidney Int 2016; 90:1298-1311. [PMID: 27650733 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The WT1 (Wilm's tumor suppressor) gene is expressed throughout life in podocytes and is essential for the functional integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. We have previously shown that CMIP (C-Maf inducing protein) is overproduced in podocyte diseases and alters intracellular signaling. Here we isolated the proximal region of the human CMIP promoter and showed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and electrophoretic-mobility shift that Wilm's tumor protein (WT1) bound to 2 WT1 response elements, located at positions -290/-274 and -57/-41 relative to transcription start site. Unlike the human CMIP gene, only one Wt1 response element was identified in the mouse Cmip proximal promoter located at position -217/-206. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that WT1 dose-dependently inhibited the transcriptional induction of the CMIP promoter. Transfection of decoy oligonucleotides mimicking the WT1 response elements prevented the inhibition of WT1 on CMIP promoter activity. Furthermore, WT1 silencing promoted Cmip expression. In line with these findings, the abundance of Cmip was early and significantly increased at the transcript and protein level in podocytes displaying a primary defect in Wt1, including Denys-Drash syndrome and Frasier syndrome. Thus, WT1 is a major repressor of the CMIP gene in physiological situations, while conditional deletion of CMIP in the developing kidney did not affect the development of mature glomeruli.
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60
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Hashimoto H, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Wilson GG, Cheng X. Denys-Drash syndrome associated WT1 glutamine 369 mutants have altered sequence-preferences and altered responses to epigenetic modifications. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:10165-10176. [PMID: 27596598 PMCID: PMC5137435 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human zinc-finger transcription factor WT1 result in abnormal development of the kidneys and genitalia and an array of pediatric problems including nephropathy, blastoma, gonadal dysgenesis and genital discordance. Several overlapping phenotypes are associated with WT1 mutations, including Wilms tumors, Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS) and WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary malformations, and mental retardation). These conditions vary in severity from individual to individual; they can be fatal in early childhood, or relatively benign into adulthood. DDS mutations cluster predominantly in zinc fingers (ZF) 2 and 3 at the C-terminus of WT1, which together with ZF4 determine the sequence-specificity of DNA binding. We examined three DDS associated mutations in ZF2 of human WT1 where the normal glutamine at position 369 is replaced by arginine (Q369R), lysine (Q369K) or histidine (Q369H). These mutations alter the sequence-specificity of ZF2, we find, changing its affinity for certain bases and certain epigenetic forms of cytosine. X-ray crystallography of the DNA binding domains of normal WT1, Q369R and Q369H in complex with preferred sequences revealed the molecular interactions responsible for these affinity changes. DDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, implying a gain of function by mutant WT1 proteins. This gain, we speculate, might derive from the ability of the mutant proteins to sequester WT1 into unproductive oligomers, or to erroneously bind to variant target sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideharu Hashimoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yu Zheng
- RGENE, Inc., 953 Indiana Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | | | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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61
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In Vitro Transcription to Study WT1 Function. Methods Mol Biol 2016. [PMID: 27417967 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-4023-3_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
In vitro transcription methods using mammalian nuclear extracts have been available for over 30 years and have allowed sophisticated biochemical analyses of the transcription process. This method has been extensively used to study the basic mechanisms of transcription, allowing the identification of the general transcription factors and elucidation of their mechanisms of action. Gene-specific transcriptional regulators have also been studied using in vitro transcription. This has facilitated the identification of their cofactors and provided information on their function that is invaluable to facilitate their study in a more physiological setting. Here we describe the application of in vitro transcription methods to study the mechanism of action of WT1. Coupling transcription assays with methods to purify transcription complexes, and protein affinity chromatography, has provided insights into how WT1 can both positively and negatively regulate transcription.
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62
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Dauleh S, Santeramo I, Fielding C, Ward K, Herrmann A, Murray P, Wilm B. Characterisation of Cultured Mesothelial Cells Derived from the Murine Adult Omentum. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158997. [PMID: 27403660 PMCID: PMC4942062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human omentum has been long regarded as a healing patch, used by surgeons for its ability to immunomodulate, repair and vascularise injured tissues. A major component of the omentum are mesothelial cells, which display some of the characteristics of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. For instance, lineage tracing studies have shown that mesothelial cells give rise to adipocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, and human and rat mesothelial cells have been shown to differentiate into osteoblast- and adipocyte-like cells in vitro, indicating that they have considerable plasticity. However, so far, long-term cultures of mesothelial cells have not been successfully established due to early senescence. Here, we demonstrate that mesothelial cells isolated from the mouse omentum could be cultured for more than 30 passages. While epithelial markers were downregulated over passages in the mesothelial cells, their mesenchymal profile remained unchanged. Early passage mesothelial cells displayed clonogenicitiy, expressed several stem cell markers, and up to passage 5 and 13, respectively, could differentiate along the adipogenic and osteogenic lineages, demonstrating stem/progenitor characteristics and differentiation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaya Dauleh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Santeramo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Fielding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Ward
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Herrmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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63
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Arora H, Boulberdaa M, Qureshi R, Bitirim V, Gasser A, Messaddeq N, Dolle P, Nebigil CG. Prokineticin receptor-1 signaling promotes Epicardial to Mesenchymal Transition during heart development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25541. [PMID: 27150455 PMCID: PMC4858698 DOI: 10.1038/srep25541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epicardium plays an essential role in coronary artery formation and myocardial development. However, signals controlling the developing epicardium and epicardial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the normal and diseased adult heart are studied less rigorously. Here we investigated the role of angiogenic hormone, prokineticin-2 and its receptor PKR1 in the epicardium of developing and adult heart. Genetic ablation of PKR1 in epicardium leads to partial embryonic and postnatal lethality with abnormal heart development. Cardiac developmental defects are manifested in the adult stage as ischemic cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction. We discovered that PKR1 regulates epicardial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for epicardial-derived progenitor cell (EPDC), formation. This event affects at least three consequential steps during heart development: (i) EPDC and cardiomyocyte proliferation involved in thickening of an outer compact ventricular chamber wall, (ii) rhythmicity, (iii) formation of coronary circulation. In isolated embryonic EPDCs, overexpression or activation of PKR1 alters cell morphology and EMT markers via activating Akt signaling. Lack of PKR1 signal in epicardium leads to defective heart development and underlies the origin of congenital heart disease in adult mice. Our mice provide genetic models for congenital dysfunction of the heart and should facilitate studies of both pathogenesis and therapy of cardiac disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Arora
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Mounia Boulberdaa
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Rehana Qureshi
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Verda Bitirim
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Adeline Gasser
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS, UMR 7104 and INSERM Unité 964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascal Dolle
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS, UMR 7104 and INSERM Unité 964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Strasbourg, France
