51
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Nathan A, Reinhardt P, Kruspe D, Jörß T, Groth M, Nolte H, Habenicht A, Herrmann J, Holschbach V, Toth B, Krüger M, Wang ZQ, Platzer M, Englert C. The Wilms tumor protein Wt1 contributes to female fertility by regulating oviductal proteostasis. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1694-1705. [PMID: 28334862 PMCID: PMC5411738 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the zinc finger transcription factor Wt1 has been linked to female fertility, its precise role in this process has not yet been understood. We have sequenced the WT1 exons in a panel of patients with idiopathic infertility and have identified a missense mutation in WT1 in one patient out of eight. This mutation leads to an amino acid change within the zinc finger domain and results in reduced DNA binding. We utilized Wt1+/- mice as a model to mechanistically pinpoint the consequences of reduced Wt1 levels for female fertility. Our results indicate that subfertility in Wt1+/- female mice is a maternal effect caused by the Wt1-dependent de-regulation of Prss29, encoding a serine protease. Notably, blocking Prss29 activity was sufficient to rescue subfertility in Wt1+/- mice indicating Prss29 as a critical factor in female fertility. Molecularly, Wt1 represses expression of Prss29. De-repression and precocious expression of Prss29 in the oviduct of Wt1+/- mice interferes with pre-implantation development. Our study reveals a novel role for Wt1 in early mammalian development and identifies proteases as critical mediators of the maternal-embryonic interaction. Our data also suggest that the role of Wt1 in regulating fertility is conserved in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Groth
- Genome Analysis Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Hendrik Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Habenicht
- Institute for Vascular Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Herrmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hufeland Klinikum, 99425 Weimar, Germany
| | - Verena Holschbach
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Platzer
- Genome Analysis Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Englert
- Molecular Genetics Lab.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Abstract
The study of genes mutated in human disease often leads to new insights into biology as well as disease mechanisms. One such gene is Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1), which plays multiple roles in development, tissue homeostasis and disease. In this Primer, I summarise how this multifaceted gene functions in various mammalian tissues and organs, including the kidney, gonads, heart and nervous system. This is followed by a discussion of our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which WT1 and its two major isoforms regulate these processes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Hastie
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road (S), Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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53
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Tamura I, Shirafuta Y, Jozaki K, Kajimura T, Shinagawa M, Maekawa R, Taketani T, Asada H, Sato S, Tamura H, Sugino N. Novel Function of a Transcription Factor WT1 in Regulating Decidualization in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells and Its Molecular Mechanism. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3696-3707. [PMID: 28977591 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms tumor suppressor gene (WT1) encodes an essential transcription factor regulating mammalian urogenital development. However, the function of WT1 in human endometrium is still unclear. The current study examined the involvement of WT1 in the regulation of IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and prolactin (PRL), which are specific markers of decidualization, in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) undergoing decidualization. ESCs isolated from proliferative-phase endometrium were incubated with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to induce decidualization. cAMP increased WT1 expression with the induction of IGFBP-1 and PRL. Knockdown of WT1 by small interfering RNA inhibited cAMP-induced expression of IGFBP-1 and PRL. cAMP also induced the recruitment of WT1 to the IGFBP-1 and PRL promoters. To investigate the mechanism by which WT1 is upregulated by cAMP, we focused on C/EBPβ, a gene that regulates the expression of many genes during decidualization. Knockdown of C/EBPβ decreased cAMP-increased WT1 expression. cAMP increased the recruitment of C/EBPβ to the WT1 enhancer that is located approximately 14,000 bp downstream from the transcription start site. To test the endogenous function of the WT1 enhancer region on WT1 expression, the endogenous WT1 enhancer region was deleted by CRISPR/Cas9 system in HEK293 cells. The increase of WT1 expression by cAMP was not observed in the enhancer-deleted clones. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that this enhancer region has high levels of H3K27ac and H3K4me1, which are active enhancer marks. These results show the role of WT1 in regulating decidualization in human ESCs. C/EBPβ is an upstream gene that regulates WT1 expression by binding to the novel enhancer region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Shirafuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Kousuke Jozaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Takuya Kajimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Ryo Maekawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Taketani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiromi Asada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Shun Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Norihiro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube 755-8505, Japan
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54
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Replacing reprogramming factors with antibodies selected from combinatorial antibody libraries. Nat Biotechnol 2017; 35:960-968. [PMID: 28892074 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The reprogramming of differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is usually achieved by exogenous induction of transcription by factors acting in the nucleus. In contrast, during development, signaling pathways initiated at the membrane induce differentiation. The central idea of this study is to identify antibodies that can catalyze cellular de-differentiation and nuclear reprogramming by acting at the cell surface. We screen a lentiviral library encoding ∼100 million secreted and membrane-bound single-chain antibodies and identify antibodies that can replace either Sox2 and Myc (c-Myc) or Oct4 during reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts into iPSCs. We show that one Sox2-replacing antibody antagonizes the membrane-associated protein Basp1, thereby de-repressing nuclear factors WT1, Esrrb and Lin28a (Lin28) independent of Sox2. By manipulating this pathway, we identify three methods to generate iPSCs. Our results establish unbiased selection from autocrine combinatorial antibody libraries as a robust method to discover new biologics and uncover membrane-to-nucleus signaling pathways that regulate pluripotency and cell fate.
