Pattern of the insulin-like growth factor II gene expression during early mouse embryogenesis

The influence of ethanol exposure on insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type II receptors in fetal rat tissues

The effect of ethanol (ETOH) exposure on the IGF type II receptor concentration was examined in 18 and 20 day fetal rat tissues. Pregnant dams were fed an ETOH (36% of calories derived from ETOH; 6.6% v/v) liquid diet. Control fetuses were offspring of dams either pair-fed a control liquid diet or ad libitum-fed a standard pelleted lab chow. Fetal brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung and skeletal muscle were removed and whole homogenates from individual animals were analyzed. Results of immunoquantification of IGF type II receptors in whole tissue homogenates show that there is a trend towards increased receptor concentration between 18 and 20 days in all tissue and this trend is significant for lung, liver and muscle. There were no significant differences in receptor concentration between treatment groups. These studies suggest that during the later stages of fetal development, there is an increase in total IGF type II receptors and this increase is undisturbed by ETOH exposure.

Post-implantation development of demi-embryos and induction of decidual cell reaction in mice

Mouse demi-embryos that developed from bisected morulae were transferred to recipients. The eu-blastocysts (distinct inner cell mass and well-developed trophectoderm) contained cells equal to 51% of the controls that developed from zona-free morulae. The rate of decidual cell reaction induced by the eu-blastocysts was not significantly different from that of the controls, but the size of the deciduum containing the egg cylinder was significantly smaller on Day 5.5 of pregnancy (P < 0.001). A significant increase in embryonic loss was observed from Day 7.5 to Day 9.5 in the eu-blastocysts (P < 0.05), while the controls exhibited no significant difference. Although the embryos from the eu-blastocysts showed retardation of developmental stages and decreased size, they attained normal stages and size regulation up to 90% of that of the control on Day 10.5. The pseudo-blastocysts (poorly developed inner cell mass enclosed by trophectoderm) contained cells equal to 25% of those of the controls and showed less than a 10% developmental rate to the egg cylinder stage. The trophectodermal vesicles (no enclosed cells) and nonintegrated forms (disorganized clusters of cells) contained cells less than 18% of those of the controls. They showed lower rates of decidual cell reaction than those in the controls (P < 0.05), and no egg cylinder was found in the deciduum. The results indicate that a severe decrease in the number of embryonic cells affects the regulation of embryonic development and decidual cell reaction in the uterus.

Insulin-like growth factor I rescues SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells from hyperosmotic induced programmed cell death

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and the type I IGF receptor are widely distributed in developing and adult mammalian nervous systems. In vitro, IGF-I is a mitogen for primary neurons and also for cells from the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line, a well-characterized model system of neuronal growth. In the current study, we examined the effects of osmotic stress on SH-SY5Y cell viability and the mechanism by which IGF-I serves as a neuronal osmoprotectant. Within 24 hr, exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to hyperosmotic serum-free media decreased (1) the number of viable cells, (2) the rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation, and (3) cell cycle progression. The inclusion of 10 nM IGF-I with hyperosmotic media prevented the loss of cell viability. The osmoprotective effects of IGF-I were inhibited by alpha-IR3, a blocking antibody of the type I IGF receptor. The observed loss of SH-SY5Y cell viability following hyperosmotic shock was due to an induction of programmed cell death as determined by flow cytometry and gel electrophoresis. Our results suggest that IGF-I can protect SH-SY5Y cells from hyperosmotic induced programmed cell death.

Localization of a tumor suppressor gene in 11p15.5 using the G401 Wilms' tumor assay

Multiple studies have underscored the importance of loss of tumor suppressor genes in the development of human cancer. To identify these genes, we used somatic cell hybrids in a functional assay for tumor suppression in vivo. A tumor suppressor gene in 11p15.5 was detected by transferring single human chromosomes into the G401 Wilms' tumor cell line. In order to better map this gene, we created a series of radiation-reduced t(X;11) chromosomes and characterized them at 24 loci between H-RAS and beta-globin. Interestingly, three of the chromosomes were indistinguishable as determined by genomic and cytogenetic analyses. Each contains an interstitial deletion with one breakpoint in 11p14.1 and the other breakpoint between the D11S601 and D11S648 loci in 11p15.5. PFGE analysis localized the 11p15.5 breakpoints to a 175 kb MluI fragment that hybridized to D11S601 and D11S648 probes. Genomic fragments from this 175 kb region were hybridized to DNA from mouse hybrid lines containing the delta t(X;11) chromosomes. This analysis detected the identical 11p15.5 breakpoint which disrupts a 7.8 kb EcoRI fragment in all three of the delta t(X;11) chromosomes, suggesting they are subclones of the same parent colony. Upon transfer into G401 cells, one of the chromosomes suppressed tumor formation in nude mice, while the other two chromosomes lacked this ability. Thus, our mapping data indicate that the gene in 11p15.5 which suppresses tumor formation in G401 cells must lie telomeric to the D11S601 locus. Koi et al. (Science 260: 361-364, 1993) have used a similar functional assay to localize a growth suppressor gene for the RD cell line centromeric to the D11S724 locus. The combination of functional studies by our lab and theirs significantly narrows the location of the tumor suppressor gene in 11p15.5 to the approximately 500 kb region between D11S601 and D11S724.

Establishment of the mesodermal cell line QCE-6. A model system for cardiac cell differentiation

The QCE-6 cell line was derived from precardiac mesoderm of the Japanese quail. As previously reported, these cells are able to differentiate into two distinct cardiac cell types with myocardial or endocardial endothelial cell properties. This present communication describes in detail the derivation of this cell line and further characterizes the nontreated and induced myocardial and endothelial phenotypes of these cells. The QCE-6 cells exhibit an epithelial morphology, as well as the pattern of protein expression, that is characteristic of precardiac mesoderm. Treatment with retinoic acid, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 induces these cells to differentiate and produce mixed cultures of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The epithelial cells express myosin, desmin, and cardiac troponin I in a punctate pattern throughout the cytoplasm. These sarcomeric proteins become organized in a premyofibrillar pattern when TGF-beta 1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II are added in combination along with retinoic acid, bFGF, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3. Also, these treatments induce Na+,K(+)-ATPase expression. When the QCE-6 cells are cultured on collagen type I, the mesenchymal cells that are promoted by retinoic acid, bFGF, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 will invade the gel. These mesenchymal cells are positive for QH1 and JB3, which are both markers for presumptive endocardial cells within the early cardiogenic mesoderm. The addition of both PDGF-BB and IGF II to QCE-6 cell cultures will inhibit the ability of retinoic acid, bFGF, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 to induce both the mesenchymal morphology and QH1 and JB3 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that the proces of cardiac cell differentiation is regulated by multiple signals and that early cardiogenic mesoderm contains a bipotential stem cell that can give rise to both the myocardial and endocardial lineages. More important, since the QCE-6 cells are representative of early cardiogenic cells, this cell line offers a unique model system to study cardiac cell differentiation.

