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Leyva-Díaz E. CUT homeobox genes: transcriptional regulation of neuronal specification and beyond. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1233830. [PMID: 37744879 PMCID: PMC10515288 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1233830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CUT homeobox genes represent a captivating gene class fulfilling critical functions in the development and maintenance of multiple cell types across a wide range of organisms. They belong to the larger group of homeobox genes, which encode transcription factors responsible for regulating gene expression patterns during development. CUT homeobox genes exhibit two distinct and conserved DNA binding domains, a homeodomain accompanied by one or more CUT domains. Numerous studies have shown the involvement of CUT homeobox genes in diverse developmental processes such as body axis formation, organogenesis, tissue patterning and neuronal specification. They govern these processes by exerting control over gene expression through their transcriptional regulatory activities, which they accomplish by a combination of classic and unconventional interactions with the DNA. Intriguingly, apart from their roles as transcriptional regulators, they also serve as accessory factors in DNA repair pathways through protein-protein interactions. They are highly conserved across species, highlighting their fundamental importance in developmental biology. Remarkably, evolutionary analysis has revealed that CUT homeobox genes have experienced an extraordinary degree of rearrangements and diversification compared to other classes of homeobox genes, including the emergence of a novel gene family in vertebrates. Investigating the functions and regulatory networks of CUT homeobox genes provides significant understanding into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, aberrant expression or mutations in CUT homeobox genes have been associated with various human diseases, highlighting their relevance beyond developmental processes. This review will overview the well known roles of CUT homeobox genes in nervous system development, as well as their functions in other tissues across phylogeny.
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Zhou C, Cheng X, Meng F, Wang Y, Luo W, Zheng E, Cai G, Wu Z, Li Z, Hong L. Identification and characterization of circRNAs in peri-implantation endometrium between Yorkshire and Erhualian pigs. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:412. [PMID: 37488487 PMCID: PMC10364396 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most critical periods for the loss of pig embryos is the 12th day of gestation when implantation begins. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important regulatory roles during pregnancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a kind of ubiquitously expressed ncRNAs that can directly regulate the binding proteins or regulate the expression of target genes by adsorbing micro RNAs (miRNA). RESULTS We used the Illumina Novaseq6,000 technology to analyze the circRNA expression profile in the endometrium of three Erhualian (EH12) and three Yorkshire (YK12) pigs on day 12 of gestation. Overall, a total of 22,108 circRNAs were identified. Of these, 4051 circRNAs were specific to EH12 and 5889 circRNAs were specific to YK12, indicating a high level of breed specificity. Further analysis showed that there were 641 significant differentially expressed circRNAs (SDEcircRNAs) in EH12 compared with YK12 (FDR < 0.05). Functional enrichment of differential circRNA host genes revealed many pathways and genes associated with reproduction and regulation of embryo development. Network analysis of circRNA-miRNA interactions further supported the idea that circRNAs act as sponges for miRNAs to regulate gene expression. The prediction of differential circRNA binding proteins further explored the potential regulatory pathways of circRNAs. Analysis of SDEcircRNAs suggested a possible reason for the difference in embryo survival between the two breeds at the peri-implantation stage. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period in pigs and are important regulators of related genes. The results of this study will help to further understand the differences in molecular pathways between the two breeds during the critical implantation period of pregnancy, and will help to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of pregnancy and embryo loss in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xinyan Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wanyun Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
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Chatterjee A, Gallent B, Katiki M, Qian C, Harter MR, Freeman MR, Murali R. The homeodomain drives favorable DNA binding energetics of prostate cancer target ONECUT2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544830. [PMID: 37398277 PMCID: PMC10312739 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The ONECUT transcription factors feature a CUT and a homeodomain, evolutionarily conserved elements that bind DNA cooperatively, but the process remains mechanistically enigmatic. Using an integrative DNA binding analysis of ONECUT2, a driver of aggressive prostate cancer, we show that the homeodomain energetically stabilizes the ONECUT2-DNA complex through allosteric modulation of CUT. Further, evolutionarily conserved base-interactions in both the CUT and homeodomain are necessary for the favorable thermodynamics. We have identified a novel arginine pair unique to the ONECUT family homeodomain that can adapt to DNA sequence variations. Base interactions in general, including by this arginine pair, are critical for optimal DNA binding and transcription in a prostate cancer model. These findings provide fundamental insights into DNA binding by CUT-homeodomain proteins with potential therapeutic implications. One-Sentence Summary Base-specific interactions regulate homeodomain-mediated stabilization of DNA binding by the ONECUT2 transcription factor.
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Ge Y, Chen X, Nan N, Bard J, Wu F, Yergeau D, Liu T, Wang J, Mu X. Key transcription factors influence the epigenetic landscape to regulate retinal cell differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:2151-2176. [PMID: 36715342 PMCID: PMC10018358 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
How the diverse neural cell types emerge from multipotent neural progenitor cells during central nervous system development remains poorly understood. Recent scRNA-seq studies have delineated the developmental trajectories of individual neural cell types in many neural systems including the neural retina. Further understanding of the formation of neural cell diversity requires knowledge about how the epigenetic landscape shifts along individual cell lineages and how key transcription factors regulate these changes. In this study, we dissect the changes in the epigenetic landscape during early retinal cell differentiation by scATAC-seq and identify globally the enhancers, enriched motifs, and potential interacting transcription factors underlying the cell state/type specific gene expression in individual lineages. Using CUT&Tag, we further identify the enhancers bound directly by four key transcription factors, Otx2, Atoh7, Pou4f2 and Isl1, including those dependent on Atoh7, and uncover the sequential and combinatorial interactions of these factors with the epigenetic landscape to control gene expression along individual retinal cell lineages such as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Our results reveal a general paradigm in which transcription factors collaborate and compete to regulate the emergence of distinct retinal cell types such as RGCs from multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xushen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nan Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Bard
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Yergeau
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jie Wang.
