Bmpr encodes a type I bone morphogenetic protein receptor that is essential for gastrulation during mouse embryogenesis

Controlling the Messenger: Regulated Translation of Maternal mRNAs in Xenopus laevis Development

The selective translation of maternal mRNAs encoding cell-fate determinants drives the earliest decisions of embryogenesis that establish the vertebrate body plan. This chapter will discuss studies in Xenopus laevis that provide insights into mechanisms underlying this translational control. Xenopus has been a powerful model organism for many discoveries relevant to the translational control of maternal mRNAs because of the large size of its oocytes and eggs that allow for microinjection of molecules and the relative ease of manipulating the oocyte to egg transition (maturation) and fertilization in culture. Consequently, many key studies have focused on the expression of maternal mRNAs during the oocyte to egg transition (the meiotic cell cycle) and the rapid cell divisions immediately following fertilization. This research has made seminal contributions to our understanding of translational regulatory mechanisms, but while some of the mRNAs under consideration at these stages encode cell-fate determinants, many encode cell cycle regulatory proteins that drive these early cell cycles. In contrast, while maternal mRNAs encoding key developmental (i.e., cell-fate) regulators that function after the first cleavage stages may exploit aspects of these foundational mechanisms, studies reveal that these mRNAs must also rely on distinct and, as of yet, incompletely understood mechanisms. These findings are logical because the functions of such developmental regulatory proteins have requirements distinct from cell cycle regulators, including becoming relevant only after fertilization and then only in specific cells of the embryo. Indeed, key maternal cell-fate determinants must be made available in exquisitely precise amounts (usually low), only at specific times and in specific cells during embryogenesis. To provide an appreciation for the regulation of maternal cell-fate determinant expression, an overview of the maternal phase of Xenopus embryogenesis will be presented. This section will be followed by a review of translational mechanisms operating in oocytes, eggs, and early cleavage-stage embryos and conclude with a discussion of how the regulation of key maternal cell-fate determinants at the level of translation functions in Xenopus embryogenesis. A key theme is that the molecular asymmetries critical for forming the body axes are established and further elaborated upon by the selective temporal and spatial regulation of maternal mRNA translation.

Differential molecular regulation of processing and membrane expression of Type-I BMP receptors: implications for signaling

The Type-I bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs), BMPR1A and BMPR1B, present the highest sequence homology among BMPRs, suggestive of functional similitude. However, sequence elements within their extracellular domain, such as signal sequence or N-glycosylation motifs, may result in differential regulation of biosynthetic processing and trafficking and in alterations to receptor function. We show that (i) BMPR1A and the ubiquitous isoform of BMPR1B differed in mode of translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum; and (ii) BMPR1A was N-glycosylated while BMPR1B was not, resulting in greater efficiency of processing and plasma membrane expression of BMPR1A. We further demonstrated the importance of BMPR1A expression and glycosylation in ES-2 ovarian cancer cells, where (i) CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of BMPR1A abrogated BMP2-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and reduced proliferation of ES-2 cells and (ii) inhibition of N-glycosylation by site-directed mutagenesis, or by tunicamycin or 2-deoxy-D-glucose treatments, reduced biosynthetic processing and plasma membrane expression of BMPR1A and BMP2-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation.

BmpR1A is a major type 1 BMP receptor for BMP-Smad signaling during skull development

Craniosynostosis is caused by premature fusion of one or more sutures in an infant skull, resulting in abnormal facial features. The molecular and cellular mechanisms by which genetic mutations cause craniosynostosis are incompletely characterized, and many of the causative genes for diverse types of syndromic craniosynostosis have not yet been identified. We previously demonstrated that augmentation of BMP signaling mediated by a constitutively active BMP type IA receptor (ca-BmpR1A) in neural crest cells (ca1A hereafter) causes craniosynostosis and superimposition of heterozygous null mutation of Bmpr1a rescues premature suture fusion (ca1A;1aH hereafter). In this study, we superimposed heterozygous null mutations of the other two BMP type I receptors, Bmpr1b and Acvr1 (ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH respectively hereafter) to further dissect involvement of BMP-Smad signaling. Unlike caA1;1aH, ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH did not restore the craniosynostosis phenotypes. In our in vivo study, Smad-dependent BMP signaling was decreased to normal levels in mut;1aH mice. However, BMP receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads; pSmad1/5/9 hereafter) levels were comparable between ca1A, ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH mice, and elevated compared to control mice. Bmpr1a, Bmpr1b and Acvr1 null cells were used to examine potential mechanisms underlying the differences in ability of heterozygosity for Bmpr1a vs. Bmpr1b or Acvr1 to rescue the mut phenotype. pSmad1/5/9 level was undetectable in Bmpr1a homozygous null cells while pSmad1/5/9 levels did not decrease in Bmpr1b or Acvr1 homozygous null cells. Taken together, our study indicates that different levels of expression and subsequent activation of Smad signaling differentially contribute each BMP type I receptor to BMP-Smad signaling and craniofacial development. These results also suggest differential involvement of each type 1 receptor in pathogenesis of syndromic craniosynostoses.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 Signaling in Angiogenesis

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) plays multifunctional roles in lipid homeostasis, signaling transduction, and endocytosis. It has been recognized as an endocytic receptor for many ligands and is involved in the signaling pathways of many growth factors or cytokines. Dysregulation of LRP1-dependent signaling events contributes to the development of pathophysiologic processes such as Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and coagulation. Interestingly, recent studies have linked LRP1 with endothelial function and angiogenesis, which has been underappreciated for a long time. During zebrafish embryonic development, LRP1 is required for the formation of vascular network, especially for the venous development. LRP1 depletion in the mouse embryo proper leads to angiogenic defects and disruption of endothelial integrity. Moreover, in a mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy model, specific depletion of LRP1 in endothelial cells results in abnormal development of neovessels. These loss-of-function studies suggest that LRP1 plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis. The review addresses the recent advances in the roles of LRP1-dependent signaling during angiogenesis.

Cardiac Regeneration: Lessons From Development

Palliative surgery for congenital heart disease has allowed patients with previously lethal heart malformations to survive and, in most cases, to thrive. However, these procedures often place pressure and volume loads on the heart, and over time, these chronic loads can cause heart failure. Current therapeutic options for initial surgery and chronic heart failure that results from failed palliation are limited, in part, by the mammalian heart's low inherent capacity to form new cardiomyocytes. Surmounting the heart regeneration barrier would transform the treatment of congenital, as well as acquired, heart disease and likewise would enable development of personalized, in vitro cardiac disease models. Although these remain distant goals, studies of heart development are illuminating the path forward and suggest unique opportunities for heart regeneration, particularly in fetal and neonatal periods. Here, we review major lessons from heart development that inform current and future studies directed at enhancing cardiac regeneration.

Combined GWAS and 'guilt by association'-based prioritization analysis identifies functional candidate genes for body size in sheep

Background

Body size in sheep is an important indicator of productivity, growth and health as well as of environmental adaptation. It is a composite quantitative trait that has been studied with high-throughput genomic methods, i.e. genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in various mammalian species. Several genomic markers have been associated with body size traits and genes have been identified as causative candidates in humans, dog and cattle. A limited number of related GWAS have been performed in various sheep breeds and have identified genomic regions and candidate genes that partly account for body size variability. Here, we conducted a GWAS in Frizarta dairy sheep with phenotypic data from 10 body size measurements and genotypic data (from Illumina ovineSNP50 BeadChip) for 459 ewes.