| | - Canan G. Nebigil
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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64
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Lu Y, Shan G, Xue J, Chen C, Zhang C. Defining the multivalent functions of CTCF from chromatin state and three-dimensional chromatin interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6200-12. [PMID: 27067545 PMCID: PMC5291250 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a multi-functional protein that is assigned various, even contradictory roles in the genome. High-throughput sequencing-based technologies such as ChIP-seq and Hi-C provided us the opportunity to assess the multivalent functions of CTCF in the human genome. The location of CTCF-binding sites with respect to genomic features provides insights into the possible roles of this protein. Here we present the first genome-wide survey and characterization of three important functions of CTCF: enhancer insulator, chromatin barrier and enhancer linker. We developed a novel computational framework to discover the multivalent functions of CTCF based on chromatin state and three-dimensional chromatin architecture. We applied our method to five human cell lines and identified ∼46 000 non-redundant CTCF sites related to the three functions. Disparate effects of these functions on gene expression were found and distinct genomic features of these CTCF sites were characterized in GM12878 cells. Finally, we investigated the cell-type specificities of CTCF sites related to these functions across five cell types. Our study provides new insights into the multivalent functions of CTCF in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Cognitive and Mental Health Research Center, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Guangyu Shan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Cognitive and Mental Health Research Center, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiguo Xue
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Cognitive and Mental Health Research Center, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Changsheng Chen
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chenggang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Cognitive and Mental Health Research Center, Beijing 100850, China
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65
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Cano E, Carmona R, Velecela V, Martínez-Estrada O, Muñoz-Chápuli R. The proepicardium keeps a potential for glomerular marker expression which supports its evolutionary origin from the pronephros. Evol Dev 2016; 17:224-30. [PMID: 26174098 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The proepicardium is the embryonic primordium of the epicardium. This transient structure is essential for cardiac development giving rise to the epicardium and supplying the heart with vascular and cardiac connective tissue progenitors. However, their nature and evolutionary origin are poorly-known. We have suggested elsewhere (Pombal et al. Evol. Dev. 10: 210-216, 2008; Cano et al., J. Dev. Biol. 1: 3-19, 2013) that the proepicardium is an evolutionary derivative of the primordium of an ancient external pronephric glomerulus, devoid of its original excretory function. In this study, we describe for the first time expression of two podocyte markers in the chick proepicardium (glepp1 and synaptopodin) and we have shown how these podocyte markers as well as the intermediate mesoderm marker Pax2 are strongly upregulated when the proepicardium is cultured with nephrogenic inducers. Retinoic acid treatment also induced in the proepicardium expression of Hoxb4, a gene which confers to intermediate mesoderm competence to respond to nephrogenic signals. Thus, a latent nephrogenic potential persists in the proepicardium and also that its original glomerular fate can be partially rescued. The transcription factor Wt1, essential for kidney and epicardial development, plays opposite roles in both tissues, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the proepicardium and promoting epithelialization in the kidneys (Essafi et al., Dev. Cell 21: 559-574, 2011). Consistently with this antithetical function of Wt1, we have observed an upregulation of podocalyxin in the epicardium of mouse embryos with conditional deletion of the Wt1 gene, while this protein is transcriptionally activated by Wt1 in podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cano
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Faculty of Science, Málaga 29071, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Severo Ochoa n°25, Campanillas 29590, Spain.,Department of Vertebrate Genomics and Cardiovascular Genetics, Group of Cardiovascular Genetics, Experimental and Clinical Research Center. Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrück Center (MDC) for Molecular Medicine. Lindenberger Weg 80, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Rita Carmona
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Faculty of Science, Málaga 29071, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Severo Ochoa n°25, Campanillas 29590, Spain
| | - Víctor Velecela
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona. Av. Diagonal, 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ofelia Martínez-Estrada
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona. Av. Diagonal, 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ramón Muñoz-Chápuli
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Málaga, Faculty of Science, Málaga 29071, Spain.,Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Severo Ochoa n°25, Campanillas 29590, Spain
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66
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Ali T, Renkawitz R, Bartkuhn M. Insulators and domains of gene expression. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2016; 37:17-26. [PMID: 26802288 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The genomic organization into active and inactive chromatin domains imposes specific requirements for having domain boundaries to prohibit interference between the opposing activities of neighbouring domains. These boundaries provide an insulator function by binding architectural proteins that mediate long-range interactions. Among these, CTCF plays a prominent role in establishing chromatin loops (between pairs of CTCF binding sites) through recruiting cohesin. CTCF-mediated long-range interactions are integral for a multitude of topological features of interphase chromatin, such as the formation of topologically associated domains, domain insulation, enhancer blocking and even enhancer function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Ali
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, D35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rainer Renkawitz
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, D35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Marek Bartkuhn
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, D35392 Giessen, Germany
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67
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Kann M, Bae E, Lenz MO, Li L, Trannguyen B, Schumacher VA, Taglienti ME, Bordeianou L, Hartwig S, Rinschen MM, Schermer B, Benzing T, Fan CM, Kreidberg JA. WT1 targets Gas1 to maintain nephron progenitor cells by modulating FGF signals. Development 2016; 142:1254-66. [PMID: 25804736 DOI: 10.1242/dev.119735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Development of the metanephric kidney depends on tightly regulated interplay between self-renewal and differentiation of a nephron progenitor cell (NPC) pool. Several key factors required for the survival of NPCs have been identified, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and the transcription factor Wilms' tumor suppressor 1 (WT1). Here, we present evidence that WT1 modulates FGF signaling by activating the expression of growth arrest-specific 1 (Gas1), a novel WT1 target gene and novel modulator of FGF signaling. We show that WT1 directly binds to a conserved DNA binding motif within the Gas1 promoter and activates Gas1 mRNA transcription in NPCs. We confirm that WT1 is required for Gas1 expression in kidneys in vivo. Loss of function of GAS1 in vivo results in hypoplastic kidneys with reduced nephron mass due to premature depletion of NPCs. Although kidney development in Gas1 knockout mice progresses normally until E15.5, NPCs show decreased rates of proliferation at this stage and are depleted as of E17.5. Lastly, we show that Gas1 is selectively required for FGF-stimulated AKT signaling in vitro. In summary, our data suggest a model in which WT1 modulates receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in NPCs by directing the expression of Gas1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kann
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department II of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eunnyung Bae
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maximilian O Lenz
- Department II of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Liangji Li
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - BaoTran Trannguyen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Valerie A Schumacher
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mary E Taglienti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Liliana Bordeianou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sunny Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Markus M Rinschen
- Department II of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Chen-Ming Fan