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 716 881 7463; Fax: +1 716 887 2991;
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5
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Thomas ED, Timms AE, Giles S, Harkins-Perry S, Lyu P, Hoang T, Qian J, Jackson VE, Bahlo M, Blackshaw S, Friedlander M, Eade K, Cherry TJ. Cell-specific cis-regulatory elements and mechanisms of non-coding genetic disease in human retina and retinal organoids. Dev Cell 2022; 57:820-836.e6. [PMID: 35303433 PMCID: PMC9126240 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) play a critical role in the development and disease-states of all human cell types. In the retina, CREs have been implicated in several inherited disorders. To better characterize human retinal CREs, we performed single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on the developing and adult human retina and on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids. These analyses identified developmentally dynamic, cell-class-specific CREs, enriched transcription-factor-binding motifs, and putative target genes. CREs in the retina and organoids are highly correlated at the single-cell level, and this supports the use of organoids as a model for studying disease-associated CREs. As a proof of concept, we disrupted a disease-associated CRE at 5q14.3, confirming its principal target gene as the miR-9-2 primary transcript and demonstrating its role in neurogenesis and gene regulation in mature glia. This study provides a resource for characterizing human retinal CREs and showcases organoids as a model to study the function of CREs that influence development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Thomas
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Andrew E Timms
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Sarah Giles
- Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sarah Harkins-Perry
- Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pin Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Victoria E Jackson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kevin Eade
- Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Timothy J Cherry
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Brotman Baty Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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6
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Tworig JM, Feller MB. Müller Glia in Retinal Development: From Specification to Circuit Integration. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:815923. [PMID: 35185477 PMCID: PMC8856507 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.815923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller glia of the retina share many features with astroglia located throughout the brain including maintenance of homeostasis, modulation of neurotransmitter spillover, and robust response to injury. Here we present the molecular factors and signaling events that govern Müller glial specification, patterning, and differentiation. Next, we discuss the various roles of Müller glia in retinal development, which include maintaining retinal organization and integrity as well as promoting neuronal survival, synaptogenesis, and phagocytosis of debris. Finally, we review the mechanisms by which Müller glia integrate into retinal circuits and actively participate in neuronal signaling during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Tworig
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joshua M. Tworig,
| | - Marla B. Feller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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7
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Kaufman ML, Goodson NB, Park KU, Schwanke M, Office E, Schneider SR, Abraham J, Hensley A, Jones KL, Brzezinski JA. Initiation of Otx2 expression in the developing mouse retina requires a unique enhancer and either Ascl1 or Neurog2 activity. Development 2021; 148:dev199399. [PMID: 34143204 PMCID: PMC8254865 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During retinal development, a large subset of progenitors upregulates the transcription factor Otx2, which is required for photoreceptor and bipolar cell formation. How these retinal progenitor cells initially activate Otx2 expression is unclear. To address this, we investigated the cis-regulatory network that controls Otx2 expression in mice. We identified a minimal enhancer element, DHS-4D, that drove expression in newly formed OTX2+ cells. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of DHS-4D reduced OTX2 expression, but this effect was diminished in postnatal development. Systematic mutagenesis of the enhancer revealed that three basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor-binding sites were required for its activity. Single cell RNA-sequencing of nascent Otx2+ cells identified the bHLH factors Ascl1 and Neurog2 as candidate regulators. CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of these factors showed that only the simultaneous loss of Ascl1 and Neurog2 prevented OTX2 expression. Our findings suggest that Ascl1 and Neurog2 act either redundantly or in a compensatory fashion to activate the DHS-4D enhancer and Otx2 expression. We observed redundancy or compensation at both the transcriptional and enhancer utilization levels, suggesting that the mechanisms governing Otx2 regulation in the retina are flexible and robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Noah B. Goodson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael Schwanke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emma Office
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sophia R. Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joy Abraham
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Austin Hensley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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8
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Lonfat N, Wang S, Lee C, Garcia M, Choi J, Park PJ, Cepko C. Cis-regulatory dissection of cone development reveals a broad role for Otx2 and Oc transcription factors. Development 2021; 148:261747. [PMID: 33929509 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is generated by retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), which produce >100 cell types. Although some RPCs produce many cell types, other RPCs produce restricted types of daughter cells, such as a cone photoreceptor and a horizontal cell (HC). We used genome-wide assays of chromatin structure to compare the profiles of a restricted cone/HC RPC and those of other RPCs in chicks. These data nominated regions of regulatory activity, which were tested in tissue, leading to the identification of many cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) active in cone/HC RPCs and developing cones. Two transcription factors, Otx2 and Oc1, were found to bind to many of these CRMs, including those near genes important for cone development and function, and their binding sites were required for activity. We also found that Otx2 has a predicted autoregulatory CRM. These results suggest that Otx2, Oc1 and possibly other Onecut proteins have a broad role in coordinating cone development and function. The many newly discovered CRMs for cones are potentially useful reagents for gene therapy of cone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lonfat
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - ChangHee Lee
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mauricio Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jiho Choi
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter J Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Connie Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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9
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Lyu J, Mu X. Genetic control of retinal ganglion cell genesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4417-4433. [PMID: 33782712 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03814-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only projection neurons in the neural retina. They receive and integrate visual signals from upstream retinal neurons in the visual circuitry and transmit them to the brain. The function of RGCs is performed by the approximately 40 RGC types projecting to various central brain targets. RGCs are the first cell type to form during retinogenesis. The specification and differentiation of the RGC lineage is a stepwise process; a hierarchical gene regulatory network controlling the RGC lineage has been identified and continues to be elaborated. Recent studies with single-cell transcriptomics have led to unprecedented new insights into their types and developmental trajectory. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the functions and relationships of the many regulators of the specification and differentiation of the RGC lineage. We emphasize the roles of these key transcription factors and pathways in different developmental steps, including the transition from retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) to RGCs, RGC differentiation, generation of diverse RGC types, and central projection of the RGC axons. We discuss critical issues that remain to be addressed for a comprehensive understanding of these different aspects of RGC genesis and emerging technologies, including single-cell techniques, novel genetic tools and resources, and high-throughput genome editing and screening assays, which can be leveraged in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, State University of New York At Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, State University of New York At Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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10
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Vassalli QA, Colantuono C, Nittoli V, Ferraioli A, Fasano G, Berruto F, Chiusano ML, Kelsh RN, Sordino P, Locascio A. Onecut Regulates Core Components of the Molecular Machinery for Neurotransmission in Photoreceptor Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:602450. [PMID: 33816460 PMCID: PMC8012850 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.602450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor cells (PRC) are neurons highly specialized for sensing light stimuli and have considerably diversified during evolution. The genetic mechanisms that underlie photoreceptor differentiation and accompanied the progressive increase in complexity and diversification of this sensory cell type are a matter of great interest in the field. A role of the homeodomain transcription factor Onecut (Oc) in photoreceptor cell formation is proposed throughout multicellular organisms. However, knowledge of the identity of the Oc downstream-acting factors that mediate specific tasks in the differentiation of the PRC remains limited. Here, we used transgenic perturbation of the Ciona robusta Oc protein to show its requirement for ciliary PRC differentiation. Then, transcriptome profiling between the trans-activation and trans-repression Oc phenotypes identified differentially expressed genes that are enriched in exocytosis, calcium homeostasis, and neurotransmission. Finally, comparison of RNA-Seq datasets in Ciona and mouse identifies a set of Oc downstream genes conserved between tunicates and vertebrates. The transcription factor Oc emerges as a key regulator of neurotransmission in retinal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirino Attilio Vassalli
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Colantuono
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Nittoli
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Ferraioli
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Fasano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Berruto
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Chiusano
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- Department of Agriculture, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Robert Neil Kelsh
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Sordino
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Locascio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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11
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Wu F, Bard JE, Kann J, Yergeau D, Sapkota D, Ge Y, Hu Z, Wang J, Liu T, Mu X. Single cell transcriptomics reveals lineage trajectory of retinal ganglion cells in wild-type and Atoh7-null retinas. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1465. [PMID: 33674582 PMCID: PMC7935890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Atoh7 has been believed to be essential for establishing the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) lineage, and Pou4f2 and Isl1 are known to regulate RGC specification and differentiation. Here we report our further study of the roles of these transcription factors. Using bulk RNA-seq, we identify genes regulated by the three transcription factors, which expand our understanding of the scope of downstream events. Using scRNA-seq on wild-type and mutant retinal cells, we reveal a transitional cell state of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) co-marked by Atoh7 and other genes for different lineages and shared by all early retinal lineages. We further discover the unexpected emergence of the RGC lineage in the absence of Atoh7. We conclude that competence of RPCs for different retinal fates is defined by lineage-specific genes co-expressed in the transitional state and that Atoh7 defines the RGC competence and collaborates with other factors to shepherd transitional RPCs to the RGC lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan E Bard
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Julien Kann
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Yergeau
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yichen Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zihua Hu
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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12
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Pöstyéni E, Kovács-Valasek A, Urbán P, Czuni L, Sétáló G, Fekete C, Gabriel R. Analysis of mir-9 Expression Pattern in Rat Retina during Postnatal Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052577. [PMID: 33806574 PMCID: PMC7961372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that miR-9 contributes to retinal neurogenesis. However, little is known about its presence and effects in the postnatal period. To expand our knowledge, miRNA-small RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization supported by RT-qPCR measurement were carried out. Mir-9 expression showed two peaks in the first three postnatal weeks in Wistar rats. The first peak was detected at postnatal Day 3 (P3) and the second at P10, then the expression gradually decreased until P21. Furthermore, we performed in silico prediction and established that miR-9 targets OneCut2 or synaptotagmin-17. Another two microRNAs (mir-135, mir-218) were found from databases which also target these proteins. They showed a similar tendency to mir-9; their lowest expression was at P7 and afterwards, they showed increase. We revealed that miR-9 is localized mainly in the inner retina. Labeling was observed in ganglion and amacrine cells. Additionally, horizontal cells were also marked. By dual miRNA-in situ hybridization/immunocytochemistry and qPCR, we revealed alterations in their temporal and spatial expression. Our results shed light on the significance of mir-9 regulation during the first three postnatal weeks in rat retina and suggest that miRNA could act on their targets in a stage-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence: (A.K.-V.); (R.G.)
| | - Péter Urbán
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (P.U.); (L.C.); (C.F.)
| | - Lilla Czuni
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (P.U.); (L.C.); (C.F.)
| | - György Sétáló
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Csaba Fekete
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (P.U.); (L.C.); (C.F.)