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55
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Rudigier LJ, Dame C, Scholz H, Kirschner KM. Ex vivo cultures combined with vivo-morpholino induced gene knockdown provide a system to assess the role of WT1 and GATA4 during gonad differentiation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176296. [PMID: 28426816 PMCID: PMC5398674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonad morphogenesis relies on the correct spatiotemporal expression of a number of genes that together fulfill the differentiation of the bipotential gonad into testes or ovaries. As such, the transcription factors WT1 and GATA4 are pivotal for proper gonadal development. Here we address the contributions of GATA4 and WT1 to the sex differentiation phase in testes and ovaries. We applied an ex vivo technique for cultivating gonads in hanging droplets of media that were supplemented with vivo-morpholinos to knockdown WT1 and GATA4 either alone or in combination at the same developmental stage. We show that WT1 is equally important for both, the initial establishment and the maintenance of the sex-specific gene expression signature in testes and ovaries. We further identified Foxl2 as a novel putative downstream target gene of WT1. Moreover, knockdown of WT1 reduced mRNA levels of several molecular components of the hedgehog signaling pathway in XY gonads, whereas Gata4 vivo-morpholino treatment increased transcripts of Dhh and Ptch1 in embryonic testes. The data suggest that for its proper function, WT1 relies on the correct expression of the GATA4 protein. Furthermore, GATA4 down-regulates several ovarian promoting genes in testes, such as Ctnnb1, Fst, and Bmp2, suggesting that this repression is required for maintaining the male phenotype. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the role of WT1 and GATA4 during the sex differentiation phase and represents an approach that can be applied to assess other proteins with as yet unknown functions during gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J. Rudigier
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof Dame
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Karin M. Kirschner
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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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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Downregulation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 promotes the development of neuroblastoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:609-616. [PMID: 27998774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. In this study, we examined the expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) in primary NB and adjacent non-tumor samples (adrenal gland). BMPR2 expression was significantly downregulated in NB tissues, particularly in high-grade NB, and was inversely related to the expression of the NB differentiation markers ferritin and enolase. The significance of the downregulation was further explored in cultured NB cells. While enforced expression of BMPR2 decreased cell proliferation and colony-forming activity, shRNA-mediated knockdown of BMPR2 led to increased cell growth and clonogenicity. In mice, NB cells harboring BMPR2 shRNA showed significantly increased tumorigenicity compared with control cells. We also performed a retrospective analysis of NB patients and identified a significant positive correlation between tumor BMPR2 expression and overall survival. These findings suggest that BMPR2 may play an important role in the development of NB.
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58
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Chuah JKC, Zink D. Stem cell-derived kidney cells and organoids: Recent breakthroughs and emerging applications. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 35:150-167. [PMID: 28017905 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The global rise in the numbers of kidney patients and the shortage in transplantable organs have led to an increasing interest in kidney-specific regenerative therapies, renal disease modelling and bioartificial kidneys. Sources for large quantities of high-quality renal cells and tissues would be required, also for applications in in vitro platforms for compound safety and efficacy screening. Stem cell-based approaches for the generation of renal-like cells and tissues would be most attractive, but such methods were not available until recently. This situation has drastically changed since 2013, and various protocols for the generation of renal-like cells and precursors from pluripotent stem cells (PSC) have been established. The most recent breakthroughs were related to the establishment of various protocols for the generation of PSC-derived kidney organoids. In combination with recent advances in genome editing, bioprinting and the establishment of predictive renal screening platforms this results in exciting new possibilities. This review will give a comprehensive overview over current PSC-based protocols for the generation of renal-like cells, precursors and organoids, and their current and potential applications in regenerative medicine, compound screening, disease modelling and bioartificial organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kai Chin Chuah
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore.
| | - Daniele Zink
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore.