Results

The 10 body size measurements were subjected to principal component analysis and three independent principal components (PC) were constructed, interpretable as width, height and length dimensions, respectively. The GWAS performed for each PC identified 11 significant SNPs, at the chromosome level, one on each of the chromosomes 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23 and two on chromosome 25. Nine out of the 11 SNPs were located on previously identified quantitative trait loci for sheep meat, production or reproduction. One hundred and ninety-seven positional candidate genes within a 1-Mb distance from each significant SNP were found. A guilt-by-association-based (GBA) prioritization analysis (PA) was performed to identify the most plausible functional candidate genes. GBA-based PA identified 39 genes that were significantly associated with gene networks relevant to body size traits. Prioritized genes were identified in the vicinity of all significant SNPs except for those on chromosomes 10 and 12. The top five ranking genes were TP53, BMPR1A, PIK3R5, RPL26 and PRKDC.

Conclusions

The results of this GWAS provide evidence for 39 causative candidate genes across nine chromosomal regions for body size traits, some of which are novel and some are previously identified candidates from other studies (e.g. TP53, NTN1 and ZNF521). GBA-based PA has proved to be a useful tool to identify genes with increased biological relevance but it is subjected to certain limitations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0316-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Alk2/ACVR1 and Alk3/BMPR1A Provide Essential Function for Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Induced Retinal Angiogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence suggests that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates angiogenesis. Here, we aimed to define the function of BMP receptors in regulating early postnatal angiogenesis by analysis of inducible, endothelial-specific deletion of the BMP receptor components Bmpr2 (BMP type 2 receptor), Alk1 (activin receptor-like kinase 1), Alk2, and Alk3 in mouse retinal vessels.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Expression analysis of several BMP ligands showed that proangiogenic BMP ligands are highly expressed in postnatal retinas. Consistently, BMP receptors are also strongly expressed in retina with a distinct pattern. To assess the function of BMP signaling in retinal angiogenesis, we first generated mice carrying an endothelial-specific inducible deletion of Bmpr2. Postnatal deletion of Bmpr2 in endothelial cells substantially decreased the number of angiogenic sprouts at the vascular front and branch points behind the front, leading to attenuated radial expansion. To identify critical BMPR1s (BMP type 1 receptors) associated with BMPR2 in retinal angiogenesis, we generated endothelial-specific inducible deletion of 3 BMPR1s abundantly expressed in endothelial cells and analyzed the respective phenotypes. Among these, endothelial-specific deletion of either Alk2/acvr1 or Alk3/Bmpr1a caused a delay in radial expansion, reminiscent of vascular defects associated with postnatal endothelial-specific deletion of BMPR2, suggesting that ALK2/ACVR1 and ALK3/BMPR1A are likely to be the critical BMPR1s necessary for proangiogenic BMP signaling in retinal vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data identify BMP signaling mediated by coordination of ALK2/ACVR1, ALK3/BMPR1A, and BMPR2 as an essential proangiogenic cue for retinal vessels.

Transforming Growth Factor β Superfamily Signaling in Development of Colorectal Cancer

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β cytokines signal via a complex network of pathways to regulate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, and other functions in many cell types. A high percentage of colorectal tumors contain mutations that disrupt TGF-β family member signaling. We review how TGF-β family member signaling is altered during development of colorectal cancer, models of study, interaction of pathways, and potential therapeutic strategies.

Tumor-Derived Factors and Reduced p53 Promote Endothelial Cell Centrosome Over-Duplication

Approximately 30% of tumor endothelial cells have over-duplicated (>2) centrosomes, which may contribute to abnormal vessel function and drug resistance. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A induce excess centrosomes in endothelial cells, but how other features of the tumor environment affect centrosome over-duplication is not known. To test this, we treated endothelial cells with tumor-derived factors, hypoxia, or reduced p53, and assessed centrosome numbers. We found that hypoxia and elevated levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2, 6 and 7 induced excess centrosomes in endothelial cells through BMPR1A and likely via SMAD signaling. In contrast, inflammatory mediators IL-8 and lipopolysaccharide did not induce excess centrosomes. Finally, down-regulation in endothelial cells of p53, a critical regulator of DNA damage and proliferation, caused centrosome over-duplication. Our findings suggest that some tumor-derived factors and genetic changes in endothelial cells contribute to excess centrosomes in tumor endothelial cells.

Properties of embryoid bodies

Embryoid bodies (EBs) have been popular in vitro differentiation models for pluripotent stem cells for more than five decades. Initially, defined as aggregates formed by embryonal carcinoma cells, EBs gained more prominence after the derivation of karyotypically normal embryonic stem cells from early mouse blastocysts. In many cases, formation of EBs constitutes an important initial step in directed differentiation protocols aimed at generated specific cell types from undifferentiated stem cells. Indeed state-of-the-art protocols for directed differentiation of cardiomyocytes still rely on this initial EB step. Analyses of spontaneous differentiation of embryonic stem cells in EBs have yielded important insights into the molecules that direct primitive endoderm differentiation and many of the lessons we have learned about the signals and transcription factors governing this differentiation event is owed to EB models, which later were extensively validated in studies of early mouse embryos. EBs show a degree of self-organization that mimics some aspects of early embryonic development, but with important exceptions. Recent studies that employ modern signaling reporters and tracers of lineage commitment have revealed both the strengths and the weaknesses of EBs as a model of embryonic axis formation. In this review, we discuss the history, application, and future potential of EBs as an experimental model. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e259. doi: 10.1002/wdev.259 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

Role of the bone morphogenic protein pathway in developmental haemopoiesis and leukaemogenesis

Myeloid leukaemias share the common characteristics of being stem cell-derived clonal diseases, characterised by excessive proliferation of one or more myeloid lineage. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) arises from a genetic alteration in a normal haemopoietic stem cell (HSC) giving rise to a leukaemic stem cell (LSC) within the bone marrow (BM) ‘niche’. CML is characterised by the presence of the oncogenic tyrosine kinase fusion protein breakpoint cluster region-abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (BCR-ABL), which is responsible for driving the disease through activation of downstream signal transduction pathways. Recent evidence from our group and others indicates that important regulatory networks involved in establishing primitive and definitive haemopoiesis during development are reactivated in myeloid leukaemia, giving rise to an LSC population with altered self-renewal and differentiation properties. In this review, we explore the role the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signalling plays in stem cell pluripotency, developmental haemopoiesis, HSC maintenance and the implication of altered BMP signalling on LSC persistence in the BM niche. Overall, we emphasise how the BMP and Wnt pathways converge to alter the Cdx–Hox axis and the implications of this in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies.

