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Hsu M, Laaker C, Sandor M, Fabry Z. Neuroinflammation-Driven Lymphangiogenesis in CNS Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:683676. [PMID: 34248503 PMCID: PMC8261156 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.683676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) undergoes immunosurveillance despite the lack of conventional antigen presenting cells and lymphatic vessels in the CNS parenchyma. Additionally, the CNS is bathed in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is continuously produced, and consequently must continuously clear to maintain fluid homeostasis despite the lack of conventional lymphatics. During neuroinflammation, there is often an accumulation of fluid, antigens, and immune cells to affected areas of the brain parenchyma. Failure to effectively drain these factors may result in edema, prolonged immune response, and adverse clinical outcome as observed in conditions including traumatic brain injury, ischemic and hypoxic brain injury, CNS infection, multiple sclerosis (MS), and brain cancer. Consequently, there has been renewed interest surrounding the expansion of lymphatic vessels adjacent to the CNS which are now thought to be central in regulating the drainage of fluid, cells, and waste out of the CNS. These lymphatic vessels, found at the cribriform plate, dorsal dural meninges, base of the brain, and around the spinal cord have each been implicated to have important roles in various CNS diseases. In this review, we discuss the contribution of meningeal lymphatics to these processes during both steady-state conditions and neuroinflammation, as well as discuss some of the many still unknown aspects regarding the role of meningeal lymphatics in neuroinflammation. Specifically, we focus on the observed phenomenon of lymphangiogenesis by a subset of meningeal lymphatics near the cribriform plate during neuroinflammation, and discuss their potential roles in immunosurveillance, fluid clearance, and access to the CSF and CNS compartments. We propose that manipulating CNS lymphatics may be a new therapeutic way to treat CNS infections, stroke, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hsu
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Collin Laaker
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Matyas Sandor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Zsuzsanna Fabry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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2
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Kaltezioti V, Foskolou IP, Lavigne MD, Ninou E, Tsampoula M, Fousteri M, Margarity M, Politis PK. Prox1 inhibits neurite outgrowth during central nervous system development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3443-3465. [PMID: 33247761 PMCID: PMC11072475 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During central nervous system (CNS) development, proper and timely induction of neurite elongation is critical for generating functional, mature neurons, and neuronal networks. Despite the wealth of information on the action of extracellular cues, little is known about the intrinsic gene regulatory factors that control this developmental decision. Here, we report the identification of Prox1, a homeobox transcription factor, as a key player in inhibiting neurite elongation. Although Prox1 promotes acquisition of early neuronal identity and is expressed in nascent post-mitotic neurons, it is heavily down-regulated in the majority of terminally differentiated neurons, indicating a regulatory role in delaying neurite outgrowth in newly formed neurons. Consistently, we show that Prox1 is sufficient to inhibit neurite extension in mouse and human neuroblastoma cell lines. More importantly, Prox1 overexpression suppresses neurite elongation in primary neuronal cultures as well as in the developing mouse brain, while Prox1 knock-down promotes neurite outgrowth. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq analysis reveals that Prox1 affects critical pathways for neuronal maturation and neurite extension. Interestingly, Prox1 strongly inhibits many components of Ca2+ signaling pathway, an important mediator of neurite extension and neuronal maturation. In accordance, Prox1 represses Ca2+ entry upon KCl-mediated depolarization and reduces CREB phosphorylation. These observations suggest that Prox1 acts as a potent suppressor of neurite outgrowth by inhibiting Ca2+ signaling pathway. This action may provide the appropriate time window for nascent neurons to find the correct position in the CNS prior to initiation of neurites and axon elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthieu D Lavigne
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Fousteri
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Marigoula Margarity
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26500, Rio Achaias, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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3
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The Impact of Transcription Factor Prospero Homeobox 1 on the Regulation of Thyroid Cancer Malignancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093220. [PMID: 32370142 PMCID: PMC7247360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) is continuously expressed in the lymphatic endothelial cells, playing an essential role in their differentiation. Many reports have shown that PROX1 is implicated in cancer development and acts as an oncoprotein or suppressor in a tissue-dependent manner. Additionally, the PROX1 expression in many types of tumors has prognostic significance and is associated with patient outcomes. In our previous experimental studies, we showed that PROX1 is present in the thyroid cancer (THC) cells of different origins and has a high impact on follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) phenotypes, regulating migration, invasion, focal adhesion, cytoskeleton reorganization, and angiogenesis. Herein, we discuss the PROX1 transcript and protein structures, the expression pattern of PROX1 in THC specimens, and its epigenetic regulation. Next, we emphasize the biological processes and genes regulated by PROX1 in CGTH-W-1 cells, derived from squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Finally, we discuss the interaction of PROX1 with other lymphatic factors. In our review, we aimed to highlight the importance of vascular molecules in cancer development and provide an update on the functionality of PROX1 in THC biology regulation.
