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Adachi H, Tominaga H, Maruyama Y, Yoneda K, Maruyama K, Yoshii K, Kinoshita S, Nakano M, Tashiro K. Stage-specific reference genes significant for quantitative PCR during mouse retinal development. Genes Cells 2015; 20:625-35. [PMID: 26059597 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Developing mouse retina has been serving as an ideal model for investigating the molecular mechanism of neural development and angiogenesis, because several significant events associated with these physiological phenomena are drastically occurring in conjunction with retinal development. However, as many genes are influencing on each other to establish mature retina within 21 days from E10 to P12, we must carefully design the experiments, such as in the case of quantitating the amount of altered gene expression toward the establishment of retina by quantitative PCR. As we have seen considerable variations of quantitative results in different developmental stages of retina depending on the reference genes used for compensation, we here attempted to determine a reliable reference gene to accurately quantitate the target genes in each stage. According to the results of in silico prediction and comparison with a database of SAGE, we found that the most stable gene from early to late stages was Sdha, whereas one of the most popular housekeeping genes, Actb, was the one that could mislead the quantitative results even in the adult stage. Consequently, we pointed out the importance of selecting an appropriate reference gene, especially to quantitate the amount of gene expression in the developmental stages of a certain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Adachi
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tominaga
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yuko Maruyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Yoneda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Maruyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kengo Yoshii
- Department of Medical Statistics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kinoshita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masakazu Nakano
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kei Tashiro
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
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202
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Lee B, Mazar J, Aftab MN, Qi F, Shelley J, Li JL, Govindarajan S, Valerio F, Rivera I, Thurn T, Tran TA, Kameh D, Patel V, Perera RJ. Long noncoding RNAs as putative biomarkers for prostate cancer detection. J Mol Diagn 2015; 16:615-26. [PMID: 25307116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among US males. There is an urgent unmet need to develop sensitive and specific biomarkers for the early detection of prostate cancer to reduce overtreatment and accompanying morbidity. We identified a group of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs in prostate cancer cell lines and patient samples and further characterized six long noncoding RNAs (AK024556, XLOC_007697, LOC100287482, XLOC_005327, XLOC_008559, and XLOC_009911) in prostatic adenocarcinoma tissue samples (Gleason score >6.0) and compared them with matched normal (healthy) tissues. Interestingly, these markers were also successfully detected in patient urine samples and were found to be up-regulated when compared with normal (healthy) urine. AK024556 (SPRY4-IT1) was highly up-regulated in human prostate cancer cell line PC3 but not in LNCaP, and siRNA knockdown of SPRY4-IT1 in PC3 cells inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and increased cell apoptosis. Chromogenic in situ hybridization assay was developed to detect long noncoding RNAs in primary prostatic adenocarcinoma tissue samples, paving the way for clinical diagnostics. We believe that these results will set the stage for more extensive studies to develop novel long noncoding RNA-based diagnostic assays for early prostate cancer detection and will help to distinguish benign prostate cancer from precancerous lesions.
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203
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Krol J, Krol I, Alvarez CPP, Fiscella M, Hierlemann A, Roska B, Filipowicz W. A network comprising short and long noncoding RNAs and RNA helicase controls mouse retina architecture. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7305. [PMID: 26041499 PMCID: PMC4468907 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain regions, such as the cortex and retina, are composed of layers of uniform thickness. The molecular mechanism that controls this uniformity is not well understood. Here we show that during mouse postnatal development the timed expression of Rncr4, a retina-specific long noncoding RNA, regulates the similarly timed processing of pri-miR-183/96/182, which is repressed at an earlier developmental stage by RNA helicase Ddx3x. Shifting the timing of mature miR-183/96/182 accumulation or interfering with Ddx3x expression leads to the disorganization of retinal architecture, with the photoreceptor layer being most affected. We identify Crb1, a component of the adhesion belt between glial and photoreceptor cells, as a link between Rncr4-regulated miRNA metabolism and uniform retina layering. Our results suggest that the precise timing of glia–neuron interaction controlled by noncoding RNAs and Ddx3x is important for the even distribution of cells across layers. The mammalian retina is a modular brain region, in which cell layers are of uniform thickness but the molecular mechanism controlling this process is not well understood. Here the authors identify a regulatory network consisting of the long noncoding RNA Rncr4, RNA helicase Ddx3x and miR-183/96/182 that controls the even distribution of cells across layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Krol
- Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Krol
- Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Botond Roska
- 1] Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland [2] Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Witold Filipowicz
- 1] Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland [2] Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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204
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Yang HJ, Ratnapriya R, Cogliati T, Kim JW, Swaroop A. Vision from next generation sequencing: multi-dimensional genome-wide analysis for producing gene regulatory networks underlying retinal development, aging and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:1-30. [PMID: 25668385 PMCID: PMC4402139 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Genomics and genetics have invaded all aspects of biology and medicine, opening uncharted territory for scientific exploration. The definition of "gene" itself has become ambiguous, and the central dogma is continuously being revised and expanded. Computational biology and computational medicine are no longer intellectual domains of the chosen few. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology, together with novel methods of pattern recognition and network analyses, has revolutionized the way we think about fundamental biological mechanisms and cellular pathways. In this review, we discuss NGS-based genome-wide approaches that can provide deeper insights into retinal development, aging and disease pathogenesis. We first focus on gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that govern the differentiation of retinal photoreceptors and modulate adaptive response during aging. Then, we discuss NGS technology in the context of retinal disease and develop a vision for therapies based on network biology. We should emphasize that basic strategies for network construction and analyses can be transported to any tissue or cell type. We believe that specific and uniform guidelines are required for generation of genome, transcriptome and epigenome data to facilitate comparative analysis and integration of multi-dimensional data sets, and for constructing networks underlying complex biological processes. As cellular homeostasis and organismal survival are dependent on gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, we believe that network-based biology will provide the foundation for deciphering disease mechanisms and discovering novel drug targets for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jin Yang
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Rinki Ratnapriya
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Tiziana Cogliati
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA.
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Aprea J, Lesche M, Massalini S, Prenninger S, Alexopoulou D, Dahl A, Hiller M, Calegari F. Identification and expression patterns of novel long non-coding RNAs in neural progenitors of the developing mammalian cortex. NEUROGENESIS 2015; 2:e995524. [PMID: 27504473 PMCID: PMC4973583 DOI: 10.1080/23262133.2014.995524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs play key roles in many biological processes. Elucidating the function of lncRNAs in cell type specification during organ development requires knowledge about their expression in individual progenitor types rather than in whole tissues. To achieve this during cortical development, we used a dual-reporter mouse line to isolate coexisting proliferating neural stem cells, differentiating neurogenic progenitors and newborn neurons and assessed the expression of lncRNAs by paired-end, high-throughput sequencing. We identified 379 genomic loci encoding novel lncRNAs and performed a comprehensive assessment of cell-specific expression patterns for all, annotated and novel, lncRNAs described to date. Our study provides a powerful new resource for studying these elusive transcripts during stem cell commitment and neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Aprea
- DFG-Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies; Dresden, Germany; Authors are equal contributing joint-first authors
| | - Mathias Lesche
- Deep Sequencing Group, Biotechnology Center; Dresden, Germany; Authors are equal contributing joint-first authors
| | - Simone Massalini
- DFG-Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies ; Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Prenninger
- DFG-Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies ; Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Dahl
- Deep Sequencing Group, Biotechnology Center ; Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics; Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems; Dresden, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- DFG-Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies ; Dresden, Germany
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206
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Acute retinal injury and the relationship between nerve growth factor, Notch1 transcription and short-lived dedifferentiation transient changes of mammalian Müller cells. Vision Res 2015; 110:107-17. [PMID: 25817714 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2015.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our aim is to define related molecular events on how dormant Müller glia cells re-enter the cell cycle, proliferate and produce new retinal neurons from initial injury to glial scar formation. Sodium iodate (NaIO3) was used to induce acute retinal injury. Long-Evans rats were administered with NaIO3 or phosphate-buffered saline by intraperitoneal injection. The proliferation, dedifferentiation and neurogenesis of Müller cells were analyzed by double-labeled fluorescence immunohistochemistry with primary antibodies - against Müller cells and specific cell markers. Possible molecules that limit the regenerative potential of Müller cells were also determined by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative RT-PCR, protein array, ELISA and Western blot. In the first 3-7days after NaIO3 administration, Müller cells were activated and underwent a fate switch, including transient proliferation, dedifferentiation and neurogenesis. Nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling concomitantly increased with the downregulation of p27(Kip1) in Müller cells, which may promote Müller cells to re-enter the cell cycle. The transient increase of NGF signaling and the transient decrease of Notch signaling inhibited Hes1, which might enhance the neuronal differentiation of dedifferentiated Müller cells and suppress gliosis. Upregulated Notch and decreased NGF expressions limit dedifferentiation and neurogenesis, but induces retinal Müller cell gliosis at a later stage. We conclude that transient NGF upregulation and Notch1 downregulation may activate the transient proliferation, dedifferentiation and neurogenesis of Müller cells during NaIO3-induced acute retinal injury; which could be a therapeutic target for overcoming Müller cell gliosis. Such therapy could be potentially used for treating retinal-related diseases.