Allele-specific expression and total expression levels of imprinted genes during early mouse development: implications for imprinting mechanisms

Genomic imprinting determines the monoallelic expression of a small number of genes during at least later stages of development. To obtain information necessary for the elucidation of imprinting mechanisms, we assessed the allele-specific expression and total expression level of four imprinted genes during early stages of development of normal F1 hybrid mice utilizing quantitative allele-specific reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) single-nucleotide primer extension assays. The Igf2r and Snrpn genes were activated by the early 4-cell stage and exhibited biallelic and monoallelic expression, respectively, throughout preimplantation development. Thus, with respect to different imprinted genes, epigenetic systems determining monoallelic expression are not uniform in their time of establishment. Biallelic expression of Igf2r was observed in single blastomeres, discounting the possibility of random allelic inactivation at this stage. The closely linked H19 and Igf2 genes were activated after the blastocyst stage and often exhibited biallelic and monoallelic expression respectively in tissues of pregastrulation postimplantation-stage embryos, rather than reciprocal monoallelic modes as observed at later stages. This raises the possibility that imprinting of H19 is involved only in the maintenance and not in the initiation of monoallelic expression of Igf2. Monoallelic expression of Snrpn was observed in each blastomere at the 4-cell stage, demonstrating that the germ line, which exhibits biallelic expression of imprinted genes, must be derived from cells in which imprinting was once manifest.

An enhancer deletion affects both H19 and Igf2 expression

The distal end of mouse Chromosome 7 contains four tightly linked genes whose expression is dependent on their parental inheritance. Mash-2 and H19 are expressed exclusively from the maternal chromosome, whereas Insulin-2 (Ins-2) and Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) are paternally expressed. The identical expression during development of the 3'-most genes in the cluster, Igf2 and H19, led to the proposal that their imprinting was mechanistically linked through a common set of transcriptional regulatory elements. To test this hypothesis, a targeted deletion of two endoderm-specific enhancers that lie 3' of H19 was generated by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Inheritance of the enhancer deletion through the maternal lineage led to a loss of H19 gene expression in cells of endodermal origin, including cells in the liver, gut, kidney, and lung. Paternal inheritance led to a very similar loss in the expression of Igf2 RNA in the same tissues. These results establish that H19 and Igf2 utilize the same endoderm enhancers, but on different parental chromosomes. Mice inheriting the enhancer deletion from fathers were 80% of normal size, reflecting a partial loss-of-function of Igf2. The reduction was uniformly observed in a number of internal organs, indicating that insulin-like growth factor II (IGFII), the product of Igf2, acts systemically in mice to affect prenatal growth. A modest decline in Ins-2 RNA was observed in the yolk sac. In contrast Mash-2, which is expressed in spongiotrophoblast cells of the placenta, was unaffected by the enhancer deletion.

Biallelic expression of imprinted genes in the mouse germ line: implications for erasure, establishment, and mechanisms of genomic imprinting

Genomic imprinting in mammals determines parental-specific (monoallelic) expression of a relatively small number of genes during development. Imprinting must logically be imparted in the germ line, where inherited maternal and paternal imprinting is erased and new imprinting established according to the individual's sex. We have assessed the allele-specific expression of four imprinted genes, two of which exhibit maternal-specific (H19 and Igf2r) and two of which exhibit paternal-specific (Igf2 and Snrpn) monoallelic somatic expression, in the germ line of F1 hybrid mice utilizing quantitative RT-PCR single-nucleotide primer extension assays. The expression of each gene was biallelic in the female and male germ line from the time that migratory mitotic PGCs entered the embryonic genital ridge and throughout gametogenesis, except that H19 RNA was not detected late in gametogenesis. These findings demonstrate that inherited imprinting is erased, or not recognized, in germ cells by the time of genital ridge colonization; also that new imprinting may not be established until late in gametogenesis, or that it is incomplete or not recognized at this stage. Regardless of imprinting status, a generalized neutralization of imprinting is evident in the germ line, associated with the totipotent state of this unique cell lineage.

Disruption of imprinting caused by deletion of the H19 gene region in mice

The imprinted H19 gene, which encodes an untranslated RNA, lies at the end of a cluster of imprinted genes in the mouse. Imprinting of the insulin-2 and insulin-like growth factor 2 genes, which lie about 100 kilobases upstream of H19, can be disrupted by maternal inheritance of a targeted deletion of the H19 gene and its flanking sequence. Animals inheriting the H19 mutation from their mothers are 27% heavier than those inheriting it from their fathers. Paternal inheritance of the disruption has no effect, which presumably reflects the normally silent state of the paternal gene. The somatic overgrowth of heterozygotes for the maternal deletion is attributed to a gain of function of insulin-like growth factor 2, rather than a loss of function of H19.

Genomic imprinting of Mash2, a mouse gene required for trophoblast development

The mouse gene Mash2 encodes a transcription factor required for development of trophoblast progenitors. Mash2-homozygous mutant embryos die at 10 days postcoitum from placental failure. Here we show that Mash2 is genomically imprinted. First, Mash2+/- embryos inheriting a wild-type allele from their father die at the same stage as -/- embryos, with a similar placental phenotype. Second, the Mash2 paternal allele is initially expressed by groups of trophoblast cells at 6.5 and 7.5 days post-coitum, but appears almost completely repressed by 8.5 days post-coitum. Finally, we have genetically and physically mapped Mash2 to the distal region of chromosome 7, within a cluster of imprinted genes, including insulin-2, insulin-like growth factor-2 and H19.