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59
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Liu J, Wang W, Liu M, Su L, Zhou H, Xia Y, Ran J, Lin HY, Yang B. Repulsive guidance molecule b inhibits renal cyst development through the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1842-1851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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60
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Xue M, Zhou Y, Liu X, Ni D, Hu Y, Long Y, Ju P, Zhou Q. Proliferation of metanephric mesenchymal cells is inhibited by miR-743a-mediated WT1 suppression in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4315-4320. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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61
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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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62
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Ullmark T, Järvstråt L, Sandén C, Montano G, Jernmark-Nilsson H, Lilljebjörn H, Lennartsson A, Fioretos T, Drott K, Vidovic K, Nilsson B, Gullberg U. Distinct global binding patterns of the Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) -KTS and +KTS isoforms in leukemic cells. Haematologica 2016; 102:336-345. [PMID: 27612989 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.149815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger transcription factor Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) acts as an oncogene in acute myeloid leukemia. A naturally occurring alternative splice event between zinc fingers three and four, removing or retaining three amino acids (±KTS), is believed to change the DNA binding affinity of WT1, although there are conflicting data regarding the binding affinity and motifs of the different isoforms. Increased expression of the WT1 -KTS isoform at the expense of the WT1 +KTS isoform is associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia. We determined the genome-wide binding pattern of WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS in leukemic K562 cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing. We discovered that the WT1 -KTS isoform predominantly binds close to transcription start sites and to enhancers, in a similar fashion to other transcription factors, whereas WT1 +KTS binding is enriched within gene bodies. We observed a significant overlap between WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS target genes, despite the binding sites being distinct. Motif discovery revealed distinct binding motifs for the isoforms, some of which have been previously reported as WT1 binding sites. Additional analyses showed that both WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS target genes are more likely to be transcribed than non-targets, and are involved in cell proliferation, cell death, and development. Our study provides evidence that WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS share target genes yet still bind distinct locations, indicating isoform-specific regulation in transcription of genes related to cell proliferation and differentiation, consistent with the involvement of WT1 in acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Ullmark
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Linnea Järvstråt
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carl Sandén
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giorgia Montano
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Helena Jernmark-Nilsson
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Henrik Lilljebjörn
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lennartsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Thoas Fioretos
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kristina Drott
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karina Vidovic
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Björn Nilsson
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
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63
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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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Xu J, Liu H, Chai OH, Lan Y, Jiang R. Osr1 Interacts Synergistically with Wt1 to Regulate Kidney Organogenesis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159597. [PMID: 27442016 PMCID: PMC4956120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal hypoplasia is a common cause of pediatric renal failure and several adult-onset diseases. Recent studies have associated a variant of the OSR1 gene with reduction of newborn kidney size and function in heterozygotes and neonatal lethality with kidney defects in homozygotes. How OSR1 regulates kidney development and nephron endowment is not well understood, however. In this study, by using the recently developed CRISPR genome editing technology, we genetically labeled the endogenous Osr1 protein and show that Osr1 interacts with Wt1 in the developing kidney. Whereas mice heterozygous for either an Osr1 or Wt1 null allele have normal kidneys at birth, most mice heterozygous for both Osr1 and Wt1 exhibit defects in metanephric kidney development, including unilateral or bilateral kidney agenesis or hypoplasia. The developmental defects in the Osr1+/-Wt1+/- mouse embryos were detected as early as E10.5, during specification of the metanephric mesenchyme, with the Osr1+/-Wt1+/- mouse embryos exhibiting significantly reduced Pax2-positive and Six2-positive nephron progenitor cells. Moreover, expression of Gdnf, the major nephrogenic signal for inducing ureteric bud outgrowth, was significantly reduced in the metanephric mesenchyme in Osr1+/-Wt1+/- embryos in comparison with the Osr1+/- or Wt1+/- littermates. By E11.5, as the ureteric buds invade the metanephric mesenchyme and initiate branching morphogenesis, kidney morphogenesis was significantly impaired in the Osr1+/-Wt1+/- embryos in comparison with the Osr1+/- or Wt1+/- embryos. These results indicate that Osr1 and Wt1 act synergistically to regulate nephron endowment by controlling metanephric mesenchyme specification during early nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Xu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