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4
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Margarido AS, Le Guen L, Falco A, Faure S, Chauvet N, de Santa Barbara P. PROX1 is a specific and dynamic marker of sacral neural crest cells in the chicken intestine. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:879-889. [PMID: 31658363 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex network constituted of neurons and glial cells that ensures the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract. ENS cells originate from vagal and sacral neural crest cells that are initially located at the border of the neural tube. In birds, sacral neural crest cells (sNCCs) first give rise to an extramural ganglionated structure (the so-called Nerve of Remak [NoR]) and to the pelvic plexus. Later, sNCCs enter the colon mesenchyme to colonize and contribute to the intrinsic innervation of the caudal part of the gut. However, no specific sNCC marker has been described. Here, we report the expression pattern of prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) in the developing chick colon. PROX1 is a homeobox domain transcription factor that plays a role in cell type specification in various tissues. Using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence techniques, we showed that PROX1 is expressed in sNCCs localized in the NoR and in the pelvic plexus. Then, using real-time quantitative PCR we found that PROX1 displays a strong and highly dynamic expression pattern during NoR development. Moreover, we demonstrated using in vivo cell tracing, that sNCCs are the source of the PROX1-positive cells within the NoR. Our results indicate that PROX1 is the first marker that specifically identifies sNCCs. This might help to better identify the role of the different neural crest cell populations in distal gut innervation, and consequently to improve the diagnosis of diseases linked to incomplete ENS formation, such as Hirschsprung's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ludovic Le Guen
- PHYMEDEXP, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Falco
- PHYMEDEXP, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandrine Faure
- PHYMEDEXP, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Norbert Chauvet
- PHYMEDEXP, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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5
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Rudzińska M, Grzanka M, Stachurska A, Mikula M, Paczkowska K, Stępień T, Paziewska A, Ostrowski J, Czarnocka B. Molecular Signature of Prospero Homeobox 1 (PROX1) in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092212. [PMID: 31060342 PMCID: PMC6539481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) transcription factor is a product of one of the lymphangiogenesis master genes. It has also been suggested to play a role in carcinogenesis, although its precise role in tumour development and metastasis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to gain more knowledge on the PROX1 function in thyroid tumorigenesis. Follicular thyroid cancer-derived cells—CGTH-W-1—were transfected with PROX1-siRNA (small interfering RNA) and their proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and motility were then analysed. The transcriptional signature of PROX1 depletion was determined using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the expression of relevant genes was further validated using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot and immunocytochemistry. PROX1 depletion resulted in a decreased cell motility, with both migratory and invasive potential being significantly reduced. The cell morphology was also affected, while the other studied cancer-related cell characteristics were not significantly altered. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of transcripts encoding genes involved in both motility and cytoskeleton organization. Our transcriptional analysis of PROX1-depleted follicular thyroid carcinoma cells followed by functional and phenotypical analyses provide, for the first time, evidence that PROX1 plays an important role in the metastasis of thyroid cancer cells by regulating genes involved in focal adhesion and cytoskeleton organization in tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rudzińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Grzanka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Stachurska
- Department of Immunohematology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Mikula
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Paczkowska
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Stępień
- Clinic of Endocrinological and General Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 93-513 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Paziewska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Ostrowski
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Czarnocka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
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Audette DS, Anand D, So T, Rubenstein TB, Lachke SA, Lovicu FJ, Duncan MK. Prox1 and fibroblast growth factor receptors form a novel regulatory loop controlling lens fiber differentiation and gene expression. Development 2015; 143:318-28. [PMID: 26657765 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Lens epithelial cells differentiate into lens fibers (LFs) in response to a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gradient. This cell fate decision requires the transcription factor Prox1, which has been hypothesized to promote cell cycle exit in differentiating LF cells. However, we find that conditional deletion of Prox1 from mouse lenses results in a failure in LF differentiation despite maintenance of normal cell cycle exit. Instead, RNA-seq demonstrated that Prox1 functions as a global regulator of LF cell gene expression. Intriguingly, Prox1 also controls the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and can bind to their promoters, correlating with decreased downstream signaling through MAPK and AKT in Prox1 mutant lenses. Further, culturing rat lens explants in FGF increased their expression of Prox1, and this was attenuated by the addition of inhibitors of MAPK. Together, these results describe a novel feedback loop required for lens differentiation and morphogenesis, whereby Prox1 and FGFR signaling interact to mediate LF differentiation in response to FGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan S Audette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Tammy So
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute & Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
| | - Troy B Rubenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute & Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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7
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Kim YM, Kim WY, Nam SA, Choi AR, Kim H, Kim YK, Kim HS, Kim J. Role of Prox1 in the Transforming Ascending Thin Limb of Henle's Loop during Mouse Kidney Development. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127429. [PMID: 25993027 PMCID: PMC4438060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeobox transcription factor Prox1 is critical to the development of many embryonic organs and tissues, although current understanding of its expression in the developing renal medulla is limited. We examined the functional role of Prox1 during mouse kidney development with particular emphasis on the developing loop of Henle. Our data show that Prox1 is expressed in the transdifferentiating region from the NKCC2-positive thick ascending limb, into the CLC-K1-positive ascending thin limb of Henle’s loop beginning at embryonic day 18. From 1 to 14 days of age, Prox1-positive cells gradually disappeared from the papillary tip, and remained in the initial part of inner medulla after 21 days. In this transforming area, no Prox1 was observed in cells undergoing apoptosis but was expressed strongly in the remaining cells, which differentiated into ascending thin limb epithelial cells. In vitro and in vivo approaches showed that Prox1 expression increases where the osmolality is near optimal range, but decreases at below- or above-optimal ranges. Renal hypoosmolality induced by furosemide (NKCC2 inhibitor) inhibited Prox1 expression and delayed maturation of the ascending limb of Henle’s loop. Together, these studies suggest that Prox1 appears to be a critical stage specific regulator of specifying ascending thin limb cell fate and that its expression is regulated by osmolality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-mi Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wan-Young Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Ah Nam
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - A-Rum Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyang Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Kyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hak-Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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8
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Panova IG, Markitantova YV, Smirnova YA, Zinovieva RD. Molecular-genetic mechanisms of cornea morphogenesis. BIOL BULL+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359015020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Stergiopoulos A, Elkouris M, Politis PK. Prospero-related homeobox 1 (Prox1) at the crossroads of diverse pathways during adult neural fate specification. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:454. [PMID: 25674048 PMCID: PMC4306308 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, adult neurogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS) has emerged as a fundamental process underlying physiology and disease. Recent evidence indicates that the homeobox transcription factor Prox1 is a critical intrinsic regulator of neurogenesis in the embryonic CNS and adult dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, acting in multiple ways and instructed by extrinsic cues and intrinsic factors. In the embryonic CNS, Prox1 is mechanistically involved in the regulation of proliferation vs. differentiation decisions of neural stem cells (NSCs), promoting cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation, while inhibiting astrogliogenesis. During the complex differentiation events in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, Prox1 is required for maintenance of intermediate progenitors (IPs), differentiation and maturation of glutamatergic interneurons, as well as specification of DG cell identity over CA3 pyramidal fate. The mechanism by which Prox1 exerts multiple functions involves distinct signaling pathways currently not fully highlighted. In this mini-review, we thoroughly discuss the Prox1-dependent phenotypes and molecular pathways in adult neurogenesis in relation to different upstream signaling cues and cell fate determinants. In addition, we discuss the possibility that Prox1 may act as a cross-talk point between diverse signaling cascades to achieve specific outcomes during adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Stergiopoulos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Maximilianos Elkouris