The developing CNS: a scenario for the action of proinsulin, insulin and insulin-like growth factors

The multifunctional cytokines of the family of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have not yet gained general recognition as essential cell signals for the development of the vertebrate nervous system. This is, in part, a consequence of previous constraints in our thinking, focused for many years on the endocrine roles of these factors in late mammalian development and postnatal stages. The cellular distribution of the components of the insulin and IGFs signalling system in the developing mammalian and avian CNS is remarkably conserved. While receptors are widespread, the much less abundant factors and modulatory proteins are highly regulated in time and space. Progression of neural development through the steps of cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation and survival is stimulated, at least in culture, by proinsulin and insulin and the IGFs. Thus, these factors might be important autocrine and paracrine signals during development of the CNS.

The eed mutation disrupts anterior mesoderm production in mice

Mouse embryos homozygous for the mutation embryonic ectoderm development (eed) exhibit a growth defect and fail to gastrulate normally. While extraembryonic mesoderm is produced extensively, very little embryonic mesoderm is detected in eed mutant embryos, and there is no subsequent organization of mesoderm into node, notochord, or somites. The phenotype is consistent with a defect in the distal primitive streak. Here we report additional phenotypic analyses that include mRNA in situ hybridization of genes whose expression reflects the function of different regions of the primitive streak and their derivatives. These studies have confirmed that mesoderm derived from the proximal primitive streak is specified appropriately. Despite the absence of a morphologically distinct node, sparse axial mesoderm cells in eed mutant embryos are specified, as reflected by expression of Brachyury (T), Sonic hedgehog, and Tcf3b/HNF-3 beta, and definitive endoderm is produced. Specification of these cell types is also independent of correct expression of nodal, Fgf4, and gsc. Finally, T and Evx1 display ectopic expression in cells not normally fated to ingress through the primitive streak. The data presented are discussed in terms of mechanisms for establishment of the eed phenotype, and are consistent with the eed gene product playing an early role in primitive streak formation and/or organization.

Chromatin structure and imprinting: developmental control of DNase-I sensitivity in the mouse insulin-like growth factor 2 gene

The insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene on distal mouse chromosome 7 is expressed predominantly from the paternal allele. In previous studies we identified two regions of paternal allele-specific methylation; one at approximately 3 kb upstream of promoter 1, and a second in the 3', coding portion of the gene. The 3' region is methylated in an expressing tissue (fetal liver), whereas in a non-expressing tissue (fetal brain), it is not methylated. By contrast, in the 5' region, the paternal allele is highly methylated in all tissues. Here, we have studied another characteristic of chromatin, namely, sensitivity to DNase-I and have focused our developmental analysis on the two differentially methylated regions of Igf2. In the upstream region, four clustered DNase-I hypersensitive sites (HSS) were detected in embryonic stem (ES) cells and in midgestation embryos, but not in neonatal liver or brain. In promoter 1 (P1), at approximately 0.3 kb upstream of exon 1, we detected a tissue-specific HSS that was present in neonatal liver, in which P1 is active, but was absent in ES cells, the embryo, and in neonatal brain. No DNase-I HSS were detected in the 3' differentially methylated region of Igf2. In all these regions, we did not detect differences in DNase-I sensitivity between the parental chromosomes. These results establish major developmental and tissue-specific control of chromatin in the Igf2 locus. The presence of the HSS upstream of Igf2 precedes transcriptional activation of the Igf2 gene and may be indicative of a promoter for another transcript that is transcribed in the opposite direction. The HSS in P1 is largely liver-specific; this promoter therefore is differently regulated than the more general fetal promoters P2 and P3. Whereas methylation can be allele-specific, presumably reflecting the gene imprint, the nuclease sensitivity, as detected by our assay, is not. These results, taken together with previous observations, reveal developmental and tissue-specific complexity in the expression of the parental imprint at the level of chromatin and transcription. We propose that epigenetic features of tissue-specific control and of the control of allelic expression are intricately linked.

Loss of the imprinted IGF2/cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor results in fetal overgrowth and perinatal lethality

Murine embryos that inherit a nonfunctional insulin-like growth factor-II/cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (Igf2r) gene from their fathers are viable and develop normally into adults. However, the majority of mice inheriting the same mutated allele from their mothers die around birth, as a consequence of major cardiac abnormalities. These mice do not express IGF2R in their tissues, are 25-30% larger than their normal siblings, have elevated levels of circulating IGF2 and IGF-binding proteins, and exhibit a slight kink in their tails. These results show that Igf2r is paternally imprinted and reveal that the receptor is crucial for regulating normal fetal growth, circulating levels of IGF2, and heart development.

Effect of in utero ethanol exposure on the postnatal ontogeny of insulin-like growth factor-1, and type-1 and type-2 insulin-like growth factor receptors in the rat brain

There is convincing evidence that alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes major CNS abnormalities; however, the molecular and cellular basis of these dysfunctions is currently not understood. This study examined the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA and type-1 and type-2 receptor protein and messenger RNA expression in the developing rat brain. Mothers were maintained on an ethanol containing liquid diet from day 2 of pregnancy through parturition and the offspring were killed at birth, 10, 20 and 40 days of age. Insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA, and insulin-like growth factor receptors demonstrated developmentally dependent expression in specific brain regions throughout the postnatal period of CNS maturation. Insulin-like growth factor-1 gene expression in the brain, as analysed by dot-blot hybridization, was greatest at birth, and decreased 61% in ad libitum and pair-fed animals by 20 days of age. In contrast, ethanol-treated animals exhibited only a 25% decrease in insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA levels during the same period. This delay in insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA maturation may be related to a developmental delay in CNS development in the prenatally ethanol exposed offspring. Prenatal ethanol exposure did not alter the observed localization of insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA. While alterations were observed in long-term insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA regulation, quantitative receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization demonstrated no alterations in either type-1 or type-2 insulin-like growth factor receptor populations in ethanol-treated animals. Changes in hepatic and plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein regulation have also been observed in these animals, suggesting changes in protein translation and the autocrine/paracrine actions of this peptide. The present study demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor-1 messenger RNA and insulin-like growth factor receptors are regionally expressed during early postnatal development and that ethanol administration influenced the long-term regulation of insulin-like growth factor messenger RNA levels in the brain without affecting either its localization or insulin-like growth factor receptor populations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Discriminating translation of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) during mouse embryogenesis

The problem is to discover which of the promoters of the insulin-like growth factor-II gene stimulate the transcription of mRNA which is translated into protein. Three alternative leader exons are attached to the coding sequences in RNA transcribed from this gene in other systems, and it is mainly the paternal allele which is expressed in mouse development. Transcripts bearing each of the three leader exons were found in the RNA from the chorio-allantoic placenta, visceral yolk sac, and embryo, starting at 9.5 days. A varying proportion of one abundant transcript was disengaged from the polysomes at different days of development. This transcript was prefixed by the longest of the three alternative untranslated 5' leader exons (exon 2), and it was consistently associated with polysomes in the choroid plexus and leptomeninges of the brain. Many exon 2 transcripts were abbreviated by endonucleolytic cleavage and lacked a poly(A) tail. In contrast, the transcripts with the shortest leader (exon 3) were mainly displayed on polysomes at all the stages of development which were examined. During mouse development, the production of IGF-II protein must be partly controlled by the mechanisms which regulate translation.

