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da Silva SD, Alaoui-Jamali MA, Soares FA, Carraro DM, Brentani HP, Hier M, Rogatto SR, Kowalski LP. TWIST1 is a molecular marker for a poor prognosis in oral cancer and represents a potential therapeutic target. Cancer 2013; 120:352-62. [PMID: 24150986 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locoregional recurrence and distant metastases are ominous events in patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective of this study was to identify functional biomarkers that are predictive of OSCC progression to metastasis. METHODS The expression profile of a network of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes was investigated in a large cohort of patients with progressive OSCC using a complimentary DNA microarray platform coupled to quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses. Therapeutic potential was investigated in vitro and in vivo using an orthotopic mouse model of metastatic OSCC growing in the tongue microenvironment. RESULTS Among deregulated EMT genes, the Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) transcription factor and several of its regulated genes were significantly overexpressed across advanced stages of OSCC. This result was corroborated by the clinical observation that Twist1 up-regulation predicted the occurrence of lymph node and lung metastases as well as poor patient survival. In support of Twist1 as a driver of OSCC progression, the up-regulation of Twist1 was observed in cells isolated from patients with metastatic OSCC. The inhibition of Twist1 in these metastatic cells induced a potent inhibition of cell invasiveness in vitro as well as progression in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The current results provide evidence for the prognostic value and therapeutic potential of a network of Twist genes in patients with advanced OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Daniela da Silva
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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102
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Stephens DN, Klein RH, Salmans ML, Gordon W, Ho H, Andersen B. The Ets transcription factor EHF as a regulator of cornea epithelial cell identity. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:34304-24. [PMID: 24142692 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.504399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the clear, outermost portion of the eye composed of three layers: an epithelium that provides a protective barrier while allowing transmission of light into the eye, a collagen-rich stroma, and an endothelium monolayer. How cornea development and aging is controlled is poorly understood. Here we characterize the mouse cornea transcriptome from early embryogenesis through aging and compare it with transcriptomes of other epithelial tissues, identifying cornea-enriched genes, pathways, and transcriptional regulators. Additionally, we profiled cornea epithelium and stroma, defining genes enriched in these layers. Over 10,000 genes are differentially regulated in the mouse cornea across the time course, showing dynamic expression during development and modest expression changes in fewer genes during aging. A striking transition time point for gene expression between postnatal days 14 and 28 corresponds with completion of cornea development at the transcriptional level. Clustering classifies co-expressed, and potentially co-regulated, genes into biologically informative categories, including groups that exhibit epithelial or stromal enriched expression. Based on these findings, and through loss of function studies and ChIP-seq, we show that the Ets transcription factor EHF promotes cornea epithelial fate through complementary gene activating and repressing activities. Furthermore, we identify potential interactions between EHF, KLF4, and KLF5 in promoting cornea epithelial differentiation. These data provide insights into the mechanisms underlying epithelial development and aging, identifying EHF as a regulator of cornea epithelial identity and pointing to interactions between Ets and KLF factors in promoting epithelial fate. Furthermore, this comprehensive gene expression data set for the cornea is a powerful tool for discovery of novel cornea regulators and pathways.