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207
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jaé
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre of Molecular Medicine, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; and German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre of Molecular Medicine, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; and German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt, Germany
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208
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209
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Wilken MS, Brzezinski JA, La Torre A, Siebenthall K, Thurman R, Sabo P, Sandstrom RS, Vierstra J, Canfield TK, Hansen RS, Bender MA, Stamatoyannopoulos J, Reh TA. DNase I hypersensitivity analysis of the mouse brain and retina identifies region-specific regulatory elements. Epigenetics Chromatin 2015; 8:8. [PMID: 25972927 PMCID: PMC4429822 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8935-8-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain, spinal cord, and neural retina comprise the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the enormous cell-type diversity of the CNS is a significant challenge. Whole-genome mapping of DNase I-hypersensitive sites (DHSs) has been used to identify cis-regulatory elements in many tissues. We have applied this approach to the mouse CNS, including developing and mature neural retina, whole brain, and two well-characterized brain regions, the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. RESULTS For the various regions and developmental stages of the CNS that we analyzed, there were approximately the same number of DHSs; however, there were many DHSs unique to each CNS region and developmental stage. Many of the DHSs are likely to mark enhancers that are specific to the specific CNS region and developmental stage. We validated the DNase I mapping approach for identification of CNS enhancers using the existing VISTA Browser database and with in vivo and in vitro electroporation of the retina. Analysis of transcription factor consensus sites within the DHSs shows distinct region-specific profiles of transcriptional regulators particular to each region. Clustering developmentally dynamic DHSs in the retina revealed enrichment of developmental stage-specific transcriptional regulators. Additionally, we found reporter gene activity in the retina driven from several previously uncharacterized regulatory elements surrounding the neurodevelopmental gene Otx2. Identification of DHSs shared between mouse and human showed region-specific differences in the evolution of cis-regulatory elements. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of genome-wide DNase I mapping to cis-regulatory questions regarding the regional diversity within the CNS. These data represent an extensive catalogue of potential cis-regulatory elements within the CNS that display region and temporal specificity, as well as a set of DHSs common to CNS tissues. Further examination of evolutionary conservation of DHSs between CNS regions and different species may reveal important cis-regulatory elements in the evolution of the mammalian CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Wilken
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA 98195 USA ; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, MCB Program Office, T-466 Health Sciences Building, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA 98195 USA ; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1675 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Kyle Siebenthall
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Robert Thurman
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Peter Sabo
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Richard S Sandstrom
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Jeff Vierstra
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Theresa K Canfield
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - R Scott Hansen
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Michael A Bender
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Health Sciences Building, Seattle, WA Box 356320, 98195 USA ; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - John Stamatoyannopoulos
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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210
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Romand R, Ripp R, Poidevin L, Boeglin M, Geffers L, Dollé P, Poch O. Integrated annotation and analysis of in situ hybridization images using the ImAnno system: application to the ear and sensory organs of the fetal mouse. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118024. [PMID: 25706271 PMCID: PMC4338146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An in situ hybridization (ISH) study was performed on 2000 murine genes representing around 10% of the protein-coding genes present in the mouse genome using data generated by the EURExpress consortium. This study was carried out in 25 tissues of late gestation embryos (E14.5), with a special emphasis on the developing ear and on five distinct developing sensory organs, including the cochlea, the vestibular receptors, the sensory retina, the olfactory organ, and the vibrissae follicles. The results obtained from an analysis of more than 11,000 micrographs have been integrated in a newly developed knowledgebase, called ImAnno. In addition to managing the multilevel micrograph annotations performed by human experts, ImAnno provides public access to various integrated databases and tools. Thus, it facilitates the analysis of complex ISH gene expression patterns, as well as functional annotation and interaction of gene sets. It also provides direct links to human pathways and diseases. Hierarchical clustering of expression patterns in the 25 tissues revealed three main branches corresponding to tissues with common functions and/or embryonic origins. To illustrate the integrative power of ImAnno, we explored the expression, function and disease traits of the sensory epithelia of the five presumptive sensory organs. The study identified 623 genes (out of 2000) concomitantly expressed in the five embryonic epithelia, among which many (∼12%) were involved in human disorders. Finally, various multilevel interaction networks were characterized, highlighting differential functional enrichments of directly or indirectly interacting genes. These analyses exemplify an under-represention of "sensory" functions in the sensory gene set suggests that E14.5 is a pivotal stage between the developmental stage and the functional phase that will be fully reached only after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Romand
- Developmental Biology and Stem Cells Department, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg), BP163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Raymond Ripp
- Developmental Biology and Stem Cells Department, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg), BP163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- LBGI Bioinformatique et Génomique Intégratives, ICube Laboratory and Strasbourg Federation of Translational Medecine (FMTS), University of Strasbourg and CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laetitia Poidevin
- LBGI Bioinformatique et Génomique Intégratives, ICube Laboratory and Strasbourg Federation of Translational Medecine (FMTS), University of Strasbourg and CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marcel Boeglin
- Imaging & Microscopy Platform, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg), BP163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Lars Geffers
- Department of Genes and Behavior, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Dollé
- Developmental Biology and Stem Cells Department, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg), BP163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Poch
- LBGI Bioinformatique et Génomique Intégratives, ICube Laboratory and Strasbourg Federation of Translational Medecine (FMTS), University of Strasbourg and CNRS, Strasbourg, France
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211
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Ishizuka A, Hasegawa Y, Ishida K, Yanaka K, Nakagawa S. Formation of nuclear bodies by the lncRNA Gomafu-associating proteins Celf3 and SF1. Genes Cells 2015; 19:704-21. [PMID: 25145264 PMCID: PMC4255692 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gomafu/MIAT/Rncr2 is a long noncoding RNA that has been proposed to control retinal cell specification, stem cell differentiation and alternative splicing of schizophrenia-related genes. However, how Gomafu controls these biological processes at the molecular level has remained largely unknown. In this study, we identified the RNA-binding protein Celf3 as a novel Gomafu-associating protein. Knockdown of Celf3 led to the down-regulation of Gomafu, and cross-link RNA precipitation analysis confirmed specific binding between Celf3 and Gomafu. In the neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2A, Celf3 formed novel nuclear bodies (named CS bodies) that colocalized with SF1, another Gomafu-binding protein. Gomafu, however, was not enriched in the CS bodies; instead, it formed distinct nuclear bodies in separate regions in the nucleus. These observations suggest that Gomafu indirectly modulates the function of the splicing factors SF1 and Celf3 by sequestering these proteins into separate nuclear bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishizuka
- RNA Biology Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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212
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Kunst S, Wolloscheck T, Grether M, Trunsch P, Wolfrum U, Spessert R. Photoreceptor cells display a daily rhythm in the orphan receptor Esrrβ. Mol Vis 2015; 21:173-84. [PMID: 25737630 PMCID: PMC4337357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nuclear orphan receptors are critical for the development and long-term survival of photoreceptor cells. In the present study, the expression of the nuclear orphan receptor Esrrβ--a transcriptional regulator of energy metabolism that protects rod photoreceptors from dystrophy--was tested under daily regulation in the retina and photoreceptor cells. METHODS The daily transcript and protein amount profiles were recorded in preparations of the whole retina and microdissected photoreceptor cells using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot analysis. RESULTS Esrrβ displayed a daily rhythm with elevated values at night in the whole retina and enriched photoreceptor cells. Daily regulation of Esrrβ mRNA depended on light input but not on melatonin, and evoked a corresponding rhythm in the Esrrβ protein. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this study indicate that daily regulation of Esrrβ in photoreceptor cells may contribute to their adaptation to 24-h changes in metabolic demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kunst
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Wolloscheck
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Grether
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patricia Trunsch
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rainer Spessert
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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213
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Jayakody SA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Cellular strategies for retinal repair by photoreceptor replacement. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:31-66. [PMID: 25660226 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration is a major cause of blindness in the developed world. While no effective treatment is currently available, cell replacement therapy, using pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursor cells, may be a feasible future treatment. Recent reports have demonstrated rescue of visual function following the transplantation of immature photoreceptors and we have seen major advances in our ability to generate transplantation-competent donor cells from stem cell sources. Moreover, we are beginning to realise the possibilities of using endogenous populations of cells from within the retina itself to mediate retinal repair. Here, we present a review of our current understanding of endogenous repair mechanisms together with recent progress in the use of both ocular and pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of photoreceptor loss. We consider how our understanding of retinal development has underpinned many of the recent major advances in translation and moved us closer to the goal of restoring vision by cellular means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha A Jayakody