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jordan A Kreidberg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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68
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McHaffie S, Chau YY. Isolation and Colony Formation of Murine Bone and Bone Marrow Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1467:73-80. [PMID: 27417960 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-4023-3_6] [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] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Adult homeostasis is dependent on normal Wt1 expression. Loss of Wt1 expression in adult mice causes rapid loss of the mesenchymal tissues, fat and bone, amongst other phenotypes. Bone and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells can be studied by cell isolation and expansion. The stemness of these cells can then be characterized by carrying out a colony-forming unit-fibroblast assay and observing clonogenic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie McHaffie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - You-Ying Chau
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
- British Heart Foundation Centrefor Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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69
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Abstract
In this chapter, the role of WT1 in childhood cancer is discussed, using the key examples Wilms' tumor, desmoplastic small round cell of childhood, and leukemia. The role of WT1 in each disease is described and mirrored to the role of WT1 in normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
- Hugh and Catherine Stevenson Professor of Paediatric Oncology, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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70
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Abstract
The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (Wt1) is critically involved in a number of developmental processes in vertebrates, including cell differentiation, control of the epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, proliferation, and apoptosis. Wt1 proteins act as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators, in mRNA splicing and in protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, Wt1 is involved in adult tissue homeostasis, kidney function, and cancer. For these reasons, Wt1 function has been extensively studied in a number of animal models to establish its spatiotemporal expression pattern and the developmental fate of the cells expressing this gene. In this chapter, we review the developmental anatomy of Wt1, collecting information about its dynamic expression in mesothelium, kidney, gonads, cardiovascular system, spleen, nervous system, lung, and liver. We also describe the adult expression of Wt1 in kidney podocytes, gonads, mesothelia, visceral adipose tissue, and a small fraction of bone marrow cells. We have reviewed the available animal models for Wt1-expressing cell lineage analysis, including direct Wt1 expression reporters and systems for permanent Wt1 lineage tracing, based on constitutive or inducible Cre recombinase expression under control of a Wt1 promoter. Finally we provide a number of laboratory protocols to be used with these animal models in order to assess reporter expression.
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71
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Ujj Z, Buglyó G, Udvardy M, Beyer D, Vargha G, Biró S, Rejtő L. WT1 Expression in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Assessing its Presence, Magnitude and Temporal Changes as Prognostic Factors. Pathol Oncol Res 2015; 22:217-21. [PMID: 26531831 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-015-0002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the gene Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) has been suggested as a marker of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but literature data are not without controversy. Our aim was to assess the presence, magnitude and temporal changes of WT1 expression as prognostic factors. 60 AML patients were followed until death or the end of the 6-year observation period. Blood samples were taken at diagnosis, post-induction, during remission and in case of a relapse. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we determined WT1 expression from each sample, normalized it against the endogenous control gene glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and classified samples as negative, moderately positive or highly positive. We divided the patients into groups based on detected WT1 expression values, illustrated overall and disease-free survival on Kaplan-Meier curves, and compared differences between each group by the logrank test. Disappearance of WT1-positivity during chemotherapy had a favorable effect on survival. Interestingly, no difference was seen between the survivals of WT1-positive subgroups that expressed moderate or high levels of WT1 mRNA. A 1-log decrease in WT1 expression without becoming negative did not affect prognosis, either. Our results suggest that defining a cut-off value for WT1-positivity, rather than just using logarithmic figures of changes in gene expression, might have prognostic use in post-induction AML patients. We encourage further, larger-scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Ujj
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
| | - Gergely Buglyó
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary.
| | - Miklós Udvardy
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
| | - Dániel Beyer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
| | - György Vargha
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
| | - Sándor Biró
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
| | - László Rejtő
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei körút, Debrecen, 4028, Hungary
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72
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Lefebvre J, Clarkson M, Massa F, Bradford ST, Charlet A, Buske F, Lacas-Gervais S, Schulz H, Gimpel C, Hata Y, Schaefer F, Schedl A. Alternatively spliced isoforms of WT1 control podocyte-specific gene expression. Kidney Int 2015; 88:321-31. [DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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73
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Dong L, Pietsch S, Englert C. Towards an understanding of kidney diseases associated with WT1 mutations. Kidney Int 2015; 88:684-90. [PMID: 26154924 PMCID: PMC4687464 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) cause a wide spectrum of renal manifestations, eventually leading to end-stage kidney failure. Insufficient understanding of WT1's molecular functions in kidney development has hampered efficient therapeutic applications for WT1-associated diseases. Recently, the generation and characterization of mouse models and application of multiple state-of-the-art approaches have significantly expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of how WT1 mutations lead to kidney failure. Here, we discuss the WT1 binding consensus and illustrate the major roles of WT1 in different cell populations in kidney biology. WT1 controls metanephric mesenchyme (MM) self-renewal and proliferation mainly by regulating FGF and BMP-pSMAD signaling pathways as well as Sall1 and Pax2, encoding key transcription factors; WT1 drives MM differentiation and mesenchyme–epithelial transition by targeting Fgf8 and Wnt4; WT1 defines podocyte identity by activation of other podocyte-specific transcription factors, including Mafb, Lmx1b, FoxC2, and Tcf21. These factors potentially cooperate with WT1 regulating the expression of components and regulators of the cytoskeleton for establishing podocyte polarity, slit diaphragm structure, and focal adhesion to the glomerular basement membrane. Understanding of WT1's function in kidney biology including WT1-regulated pathways will give insights that will eventually help therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Dong
- Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Pietsch
- Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Englert
- Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
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74
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Bandiera R, Sacco S, Vidal VPI, Chaboissier MC, Schedl A. Steroidogenic organ development and homeostasis: A WT1-centric view. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:145-55. [PMID: 25596547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal and gonads are the main steroidogenic organs and are central to regulate body homeostasis in the vertebrate organism. Although adrenals and gonads are physically separated in the adult organism, both organs share a common developmental origin, the adrenogonadal primordium. One of the key genes involved in the development of both organs is the Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, which encodes a zinc finger protein that has fascinated the scientific community for more than two decades. This review will provide an overview of the processes leading to the development of these unique organs with a particular focus on the multiple functions WT1 serves during adrenogonadal development. In addition, we will highlight some recent findings and open questions on how maintenance of steroidogenic organs is achieved in the adult organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bandiera
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Sonia Sacco
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Valerie P I Vidal
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France.