Targeted disruption of BMP signaling through type IA receptor (BMPR1A) in osteocyte suppresses SOST and RANKL, leading to dramatic increase in bone mass, bone mineral density and mechanical strength

Recent studies suggest a critical role of osteocytes in controlling skeletal development and bone remodeling although the molecular mechanism is largely unknown. This study investigated BMP signaling in osteocytes by disrupting Bmpr1a under the Dmp1-promoter. The conditional knockout (cKO) mice displayed a striking osteosclerotic phenotype with increased trabecular bone volume, thickness, number, and mineral density as assessed by X-ray and micro-CT. The bone histomorphometry, H&E, and TRAP staining revealed a dramatic increase in trabecular and cortical bone masses but a sharp reduction in osteoclast number. Moreover, there was an increase in BrdU positive osteocytes (2-5-fold) and osteoid volume (~4-fold) but a decrease in the bone formation rate (~85%) in the cKO bones, indicating a defective mineralization. The SEM analysis revealed poorly formed osteocytes: a sharp increase in cell numbers, a great reduction in cell dendrites, and a remarkable change in the cell distribution pattern. Molecular studies demonstrated a significant decrease in the Sost mRNA levels in bone (>95%), and the SOST protein levels in serum (~85%) and bone matrices. There was a significant increase in the β-catenin (>3-fold) mRNA levels as well as its target genes Tcf1 (>6-fold) and Tcf3 (~2-fold) in the cKO bones. We also showed a significant decrease in the RANKL levels of serum proteins (~65%) and bone mRNA (~57%), and a significant increase in the Opg mRNA levels (>20-fold) together with a significant reduction in the Rankl/Opg ratio (>95%), which are responsible for a sharp reduction in the cKO osteoclasts. The values of mechanical strength were higher in cKO femora (i.e. max force, displacement, and work failure). These results suggest that loss of BMP signaling specifically in osteocytes dramatically increases bone mass presumably through simultaneous inhibition of RANKL and SOST, leading to osteoclast inhibition and Wnt activation together. Finally, a working hypothesis is proposed to explain how BMPR1A controls bone remodeling by inhibiting cell proliferation and stimulating differentiation. It is reported that RANKL and SOST are abundantly expressed by osteocytes. Thus, BMP signaling through BMPR1A plays important roles in osteocytes.

BMP Signaling Mediated by BMPR1A in Osteoclasts Negatively Regulates Osteoblast Mineralization Through Suppression of Cx43

Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are well orchestrated through different mechanisms of communication during bone remodeling. Previously, we found that osteoclast-specific disruption of one of the BMP receptors, Bmpr1a, results in increased osteoblastic bone formation in mice. We hypothesized that BMPR1A signaling in osteoclasts regulates production of either membrane bound proteins or secreted molecules that regulated osteoblast differentiation. In our current study, we co-cultured wild-type osteoblasts with either control osteoclasts or osteoclasts lacking BMPR1A signaling activity. We found that loss of Bmpr1a in osteoclasts promoted osteoblast mineralization in vitro. Further, we found that the expression of Cx43/Gja1 in the mutant osteoclasts was increased, which encoded for one of the gap junction proteins connexin 43/gap junction alpha 1. Knockdown of Gja1 in the mutant osteoclasts for Bmpr1a reduced osteoblastic mineralization when co-cultured. Our findings suggest that GJA1 may be one of the downstream targets of BMPR1A signaling in osteoclasts that mediates osteoclast-osteoblast communication during bone remodeling. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 605-614, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mouse Models of Gonadotrope Development

The pituitary gonadotrope is central to reproductive function. Gonadotropes develop in a systematic process dependent on signaling factors secreted from surrounding tissues and those produced within the pituitary gland itself. These signaling pathways are important for stimulating specific transcription factors that ultimately regulate the expression of genes and define gonadotrope identity. Proper gonadotrope development and ultimately gonadotrope function are essential for normal sexual maturation and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms governing differentiation programs of gonadotropes is important to improve treatment and molecular diagnoses for patients with gonadotrope abnormalities. Much of what is known about gonadotrope development has been elucidated from mouse models in which important factors contributing to gonadotrope development and function have been deleted, ectopically expressed, or modified. This chapter will focus on many of these mouse models and their contribution to our current understanding of gonadotrope development.

Pluripotent stem cells as a model for embryonic patterning: From signaling dynamics to spatial organization in a dish

In vivo studies have identified the signaling pathways and transcription factors involved in patterning the vertebrate embryo, but much remains unknown about how these are organized in space and time to orchestrate embryogenesis. Recently, embryonic stem cells have been established as a platform for studying spatial pattern formation and differentiation dynamics in the early mammalian embryo. The ease of observing and manipulating stem cell systems promises to fill gaps in our understanding of developmental dynamics and identify aspects that are uniquely human. Developmental Dynamics 245:976-990, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Postnatal Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Receptors in the Mouse Testis

TGF-β superfamily members including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2) have been shown to be important for reproductive function in both males and females, while information on the role of BMPs in males is limited. Functional studies on select BMPs and BMP receptors have demonstrated vital roles for these proteins in somatic and germ cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and overall fertility. In order to gain insight into the importance of these genes during postnatal reproductive development in males, our study was undertaken to specify the distribution of BMP and BMPR mRNA in male reproductive and steroidogenic tissues and quantify these genes in the testis using the mouse as our model. We screened testis at two, four, six and eight weeks of age for the expression of ten BMPs and three BMP receptors using RT-qPCR. All three BMP receptor mRNAs – Bmpr1a, Bmpr1b and Bmpr2, and ten BMP mRNAs – Bmp2, Bmp3, Bmp3b, Bmp4, Bmp5, Bmp6, Bmp7, Bmp8a, Bmp8b and Bmp15 were expressed in mouse testis at all stages screened. Testicular expression of genes varied within age groups and at specific developmental stages. Our study establishes an extensive BMP system in mouse reproductive and steroidogenic tissues.

Loss of BMP signaling through BMPR1A in osteoblasts leads to greater collagen cross-link maturation and material-level mechanical properties in mouse femoral trabecular compartments

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways play critical roles in skeletal development and new bone formation. Our previous study, however, showed a negative impact of BMP signaling on bone mass because of the osteoblast-specific loss of a BMP receptor (i.e. BMPR1A) showing increased trabecular bone volume and mineral density in mice. Here, we investigated the bone quality and biomechanical properties of the higher bone mass associated with BMPR1A deficiency using the osteoblast-specific Bmpr1a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model. Collagen biochemical analysis revealed greater levels of the mature cross-link pyridinoline in the cKO bones, in parallel with upregulation of collagen modifying enzymes. Raman spectroscopy distinguished increases in the mature to immature cross-link ratio and mineral to matrix ratio in the trabecular compartments of cKO femora, but not in the cortical compartments. The mineral crystallinity was unchanged in the cKO in either the trabecular or cortical compartments. Further, we tested the intrinsic material properties by nanoindentation and found significantly higher hardness and elastic modulus in the cKO trabecular compartments, but not in the cortical compartments. Four point bending tests of cortical compartments showed lower structural biomechanical properties (i.e. strength and stiffness) in the cKO bones due to the smaller cortical areas. However, there were no significant differences in biomechanical performance at the material level, which was consistent with the nanoindentation test results on the cortical compartment. These studies emphasize the pivotal role of BMPR1A in the determination of bone quality and mechanical integrity under physiological conditions, with different impact on femoral cortical and trabecular compartments.

Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Stromal Cells from Human Bone Marrow Long-term Culture

Highly purified primitive hemopoietic stem cells express BMP receptors but do not synthesize bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). However, exogenously added BMPs regulate their proliferation, differentiation, and survival. To further explore the mechanism by which BMPs might be involved in hemopoietic differentiation, we tested whether stromal cells from long-term culture (LTC) of normal human bone marrow produce BMPs, BMP receptors, and SMAD signaling molecules. Stromal cells were immunohistochemically characterized by the presence of lyzozyme, CD 31, factor VIII, CD 68, S100, alkaline phosphatase, and vimentin. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and the presence of BMP protein was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The supportive role of the stromal cell layer in hemopoiesis in vitro was confirmed by a colony assay of clonogenic progenitors. Bone marrow stromal cells express mRNA and protein for BMP-3, -4, and -7 but not for BMP-2, -5, and -6 from the first to the eighth week of culture. Furthermore, stromal cells express the BMP type I receptors, activin-like kinase-3 (ALK-3), ALK-6, and the downstream transducers SMAD-1, -4, and -5. Thus, human bone marrow stromal cells synthesize BMPs, which might exert their effects on hemopoietic stem cells in a paracrine manner through specific BMP receptors.

Normal gonadotropin production and fertility in gonadotrope-specific Bmpr1a knockout mice

Pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis is regulated by transforming growth factorβsuperfamily ligands, most notably the activins and inhibins. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) also regulate FSHβ subunit (Fshb) expression in immortalized murine gonadotrope-like LβT2 cells and in primary murine or ovine primary pituitary cultures. BMP2 signals preferentially via the BMP type I receptor, BMPR1A, to stimulate murine Fshb transcription in vitro Here, we used a Cre-lox approach to assess BMPR1A's role in FSH synthesis in mice in vivo Gonadotrope-specific Bmpr1a knockout animals developed normally and had reproductive organ weights comparable with those of controls. Knockouts were fertile, with normal serum gonadotropins and pituitary gonadotropin subunit mRNA expression. Cre-mediated recombination of the floxed Bmpr1a allele was efficient and specific, as indicated by PCR analysis of diverse tissues and isolated gonadotrope cells. Furthermore, BMP2 stimulation of inhibitor of DNA binding 3 expression was impaired in gonadotropes isolated from Bmpr1a knockout mice, confirming the loss of functional receptor protein in these cells. Treatment of purified gonadotropes with small-molecule inhibitors of BMPR1A (and the related receptors BMPR1B and ACVR1) suppressed Fshb mRNA expression, suggesting that an autocrine BMP-like molecule might regulate FSH synthesis. However, deletion of Bmpr1a and Acvr1 in cultured pituitary cells did not alter Fshb expression, indicating that the inhibitors had off-target effects. In sum, BMPs or related ligands acting via BMPR1A or ACVR1 are unlikely to play direct physiological roles in FSH synthesis by murine gonadotrope cells.

Inappropriate cadherin switching in the mouse epiblast compromises proper signaling between the epiblast and the extraembryonic ectoderm during gastrulation

Cadherin switching from E-cadherin (E-cad) to N-cadherin (N-cad) is a key step of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes that occurs during gastrulation and cancer progression. We investigate whether cadherins actively participate in progression of EMT by crosstalk to signaling pathways. We apply ectopic cadherin switching before the onset of mouse gastrulation. Mutants with an induced E-cad to N-cad switch (Ncadki) die around E8.5. Severe morphological changes including a small epiblast, a rounded shape, an enlarged extra-embryonic compartment and lack of the amnion, combined with a massive cell detachment from the ectodermal layer are detected. In contrast to epiblast-specific E-cad depletion, gastrulation is initiated in Ncadki embryos, but patterning of the germ-layers is abnormal. An overall reduction in BMP signaling, expansion of Nodal and Eomes domains, combined with reduced Wnt3a expression at the primitive streak is observed. Our results show that in addition to cadherin-dependent adhesion, proper embryonic development requires E-cad mediated signaling function to facilitate a feedback loop that stabilizes Bmp4 and Bmp2 expression in the extraembryonic ectoderm and sustained downstream activity in the epiblast. Moreover, for proper morphogenesis a fine-tuned spatio-temporal control of cadherin switching is required during EMT at gastrulation to avoid premature cell detachment and migration.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 Signalling in Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells during Development and after Injury

Substantial progress has been made in identifying the extracellular signalling pathways that regulate neural stem and precursor cell biology in the central nervous system (CNS). The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), in particular BMP4, are key players regulating neuronal and glial cell development from neural precursor cells in the embryonic, postnatal, and injured CNS. Here we review recent studies on BMP4 signalling in the generation of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglial cells in the CNS. We also discuss putative mechanisms that BMP4 may utilise to influence glial cell development following CNS injury and highlight some questions for further research.

Dynamic Heterogeneity of Brachyury in Mouse Epiblast Stem Cells Mediates Distinct Response to Extrinsic Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signaling

Mouse pluripotent cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), provide excellent in vitro systems to study imperative pre- and postimplantation events of in vivo mammalian development. It is known that mouse ESCs are dynamic heterogeneous populations. However, it remains largely unclear whether and how EpiSCs possess heterogeneity and plasticity similar to that of ESCs. Here, we show that EpiSCs are discriminated by the expression of a specific marker T (Brachyury) into two populations. The T-positive (T(+)) and the T-negative (T(-)) populations can be interconverted within the same culture condition. In addition, the two populations display distinct responses to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and different developmental potentials. The T(-) EpiSCs are preferentially differentiated into ectoderm lineages, whereas T(+) EpiSCs have a biased potential for mesendoderm fates. Mechanistic studies reveal that T(+) EpiSCs have an earlier and faster response to BMP4 stimulation than T(-) EpiSCs. Id1 mediates the commitment of T(-) EpiSCs to epidermal lineage during BMP4 treatment. On the other hand, Snail modulates the conversion of T(+) EpiSCs to mesendoderm fates with the presence of BMP4. Furthermore, T expression is essential for epithelial-mesenchymal transition during EpiSCs differentiation. Our findings suggest that the dynamic heterogeneity of the T(+)/T(-) subpopulation primes EpiSCs toward particular cell lineages, providing important insights into the dynamic development of the early mouse embryo.

Deletion of BMP receptor type IB decreased bone mass in association with compromised osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors

We previously found that disruption of two type I BMP receptors, Bmpr1a and Acvr1, respectively, in an osteoblast-specific manner, increased bone mass in mice. BMPR1B, another BMP type I receptor, is also capable of binding to BMP ligands and transduce BMP signaling. However, little is known about the function of BMPR1B in bone. In this study, we investigated the bone phenotype in Bmpr1b null mice and the impacts of loss of Bmpr1b on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We found that deletion of Bmpr1b resulted in osteopenia in 8-week-old male mice, and the phenotype was transient and gender specific. The decreased bone mass was neither due to the changes in osteoblastic bone formation activity nor osteoclastic bone resorption activity in vivo. In vitro differentiation of Bmpr1b null osteoclasts was increased but resorption activity was decreased. Calvarial pre-osteoblasts from Bmpr1b mutant showed comparable differentiation capability in vitro, while they showed increased BMP-SMAD signaling in culture. Different from calvarial pre-osteoblasts, Bmpr1b mutant bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors showed compromised differentiation in vitro, which may be a reason for the osteopenic phenotype in the mutant mice. In conclusion, our results suggested that BMPR1B plays distinct roles from BMPR1A and ACVR1 in maintaining bone mass and transducing BMP signaling.