| | - Han Liu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Institute for Medical Sciences, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju 561–756, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Lan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
| | - Rulang Jiang
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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65
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O'Brien LL, Guo Q, Lee Y, Tran T, Benazet JD, Whitney PH, Valouev A, McMahon AP. Differential regulation of mouse and human nephron progenitors by the Six family of transcriptional regulators. Development 2016; 143:595-608. [PMID: 26884396 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nephron endowment is determined by the self-renewal and induction of a nephron progenitor pool established at the onset of kidney development. In the mouse, the related transcriptional regulators Six1 and Six2 play non-overlapping roles in nephron progenitors. Transient Six1 activity prefigures, and is essential for, active nephrogenesis. By contrast, Six2 maintains later progenitor self-renewal from the onset of nephrogenesis. We compared the regulatory actions of Six2 in mouse and human nephron progenitors by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq). Surprisingly, SIX1 was identified as a SIX2 target unique to the human nephron progenitors. Furthermore, RNA-seq and immunostaining revealed overlapping SIX1 and SIX2 activity in 16 week human fetal nephron progenitors. Comparative bioinformatic analysis of human SIX1 and SIX2 ChIP-seq showed each factor targeted a similar set of cis-regulatory modules binding an identical target recognition motif. In contrast to the mouse where Six2 binds its own enhancers but does not interact with DNA around Six1, both human SIX1 and SIX2 bind homologous SIX2 enhancers and putative enhancers positioned around SIX1. Transgenic analysis of a putative human SIX1 enhancer in the mouse revealed a transient, mouse-like, pre-nephrogenic, Six1 regulatory pattern. Together, these data demonstrate a divergence in SIX-factor regulation between mouse and human nephron progenitors. In the human, an auto/cross-regulatory loop drives continued SIX1 and SIX2 expression during active nephrogenesis. By contrast, the mouse establishes only an auto-regulatory Six2 loop. These data suggest differential SIX-factor regulation might have contributed to species differences in nephron progenitor programs such as the duration of nephrogenesis and the final nephron count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori L O'Brien
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Qiuyu Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA Division of Bioinformatics, Department of Preventative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - YoungJin Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tracy Tran
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jean-Denis Benazet
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Peter H Whitney
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Anton Valouev
- Division of Bioinformatics, Department of Preventative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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66
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Lee MS, Hsu WT, Deng YF, Lin CW, Weng EY, Chang HP, Wu SF, Li C. SOX2 suppresses the mobility of urothelial carcinoma by promoting the expression of S100A14. Biochem Biophys Rep 2016; 7:230-239. [PMID: 28955911 PMCID: PMC5613348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box protein 2 (SOX2) plays a critical role in stem cell maintenance and carcinogenesis. In addition to its function as a minor-groove DNA binding transcription factor, our previous study showed that SOX2 also acts as a RNA binding protein. In current study, we first showed that SOX2 displayed high affinity toward the mRNA encoding S100A14 in BFTC905 and that depletion of SOX2 resulted in a decrease of S100A14 mRNA and protein level. To characterize the RNA binding sequence recognized by SOX2, oligomer-directed RNase H digestion was coupled to the cross-linking before immunoprecipitation assay to demonstrate that SOX2 preferentially binds to the 3′-UTR of the S100A14 mRNA. Using EGFP-S100A14 3′-UTR reporters and mobility shift assay, we identified that the binding sequence on the 3′-UTR of the S100A14 mRNA exhibits a stem-loop structure. Together, our data indicates that SOX2 enhances S100A14 expression by binding to the 3′-UTR of the S100A14 mRNA. Functionally, depletion of SOX2 increases growth and mobility of BFTC905. Knock-down of S100A14 in BFTC905 also leads to an increase in the number of the cells in the S phase and higher mobility, suggesting that SOX2 suppresses cell growth and mobility through promoting the expression of S100A14. Together, our experimental evidence indicates that SOX2 is capable of exerting its cellular functions by functioning as an RNA binding protein in post-transcriptional regulation. SOX2 binds to the S100A14 mRNA and promotes the expression of S100A14. The SOX2 binding site on the S100A14 mRNA 3′UTR consists of an stem-loop structure. Suppression of SOX2 expression promotes growth and mobility of BFTC905. S100A14 functions to retard cell cycle progression and mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Sing Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Hsu
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Deng
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Erh-Ying Weng
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ping Chang
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chin Li
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
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67