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75
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Berry RL, Ozdemir DD, Aronow B, Lindström NO, Dudnakova T, Thornburn A, Perry P, Baldock R, Armit C, Joshi A, Jeanpierre C, Shan J, Vainio S, Baily J, Brownstein D, Davies J, Hastie ND, Hohenstein P. Deducing the stage of origin of Wilms' tumours from a developmental series of Wt1-mutant mice. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:903-17. [PMID: 26035382 PMCID: PMC4527280 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumours, paediatric kidney cancers, are the archetypal example of tumours caused through the disruption of normal development. The genetically best-defined subgroup of Wilms' tumours is the group caused by biallelic loss of the WT1 tumour suppressor gene. Here, we describe a developmental series of mouse models with conditional loss of Wt1 in different stages of nephron development before and after the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). We demonstrate that Wt1 is essential for normal development at all kidney developmental stages under study. Comparison of genome-wide expression data from the mutant mouse models with human tumour material of mutant or wild-type WT1 datasets identified the stage of origin of human WT1-mutant tumours, and emphasizes fundamental differences between the two human tumour groups due to different developmental stages of origin. Summary: The comparison of different nephron-specific Wt1-knockout mouse models identifies the stage of origin of human WT1-mutant Wilms' tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Berry
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Derya D Ozdemir
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nils O Lindström
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Tatiana Dudnakova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Anna Thornburn
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Paul Perry
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Richard Baldock
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Chris Armit
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Anagha Joshi
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Cécile Jeanpierre
- INSERM, UMR 1163, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, Paris 75015, France Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris 75015, France
| | - Jingdong Shan
- Biocenter Oulu, InfoTech Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Aapistie 5A, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Seppo Vainio
- Biocenter Oulu, InfoTech Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Aapistie 5A, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - James Baily
- Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - David Brownstein
- Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jamie Davies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Nicholas D Hastie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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76
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Abstract
Wilms' tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common pediatric renal cancer. The tumors morphologically resemble embryonic kidneys with a disrupted architecture and are associated with undifferentiated metanephric precursors. Here, we discuss genetic and epigenetic findings in Wilms' tumor in the context of renal development. Many of the genes implicated in Wilms' tumorigenesis are involved in the control of nephron progenitors or the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Whereas the first group of genes has been extensively studied in normal development, the second finding suggests important roles for miRNAs in general-and specific miRNAs in particular-in normal kidney development that still await further analysis. The recent identification of Wilms' tumor cancer stem cells could provide a framework to integrate these pathways and translate them into new or improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hohenstein
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom;
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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77
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Kann M, Ettou S, Jung YL, Lenz MO, Taglienti ME, Park PJ, Schermer B, Benzing T, Kreidberg JA. Genome-Wide Analysis of Wilms' Tumor 1-Controlled Gene Expression in Podocytes Reveals Key Regulatory Mechanisms. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 26:2097-104. [PMID: 25636411 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014090940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Wilms' tumor suppressor 1 (WT1) is key to podocyte development and viability; however, WT1 transcriptional networks in podocytes remain elusive. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the genome-wide WT1 transcriptional network in podocytes in vivo using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIPseq) and RNA sequencing techniques. Our data show a specific role for WT1 in regulating the podocyte-specific transcriptome through binding to both promoters and enhancers of target genes. Furthermore, we inferred a podocyte transcription factor network consisting of WT1, LMX1B, TCF21, Fox-class and TEAD family transcription factors, and MAFB that uses tissue-specific enhancers to control podocyte gene expression. In addition to previously described WT1-dependent target genes, ChIPseq identified novel WT1-dependent signaling systems. These targets included components of the Hippo signaling system, underscoring the power of genome-wide transcriptional-network analyses. Together, our data elucidate a comprehensive gene regulatory network in podocytes suggesting that WT1 gene regulatory function and podocyte cell-type specification can best be understood in the context of transcription factor-regulatory element network interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kann
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and
| | | | - Youngsook L Jung
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maximilian O Lenz
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and
| | | | - Peter J Park
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, Cologne, Germany; and Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, Cologne, Germany; and Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany;
| | - Jordan A Kreidberg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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78
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Dong L, Pietsch S, Tan Z, Perner B, Sierig R, Kruspe D, Groth M, Witzgall R, Gröne HJ, Platzer M, Englert C. Integration of Cistromic and Transcriptomic Analyses Identifies Nphs2, Mafb, and Magi2 as Wilms' Tumor 1 Target Genes in Podocyte Differentiation and Maintenance. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 26:2118-28. [PMID: 25556170 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014080819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) encodes a zinc finger transcription factor. Mutation of WT1 in humans leads to Wilms' tumor, a pediatric kidney tumor, or other kidney diseases, such as Denys-Drash and Frasier syndromes. We showed previously that inactivation of WT1 in podocytes of adult mice results in proteinuria, foot process effacement, and glomerulosclerosis. However, the WT1-dependent transcriptional network regulating podocyte development and maintenance in vivo remains unknown. Here, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing with glomeruli from wild-type mice. Additionally, we performed a cDNA microarray screen on an inducible podocyte-specific WT1 knockout mouse model. By integration of cistromic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified the WT1 targetome in mature podocytes. To further analyze the function and targets of WT1 in podocyte maturation, we used an Nphs2-Cre model, in which WT1 is deleted during podocyte differentiation. These mice display anuria and kidney hemorrhage and die within 24 hours after birth. To address the evolutionary conservation of WT1 targets, we performed functional assays using zebrafish as a model and identified Nphs2, Mafb, and Magi2 as novel WT1 target genes required for podocyte development. Our data also show that both Mafb and Magi2 are required for normal development of the embryonic zebrafish kidney. Collectively, our work provides insights into the transcriptional networks controlled by WT1 and identifies novel WT1 target genes that mediate the function of WT1 in podocyte differentiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Groth
- Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralph Witzgall
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Matthias Platzer
- Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Englert
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
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79
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Weth O, Paprotka C, Günther K, Schulte A, Baierl M, Leers J, Galjart N, Renkawitz R. CTCF induces histone variant incorporation, erases the H3K27me3 histone mark and opens chromatin. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:11941-51. [PMID: 25294833 PMCID: PMC4231773 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulators functionally separate active chromatin domains from inactive ones. The insulator factor, CTCF, has been found to bind to boundaries and to mediate insulator function. CTCF binding sites are depleted for the histone modification H3K27me3 and are enriched for the histone variant H3.3. In order to determine whether demethylation of H3K27me3 and H3.3 incorporation are a requirement for CTCF binding at domain boundaries or whether CTCF causes these changes, we made use of the LacI DNA binding domain to control CTCF binding by the Lac inducer IPTG. Here we show that, in contrast to the related factor CTCFL, the N-terminus plus zinc finger domain of CTCF is sufficient to open compact chromatin rapidly. This is preceded by incorporation of the histone variant H3.3, which thereby removes the H3K27me3 mark. This demonstrates the causal role for CTCF in generating the chromatin features found at insulators. Thereby, spreading of a histone modification from one domain through the insulator into the neighbouring domain is inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Weth