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence: (A.K.-V.); (R.G.)
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13
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Chen C, Xu Y. RETRACTED: Long noncoding RNA LINC00671 exacerbates osteoarthritis by promoting ONECUT2-mediated Smurf2 expression and extracellular matrix degradation. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 90:106846. [PMID: 33168412 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Authors and Editor-in-Chief. The corresponding author contacted the journal and stated: “…we have obtained different results from this paper (onecut2 targeted regulation of Smurf2 / GSK-3 β part), and repeated experiments cannot fully verify this result”. The authors requested retraction of the article. Concern was also raised about the integrity of an image in Figure 1H, which appears to also be found in another publication, as detailed here: https://pubpeer.com/publications/FBECF0BCB952DCC563AA5C4D760B32 and here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r0MyIYpagBc58BRF9c3luWNlCX8VUvUuPyYYXzxWvgY/edit#gid=262337249. The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the raw data. The authors were unable to satisfactorily fulfill this request. The Editor-in-Chief assessed the case and decided to retract the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China; Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Yaozeng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China.
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14
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Choi WY, Hwang JH, Cho AN, Lee AJ, Jung I, Cho SW, Kim LK, Kim YJ. NEUROD1 Intrinsically Initiates Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Neural Progenitor Cells. Mol Cells 2020; 43:1011-1022. [PMID: 33293480 PMCID: PMC7772509 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell type specification is a delicate biological event in which every step is under tight regulation. From a molecular point of view, cell fate commitment begins with chromatin alteration, which kickstarts lineage-determining factors to initiate a series of genes required for cell specification. Several important neuronal differentiation factors have been identified from ectopic over-expression studies. However, there is scarce information on which DNA regions are modified during induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) to neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) differentiation, the cis regulatory factors that attach to these accessible regions, or the genes that are initially expressed. In this study, we identified the DNA accessible regions of iPSCs and NPCs via the Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATACseq). We identified which chromatin regions were modified after neuronal differentiation and found that the enhancer regions had more active histone modification changes than the promoters. Through motif enrichment analysis, we found that NEUROD1 controls iPSC differentiation to NPC by binding to the accessible regions of enhancers in cooperation with other factors such as the Hox proteins. Finally, by using Hi-C data, we categorized the genes that directly interacted with the enhancers under the control of NEUROD1 during iPSC to NPC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Young Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Andrew J. Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Lark Kyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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15
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Dose-dependent regulation of horizontal cell fate by Onecut family of transcription factors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237403. [PMID: 32790713 PMCID: PMC7425962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome duplication leads to an emergence of gene paralogs that are essentially free to undergo the process of neofunctionalization, subfunctionalization or degeneration (gene loss). Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2) transcription factors, encoded by paralogous genes in mammals, are expressed in precursors of horizontal cells (HCs), retinal ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors. Previous studies have shown that ablation of either Oc1 or Oc2 gene in the mouse retina results in a decreased number of HCs, while simultaneous deletion of Oc1 and Oc2 leads to a complete loss of HCs. Here we study the genetic redundancy between Oc1 and Oc2 paralogs and focus on how the dose of Onecut transcription factors influences abundance of individual retinal cell types and overall retina physiology. Our data show that reducing the number of functional Oc alleles in the developing retina leads to a gradual decrease in the number of HCs, progressive thinning of the outer plexiform layer and diminished electrophysiology responses. Taken together, these observations indicate that in the context of HC population, the alleles of Oc1/Oc2 paralogous genes are mutually interchangeable, function additively to support proper retinal function and their molecular evolution does not follow one of the typical routes after gene duplication.
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16
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Homeostatic maintenance and age-related functional decline in the Drosophila ear. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7431. [PMID: 32366993 PMCID: PMC7198581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a threat to future human wellbeing. Multiple factors contributing to the terminal auditory decline have been identified; but a unified understanding of ARHL - or the homeostatic maintenance of hearing before its breakdown - is missing. We here present an in-depth analysis of homeostasis and ageing in the antennal ears of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We show that Drosophila, just like humans, display ARHL. By focusing on the phase of dynamic stability prior to the eventual hearing loss we discovered a set of evolutionarily conserved homeostasis genes. The transcription factors Onecut (closest human orthologues: ONECUT2, ONECUT3), Optix (SIX3, SIX6), Worniu (SNAI2) and Amos (ATOH1, ATOH7, ATOH8, NEUROD1) emerged as key regulators, acting upstream of core components of the fly’s molecular machinery for auditory transduction and amplification. Adult-specific manipulation of homeostatic regulators in the fly’s auditory neurons accelerated - or protected against - ARHL.
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17
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Construction of ceRNA Coexpression Network and Screening of Molecular Targets in Colorectal Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:2860582. [PMID: 32377269 PMCID: PMC7191371 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2860582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To screen some RNAs that correlated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs between cancer tissues and normal tissues in CRC were identified using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were performed to do the functional enrichment analysis. And a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed which correlated with CRC. RNAs in this network were subjected to analyze the relationship with the patient prognosis. Results A total of 688, 241, and 103 differentially expressed genes (diff-mRNA), diff-lncRNA, and diff-miRNA were obtained between cancer tissues and normal tissues. A total of 315 edges were obtained in the ceRNA network. lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 correlated with prognosis. Conclusion The identified RNAs and constructed ceRNA network could provide great sources for the researches of therapy of the CRC. And the lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 may serve as a novel prognostic predictor of CRC.