The biological function of type I receptors of bone morphogenetic protein in bone

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have multiple roles in skeletal development, homeostasis and regeneration. BMPs signal via type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors (BMPRI and BMPRII). In recent decades, genetic studies in humans and mice have demonstrated that perturbations in BMP signaling via BMPRI resulted in various diseases in bone, cartilage, and muscles. In this review, we focus on all three types of BMPRI, which consist of activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2, also called type IA activin receptor), activin-like kinase 3 (ALK3, also called BMPRIA), and activin-like kinase 6 (ALK6, also called BMPRIB). The research areas covered include the current progress regarding the roles of these receptors during myogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. Understanding the physiological and pathological functions of these receptors at the cellular and molecular levels will advance drug development and tissue regeneration for treating musculoskeletal diseases and bone defects in the future.

Developmental Competence for Primordial Germ Cell Fate

During mammalian embryonic development, the trophectoderm and primitive endoderm give rise to extraembryonic tissues, while the epiblast differentiates into all somatic lineages and the germline. Remarkably, only a few classes of signaling pathways induce the differentiation of these progenitor cells into diverse lineages. Accordingly, the functional outcome of a particular signal depends on the developmental competence of the target cells. Thus, developmental competence can be defined as the ability of a cell to integrate intrinsic and extrinsic cues to execute a specific developmental program toward a specific cell fate. Downstream of signaling, there is the combinatorial activity of transcription factors and their cofactors, which is modulated by the chromatin state of the target cells. Here, we discuss the concept of developmental competence, and the factors that regulate this state with reference to the specification of mammalian primordial germ cells.

Targeting BMP signalling in cardiovascular disease and anaemia

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors, known to be essential regulators of embryonic patterning and organogenesis, are also critical for the regulation of cardiovascular structure and function. In addition to their contributions to syndromic disorders including heart and vascular development, BMP signalling is increasingly recognized for its influence on endocrine-like functions in postnatal cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis. In this Review, we discuss several critical and novel aspects of BMP signalling in cardiovascular health and disease, which highlight the cell-specific and context-specific nature of BMP signalling. Based on advancing knowledge of the physiological roles and regulation of BMP signalling, we indicate opportunities for therapeutic intervention in a range of cardiovascular conditions including atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as for anaemia of inflammation. Depending on the context and the repertoire of ligands and receptors involved in specific disease processes, the selective inhibition or enhancement of signalling via particular BMP ligands (such as in atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, respectively) might be beneficial. The development of selective small molecule antagonists of BMP receptors, and the identification of ligands selective for BMP receptor complexes expressed in the vasculature provide the most immediate opportunities for new therapies.

Differential requirement of bone morphogenetic protein receptors Ia (ALK3) and Ib (ALK6) in early embryonic patterning and neural crest development

Background

Bone morphogenetic proteins regulate multiple processes in embryonic development, including early dorso-ventral patterning and neural crest development. BMPs activate heteromeric receptor complexes consisting of type I and type II receptor-serine/threonine kinases. BMP receptors Ia and Ib, also known as ALK3 and ALK6 respectively, are the most common type I receptors that likely mediate most BMP signaling events. Since early expression patterns and functions in Xenopus laevis development have not been described, we have addressed these questions in the present study.

Results

Here we have analyzed the temporal and spatial expression patterns of ALK3 and ALK6; we have also carried out loss-of-function studies to define the function of these receptors in early Xenopus development. We detected both redundant and non-redundant roles of ALK3 and ALK6 in dorso-ventral patterning. From late gastrula stages onwards, their expression patterns diverged, which correlated with a specific, non-redundant requirement of ALK6 in post-gastrula neural crest cells. ALK6 was essential for induction of neural crest cell fate and further development of the neural crest and its derivatives.

Conclusions

ALK3 and ALK6 both contribute to the gene regulatory network that regulates dorso-ventral patterning; they play partially overlapping and partially non-redundant roles in this process. ALK3 and ALK6 are independently required for the spatially restricted activation of BMP signaling and msx2 upregulation at the neural plate border, whereas in post-gastrula development ALK6 exerts a highly specific, conserved function in neural crest development.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-016-0101-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Uterine ALK3 is essential during the window of implantation

The window of implantation is defined by the inhibition of uterine epithelial proliferation, structural epithelial cell remodeling, and attenuated estrogen (E2) response. These changes occur via paracrine signaling between the uterine epithelium and stroma. Because implantation defects are a major cause of infertility in women, identifying these signaling pathways will improve infertility interventions. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are TGF-β family members that regulate the postimplantation and midgestation stages of pregnancy. In this study, we discovered that signaling via activin-like kinase 3 (ALK3/BMPR1A), a BMP type 1 receptor, is necessary for blastocyst attachment. Conditional knockout (cKO) of ALK3 in the uterus was obtained by producing Alk3(flox) (/flox)-Pgr-cre-positive females. Alk3 cKO mice are sterile and have defects in the luminal uterine epithelium, including increased microvilli density and maintenance of apical cell polarity. Moreover, Alk3 cKO mice exhibit an elevated uterine E2 response and unopposed epithelial cell proliferation during the window of implantation. We determined that dual transcriptional regulation of Kruppel-like factor 15 (Klf15), by both the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) transcription factor SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) and progesterone receptor (PR), is necessary to inhibit uterine epithelial cell proliferation, a key step for embryo implantation. Our findings present a convergence of BMP and steroid hormone signaling pathways in the regulation of uterine receptivity.

Differential regulation of translation and endocytosis of alternatively spliced forms of the type II bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor

The cytoplasmic extension of the long-form isoform of BMPRII, unique among TGF-β superfamily receptors, is found to regulate the translation of BMPRII and its clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Both processes reduce its cell surface levels. The higher expression of BMPRII-SF at the plasma membrane results in enhanced activation of Smad signaling.

The expression and function of transforming growth factor-β superfamily receptors are regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms. The type II BMP receptor (BMPRII) is expressed as two alternatively spliced forms, a long and a short form (BMPRII-LF and –SF, respectively), which differ by an ∼500 amino acid C-terminal extension, unique among TGF-β superfamily receptors. Whereas this extension was proposed to modulate BMPRII signaling output, its contribution to the regulation of receptor expression was not addressed. To map regulatory determinants of BMPRII expression, we compared synthesis, degradation, distribution, and endocytic trafficking of BMPRII isoforms and mutants. We identified translational regulation of BMPRII expression and the contribution of a 3’ terminal coding sequence to this process. BMPRII-LF and -SF differed also in their steady-state levels, kinetics of degradation, intracellular distribution, and internalization rates. A single dileucine signal in the C-terminal extension of BMPRII-LF accounted for its faster clathrin-mediated endocytosis relative to BMPRII-SF, accompanied by mildly faster degradation. Higher expression of BMPRII-SF at the plasma membrane resulted in enhanced activation of Smad signaling, stressing the potential importance of the multilayered regulation of BMPRII expression at the plasma membrane.

Key Signaling Events for Committing Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells to the Germline Fate

The process of germline development carries genetic information and preparatory totipotency across generations. The last decade has witnessed remarkable successes in the generation of germline cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells, especially induced germline cells with the capacity for producing viable offspring, suggesting clinical applications of induced germline cells in humans. However, to date, the culture systems for germline induction with accurate sex-specific meiosis and epigenetic reprogramming have not been well-established. In this study, we primarily focus on the mouse model to discuss key signaling events for germline induction. We review mechanisms of competent regulators on primordial germ cell induction and discuss current achievements and difficulties in inducing sex-specific germline development. Furthermore, we review the developmental identities of mouse embryonic stem cells and epiblast stem cells under certain defined culture conditions as it relates to the differentiation process of becoming germline cells.