Brain growth retardation due to the expression of human insulin like growth factor binding protein-1 in transgenic mice: an in vivo model for the analysis of igf function in the brain

Three lines of transgenic (Tg) mice carrying a fusion gene linking the mouse metallothionein-I promoter to a cDNA encoding human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (hIGFBP-1) were found to express the transgene in brain. As judged by comparing Tg brain weights to those of non-transgenic littermates, adult hemizygotic Tg mice of each line exhibited brain growth retardation (16.2%, 14.4% and 8.1% reductions in weight, respectively in each line). In two lines, total brain DNA and protein content were decreased. Further analysis indicated that the brain growth retardation was manifested in the second week of postnatal life. Given that the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) stimulate cell proliferation and/or survival in neural cultures and that hIGFBP-1, when present in a molar excess, inhibits IGF interactions with their cell surface receptors, the brain growth retardation in hIGFBP-1 Tg mice likely results from hIGFBP-1 inhibition of IGF-stimulated growth-promoting actions. These hIGFBP-1 Tg mice should prove useful in defining IGF actions during postnatal brain maturation.

Abnormal development of embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages in parthenogenetic mouse embryos

Parthenogetically activated, diploid mouse oocytes can develop to midgestation stages in utero. However, even these advanced parthenogenones appear to die because of much reduced trophoblast and yolk sac development. Previous studies have compared the general features of parthenogenetic and androgenetic development and determined the fate of uniparental cells in chimeras with normal embryos. These studies led to the concept of genomic imprinting as the cause for developmental failure when either the maternal or the paternal genome is duplicated, with the corresponding deficiency of the other. Genomic imprinting appears to arise during gametogenesis and to act through dosage effects in a set of imprinted genes, whose expression depends on their parental origin. In this study we undertook a more detailed morphological analysis of parthenogenetic development in the mouse and established a classification system to quantify the developmental extent of parthenogenones. We found that the failure of parthenogenones occurred at different times during early postimplantation development, generating a spectrum of concepti which had developed to different extents, with only a small fraction of the embryos reaching advanced somite stages. In all parthenogenones differentiation and proliferation of the trophectoderm and primitive endoderm lineages (both extraembryonic) was abnormal, and in all, even the best-developed parthenogenones, we observed similar deficiencies in the embryonic lineages, especially the mesoderm. Common to all abnormally developed lineages was that the proportion of undifferentiated precursor cells was much reduced, while their differentiated descendants were relatively abundant. We propose, therefore, that the failure of parthenogenones to develop to term is due to abnormal regulation of differentiation and proliferation in both embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. In this hypothesis, the apparent tissue specific defects observed in parthenogenones arise as a consequence of the functional importance of certain tissues (like the trophoblast) early in development. The spectrum of parthenogenones thus appears to reflect critical events in early development, whose regulation are affected by genomic imprinting.

A functional analysis of imprinting in parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells

A detailed analysis of the developmental potential of parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PGES) was made in vivo and in vitro, and a comparison was made with the development of cells from parthenogenetic embryos (PG). In vivo, in chimeras with normal host cells (N), PGES cells showed a restricted tissue distribution consistent with that of PG cells, suggesting faithful imprinting in PGES cells with respect to genes involved in lineage allocation and differentiation. Restricted developmental potential was also observed in teratomas formed by ectopic transfer under the kidney capsule. In contrast, the classic phenotype of growth retardation normally observed in PG&lt;==&gt;N chimeras was not seen, suggesting aberrant regulation in PGES cells of genes involved in growth regulation. We also analysed the expression of known imprinted genes after ES cell differentiation. Igf2, H19 and Igf2r were all appropriately expressed in the PGES derived cells following induction of differentiation in vitro with all-trans retinoic acid or DMSO, when compared with control (D3) and androgenetic ES cells (AGES). Interestingly, H19 was found to be expressed at high levels following differentiation of the AGES cells. Due to the unexpected normal growth regulation of PGES&lt;==&gt;N chimeras we also examined Igf2 expression in PGES derived cells differentiated in vivo and found that this gene was still repressed. Our studies show that PGES cells provide a valuable in vitro model system to study the effects of imprinting on cell differentiation and they also provide invaluable material for extensive molecular studies on imprinted genes. In addition, the aberrant growth phenotype observed in chimeras has implications for mechanisms that regulate the somatic establishment and maintenance of some imprints. This is of particular interest as aberrant imprinting has recently been invoked in the etiology of some human diseases.

Expression and methylation of imprinted genes during in vitro differentiation of mouse parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryonic stem cell lines

Messenger RNA and methylation levels of four imprinted genes, H19, Igf2r, Igf-2 and Snrpn were examined by northern and Southern blotting in mouse parthenogenetic, androgenetic and normal or wild-type embryonic stem cell lines during their differentiation in vitro as embryoid bodies. In most instances, mRNA levels in parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryoid bodies differed from wild type as expected from previously determined patterns of monoallelic expression in midgestation embryos and at later stages of development. These findings implicate aberrant mRNA levels of these genes in the abnormal development of parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos and chimeras. Whereas complete silence of one of the parental alleles has previously been observed in vivo, we detected some mRNA in the corresponding embryonic stem cell line. This ‘leakage’ phenomenon could be explained by partial erasure, bypass or override of imprints, or could represent the actual activity status at very early stages of development. The mRNA levels of H19, Igf2r and Igf-2 and the degree of methylation at specific associated sequences were correlated according to previous studies in embryos, and thereby are consistent with suggestions that the methylation might play a role in controlling transcription of these genes. Paternal-specific methylation of the H19 promoter region is absent in sperm, yet we observed its presence in undifferentiated androgenetic embryonic stem cells, or before the potential expression phase of this gene in embryoid bodies. As such methylation is likely to invoke a repressive effect, this finding raises the possibility that it is part of the imprinting mechanism of H19, taking the form of a secondary imprint or postfertilization epigenetic modification necessary for repression of the paternal allele.