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
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10
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Markitantova YV, Zinovieva RD. Intracellular localization of transcription factor PROX1 in the human retina in ontogeny. BIOL BULL+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s106235901402006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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11
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Elsir T, Smits A, Lindström MS, Nistér M. Transcription factor PROX1: its role in development and cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 31:793-805. [PMID: 22733308 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-012-9390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox gene PROX1 is critical for organ development during embryogenesis. The Drosophila homologue, known as prospero has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor by controlling asymmetric cell division of neuroblasts. Likewise, alterations in PROX1 expression and function are associated with a number of human cancers including hematological malignancies, carcinomas of the pancreas, liver and the biliary system, sporadic breast cancer, Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, colon cancer, and brain tumors. PROX1 is involved in cancer development and progression and has been ascribed both tumor suppressive and oncogenic properties in a variety of different cancer types. However, the exact mechanisms through which PROX1 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells are by large unknown. This review provides an update on the role of PROX1 in organ development and on its emerging functions in cancer, with special emphasis on the central nervous system and glial brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamador Elsir
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, CCK R8:05, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Choi I, Lee S, Hong YK. The new era of the lymphatic system: no longer secondary to the blood vascular system. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2013; 2:a006445. [PMID: 22474611 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a006445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The blood and lymphatic systems are the two major circulatory systems in our body. Although the blood system has been studied extensively, the lymphatic system has received much less scientific and medical attention because of its elusive morphology and mysterious pathophysiology. However, a series of landmark discoveries made in the past decade has begun to change the previous misconception of the lymphatic system to be secondary to the more essential blood vascular system. In this article, we review the current understanding of the development and pathology of the lymphatic system. We hope to convince readers that the lymphatic system is no less essential than the blood circulatory system for human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inho Choi
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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13
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Ogino H, Ochi H, Reza HM, Yasuda K. Transcription factors involved in lens development from the preplacodal ectoderm. Dev Biol 2012; 363:333-47. [PMID: 22269169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lens development is a stepwise process accompanied by the sequential activation of transcription factors. Transcription factor genes can be classified into three groups according to their functions: the first group comprises preplacodal genes, which are implicated in the formation of the preplacodal ectoderm that serves as a common primordium for cranial sensory tissues, including the lens. The second group comprises lens-specification genes, which establish the lens-field within the preplacodal ectoderm. The third group comprises lens-differentiation genes, which promote lens morphogenesis after the optic vesicle makes contact with the presumptive lens ectoderm. Analyses of the regulatory interactions between these genes have provided an overview of lens development, highlighting crucial roles for positive cross-regulation in fate specification and for feed-forward regulation in the execution of terminal differentiation. This overview also sheds light upon the mechanisms of how preplacodal gene activities lead to the activation of genes involved in lens-specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Ogino
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
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14
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Flister MJ, Volk LD, Ran S. Characterization of Prox1 and VEGFR-3 expression and lymphatic phenotype in normal organs of mice lacking p50 subunit of NF-κB. Microcirculation 2011; 18:85-101. [PMID: 21166921 DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2010.00057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation and NF-κB are highly associated with lymphangiogenesis but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We recently established that activated NF-κB p50 subunit increases expression of the main lymphangiogenic mediators, VEGFR-3 and its transcriptional activator, Prox1. To elucidate the role of p50 in lymphatic vasculature, we compared LVD and phenotype in p50 KO and WT mice. METHODS Normal tissues from KO and WT mice were stained for LYVE-1 to calculate LVD. VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expressions were analyzed by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. RESULTS Compared with WT, LVD in the liver and lungs of KO mice was reduced by 39% and 13%, respectively. This corresponded to 25-44% decreased VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expression. In the MFP, LVD was decreased by 18% but VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expression was 80-140% higher than in WT. Analysis of p65 and p52 NF-κB subunits and an array of inflammatory mediators showed a significant increase in p50 alternative pathways in the MFP but not in other organs. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the role of NF-κB p50 in regulating the expression of VEGFR-3, Prox1 and LVD in the mammary tissue, liver, and lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Flister
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9626, USA
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15
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Gómez-Flores E, Sánchez-Guzmán E, Castro-Muñozledo F. Asymmetrical cell division and differentiation are not dependent upon stratification in a corneal epithelial cell line. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:700-9. [PMID: 20717959 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether asymmetrical cell division takes place during growth and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells, we analyzed the expression of some proteins required for the correct execution of the asymmetric division in cultured RCE1-(5T5) cells, which mimic the differentiation of corneal epithelial cells. RT-PCR and immunostaining showed that Par-3, LGN (GPSM2), NuMA, and the mammalian homolog of inscuteable (Insc) are expressed by the cultured cells. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that Insc mRNA levels were stable throughout the experiment. Conversely, LGN and NuMA mRNAs increased slightly and steadily in proliferative cells, reaching a peak of about 20% above basal levels when cells were confluent. At later times, LGN and NuMA mRNAs decreased to become barely detectable when cells organized into a four-layered epithelium and expressed terminal phenotype as indicated by the highest expression of LDH-H mRNA. Cultivation under low Ca2+ conditions (0.09 mM) reduced about 50% Insc mRNA expression both in proliferating and confluent cultures, but did not affect the levels of LGN and NuMA mRNAs. Hence, asymmetric cell division seems to take place with a lower frequency in cells grown with low Ca2+ concentrations, in spite of the absence of stratification. Immunostaining experiments raise the possibility of an interaction between k3/K12 keratin cytoskeleton and Par-3. The results show for the first time the coordination between the expression of corneal epithelial cell differentiation and the expression of cell polarity machinery. They also suggest that asymmetric division does not depend on stratification; instead, it seems to be part of the differentiation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eber Gómez-Flores
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apdo, México City, Mexico
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16
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Marino D, Dabouras V, Brändli AW, Detmar M. A role for all-trans-retinoic acid in the early steps of lymphatic vasculature development. J Vasc Res 2010; 48:236-51. [PMID: 21099229 PMCID: PMC2997449 DOI: 10.1159/000320620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that regulate the earliest steps of lymphatic vascular system development are unknown. To identify regulators of lymphatic competence and commitment, we used an in vitro vascular assay with mouse embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs). We found that incubation with retinoic acid (RA) and, more potently, with RA in combination with cAMP, induced the expression of the lymphatic competence marker LYVE-1 in the vascular structures of the EBs. This effect was dependent on RA receptor (RAR)-α and protein kinase A signaling. RA-cAMP incubation also promoted the development of CD31+/LYVE-1+/Prox1+ cell clusters. In situ studies revealed that RAR-α is expressed by endothelial cells of the cardinal vein in ED 9.5-11.5 mouse embryos. Timed exposure of mouse and Xenopus embryos to excess of RA upregulated LYVE-1 and VEGFR-3 on embryonic veins and increased formation of Prox1-positive lymphatic progenitors. These findings indicate that RA signaling mediates the earliest steps of lymphatic vasculature development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marino
