101
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The neurotrophic effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor on spinal motoneurons are restricted to fusimotor subtypes. J Neurosci 2008; 28:2131-46. [PMID: 18305247 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5185-07.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) regulates multiple aspects of spinal motoneuron (MN) development, including gene expression, target selection, survival, and synapse elimination, and mice lacking either GDNF or its receptors GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) and Ret exhibit a 25% reduction of lumbar MNs at postnatal day 0 (P0). Whether this loss reflects a generic trophic role for GDNF and thus a reduction of all MN subpopulations, or a more restricted role affecting only specific MN subpopulations, such as those innervating individual muscles, remains unclear. We therefore examined MN number and innervation in mice in which Ret, GFRalpha1, or GDNF was deleted and replaced by reporter alleles. Whereas nearly all hindlimb muscles exhibited normal gross innervation, intrafusal muscle spindles displayed a significant loss of innervation in most but not all muscles at P0. Furthermore, we observed a dramatic and restricted loss of small myelinated axons in the lumbar ventral roots of adult mice in which the function of either Ret or GFRalpha1 was inactivated in MNs early in development. Finally, we demonstrated that the period during which spindle-innervating MNs require GDNF for survival is restricted to early neonatal development, because mice in which the function of Ret or GFRalpha1 was inactivated after P5 failed to exhibit denervation of muscle spindles or MN loss. Therefore, although GDNF influences several aspects of MN development, the survival-promoting effects of GDNF during programmed cell death are mostly confined to spindle-innervating MNs.
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102
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Stenqvist A, Lundgren TK, Smith MJ, Hermanson O, Castelo-Branco G, Pawson T, Ernfors P. Subcellular receptor redistribution and enhanced microspike formation by a Ret receptor preferentially recruiting Dok. Neurosci Lett 2008; 435:11-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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103
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Lundgren TK, Luebke M, Stenqvist A, Ernfors P. Differential membrane compartmentalization of Ret by PTB-adaptor engagement. FEBS J 2008; 275:2055-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06360.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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104
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Gustin JA, Yang M, Johnson EM, Milbrandt J. Deciphering adaptor specificity in GFL-dependent RET-mediated proliferation and neurite outgrowth. J Neurochem 2007; 102:1184-94. [PMID: 17663753 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-dependent receptor tyrosine kinase RET activity is required for proper development of the nervous system and genitourinary tract. Loss-of-function mutations in RET are associated with enteric nervous system abnormalities (Hirschsprung disease) and renal deficits (Potter's syndrome), whereas activating mutations lead to hereditary cancer syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and type 2B). RET activation is crucial for the proper regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell migration, proliferation and neurite outgrowth. By analyzing a series of RET mutants we found that Y1062 was critical for stimulating GDNF-mediated proliferation as well as proliferation stimulated by GDNF-independent oncogenic forms of RET. Studies using small interfering RNA driven by lentivirus to knock-down expression of particular adaptor proteins that interact with RET phospho-Y1062, demonstrated that only Src-homology 2 and growth factor receptor binding protein 2 were necessary for RET-mediated proliferation by wild type and oncogenic forms of RET. Interestingly, we discovered that Y1062 was also required for GDNF-stimulated neurite outgrowth. However, small interfering RNAs to either Src-homology 2 or growth factor receptor binding protein 2 or a panel of other adaptor proteins known to interact with RET Y1062 were incapable of blocking GDNF-stimulated neurite formation, indicating that differential use of intracellular adaptors is responsible for regulating alternative RET-stimulated cellular events such as proliferation versus a differentiation response like neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Gustin
- Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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105
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Abstract
Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) occur in 1 out of 500 newborns, and constitute approximately 20-30% of all anomalies identified in the prenatal period. CAKUT has a major role in renal failure, and there is increasing evidence that certain abnormalities predispose to the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adult life. Moreover, defects in nephron formation can predispose to Wilms tumour, the most frequent solid tumour in children. To understand the basis of human renal diseases, it is essential to consider how the kidney develops.