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18
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Cherry TJ, Yang MG, Harmin DA, Tao P, Timms AE, Bauwens M, Allikmets R, Jones EM, Chen R, De Baere E, Greenberg ME. Mapping the cis-regulatory architecture of the human retina reveals noncoding genetic variation in disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9001-9012. [PMID: 32265282 PMCID: PMC7183164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922501117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay of transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements (CREs) orchestrates the dynamic and diverse genetic programs that assemble the human central nervous system (CNS) during development and maintain its function throughout life. Genetic variation within CREs plays a central role in phenotypic variation in complex traits including the risk of developing disease. We took advantage of the retina, a well-characterized region of the CNS known to be affected by pathogenic variants in CREs, to establish a roadmap for characterizing regulatory variation in the human CNS. This comprehensive analysis of tissue-specific regulatory elements, transcription factor binding, and gene expression programs in three regions of the human visual system (retina, macula, and retinal pigment epithelium/choroid) reveals features of regulatory element evolution that shape tissue-specific gene expression programs and defines regulatory elements with the potential to contribute to Mendelian and complex disorders of human vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Cherry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
| | - Marty G Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David A Harmin
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Peter Tao
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Andrew E Timms
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
| | - Miriam Bauwens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Evan M Jones
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411
| | - Elfride De Baere
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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19
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Perez-Cervantes C, Smith LA, Nadadur RD, Hughes AEO, Wang S, Corbo JC, Cepko C, Lonfat N, Moskowitz IP. Enhancer transcription identifies cis-regulatory elements for photoreceptor cell types. Development 2020; 147:dev184432. [PMID: 31915147 PMCID: PMC7033740 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Identification of cell type-specific cis-regulatory elements (CREs) is crucial for understanding development and disease, although identification of functional regulatory elements remains challenging. We hypothesized that context-specific CREs could be identified by context-specific non-coding RNA (ncRNA) profiling, based on the observation that active CREs produce ncRNAs. We applied ncRNA profiling to identify rod and cone photoreceptor CREs from wild-type and mutant mouse retinas, defined by presence or absence, respectively, of the rod-specific transcription factor (TF) NrlNrl-dependent ncRNA expression strongly correlated with epigenetic profiles of rod and cone photoreceptors, identified thousands of candidate rod- and cone-specific CREs, and identified motifs for rod- and cone-specific TFs. Colocalization of NRL and the retinal TF CRX correlated with rod-specific ncRNA expression, whereas CRX alone favored cone-specific ncRNA expression, providing quantitative evidence that heterotypic TF interactions distinguish cell type-specific CRE activity. We validated the activity of novel Nrl-dependent ncRNA-defined CREs in developing cones. This work supports differential ncRNA profiling as a platform for the identification of cell type-specific CREs and the discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying TF-dependent CRE activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Perez-Cervantes
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Linsin A Smith
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rangarajan D Nadadur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Andrew E O Hughes
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sui Wang
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph C Corbo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Constance Cepko
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicolas Lonfat
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ivan P Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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20
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ONECUT2 overexpression promotes RAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma progression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20021. [PMID: 31882655 PMCID: PMC6934839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant differentiation, driven by activation of normally silent tissue-specific genes, results in a switch of cell identity and often leads to cancer progression. The underlying genetic and epigenetic events are largely unexplored. Here, we report ectopic activation of the hepatobiliary-, intestinal- and neural-specific gene one cut homeobox 2 (ONECUT2) in various subtypes of lung cancer. ONECUT2 expression was associated with poor prognosis of RAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma. ONECUT2 overexpression promoted the malignant growth and invasion of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro, as well as xenograft tumorigenesis and bone metastases of these cells in vivo. Integrative transcriptomics and epigenomics analyses suggested that ONECUT2 promoted the trans-differentiation of lung cancer cells by preferentially targeting and regulating the activity of bivalent chromatin domains through modulating Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) occupancy. Our findings demonstrate that ONECUT2 is a lineage-specific and context-dependent oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma and suggest that ONECUT2 is a potential therapeutic target for these tumors.
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21
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CBP and p300 coactivators contribute to the maintenance of Isl1 expression by the Onecut transcription factors in embryonic spinal motor neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 101:103411. [PMID: 31648029 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.103411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Onecut transcription factors are required to maintain Islet1 (Isl1) expression in developing spinal motor neurons (MNs), and this process is critical for proper MN differentiation. However, the mechanisms whereby OC stimulate Isl1 expression remain unknown. CREB-binding protein (CBP) and p300 paralogs are transcriptional coactivators that interact with OC proteins in hepatic cells. In the embryonic spinal cord, CBP and p300 play key roles in neurogenesis and MN differentiation. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation and in ovo electroporation in chicken spinal cord, we provide evidence that CBP and p300 contribute to the regulation of Isl1 expression by the OC factors in embryonic spinal MNs. CBP and p300 are detected on the CREST2 enhancer of Isl1 where OC factors are also bound. Inhibition of CBP and p300 activity inhibits activation of the CREST2 enhancer and prevents the stimulation of Isl1 expression by the OC factors. These observations suggest that CBP and p300 coactivators cooperate with OC factors to maintain Isl1 expression in postmitotic MNs.
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22
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Light stress affects cones and horizontal cells via rhodopsin-mediated mechanisms. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107719. [PMID: 31291592 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are a major cause of blindness in human patients. The identification of endogenous mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration or neuroprotection helps to understand the response of the retina to stress and provides essential information not only for basic retinal physiology but also for defining molecular targets for neuroprotective strategies. Here we used excessive light exposure as a model system to study mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration in mice. Using one wild type and four genetically modified mouse strains, we demonstrate that light exposure resulted not only in the degeneration of rods but also in an early but transient repression of several cone-specific genes, in a reversible hyperreflectivity of the outer retina including the outer plexiform layer, and in the loss of horizontal cells. The effects on cones, horizontal cells and the inner retina depended on light absorption by rhodopsin and, at least partially, on leukemia inhibitory factor. This demonstrates the existence of intercellular communication routes that transduce rod stress to other cells, likely to provide support for photoreceptors and increase cell survival in the injured retina.
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23
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Hu Y, Wang X, Hu B, Mao Y, Chen Y, Yan L, Yong J, Dong J, Wei Y, Wang W, Wen L, Qiao J, Tang F. Dissecting the transcriptome landscape of the human fetal neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium by single-cell RNA-seq analysis. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000365. [PMID: 31269016 PMCID: PMC6634428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental pathway of the neural retina (NR) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been revealed by extensive research in mice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the human NR and RPE, as well as the interactions between these two tissues, have not been well defined. Here, we analyzed 2,421 individual cells from human fetal NR and RPE using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique and revealed the tightly regulated spatiotemporal gene expression network of human retinal cells. We identified major cell classes of human fetal retina and potential crucial transcription factors for each cell class. We dissected the dynamic expression patterns of visual cycle- and ligand-receptor interaction-related genes in the RPE and NR. Moreover, we provided a map of disease-related genes for human fetal retinal cells and highlighted the importance of retinal progenitor cells as potential targets of inherited retinal diseases. Our findings captured the key in vivo features of the development of the human NR and RPE and offered insightful clues for further functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Boqiang Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunuo Mao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yidong Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Kaufman ML, Park KU, Goodson NB, Chew S, Bersie S, Jones KL, Lamba DA, Brzezinski JA. Transcriptional profiling of murine retinas undergoing semi-synchronous cone photoreceptor differentiation. Dev Biol 2019; 453:155-167. [PMID: 31163126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uncovering the gene regulatory networks that control cone photoreceptor formation has been hindered because cones only make up a few percent of the retina and form asynchronously during development. To overcome these limitations, we used a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT, to disrupt Notch signaling and force proliferating retinal progenitor cells to rapidly adopt neuronal identity. We treated mouse retinal explants at the peak of cone genesis with DAPT and examined tissues at several time-points by histology and bulk RNA-sequencing. We found that this treatment caused supernumerary cone formation in an overwhelmingly synchronized fashion. This analysis revealed several categorical patterns of gene expression changes over time relative to DMSO treated control explants. These were placed in the temporal context of the activation of Otx2, a transcription factor that is expressed at the onset of photoreceptor development and that is required for both rod and cone formation. One group of interest had genes, such as Mybl1, Ascl1, Neurog2, and Olig2, that became upregulated by DAPT treatment before Otx2. Two other groups showed upregulated gene expression shortly after Otx2, either transiently or permanently. This included genes such as Mybl1, Meis2, and Podxl. Our data provide a developmental timeline of the gene expression events that underlie the initial steps of cone genesis and maturation. Applying this strategy to human retinal organoid cultures was also sufficient to induce a massive increase in cone genesis. Taken together, our results provide a temporal framework that can be used to elucidate the gene regulatory logic controlling cone photoreceptor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Noah B Goodson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shereen Chew