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vasilios Dabouras
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - André W. Brändli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Abstract
Lens regeneration among vertebrates is basically restricted to some amphibians. The most notable cases are the ones that occur in premetamorphic frogs and in adult newts. Frogs and newts regenerate their lens in very different ways. In frogs the lens is regenerated by transdifferentiation of the cornea and is limited only to a time before metamorphosis. On the other hand, regeneration in newts is mediated by transdifferentiation of the pigment epithelial cells of the dorsal iris and is possible in adult animals as well. Thus, the study of both systems could provide important information about the process. Molecular tools have been developed in frogs and recently also in newts. Thus, the process has been studied at the molecular and cellular levels. A synthesis describing both systems was long due. In this review we describe the process in both Xenopus and the newt. The known molecular mechanisms are described and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Henry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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18
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Becker J, Wang B, Pavlakovic H, Buttler K, Wilting J. Homeobox transcription factor Prox1 in sympathetic ganglia of vertebrate embryos: correlation with human stage 4s neuroblastoma. Pediatr Res 2010; 68:112-7. [PMID: 20453716 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181e5bc0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we observed expression of the homeobox transcription factor Prox1 in neuroectodermal embryonic tissues. Besides essential functions during embryonic development, Prox1 has been implicated in both progression and suppression of malignancies. Here, we show that Prox1 is expressed in embryonic sympathetic trunk ganglia of avian and murine embryos. Prox1 protein is localized in the nucleus of neurofilament-positive sympathetic neurons. Sympathetic progenitors represent the cell of origin of neuroblastoma (NB), the most frequent solid extracranial malignancy of children. NB may progress to life-threatening stage 4, or regress spontaneously in the special stage 4s. By qRT-PCR, we show that Prox1 is expressed at low levels in 24 human NB cell lines compared with human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whereas equal immunostaining of nuclei can be seen in embryonic LECs and sympathetic neurons. In NB stages 1, 2, 3, and 4, we observed almost equal expression levels, but significantly higher amounts in stage 4s NB. By immunohistochemistry, we found variable amounts of Prox1 protein in nuclei of NB cells, showing intra and interindividual differences. Because stage 4s NB are susceptible to postnatal apoptosis, we assume that high Prox1 levels are critical for their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Becker
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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19
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Prox1 expression in rod precursors and Müller cells. Exp Eye Res 2009; 90:267-76. [PMID: 19895810 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2009.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Prox1 acts in rodent retinogenesis, at least in promoting cell cycle withdrawal and horizontal cell production. In the mature retina, this protein is detected at the inner nuclear layer of all vertebrate groups. We have made a neurochemical characterisation of Prox1(+) cell types in two different vertebrate groups: mammals and fish. As well as Prox1(+) horizontal cells, we have observed Prox1(+)/PKC-alpha(+) rod bipolar cells in mouse and cone ON and mixed b bipolar cells in goldfish. In mouse, only some CB(+) and CR(+) amacrine cells are Prox1(+) and the TH(+) and CR(+) amacrine cells are Prox1(-). However, in goldfish all CR(+) amacrine cells and TH(+) interplexiform cells are Prox1(+) and in the GCL displaced amacrine cells are also Prox1(+). Besides its expression in different interneuron subpopulations, we demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of Prox1 in the GS(+) and CRALBP(+) Müller cells in the retina of adult mammals and in developing and mature retina of fish. The presence of Prox1 in these cells appears to be related to survival or maintenance of their phenotype. We also demonstrate that in fish, where retinal formation persists into adulthood, Prox1 is expressed in dividing PCNA(+) cells at the peripheral growing zone, in rod progenitors at the inner and outer nuclear layers as well as in early progenitors during a retinal regeneration process after cryo-lesion of the peripheral growing zone. Therefore, Prox1 functions in vertebrate retinogenesis may be more complex than previously expected.
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20
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Molecular cloning and gene expression of the prox1a and prox1b genes in the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Gene Expr Patterns 2009; 9:341-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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21
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Separation of the PROX1 gene from upstream conserved elements in a complex inversion/translocation patient with hypoplastic left heart. Eur J Hum Genet 2009; 17:1423-31. [PMID: 19471316 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2009.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoplastic left heart (HLH) occurs in at least 1 in 10 000 live births but may be more common in utero. Its causes are poorly understood but a number of affected cases are associated with chromosomal abnormalities. We set out to localize the breakpoints in a patient with sporadic HLH and a de novo translocation. Initial studies showed that the apparently simple 1q41;3q27.1 translocation was actually combined with a 4-Mb inversion, also de novo, of material within 1q41. We therefore localized all four breakpoints and found that no known transcription units were disrupted. However we present a case, based on functional considerations, synteny and position of highly conserved non-coding sequence elements, and the heterozygous Prox1(+/-) mouse phenotype (ventricular hypoplasia), for the involvement of dysregulation of the PROX1 gene in the aetiology of HLH in this case. Accordingly, we show that the spatial expression pattern of PROX1 in the developing human heart is consistent with a role in cardiac development. We suggest that dysregulation of PROX1 gene expression due to separation from its conserved upstream elements is likely to have caused the heart defects observed in this patient, and that PROX1 should be considered as a potential candidate gene for other cases of HLH. The relevance of another breakpoint separating the cardiac gene ESRRG from a conserved downstream element is also discussed.
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22
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Pistocchi A, Bartesaghi S, Cotelli F, Del Giacco L. Identification and expression pattern of zebrafish prox2 during embryonic development. Dev Dyn 2009; 237:3916-20. [PMID: 19035352 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prox2, together with the previously isolated Prox1, is the vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila homeobox-containing gene prospero, the founder member of a family of transcription factors which have been shown to play critical roles in many developmental events. We have isolated a cDNA which encodes a putative protein that shares a high degree of homology with mammalian Prox1, Prox2, and zebrafish Prox1. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that this protein corresponds to the zebrafish Prox2 homolog being the gene syntenic with the chromosome region hosting mouse Prox2. Whole-mount in situ experiments demonstrated that prox2 is expressed, during zebrafish embryonic development, in defined structures of the central nervous system and the eye, as previously reported in mouse. Additionally, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis disclosed prox2 expression in several adult organs. Finally, prox1 loss- and gain-of-function assays have been carried out to search for regulative effects on prox2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pistocchi
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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23
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Risebro CA, Searles RG, Melville AAD, Ehler E, Jina N, Shah S, Pallas J, Hubank M, Dillard M, Harvey NL, Schwartz RJ, Chien KR, Oliver G, Riley PR. Prox1 maintains muscle structure and growth in the developing heart. Development 2008; 136:495-505. [PMID: 19091769 DOI: 10.1242/dev.030007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Impaired cardiac muscle growth and aberrant myocyte arrangement underlie congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy. We show that cardiac-specific inactivation of the murine homeobox transcription factor Prox1 results in the disruption of expression and localisation of sarcomeric proteins, gross myofibril disarray and growth-retarded hearts. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Prox1 is required for direct transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding the structural proteins alpha-actinin, N-RAP and zyxin, which collectively function to maintain an actin-alpha-actinin interaction as the fundamental association of the sarcomere. Aspects of abnormal heart development and the manifestation of a subset of muscular-based disease have previously been attributed to mutations in key structural proteins. Our study reveals an essential requirement for direct transcriptional regulation of sarcomere integrity, in the context of enabling foetal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, maintenance of contractile function and progression towards inherited or acquired myopathic disease.