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106
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Heanue TA, Pachnis V. Enteric nervous system development and Hirschsprung's disease: advances in genetic and stem cell studies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2007; 8:466-79. [PMID: 17514199 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) has been explored by developmental neurobiologists and medical researchers for decades. Whereas developmental biologists have been unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying the migration, proliferation and differentiation of the neural crest derivatives that give rise to the ENS, human geneticists have been uncovering the genetic basis for diseases of the ENS, notably Hirschsprung's disease. Here we discuss the exciting recent advances, including novel transgenic and genetic tools, a broadening range of model organisms, and the pursuit of ENS stem cells as a therapeutic tool, that are bringing these fields closer together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Heanue
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
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107
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Jain S, Suarez AA, McGuire J, Liapis H. Expression profiles of congenital renal dysplasia reveal new insights into renal development and disease. Pediatr Nephrol 2007; 22:962-74. [PMID: 17450386 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-007-0466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2006] [Revised: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital renal dysplasia (RD) is a major cause of renal failure in the pediatric population. Although molecular and genetic aspects of RD have been studied in animal models, limited studies have been done in human RD primarily due to lack of available material. To identify novel genes that are associated with RD and normal kidney development, we performed microarray analysis on total RNA extracted from age-matched fetal kidneys of normal and RD patients. In midgestational RD kidneys, we found 180 upregulated and 104 downregulated transcripts compared with normal kidneys. Among the increased transcripts in the dysplastic kidneys were matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP7, MMP19, TIMP1), inflammation- and immunity-related genes, and growth factors. Expression of genes known to be essential for normal kidney development, such as WT1, BMP7, renin, angiotensin receptor 2 (AGTR2), SAL-like 1 (SALL1) and glypican 3 (GPC3), were decreased in dysplastic kidneys. Expression of selected gene products (BMP7, renin, and MMP7) was further confirmed in parallel sections and in several normal and human dysplastic kidneys, supporting the role of these genes as putative RD biomarkers. These results are among the first to reveal disrupted expression profiles during gestation in human RD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Jain
- Department of Medicine (Renal Division), Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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108
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Tufro A, Teichman J, Banu N, Villegas G. Crosstalk between VEGF-A/VEGFR2 and GDNF/RET signaling pathways. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 358:410-6. [PMID: 17490619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.04.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) plays multiple roles in kidney development: stimulates cell proliferation, survival, tubulogenesis, and branching morphogenesis. However, the mechanism that mediates VEGF-A induced ureteric bud branching is unclear. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling through tyrosine kinase c-RET is the major regulator of ureteric bud branching. Here we examined whether VEGF-A regulates RET signaling. We determined that ureteric bud-derived cells express the main VEGF-A signaling receptor, VEGFR2 and RET, by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry. We show that the VEGF-A isoform VEGF(165) induces RET-tyr(1062) phosphorylation in addition to VEGFR2 autophosphorylation, that VEGF(165) and GDNF have additive effects on RET-tyr(1062) phosphorylation, and that VEGFR2 and RET co-immunoprecipitate. Functionally, VEGF(165) induces ureteric bud cell proliferation and branching morphogenesis. Similarly, in embryonic kidney explants VEGF(165) induces RET-tyr(1062) phosphorylation and upregulates GDNF. These findings provide evidence for a novel cooperative interaction between VEGFR2 and RET that mediates VEGF-A functions in ureteric bud cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alda Tufro
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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109
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Griseri P, Lantieri F, Puppo F, Bachetti T, Di Duca M, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. A common variant located in the 3'UTR of the RET gene is associated with protection from Hirschsprung disease. Hum Mutat 2007; 28:168-76. [PMID: 16986122 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Complex diseases are common genetic disorders showing familial aggregation but no typical Mendelian inheritance. Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), a developmental disorder characterized by the absence of enteric neurons in distal segments of the gut, shows a complex pattern of inheritance, with the RET protooncogene acting as a major gene and additional susceptibility loci playing minor roles. In the last years, we have identified a "protective" RET haplotype, which is underrepresented in HSCR patients with respect to controls. Here, we demonstrate that the protective effect of this haplotype is due to a variant located in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the RET gene, which slows down the physiological mRNA decay of the gene transcripts. Such a functional effect of this common RET variant explains the under-representation of the whole haplotype and its role as a modifying factor in HSCR pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Griseri
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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110