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103
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Mammoto T, Jiang E, Jiang A, Lu Y, Juan AM, Chen J, Mammoto A. Twist1 controls lung vascular permeability and endotoxin-induced pulmonary edema by altering Tie2 expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73407. [PMID: 24023872 PMCID: PMC3759405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of vascular permeability is necessary for normal development and deregulated vascular barrier function contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, cancer and inflammation. The angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie2 pathway is known to control vascular permeability. However, the mechanism by which the expression of Tie2 is regulated to control vascular permeability has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that transcription factor Twist1 modulates pulmonary vascular leakage by altering the expression of Tie2 in a context-dependent way. Twist1 knockdown in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells decreases Tie2 expression and phosphorylation and increases RhoA activity, which disrupts cell-cell junctional integrity and increases vascular permeability in vitro. In physiological conditions, where Ang1 is dominant, pulmonary vascular permeability is elevated in the Tie2-specific Twist1 knockout mice. However, depletion of Twist1 and resultant suppression of Tie2 expression prevent increase in vascular permeability in an endotoxin-induced lung injury model, where the balance of Angs shifts toward Ang2. These results suggest that Twist1-Tie2-Angs signaling is important for controlling vascular permeability and modulation of this mechanism may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for pulmonary edema and other diseases caused by abnormal vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanori Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Jiang
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amanda Jiang
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yongbo Lu
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aimee M. Juan
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jing Chen
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Akiko Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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104
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Khan MA, Chen HC, Zhang D, Fu J. Twist: a molecular target in cancer therapeutics. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:2497-506. [PMID: 23873099 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Twist, the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is involved in the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), which play an essential role in cancer metastasis. Overexpression of Twist or its promoter methylation is a common scenario in metastatic carcinomas. Twist is activated by a variety of signal transduction pathways, including Akt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Ras, and Wnt signaling. Activated Twist upregulates N-cadherin and downregulates E-cadherin, which are the hallmarks of EMT. Moreover, Twist plays an important role in some physiological processes involved in metastasis, like angiogenesis, invadopodia, extravasation, and chromosomal instability. Twist also protects cancer cells from apoptotic cell death. In addition, Twist is responsible for the stemness of cancer cells and the generation of drug resistance. Recently, targeting Twist has gained significant interests in cancer therapeutics. The inactivation of Twist by small RNA technology or chemotherapeutic approach has been proved successful. Moreover, several inhibitors which are antagonistic to the upstream or downstream molecules of Twist signaling pathways have also been identified. Development of potential treatment strategies by targeting Twist has a great promise in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Luzhou Medical College, 3-319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
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105
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Regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Claudin-3 and Claudin-4. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67496. [PMID: 23805314 PMCID: PMC3689737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that control intracellular adhesion are central to the process of invasion and metastasis. Claudin-3 (CLDN3) and claudin-4 (CLDN4) are major structural molecules of the tight junctions that link epithelial cells. Our prior work has demonstrated that knockdown of the expression of either CLDN3 or CLDN4 produces marked changes in the phenotype of ovarian carcinoma cells including increases in growth rate in vivo, migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, similar to those produced by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We postulated that these changes may result from the ability of CLDN3 or CLDN4 to suppress EMT. In this study we found that knockdown of either CLDN3 or CLDN4 increased cell size and resulted in flattened morphology. While knockdown of CLDN3 or CLDN4 did not alter the expression of vimentin, it significantly down-regulated the level of E-cadherin and up-regulated N-cadherin expression. Conversely, over-expression of CLDN3 or CLDN4 in a cell line that does not express endogenous CLDN3 or CLDN4 decreased N-cadherin expression. Re-expression of E-cadherin in the CLDN3 or CLDN4 knockdown cells reduced migration, invasion and tumor growth in vivo. Loss of either CLDN3 or CLDN4 resulted in activation of the PI3K pathway as evidenced by increased Akt phosphorylation, elevated cellular PIP3 content and PI3K activity as well as up-regulation of the mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factor Twist. Taken together, these findings suggest that CLDN3 and CLDN4 function to sustain an epithelial phenotype and that their loss promotes EMT.