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24
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Firsova NV, Zinovieva RD. Molecular genetic aspects of human eye development. BIOL BULL+ 2008. [DOI: 10.1134/s106235900804002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Chen X, Taube JR, Simirskii VI, Patel TP, Duncan MK. Dual roles for Prox1 in the regulation of the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2008; 49:1542-52. [PMID: 18385074 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-1300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Lens fiber cell differentiation is marked by the onset of betaB1-crystallin expression and is controlled by the cooperative action of a set of transcription factors including Prox1, an atypical homeodomain protein. Previously, the authors reported that Prox1 directly interacts with the OL2 element found in the chicken betaB1-crystallin basal promoter to activate the expression of this gene. Here they mapped the location of activating and repressing sequences of the full-length chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter (-432/+30) in lens epithelial cells, annular pad cells, and intact lens and characterized Prox1-binding sites found in this region. METHODS Transfection analysis and transgenic mice were used to characterize upstream regions of the chicken betaB1-crystallin gene. DNaseI footprinting and chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to identify Prox1-binding sites, and transfection analyses were used to characterize these sites functionally. RESULTS Sequences between -152 and -432 of the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter mediated either promoter activation or repression, depending on the stage of lens differentiation tested. Two new Prox1-binding sites were found in this region that bound Prox1 more avidly than the OL2 element. However, neither binding site conferred Prox1-mediated activation on a heterologous promoter; instead, each allowed Prox1 to repress promoter function. CONCLUSIONS The function of the upstream region of the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter changes depending on cellular context. These data suggest that Prox1 function as a transcriptional activator could be regulated at the DNA level based on the characteristics of the responsive elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoren Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
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26
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Misra K, Mishra K, Gui H, Matise MP. Prox1 regulates a transitory state for interneuron neurogenesis in the spinal cord. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:393-402. [PMID: 18213584 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper central nervous system (CNS) function depends critically on the generation of functionally distinct neuronal types in specific and reproducible positions. The generation of neuronal diversity during CNS development involves a fine balance between dividing neural progenitors and the differentiated neuronal progeny that they produce. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes are still poorly understood. Here, we show that the Prox1 transcription factor, which is expressed transiently and specifically in spinal interneurons, plays an important role in neurogenesis. Using both gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we find that Prox1 is capable of driving neuronal precursors out of the cell cycle and can initiate limited expression of neuronal proteins. Using RNAi approaches, we show that Prox1 function is required to execute a neurogenic differentiation program downstream of Mash1 and Ngn2. Our studies demonstrate an important, spinal interneuron-specific role for Prox1 in controlling steps required for both cell-cycle withdrawal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamana Misra
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, UMDNJ, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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27
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Boije H, Edqvist PHD, Hallböök F. Temporal and spatial expression of transcription factors FoxN4, Ptf1a, Prox1, Isl1 and Lim1 mRNA in the developing chick retina. Gene Expr Patterns 2007; 8:117-23. [PMID: 18006384 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2007] [Revised: 09/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are pivotal in regulating cell fate and development. We analyzed five transcription factors - FoxN4, Ptf1a, Prox1, Isl1 and Lim1 - with putative functions in the formation of early-generated retinal interneurons. A full-length chicken FoxN4 cDNA was characterized and in situ as well as RT-PCR showed that FoxN4 expression commenced already in the stage 12-14 optic vesicles. Ptf1a, Prox1, Isl1 and Lim1 expression appeared later by stage 20-24, concomitant with the first post-mitotic ganglion-, amacrine- and horizontal cells. The FoxN4 and Ptf1a expression was transient with peak levels by stage 32-35. Expression disappeared as the retinal progenitor cells differentiated. Prox1, Isl1 and Lim1 expression remained in several differentiated cells including the horizontal cells. The order of expression supports a scheme where Ptf1a and Prox1 is downstream of FoxN4 and that FoxN4 and Ptf1a have transient roles during fate specification while Prox1, Isl1 and Lim1 have roles that are important for the generation of the neuronal subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Boije
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 587, S-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Grosjean Y, Guenin L, Bardet HM, Ferveur JF. Prospero mutants induce precocious sexual behavior in Drosophila males. Behav Genet 2007; 37:575-84. [PMID: 17436071 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-007-9152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain maturation, a developmental process influenced by both endogenous and environmental factors, can affect sexual behavior. In vertebrates and invertebrates, sexual maturation is under the influence of hormones and neuromodulators, but the role of developmental genes in this process is still poorly understood. We report that prospero (pros), a gene crucial for nervous system development, can change the age of onset of sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster males: adult males carrying a single copy of several pros mutations court females and mate at a younger age than control males. However, these pros mutations had no effect on female sexual receptivity and did not alter other male phenotypes related to mating behavior. The Pros protein was detected in several brain and sensory structures of immature adult males, some of which are normally involved in the regulation of male specific behaviors. Our data suggest that the altered pros expression affects the age of onset of male mating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaël Grosjean
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 5548 Associée au Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Bourgogne, 6, Bd Gabriel, Dijon 21 000, France
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29
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30
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Elkins MB, Henry JJ. Isolation and characterization of a novel gene, xMADML, involved in Xenopus laevis eye development. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:1845-57. [PMID: 16607642 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified Xenopus MADM-like (xMADML), a Xenopus laevis gene related to the murine MADM and the human NRBP genes. xMADML is expressed throughout early development and is expressed most strongly in the developing lens and more weakly in the retina and other anterior tissues. We demonstrate that disruption of xMADML translation by means of morpholino injection results in impaired retina and lens development. Reciprocal transplantation of the presumptive lens ectoderm between morpholino-injected embryos and those injected solely with a dextran lineage tracer demonstrates that xMADML is necessary in both the lens and the retina for correct development of these eye tissues. Analysis of gene expression after knockdown of xMADML revealed significant alterations in the expression of some genes, including Pax6, xSix3, Sox2, and Sox3, suggesting that xMADML plays a role in regulating gene expression during development of the eye. This investigation is the first in vivo study examining the developmental role of this novel gene and reveals an important role of xMADML in eye tissue development and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Elkins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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31
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Markitantova YV, Smirnova YA, Panova IG, Sukhikh GT, Zinov’eva RD, Mitashov VI. Analysis of expression of regulatory genes Pax6, Prox1, and Pitx2 in differentiating eye cells in human fetus. BIOL BULL+ 2006. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359006040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Bermingham-McDonogh O, Oesterle EC, Stone JS, Hume CR, Huynh HM, Hayashi T. Expression of Prox1 during mouse cochlear development. J Comp Neurol 2006; 496:172-86. [PMID: 16538679 PMCID: PMC2572724 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We carried out an analysis of the expression of Prox1, a homeo-domain transcription factor, during mouse inner ear development with particular emphasis on the auditory system. Prox1 is expressed in the otocyst beginning at embryonic day (E)11, in the developing vestibular sensory patches. Expression is down regulated in maturing (myosin VIIA immunoreactive) vestibular hair cells and subsequently in the underlying support cell layer by E16.5. In the auditory sensory epithelium, Prox1 is initially expressed at embryonic day 14.5 in a narrow stripe of cells at the base of the cochlea. This stripe encompasses the full thickness of the sensory epithelium, including developing hair cells and support cells. Over the next several days the stripe of expression extends to the apex, and as the sensory epithelium differentiates Prox1 becomes restricted to a subset of support cells. Double labeling for Prox1 and cell-type-specific markers revealed that the outer hair cells transiently express Prox1. After E18, Prox1 protein is no longer detectable in hair cells, but it continues to be expressed in support cells for the rest of embryogenesis and into the second postnatal week. During this time, Prox1 is not expressed in all support cell types in the organ of Corti, but is restricted to developing Deiters' and pillar cells. The expression is maintained in these cells into the second week of postnatal life, at which time Prox1 is dynamically down regulated. These studies form a baseline from which we can analyze the role of Prox1 in vertebrate sensory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Bermingham-McDonogh