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Vidal V, Sacco S, Rocha AS, da Silva F, Panzolini C, Dumontet T, Doan TMP, Shan J, Rak-Raszewska A, Bird T, Vainio S, Martinez A, Schedl A. The adrenal capsule is a signaling center controlling cell renewal and zonation through Rspo3. Genes Dev 2016; 30:1389-94. [PMID: 27313319 PMCID: PMC4926862 DOI: 10.1101/gad.277756.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Vidal et al. show that capsular RSPO3 signals to the underlying steroidogenic compartment to induce β-catenin signaling and imprint glomerulosa cell fate. Rspo3 function remains essential in adult life to ensure replenishment of lost cells and maintain the properties of the zona glomerulosa. Adrenal glands are zonated endocrine organs that are essential in controlling body homeostasis. How zonation is induced and maintained and how renewal of the adrenal cortex is ensured remain a mystery. Here we show that capsular RSPO3 signals to the underlying steroidogenic compartment to induce β-catenin signaling and imprint glomerulosa cell fate. Deletion of RSPO3 leads to loss of SHH signaling and impaired organ growth. Importantly, Rspo3 function remains essential in adult life to ensure replenishment of lost cells and maintain the properties of the zona glomerulosa. Thus, the adrenal capsule acts as a central signaling center that ensures replacement of damaged cells and is required to maintain zonation throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Vidal
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Sonia Sacco
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Ana Sofia Rocha
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Fabio da Silva
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Clara Panzolini
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- UMR6293, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Clermont Université, F-63178 Aubière, France; U1103, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Clermont Université, F-63178 Aubière, France
| | - Thi Mai Phuong Doan
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
| | | | | | - Tom Bird
- Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Antoine Martinez
- UMR6293, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Clermont Université, F-63178 Aubière, France; U1103, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Clermont Université, F-63178 Aubière, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; UMR1091, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-06108 Nice, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108 Nice, France
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68
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Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in kidney and lower urinary tract development. Pediatr Nephrol 2016; 31:885-95. [PMID: 26293980 PMCID: PMC4761523 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-015-3151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and FGF ligands are highly expressed in the developing kidney and lower urinary tract. Several classic studies showed many effects of exogenous FGF ligands on embryonic renal tissues in vitro and in vivo. Another older landmark publication showed that mice with a dominant negative Fgfr fragment had severe renal dysplasia. Together, these studies revealed the importance of FGFR signaling in kidney and lower urinary tract development. With the advent of modern gene targeting techniques, including conditional knockout approaches, several publications have revealed critical roles for FGFR signaling in many lineages of the kidney and lower urinary tract at different stages of development. FGFR signaling has been shown to be critical for early metanephric mesenchymal patterning, Wolffian duct patterning including induction of the ureteric bud, ureteric bud branching morphogenesis, nephron progenitor survival and nephrogenesis, and bladder mesenchyme patterning. FGFRs pattern these tissues by interacting with many other growth factor signaling pathways. Moreover, the many genetic Fgfr and Fgf animal models have structural defects mimicking numerous congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract seen in humans. Finally, many studies have shown how FGFR signaling is critical for kidney and lower urinary tract patterning in humans.
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69
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Tanigawa S, Taguchi A, Sharma N, Perantoni AO, Nishinakamura R. Selective In Vitro Propagation of Nephron Progenitors Derived from Embryos and Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2016; 15:801-813. [PMID: 27149838 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephron progenitors in the embryonic kidney propagate while generating differentiated nephrons. However, in mice, the progenitors terminally differentiate shortly after birth. Here, we report a method for selectively expanding nephron progenitors in vitro in an undifferentiated state. Combinatorial and concentration-dependent stimulation with LIF, FGF2/9, BMP7, and a WNT agonist is critical for expansion. The purified progenitors proliferated beyond the physiological limits observed in vivo, both for cell numbers and lifespan. Neonatal progenitors were maintained for a week, while progenitors from embryonic day 11.5 expanded 1,800-fold for nearly 20 days and still reconstituted 3D nephrons containing glomeruli and renal tubules. Furthermore, progenitors generated from mouse embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent cells could be expanded with retained nephron-forming potential. Thus, we have established in vitro conditions for promoting the propagation of nephron progenitors, which will be essential for dissecting the mechanisms of kidney organogenesis and for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Tanigawa
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Taguchi
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Nirmala Sharma
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Alan O Perantoni
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.