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Paprotka
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Günther
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Astrid Schulte
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Manuel Baierl
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Joerg Leers
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Niels Galjart
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rainer Renkawitz
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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80
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Akpa MM, Iglesias DM, Chu LL, Cybulsky M, Bravi C, Goodyer PR. Wilms tumor suppressor, WT1, suppresses epigenetic silencing of the β-catenin gene. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2279-88. [PMID: 25331950 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.573576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian kidney is derived from progenitor cells in intermediate mesoderm. During embryogenesis, progenitor cells expressing the Wilms tumor suppressor gene, WT1, are induced to differentiate in response to WNT signals from the ureteric bud. In hereditary Wilms tumors, clonal loss of WT1 precludes the β-catenin pathway response and leads to precancerous nephrogenic rests. We hypothesized that WT1 normally primes progenitor cells for differentiation by suppressing the enhancer of zeste2 gene (EZH2), involved in epigenetic silencing of differentiation genes. In human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells, we show that exogenous WT1B represses EZH2 transcription. This leads to a dramatic decrease in the repressive lysine 27 trimethylation mark on histone H3 that silences β-catenin gene expression. As a result, amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells acquire responsiveness to WNT9b and increase expression of genes that mark the onset of nephron differentiation. Our observations suggest that biallelic loss of WT1 sustains the inhibitory histone methylation state that characterizes Wilms tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle M Akpa
- From the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1 and
| | - Diana M Iglesias
- the Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Lee Lee Chu
- the Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Marta Cybulsky
- the Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Cristina Bravi
- the Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Paul R Goodyer
- From the Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1 and the Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
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81
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Dowen JM, Fan ZP, Hnisz D, Ren G, Abraham BJ, Zhang LN, Weintraub AS, Schujiers J, Lee TI, Zhao K, Young RA. Control of cell identity genes occurs in insulated neighborhoods in mammalian chromosomes. Cell 2014; 159:374-387. [PMID: 25303531 PMCID: PMC4197132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 640] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is produced by active transcription of genes that control cell identity and repression of genes encoding lineage-specifying developmental regulators. Here, we use ESC cohesin ChIA-PET data to identify the local chromosomal structures at both active and repressed genes across the genome. The results produce a map of enhancer-promoter interactions and reveal that super-enhancer-driven genes generally occur within chromosome structures that are formed by the looping of two interacting CTCF sites co-occupied by cohesin. These looped structures form insulated neighborhoods whose integrity is important for proper expression of local genes. We also find that repressed genes encoding lineage-specifying developmental regulators occur within insulated neighborhoods. These results provide insights into the relationship between transcriptional control of cell identity genes and control of local chromosome structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Dowen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Zi Peng Fan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Computational and Systems Biology Program
| | - Denes Hnisz
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Gang Ren
- Systems Biology Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xi'An, P. R. China
| | - Brian J Abraham
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Lyndon N Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Abraham S Weintraub
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Jurian Schujiers
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Tong Ihn Lee
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Keji Zhao
- Systems Biology Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard A Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139
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82
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Glomerular development--shaping the multi-cellular filtration unit. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 36:39-49. [PMID: 25153928 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The glomerulus represents a highly structured filtration unit, composed of glomerular endothelial cells, mesangial cells, podocytes and parietal epithelial cells. During glomerulogenesis an intricate network of signaling pathways involving transcription factors, secreted factors and cell-cell communication is required to guarantee accurate evolvement of a functional, complex 3-dimensional glomerular architecture. Here, we want to provide an overview on the critical steps and relevant signaling cascades of glomerular development.
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83
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Abstract
The WT1 (Wilms' tumour 1) gene encodes a zinc finger transcription factor and RNA-binding protein that direct the development of several organs and tissues. WT1 manifests both tumour suppressor and oncogenic activities, but the reasons behind these opposing functions are still not clear. As a transcriptional regulator, WT1 can either activate or repress numerous target genes resulting in disparate biological effects such as growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The complex nature of WT1 is exemplified by a plethora of isoforms, post-translational modifications and multiple binding partners. How WT1 achieves specificity to regulate a large number of target genes involved in diverse physiological processes is the focus of the present review. We discuss the wealth of the growing molecular information that defines our current understanding of the versatility and utility of WT1 as a master regulator of organ development, a tumour suppressor and an oncogene.
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84
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WT1 controls antagonistic FGF and BMP-pSMAD pathways in early renal progenitors. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4444. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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85
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Tian F, Yourek G, Shi X, Yang Y. The development of Wilms tumor: from WT1 and microRNA to animal models. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:180-7. [PMID: 25018051 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Wilms tumor recapitulates the development of the kidney and represents a unique opportunity to understand the relationship between normal and tumor development. This has been illustrated by the findings that mutations of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related WT1, β-catenin, and WTX together account for about one-third of Wilms tumor cases. While intense efforts are being made to explore the genetic basis of the other two-thirds of tumor cases, it is worth noting that, epigenetic changes, particularly the loss of imprinting of the DNA region encoding the major fetal growth factor IGF2, which results in its biallelic over-expression, are closely associated with the development of many Wilms tumors. Recent investigations also revealed that mutations of Drosha and Dicer, the RNases required for miRNA generation, and Dis3L2, the 3'-5' exonuclease that normally degrades miRNAs and mRNAs, could cause predisposition to Wilms tumors, demonstrating that miRNA can play a pivotal role in Wilms tumor development. Interestingly, Lin28, a direct target of miRNA let-7 and potent regulator of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, is significantly elevated in some Wilms tumors, and enforced expression of Lin28 during kidney development could induce Wilms tumor. With the success in establishing mice nephroblastoma models through over-expressing IGF2 and deleting WT1, and advances in understanding the ENU-induced rat model, we are now able to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms induced by these genetic, epigenetic, and miRNA alterations in animal models to understand the development of Wilms tumor. These animal models may also serve as valuable systems to assess new treatment targets and strategies for Wilms tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | | | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yili Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.
