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Smith JJ, Taylor SR, Blum JA, Feng W, Collings R, Gitler AD, Miller DM, Kratsios P. A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113857. [PMID: 38421866 PMCID: PMC11091551 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) constitute an ancient cell type targeted by multiple adult-onset diseases. It is therefore important to define the molecular makeup of adult MNs in animal models and extract organizing principles. Here, we generate a comprehensive molecular atlas of adult Caenorhabditis elegans MNs and a searchable database. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 13,200 cells reveals that ventral nerve cord MNs cluster into 29 molecularly distinct subclasses. Extending C. elegans Neuronal Gene Expression Map and Network (CeNGEN) findings, all MN subclasses are delineated by distinct expression codes of either neuropeptide or transcription factor gene families. Strikingly, combinatorial codes of homeodomain transcription factor genes succinctly delineate adult MN diversity in both C. elegans and mice. Further, molecularly defined MN subclasses in C. elegans display distinct patterns of connectivity. Hence, our study couples the connectivity map of the C. elegans motor circuit with a molecular atlas of its constituent MNs and uncovers organizing principles and conserved molecular codes of adult MN diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson J Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Seth R Taylor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jacob A Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Weidong Feng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rebecca Collings
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David M Miller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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2
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Destain H, Prahlad M, Kratsios P. Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:35-47. [PMID: 37438210 PMCID: PMC10592372 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurons are remarkably long-lived, non-dividing cells that must maintain their functional features (e.g., electrical properties, chemical signaling) for extended periods of time - decades in humans. How neurons accomplish this incredible feat is poorly understood. Here, we review recent advances, primarily in the nematode C. elegans, that have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable post-mitotic neurons to maintain their functionality across different life stages. We begin with "terminal selectors" - transcription factors necessary for the establishment and maintenance of neuronal identity. We highlight new findings on five terminal selectors (CHE-1 [Glass], UNC-3 [Collier/Ebf1-4], LIN-39 [Scr/Dfd/Hox4-5], UNC-86 [Acj6/Brn3a-c], AST-1 [Etv1/ER81]) from different transcription factor families (ZNF, COE, HOX, POU, ETS). We compare the functions of these factors in specific neuron types of C. elegans with the actions of their orthologs in other invertebrate (D. melanogaster) and vertebrate (M. musculus) systems, highlighting remarkable functional conservation. Finally, we reflect on recent findings implicating chromatin-modifying proteins, such as histone methyltransferases and Polycomb proteins, in the control of neuronal terminal identity. Altogether, these new studies on transcription factors and chromatin modifiers not only shed light on the fundamental problem of neuronal identity maintenance, but also outline mechanistic principles of gene regulation that may operate in other long-lived, post-mitotic cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorine Destain
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manasa Prahlad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Zhang FF, Zhang L, Zhao L, Lu Y, Dong X, Liu YQ, Li Y, Guo S, Zheng SY, Xiao Y, Jiang YZ. The circular RNA Rap1b promotes Hoxa5 transcription by recruiting Kat7 and leading to increased Fam3a expression, which inhibits neuronal apoptosis in acute ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2237-2245. [PMID: 37056143 PMCID: PMC10328278 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.369115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs can regulate the development and progression of ischemic cerebral disease. However, it remains unclear whether they play a role in acute ischemic stroke. To investigate the role of the circular RNA Rap1b (circRap1b) in acute ischemic stroke, in this study we established an in vitro model of acute ischemia and hypoxia by subjecting HT22 cells to oxygen and glucose deprivation and a mouse model of acute ischemia and hypoxia by occluding the right carotid artery. We found that circRap1b expression was remarkably down-regulated in the hippocampal tissue of the mouse model and in the HT22 cell model. In addition, Hoxa5 expression was strongly up-regulated in response to circRap1b overexpression. Hoxa5 expression was low in the hippocampus of a mouse model of acute ischemia and in HT22-AIS cells, and inhibited HT22-AIS cell apoptosis. Importantly, we found that circRap1b promoted Hoxa5 transcription by recruiting the acetyltransferase Kat7 to induce H3K14ac modification in the Hoxa5 promoter region. Hoxa5 regulated neuronal apoptosis by activating transcription of Fam3a, a neuronal apoptosis-related protein. These results suggest that circRap1b regulates Hoxa5 transcription and expression, and subsequently Fam3a expression, ultimately inhibiting cell apoptosis. Lastly, we explored the potential clinical relevance of circRap1b and Hoxa5 in vivo. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the mechanism by which circRap1b inhibits neuronal apoptosis in acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan-Qi Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University (The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province), Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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Smith JJ, Taylor SR, Blum JA, Gitler AD, Miller DM, Kratsios P. A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.552048. [PMID: 37577463 PMCID: PMC10418256 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.552048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) constitute an ancient cell type targeted by multiple adult-onset diseases. It is therefore important to define the molecular makeup of adult MNs in animal models and extract organizing principles. Here, we generated a comprehensive molecular atlas of adult Caenorhabditis elegans MNs and a searchable database (http://celegans.spinalcordatlas.org). Single-cell RNA-sequencing of 13,200 cells revealed that ventral nerve cord MNs cluster into 29 molecularly distinct subclasses. All subclasses are delineated by unique expression codes of either neuropeptide or transcription factor gene families. Strikingly, we found that combinatorial codes of homeodomain transcription factor genes define adult MN diversity both in C. elegans and mice. Further, molecularly defined MN subclasses in C. elegans display distinct patterns of connectivity. Hence, our study couples the connectivity map of the C. elegans motor circuit with a molecular atlas of its constituent MNs, and uncovers organizing principles and conserved molecular codes of adult MN diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson J. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Seth R. Taylor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Jacob A. Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aaron D. Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David M. Miller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Wang X, Wan Z. Dexmedetomidine alleviates propofol-induced pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Neuroreport 2023; 34:375-384. [PMID: 37096782 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Propofol is neurotoxic to trigger neuronal pyroptosis and dexmedetomidine possesses the ability to suppress proptosis. This study expounded on the protective functions of dexmedetomidine on propofol-induced pyroptosis of primary hippocampal neurons via NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway. At first, primary hippocampal neurons underwent separation and identification and were treated with different concentrations of propofol (1, 10, and 100 μM). The toxicity of propofol in the neurons was evaluated. Prior to propofol treatment, the neurons were treated with different concentrations of dexmedetomidine (0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μM). The viability of neurons with different treatments was detected. The mRNA expressions of homeobox A5 (HOXA5) and NLRP3 were identified. The protein levels of intracellular HOXA5, NLRP3, the N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and cleaved-caspase-1 and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were examined. Subsequently, the binding of HOXA5 to the NLRP3 promoter was detected. Joint experiments were conducted with pcDNA3.1-HOXA5 or pcDNA3.1-NLRP3 in dexmedetomidine-treated neurons. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuated propofol-induced pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons, increased cell viability, and repressed NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and cleaved-caspase-1 protein levels and IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment inhibited intracellular HOXA5 expression, and HOXA5 bound to the NLRP3 promoter region to promote NLRP3 expression. Overexpressing HOXA5 or NLRP3 reversed anti-pyroptosis role of dexmedetomidine pretreatment in hippocampal neurons. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment suppressed NLRP3 expression by downregulating HOXA5 expression, inhibiting propofol-induced pyroptosis in primary hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P.R. China