Common mechanisms in development and disease: BMP signaling in craniofacial development

BMP signaling is one of the key pathways regulating craniofacial development. It is involved in the early patterning of the head, the development of cranial neural crest cells, and facial patterning. It regulates development of its mineralized structures, such as cranial bones, maxilla, mandible, palate, and teeth. Targeted mutations in the mouse have been instrumental to delineate the functional involvement of this signaling network in different aspects of craniofacial development. Gene polymorphisms and mutations in BMP pathway genes have been associated with various non-syndromic and syndromic human craniofacial malformations. The identification of intricate cellular interactions and underlying molecular pathways illustrate the importance of local fine-regulation of Bmp signaling to control proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and stem/progenitor differentiation during craniofacial development. Thus, BMP signaling contributes both to shape and functionality of our facial features. BMP signaling also regulates postnatal craniofacial growth and is associated with dental structures life-long. A more detailed understanding of BMP function in growth, homeostasis, and repair of postnatal craniofacial tissues will contribute to our ability to rationally manipulate this signaling network in the context of tissue engineering.

Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in bone homeostasis

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. They play multiple functions during development and tissue homeostasis, including regulation of the bone homeostasis. The BMP signaling pathway consists in a well-orchestrated manner of ligands, membrane receptors, co-receptors and intracellular mediators, that regulate the expression of genes controlling the normal functioning of the bone tissues. Interestingly, BMP signaling perturbation is associated to a variety of low and high bone mass diseases, including osteoporosis, bone fracture disorders and heterotopic ossification. Consistent with these findings, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that BMPs have potent effects on the activity of cells regulating bone function, suggesting that manipulation of the BMP signaling pathway may be employed as a therapeutic approach to treat bone diseases. Here we review the recent advances on BMP signaling and bone homeostasis, and how this knowledge may be used towards improved diagnosis and development of novel treatment modalities. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Muscle Bone Interactions".

An in vitro gastrulation model recapitulates the morphogenetic impact of pharmacological inhibitors of developmental signaling pathways

Certain chemical agents act as teratogens, causing birth defects and fetal deaths when pregnant women are exposed to them. The establishment of in vitro models that recapitulate crucial embryonic events is therefore vital to facilitate screening of potential teratogens. Previously, we created a three-dimensional culture method for mouse P19C5 embryonal carcinoma stem cells that, when cultured as embryoid bodies, display elongation morphogenesis resembling gastrulation, which is the critical event resulting in the germ layers and major body axes. Determination of how well this in vitro morphogenesis represents in vivo gastrulation is essential to assess its applicability as well as to identify limitations of the model for detecting teratogenic agents. Here, we investigated the morphological and molecular characteristics of P19C5 morphogenesis using pharmacological agents that are known to cause abnormal patterning in the embryo in vivo by inhibiting major developmental signaling--e.g., involving Wnt, Nodal, Bone morphogenic protein (Bmp), Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf), Retinoic acid, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways. Inhibitors of Wnt, Nodal, Bmp, Fgf, and Retinoic acid signaling caused distinct changes in P19C5 morphogenesis that were quantifiable using morphometric parameters. These five inhibitors, plus the Notch inhibitor, also altered temporal expression profiles of developmental regulator genes in a manner consistent with the in vivo roles of the corresponding signaling pathways. In contrast, the Hedgehog inhibitor did not have any impact on the process, suggesting an absence of active Hedgehog signaling in these embryoid bodies. These results indicate that the P19C5 in vitro gastrulation model is a promising tool to screen for teratogenic agents that interfere with many of the key developmental signals.

GDF-5 can act as a context-dependent BMP-2 antagonist

BACKGROUND

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-5 are two related transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family members with important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. BMP-2 is best known for its osteoinductive properties whereas GDF-5-as evident from its alternative name, cartilage derived morphogenetic protein 1-plays an important role in the formation of cartilage. In spite of these differences both factors signal by binding to the same subset of BMP receptors, raising the question how these different functionalities are generated. The largest difference in receptor binding is observed in the interaction with the type I receptor BMPR-IA. GDF-5, in contrast to BMP-2, shows preferential binding to the isoform BMPR-IB, which is abrogated by a single amino acid (A57R) substitution. The resulting variant, GDF-5 R57A, represents a "BMP-2 mimic" with respect to BMP receptor binding. In this study we thus wanted to analyze whether the two growth factors can induce distinct signals via an identically composed receptor.

RESULTS

Unexpectedly and dependent on the cellular context, GDF-5 R57A showed clear differences in its activity compared to BMP-2. In ATDC-5 cells, both ligands induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression with similar potency. But in C2C12 cells, the BMP-2 mimic GDF-5 R57A (and also wild-type GDF-5) clearly antagonized BMP-2-mediated ALP expression, despite signaling in both cell lines occurring solely via BMPR-IA. The BMP-2- antagonizing properties of GDF-5 and GDF-5 R57A could also be observed in vivo when implanting BMP-2 and either one of the two GDF-5 ligands simultaneously at heterotopic sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Although comparison of the crystal structures of the GDF-5 R57A:BMPR-IAEC- and BMP-2:BMPR-IAEC complex revealed small ligand-specific differences, these cannot account for the different signaling characteristics because the complexes seem identical in both differently reacting cell lines. We thus predict an additional component, most likely a not yet identified GDF-5-specific co-receptor, which alters the output of the signaling complexes. Hence the presence or absence of this component then switches GDF-5's signaling capabilities to act either similar to BMP-2 or as a BMP-2 antagonist. These findings might shed new light on the role of GDF-5, e.g., in cartilage maintenance and/or limb development in that it might act as an inhibitor of signaling events initiated by other BMPs.

De novo inbred heterozygous Zeb2/Sip1 mutant mice uniquely generated by germ-line conditional knockout exhibit craniofacial, callosal and behavioral defects associated with Mowat-Wilson syndrome

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) is caused by de novo heterozygous mutation at ZEB2 (SIP1, ZFHX1B) gene, and exhibit moderate to severe intellectual disability (ID), a characteristic facial appearance, epilepsy and other congenital anomalies. Establishing a murine MOWS model is important, not only for investigating the pathogenesis of this disease, but also for identifying compounds that may improve the symptoms. However, because the heterozygous Zeb2 knockout mouse could not be maintained as a mouse line with the inbred C57BL/6 background, it was difficult to use those mice for the study of MOWS. Here, we systematically generated de novo Zeb2 Δex7/+ mice by inducing the Zeb2 mutation in the germ cells using conditional recombination system. The de novo Zeb2 Δex7/+ mice with C57BL/6 background developed multiple defects relevant to MOWS, including craniofacial abnormalities, defective corpus callosum formation and the decreased number of parvalbumin interneurons in the cortex. In behavioral analyses, these mice showed reduced motor activity, increased anxiety and impaired sociability. Notably, during the Barnes maze test, immobile Zeb2 mutant mice were observed over repeated trials. In contrast, neither the mouse line nor the de novo Zeb2 Δex7/+ mice with the closed colony ICR background showed cranial abnormalities or reduced motor activities. These results demonstrate the advantages of using de novo Zeb2 Δex7/+ mice with the C57BL/6 background as the MOWS model. To our knowledge, this is the first time an inducible de novo mutation system has been applied to murine germline cells to produce an animal model of a human congenital disease.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 promotes primordial follicle formation in the ovary