Precardiac mesoderm is specified during gastrulation in quail

The establishment of precardiac mesoderm and the role of anterolateral endoderm and ectoderm in regulating heart muscle cell development have been studied in quail using explant cultures. Mesoderm from precardiac regions of stage 4(+)-6 embryos was explanted alone or in combination with adjacent endoderm or ectoderm, cultured for 12 to 72 hr in several types of culture media, and then assayed by morphological and immunocytochemical criteria for the presence of differentiated cardiac myocytes. Results show that mesoderm from heart forming regions is capable of differentiating into beating cardiac myocytes in a defined medium lacking potential signaling molecules by stage 4+, the earliest time at which we could isolate mesoderm from adjacent cell layers. Although an interaction with anterolateral endoderm from stage 4+ onward is therefore not required for the specification of precardiac mesoderm in quail, explants consisting of mesoderm plus endoderm show an enhanced rate of myocyte differentiation and a shortened delay between expression of myosin heavy chain and the onset of beating. Endoderm also plays a central role in early heart morphogenesis since beating heart tubes form only in explants that contain both mesoderm and endoderm. In contrast, ectoderm from stage 4(+)-5+ embryos does not support development of precardiac mesoderm. These results suggest that early heart muscle cell development involves an initial specification step that occurs prior to or during gastrulation and which leads to the appearance of myocardial precursor cells, and a subsequent differentiation step during which endoderm plays a central role in enhancing the rate of myocyte differentiation and the degree of heart tube morphogenesis.

The non-viability of uniparental mouse conceptuses correlates with the loss of the products of imprinted genes

Diploid parthenogenetic or androgenetic mouse conceptuses produce characteristic and opposite mutant phenotypes and are non-viable, presumably due to different contributions from the maternal and paternal genomes. This is likely to be the result of the preferential expression of only one parent's copy of certain genes in the offspring. So far, four such endogenous imprinted genes are known: the paternal alleles of Igf2 and Snrpn and the maternal alleles of Igf2r and H19 are active, while their opposite parental alleles are inactive. Here we demonstrate that the expression patterns of the Igf2 and Igf2r genes in androgenetic and parthenogenetic conceptuses correlate with which parental alleles normally express them, implying that the imprint can be maintained in the absence of the other parent's genome for these genes. This also indicates that both types of uniparental conceptuses are lacking developmentally important gene products. We did find, however, that the H19 gene was highly expressed not only in the parthenogenetic conceptus, but also in giant trophoblasts and secondary giant cells in the androgenetic placenta, in spite of the imprinting of the H19 gene in normal mouse extra embryonic tissues. We discuss these observations with respect to the non-viability of uniparental conceptuses and the reciprocal imprinting patterns of the Igf2 and H19 genes.

Parental imprinting of autosomal mammalian genes

The molecular mechanisms introducing epigenetic modifications that lead to differential silencing of some autosomal alleles depending on their parental legacy are still largely unknown, but recent results from studies of endogenously imprinted genes and particular transgenes make DNA methylation a strong candidate. At the same time, these results have raised new questions about the details of the imprinting process.

Expression of insulin-like growth factors I and II in conceptuses from normal and diabetic mice

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) play an important regulatory role in fetal growth and development. Alterations in expression of these growth factors may result in developmental abnormalities, macrosomia, and intrauterine growth retardation, which occur with a higher incidence in diabetic pregnancies. In situ hybridization histochemistry was employed to investigate the distribution and abundance of IGF-I and IGF-II in peri-implantation and postimplantation conceptuses from normal and streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice. Animals were sacrificed on gestational days 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The entire uterine horn was prepared for hybridization with antisense and sense alpha 35S-dATP labeled oligonucleotide probes for IGF-I, IGF-II, and mouse beta-actin. IGF-I transcript was apparent only in myometrium at 6 days of gestation in normal and diabetic mice. IGF-II transcripts were restricted to trophoectoderm cells within the implantation chamber on day 5. Following implantation, IGF-II transcripts were found in trophoectodermal derivatives, primitive endoderm, mesoderm, heart, walls of the foregut, and mesenchyme in normal and diabetic postimplantation conceptuses. There were no apparent differences between normal and diabetic samples in the distribution and abundance of the IGF-II transcript from gestational days 7, 8, and 9. The embryos from the diabetic mother at day 6 were growth retarded and had a significant decrease in the expression of IGF-II. These results suggest that maternal hyperglycemia may retard development of the early implanting conceptus in a narrow window around day 6 through a mechanism involving decreased IGF-II expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of insulin-like growth factors in peripheral nerve regeneration

Prolonged denervation results in atrophy of target organs and increased risk of permanent paralysis. A better understanding of the mechanism responsible for nerve regeneration may one day lead to improved rates of nerve regeneration and diminished risk of loss of function. Neurobiologists have known for decades that soluble neurotrophic activity is present in nerves and nerve targets. Until recently, the soluble molecules that regulate the rate of nerve regeneration have eluded identification. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) gene expression is correlated with synapse formation during development and regeneration. IGFs are now identified as the first soluble nerve- and muscle-derived neurotrophic factors found to regulate the rate of peripheral nerve regeneration. The roles of IGFs and other neurotrophic factors in peripheral nerve regeneration, motor nerve terminal sprouting and synapse formation are reviewed.

Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA, peptides, and receptors in a thoracopulmonary malignant small round cell tumor

Insulin-like growth factor-(IGF) II and IGF-I and IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptors were expressed in a thoracopulmonary malignant small round cell tumor (MSRCT) from a 14-year-old boy. Northern analysis showed that the MSRCT expresses multiple IGF-II mRNA of 6.0, 4.8, 4.2, and 2.2 kilobase from promoters P3 and P4 of the human IGF-II gene. Chromatography and radioimmunoassay revealed two forms of IGF-II with molecular masses of 7.5 kilodalton (kDa) and 10 kDa, corresponding to mature IGF-II and IGF-II with a C-terminal extension, in concentrations of 61 and 41 ng/g/tumor tissue, respectively. By a combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, the authors also show that the MSRCT expresses IGF-I and IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor mRNA. The plasma concentration of IGF-II was 600 ng/ml and within the normal range of serum IGF-II. IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) of 41.5, 38.5, 34, 30, and 24 kDa were present in serum. Compared with normal plasma from healthy subjects and an age-matched group of boys, the level of the 41.5, 38.5, and 30 kDa IGFBP were approximately 3-fold elevated. The authors conclude that transcription of the IGF-II gene leads to the production of significant amounts of 10 kDa IGF-II and 7.5 kDa IGF-II. IGF-II may stimulate the proliferation of MSRCT by interaction with IGF-I receptors on the cells.