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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Moreira EF, Adler R. Effects of follistatin overexpression on cell differentiation in the chick embryo retina. Dev Biol 2006; 298:272-84. [PMID: 16872597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2006] [Revised: 06/21/2006] [Accepted: 06/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although activin is expressed in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS), its possible functions in the regulation of CNS neuronal differentiation remain largely unknown. We have investigated this question in the retina, a well-characterized CNS structure previously shown to respond to activin in vitro, and to express activin subunits and receptors in vivo. RCAS retroviruses were used to overexpress in the chick retina in ovo either follistatin (FS), an activin-binding protein and inhibitor, or alkaline phosphatase (AP), as control. FS-treated retinas appeared normal until ED 8, when they showed a reduction of the inner plexiform layer, accompanied by a marked decrease in the frequency of amacrine cells. The territory lacking amacrine cells showed downregulation of transcription factors necessary for amacrine cell differentiation, such as Pax6 and AP2alpha, accompanied by ectopic expression of transcription factors associated with the development of horizontal or bipolar neurons, such as Prox1, Chx10 and NeuroM. Increases in cell death were also observed in FS-treated retinas. Taken together with previous in vitro studies, our results suggest that activin is a powerful regulator of neuronal differentiation in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto F Moreira
- Department of Opthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-9257, USA
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34
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Abstract
Prox1 is a divergent homeodomain protein important for the development of the lens, retina, liver, pancreas, and lymphatic vasculature. Prox1 expression is highly upregulated in transformed hepatocytes and has been used as a marker to distinguish lymphatic from blood vasculature. We produced recombinant human Prox1 (amino acids 547-737) fused to glutathione S-transferase (GST) and used it to create two hybridomas, 5G10 and 4G10. Both of these hybridomas produced monoclonal antibodies able to detect Prox1 by immunofluorescence in lenses from diverse terrestrial vertebrates, including humans, rats, chickens, and lizards, although 5G10 was generally more sensitive in this application. Further, 4G10 was able to robustly detect endogenous and recombinant Prox1 in both cell and tissue extracts by Western blotting, while 5G10 was notably less sensitive for this purpose. These monoclonal antibodies will be useful for diverse studies on the role of Prox1 in both normal development and disease processes in terrestrial vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoren Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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35
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Wilting J, Aref Y, Huang R, Tomarev SI, Schweigerer L, Christ B, Valasek P, Papoutsi M. Dual origin of avian lymphatics. Dev Biol 2006; 292:165-73. [PMID: 16457798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 12/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The earliest signs of the lymphatic vascular system are the lymph sacs, which develop adjacent to specific embryonic veins. It has been suggested that sprouts from the lymph sacs form the complete lymphatic vascular system. We have studied the origin of the jugular lymph sacs (JLS), the dermal lymphatics and the lymph hearts of avian embryos. In day 6.5 embryos, the JLS is an endothelial-lined sinusoidal structure. The lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) stain (in the quail) positive for QH1 antibody and soybean agglutinin. As early as day 4, the anlagen of the JLS can be recognized by their Prox1 expression. Prox1 is found in the jugular section of the cardinal veins, and in scattered cells located in the dermatomes along the cranio-caudal axis and in the splanchnopleura. In the quail, such cells are positive for Prox1 and QH1. In the jugular region, the veins co-express the angiopoietin receptor Tie2. Quail-chick-chimera studies show that the peripheral parts of the JLS form by integration of cells from the paraxial mesoderm. Intra-venous application of DiI-conjugated acetylated low-density lipoprotein into day 4 embryos suggests a venous origin of the deep parts of the JLS. Superficial lymphatics are directly derived from the dermatomes, as shown by dermatome grafting. The lymph hearts in the lumbo-sacral region develop from a plexus of Prox1-positive lymphatic capillaries. Both LECs and muscle cells of the lymph hearts are of somitic origin. In sum, avian lymphatics are of dual origin. The deep parts of the lymph sacs are derived from adjacent veins, the superficial parts of the JLS and the dermal lymphatics from local lymphangioblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Wilting
- Children's Hospital, Pediatrics I, University of Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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36
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Shimoda H, Kato S. A Model for Lymphatic Regeneration in Tissue Repair of the Intestinal Muscle Coat. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2006; 250:73-108. [PMID: 16861064 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)50003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal lymphatic system, which comprises a network of thin-walled vessels, is essential for the regulation of tissue fluid volume, immune function, and transport of fatty nutrients. The identification of specific lymphatic endothelial markers has facilitated analyses of lymphatic organization and lymphangiogenesis during individual development and tissue repair. The intestinal muscle coat producing motor activity develops a dense maze-like lymphatic network by vascular sprouting consisting of thin lymphatic endothelial projections and splitting of the vessels. The lymphatic regeneration in the tissue repair of the intestinal muscle coat is essentially attributable to sprouting from preexisting lymphatics, and it progresses vigorously with vascular maturation. The regrowing lymphatic endothelial cells exhibit structural changes indicating a high migratory potential and a close association with regenerating stromal cells. The upregulation of VEGF-C, a specific lymphangiogenic molecule, in a subpopulation of the stromal cells probably contributes to lymphatic regeneration by activating its receptor, VEGFR-3, on the regrowing lymphatic endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimoda
- Department of Anatomy, Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University 1-1, Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
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37
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Reis RM, Reis-Filho JS, Longatto Filho A, Tomarev S, Silva P, Lopes JM. Differential Prox-1 and CD 31 expression in mucousae, cutaneous and soft tissue vascular lesions and tumors. Pathol Res Pract 2005; 201:771-6. [PMID: 16308102 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2005.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2005] [Accepted: 08/16/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The study of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic tumors has been hampered with difficulty due to the overlapping morphological features between blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, as well as to the lack of specific lymphatic endothelial markers. Over the last few years, lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis have received great attention owing to their putative implications in terms of metastatic dissemination and the promise of targets for lymphangiogenic therapy. Prox-1 is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a major role during embryonic lymphangiogenesis and is deemed to be a useful marker for differentiating lymphatic endothelial cells from the other blood vessels endothelial cells. Here, we describe a double-immunostaining strategy for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues that aims at evaluating the distribution of Prox-1 and CD 31 - a cytoplasmic pan-endothelial marker - in a series of 28 mucousae, cutaneous and soft tissue vascular lesions and tumors, including hemangiomas, lymphangiomas, lymphangiectasia, and Kaposi's sarcomas. Our results showed that in non-lesional mucousae and skin, Prox-1 decorated exclusively the nuclei of endothelial cells in lymphatic vessels. Prox-1 stained almost all the benign lymphatic vascular lesions/tumors (91%) and was absent or only focally positive in 75% of blood vascular tumors. CD 31 stained endothelial cells of blood vessels of superficial and deep dermal plexuses, lymphatics, and all blood vascular lesions/tumors. Kaposi's sarcomas were all positive for both CD 31 and Prox-1 markers. In conclusion, although Prox-1 expression in vascular lesions/tumors was not entirely restricted to tumors with known lymphatic differentiation, CD 31/Prox-1 double-immunolabeling can be used as an adjunct marker to identify lymphatic vessels in routinely processed formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui M Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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38
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Abstract
Lens regeneration in newts is a remarkable process, whereby a lost tissue is replaced by transdifferentiation of adult tissues that only a few organisms possess. In this review, we will touch on the approaches being used to study this phenomenon, recent advances in the field of lens regeneration, similarities and differences between development and regeneration, as well as the potential role stem cells may play in understanding this process.