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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van Huet RAC, Siemiatkowska AM, Özgül RK, Yücel D, Hoyng CB, Banin E, Blumenfeld A, Rotenstreich Y, Riemslag FCC, den Hollander AI, Theelen T, Collin RWJ, van den Born LI, Klevering BJ. Retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the ciliary MAK gene is relatively mild and is not associated with apparent extra-ocular features. Acta Ophthalmol 2015; 93:83-94. [PMID: 25385675 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Defects in MAK, encoding a protein localized to the photoreceptor connecting cilium, have recently been associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The aim of this study is to describe our detailed clinical observations in patients with MAK-associated RP, including an assessment of syndromic symptoms frequently observed in ciliopathies. METHODS In this international collaborative study, 11 patients carrying nonsense or missense mutations in MAK were clinically evaluated, including extensive assessment of the medical history, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, kinetic perimetry, electroretinography (ERG), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), autofluorescence imaging and fundus photography. Additionally, we used a questionnaire to evaluate the presence of syndromic features and tested the olfactory function. RESULTS MAK-associated RP is not associated with syndromic features, not even with subclinical dysfunction of the olfactory apparatus. All patients experienced typical RP symptoms of night blindness followed by visual field constriction. Symptoms initiated between childhood and the age of 43 (mean: 23 years). Although some patients experienced vision loss, the visual acuity remained normal in most patients. ERG and ophthalmoscopy revealed classic RP characteristics, and SD-OCT demonstrated thinning of the overall retina, outer nuclear layer and photoreceptor-pigment epithelium complex. CONCLUSION Nonsense and missense mutations in MAK give rise to a non-syndromic recessive RP phenotype without apparent extra-ocular features. When compared to other retinal ciliopathies, MAK-associated RP appears to be relatively mild and shows remarkable resemblance to RP1-associated RP, which could be explained by the close functional relation of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon A. C. van Huet
- Department of Ophthalmology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Anna M. Siemiatkowska
- Department of Human Genetics; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Riza K. Özgül
- Institute of Child Health and Metabolism Unit; Department of Pediatrics; Hacettepe University; Ankara Turkey
| | - Didem Yücel
- Institute of Child Health and Metabolism Unit; Department of Pediatrics; Hacettepe University; Ankara Turkey
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology; Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center; Jerusalem Israel
| | - Anat Blumenfeld
- Department of Ophthalmology; Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center; Jerusalem Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Electrophysiology Clinic; Goldschleger Eye Research Institute; Tel Aviv University; Sheba Medical Centre; Ramat Gan Israel
| | - Frans C. C. Riemslag
- The Rotterdam Eye Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Institute for the Visually Handicapped; Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Anneke I. den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Theelen
- Department of Ophthalmology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | | | - B. Jeroen Klevering
- Department of Ophthalmology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
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215
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Abad-Morales V, Domènech EB, Garanto A, Marfany G. mRNA expression analysis of the SUMO pathway genes in the adult mouse retina. Biol Open 2015; 4:224-32. [PMID: 25617419 PMCID: PMC4365491 DOI: 10.1242/bio.201410645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sumoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that regulates different cellular processes by conjugation/deconjugation of SUMO moieties to target proteins. Most work on the functional relevance of SUMO has focused on cell cycle, DNA repair and cancer in cultured cells, but data on the inter-dependence of separate components of the SUMO pathway in highly specialized tissues, such as the retina, is still scanty. Nonetheless, several retinal transcription factors (TFs) relevant for cone and rod fate, as well as some circadian rhythm regulators, are regulated by sumoylation. Here we present a comprehensive survey of SUMO pathway gene expression in the murine retina by quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH). The mRNA expression levels were quantified in retinas obtained under four different light/dark conditions, revealing distinct levels of gene expression. In addition, a SUMO pathway retinal gene atlas based on the mRNA expression pattern was drawn. Although most genes are ubiquitously expressed, some patterns could be defined in a first step to determine its biological significance and interdependence. The wide expression of the SUMO pathway genes, the transcriptional response under several light/dark conditions, and the diversity of expression patterns in different cell layers clearly support sumoylation as a relevant post-translational modification in the retina. This expression atlas intends to be a reference framework for retinal researchers and to depict a more comprehensive view of the SUMO-regulated processes in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Abad-Morales
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena B Domènech
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Present address: Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma Marfany
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang EB, Kong R, Yin DD, You LH, Sun M, Han L, Xu TP, Xia R, Yang JS, De W, Chen JF. Long noncoding RNA ANRIL indicates a poor prognosis of gastric cancer and promotes tumor growth by epigenetically silencing of miR-99a/miR-449a. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2276-92. [PMID: 24810364 PMCID: PMC4039162 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs are involved in diseases including cancer. Here, we reported that ANRIL (CDKN2B-AS1), a 3.8-kb long noncoding RNA, recruiting and binding to PRC2, was generally upregulated in human gastric cancer (GC) tissues. In a cohort of 120 GC patients, the higher expression of ANRIL was significantly correlated with a higher TNM stage (P=0.041) and tumor size (P=0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that ANRIL expression served as an independent predictor for overall survival (P=0.036). Further experiments revealed that ANRIL knockdown significantly repressed the proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. We also showed that E2F1 could induce ANRIL and ANRIL-mediated growth promotion is in part due to epigenetic repression of miR-99a/miR-449a in Trans (controlling the targets--mTOR and CDK6/E2F1 pathway) by binding to PRC2, thus forming a positive feedback loop, continuing to promote GC cell proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first report showed that the role of ANRIL in the progression of GC and ANRIL could crosstalk with microRNAs in epigenetic level. Our results suggest that ANRIL, as a growth regulator, may serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker and target for new therapies in human gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-bao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
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217
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Goetz JJ, Martin GM, Chowdhury R, Trimarchi JM. Onecut1 and Onecut2 play critical roles in the development of the mouse retina. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110194. [PMID: 25313862 PMCID: PMC4196951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The entire repertoire of intrinsic factors that control the cell fate determination process of specific retinal neurons has yet to be fully identified. Single cell transcriptome profiling experiments of retinal progenitor cells revealed considerable gene expression heterogeneity between individual cells, especially among different classes of transcription factors. In this study, we show that two of those factors, Onecut1 and Onecut2, are expressed during mouse retinal development. Using mice that are deficient for each of these transcription factors, we further demonstrate a significant loss (∼70–80%) of horizontal cells in the absence of either of these proteins, while the other retinal cells appear at normal numbers. Microarray profiling experiments performed on knockout retinas revealed defects in horizontal cell genes as early as E14.5. Additional profiling assays showed an upregulation of several stress response genes in the adult Onecut2 knockout, suggesting that the integrity of the retina is compromised in the absence of normal numbers of horizontal cells. Interestingly, melanopsin, the gene coding for the photopigment found in photosensitive ganglion cells, was observed to be upregulated in Onecut1 deficient retinas, pointing to a possible regulatory role for Onecut1. Taken together, our data show that similar to Onecut1, Onecut2 is also necessary for the formation of normal numbers of horizontal cells in the developing retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J. Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Gregory M. Martin
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Chowdhury
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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218
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Two specific mutations are prevalent causes of recessive retinitis pigmentosa in North American patients of Jewish ancestry. Genet Med 2014; 17:285-90. [PMID: 25255364 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2014.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinitis pigmentosa is a Mendelian disease with a very elevated genetic heterogeneity. Most mutations are responsible for less than 1% of cases, making molecular diagnosis a multigene screening procedure. In this study, we assessed whether direct testing of specific alleles could be a valuable screening approach in cases characterized by prevalent founder mutations. METHODS We screened 275 North American patients with recessive/isolate retinitis pigmentosa for two mutations: an Alu insertion in the MAK gene and the p.Lys42Glu missense in the DHDDS gene. All patients were unrelated; 35 reported Jewish ancestry and the remainder reported mixed ethnicity. RESULTS We identified the MAK and DHDDS mutations homozygously in only 2.1% and 0.8%, respectively, of patients of mixed ethnicity, but in 25.7% and 8.6%, respectively, of cases reporting Jewish ancestry. Haplotype analyses revealed that inheritance of the MAK mutation was attributable to a founder effect. CONCLUSION In contrast to most mutations associated with retinitis pigmentosa-which are, in general, extremely rare-the two alleles investigated here cause disease in approximately one-third of North American patients reporting Jewish ancestry. Therefore, their screening constitutes an alternative procedure to large-scale tests for patients belonging to this ethnic group, especially in time-sensitive situations.