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106
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Nairismägi ML, Füchtbauer A, Labouriau R, Bramsen JB, Füchtbauer EM. The proto-oncogene TWIST1 is regulated by microRNAs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66070. [PMID: 23741524 PMCID: PMC3669147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the proto-oncogene Twist1 is highly correlated with acquired drug resistance and poor prognosis in human cancers. Altered expression of this multifunctional transcription factor is also associated with inherited skeletal malformations. The mammalian Twist1 3′UTRs are highly conserved and contain a number of potential regulatory elements including miRNA target sites. We analyzed the translational regulation of TWIST1 using luciferase reporter assays in a variety of cell lines. Among several miRNAs tested, miR-145a-5p, miR-151-5p and a combination of miR-145a-5p + miR-151-5p and miR-151-5p + miR-337-3p were able to significantly repress Twist1 translation. This phenomena was confirmed with both exogenous and endogenous miRNAs and was dependent on the presence of the predicted target sites in the 3′UTR. Furthermore, the repression was sensitive to LNA-modified miRNA antagonists and resulted in decreased migratory potential of murine embryonic fibroblast cells. Understanding the in vivo mechanisms of this oncogene's regulation might open up a possibility for therapeutic interference by gene specific cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette Füchtbauer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Labouriau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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107
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Mao Y, Xu J, Song G, Zhang N, Yin H. Twist2 promotes ovarian cancer cell survival through activation of Akt. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:169-174. [PMID: 23946798 PMCID: PMC3742652 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) is an important prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma. Hypoxia contributes to tumor progression and is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Twist2 is an EMT regulator, however, it remains poorly understood in ovarian carcinoma. The present study evaluated the expression of HIF-1α and Twist2 and further investigated whether Twist2 is involved in hypoxia-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer. A series of matched paraffin-embedded tissue sections from human primary ovarian cancer and normal ovarian tissues were examined through immunohistochemical analysis, a Twist2-overexpressing stable ovarian cancer cell line was established and deferoxamine (DFO) was introduced to simulate hypoxic conditions. DFO-induced apoptosis was examined by fluorescence microscopy, MTT assays and flow cytometry. In addition, a western blot analysis was performed to examine the molecular mechanism(s) of action. Twist2 increased in epithelial ovarian cancers associated with HIF-1α expression. The acquired expression of Twist2 was able to promote the survival of ovarian cancer cells through Akt phosphorylation under DFO-induced hypoxic stress. The results suggest that Twist2 activates the PI-3K-Akt pathway to protect cells from apoptosis in a hypoxic environment. Moreover, Twist2 may be involved in the HIF-1α signaling pathway in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology in Basic Science, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
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108
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Bildsoe H, Loebel DAF, Jones VJ, Hor ACC, Braithwaite AW, Chen YT, Behringer RR, Tam PPL. The mesenchymal architecture of the cranial mesoderm of mouse embryos is disrupted by the loss of Twist1 function. Dev Biol 2012; 374:295-307. [PMID: 23261931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1 is a key regulator of craniofacial development. Twist1-null mouse embryos exhibit failure of cephalic neural tube closure and abnormal head development and die at E11.0. To dissect the function of Twist1 in the cranial mesoderm beyond mid-gestation, we used Mesp1-Cre to delete Twist1 in the anterior mesoderm, which includes the progenitors of the cranial mesoderm. Deletion of Twist1 in mesoderm cells resulted in loss and malformations of the cranial mesoderm-derived skeleton. Loss of Twist1 in the mesoderm also resulted in a failure to fully segregate the mesoderm and the neural crest cells, and the malformation of some cranial neural crest-derived tissues. The development of extraocular muscles was compromised whereas the differentiation of branchial arch muscles was not affected, indicating a differential requirement for Twist1 in these two types of craniofacial muscle. A striking effect of the loss of Twist1 was the inability of the mesodermal cells to maintain their mesenchymal characteristics, and the acquisition of an epithelial-like morphology. Our findings point to a role of Twist1 in maintaining the mesenchyme architecture and the progenitor state of the mesoderm, as well as mediating mesoderm-neural crest interactions in craniofacial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Bildsoe
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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109