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Yousef MS, Matthews BW. Structural basis of Prospero-DNA interaction: implications for transcription regulation in developing cells. Structure 2005; 13:601-7. [PMID: 15837198 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2005.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2004] [Accepted: 01/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structure of a complex between the novel homeodomain of the neural transcription factor Prospero and DNA shows that the invariant residues Lys1290, Asn1294, and Asp1297 make specific contacts with the noncanonical DNA binding site. The overall structure includes the homeodomain and the adjacent Prospero domain and confirms that they act as a single structural unit, a Homeo-Prospero domain. The Prospero domain facilitates the proper alignment of the protein on the DNA. Knowledge of the structure reconciles two different DNA sequences that have been proposed as transcriptional targets for Prospero. As in the apo structure, the C terminus of the Prospero domain shields a short helix within the homeodomain that includes a nuclear export signal (NES). The structural results suggest that exposure of the NES is not coupled directly to DNA binding. We propose a DNA recognition mechanism specific to Prospero-type homeodomains in developing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Yousef
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
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41
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Hong YK, Shin JW, Detmar M. Development of the lymphatic vascular system: a mystery unravels. Dev Dyn 2005; 231:462-73. [PMID: 15376314 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood vascular and the lymphatic system play complementary roles in tissue perfusion and fluid reabsorption. Despite its critical role in mediating tissue fluid homeostasis, intestinal lipid absorption, and the immune response, the lymphatic system has not received as much attention as the blood vascular system, largely due to a lack of lymphatic-specific markers and to the dearth of knowledge about the molecular regulation of lymphatic development and function. A series of recent landmark studies now significantly has advanced our understanding of the lymphatic system. Based upon the discovery and characterization of lymphatic-specific growth factors, receptors, and transcriptional regulators, the mystery of lymphatic vascular system development begins to be unraveled. The successful isolation and cultivation of blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells has enabled comparative molecular and cellular analyses of these two genetically and developmentally closely related cell lineages. Moreover, studies of several genetic mouse models have set the framework for a new molecular model of embryonic lymphatic vascular development and have identified molecular pathways whose mutational inactivation leads to human diseases associated with lymphedema. Although these rapid advances already have led to development of the first lymphatic-targeted molecular therapies, there still remain many unanswered questions regarding almost every aspect of lymphatic vascular biology, making the lymphatic system a highly exciting and rewarding field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Kwon Hong
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center and Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Building 149, 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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42
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Yanai M, Tatsumi N, Endo F, Yokouchi Y. Analysis of gene expression patterns in the developing chick liver. Dev Dyn 2005; 233:1116-22. [PMID: 15895409 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The chick embryo has been used widely for studying liver development. However, in the past 30 years, the usage has decreased markedly due to lack of appropriate marker genes for differentiation in the developing chick liver. To use the chick embryo for analyzing the molecular mechanism of liver development, we surveyed marker genes in the developing chick liver by examining the expression pattern of genes that are well-characterized in the developing mammalian liver. By whole-mount in situ hybridization, Fibrinogen-gamma (FIB) expression was first detected at stage 12, specifically in the anterior intestinal portal, and its liver-specific expression persisted in the later stages. Albumin (ALB) expression was first detected at stage 30, when the liver starts maturing. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) was first detected at stage 37 in the ductal plate of the liver, and its expression continued in the intrahepatic bile ducts derived from the ductal plate. Hex, a transcription factor, is an additional marker of bile duct differentiation. Hence, FIB, ALB, and CK19 expression can be used to trace hepatic induction, maturation, and bile duct differentiation, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Yanai
- Division of Pattern Formation, Department of Organogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kuhonji, Kumamoto, Japan
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43
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Levine EM, Green ES. Cell-intrinsic regulators of proliferation in vertebrate retinal progenitors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2004; 15:63-74. [PMID: 15036209 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2003.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The proliferative expansion of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) is a fundamental mechanism of growth during vertebrate retinal development. Over the past couple of years, significant progress has been made in identifying genes expressed in RPCs that are essential for their proliferation, and the molecular mechanisms are beginning to be resolved. In this review, we highlight recent studies that have identified regulatory components of the RPC cell cycle machinery and implicate a set of homeobox genes as key regulators of proliferative expansion in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Levine
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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44
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Cheng S, Christie T, Valdimarsson G. Expression of connexin48.5, connexin44.1, and connexin43 during zebrafish (Danio rerio) lens development. Dev Dyn 2004; 228:709-15. [PMID: 14648847 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.10436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx), the protein units of gap junctions, play important roles in lens development and homeostasis. Here, we report the mRNA expression patterns of zebrafish Cx48.5, Cx44.1, Cx43 during lens development. The expression of all three connexins in the adult lens was first confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. By whole-mount in situ hybridization, we detected Cx48.5 expression throughout the lens, except the lateral lens epithelium, at 36 hours postfertilization (hpf). The pattern remained the same at 2 days postfertilization (dpf). By 3 and 4 dpf, Cx48.5 expression was restricted to the differentiating lens fibers in the equatorial and medial regions. Cx44.1 was expressed in a similar manner as Cx48.5 from 36 hpf to 4 dpf. However, Cx44.1 expression was also detected in the lens at 24 hpf. Cx43 expression was detected throughout the lens at 24 and 36 hpf but became restricted to the lateral epithelium at later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohong Cheng
- Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Markitantova YV, Makariev EO, Pavlova GV, Zinovieva RD, Mitashov VI. Location of the Prox1 gene expression during newt lens and retina regeneration. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2004; 391:361-4. [PMID: 14556533 DOI: 10.1023/a:1025119121348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu V Markitantova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 26, Moscow, 119991 Russia
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46