Overlapping patterns of IGF2 and H19 expression during human development: biallelic IGF2 expression correlates with a lack of H19 expression

The spatial patterns of IGF2 and H19 gene expression are strikingly similar during parts of human embryonic/fetal and early postnatal development. Notable exceptions were found with the ciliary anlage of the embryonic retina and the choroid plexus/leptomeninges, where transcripts from the IGF2 but not the H19 locus could be detected. Moreover, in contrast to the other tissue samples examined, the choroid plexus/leptomeninges expressed both parental IGF2 alleles. Whilst RNase protection analysis revealed a weak activity of the P1 promoter in the choroid plexus/leptomeninges, the P2, P3 and P4 promoters were all active wherever IGF2 was expressed. We discuss these observations with respect to a hypothesized coordinated control of the reciprocally imprinted and closely linked IGF2 and H19 loci.

Mechanisms of genomic imprinting in mammals

This chapter can be summarized by the following main points: Genomic imprinting results in the functional nonequivalence of the maternal and paternal genomes, thereby preventing the development of viable parthenogenotes and androgenotes in eutherian mammals. Imprinting may have arisen as a result of the specialized evolutionary requirements of the parental genomes or may have been an obligatory step in the development of placentation. A substantial proportion of transgenes and a smaller number of endogenous genes demonstrate imprinted pattern of expression in mice and humans. An analysis of DNA methylation in somatic tissues and germ cells during embryonic and postnatal development reveals dynamic changes, particularly during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. The nature and timing of these changes suggest that DNA methylation may be involved in genomic imprinting. Imprinted genes display complex methylation patterns. Many aspects of these patterns are consistent with a role for methylation in the imprinted phenotype, although it is currently unclear whether methylation functions in the establishment of imprinting or plays a secondary role in the maintenance of the imprinted pattern of expression. Studies underway to identify new imprinted genes may help elucidate both the function and mechanism of genomic imprinting.

Gene expression of the IGF binding proteins during post-implantation embryogenesis of the mouse; comparison with the expression of IGF-I and -II and their receptors in rodent and human

The IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) comprise at least six distinct species which may modulate the action of IGFs. IGFs are important regulators of fetal growth and differentiation. We have studied the mRNA expression of the six IGFBPs during post-implantation embryogenesis (day 11-18) by in situ hybridization techniques. Expression of IGFBP-1 was detected in mouse conceptuses after day 12 of gestation and seemed restricted to the liver. Transcripts for IGFBP-2, -4 and -5 were detected in various tissues and were found in all stages tested. In contrast, expression of IGFBP-3 and -6 could be detected only weakly in late gestational embryos. Comparison of the expression pattern of IGFBP-2, -4 and -5, which were found widely distributed in mouse conceptuses, revealed that IGFBP-2 was expressed mainly in the ectodermal layer and also in the mesoderm derived part of the tongue (day 13.5). Transcripts for IGFBP-4 however, only were detected in the mesoderm derived tissues, whereas expression of IGFBP-5 was restricted to the ectodermal layer. A similar distribution pattern was observed in the lung. In general, expression of IGFBP-2 and -5 was detected in the same cells, whereas IGFBP-4 and -5 were expressed mainly in different cell types. In rodents as in the human there is widespread expression of the genes coding IGFs, the IGFBPs and the receptors during pre- and postimplantation embryogenesis. These data support the assumption that the IGFs play an important role during embryogenesis.

Role of insulin-like growth factors in embryonic and postnatal growth

A developmental analysis of growth kinetics in mouse embryos carrying null mutations of the genes encoding insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, and the type 1 IGF receptor (IGF1R), alone or in combination, defined the onset of mutational effects leading to growth deficiency and indicated that between embryonic days 11.0 and 12.5, IGF1R serves only the in vivo mitogenic signaling of IGF-II. From E13.5 onward, IGF1R interacts with both IGF-I and IGF-II, while IGF-II recognizes an additional unknown receptor (XR). In contrast with the embryo proper, placental growth is served exclusively by an IGF-II-XR interaction. Additional genetic data suggested that the type 2IGF/mannose 6-phosphate receptor is an unlikely candidate for XR. Postnatal growth curves indicated that surviving Igf-1(-/-) mutants, which are infertile and exhibit delayed bone development, continue to grow with a retarded rate after birth in comparison with wild-type littermates and become 30% of normal weight as adults.

Differential expression of insulin-like growth factor-II in specific regions of the late (post day 9.5) murine placenta

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) expression has been implicated as a major determinant of fetal size during murine pregnancy. It remains unclear whether expression in the fetus, the placenta, or both is the overriding factor controlling growth. To gain further understanding of the placental contribution, we mapped IGF-II expression in the fetal vascular and trophoblastic portions of the late murine placenta (day 9.5-18.5). We found that, as in the fetus itself, vasculogenic mesenchyme, in this case derived from the allantois, was the strongest expressor of IGF-II. Trophoblast, on the other hand, while expressing somewhat less IGF-II, showed a dynamic pattern of IGF-II expression, which reflected its continuing differentiation during late pregnancy. Initially (days 9.5 and 12.5), the spongiotrophoblast, which is homologous to the cytotrophoblast columns and shell in early human pregnancy, strongly expressed IGF-II. Later, expression in the spongiotrophoblast was down-regulated as a new population, the so-called glycogen cells, emerged within the spongiotrophoblast (day 12.5-15.5) and went on to invade the mesometrial decidua. Glycogen cells, which are homologous to human intermediate trophoblast, strongly expressed IGF-II. Trophoblast lining the area of maternal-fetal exchange, the labyrinth, on the other hand, maintained a constitutive lower level of IGF-II expression throughout late pregnancy.

Glucose and scyllo-inositol impair phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the 10.5-day cultured rat conceptus: a role in dysmorphogenesis?