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Toubal A, Clément K, Fan R, Ancel P, Pelloux V, Rouault C, Veyrie N, Hartemann A, Treuter E, Venteclef N. SMRT-GPS2 corepressor pathway dysregulation coincides with obesity-linked adipocyte inflammation. J Clin Invest 2012; 123:362-79. [PMID: 23221346 DOI: 10.1172/jci64052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-grade chronic inflammation is a major characteristic of obesity and results from deregulated white adipose tissue function. Consequently, there is interest in identifying the underlying regulatory mechanisms and components that drive adipocyte inflammation. Here, we report that expression of the transcriptional corepressor complex subunits GPS2 and SMRT was significantly reduced in obese adipose tissue, inversely correlated to inflammatory status, and was restored upon gastric bypass surgery-induced weight loss in morbid obesity. These alterations correlated with reduced occupancy of the corepressor complex at inflammatory promoters, providing a mechanistic explanation for elevated inflammatory transcription. In support of these correlations, RNAi-mediated depletion of GPS2 and SMRT from cultured human adipocytes promoted derepression of inflammatory transcription and elevation of obesity-associated inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and MCP-1. Furthermore, we identified a regulatory cascade containing PPARγ and TWIST1 that controlled the expression of GPS2 and SMRT in human adipocytes. These findings were clinically relevant, because treatment of diabetic obese patients with pioglitazone, an antidiabetic and antiinflammatory PPARγ agonist, restored expression of TWIST1, GPS2, and SMRT in adipose tissue. Collectively, our findings identify alterations in a regulatory transcriptional network in adipocytes involving the dysregulation of a specific corepressor complex as among the initiating events promoting adipose tissue inflammation in human obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Toubal
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Paris, France
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110
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Lee K, Nelson CM. New insights into the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tissue fibrosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 294:171-221. [PMID: 22364874 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394305-7.00004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis often presents as the final outcome of chronic disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Fibrosis is driven by continuous expansion of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a form of cell plasticity in which epithelia acquire mesenchymal phenotypes and is increasingly recognized as an integral aspect of tissue fibrogenesis. In this review, we describe recent insight into the molecular and cellular factors that regulate EMT and its underlying signaling pathways. We also consider how mechanical cues from the microenvironment affect the regulation of EMT. Finally, we discuss the role of EMT in fibrotic diseases and propose approaches for detecting and treating fibrogenesis by targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- KangAe Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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111
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Mao Y, Zhang N, Xu J, Ding Z, Zong R, Liu Z. Significance of heterogeneous Twist2 expression in human breast cancers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48178. [PMID: 23133563 PMCID: PMC3485060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Twist2 (Dermo1) has been shown to mediate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote tumor invasion and even metastasis. However, the involvement of EMT in breast cancer progression is highly debated, partially due to clinical observations showing that the majority of human breast carcinoma metastases express E-cadherin and maintain their epithelial morphology. The molecular mechanism by which Twist2 participates in EMT of breast cancer in vivo remains poorly understood. Methods We examined Twist2 expression pattern in human breast carcinomas by western blot and tissue microarray, and analyzed Twist2 cellular localization by confocal microscopy, cell fractionation and other approaches. Results Twist2 expression was significantly increased in breast cancer. Cytoplasmic Twist2 positive cancer cells expressing E-cadherin on the cellular membrane were mainly located at tumor center of primary carcinomas and lymph metastases, while cancer cells with nuclear Twist2 clearly showed loss of E-cadherin and were detected at the invasive front in ductal breast carcinomas. In addition, ectopically stable-expressed Twist2 was found to localize in the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Collectively, these data indicate that upregulation of cytoplasmic Twist2 is correlated with tumor histological type and tumor metastasis in human breast cancers. Conclusion The differential cellular distribution of Twist2 may be associated with tumor progression. The cytoplasmic Twist2 in cancer cells at tumor center of primary carcinomas and lymph metastases contributes to the maintenance of epithelial cancer characteristics expressing E-cadherin in a noninvasive state, while the nuclear Twist2 at the cancer invasion front activates EMT to deprive epithelial property of neoplastic cells, thus facilitating invasion and metastasis. These findings suggest that heterogeneous expression of Twist2 in tumors may have a functional link to tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology in Basic Science, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (YM)
| | - Nini Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology in Basic Science, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinfei Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology in Basic Science, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhijie Ding
- Department of Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Rongrong Zong
- Eye Institute and Xiamen Eye Center, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Eye Institute and Xiamen Eye Center, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (YM)
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112