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219
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Sox2 regulates cholinergic amacrine cell positioning and dendritic stratification in the retina. J Neurosci 2014; 34:10109-21. [PMID: 25057212 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0415-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina contains two populations of cholinergic amacrine cells, one positioned in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the other in the inner nuclear layer (INL), that together comprise ∼1/2 of a percent of all retinal neurons. The present study examined the genetic control of cholinergic amacrine cell number and distribution between these two layers. The total number of cholinergic amacrine cells was quantified in the C57BL/6J and A/J inbred mouse strains, and in 25 recombinant inbred strains derived from them, and variations in their number and ratio (GCL/INL) across these strains were mapped to genomic loci. The total cholinergic amacrine cell number was found to vary across the strains, from 27,000 to 40,000 cells, despite little variation within individual strains. The number of cells was always lower within the GCL relative to the INL, and the sizes of the two populations were strongly correlated, yet there was variation in their ratio between the strains. Approximately 1/3 of that variation in cell ratio was mapped to a locus on chromosome 3, where Sex determining region Y box 2 (Sox2) was identified as a candidate gene due to the presence of a 6-nucleotide insertion in the protein-coding sequence in C57BL/6J and because of robust and selective expression in cholinergic amacrine cells. Conditionally deleting Sox2 from the population of nascent cholinergic amacrine cells perturbed the normal ratio of cells situated in the GCL versus the INL and induced a bistratifying morphology, with dendrites distributed to both ON and OFF strata within the inner plexiform layer.
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220
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Avet-Rochex A, Carvajal N, Christoforou CP, Yeung K, Maierbrugger KT, Hobbs C, Lalli G, Cagin U, Plachot C, McNeill H, Bateman JM. Unkempt is negatively regulated by mTOR and uncouples neuronal differentiation from growth control. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004624. [PMID: 25210733 PMCID: PMC4161320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation is exquisitely controlled both spatially and temporally during nervous system development. Defects in the spatiotemporal control of neurogenesis cause incorrect formation of neural networks and lead to neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism. The mTOR kinase integrates signals from mitogens, nutrients and energy levels to regulate growth, autophagy and metabolism. We previously identified the insulin receptor (InR)/mTOR pathway as a critical regulator of the timing of neuronal differentiation in the Drosophila melanogaster eye. Subsequently, this pathway has been shown to play a conserved role in regulating neurogenesis in vertebrates. However, the factors that mediate the neurogenic role of this pathway are completely unknown. To identify downstream effectors of the InR/mTOR pathway we screened transcriptional targets of mTOR for neuronal differentiation phenotypes in photoreceptor neurons. We identified the conserved gene unkempt (unk), which encodes a zinc finger/RING domain containing protein, as a negative regulator of the timing of photoreceptor differentiation. Loss of unk phenocopies InR/mTOR pathway activation and unk acts downstream of this pathway to regulate neurogenesis. In contrast to InR/mTOR signalling, unk does not regulate growth. unk therefore uncouples the role of the InR/mTOR pathway in neurogenesis from its role in growth control. We also identified the gene headcase (hdc) as a second downstream regulator of the InR/mTOR pathway controlling the timing of neurogenesis. Unk forms a complex with Hdc, and Hdc expression is regulated by unk and InR/mTOR signalling. Co-overexpression of unk and hdc completely suppresses the precocious neuronal differentiation phenotype caused by loss of Tsc1. Thus, Unk and Hdc are the first neurogenic components of the InR/mTOR pathway to be identified. Finally, we show that Unkempt-like is expressed in the developing mouse retina and in neural stem/progenitor cells, suggesting that the role of Unk in neurogenesis may be conserved in mammals. The development of a functional nervous system requires that nerve cells are generated at exactly the right time and place to be correctly integrated. Defects in the timing at which nerve cells are generated, or ‘differentiate’, lead to neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism. However, very little is known about the identity of the genes that control the timing of nerve cell differentiation. Using developing photoreceptor nerves in the eye of the fruit fly, Drosophila, as a model, we showed previously that a molecular pathway known as ‘mTOR signalling’ is a key regulator of the timing of differentiation. In this study we have identified two new genes, unkempt and headcase, which control the timing of photoreceptor differentiation in Drosophila. The activity of unkempt and headcase is controlled by mTOR signalling and it is through these genes that mTOR is able to control nerve cell differentiation. The proteins encoded by unkempt and headcase form a complex and act synergistically to control the development of Drosophila photoreceptors. mTOR signalling controls a number of important cellular processes, but unkempt and headcase are the first components of this pathway to be identified that control nerve cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Avet-Rochex
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Carvajal
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kelvin Yeung
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katja T. Maierbrugger
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Hobbs
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Lalli
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Umut Cagin
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cedric Plachot
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen McNeill
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph M. Bateman
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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221
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Kunej T, Obsteter J, Pogacar Z, Horvat S, Calin GA. The decalog of long non-coding RNA involvement in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2014; 51:344-57. [PMID: 25123609 DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2014.944299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts without protein-coding capacity; initially regarded as "transcriptional noise", lately they have emerged as essential factors in both cell biology and mechanisms of disease. In this article, we present basic knowledge of lncRNA molecular mechanisms, associated physiological processes and cancer association, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic value in the form of a decalog: (1) Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcripts without protein-coding capacity divided by size (short and long ncRNAs), function (housekeeping RNA and regulatory RNA) and direction of transcription (sense/antisense, bidirectional, intronic and intergenic), containing a broad range of molecules with diverse properties and functions, such as messenger RNA, transfer RNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNAs. (2) Long non-coding RNAs are implicated in many molecular mechanisms, such as transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and processing of other short ncRNAs. (3) Long non-coding RNAs play an important role in many physiological processes such as X-chromosome inactivation, cell differentiation, immune response and apoptosis. (4) Long non-coding RNAs have been linked to hallmarks of cancer: (a) sustaining proliferative signaling; (b) evading growth suppressors; (c) enabling replicative immortality; (d) activating invasion and metastasis; (e) inducing angiogenesis; (f) resisting cell death; and (g) reprogramming energy metabolism. (5) Regarding their impact on cancer cells, lncRNAs are divided into two groups: oncogenic and tumor-suppressor lncRNAs. (6) Studies of lncRNA involvement in cancer usually analyze deregulated expression patterns at the RNA level as well as the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations at the DNA level. (7) Long non-coding RNAs have potential as novel biomarkers due to tissue-specific expression patterns, efficient detection in body fluids and high stability. (8) LncRNAs serve as novel biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring purposes. (9) Tissue specificity of lncRNAs enables the development of selective therapeutic options. (10) Long non-coding RNAs are emerging as commercial biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana , Domzale , Slovenia
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222
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Intrinsically different retinal progenitor cells produce specific types of progeny. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 15:615-27. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
Müller glia are the major glial component of the retina. They are one of the last retinal cell types to be born during development, and they function to maintain retinal homeostasis and integrity. In mammals, Müller glia respond to retinal injury in various ways that can be either protective or detrimental to retinal function. Although these cells can be coaxed to proliferate and generate neurons under special circumstances, these responses are meagre and insufficient for repairing a damaged retina. By contrast, in teleost fish (such as zebrafish), the response of Müller glia to retinal injury involves a reprogramming event that imparts retinal stem cell characteristics and enables them to produce a proliferating population of progenitors that can regenerate all major retinal cell types and restore vision. Recent studies have revealed several important mechanisms underlying Müller glial cell reprogramming and retina regeneration in fish that may lead to new strategies for stimulating retina regeneration in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Goldman
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of
Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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224
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Ebrahimi V, Vojoudi E, Fazel A, Ebrahimzadeh-bideskan A. Histochemical study of retinal photoreceptors development during pre- and postnatal period and their association with retinal pigment epithelium. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2014; 17:483-9. [PMID: 25429338 PMCID: PMC4242917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate distribution and changes of glycoconjugates of retinal photoreceptors during both pre- and postnatal development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tissue sections from days 15 to 20 of Wistar rat embryos and 1 to 12 postnatal days of rat newborns including developing eye were prepared for lectinhistochemistry technique. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled lectins including Vicia villosa (VVA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Maclura pomifera (MPA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-ІІ) were used. Alcian blue (pH 2.5) was used for counterstaining. RESULTS Interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) plays a crucial role in photoreceptors differentiation and acts as a mediator in interactions between photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Specific cell surface glycoconjugates secreted from cone cells could help us to distinguish these cells from rod photoreceptors. Our results for the first time revealed the strong reaction of cone photoreceptors with the cone-specific lectin (PNA) at postnatal day 12 (P12). Postnatal day 12 can be determined as the final differentiation of cone photoreceptors. CONCLUSION According to our findings, we suggest that the generation of the eye photoreceptors begins from pre- natal period and their final differentiations will continue to postnatal period. Glycoconjugates including (β-D-Gal [1-3]-D-GalNac) and (β-D-Gal) terminal sugars play a critical role in the pre- and postnatal development and differentiation of retinal photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Ebrahimi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Fazel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-bideskan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Corresponding author: Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-bideskan. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Sq., Vakilabad Blvd., P.O.Box 91779-48564, Mashhad, Iran. Tel: +98- 511- 8002486; Fax: +98- 511- 8002487; e-mail:
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225
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Pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 regulates the patterning of retinal mosaics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:9295-300. [PMID: 24927528 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1323543111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons are commonly organized as regular arrays within a structure, and their patterning is achieved by minimizing the proximity between like-type cells, but molecular mechanisms regulating this process have, until recently, been unexplored. We performed a forward genetic screen using recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from two parental A/J and C57BL/6J mouse strains to identify genomic loci controlling spacing of cholinergic amacrine cells, which is a subclass of retinal interneuron. We found conspicuous variation in mosaic regularity across these strains and mapped a sizeable proportion of that variation to a locus on chromosome 11 that was subsequently validated with a chromosome substitution strain. Using a bioinformatics approach to narrow the list of potential candidate genes, we identified pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (Pttg1) as the most promising. Expression of Pttg1 was significantly different between the two parental strains and correlated with mosaic regularity across the RI strains. We identified a seven-nucleotide deletion in the Pttg1 promoter in the C57BL/6J mouse strain and confirmed a direct role for this motif in modulating Pttg1 expression. Analysis of Pttg1 KO mice revealed a reduction in the mosaic regularity of cholinergic amacrine cells, as well as horizontal cells, but not in two other retinal cell types. Together, these results implicate Pttg1 in the regulation of homotypic spacing between specific types of retinal neurons. The genetic variant identified creates a binding motif for the transcriptional activator protein 1 complex, which may be instrumental in driving differential expression of downstream processes that participate in neuronal spacing.
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226
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Clark BS, Blackshaw S. Long non-coding RNA-dependent transcriptional regulation in neuronal development and disease. Front Genet 2014; 5:164. [PMID: 24936207 PMCID: PMC4047558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of the mammalian transcriptome has revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may make up a large fraction of cellular transcripts. Recent years have seen a surge of studies aimed at functionally characterizing the role of lncRNAs in development and disease. In this review, we discuss new findings implicating lncRNAs in controlling development of the central nervous system (CNS). The evolution of the higher vertebrate brain has been accompanied by an increase in the levels and complexities of lncRNAs expressed within the developing nervous system. Although a limited number of CNS-expressed lncRNAs are now known to modulate the activity of proteins important for neuronal differentiation, the function of the vast majority of neuronal-expressed lncRNAs is still unknown. Topics of intense current interest include the mechanism by which CNS-expressed lncRNAs might function in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation during neuronal development, and how gain and loss of function of individual lncRNAs contribute to neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Clark
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
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227
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Rasheed VA, Sreekanth S, Dhanesh SB, Divya MS, Divya TS, Akhila PK, Subashini C, Chandrika Sivakumar K, Das AV, James J. Developmental wave of Brn3b expression leading to RGC fate specification is synergistically maintained by miR-23a and miR-374. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 74:1155-71. [PMID: 24838392 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Differential regulation of Brn3b is essential for the Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) development in the two phases of retinal histogenesis. This biphasic Brn3b regulation is required first, during early retinal histogenesis for RGC fate specification and secondly, during late histogenesis, where Brn3b is needed for RGC axon guidance and survival. Here, we have looked into how the regulation of Brn3b at these two stages happens. We identified two miRNAs, miR-23a and miR-374, as regulators of Brn3b expression, during the early stage of RGC development. Temporal expression pattern of miR-23a during E10-19, PN1-7, and adult retina revealed an inverse relation with Brn3b expression. Though miR-374 did not show such a pattern, its co-expression with miR-23a evidently inhibited Brn3b. We further substantiated these findings by ex vivo overexpression of these miRNAs in E14 mice retina and found that miR-23a and miR-374 together brings about a change in Brn3b expression pattern in ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the developing retina. From our results, it appears that the combined expression of these miRNAs could be regulating the timing of the wave of Brn3b expression required for early ganglion cell fate specification and later for its survival and maturation into RGCs. Taken together, here we provide convincing evidences for the existence of a co-ordinated mechanism by miRNAs to down regulate Brn3b that will ultimately regulate the development of RGCs from their precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vazhanthodi A Rasheed
- Department of Neurobiology, Neuro Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
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228
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P53-regulated long non-coding RNA TUG1 affects cell proliferation in human non-small cell lung cancer, partly through epigenetically regulating HOXB7 expression. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1243. [PMID: 24853421 PMCID: PMC4047917 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a novel class of transcripts, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is being identified at a rapid pace. These RNAs have critical roles in diverse biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Here we report that taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), a 7.1-kb lncRNA, recruiting and binding to polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is generally downregulated in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tissues. In a cohort of 192 NSCLC patients, the lower expression of TUG1 was associated with a higher TNM stage and tumor size, as well as poorer overall survival (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TUG1 expression serves as an independent predictor for overall survival (P<0.001). Further experiments revealed that TUG1 expression was induced by p53, and luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed that TUG1 was a direct transcriptional target of p53. TUG1 knockdown significantly promoted the proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the lncRNA-mediated regulation of the expression of HOX genes in tumorigenesis and development has been recently receiving increased attention. Interestingly, inhibition of TUG1 could upregulate homeobox B7 (HOXB7) expression; ChIP assays demonstrated that the promoter of HOXB7 locus was bound by EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2), a key component of PRC2, and was H3K27 trimethylated. This TUG1-mediated growth regulation is in part due to specific modulation of HOXB7, thus participating in AKT and MAPK pathways. Together, these results suggest that p53-regulated TUG1 is a growth regulator, which acts in part through control of HOXB7. The p53/TUG1/PRC2/HOXB7 interaction might serve as targets for NSCLC diagnosis and therapy.
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229
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Pak T, Yoo S, Miranda-Angulo AM, Wang H, Blackshaw S. Rax-CreERT2 knock-in mice: a tool for selective and conditional gene deletion in progenitor cells and radial glia of the retina and hypothalamus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90381. [PMID: 24699247 PMCID: PMC3974648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To study gene function in neural progenitors and radial glia of the retina and hypothalamus, we developed a Rax-CreERT2 mouse line in which a tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase is inserted into the endogenous Rax locus. By crossing Rax-CreER(T2) with the Cre-dependent Ai9 reporter line, we demonstrate that tamoxifen-induced Cre activity recapitulates the endogenous Rax mRNA expression pattern. During embryonic development, Cre recombinase activity in Rax-CreER(T2) is confined to retinal and hypothalamic progenitor cells, as well as progenitor cells of the posterior pituitary. At postnatal time points, selective Cre recombinase activity is seen in radial glial-like cell types in these organs--specifically Müller glia and tanycytes--as well as pituicytes. We anticipate that this line will prove useful for cell lineage analysis and investigation of gene function in the developing and mature retina, hypothalamus and pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pak
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sooyeon Yoo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ana M. Miranda-Angulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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230
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The long non-coding RNA Gomafu is acutely regulated in response to neuronal activation and involved in schizophrenia-associated alternative splicing. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:486-94. [PMID: 23628989 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disease characterized by impaired neuronal functioning. Although defective alternative splicing has been linked to SZ, the molecular mechanisms responsible are unknown. Additionally, there is limited understanding of the early transcriptomic responses to neuronal activation. Here, we profile these transcriptomic responses and show that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dynamically regulated by neuronal activation, including acute downregulation of the lncRNA Gomafu, previously implicated in brain and retinal development. Moreover, we demonstrate that Gomafu binds directly to the splicing factors QKI and SRSF1 (serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1) and dysregulation of Gomafu leads to alternative splicing patterns that resemble those observed in SZ for the archetypal SZ-associated genes DISC1 and ERBB4. Finally, we show that Gomafu is downregulated in post-mortem cortical gray matter from the superior temporal gyrus in SZ. These results functionally link activity-regulated lncRNAs and alternative splicing in neuronal function and suggest that their dysregulation may contribute to neurological disorders.