Culture of the postimplantation rat conceptus from gestational day 9.5-10.5 in media supplemented with d-glucose or scyllo-inositol decreases tissue myo-inositol and phosphoinositides with a concomitant increase in dysmorphogenesis. A number of mitogenic agents initiate cellular proliferation and differentiation through receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis. To test whether the decrease in conceptus phosphoinositides is associated with a reduced phosphoinositide hydrolytic response, we developed a protocol to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Phosphoinositide hydrolysis was monitored by measurement of [3H]inositol phosphates after preincubation in serum free media. We examined the ability of serum, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal-derived growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelin-2 (ET-2), to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. As measured by [3H]inositol monophosphate ([3H]InsP1) accumulation, normal rat seru, ET-1, and ET-2 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis 47%, 420%, and 154% above the basal rate observed in serum free controls. EGF stimulated a statistically insignificant 15% increase while PDGF, IGF-1, or IGF-2 were without effect. We further characterized ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Dose-response studies disclosed that incremental increases in [3H]InsP1 (129-420%) are observed over a concentration range of 10-1,000 nM. Maximal stimulation was not reached even at 1,000 nM. Temporally [3H]InsP1 and [3H]InsP3 levels increased linearly during incubation periods of 15-60 min. We further analyzed ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in 10.5-day conceptuses cultured for 24 hr in media containing high concentrations of glucose (23.3-56.6 mM) or scyllo-inositol (0.55, 5.5 mM). Under these dysmorphogenic conditions that concomitantly decrease the phosphoinositide precursor pool the response to ET-1 was blunted 28-76% for glucose and 29-65% for scyllo-inositol. This suggests that the effect of glucose and scyllo-inositol on lowering phosphoinositide precursor pools also results in a decrease in the response to agonists using the inositol/lipid intracellular pathway. This impaired signaling response may contribute to initiating dysmorphogenic events in diabetic embryopathy.

Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the imprinting of the mouse H19 gene

The expression of the H19 gene is governed by parental imprinting in mammals. H19, an unusual gene encoding an RNA with no known function, is exclusively expressed from the maternal chromosome. In mouse, it lies 90 kb downstream from the Igf2 gene, which encodes a fetal-specific growth factor, insulin-like growth factor II, and is expressed primarily from the paternally inherited chromosome. In this report we have utilized interspecific hybrid mice to identify male-specific DNA methylation of a 7- to 9-kb domain surrounding the H19 gene and its promoter. This allele-specific methylation could function as a mark to suppress transcription of the H19 paternal allele. Consistent with this proposal, the H19 promoter displayed an open chromatin conformation only on the relatively unmethylated active maternal allele. In contrast, a cell type-specific enhancer that lies outside the methylation domain is hypersensitive to restriction enzyme digestion in nuclei on both maternal and paternal chromosomes. That the allele-specific methylation domain, coupled to the two H19 enhancers, contains all the information necessary for its imprinting was tested by examining two transgenic lines containing an internally deleted H19 transgene. Both displayed paternal-specific methylation of the transgene and maternal-specific expression. Although neither line has been tested in an inbred genetic background, and therefore the action of complex modifiers cannot be formally excluded, the result suggests that the sequences necessary for the imprinting of H19 have been identified.

Parental imprinting of an Igf-2 transgene

As a consequence of parental imprinting in mice, the paternal allele encoding insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is expressed, whereas the maternal allele is silent in most tissues. To examine whether cis-acting sequences involved in imprinting are located in the vicinity of the Igf-2 gene, we have constructed mouse transgenic lines and studied the expression of a 30 kb rat Igf-2 transgene, in which the coding region has been replaced with the lacZ reporter sequence. Chromatin position effects and/or absence of long-range regulatory elements seem to have affected tissue-specific expression in the transgenic mice. However, in one of six expressing lines, staining of embryos for beta-galactosidase activity was detected in a minor subset of tissues normally transcribing the endogenous homolog, but only when the transgene was transmitted paternally. This transgene was integrated into mouse chromosome 19, which is apparently free of imprinted loci. Although the possibility that the Igf-2 transgene was inserted into an as yet unidentified imprinted locus is discussed, a more likely interpretation of our results is that the transgene carries at least a portion of its own imprinting signal, because it consists of the genomic sequences of a locus already known to be imprinted and maintains the correct imprinting mode.

Expression of IGF ligand and receptor genes during preimplantation mammalian development

The temporal patterns of expression of genes encoding insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ligands and receptors during very early development have been investigated in several laboratories in several different mammalian species. Both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemical techniques have been used to identify the time of appearance of gene transcripts or end-products. In preimplantation mouse embryos, IGF-II ligand and receptor gene activity is detectable as early as at the two-cell stage, the time when transcription from the embryonic genome is activated, but receptors for insulin and IGF-I are not detectable until the compacted eight-cell stage. Transcripts for insulin or IGF-I are not detectable in preimplantation mouse embryos, although the ligands are present in the reproductive tract. The pattern of IGF gene expression is not, however, identical in all mammalian species. In cow embryos, for example, transcripts for IGF-I and IGF-II ligands and receptors and insulin receptors have been detected at all stages of preimplantation development from mature oocyte to blastocyst (Watson et al., 1992). Attempts to quantitate transcript abundance in these early embryos are in progress in our laboratory. In the preimplantation mouse embryo, transcripts for several different IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-2, -3, -4, and -6) have been detected by RT-PCR procedures. In addition, transcripts for IGFBPs have been identified in RNA derived from cumulus cells, the ovary, the oviduct, the uterus, and the decidua. These findings suggest that the interactions of IGF ligands and receptors in preimplantation development might, indeed, be modulated by IGFPs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rescue of the T-associated maternal effect in mice carrying null mutations in Igf-2 and Igf2r, two reciprocally imprinted genes

In mice, only the paternal allele of the Igf2 gene, encoding insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is expressed due to parental imprinting. Interestingly, the Igf2r gene, which encodes one of the two known receptors (IGF2R) to which IGF-II binds with high affinity is also subject to imprinting, but in a reciprocal fashion. This observation raises the possibility that imprinting of these loci serves to regulate the ratios of the gene products, since IGF2R provides a mechanism for IGF-II turnover. To test this hypothesis, we crossed mice mutant for Igf-2 with animals carrying the Thp chromosomal deletion, which encompasses the Igf2r locus. Inheritance of the Thp chromosome through the maternal germline results in a dominant lethal maternal effect (Tme). However, as we show here, Thp/+ embryos that inherit the Thp maternally are variably rescued to birth if they also lack IGF-II. Based on these data, the Tme phenotype can be viewed as a dominant effect resulting from an overabundance of IGF-II.