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Runeberg-Roos P, Saarma M. Neurotrophic factor receptor RET: structure, cell biology, and inherited diseases. Ann Med 2007; 39:572-80. [PMID: 17934909 DOI: 10.1080/07853890701646256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RET (REarranged during Transfection) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by a complex consisting of a soluble glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligand (GFL) and a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored co-receptor, GDNF family receptors alpha (GFRalpha). RET signalling is crucial for the development of the enteric nervous system. RET also regulates the development of sympathetic, parasympathetic, motor, and sensory neurons, and is necessary for the postnatal maintenance of dopaminergic neurons. The effect of GFLs on sensory, motor, and dopaminergic neurons has raised clinical interest towards these ligands. Outside the nervous system, RET is crucial for development of the kidney and plays a key role in spermatogenesis. Inactivating mutations in RET cause the Hirschsprung's disease characterized by megacolon aganglionosis. In contrast, activating mutations give rise to different types of cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and type 2B, familial medullary thyroid carcinoma, and papillary thyroid carcinoma. The multiple disease phenotypes correlate with differences in the molecular and cell biological functions of different oncogenic RET proteins. In this review we summarize how the different domains of the RET protein contribute to its normal function and how mutations in these domains affect the function of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Runeberg-Roos
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Finland
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111
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Jain S, Golden JP, Wozniak D, Pehek E, Johnson EM, Milbrandt J. RET is dispensable for maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in adult mice. J Neurosci 2006; 26:11230-8. [PMID: 17065462 PMCID: PMC6674643 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1876-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-mediated RET tyrosine kinase signaling is implicated in the survival of several PNS and CNS neuronal populations that are important in the pathogenesis of several disorders including Parkinson's disease and drug addiction. However, it has been difficult to study these processes and the physiological importance of this pathway in adult mice because of the neonatal lethality of Gdnf and Ret null mice. We report successful creation of RET conditional reporter mice to investigate postnatal physiologic roles of RET and monitor the fate of RET-expressing cell types. To delete RET specifically in dopaminergic neurons and determine the physiologic requirement of RET in the maintenance of substantia nigra compacta (SNC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), we bred the RET conditional mice with mice that specifically express Cre from the dopamine transporter (Dat) locus. A detailed morphometric and biochemical analysis including dopaminergic neuron number and size in SNC and VTA, and fiber density in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, and dopamine levels indicate that RET is not required for providing global trophic support to midbrain dopaminergic neurons in adult mice. Furthermore, RET deficiency in these neurons does not cause major sensorimotor abnormalities. Hence our results support the idea that RET signaling is not critical for the normal physiology of the SNC and VTA in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Pehek
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Eugene M. Johnson
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology
- Pathology, and Neurology and HOPE Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, and
| | - Jeffrey Milbrandt
- Pathology, and Neurology and HOPE Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, and
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112
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Abstract
The ureteric bud (UB) is an outgrowth of the Wolffian duct, which undergoes a complex process of growth, branching, and remodeling, to eventually give rise to the entire urinary collecting system during kidney development. Understanding the mechanisms that control this process is a fascinating problem in basic developmental biology, and also has considerable medical significance. Over the past decade, there has been significant progress in our understanding of renal branching morphogenesis and its regulation, and this review focuses on several areas in which there have been recent advances. The first section deals with the normal process of UB branching morphogenesis, and methods that have been developed to better observe and describe it. The next section discusses a number of experimental methodologies, both established and novel, that make kidney development in the mouse a powerful and attractive experimental system. The third section discusses some of the cellular processes that are likely to underlie UB branching morphogenesis, as well as recent data on cell lineages within the growing UB. The fourth section summarizes our understanding of the roles of two groups of growth factors that appear to be particularly important for the regulation of UB outgrowth and branching: GDNF and FGFs, which stimulate this process via tyrosine kinase receptors, and members of the TGFbeta family, including BMP4 and Activin A, which generally inhibit UB formation and branching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Costantini
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA.
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113
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Lundgren TK, Scott RP, Smith M, Pawson T, Ernfors P. Engineering the Recruitment of Phosphotyrosine Binding Domain-containing Adaptor Proteins Reveals Distinct Roles for RET Receptor-mediated Cell Survival. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:29886-96. [PMID: 16847065 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600473200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is important for several different biological functions during development. The recruitment at the phosphorylated Tyr(1062) site in RET of a number of different phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain-containing adaptor proteins, including Shc and Frs2, plays a dominant role for the multiple different biological functions of the RET receptor during development, including stimulation of cell survival. Here, we demonstrate that a competitive recruitment of Shc as opposed to Frs2 mediates the survival signaling arising from RET activation. Based on results from a peptide array, we have genetically engineered the PTB domain binding site of RET to rewire its recruitment of the PTB proteins Shc and Frs2. An engineered RET that has a competitive interaction with Shc at the expense of Frs2, but not a RET receptor that only recruits Frs2, activates cell survival signaling pathways and is protective from cell death in neuronal SK-N-MC cells. Thus, cell type-specific functions involve a competitive recruitment of different PTB adaptor molecules by RET that activate selective signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kalle Lundgren
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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