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231
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Bhan A, Mandal SS. Long noncoding RNAs: emerging stars in gene regulation, epigenetics and human disease. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:1932-56. [PMID: 24677606 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are classes of transcripts that are encoded by the genome and transcribed but never get translated into proteins. Though not translated into proteins, ncRNAs play pivotal roles in a variety of cellular functions. Here, we review the functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their implications in various human diseases. Increasing numbers of studies demonstrate that lncRNAs play critical roles in regulation of protein-coding genes, maintenance of genomic integrity, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, mRNA processing, cell differentiation, and development. Misregulation of lncRNAs is associated with a variety of human diseases, including cancer, immune and neurological disorders. Different classes of lncRNAs, their functions, mechanisms of action, and associations with different human diseases are summarized in detail, highlighting their as yet untapped potential in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunoday Bhan
- Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019 (USA)
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232
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Warre-Cornish K, Barber AC, Sowden JC, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Migration, integration and maturation of photoreceptor precursors following transplantation in the mouse retina. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:941-54. [PMID: 24328605 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration leading to loss of photoreceptors is a major cause of untreatable blindness. Recent research has yielded definitive evidence for restoration of vision following the transplantation of rod photoreceptors in murine models of blindness, while advances in stem cell biology have enabled the generation of transplantable photoreceptors from embryonic stem cells. Importantly, the amount of visual function restored is dependent upon the number of photoreceptors that migrate correctly into the recipient retina. The developmental stage of the donor cells is important for their ability to migrate; they must be immature photoreceptor precursors. Little is known about how and when donor cell migration, integration, and maturation occurs. Here, we have performed a comprehensive histological analysis of the 6-week period following rod transplantation in mice. Donor cells migrate predominately as single entities during the first week undergoing a stereotyped sequence of morphological changes in their translocation from the site of transplantation, through the interphotoreceptor matrix and into the recipient retina. This includes initial polarization toward the outer nuclear layer (ONL), followed by formation of an apical attachment and rudimentary segment during migration into the ONL. Strikingly, acquisition of a nuclear architecture typical of mature rods was accelerated compared with normal development and a feature of migrating cells. Once within the ONL, precursors formed synaptic-like structures and outer segments in accordance with normal maturation. The restoration of visual function mediated by transplanted photoreceptors correlated with the later expression of rod α-transducin, achieving maximal function by 5 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Warre-Cornish
- 1 Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
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233
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Allostery in Ca²⁺ channel modulation by calcium-binding proteins. Nat Chem Biol 2014; 10:231-8. [PMID: 24441587 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing between allostery and competition among modulating ligands is challenging for large target molecules. Out of practical necessity, inferences are often drawn from in vitro assays on target fragments, but such inferences may belie actual mechanisms. One key example of such ambiguity concerns calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) that tune signaling molecules regulated by calmodulin (CaM). As CaBPs resemble CaM, CaBPs are believed to competitively replace CaM on targets. Yet, brain CaM expression far surpasses that of CaBPs, raising questions as to whether CaBPs can exert appreciable biological actions. Here, we devise a live-cell, holomolecule approach that reveals an allosteric mechanism for calcium channels whose CaM-mediated inactivation is eliminated by CaBP4. Our strategy is to covalently link CaM and/or CaBP to holochannels, enabling live-cell fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays to resolve a cyclical allosteric binding scheme for CaM and CaBP4 to channels, thus explaining how trace CaBPs prevail. This approach may apply generally for discerning allostery in live cells.
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234
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Goetz JJ, Farris C, Chowdhury R, Trimarchi JM. Making of a retinal cell: insights into retinal cell-fate determination. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 308:273-321. [PMID: 24411174 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800097-7.00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the process by which an uncommitted dividing cell produces particular specialized cells within a tissue remains a fundamental question in developmental biology. Many tissues are well suited for cell-fate studies, but perhaps none more so than the developing retina. Traditionally, experiments using the retina have been designed to elucidate the influence that individual environmental signals or transcription factors can have on cell-fate decisions. Despite a substantial amount of information gained through these studies, there is still much that we do not yet understand about how cell fate is controlled on a systems level. In addition, new factors such as noncoding RNAs and regulators of chromatin have been shown to play roles in cell-fate determination and with the advent of "omics" technology more factors will most likely be identified. In this chapter we summarize both the traditional view of retinal cell-fate determination and introduce some new ideas that are providing a challenge to the older way of thinking about the acquisition of cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Caitlin Farris
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Rebecca Chowdhury
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
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235
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Expression of LIM-homeodomain transcription factors in the developing and mature mouse retina. Gene Expr Patterns 2013; 14:1-8. [PMID: 24333658 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factors have been extensively studied for their role in the development of the central nervous system. Their function is key to several developmental events like cell proliferation, differentiation and subtype specification. However, their roles in retinal neurogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we report a detailed expression study of LIM-HD transcription factors LHX9 and LHX2, LHX3 and LHX4, and LHX6 in the developing and mature mouse retina using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. We show that LHX9 is expressed during the early stages of development in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. We also show that LHX9 is expressed in a subset of amacrine cells in the adult retina. LHX2 is known to be expressed in retinal progenitor cells during development and in Müller glial cells and a subset of amacrine cells in the adult retina. We found that the LHX2 subset of amacrine cells is not cholinergic and that a very few of LHX2 amacrine cells express calretinin. LHX3 and LHX4 are expressed in a subset of bipolar cells in the adult retina. LHX6 is expressed in cells in the ganglion cell layer and the neuroblast layer starting at embryonic stage 13.5 (E13.5) and continues to be expressed in cells in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer, postnatally, suggesting its likely expression in amacrine cells or a subset thereof. Taken together, our comprehensive assay of expression patterns of LIM-HD transcription factors during mouse retinal development will help further studies elucidating their biological functions in the differentiation of retinal cell subtypes.
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236
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Aprea J, Prenninger S, Dori M, Ghosh T, Monasor LS, Wessendorf E, Zocher S, Massalini S, Alexopoulou D, Lesche M, Dahl A, Groszer M, Hiller M, Calegari F. Transcriptome sequencing during mouse brain development identifies long non-coding RNAs functionally involved in neurogenic commitment. EMBO J 2013; 32:3145-60. [PMID: 24240175 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2013.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analysis of somatic stem cells and their progeny is fundamental to identify new factors controlling proliferation versus differentiation during tissue formation. Here, we generated a combinatorial, fluorescent reporter mouse line to isolate proliferating neural stem cells, differentiating progenitors and newborn neurons that coexist as intermingled cell populations during brain development. Transcriptome sequencing revealed numerous novel long non-coding (lnc)RNAs and uncharacterized protein-coding transcripts identifying the signature of neurogenic commitment. Importantly, most lncRNAs overlapped neurogenic genes and shared with them a nearly identical expression pattern suggesting that lncRNAs control corticogenesis by tuning the expression of nearby cell fate determinants. We assessed the power of our approach by manipulating lncRNAs and protein-coding transcripts with no function in corticogenesis reported to date. This led to several evident phenotypes in neurogenic commitment and neuronal survival, indicating that our study provides a remarkably high number of uncharacterized transcripts with hitherto unsuspected roles in brain development. Finally, we focussed on one lncRNA, Miat, whose manipulation was found to trigger pleiotropic effects on brain development and aberrant splicing of Wnt7b. Hence, our study suggests that lncRNA-mediated alternative splicing of cell fate determinants controls stem-cell commitment during neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Aprea
- DFG-Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany
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237
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Mango RL, Wu QP, West M, McCook EC, Serody JS, van Deventer HW. C-C chemokine receptor 5 on pulmonary mesenchymal cells promotes experimental metastasis via the induction of erythroid differentiation regulator 1. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 12:274-82. [PMID: 24197118 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED C-C Chemokine receptor 5 knockout (Ccr5(-/-)) mice develop fewer experimental pulmonary metastases than wild-type (WT) mice. This phenomenon was explored by applying gene expression profiling to the lungs of mice with these metastases. Consequently, erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) was identified as upregulated in the WT mice. Though commonly associated with bone marrow stroma, Erdr1 was differentially expressed in WT pulmonary mesenchymal cells (PMC) and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Moreover, the Ccr5 ligand Ccl4 increased its expression by 3.36 ± 0.14-fold. Ccr5 signaling was dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (Map2k) but not the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k) pathway because treatment with U0126 inhibited upregulation of Erdr1, but treatment with LY294002 increased the expression by 3.44 ± 0.92-fold (P < 0.05). The effect Erdr1 on B16-F10 melanoma metastasis was verified by the adoptive transfer of WT MEFs into Ccr5(-/-) mice. In this model, MEFs that had been transduced with Erdr1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lowered metastasis by 33% compared with control transduced MEFs. The relevance of ERDR1 on human disease was assessed by coculturing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells with M2-10B4 stromal cells that had been transfected with shRNA or control plasmids. After 96 hours of coculture, the cell counts were higher with control cell lines than with Erdr1 knockdown lines [odds ratio (OR), 1.88 ± 0.27, 2.52 ± 0.66, respectively]. This increase was associated with a decrease in apoptotic cells (OR, 0.69 ± 0.18, 0.58 ± 0.12, respectively). IMPLICATIONS Therefore, ERDR1 is a stromal-derived factor that promotes cancer cell survival in vitro and in an experimental metastasis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Mango
- University of North Carolina, CB 7305, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7305.