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86
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Abstract
Hohenstein and Hastie discuss Urbach et al.’s identification of a role for the LIN28 RNA-binding protein in renal progenitor cell development and the pediatric kidney cancer Wilms tumor. In this issue of Genes & Development, Urbach and colleagues (pp. 971–982) provide compelling data suggesting a role for LIN28 in the pathogenesis of a significant percentage of Wilms tumors. These data extend our insights in the genetics underlying Wilms tumor development and emphasize the importance of stemness and microRNA-mediated processes in the origins of these tumors.
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87
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Gao Y, Toska E, Denmon D, Roberts SGE, Medler KF. WT1 regulates the development of the posterior taste field. Development 2014; 141:2271-8. [PMID: 24803588 DOI: 10.1242/dev.105676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of taste in determining nutrient intake, our understanding of the processes that control the development of the peripheral taste system is lacking. Several early regulators of taste development have been identified, including sonic hedgehog, bone morphogenetic protein 4 and multiple members of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the regulation of these factors, including their induction, remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a crucial role for the Wilms' tumor 1 protein (WT1) in circumvallate (CV) papillae development. WT1 is a transcription factor that is important in the normal development of multiple tissues, including both the olfactory and visual systems. In mice, WT1 expression is detectable by E12.5, when the CV taste placode begins to form. In mice lacking WT1, the CV fails to develop normally and markers of early taste development are dysregulated compared with wild type. We demonstrate that expression of the WT1 target genes Lef1, Ptch1 and Bmp4 is significantly reduced in developing tongue tissue derived from Wt1 knockout mice and that, in normal tongue, WT1 is bound to the promoter regions of these genes. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of WT1 in cultured taste cells leads to a reduction in the expression of Lef1 and Ptch1. Our data identify WT1 as a crucial transcription factor in the development of the CV through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways that have established roles in the formation and patterning of taste placodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Gao
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Eneda Toska
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Dane Denmon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Stefan G E Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Kathryn F Medler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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88
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Ozdemir DD, Hohenstein P. Wt1 in the kidney--a tale in mouse models. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:687-93. [PMID: 24240471 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The WT1 gene was originally identified through its involvement in the development of Wilms tumours. The gene is characterized by a plethora of different isoforms with, in some cases, clearly different functions in transcriptional control and RNA metabolism. Many different mouse models for Wt1 have already been generated, and these are increasingly providing new information on the molecular roles of Wt1 in normal development and disease. In this review we discuss the different models that have been generated and what they have taught us about the role of Wt1 in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Deniz Ozdemir
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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89
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Chau YY, Bandiera R, Serrels A, Martínez-Estrada OM, Qing W, Lee M, Slight J, Thornburn A, Berry R, McHaffie S, Stimson RH, Walker BR, Chapuli RM, Schedl A, Hastie N. Visceral and subcutaneous fat have different origins and evidence supports a mesothelial source. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:367-75. [PMID: 24609269 PMCID: PMC4060514 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fuelled by the obesity epidemic, there is considerable interest in the developmental origins of white adipose tissue (WAT) and the stem and progenitor cells from which it arises. Whereas increased visceral fat mass is associated with metabolic dysfunction, increased subcutaneous WAT is protective. There are six visceral fat depots: perirenal, gonadal, epicardial, retroperitoneal, omental and mesenteric, and it is a subject of much debate whether these have a common developmental origin and whether this differs from that for subcutaneous WAT. Here we show that all six visceral WAT depots receive a significant contribution from cells expressing Wt1 late in gestation. Conversely, no subcutaneous WAT or brown adipose tissue arises from Wt1-expressing cells. Postnatally, a subset of visceral WAT continues to arise from Wt1-expressing cells, consistent with the finding that Wt1 marks a proportion of cell populations enriched in WAT progenitors. We show that all visceral fat depots have a mesothelial layer like the visceral organs with which they are associated, and provide several lines of evidence that Wt1-expressing mesothelium can produce adipocytes. These results reveal a major ontogenetic difference between visceral and subcutaneous WAT, and pinpoint the lateral plate mesoderm as a major source of visceral WAT. They also support the notion that visceral WAT progenitors are heterogeneous, and suggest that mesothelium is a source of adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Ying Chau
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Roberto Bandiera
- IBV, INSERM U1091, Univeriste de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Parc Valrose, Centre de Biochimie, 06100 Nice Cedex-2 FRANCE
| | - Alan Serrels
- Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR
| | - Ofelia M Martínez-Estrada
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wei Qing
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Martin Lee
- Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR
| | - Joan Slight
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Anna Thornburn
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Rachel Berry
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sophie McHaffie
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Roland H Stimson
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Brian R Walker
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - Andreas Schedl
- IBV, INSERM U1091, Univeriste de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Parc Valrose, Centre de Biochimie, 06100 Nice Cedex-2 FRANCE
| | - Nick Hastie
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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90
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Ong CT, Corces VG. CTCF: an architectural protein bridging genome topology and function. Nat Rev Genet 2014; 15:234-46. [PMID: 24614316 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 715] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The eukaryotic genome is organized in the three-dimensional nuclear space in a specific manner that is both a cause and a consequence of its function. This organization is partly established by a special class of architectural proteins, of which CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is the best characterized. Although CTCF has been assigned various roles that are often contradictory, new results now help to draw a unifying model to explain the many functions of this protein. CTCF creates boundaries between topologically associating domains in chromosomes and, within these domains, facilitates interactions between transcription regulatory sequences. Thus, CTCF links the architecture of the genome to its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Tong Ong
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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91
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Bandiera R, Vidal VPI, Motamedi FJ, Clarkson M, Sahut-Barnola I, von Gise A, Pu WT, Hohenstein P, Martinez A, Schedl A. WT1 maintains adrenal-gonadal primordium identity and marks a population of AGP-like progenitors within the adrenal gland. Dev Cell 2013; 27:5-18. [PMID: 24135228 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal glands and gonads share a common primordium (AGP), but the molecular events driving differentiation are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 is a key factor defining AGP identity by inhibiting the steroidogenic differentiation process. Indeed, ectopic expression of WT1 precludes differentiation into adrenocortical steroidogenic cells by locking them into a progenitor state. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments identify Tcf21 and Gli1 as direct targets of WT1. Moreover, cell lineage tracing analyses identify a long-living progenitor population within the adrenal gland, characterized by the expression of WT1, GATA4, GLI1, and TCF21, that can generate steroidogenic cells in vivo. Strikingly, gonadectomy dramatically activates these WT1(+) cells and leads to their differentiation into gonadal steroidogenic tissue. Thus, our data describe a mechanism of response to organ loss by recreating hormone-producing cells at a heterotopic site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bandiera