Interferon-gamma inhibits DNA synthesis and insulin-like growth factor-II expression in human neuroblastoma cells

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is known to be an antiproliferative, differentiating agent in many cell types, including neuroblastoma. In this study, we determined the effects of IFN-gamma on cellular growth and expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and IGF receptors in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Incubation of SH-SY5Y cells in IFN-gamma (20-100 U/ml) induced the formation of long neuritic processes. IFN-gamma treatment also induced decreases in [3H]TdR incorporation, as well as serum-dependent changes in cell number. Treatment with IFN-gamma reduced cell number 33% in the presence of serum but had no effect on cell number in the absence of serum. IGF-II mRNA content was 60% inhibited by IFN-gamma, and was not serum dependent. The concentration of immunoreactive IGF-II in SH-SY5Y conditioned medium was also reduced in the presence of IFN-gamma, to less than half of control levels. In contrast, type I IGF receptor mRNA content was increased more than three-fold after treatment with IFN-gamma and serum. Co-incubation in IFN-gamma (20-100 U/ml) and IGF-II (3-10 nM) prevented the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma on [3H]TdR incorporation in serum-free media. Our results suggest that IFN-gamma may inhibit DNA synthesis and cell growth by interfering with an IGF-II/type I IGF receptor autocrine growth or survival mechanism.

Transgenic strategies in reproductive endocrinology

The present discussion surveys some of the recently published studies utilizing transgenic strategies to address questions in reproductive endocrinology. Beginning with a brief introduction of the transgenic method itself, the following areas are covered: 1. Sexual development and Müllerian-inhibiting substance; 2. Hypogonadal mice and hypothalamic GnRH; 3. The GnRH neuron: generation of immortalized rare cell types; 4. Glycoprotein hormones: immortalized cells, development and evolution; 5. Growth hormone and reproduction; and, 6. Gestation and the insulin-like growth factors. In each section, the discussion attempts to be integrative with respect to the significance of the results to physiological, cellular and molecular biology. We believe this approach is appropriate, as transgenic science itself is necessarily an integration of all of these levels of investigation and participation from those working at all levels is needed.

Parental imprinting: potentially active chromatin of the repressed maternal allele of the mouse insulin-like growth factor II (Igf2) gene

The mouse insulin-like growth factor II (Igf2) gene, which is located on distal chromosome 7 (Chr7), has been shown previously to undergo tissue-specific parental imprinting. This imprinting results in expression of Igf2 from the paternally inherited chromosome and repression of the maternally inherited allele in most tissues of the developing embryo. We are using embryos with the maternal duplication and paternal deficiency of distal Chr7 to characterize the mechanism that underlies repression of the maternal allele. We show that the chromatin of the 5' region of the repressed Igf2 allele is potentially active for transcription rather than heterochromatic. In particular, a CpG island that comprises one of the two strong promoters is unmethylated at both parental alleles, and DNase I hypersensitive sites in and around the strong promoters are consistently present on both parental chromosomes. In agreement with the chromatin state, primary transcripts from the maternal Igf2 allele have been detected at low but significant levels. These findings differ from observations in other instances of imprinting, namely, X-chromosome inactivation and transgene imprinting in mice. Although no parent-specific differences were detected in either DNA methylation or sensitivity to nucleases at these promoters, we have observed parental methylation differences in a region several kilobases upstream of the first exon. The differential activity of the parental Igf2 alleles could be achieved through epigenetic modifications situated outside the promoters or by subtle and yet unidentified modifications at the promoters.

Elements required for activation of the major promoter of the human insulin-like growth factor II gene

The human insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) gene contains four promoters, P1-P4. In fetal liver promoter P3 is the major promoter, which consists of a proximal region that supports general transcription, and a cell-specific region located more upstream. In addition to the TATA box, the proximal region contains four binding sites for nuclear proteins, designated PE3-1 to PE3-4. To determine the influence of the proteins binding to these elements, the transcriptional activity of the proximal region of P3 was investigated. Promoter P3 was analyzed in Hep3B cells, which express high levels of IGF-II mRNA derived from this promoter, and in HeLa cells, that have an inactive IGF-II gene. By analysis of 5'-deletion constructs in an in vitro transcription system and in transient expression assays, and by competition with specific oligonucleotides it was shown that the factors binding to the elements PE3-4, PE3-2 and PE3-1 play an important role in the regulation of promoter P3.

Effect of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I on the expression of the catecholaminergic phenotype by neural crest cells

Neural crest-derived catecholaminergic precursors have been used as a model to study the role of signals supplied by the environment during avian neurogenesis. A new culture system consisting of dissociated sclerotomes or somites isolated at embryonic day 3 (E3) or 2.5 (E2.5) has been established, which allows quantitative comparison of various culture conditions. As a first step of this study, the role of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in catecholaminergic differentiation has been investigated. Our results show that both factors are able to increase by a factor 2 to 3 the number of catecholaminergic cells present in the culture of sclerotomes after 24 h of culture. The effect is dose-dependent and the half-maximal effect is obtained with low concentrations of each peptide. Since insulin, IGF-I and their respective receptors are present at this stage of development in avian embryo, our observations suggest that an early step in catecholaminergic differentiation could be under at least the partial control of insulin and insulin-related peptides. On the other hand, neural crest precursors isolated at E2.5 are not able to generate catecholaminergic cells and to respond to insulin when cultivated for one day, indicating that these precursors are subjected in vivo to a maturation step, within the somite/sclerotome between E2.5 and E3; this step could be obtained in vitro by cultivating the precursors for 1 day, which resulted in the development of insulin responsiveness by catecholaminergic precursors.

Physical linkage of two mammalian imprinted genes, H19 and insulin-like growth factor 2

Parental imprinting is a phenomenon in mammals whereby the maternal and paternal alleles of a gene are differentially expressed. Three murine genes have been shown to display this type of allele-specific expression. Two of them, insulin-like growth factor-2 (Igf-2) and H19, map to the distal end of mouse chromosome 7, but are imprinted in opposite directions. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and large-fragment DNA cloning were utilized to establish a physical map that includes H19 and Igf-2. Igf-2 lies approximately 90 kilobases of DNA 5' to H19, in the same transcriptional orientation. This physical proximity is conserved in humans, based on pulsed-field gel analysis. We conclude that H19 and Igf-2 constitute an imprinted domain.