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Bersie
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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25
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Aldunate EZ, Di Foggia V, Di Marco F, Hervas LA, Ribeiro JC, Holder DL, Patel A, Jannini TB, Thompson DA, Martinez-Barbera JP, Pearson RA, Ali RR, Sowden JC. Conditional Dicer1 depletion using Chrnb4-Cre leads to cone cell death and impaired photopic vision. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2314. [PMID: 30783126 PMCID: PMC6381178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreversible photoreceptor cell death is a major cause of blindness in many retinal dystrophies. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progressive loss of photoreceptor cells remains therefore crucial. Abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been linked with the aetiology of a number of retinal dystrophies. However, their role during the degenerative process remains poorly understood. Loss of cone photoreceptors in the human macula has the greatest impact on sight as these cells provide high acuity vision. Using a Chrnb4-cre; Dicerflox/flox conditional knockout mouse (Dicer CKO) to delete Dicer1 from cone cells, we show that cone photoreceptor cells degenerate and die in the Dicer-deleted retina. Embryonic eye morphogenesis appeared normal in Dicer CKO mice. Cone photoreceptor abnormalities were apparent by 3 weeks of age, displaying either very short or absent outer segments. By 4 months 50% of cones were lost and cone function was impaired as assessed by electroretinography (ERG). RNAseq analysis of the Dicer CKO retina revealed altered expression of genes involved in the visual perception pathway. These data show that loss of Dicer1 leads to early-onset cone cell degeneration and suggest that Dicer1 is essential for cone photoreceptor survival and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Zabala Aldunate
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Valentina Di Foggia
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Fabiana Di Marco
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Laura Abelleira Hervas
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Genetics, London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Joana Claudio Ribeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Genetics, London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Daniel L Holder
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Aara Patel
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Dorothy A Thompson
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology of Birth Defects Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Genetics, London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Genetics, London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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26
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Maurer KA, Kowalchuk A, Shoja-Taheri F, Brown NL. Integral bHLH factor regulation of cell cycle exit and RGC differentiation. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:965-975. [PMID: 29770538 PMCID: PMC6105502 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the developing mouse embryo, the bHLH transcription factor Neurog2 is transiently expressed by retinal progenitor cells and required for the initial wave of neurogenesis. Remarkably, another bHLH factor, Ascl1, normally not present in the embryonic Neurog2 retinal lineage, can rescue the temporal phenotypes of Neurog2 mutants. RESULTS Here we show that Neurog2 simultaneously promotes terminal cell cycle exit and retinal ganglion cell differentiation, using mitotic window labeling and integrating these results with retinal marker quantifications. We also analyzed the transcriptomes of E12.5 GFP-expressing cells from Neurog2GFP/+ , Neurog2GFP/GFP , and Neurog2Ascl1KI/GFP eyes, and validated the most significantly affected genes using qPCR assays. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that Neurog2 acts at the top of a retinal bHLH transcription factor hierarchy. The combined expression levels of these downstream factors are sufficiently induced by ectopic Ascl1 to restore RGC genesis, highlighting the robustness of this gene network during retinal ganglion cell neurogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 247:965-975, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A. Maurer
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229
| | - Angelica Kowalchuk
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Farnaz Shoja-Taheri
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Nadean L. Brown
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
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27
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A PBX1 transcriptional network controls dopaminergic neuron development and is impaired in Parkinson's disease. EMBO J 2016. [PMID: 27354364 DOI: 10.1522/embj.201593725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox (PBX) transcription factors are known to regulate organogenesis, but their molecular targets and function in midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDAn) as well as their role in neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. Here, we show that PBX1 controls a novel transcriptional network required for mDAn specification and survival, which is sufficient to generate mDAn from human stem cells. Mechanistically, PBX1 plays a dual role in transcription by directly repressing or activating genes, such as Onecut2 to inhibit lateral fates during embryogenesis, Pitx3 to promote mDAn development, and Nfe2l1 to protect from oxidative stress. Notably, PBX1 and NFE2L1 levels are severely reduced in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and decreased NFE2L1 levels increases damage by oxidative stress in human midbrain cells. Thus, our results reveal novel roles for PBX1 and its transcriptional network in mDAn development and PD, opening the door for new therapeutic interventions.
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28
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Villaescusa JC, Li B, Toledo EM, Rivetti di Val Cervo P, Yang S, Stott SR, Kaiser K, Islam S, Gyllborg D, Laguna-Goya R, Landreh M, Lönnerberg P, Falk A, Bergman T, Barker RA, Linnarsson S, Selleri L, Arenas E. A PBX1 transcriptional network controls dopaminergic neuron development and is impaired in Parkinson's disease. EMBO J 2016; 35:1963-78. [PMID: 27354364 PMCID: PMC5282836 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201593725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox (PBX) transcription factors are known to regulate organogenesis, but their molecular targets and function in midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDAn) as well as their role in neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. Here, we show that PBX1 controls a novel transcriptional network required for mDAn specification and survival, which is sufficient to generate mDAn from human stem cells. Mechanistically, PBX1 plays a dual role in transcription by directly repressing or activating genes, such as Onecut2 to inhibit lateral fates during embryogenesis, Pitx3 to promote mDAn development, and Nfe2l1 to protect from oxidative stress. Notably, PBX1 and NFE2L1 levels are severely reduced in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and decreased NFE2L1 levels increases damage by oxidative stress in human midbrain cells. Thus, our results reveal novel roles for PBX1 and its transcriptional network in mDAn development and PD, opening the door for new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Carlos Villaescusa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic Psychiatric Stem Cell Group, Neurogenetics Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bingsi Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Enrique M Toledo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pia Rivetti di Val Cervo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shanzheng Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon Rw Stott
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karol Kaiser
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Saiful Islam
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Gyllborg
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rocio Laguna-Goya
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Landreh
- Division of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Lönnerberg
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Bergman
- Division of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Licia Selleri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, DBRM, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Transitional Progenitors during Vertebrate Retinogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3565-3576. [PMID: 27194297 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a delicate neural tissue responsible for light signal capturing, modulating, and passing to mid-brain. The brain then translated the signals into three-dimensional vision. The mature retina is composed of more than 50 subtypes of cells, all of which are developed from a pool of early multipotent retinal progenitors, which pass through sequential statuses of oligopotent, bipotent, and unipotent progenitors, and finally become terminally differentiated retinal cells. A transitional progenitor model is proposed here to describe how intrinsic developmental programs, along with environmental cues, control the step-by-step differentiation during retinogenesis. The model could elegantly explain many current findings as well as predict roles of intrinsic factors during retinal development.