- Institute of Biology Valrose, iBV, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France; INSERM UMR 1091, CNRS UMR 7277 Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
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92
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Perotti D, Hohenstein P, Bongarzone I, Maschietto M, Weeks M, Radice P, Pritchard-Jones K. Is Wilms tumor a candidate neoplasia for treatment with WNT/β-catenin pathway modulators?--A report from the renal tumors biology-driven drug development workshop. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2619-27. [PMID: 24258344 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The European Network for Cancer Research in Children and Adolescents consortium organized a workshop in Rome, in June 2012, on "Biology-Driven Drug Development Renal Tumors Workshop" to discuss the current knowledge in pediatric renal cancers and to recommend directions for further research. Wilms tumor is the most common renal tumor of childhood and represents a success of pediatric oncology, with cure rates of more than 85% of cases. However, a substantial minority (∼25%) responds poorly to current therapies and requires "high-risk" treatment or relapse. Moreover, the successfully treated majority are vulnerable to the late effects of treatment, with nearly one quarter reporting severe chronic health conditions by 25 years of follow-up. Main purposes of this meeting were to advance our understanding on the molecular drivers in Wilms tumor, their heterogeneity and interdependencies; to provide updates on the clinical-pathologic associations with biomarkers; to identify eligible populations for targeted drugs; and to model opportunities to use preclinical model systems and prioritize targeted agents for early phase clinical trials. At least three different pathways are involved in Wilms tumor; this review represents the outcome of the workshop discussion on the WNT/β-catenin pathway in Wilms tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Perotti
- Corresponding Author: Kathy Pritchard-Jones, Hugh and Catherine Stevenson Professor of Pediatric Oncology, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom.
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93
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Prohibitin is required for transcriptional repression by the WT1-BASP1 complex. Oncogene 2013; 33:5100-8. [PMID: 24166496 PMCID: PMC4002674 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor-1 protein (WT1) is a transcriptional regulator that can either activate or repress genes controlling cell growth, apoptosis and differentiation. The transcriptional corepressor BASP1 interacts with WT1 and mediates WT1's transcriptional repression activity. BASP1 is contained within large complexes, suggesting that it works in concert with other factors. Here we report that the transcriptional repressor prohibitin is part of the WT1-BASP1 transcriptional repression complex. Prohibitin interacts with BASP1, colocalizes with BASP1 in the nucleus, and is recruited to the promoter region of WT1 target genes to elicit BASP1-dependent transcriptional repression. We demonstrate that prohibitin and BASP1 cooperate to recruit the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1 to WT1-responsive promoters and that this results in the dissociation of CBP from the promoter region of WT1 target genes. As seen with BASP1, prohibitin can associate with phospholipids. We demonstrate that the recruitment of PIP2 and HDAC1 to WT1 target genes is also dependent on the concerted activity of BASP1 and prohibitin. Our findings provide new insights into the function of prohibitin in transcriptional regulation and uncover a BASP1-prohibitin complex that plays an essential role in the PIP2-dependent recruitment of chromatin remodeling activities to the promoter.
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94
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Wang XN, Li ZS, Ren Y, Jiang T, Wang YQ, Chen M, Zhang J, Hao JX, Wang YB, Sha RN, Huang Y, Liu X, Hu JC, Sun GQ, Li HG, Xiong CL, Xie J, Jiang ZM, Cai ZM, Wang J, Wang J, Huff V, Gui YT, Gao F. The Wilms tumor gene, Wt1, is critical for mouse spermatogenesis via regulation of sertoli cell polarity and is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003645. [PMID: 23935527 PMCID: PMC3731222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is one of the major reproductive disorders which cause male infertility in humans; however, the etiology of this disease is largely unknown. In the present study, six missense mutations of WT1 gene were detected in 529 human patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), indicating a strong association between WT1 mutation and NOA. The Wilms tumor gene, Wt1, is specifically expressed in Sertoli cells (SCs) which support spermatogenesis. To examine the functions of this gene in spermatogenesis, Wt1 was deleted in adult testis using Wt1flox and Cre-ERTM mice strains. We found that inactivation of Wt1 resulted in massive germ cell death and only SCs were present in most of the seminiferous tubules which was very similar to NOA in humans. In investigating the potential mechanism for this, histological studies revealed that the blood–testis barrier (BTB) was disrupted in Wt1 deficient testes. In vitro studies demonstrated that Wt1 was essential for cell polarity maintenance in SCs. Further studies found that the expression of cell polarity associated genes (Par6b and E-cadherin) and Wnt signaling genes (Wnt4, Wnt11) were downregulated in Wt1 deficient SCs, and that the expression of Par6b and E-cadherin was regulated by Wnt4. Our findings suggest that Wt1 is important in spermatogenesis by regulating the polarity of SCs via Wnt signaling pathway and that WT1 mutation is one of the genetic causes of NOA in humans. Infertility is one of the most common health problems, affecting about 15% of the couples in the world. In about half of these couples, infertility is related to male reproductive defect. Azoospermia is one of the major causes of male infertility in humans. Previous studies have found that the mutation or deletion of some genes is associated with azoospermia; however, the genetic cause of this remains largely unknown. In the present study, we detected Wt1 missense mutations in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). An essential function for WT1 in male spermatogenesis was confirmed by the use of a Wt1 conditional knockout mouse strain. Inactivation of Wt1 resulted in germ cell loss in mice, which was similar to NOA in human patients. Our data indicate that WT1 mutation is one genetic cause of male infertility and suggest that WT1 mutational analysis will be useful for diagnosis in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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95
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Role of Prokineticin Receptor-1 in Epicardial Progenitor Cells. J Dev Biol 2013; 1:20-31. [DOI: 10.3390/jdb1010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a large class of seven transmembrane (TM) domain receptors. The use of endogenous GPCR ligands to activate the stem cell maintenance or to direct cell differentiation would overcome many of the problems currently encountered in the use of stem cells, such as rapid in vitro differentiation and expansion or rejection in clinical applications. This review focuses on the definition of a new GPCR signaling pathway activated by peptide hormones, called “prokineticins”, in epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs). Signaling via prokineticin-2 and its receptor, PKR1, is required for cardiomyocyte survival during hypoxic stress. The binding of prokineticin-2 to PKR1 induces proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in endothelial cells. The expression of prokineticin and PKR1 increases during cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Gain of function of PKR1 in the adult mouse heart revealed that cardiomyocyte-PKR1 signaling activates EPDCs in a paracrine fashion, thereby promoting de novo vasculogenesis. Transient PKR1 gene therapy after myocardial infarction in mice decreases mortality and improves heart function by promoting neovascularization, protecting cardiomyocytes and mobilizing WT1+ cells. Furthermore, PKR1 signaling promotes adult EPDC proliferation and differentiation to adopt endothelial and smooth muscle cell fate, for the induction of de novo vasculogenesis. PKR1 is expressed in the proepicardium and epicardial cells derived from mice kidneys. Loss of PKR1 causes deficits in EPDCs in the neonatal mice hearts and kidneys and impairs vascularization and heart and kidney function. Taken together, these data indicate a novel role for PKR1 in heart-kidney complex via EPDCs.