Primordial follicles (PF) are formed when somatic cells differentiate into flattened pregranulosa cells, invaginate into the oocyte nests and encircle individual oocytes. We hypothesize that BMP2 regulates PF formation by promoting the transition of germ cells into oocytes and somatic cells into pregranulosa cells. E15 hamster ovaries were cultured for 8 days corresponding to postnatal day 8 (P8) in vivo, with or without BMP2, and the formation of PF was examined. BMP2 was expressed in the oocytes as well as ovarian somatic cells during development. BMP2 exposure for the first two days or the last two days or the entire 8 days of culture led to increase in PF formation suggesting that BMP2 affected both germ cell transition and somatic cell differentiation. Whereas an ALK2/3 inhibitor completely blocked BMP2-induced PF formation, an ALK2-specific inhibitor was partially effective, suggesting that BMP2 affected PF formation via both ALK2 and ALK3. BMP2 also reduced apoptosis in vitro. Further, more meiotic oocytes were present in BMP2 exposed ovaries. In summary, the results provide the first evidence that BMP2 regulates primordial follicle formation by promoting germ cell to oocyte transition and somatic cell to pre-granulosa cells formation and it acts via both ALK2 and ALK3.

Transcriptome of pancreas-specific Bmpr1a-deleted islets links to TPH1-5-HT axis

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is crucial for the development and function of numerous organs, but its role on the function of pancreatic islets is not completely clear. To explore this question, we applied the high throughput transcriptomic analyses on the islets isolated from mice with a pancreas-specific deletion of the gene, Bmpr1a, encoding the type 1a BMP receptor. Consistently, these pBmpr1aKO mice had impaired glucose homeostasis at 3 months, and were more severely affected at 12 months of age. These had lower fasting blood insulin concentrations, with reduced expression of several key regulators of β-cell function. Importantly, transcriptomic profiling of 3-month pBmpr1aKO islets and bioinformatic analyses revealed abnormal expression of 203 metabolic genes. Critically among these, the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene (Tph1), encoding the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was the highest over-expressed one. 5-HT is an important regulator of insulin secretion from β cells. Treatment with excess 5-HT inhibited this secretion. Thus our transcriptomic analysis links two highly conserved molecular pathways the BMP signaling and the TPH1–5-HT axis on glucose homeostasis.

Mixl1 and Flk1 Are Key Players of Wnt/TGF-β Signaling During DMSO-Induced Mesodermal Specification in P19 cells

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used to induce multilineage differentiation of embryonic and adult progenitor cells. To date, little is known about the mechanisms underlying DMSO-induced mesodermal specification. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways and lineage-determining genes involved in DMSO-induced mesodermal specification in P19 cells. Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways such as BMP, TGF-β and GDF1 signaling were significantly activated during DMSO-induced mesodermal specification. In contrast, Nodal/Cripto signaling pathway molecules, required for endoderm specification, were severely downregulated. DMSO significantly upregulated the expression of cardiac mesoderm markers but inhibited the expression of endodermal and hematopoietic lineage markers. Among the DMSO-activated cell lineage markers, the expression of Mixl1 and Flk1 was dramatically upregulated at both the transcript and protein levels, and the populations of Mixl1+, Flk1+ and Mixl1+/Flk1+ cells also increased significantly. DMSO modulated cell cycle molecules and induced cell apoptosis, resulting in significant cell death during EB formation of P19 cells. An inhibitor of Flk1, SU5416 significantly blocked expressions of TGF-β superfamily members, mesodermal cell lineage markers and cell cycle molecules but it did not affect Wnt molecules. These results demonstrate that Mixl1 and Flk1 play roles as key downstream or interacting effectors of Wnt/TGF-β signaling pathway during DMSO-induced mesodermal specification in P19 cells.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Regulates Development and Activation of CD4(+) T Cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors belonging to the TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) superfamily. BMPs were found to regulate multiple cell processes such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. They were originally described to play a pivotal role in inducing bone, cartilage, ligament, and tendon formation at both heterotopic and orthotopic sites but were found to play a significant role in embryogenesis and development of multiple tissues and organs. Activities of BMPs are regulated by a number of secreted proteins, which modulate their availability to bind cellular receptors. The functions of individual BMPs are highly redundant due to binding the same receptors and inducing overlapping signal transduction pathways. Recently, BMPs were found to regulate cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. BMPs are involved in thymic development of T cells at the early, double negative, as well as later, double positive, stages of thymopoesis. They specifically modulate thymic development of regulatory T cells (T(reg)). In the periphery, BMPs affect T cell activation, promoting generation of T(reg) cells. We found that mice deficient for one of the receptors activated by BMPs demonstrated slower growth of transplantable melanoma tumors.

The role of the bone morphogenetic proteins in leukaemic stem cell persistence

CML (chronic myeloid leukaemia) is characterized by the presence of the oncogenic tyrosine kinase fusion protein BCR (breakpoint cluster region)-Abl, responsible for driving the disease. Current TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) therapies effectively inhibit BCR-Abl to control CML in the majority of patients, but do not eliminate the LSC (leukaemic stem cell) population, which becomes quiescent following treatment. Patients require long-term treatment to sustain remission; alternative strategies are therefore required, either alone or in combination with TKIs to eliminate the LSCs and provide a cure. The embryonic morphogenetic pathways play a key role in haemopoiesis with recent evidence suggesting LSCs are more dependent on these signals following chemotherapy than normal HSCs (haemopoietic stem cells). Recent evidence in the literature and from our group has revealed that the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) pathway is differentially expressed in CML patients compared with normal donors. In the present review, we explore the role that BMP signalling plays in oesteoblast differentiation, HSC maintenance and the implication of altered BMP signalling on LSC persistence in the BM (bone marrow) niche. Overall, we highlight the BMP pathway as a potential target for developing LSC-directed therapies in CML in the future.

Effect of miR-20b on Apoptosis, Differentiation, the BMP Signaling Pathway and Mitochondrial Function in the P19 Cell Model of Cardiac Differentiation In Vitro

Objective

To explore the effect of miR-20b on apoptosis, differentiation, the BMP signaling pathway and mitochondrial function in the P19 cell model of cardiac differentiation in vitro.

Methods

A miR-20b over-expression vector, a miR-20b silencing vector and their corresponding empty vectors were constructed and transfected into P19 cells, separately. Stably miR-20b overexpressing and silenced P19 cell lines were successfully selected by blasticidin and puromycin, separately. The cells were induced to undergo apoptosis in FBS-free-α-MEM. The induced cells were examined by flow cytometry and measurement of their caspase-3 activities. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the relative expression of marker genes of cardiomyocytes during differentiation, such as cTnT, GATA4 and ANP. QRT-PCR was also used to detect the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. We investigated the cellular ATP production using a luciferase-based luminescence assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by DCFDA (2’, 7’-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was elucidated by a JC-1 fluorescent probe, both using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometer. The expression of BMP signaling pathway-related proteins were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

Stably miR-20b overexpressing and silenced P19 cell lines were successfully obtained. MiR-20b overexpression increased apoptosis and promoted differentiation in P19 cells by promoting the activation of the BMP signaling pathway. In addition, miR-20b overexpression induced mitochondrial impairment in P19 cells during differentiation, which was characterized by lower MMP, raised ATP synthesis and increased ROS levels. The effects of miR-20b silencing were the exact opposite to those of overexpression.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results suggested that miR-20b was very important in apoptosis, differentiation and mitochondrial function of P19 cells. MiR-20b may represent a new therapeutic target for congenital heart diseases and provide new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac diseases.