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238
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CNTF-mediated protection of photoreceptors requires initial activation of the cytokine receptor gp130 in Müller glial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E4520-9. [PMID: 24191003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1303604110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) acts as a potent neuroprotective agent in multiple retinal degeneration animal models. Recently, CNTF has been evaluated in clinical trials for the inherited degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite its potential as a broad-spectrum therapeutic treatment for blinding diseases, the target cells of exogenous CNTF and its mechanism of action remain poorly understood. We have shown previously that constitutive expression of CNTF prevents photoreceptor death but alters the retinal transcriptome and suppresses visual function. Here, we use a lentivirus to deliver the same secreted human CNTF used in clinical trials to a mouse model of RP. We found that low levels of CNTF halt photoreceptor death, improve photoreceptor morphology, and correct opsin mislocalization. However, we did not detect corresponding improvement of retinal function as measured by the electroretinogram. Disruption of the cytokine receptor gp130 gene in Müller glia reduces CNTF-dependent photoreceptor survival and prevents phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK in Müller glia and the rest of the retina. Targeted deletion of gp130 in rods also demolishes neuroprotection by CNTF and prevents further activation of Müller glia. Moreover, CNTF elevates the expression of LIF and endothelin 2, thus positively promoting Müller and photoreceptor interactions. We propose that exogenous CNTF initially targets Müller glia, and subsequently induces cytokines acting through gp130 in photoreceptors to promote neuronal survival. These results elucidate a cellular mechanism for exogenous CNTF-triggered neuroprotection and provide insight into the complex cellular responses induced by CNTF in diseased retinas.
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239
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Conte I, Banfi S, Bovolenta P. Non-coding RNAs in the development of sensory organs and related diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4141-55. [PMID: 23588489 PMCID: PMC11113508 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genomes are transcribed well beyond the conventionally annotated protein-encoding genes and produce many thousands of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In the last few years, ncRNAs, especially microRNAs and long non-coding RNA, have received increasing attention because of their implication in the function of chromatin-modifying complexes and in the regulation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. The morphological events and the genetic networks responsible for the development of sensory organs have been well delineated and therefore sensory organs have provided a useful scenario to address the role of ncRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current information on the importance of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during the development of the eye, inner ear, and olfactory system in vertebrates. We will also discuss those cases in which alteration of ncRNA expression has been linked to pathological conditions affecting these organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Conte
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’, CSIC–UAM, c/Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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240
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Dixit R, Tachibana N, Touahri Y, Zinyk D, Logan C, Schuurmans C. Gene expression is dynamically regulated in retinal progenitor cells prior to and during overt cellular differentiation. Gene Expr Patterns 2013; 14:42-54. [PMID: 24148613 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The retina is comprised of one glial and six neuronal populations that are generated from a multipotent pool of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) during development. To give rise to these different cell types, RPCs undergo temporal identity transitions, displaying distinct gene expression profiles at different stages of differentiation. Little, however, is known about temporal differences in RPC identities prior to the onset of overt cellular differentiation, during the period when a retinal identity is gradually acquired. Here we examined the sequential onset of expression of regional markers (i.e., homeodomain transcription factors) and cell fate determinants (i.e., basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors and neurogenic genes) in RPCs from the earliest appearance of a morphologically-distinct retina. By performing a comparative analysis of the expression of a panel of 27 homeodomain, basic-helix-loop-helix and Notch pathway genes between embryonic day (E) 8.75 and postnatal day (P) 9, we identified six distinct RPC molecular profiles. At E8.75, the earliest stage assayed, murine RPCs expressed five homeodomain genes and a single neurogenic gene (Pax6, Six3, Six6, Rx, Otx2, Hes1). This early gene expression profile was remarkably similar to that of 'early' RPCs in the amphibian ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), where RPCs are compartmentalised according to developmental stage, and homologs of Pax6, Six3 and Rx are expressed in the 'early' stem cell zone. As development proceeds, expression of additional homeodomain, bHLH and neurogenic genes was gradually initiated in murine RPCs, allowing distinct genetic profiles to also be defined at E9.5, E10.5, E12.5, E15.5 and P0. In addition, RPCs in the postnatal ciliary margin, where retinal stem cells are retained throughout life, displayed a unique molecular signature, expressing all of the early-onset genes as well as several late-onset markers, indicative of a 'mixed' temporal identity. Taken together, the identification of temporal differences in gene expression in mammalian RPCs during pre-neurogenic developmental stages leads to new insights into how regional identities are progressively acquired during development, while comparisons at later stages highlight the dynamic nature of gene expression in temporally distinct RPC pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Dixit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Nobuhiko Tachibana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yacine Touahri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dawn Zinyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cairine Logan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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241
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Abstract
Long intervening noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are transcribed from thousands of loci in mammalian genomes and might play widespread roles in gene regulation and other cellular processes. This Review outlines the emerging understanding of lincRNAs in vertebrate animals, with emphases on how they are being identified and current conclusions and questions regarding their genomics, evolution and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Ulitsky
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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242
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Wang X, Wang G, Kunte M, Shinde V, Gorbatyuk M. Modulation of angiogenesis by genetic manipulation of ATF4 in mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy [corrected]. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:5995-6002. [PMID: 23942974 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and an increase in activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) has been previously reported in the diabetic retina. Despite this, a direct link between ATF4 and the degree of proliferative retinopathy has not been demonstrated to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether ATF4 deficiency could reduce neovascularization in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). METHODS We induced OIR in C57BL/6, ATF4(+/-), and endoplasmic reticulum stress-activated indicator (ERAI) mice and used quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis to evaluate relative gene and protein expression. Histology and microscopy were used to calculate the extent of neovascularization in flat-mounted retinas. RESULTS Experimental data revealed Xbp1 splicing in the retinal ganglia cells, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer and in pericytes of postdevelopment day 17 ERAI OIR mice, confirming the activation of IRE1 UPR signaling. In naive ATF4-deficient mice, we also observed an elevation in UPR-associated and vascular-associated gene expression (Bip, Atf6, Hif1a, Pik3/Akt, Flt1/Vegfa, and Tgfb1), which may have contributed to the alleviation of hypoxia-driven neovascularization in experimental ATF4(+/-) retinas. The OIR ATF4(+/-) retinas demonstrated reprogramming of the UPR seen at both the mRNA (Atf6 and Bip) and protein (pATF6 and peIf2α) levels, as well as a reduction in vascularization-associated gene expression (Flt1, Vegf1, Hif1, and Tgb1). These changes corresponded to the decline in the rate of neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS Our study validates ATF4 as a prospective therapeutic target to inhibit neovascularization in proliferative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, North Texas Eye Research Institute, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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243
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Mizeracka K, Trimarchi JM, Stadler MB, Cepko CL. Analysis of gene expression in wild-type and Notch1 mutant retinal cells by single cell profiling. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:1147-59. [PMID: 23813500 PMCID: PMC3882027 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vertebrate retina comprises sensory neurons, the photoreceptors, as well as many other types of neurons and one type of glial cell. These cells are generated by multipotent and restricted retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), which express Notch1. Loss of Notch1 in RPCs late during retinal development results in the overproduction of rod photoreceptors at the expense of interneurons and glia. RESULTS To examine the molecular underpinnings of this observation, microarray analysis of single retinal cells from wild-type or Notch1 conditional knockout retinas was performed. In situ hybridization was carried out to validate some of the findings. CONCLUSIONS The majority of Notch1-mutant cells lost expression of known Notch target genes. These cells also had low levels of RPC and cell cycle genes, and robustly up-regulated rod precursor genes. In addition, single wild-type cells, in which cell cycle marker genes were down-regulated, expressed markers of both rod photoreceptors and interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Mizeracka
- Department of Genetics, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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244
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Song WT, Zhang XY, Xia XB. Atoh7 promotes the differentiation of retinal stem cells derived from Müller cells into retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting Notch signaling. Stem Cell Res Ther 2013; 4:94. [PMID: 23945288 PMCID: PMC3854761 DOI: 10.1186/scrt305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retinal Müller cells exhibit the characteristics of retinal progenitor cells, and differentiate into ganglion cells under certain conditions. However, the number of ganglion cells differentiated from retinal Müller cells falls far short of therapeutic needs. This study aimed to develop a novel protocol to promote the differentiation of retinal Müller cells into ganglion cells and explore the underlying signaling mechanisms. Methods Müller cells were isolated and purified from rat retina and induced to dedifferentiate into retinal stem cells. Next the stem cells were transfected with lentivirus PGC-FU-GFP or lentivirus PGC-FU-Atoh7-GFP. In addition, the stem cells were transfected with Brn-3b siRNA or Isl-1 siRNA or treated with Notch inhibitor gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI). Results The proportion of ganglion cells differentiated from Atoh7-tranfected stem cells was significantly higher than that of controls. Knockdown of Brn-3b or Isl-1 inhibited, while GSI promoted, the differentiation into retinal ganglion cells. Atoh7 promoted the expression of Brn-3b and Isl-1 but inhibited the expression of Notch1. Conclusions Atoh7 promotes the differentiation of Müller cells-derived retinal stem cells into retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting Notch signaling, thus opening up a new avenue for gene therapy and optic nerve regeneration in glaucoma.