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Steffensen KR, Holter E, Båvner A, Nilsson M, Pelto-Huikko M, Tomarev S, Treuter E. Functional conservation of interactions between a homeodomain cofactor and a mammalian FTZ-F1 homologue. EMBO Rep 2004; 5:613-9. [PMID: 15143342 PMCID: PMC1299067 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2003] [Revised: 03/12/2004] [Accepted: 03/15/2004] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are master regulators of metazoan gene expression with crucial roles during development and in adult physiology. Fushi tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) subfamily members are ancient orphan receptors with homologues from Drosophila to human that regulate diverse gene expression programs important for developmental processes, reproduction and cholesterol homeostasis in an apparently ligand-independent manner. Thus, developmental and tissue-specific cofactors may be particularly important in modulating the transcriptional activities of FTZ-F1 receptors. In Drosophila, the homeodomain protein Fushi tarazu acts as a cofactor for FTZ-F1 (NR5A3), leading to the hypothesis that a similar type of homeodomain cofactor-nuclear receptor relationship might exist in vertebrates. In this study, we have identified and characterized the homeodomain protein Prox1 as a co-repressor for liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH1/NR5A2), a master regulator of cholesterol homeostasis in mammals. Our study suggests that interactions between LRH1 and Prox1 may fulfil roles both during development of the enterohepatic system and in adult physiology of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut R Steffensen
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Elin Holter
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Ann Båvner
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Markku Pelto-Huikko
- Department of Developmental Biology, Tampere University Medical School, 33101 Tampere, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Tampere University Hospital, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Stanislav Tomarev
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2730, USA
| | - Eckardt Treuter
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 6089162; Fax: +46 8 7745538; E-mail:
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Scamborova P, Wong A, Steitz JA. An intronic enhancer regulates splicing of the twintron of Drosophila melanogaster prospero pre-mRNA by two different spliceosomes. Mol Cell Biol 2004; 24:1855-69. [PMID: 14966268 PMCID: PMC350559 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.24.5.1855-1869.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have examined the alternative splicing of the Drosophila melanogaster prospero twintron, which contains splice sites for both the U2- and U12-type spliceosome and generates two forms of mRNA, pros-L (U2-type product) and pros-S (U12-type product). We find that twintron splicing is developmentally regulated: pros-L is abundant in early embryogenesis while pros-S displays the opposite pattern. We have established a Kc cell in vitro splicing system that accurately splices a minimal pros substrate containing the twintron and have examined the sequence requirements for pros twintron splicing. Systematic deletion and mutation analysis of intron sequences established that twintron splicing requires a 46-nucleotide purine-rich element located 32 nucleotides downstream of the U2-type 5' splice site. While this element regulates both splicing pathways, its alteration showed the severest effects on the U2-type splicing pathway. Addition of an RNA competitor containing the wild-type purine-rich element to the Kc extract abolished U2-type splicing and slightly repressed U12-type splicing, suggesting that a trans-acting factor(s) binds the enhancer element to stimulate twintron splicing. Thus, we have identified an intron region critical for prospero twintron splicing as a first step towards elucidating the molecular mechanism of splicing regulation involving competition between the two kinds of spliceosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Scamborova
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut 06536-9812, USA
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Glass AS, Dahm R. The Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Eye Development. Ophthalmic Res 2004; 36:4-24. [PMID: 15007235 DOI: 10.1159/000076105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2003] [Accepted: 12/09/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the zebrafish has become a favourite model organism for biologists studying developmental processes in vertebrates. Its rapid embryonic development, the transparency of its embryos, the large number of offspring together with several other advantages make it ideal for discovering and understanding the genes that regulate embryonic development as well as the physiology of the adult organism. Zebrafish are very visually orientated, and their retina and lens show much the same morphology as other vertebrates including humans. For this reason, they are well suited for examining ocular development, function and disease. This review describes the advantages of the zebrafish as a model organism as well as giving an overview of eye development in this species. It has a particular focus on morphological as well as molecular aspects of the development of the lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Glass
- Medizinische Genetik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany
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49
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Edqvist PHD, Hallböök F. Newborn horizontal cells migrate bi-directionally across the neuroepithelium during retinal development. Development 2004; 131:1343-51. [PMID: 14973293 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration plays an important role during the development of the retina. In this work we have studied the migration of newborn horizontal cells in avian embryonic retina. Using the pattern of the early expressed transcription factors Lim1 and Prox1 we have shown that horizontal cells migrate bi-directionally from their site of birth, close to the ventricular side, to the adjacent (vitreal) side of the neuroepithelium, where they align just next to the prospective ganglion cell layer before migrating back again to their final laminar position in the external part of the inner nuclear layer. The migration occurs between Hamburger and Hamilton stages 24 and 33, which is equivalent to embryonic day 4.5 and 8. Between stages 26 and 30 the horizontal cells reside close to the ganglion cell layer and intra ocular injections of a cytochalasin D, an actin polymerisation blocker that inhibit migration, at stage 29 interfered with the migration of the horizontal cells to their final destination. Furthermore, using biolistic gene transfer with a green fluorescence protein expression vector of retinal slices we were able to record ventricle-directed migration by time-lapse microscopy. Combining biolistics with immunohistochemistry we showed that transfected cells, which have also been translocated in a ventricular direction were positive for the horizontal cell markers Lim1 and Prox1. The alternative path of migration that is described in this work differs from the generally accepted one for horizontal cells and this knowledge will influence the view of how the molecular determination of horizontal cells is specified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Henrik D Edqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Developmental Neuroscience, Biomedical Center, Uppsala Univeristy, S-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
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50
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Cui W, Tomarev SI, Piatigorsky J, Chepelinsky AB, Duncan MK. Mafs, Prox1, and Pax6 can regulate chicken betaB1-crystallin gene expression. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:11088-95. [PMID: 14707122 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m312414200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During lens fiber cell differentiation, the regulation of crystallin gene expression is coupled with dramatic morphological changes. Here we report that Mafs, Prox1, and Pax6, which are essential transcription factors for normal lens development, bind to three functionally important cis elements, PL1, PL2, and OL2, in the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter and may cooperatively direct the transcription of this lens fiber cell preferred gene. Gel shift assays demonstrated that Mafs bind to the MARE-like sequences in the PL1 and PL2 elements, whereas Prox1, a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein like its Drosophila homolog Prospero, interacts with the OL2 element. Furthermore, Pax6, a known repressor of the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter, binds to all three of these cis elements. In transfection assays, Mafs and Prox1 activated the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter; however, their transactivation ability was repressed when co-transfected with Pax6. Taken together with the known spatiotemporal expression patterns of Mafs, Prox1, and Pax6 in the developing lens, we propose that Pax6 occupies and represses the chicken betaB1-crystallin promoter in lens epithelial cells, and is displaced by Prox1 and Mafs, which activate the promoter, in differentiating cortical fiber cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Cui
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
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