Extra-embryonic Wnt3 regulates the establishment of the primitive streak in mice

The establishment of the head to tail axis at early stages of development is a fundamental aspect of vertebrate embryogenesis. In mice, experimental embryology, genetics and expression studies have suggested that the visceral endoderm, an extra-embryonic tissue, plays an important role in anteroposterior axial development. Here we show that absence of Wnt3 in the posterior visceral endoderm leads to delayed formation of the primitive streak and that interplay between anterior and posterior visceral endoderm restricts the position of the primitive streak. Embryos lacking Wnt3 in the visceral endoderm, however, appear normal by E9.5. Our results suggest a model for axial development in which multiple signals are required for anteroposterior axial development in mammals.

BMP4 regulation of human trophoblast development

Since the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, and the subsequent generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, there has been much excitement about the ability to model and evaluate human organ development in vitro. The finding that these cells, when treated with BMP4, are able to generate the extraembryonic cell type, trophoblast, which is the predominant functional epithelium in the placenta, has not been widely accepted. This review evaluates this model, providing comparison to early known events during placentation in both human and mouse and addresses specific challenges. Keeping in mind the ultimate goal of understanding human placental development and pregnancy disorders, our aim here is two-fold: to distinguish gaps in our knowledge arising from mis- or over-interpretation of data, and to recognize the limitations of both mouse and human models, but to work within those limitations towards the ultimate goal.

Augmented BMP signaling in the neural crest inhibits nasal cartilage morphogenesis by inducing p53-mediated apoptosis

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling plays many roles in skull morphogenesis. We have previously reported that enhanced BMP signaling through the BMP type IA receptor (BMPR1A) in cranial neural crest cells causes craniosynostosis during postnatal development. Additionally, we observed that 55% of Bmpr1a mutant mice show neonatal lethality characterized by a distended gastrointestinal tract. Here, we show that severely affected mutants exhibit defective nasal cartilage, failure of fusion between the nasal septum and the secondary palate, and higher levels of phosphorylated SMAD1 and SMAD5 in the nasal tissue. TUNEL demonstrated an increase in apoptosis in both condensing mesenchymal tissues and cartilage of the nasal region in mutants. The levels of p53 (TRP53) tumor suppressor protein were also increased in the same tissue. Injection of pifithrin-α, a chemical inhibitor of p53, into pregnant mice prevented neonatal lethality while concomitantly reducing apoptosis in nasal cartilage primordia, suggesting that enhanced BMP signaling induces p53-mediated apoptosis in the nasal cartilage. The expression of Bax and caspase 3, downstream targets of p53, was increased in the mutants; however, the p53 expression level was unchanged. It has been reported that MDM2 interacts with p53 to promote degradation. We found that the amount of MDM2-p53 complex was decreased in all mutants, and the most severely affected mutants had the largest decrease. Our previous finding that the BMP signaling component SMAD1 prevents MDM2-mediated p53 degradation coupled with our new data indicate that augmented BMP signaling induces p53-mediated apoptosis by prevention of p53 degradation in developing nasal cartilage. Thus, an appropriate level of BMP signaling is required for proper craniofacial morphogenesis.

Intrinsic regulations in neural fate commitment

Neural fate commitment is an early embryonic event that a group of cells in ectoderm, which do not ingress through primitive streak, acquire a neural fate but not epidermal or mesodermal lineages. Several extracellular signaling pathways initiated by the secreted proteins bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), wingless/int class proteins (WNTs) and Nodal play essential roles in the specification of the neural plate. Accumulating evidence from the studies on mouse and pluripotent embryonic stem cells reveals that except for the extracellular signals, the intracellular molecules, including both transcriptional and epigenetic factors, participate in the modulation of neural fate commitment as well. In the review, we mainly focus on recent findings that the initiation of the nervous system is elaborately regulated by the intrinsic programs, which are mediated by transcriptional factors such as Sox2, Zfp521, Sip1 and Pou3f1, as well as epigenetic modifications, including histone methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, and DNA methylation/demethylation. The discovery of the intrinsic regulatory machineries provides better understanding of the mechanisms by which the neural fate commitment is ensured by the cooperation between extracellular factors and intracellular molecules.

Programming and reprogramming a human heart cell

The latest discoveries and advanced knowledge in the fields of stem cell biology and developmental cardiology hold great promise for cardiac regenerative medicine, enabling researchers to design novel therapeutic tools and approaches to regenerate cardiac muscle for diseased hearts. However, progress in this arena has been hampered by a lack of reproducible and convincing evidence, which at best has yielded modest outcomes and is still far from clinical practice. To address current controversies and move cardiac regenerative therapeutics forward, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the key cellular and molecular programs involved in human cardiogenesis and cardiac regeneration. In this review, we consider the fundamental principles that govern the "programming" and "reprogramming" of a human heart cell and discuss updated therapeutic strategies to regenerate a damaged heart.

Activin/nodal signaling switches the terminal fate of human embryonic stem cell-derived trophoblasts

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been routinely treated with bone morphogenetic protein and/or inhibitors of activin/nodal signaling to obtain cells that express trophoblast markers. Trophoblasts can terminally differentiate to either extravillous trophoblasts or syncytiotrophoblasts. The signaling pathways that govern the terminal fate of these trophoblasts are not understood. We show that activin/nodal signaling switches the terminal fate of these hESC-derived trophoblasts. Inhibition of activin/nodal signaling leads to formation of extravillous trophoblast, whereas loss of activin/nodal inhibition leads to the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts. Also, the ability of hESCs to form bona fide trophoblasts has been intensely debated. We have examined hESC-derived trophoblasts in the light of stringent criteria that were proposed recently, such as hypomethylation of the ELF5-2b promoter region and down-regulation of HLA class I antigens. We report that trophoblasts that possess these properties can indeed be obtained from hESCs.

BMP-Smad4 signaling is required for precartilaginous mesenchymal condensation independent of Sox9 in the mouse

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) regulate multiple aspects of skeletal development in vertebrates. Although exogenously applied BMPs can induce chondrogenesis de novo, the role and mechanism of physiologic BMP signaling during precartilaginous mesenchymal condensation is not well understood. By deleting the type I BMP receptors or the transcription factor Smad4 in the limb bud mesenchyme, we find that loss of BMP-Smad signaling abolishes skeletal development due to a failure in mesenchymal condensation. In the absence of Smad4, expression of Sox9, an essential transcription factor for chondrogenesis, initiates normally in the proximal mesenchyme of the limb bud, but fails to maintain its level or expand to the more distal territory at the later stages. However, forced-expression of Sox9 does not restore cartilage formation in the Smad4-deficeint embryo. In vitro micromass cultures show that the Smad4-deficient cells fail to condense in a cell-autonomous manner, even though they express several cell adhesion molecules either normally or even at a higher level. Thus, BMP-Smad signaling critically controls mesenchymal condensation to initiate skeletal development likely through a Sox9-independent mechanism.