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Sánchez-Tilló E, Liu Y, de Barrios O, Siles L, Fanlo L, Cuatrecasas M, Darling DS, Dean DC, Castells A, Postigo A. EMT-activating transcription factors in cancer: beyond EMT and tumor invasiveness. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:3429-56. [PMID: 22945800 PMCID: PMC11115078 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex multistep process involving genetic and epigenetic changes that eventually result in the activation of oncogenic pathways and/or inactivation of tumor suppressor signals. During cancer progression, cancer cells acquire a number of hallmarks that promote tumor growth and invasion. A crucial mechanism by which carcinoma cells enhance their invasive capacity is the dissolution of intercellular adhesions and the acquisition of a more motile mesenchymal phenotype as part of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although many transcription factors can trigger it, the full molecular reprogramming occurring during an EMT is mainly orchestrated by three major groups of transcription factors: the ZEB, Snail and Twist families. Upregulated expression of these EMT-activating transcription factors (EMT-ATFs) promotes tumor invasiveness in cell lines and xenograft mice models and has been associated with poor clinical prognosis in human cancers. Evidence accumulated in the last few years indicates that EMT-ATFs also regulate an expanding set of cancer cell capabilities beyond tumor invasion. Thus, EMT-ATFs have been shown to cooperate in oncogenic transformation, regulate cancer cell stemness, override safeguard programs against cancer like apoptosis and senescence, determine resistance to chemotherapy and promote tumor angiogenesis. This article reviews the expanding portfolio of functions played by EMT-ATFs in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sánchez-Tilló
- Group of Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERehd (Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology), IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yongqing Liu
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Birth Defects Center, Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Oriol de Barrios
- Group of Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Siles
- Group of Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucia Fanlo
- Group of Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Master Program in Biomedical Research, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Cuatrecasas
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic and IDIBAPS’ Tumor Bank, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Douglas S. Darling
- Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Douglas C. Dean
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Birth Defects Center, Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Antoni Castells
- CIBERehd (Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology), IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERehd (Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology), IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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113
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Velpula KK, Dasari VR, Tsung AJ, Dinh DH, Rao JS. Cord blood stem cells revert glioma stem cell EMT by down regulating transcriptional activation of Sox2 and Twist1. Oncotarget 2012; 2:1028-42. [PMID: 22184289 PMCID: PMC3282065 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic nature of cancer stem cells that underlie metastasis or their ability to switch between different cellular identities, as in EMT and MET, has profound implications for cancer therapy. The functional relationship between molecules involved in cancer cell stemness and metastasis is not clear. In this regard, our studies on hGBM tissue grade IV specimens showed significant expression of Twist1 and Sox2, known mesenchymal and stemness related markers, respectively, indicating their association with glial tumor genesis and metastasis. The glioma stem cells obtained from CD133+ cells demonstrated increased expression of Twist1 and Sox2 accompanied by significant increase in the mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin. Our studies on glioma stem cells treatment with human umbilical cord blood derived- mesenchymal stem cells, showed down regulation of Twist1 and Sox2 proteins, apart from other mesenchymal stem cell markers. Based on the in vitro experiments and in vivo intracranial xenograft mouse model studies, we elucidated the potential therapeutic role of hUCBSC in suppressing glioma cancer stemness by the induction of MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Velpula
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, USA
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114
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Davidson B, Tropé CG, Reich R. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian carcinoma. Front Oncol 2012; 2:33. [PMID: 22655269 PMCID: PMC3356037 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, with the majority of patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis. This poor survival of patients diagnosed with this malignancy is attributed to diagnosis at advanced stage, when the tumor has metastasized, and to chemotherapy resistance, either primary or developing along tumor progression. However, ovarian carcinomas, constituting the vast majority of ovarian cancers, additionally have unique biology, one aspect of which is the ability to co-express epithelial and mesenchymal determinants. epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process by which mesenchymal cells are formed and migrate to target organs during embryogenesis, is involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. However, these changes do not fully occur in ovarian carcinoma, and are even reversed in tumor cells present in malignant peritoneal and pleural effusions. This review summarizes current knowledge in this area, including the characteristics of EMT related to adhesion, transcriptional regulation and chemoresistance, and their clinical relevance, as well as the recently observed regulation of EMT by microRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Davidson