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70
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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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71
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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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72
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Muthukrishnan SD, Yang X, Friesel R, Oxburgh L. Concurrent BMP7 and FGF9 signalling governs AP-1 function to promote self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10027. [PMID: 26634297 PMCID: PMC4686668 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) is governed by BMP, FGF and WNT signalling. Mechanisms underlying cross-talk between these pathways at the molecular level are largely unknown. Here we delineate the pathway through which the proliferative BMP7 signal is transduced in NPCs in the mouse. BMP7 activates the MAPKs TAK1 and JNK to phosphorylate the transcription factor JUN, which in turn governs transcription of AP-1-element containing G1-phase cell cycle regulators such as Myc and Ccnd1 to promote NPC proliferation. Conditional inactivation of Tak1 or Jun in cap mesenchyme causes identical phenotypes characterized by premature depletion of NPCs. While JUN is regulated by BMP7, we find that its partner FOS is regulated by FGF9. We demonstrate that BMP7 and FGF9 coordinately regulate AP-1 transcription to promote G1-S cell cycle progression and NPC proliferation. Our findings identify a molecular mechanism explaining the important cooperation between two major NPC self-renewal pathways. The growth factors BMP and FGF both stimulate the self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), but how these signals overlap is unclear. Here in the mouse, Muthukrishnan et al. find BMP7 and FGF9 coordinately regulate AP-1 transcriptional activity, promoting G1-S cell cycle progression and NPC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Deepthi Muthukrishnan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
| | - Xuehui Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA
| | - Robert Friesel
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA
| | - Leif Oxburgh
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA
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73
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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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74
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Brown AC, Muthukrishnan SD, Oxburgh L. A synthetic niche for nephron progenitor cells. Dev Cell 2015; 34:229-41. [PMID: 26190145 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
FGF, BMP, and WNT balance embryonic nephron progenitor cell (NPC) renewal and differentiation. By modulating these pathways, we have created an in vitro niche in which NPCs from embryonic kidneys or derived from human embryonic stem cells can be propagated. NPC cultures expanded up to one billion-fold in this environment can be induced to form tubules expressing nephron differentiation markers. Single-cell culture reveals phenotypic variability within the early CITED1-expressing NPC compartment, indicating that it is a mixture of cells with varying progenitor potential. Furthermore, we find that the developmental age of NPCs does not correlate with propagation capacity, indicating that cessation of nephrogenesis is related to factors other than an intrinsic clock. This in vitro nephron progenitor niche will have important applications for expansion of cells for engraftment and will facilitate investigation of mechanisms that determine the balance between renewal and differentiation in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Brown
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
| | - Sree Deepthi Muthukrishnan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
| | - Leif Oxburgh
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA.
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75
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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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76
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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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77
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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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78
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Lindström NO, Carragher NO, Hohenstein P. The PI3K pathway balances self-renewal and differentiation of nephron progenitor cells through β-catenin signaling. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:551-60. [PMID: 25754203 PMCID: PMC4400645 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephron progenitor cells differentiate to form nephrons during embryonic kidney development. In contrast, self-renewal maintains progenitor numbers and premature depletion leads to impaired kidney function. Here we analyze the PI3K pathway as a point of convergence for the multiple pathways that are known to control self-renewal in the kidney. We demonstrate that a reduction in PI3K signaling triggers premature differentiation of the progenitors and activates a differentiation program that precedes the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition through ectopic activation of the β-catenin pathway. Therefore, the combined output of PI3K and other pathways fine-tunes the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in nephron progenitors. Nephron progenitor cells require PI3K signaling for self-renewal Reduced PI3K activity enhances β-catenin-induced differentiation Nephron progenitor cells can differentiate prior to completion of epithelialization
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Olof Lindström
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK.
| | - Neil Oliver Carragher
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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79
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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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80
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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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