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30
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Goetz JJ, Laboissonniere LA, Wester AK, Lynch MR, Trimarchi JM. Polo-Like Kinase 3 Appears Dispensable for Normal Retinal Development Despite Robust Embryonic Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150878. [PMID: 26949938 PMCID: PMC4780821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During retinogenesis seven different cell types are generated in distinct yet overlapping timepoints from a population of retinal progenitor cells. Previously, we performed single cell transcriptome analyses of retinal progenitor cells to identify candidate genes that may play roles in the generation of early-born retinal neurons. Based on its expression pattern in subsets of early retinal cells, polo-like kinase 3 (Plk3) was identified as one such candidate gene. Further characterization of Plk3 expression by in situ hybridization revealed that this gene is expressed as cells exit the cell cycle. We obtained a Plk3 deficient mouse and investigated changes in the retina’s morphology and transcriptome through immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and gene expression profiling. These experiments have been performed initially on adult mice and subsequently extended throughout retinal development. Although morphological studies revealed no consistent changes in retinogenesis upon Plk3 loss, microarray profiling revealed potential candidate genes altered in Plk3-KO mice. Further studies will be necessary to understand the connection between these changes in gene expression and the loss of a protein kinase such as Plk3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J. Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lauren A. Laboissonniere
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Andrea K. Wester
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Madison R. Lynch
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Ames High School, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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31
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Abstract
Photoreceptors--the light-sensitive cells in the vertebrate retina--have been extremely well-characterized with regards to their biochemistry, cell biology and physiology. They therefore provide an excellent model for exploring the factors and mechanisms that drive neural progenitors into a differentiated cell fate in the nervous system. As a result, great progress in understanding the transcriptional network that controls photoreceptor specification and differentiation has been made over the last 20 years. This progress has also enabled the production of photoreceptors from pluripotent stem cells, thereby aiding the development of regenerative medical approaches to eye disease. In this Review, we outline the signaling and transcription factors that drive vertebrate photoreceptor development and discuss how these function together in gene regulatory networks to control photoreceptor cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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32
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Kropp PA, Gannon M. Onecut transcription factors in development and disease. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 9:43-57. [PMID: 28018056 PMCID: PMC5176019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Developmental processes are remarkably well conserved among species, and among the most highly conserved developmental regulators are transcription factor families. The Onecut transcription factor family consists of three members known for their single "cut" DNA-binding domain and an aberrant homeodomain. The three members of the Onecut family are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and have significant roles in regulating the development of diverse tissues derived from the ectoderm or endoderm, where they activate a number of gene families. Of note, the genetic interaction between Onecut family members and Neurogenin genes appears to be essential in multiple tissues for proper specification and development of unique cell types. This review highlights the importance of the Onecut factors in cell fate specification and organogenesis, highlighting their role in vertebrates, and discusses their role in the maintenance of cell fate and prevention of disease. We cover the essential spatial and temporal control of Onecut factor expression and how this tight regulation is required for proper specification and subsequent terminal differentiation of multiple tissue types including those within the retina, central nervous system, liver and pancreas. Beyond development, Onecut factors perform necessary functions in mature cell types; their misregulation can contribute to diseases such as pancreatic cancer. Given the importance of this family of transcription factors in development and disease, their consideration in essential transcription factor networks is underappreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Kropp
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysicsm Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysicsm Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Authority, Nashville, TN, USA
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33
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Expression and function of the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Islet-1 in the developing and mature vertebrate retina. Exp Eye Res 2015; 138:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute; Department of Biochemistry; New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; SUNY Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute; Department of Biochemistry; New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; SUNY Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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35
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors operate downstream of Pax6 to regulate horizontal cell development. Dev Biol 2015; 402:48-60. [PMID: 25794677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies of the last decades strongly indicated that generation of particular retinal cell types is governed by gene regulatory networks of transcription factors and their target genes. The paired and homeodomain transcription factor Pax6 plays a pivotal role in retinal development as its inactivation in the retinal progenitor cell population leads to abolished differentiation of all retinal cell types. However, until now, only a few transcription factors operating downstream of Pax6 responsible for generation of individual retinal cell types have been identified. In this study, we identified two transcription factors of the Onecut family, Onecut1 and Onecut2, as Pax6 downstream-acting factors. Onecut1 and Onecut2 were previously shown to be expressed in developing horizontal cells, retinal ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors; however, their role in differentiation of these cell types is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the horizontal cell genesis is severely disturbed in Onecut-deficient retinae. In single Onecut1 and Onecut2 mutants, the number of horizontal cells is dramatically reduced while horizontal cells are completely missing in the Onecut1/Onecut2 compound mutant. Analysis of genes involved in the horizontal cell genesis such as Foxn4, Ptf1a, Prox1 and Lim1 showed that although horizontal cells are initially formed, they are not maintained in Onecut-deficient retinae. Taken together, this study suggests the model in which Pax6 regulates the maintenance of horizontal cells through the activation of Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors.
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36
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Two transcription factors, Pou4f2 and Isl1, are sufficient to specify the retinal ganglion cell fate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1559-68. [PMID: 25775587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421535112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As with other retinal cell types, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) arise from multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), and their formation is regulated by a hierarchical gene-regulatory network (GRN). Within this GRN, three transcription factors--atonal homolog 7 (Atoh7), POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 2 (Pou4f2), and insulin gene enhancer protein 1 (Isl1)--occupy key node positions at two different stages of RGC development. Atoh7 is upstream and is required for RPCs to gain competence for an RGC fate, whereas Pou4f2 and Isl1 are downstream and regulate RGC differentiation. However, the genetic and molecular basis for the specification of the RGC fate, a key step in RGC development, remains unclear. Here we report that ectopic expression of Pou4f2 and Isl1 in the Atoh7-null retina using a binary knockin-transgenic system is sufficient for the specification of the RGC fate. The RGCs thus formed are largely normal in gene expression, survive to postnatal stages, and are physiologically functional. Our results indicate that Pou4f2 and Isl1 compose a minimally sufficient regulatory core for the RGC fate. We further conclude that during development a core group of limited transcription factors, including Pou4f2 and Isl1, function downstream of Atoh7 to determine the RGC fate and initiate RGC differentiation.
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Interaction between Oc-1 and Lmx1a promotes ventral midbrain dopamine neural stem cells differentiation into dopamine neurons. Brain Res 2015; 1608:40-50. [PMID: 25747864 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that Onecut (Oc) transcription factors may be involved in the early development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mdDA). The expression profile of Oc factors matches that of Lmx1a, an important intrinsic transcription factor in the development of mDA neuron. Moreover, the Wnt1-Lmx1a pathway controls the mdDA differentiation. However, their expression dynamics and molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. To address these issues, we hypothesize that cross-talk between Oc-1 and Lmx1a regulates the mdDA specification and differentiation through the canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway. We found that Oc-1 and Lmx1a displayed a very similar expression profile from embryonic to adult ventral midbrain (VM) tissues. Oc-1 regulated the proliferation and differentiation of ventral midbrain neural stem cells (vmNSCs). Downregulation of Oc-1 decreased both transcript and protein level of Lmx1a. Oc-1 interacted with lmx1a in vmNSCs in vitro and in VM tissues in vivo. Knockdown of Lmx1a reduced the expression of Oc-1 and Wnt1 in vmNSCs. Inhibiting Wnt1 signaling in vmNSCs provoked similar responses. Our data suggested that Oc-1 interacts with Lmx1a to promote vmNSCs differentiation into dopamine neuron through Wnt1-Lmx1a pathway.
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Esposito R, Racioppi C, Pezzotti MR, Branno M, Locascio A, Ristoratore F, Spagnuolo A. The ascidian pigmented sensory organs: structures and developmental programs. Genesis 2014; 53:15-33. [PMID: 25382437 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The recent advances on ascidian pigment sensory organ development and function represent a fascinating platform to get insight on the basic programs of chordate eye formation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge, at the structural and molecular levels, on the two main building blocks of ascidian light sensory organ, i.e. pigment cells and photoreceptor cells. The unique features of these structures (e.g., simplicity and well characterized cell lineage) are indeed making it possible to dissect the developmental programs at single cell resolution and will soon provide a panel of molecular tools to be exploited for a deep developmental and comparative-evolutionary analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Esposito
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, NAPOLI, Italy
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Goetz JJ, Martin GM, Chowdhury R, Trimarchi JM. Onecut1 and Onecut2 play critical roles in the development of the mouse retina. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110194. [PMID: 25313862 PMCID: PMC4196951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The entire repertoire of intrinsic factors that control the cell fate determination process of specific retinal neurons has yet to be fully identified. Single cell transcriptome profiling experiments of retinal progenitor cells revealed considerable gene expression heterogeneity between individual cells, especially among different classes of transcription factors. In this study, we show that two of those factors, Onecut1 and Onecut2, are expressed during mouse retinal development. Using mice that are deficient for each of these transcription factors, we further demonstrate a significant loss (∼70–80%) of horizontal cells in the absence of either of these proteins, while the other retinal cells appear at normal numbers. Microarray profiling experiments performed on knockout retinas revealed defects in horizontal cell genes as early as E14.5. Additional profiling assays showed an upregulation of several stress response genes in the adult Onecut2 knockout, suggesting that the integrity of the retina is compromised in the absence of normal numbers of horizontal cells. Interestingly, melanopsin, the gene coding for the photopigment found in photosensitive ganglion cells, was observed to be upregulated in Onecut1 deficient retinas, pointing to a possible regulatory role for Onecut1. Taken together, our data show that similar to Onecut1, Onecut2 is also necessary for the formation of normal numbers of horizontal cells in the developing retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J. Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Gregory M. Martin
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Chowdhury
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 redundantly regulate early retinal cell fates during development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4086-95. [PMID: 25228773 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405354111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2) are expressed in retinal progenitor cells, developing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and horizontal cells (HCs). However, in Oc1-null mice, we only observed an 80% reduction in HCs, but no defects in other cell types. We postulated that the lack of defects in other cell types in Oc1-null retinas was a result of redundancy with Oc2. To test this theory, we have generated Oc2-null mice and now show that their retinas also only have defects in HCs, with a 50% reduction in their numbers. However, when both Oc1 and Oc2 are knocked out, the retinas exhibit more profound defects in the development of all early retinal cell types, including completely failed genesis of HCs, compromised generation of cones, reduced production (by 30%) of RGCs, and absence of starburst amacrine cells. Cone subtype diversification and RGC subtype composition also were affected in the double-null retina. Using RNA-Seq expression profiling, we have identified downstream genes of Oc1 and Oc2, which not only confirms the redundancy between the two factors and renders a molecular explanation for the defects in the double-null retinas, but also shows that the onecut factors suppress the production of the late cell type, rods, indicating that the two factors contribute to the competence of retinal progenitor cells for the early retinal cell fates. Our results provide insight into how onecut factors regulate the creation of cellular diversity in the retina and, by extension, in the central nervous system in general.