- Division of Pathology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway
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115
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Zhang Y, Blackwell EL, McKnight MT, Knutsen GR, Vu WT, Ruest LB. Specific inactivation of Twist1 in the mandibular arch neural crest cells affects the development of the ramus and reveals interactions with hand2. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:924-40. [PMID: 22411303 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Twist1 fulfills an essential function in neural crest cell formation, migration, and survival and is associated with the craniosynostic Saethre-Chotzen syndrome in humans. However, its functions during mandibular development, when it may interact with other bHLH transcription factors like Hand2, are unknown because mice homozygous for the Twist1 null mutation die in early embryogenesis. To determine the role of Twist1 during mandibular development, we used the Hand2-Cre transgene to conditionally inactivate the gene in the neural crest cells populating the mandibular pharyngeal arch. RESULTS The mutant mice exhibited a spectrum of craniofacial anomalies, including mandibular hypoplasia, altered middle ear development, and cleft palate. It appears that Twist1 is essential for the survival of the neural crest cells involved in the development of the mandibular ramal elements. Twist1 plays a role in molar development and cusp formation by participating in the reciprocal signaling needed for the formation of the enamel knot. This gene is also needed to control the ossification of the mandible, a redundant role shared with Hand2. CONCLUSION Twist1, along with Hand2, is essential for the proximodistal patterning and development of the mandible and ossification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Dobrian AD. A tale with a Twist: a developmental gene with potential relevance for metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in adipose tissue. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:108. [PMID: 22969750 PMCID: PMC3430876 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Twist proteins (Twist-1 and -2) are highly conserved developmental proteins with key roles for the transcriptional regulation in mesenchymal cell lineages. They belong to the super-family of bHLH proteins and exhibit bi-functional roles as both activators and repressors of gene transcription. The Twist proteins are expressed at low levels in adult tissues but may become abundantly re-expressed in cells undergoing malignant transformation. This observation prompted extensive research on the roles of Twist proteins in cancer progression and metastasis. Very recent studies indicate a novel role for Twist-1 as a potential regulator of adipose tissue (AT) remodeling and inflammation. Several studies suggested that developmental genes are important determinants of obesity, fat distribution and remodeling capacity of different adipose depots. Twist-1 is abundantly and selectively expressed in the adult AT and its constitutive expression is significantly higher in subcutaneous (SAT) vs. visceral (VAT) fat in both mice and humans. Moreover, Twist1 expression is strongly correlated with BMI and insulin resistance in humans. However, the functional roles and transcriptional downstream targets of Twist1 in AT are largely unexplored. The purpose of this review is to highlight the major findings related to Twist1 expression in different fat depots and cellular components of AT and to discuss the potential mechanisms suggesting a role for Twist1 in AT metabolism, inflammation and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca D. Dobrian
- *Correspondence: Anca D. Dobrian, Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700W Olney Rd., Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. e-mail:
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117
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Jin FJ, Nishida M, Hara S, Koyama Y. Identification and characterization of a putative basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in the early stage of conidiophore development in Aspergillus oryzae. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:1108-15. [PMID: 22008745 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The helix-loop-helix (HLH) family of transcriptional factors is a key player in a wide range of developmental processes. HLH proteins form homo- and/or heterodimers with other HLH proteins and bind to E-box motifs. The regulation and functions of these proteins can be complex due to their bifunctional roles as activators and repressors of gene transcription. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel predicted bHLH protein-encoding gene, AO090023000902, designated ecdR (early conidiophore development regulator), in Aspergillus oryzae. The ecdR gene disruptant produced very few conidia. Conversely, the overexpression of ecdR resulted in the formation of a large number of conidia at an early stage, suggesting that the EcdR protein is required for early asexual development. Additionally, when serially diluted conidia were spread-cultivated onto malt agar medium, we found that conidial number of the control strain depended on the cultivated conidium density, while the ecdR-overexpressing strain showed no significant change in conidiation. These phenotypes of ecdR-disruptant and ecdR-overexpressing strains are partially similar to those of the sclR-overexpressing strain and sclR-disruptant, respectively. Yeast two-hybrid assays and sclR, ecdR-double deletion experiment indicated that EcdR plays a major role in conidiation, and SclR represses this function by competitively interacting with EcdR in A. oryzae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jie Jin
- Noda Institute for Scientific Research, 399 Noda, Noda City 278-0037, Japan.