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245
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Gwizdek C, Cassé F, Martin S. Protein sumoylation in brain development, neuronal morphology and spinogenesis. Neuromolecular Med 2013; 15:677-91. [PMID: 23907729 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-013-8252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) are polypeptides resembling ubiquitin that are covalently attached to specific lysine residue of target proteins through a specific enzymatic pathway. Sumoylation is now seen as a key posttranslational modification involved in many biological processes, but little is known about how this highly dynamic protein modification is regulated in the brain. Disruption of the sumoylation enzymatic pathway during the embryonic development leads to lethality revealing a pivotal role for this protein modification during development. The main aim of this review is to briefly describe the SUMO pathway and give an overview of the sumoylation regulations occurring in brain development, neuronal morphology and synapse formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Gwizdek
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Laboratory of Excellence 'Network for Innovation on Signal Transduction Pathways in Life Sciences', UMR7275, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, 660 route des lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Pearson RA, Duran Y, Carvalho LS, Chu CJ, Naeem A, Blackford SJI, Georgiadis A, Lakowski J, Hubank M, Smith AJ, Bainbridge JWB, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Photoreceptor precursors derived from three-dimensional embryonic stem cell cultures integrate and mature within adult degenerate retina. Nat Biotechnol 2013; 31:741-7. [PMID: 23873086 PMCID: PMC3826328 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors may be amenable to cell therapy. We previously demonstrated retinal repair and restoration of vision through transplantation of photoreceptor precursors obtained from postnatal retinas into visually impaired adult mice. Considerable progress has been made in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro toward photoreceptor lineages. However, the capability of ESC-derived photoreceptors to integrate after transplantation has not been demonstrated unequivocally. Here, to isolate photoreceptor precursors fit for transplantation, we adapted a recently reported three-dimensional (3D) differentiation protocol that generates neuroretina from mouse ESCs. We show that rod precursors derived by this protocol and selected via a GFP reporter under the control of a Rhodopsin promoter integrate within degenerate retinas of adult mice and mature into outer segment-bearing photoreceptors. Notably, ESC-derived precursors at a developmental stage similar to postnatal days 4-8 integrate more efficiently compared with cells at other stages. This study shows conclusively that ESCs can provide a source of photoreceptors for retinal cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Emma L. West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Rachael A. Pearson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Livia S. Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Colin J. Chu
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Samuel J. I. Blackford
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jorn Lakowski
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Mike Hubank
- UCL Genomics, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - James W. B. Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jane C. Sowden
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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Mustafi D, Kevany BM, Bai X, Maeda T, Sears JE, Khalil AM, Palczewski K. Evolutionarily conserved long intergenic non-coding RNAs in the eye. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:2992-3002. [PMID: 23562822 PMCID: PMC3699063 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that the mammalian transcriptome encodes thousands of long intergenic non-coding (linc) RNA transcripts, together with recent evidence that lincRNAs can regulate protein-coding genes, has added a new level of complexity to cellular transcriptional/translational regulation. Indeed several reports now link mutations in lincRNAs to heritable human disorders. Here, we identified a subset of lincRNAs in terminally differentiated adult human retinal neurons based on their sequence conservation across species. RNA sequencing of eye tissue from several mammalian species with varied rod/cone photoreceptor content identified 18 lincRNAs that were highly conserved across these species. Sixteen of the 18 were conserved in human retinal tissue with 14 of these also conserved in the macular region. A subset of lincRNAs exhibited restricted tissue expression profiles in mice, with preferential expression in the retina. Mouse models with different populations of retinal cells as well as in situ hybridization provided evidence that these lincRNAs localized to specific retinal compartments, most notably to the photoreceptor neuronal layer. Computational genomic loci and promoter region analyses provided a basis for regulated expression of these conserved lincRNAs in retinal post-mitotic neurons. This combined approach identified several lincRNAs that could be critical for retinal and visual maintenance in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tadao Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and
| | - Jonathan E. Sears
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA and
| | - Ahmad M. Khalil
- Center for RNA Molecular Biology
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA
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249
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Hennig AK, Peng GH, Chen S. Transcription coactivators p300 and CBP are necessary for photoreceptor-specific chromatin organization and gene expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69721. [PMID: 23922782 PMCID: PMC3724885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptor neurons in the mammalian retina possess specialized cellular architecture and functional features for converting light to a neuronal signal. Establishing and maintaining these characteristics requires appropriate expression of a specific set of genes, which is tightly regulated by a network of photoreceptor transcription factors centered on the cone-rod homeobox protein CRX. CRX recruits transcription coactivators p300 and CBP to acetylate promoter-bound histones and activate transcription of target genes. To further elucidate the role of these two coactivators, we conditionally knocked out Ep300 and/or CrebBP in differentiating rods or cones, using opsin-driven Cre recombinase. Knockout of either factor alone exerted minimal effects, but loss of both factors severely disrupted target cell morphology and function: the unique nuclear chromatin organization seen in mouse rods was reversed, accompanied by redistribution of nuclear territories associated with repressive and active histone marks. Transcription of many genes including CRX targets was severely impaired, correlating with reduced histone H3/H4 acetylation (the products of p300/CBP) on target gene promoters. Interestingly, the presence of a single wild-type allele of either coactivator prevented many of these defects, with Ep300 more effective than Cbp. These results suggest that p300 and CBP play essential roles in maintaining photoreceptor-specific structure, function and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Hennig
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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250
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Pearson RA, Duran Y, Carvalho LS, Chu CJ, Naeem A, Blackford SJI, Georgiadis A, Lakowski J, Hubank M, Smith AJ, Bainbridge JWB, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Photoreceptor precursors derived from three-dimensional embryonic stem cell cultures integrate and mature within adult degenerate retina. Nat Biotechnol 2013. [PMID: 23873086 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2643]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors may be amenable to cell therapy. We previously demonstrated retinal repair and restoration of vision through transplantation of photoreceptor precursors obtained from postnatal retinas into visually impaired adult mice. Considerable progress has been made in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro toward photoreceptor lineages. However, the capability of ESC-derived photoreceptors to integrate after transplantation has not been demonstrated unequivocally. Here, to isolate photoreceptor precursors fit for transplantation, we adapted a recently reported three-dimensional (3D) differentiation protocol that generates neuroretina from mouse ESCs. We show that rod precursors derived by this protocol and selected via a GFP reporter under the control of a Rhodopsin promoter integrate within degenerate retinas of adult mice and mature into outer segment-bearing photoreceptors. Notably, ESC-derived precursors at a developmental stage similar to postnatal days 4-8 integrate more efficiently compared with cells at other stages. This study shows conclusively that ESCs can provide a source of photoreceptors for retinal cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Colin J Chu
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jorn Lakowski
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Mike Hubank
- UCL Genomics, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK.,Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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