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41
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Zagozewski JL, Zhang Q, Pinto VI, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. The role of homeobox genes in retinal development and disease. Dev Biol 2014; 393:195-208. [PMID: 25035933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are critical for development of many organ systems, including the brain and eye. During retinogenesis, homeodomain-containing transcription factors, which are encoded by homeobox genes, play essential roles in the regionalization and patterning of the optic neuroepithelium, specification of retinal progenitors and differentiation of all seven of the retinal cell classes that derive from a common progenitor. Homeodomain transcription factors control retinal cell fate by regulating the expression of target genes required for retinal progenitor cell fate decisions and for terminal differentiation of specific retinal cell types. The essential role of homeobox genes during retinal development is demonstrated by the number of human eye diseases, including colobomas and anophthalmia, which are attributed to homeobox gene mutations. In the following review, we highlight the role of homeodomain transcription factors during retinogenesis and regulation of their gene targets. Understanding the complexities of vertebrate retina development will enhance our ability to drive differentiation of specific retinal cell types towards novel cell-based replacement therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Zagozewski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Vanessa I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2H 2A6
| | - David D Eisenstat
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 1C9.
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Pezzotti MR, Locascio A, Racioppi C, Fucci L, Branno M. Auto and cross regulatory elements control Onecut expression in the ascidian nervous system. Dev Biol 2014; 390:273-87. [PMID: 24680893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The expression pattern of Onecut genes in the central and peripheral nervous systems is highly conserved in invertebrates and vertebrates but the regulatory networks in which they are involved are still largely unknown. The presence of three gene copies in vertebrates has revealed the functional roles of the Onecut genes in liver, pancreas and some populations of motor neurons. Urochordates have only one Onecut gene and are the closest living relatives of vertebrates and thus represent a good model system to understand its regulatory network and involvement in nervous system formation. In order to define the Onecut genetic cascade, we extensively characterized the Onecut upstream cis-regulatory DNA in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Electroporation experiments using a 2.5kb genomic fragment and of a series of deletion constructs identified a small region of 262bp able to reproduce most of the Onecut expression profile during embryonic development. Further analyses, both bioinformatic and in vivo using transient transgenes, permitted the identification of transcription factors responsible for Onecut endogenous expression. We provide evidence that Neurogenin is a direct activator of Onecut and that an autoregulatory loop is responsible for the maintenance of its expression. Furthermore, for the first time we propose the existence of a direct connection among Neurogenin, Onecut and Rx transcription factors in photoreceptor cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Pezzotti
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Locascio
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Racioppi
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Fucci
- Biology Department, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Margherita Branno
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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43
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Islet-1 immunoreactivity in the developing retina of Xenopus laevis. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:740420. [PMID: 24348185 PMCID: PMC3844241 DOI: 10.1155/2013/740420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Islet1 (Isl1) has been widely used as a marker of neuronal differentiation in the developing visual system of different classes of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. In the present study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of Isl1-immunoreactive cells during Xenopus laevis retinal development and its relation to the formation of the retinal layers, and in combination with different markers of cell differentiation. The earliest Isl1 expression appeared at St29-30 in the cell nuclei of sparse differentiating neuroblasts located in the vitreal surface of the undifferentiated retina. At St35-36, abundant Isl1-positive cells accumulated at the vitreal surface of the neuroepithelium. As development proceeded and through the postmetamorphic juveniles, Isl1 expression was identified in subpopulations of ganglion cells and in subsets of amacrine, bipolar, and horizontal cells. These data together suggest a possible role for Isl1 in the early differentiation and maintenance of different retinal cell types, and Isl1 can serve as a specific molecular marker for the study of retinal cell specification in X. laevis.
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Emerson MM, Surzenko N, Goetz JJ, Trimarchi J, Cepko CL. Otx2 and Onecut1 promote the fates of cone photoreceptors and horizontal cells and repress rod photoreceptors. Dev Cell 2013; 26:59-72. [PMID: 23867227 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cone photoreceptors carry out phototransduction in daylight conditions and provide the critical first step in color vision. Despite their importance, little is known about the developmental mechanisms involved in their generation, particularly how they are determined relative to rod photoreceptors, the cells that initiate vision in dim light. Here, we report the identification of a cis-regulatory module (CRM) for the thyroid hormone receptor beta (Thrb) gene, an early cone marker. We found that ThrbCRM1 is active in progenitor cells biased to the production of cones and an interneuronal cell type, the horizontal cell (HC). Molecular analysis of ThrbCRM1 revealed that it is combinatorially regulated by the Otx2 and Onecut1 transcription factors. Onecut1 is sufficient to induce cells with the earliest markers of cones and HCs. Conversely, interference with Onecut1 transcriptional activity leads to precocious rod development, suggesting that Onecut1 is critically important in defining cone versus rod fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Emerson
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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45
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Wu F, Li R, Umino Y, Kaczynski TJ, Sapkota D, Li S, Xiang M, Fliesler SJ, Sherry DM, Gannon M, Solessio E, Mu X. Onecut1 is essential for horizontal cell genesis and retinal integrity. J Neurosci 2013; 33:13053-65, 13065a. [PMID: 23926259 PMCID: PMC3735885 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0116-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Horizontal cells are interneurons that synapse with photoreceptors in the outer retina. Their genesis during development is subject to regulation by transcription factors in a hierarchical manner. Previously, we showed that Onecut 1 (Oc1), an atypical homeodomain transcription factor, is expressed in developing horizontal cells (HCs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mouse retina. Herein, by knocking out Oc1 specifically in the developing retina, we show that the majority (∼80%) of HCs fail to form during early retinal development, implying that Oc1 is essential for HC genesis. However, no other retinal cell types, including RGCs, were affected in the Oc1 knock-out. Analysis of the genetic relationship between Oc1 and other transcription factor genes required for HC development revealed that Oc1 functions downstream of FoxN4, in parallel with Ptf1a, but upstream of Lim1 and Prox1. By in utero electroporation, we found that Oc1 and Ptf1a together are not only essential, but also sufficient for determination of HC fate. In addition, the synaptic connections in the outer plexiform layer are defective in Oc1-null mice, and photoreceptors undergo age-dependent degeneration, indicating that HCs are not only an integral part of the retinal circuitry, but also are essential for the survival of photoreceptors. In sum, these results demonstrate that Oc1 is a critical determinant of HC fate, and reveal that HCs are essential for photoreceptor viability, retinal integrity, and normal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Renzhong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Yumiko Umino
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Ophthalmology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Tadeusz J. Kaczynski
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Shengguo Li
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Steven J. Fliesler
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Research Service, Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York 14215
| | - David M. Sherry
- Department of Cell Biology, Oklahoma Center for Neurosciences and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126, and
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Eduardo Solessio
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Ophthalmology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- CCSG Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263
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46
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Conserved microRNA pathway regulates developmental timing of retinal neurogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E2362-70. [PMID: 23754433 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1301837110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Most regions of the vertebrate central nervous system develop by the sequential addition of different classes of neurons and glia. This phenomenon has been best characterized in laminated structures like the retina and the cerebral cortex, in which the progenitor cells in these structures are thought to change in their competence as development proceeds to generate different types of neurons in a stereotypic sequence that is conserved across vertebrates. We previously reported that conditional deletion of Dicer prevents the change in competence of progenitors to generate later-born cell types, suggesting that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are required for this developmental transition. In this report, we now show that three miRNAs, let-7, miR-125, and miR-9, are key regulators of the early to late developmental transition in retinal progenitors: (i) members of these three miRNA families increase over the relevant developmental period in normal retinal progenitors; (ii) inhibiting the function of these miRNAs produces changes in retinal development similar to Dicer CKO; (iii) overexpression of members of these three miRNA families in Dicer-CKO retinas can rescue the phenotype, allowing their progression to late progenitors; (iv) overexpression of these miRNAs can accelerate normal retinal development; (v) microarray and computational analyses of Dicer-CKO retinal cells identified two potential targets of the late-progenitor miRNAs: Protogenin (Prtg) and Lin28b; and (vi) overexpression of either Lin28 or Prtg can maintain the early progenitor state. Together, these data demonstrate that a conserved miRNA pathway controls a key step in the progression of temporal identity in retinal progenitors.