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97
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Yates R, Katugampola H, Cavlan D, Cogger K, Meimaridou E, Hughes C, Metherell L, Guasti L, King P. Adrenocortical Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239-312. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416021-7.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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98
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Swiatecka-Urban A. Membrane trafficking in podocyte health and disease. Pediatr Nephrol 2013; 28:1723-37. [PMID: 22932996 PMCID: PMC3578983 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-012-2281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Podocytes are highly specialized epithelial cells localized in the kidney glomerulus. The distinct cell signaling events and unique cytoskeletal architecture tailor podocytes to withstand changes in hydrostatic pressure during glomerular filtration. Alteration of glomerular filtration leads to kidney disease and frequently manifests with proteinuria. It has been increasingly recognized that cell signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics are coupled more tightly to membrane trafficking than previously thought. Membrane trafficking coordinates the cross-talk between protein networks and signaling cascades in a spatially and temporally organized fashion and may be viewed as a communication highway between the cell exterior and interior. Membrane trafficking involves transport of cargo from the plasma membrane to the cell interior (i.e., endocytosis) followed by cargo trafficking to lysosomes for degradation or to the plasma membrane for recycling. Yet, recent studies indicate that the conventional classification does not fully reflect the complex and versatile nature of membrane trafficking. While the increasing complexity of elaborate protein scaffolds and signaling cascades is being recognized in podocytes, the role of membrane trafficking is less well understood. This review will focus on the role of membrane trafficking in podocyte health and disease.
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99
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Lindström NO, Hohenstein P, Davies JA. Nephrons require Rho-kinase for proximal-distal polarity development. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2692. [PMID: 24045698 PMCID: PMC3776198 DOI: 10.1038/srep02692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tubules must have the right length and pattern for proper function. In the nephron, planar cell polarity controls elongation along the proximal-distal axis. As the tubule lengthens, specialized segments (proximal, distal etc.) begin to differentiate along it. Other epithelia need Rho-kinase for planar cell polarity but it is not known whether Rho-kinase is involved in this way in the nephron. We show that Rho-kinase is essential for the morphogenesis of nephrons, specifically for correct cell orientation and volume. We use fluorescent reporter-models and progenitor-specific markers to demonstrate that inhibition of Rho-kinase prevents proper proximal-distal axis formation, causes segments to develop abnormally, and progenitor-cell segregation to fail. Our data demonstrate the importance of Rho-kinase in normal nephron tubulogenesis and patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils O. Lindström
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, EH8 9XB, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
- The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
- The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie A. Davies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, EH8 9XB, United Kingdom
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100
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Szemes M, Dallosso AR, Melegh Z, Curry T, Li Y, Rivers C, Uney J, Mägdefrau AS, Schwiderski K, Park JH, Brown KW, Shandilya J, Roberts SGE, Malik K. Control of epigenetic states by WT1 via regulation of de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:74-83. [PMID: 23042785 PMCID: PMC6296327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although tumour suppressor gene hypermethylation is a universal feature of cancer cells, little is known about the necessary molecular triggers. Here, we show that Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1), a developmental master regulator that can also act as a tumour suppressor or oncoprotein, transcriptionally regulates the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and that cellular WT1 levels can influence DNA methylation of gene promoters genome-wide. Specifically, we demonstrate that depletion of WT1 by short-interfering RNAs leads to reduced DNMT3A in Wilms' tumour cells and human embryonal kidney-derived cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate WT1 recruitment to the DNMT3A promoter region and reporter assays confirm that WT1 directly transactivates DNMT3A expression. Consistent with this regulatory role, immunohistochemical analysis shows co-expression of WT1 and DNMT3A proteins in nuclei of blastemal cells in human fetal kidney and Wilms' tumours. Using genome-wide promoter methylation arrays, we show that human embryonal kidney cells over-expressing WT1 acquire DNA methylation changes at specific gene promoters where DNMT3A recruitment is increased, with hypermethylation being associated with silencing of gene expression. Elevated DNMT3A is also demonstrated at hypermethylated genes in Wilms' tumour cells, including a region of long-range epigenetic silencing. Finally, we show that depletion of WT1 in Wilms' tumour cells can lead to reactivation of gene expression from methylated promoters, such as TGFB2, a key modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. Collectively, our work defines a new regulatory modality for WT1 involving elicitation of epigenetic alterations which is most likely crucial to its functions in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Yifan Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and
| | - Caroline Rivers
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and
| | - James Uney
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and
| | | | | | | | | | - Jayasha Shandilya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), 625 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Stefan G. E. Roberts
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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