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118
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Franco HL, Casasnovas JJ, Leon RG, Friesel R, Ge Y, Desnick RJ, Cadilla CL. Nonsense mutations of the bHLH transcription factor TWIST2 found in Setleis Syndrome patients cause dysregulation of periostin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 43:1523-31. [PMID: 21801849 PMCID: PMC3163740 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Setleis Syndrome (OMIM ID: 227260) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by abnormal facial development. Recently, we have reported that two nonsense mutations (c.486C>T [Q119X] and c.324C>T [Q65X]) of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TWIST2 cause Setleis Syndrome. Here we show that periostin, a cell adhesion protein involved in connective tissue development and maintenance, is down-regulated in Setleis Syndrome patient fibroblast cells and that periostin positively responds to manipulations in TWIST2 levels, suggesting that TWIST2 is a transactivator of periostin. Functional analysis of the TWIST2 mutant form (Q119X) revealed that it maintains the ability to localize to the nucleus, forms homo and heterodimers with the ubiquitous bHLH protein E12, and binds to dsDNA. Reporter gene assays using deletion constructs of the human periostin promoter also reveal that TWIST2 can activate this gene more specifically than Twist1, while the Q119X mutant results in no significant transactivation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that both wild-type TWIST2 and the Q119X mutant bind the periostin promoter, however only wild-type TWIST2 is associated with higher levels of histone acetylation across the 5'-regulatory region of periostin. Taken together, these data suggest that the C-terminal domain of TWIST2, which is missing in the Q119X mutant form of TWIST2, is responsible for proper transactivation of the periostin gene. Improper regulation of periostin by the mutant form of TWIST2 could help explain some of the soft tissue abnormalities seen in these patients therefore providing a genotype-phenotype relationship for Setleis Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector L. Franco
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
| | - Jose J. Casasnovas
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
| | - Ruth G. Leon
- Center For Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough ME
| | - Robert Friesel
- Center For Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough ME
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Robert J. Desnick
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Carmen L. Cadilla
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
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Fang X, Cai Y, Liu J, Wang Z, Wu Q, Zhang Z, Yang CJ, Yuan L, Ouyang G. Twist2 contributes to breast cancer progression by promoting an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem-like cell self-renewal. Oncogene 2011; 30:4707-20. [PMID: 21602879 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved cellular programme that has an important role in normal embryogenesis and in cancer invasion and metastasis. We report here that Twist2, a tissue-specific basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is overexpressed in human breast cancers and lymph node metastases. In mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells, ectopic overexpression of Twist2 results in morphological transformation, downregulation of epithelial markers and upregulation of mesenchymal markers. Moreover, Twist2 enhances the cell migration and colony-forming abilities of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells in vitro and promotes tumour growth in vivo. Ectopic expression of Twist2 in mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells increases the size and number of their CD44(high)/CD24(low) stem-like cell sub-populations, promotes the expression of stem cell markers and enhances the self-renewal capabilities of stem-like cells. In addition, exogenous expression of Twist2 leads to constitutive activation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and downregulation of E-cadherin. Thus, the overexpression of Twist2 may contribute to breast cancer progression by activating the EMT programme and enhancing the self-renewal of cancer stem-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Wang L, Bresee CS, Jiang H, He W, Ren T, Schweitzer R, Brigande JV. Scleraxis is required for differentiation of the stapedius and tensor tympani tendons of the middle ear. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2011; 12:407-21. [PMID: 21399989 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-011-0264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleraxis (Scx) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor expressed in tendon and ligament progenitor cells and the differentiated cells within these connective tissues in the axial and appendicular skeleton. Unexpectedly, we found expression of the Scx transgenic reporter mouse, Scx-GFP, in interdental cells, sensory hair cells, and cochlear supporting cells at embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5). We evaluated Scx-null mice to gain insight into the function of Scx in the inner ear. Paradoxical hearing loss was detected in Scx-nulls, with ~50% of the mutants presenting elevated auditory thresholds. However, Scx-null mice have no obvious, gross alterations in cochlear morphology or cellular patterning. Moreover, we show that the elevated auditory thresholds correlate with middle ear infection. Laser interferometric measurement of sound-induced malleal movements in the infected Scx-nulls demonstrates increased impedance of the middle ear that accounts for the hearing loss observed. The vertebrate middle ear transmits vibrations of the tympanic membrane to the cochlea. The tensor tympani and stapedius muscles insert into the malleus and stapes via distinct tendons and mediate the middle ear muscle reflex that in part protects the inner ear from noise-induced damage. Nothing, however, is known about the development and function of these tendons. Scx is expressed in tendon progenitors at E14.5 and differentiated tenocytes of the stapedius and tensor tympani tendons at E16.5-18.5. Scx-nulls have dramatically shorter stapedius and tensor tympani tendons with altered extracellular matrix consistent with abnormal differentiation in which condensed tendon progenitors are inefficiently incorporated into the elongating tendons. Scx-GFP is the first transgenic reporter that identifies middle ear tendon lineages from the time of their formation through complete tendon maturation. Scx-null is the first genetically defined mouse model for abnormal middle ear tendon differentiation. Scx mouse models will facilitate studies of tendon and muscle formation and function in the middle ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Wang
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.
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