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47
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Conserved microRNA pathway regulates developmental timing of retinal neurogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013. [PMID: 23754433 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.13018371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most regions of the vertebrate central nervous system develop by the sequential addition of different classes of neurons and glia. This phenomenon has been best characterized in laminated structures like the retina and the cerebral cortex, in which the progenitor cells in these structures are thought to change in their competence as development proceeds to generate different types of neurons in a stereotypic sequence that is conserved across vertebrates. We previously reported that conditional deletion of Dicer prevents the change in competence of progenitors to generate later-born cell types, suggesting that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are required for this developmental transition. In this report, we now show that three miRNAs, let-7, miR-125, and miR-9, are key regulators of the early to late developmental transition in retinal progenitors: (i) members of these three miRNA families increase over the relevant developmental period in normal retinal progenitors; (ii) inhibiting the function of these miRNAs produces changes in retinal development similar to Dicer CKO; (iii) overexpression of members of these three miRNA families in Dicer-CKO retinas can rescue the phenotype, allowing their progression to late progenitors; (iv) overexpression of these miRNAs can accelerate normal retinal development; (v) microarray and computational analyses of Dicer-CKO retinal cells identified two potential targets of the late-progenitor miRNAs: Protogenin (Prtg) and Lin28b; and (vi) overexpression of either Lin28 or Prtg can maintain the early progenitor state. Together, these data demonstrate that a conserved miRNA pathway controls a key step in the progression of temporal identity in retinal progenitors.
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48
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Freeman TC, Ivens A, Baillie JK, Beraldi D, Barnett MW, Dorward D, Downing A, Fairbairn L, Kapetanovic R, Raza S, Tomoiu A, Alberio R, Wu C, Su AI, Summers KM, Tuggle CK, Archibald AL, Hume DA. A gene expression atlas of the domestic pig. BMC Biol 2012; 10:90. [PMID: 23153189 PMCID: PMC3814290 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-10-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work describes the first genome-wide analysis of the transcriptional landscape of the pig. A new porcine Affymetrix expression array was designed in order to provide comprehensive coverage of the known pig transcriptome. The new array was used to generate a genome-wide expression atlas of pig tissues derived from 62 tissue/cell types. These data were subjected to network correlation analysis and clustering. RESULTS The analysis presented here provides a detailed functional clustering of the pig transcriptome where transcripts are grouped according to their expression pattern, so one can infer the function of an uncharacterized gene from the company it keeps and the locations in which it is expressed. We describe the overall transcriptional signatures present in the tissue atlas, where possible assigning those signatures to specific cell populations or pathways. In particular, we discuss the expression signatures associated with the gastrointestinal tract, an organ that was sampled at 15 sites along its length and whose biology in the pig is similar to human. We identify sets of genes that define specialized cellular compartments and region-specific digestive functions. Finally, we performed a network analysis of the transcription factors expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and demonstrate how they sub-divide into functional groups that may control cellular gastrointestinal development. CONCLUSIONS As an important livestock animal with a physiology that is more similar than mouse to man, we provide a major new resource for understanding gene expression with respect to the known physiology of mammalian tissues and cells. The data and analyses are available on the websites http://biogps.org and http://www.macrophages.com/pig-atlas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom C Freeman
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Fios Genomics Ltd, ETTC, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL UK,Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh Ashworth
Labs, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT
| | - J Kenneth Baillie
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Dario Beraldi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK,Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson
way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Mark W Barnett
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - David Dorward
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Alison Downing
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Lynsey Fairbairn
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Ronan Kapetanovic
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Sobia Raza
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Andru Tomoiu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham,
Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD UK
| | - Chunlei Wu
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute,
MEM-216, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Andrew I Su
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute,
MEM-216, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Kim M Summers
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | | | - Alan L Archibald
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - David A Hume
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of
Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9PS, UK
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49
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Chakrabarty K, Von Oerthel L, Hellemons A, Clotman F, Espana A, Groot Koerkamp M, Holstege FCP, Pasterkamp RJ, Smidt MP. Genome wide expression profiling of the mesodiencephalic region identifies novel factors involved in early and late dopaminergic development. Biol Open 2012; 1:693-704. [PMID: 23213462 PMCID: PMC3507229 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20121230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are critical for motor control and cognitive functioning and their loss or dysfunction is associated with disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), schizophrenia and addiction. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying mdDA neuron development and maintenance. Here, we determined the spatiotemporal map of genes involved in the development of mdDA neurons to gain further insight into their molecular programming. Genome-wide gene expression profiles of the developing ventral mesencephalon (VM) were compared at different developmental stages leading to the identification of novel regulatory roles of neuronal signaling through nicotinic acthylcholine receptors (Chrna6 and Chrnb3 subunits) and the identification of novel transcription factors (Oc2 and 3) involved in the generation of the mdDA neuronal field. We show here that Pitx3, in cooperation with Nurr1, is the critical component in the activation of the Chrna6 and Chrnb3 subunits in mdDA neurons. Furthermore, we provide evidence of two divergent regulatory pathways resulting in the expression of Chrna6 and Chrnb3 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht , 3584 CG Utrecht , The Netherlands
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50
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Brzezinski JA, Prasov L, Glaser T. Math5 defines the ganglion cell competence state in a subpopulation of retinal progenitor cells exiting the cell cycle. Dev Biol 2012; 365:395-413. [PMID: 22445509 PMCID: PMC3337348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Math5 (Atoh7) is transiently expressed during early retinal histogenesis and is necessary for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) development. Using nucleoside pulse-chase experiments and clonal analysis, we determined that progenitor cells activate Math5 during or after the terminal division, with progressively later onset as histogenesis proceeds. We have traced the lineage of Math5+ cells using mouse BAC transgenes that express Cre recombinase under strict regulatory control. Quantitative analysis showed that Math5+ progenitors express equivalent levels of Math5 and contribute to every major cell type in the adult retina, but are heavily skewed toward early fates. The Math5>Cre transgene labels 3% of cells in adult retina, including 55% of RGCs. Only 11% of Math5+ progenitors develop into RGCs; the majority become photoreceptors. The fate bias of the Math5 cohort, inferred from the ratio of cone and rod births, changes over time, in parallel with the remaining neurogenic population. Comparable results were obtained using Math5 mutant mice, except that ganglion cells were essentially absent, and late fates were overrepresented within the lineage. We identified Math5-independent RGC precursors in the earliest born (embryonic day 11) retinal cohort, but these precursors require Math5-expressing cells for differentiation. Math5 thus acts permissively to establish RGC competence within a subset of progenitors, but is not sufficient for fate specification. It does not autonomously promote or suppress the determination of non-RGC fates. These data are consistent with progressive and temporal restriction models for retinal neurogenesis, in which environmental factors influence the final histotypic choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Departments of Human Genetics and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Lev Prasov
- Departments of Human Genetics and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Tom Glaser
- Departments of Human Genetics and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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