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Hou Y, Yan W, Guo L, Li G, Sang N. Prenatal PM 2.5 exposure impairs spatial learning and memory in male mice offspring: from transcriptional regulation to neuronal morphogenesis. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:13. [PMID: 37081511 PMCID: PMC10116824 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00520-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the environmental risk factors for human health, atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to cognitive deterioration in addition to respiratory and cardiovascular injuries. Recently, increasing evidence implicates that PM2.5 inhalation can affect neurological functions in offspring, but the sex-specific outcomes and the underlying biological processes are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To observe the influence of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on cognitive performance in offspring, to elucidate the neuronal morphological alterations and possible transcriptional regulation based on mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) data after birth, and to determine the key components of PM2.5 contributing to the adverse effects. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were exposed to sterile saline or PM2.5 suspension. Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function in weanling offspring. Microscopic observation was applied to detect neuronal morphogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The cortex tissues from male offspring were collected on postnatal days (PNDs) 1, 7, and 21 for mRNA-Seq analysis. The organic and inorganic components of PM2.5 were separated to assess their contributions using primary cultured neurons. RESULTS Prenatal PM2.5 exposure impaired spatial learning and memory in weanling male mice, but not female mice. The sex-specific outcomes were associated with mRNA expression profiles of the cortex during postnatal critical windows, and the annotations in Gene Ontology (GO) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the exposure persistently disrupted the expression of genes involved in neuronal features in male offspring. Consistently, axonal growth impairment and dendritic complexity reduction were observed. Importantly, Homeobox A5 (Hoxa5), a critical transcription factor regulating all of the neuronal morphogenesis-associated hub genes on PNDs 1, 7, and 21, significantly decreased in the cortex of male offspring following PM2.5 exposure. In addition, both inorganic and organic components were harmful to axonal and dendritic growth, with organic components exhibiting stronger inhibition than inorganic ones. CONCLUSION Prenatal PM2.5 exposure affected spatial learning and memory in male mice by disrupting Hoxa5-mediated neuronal morphogenesis, and the organic components, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), posed more adverse effects than the inorganic components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Hou
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Wei Yan
- Xuzhou Engineering Research Center of Medical Genetics and Transformation, Key Laboratory of Genetic Foundation and Clinical Application, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Lin Guo
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China
| | - Guangke Li
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
| | - Nan Sang
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
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Kong Y, Kuss M, Shi Y, Fang F, Xue W, Shi W, Liu Y, Zhang C, Zhong P, Duan B. Exercise facilitates regeneration after severe nerve transection and further modulates neural plasticity. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100556. [PMID: 36405423 PMCID: PMC9673108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI) always suffer from incomplete recovery and poor functional outcome. Physical exercise-based rehabilitation, as a non-invasive interventional strategy, has been widely acknowledged to improve PNI recovery by promoting nerve regeneration and relieving pain. However, effects of exercise on chronic plastic changes following severe traumatic PNIs have been limitedly discussed. In this study, we created a long-gap sciatic nerve transection followed by autograft bridging in rats and tested the therapeutic functions of treadmill running with low intensity and late initiation. We demonstrated that treadmill running effectively facilitated nerve regeneration and prevented muscle atrophy and thus improved sensorimotor functions and walking performance. Furthermore, exercise could reduce inflammation at the injured nerve as well as prevent the overexpression of TRPV1, a pain sensor, in primary afferent sensory neurons. In the central nervous system, we found that PNI induced transcriptive changes at the ipsilateral lumber spinal dorsal horn, and exercise could reverse the differential expression for genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway. In addition, through neural imaging techniques, we found volumetric, microstructural, metabolite, and neuronal activity changes in supraspinal regions of interest (i.e., somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, hippocampus, etc.) after the PNI, some of which could be reversed through treadmill running. In summary, treadmill running with late initiation could promote recovery from long-gap nerve transection, and while it could reverse maladaptive plasticity after the PNI, exercise may also ameliorate comorbidities, such as chronic pain, mental depression, and anxiety in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfan Kong
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mitchell Kuss
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Yu Shi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Wen Shi
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Peng Zhong
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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8
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Feng W, Destain H, Smith JJ, Kratsios P. Maintenance of neurotransmitter identity by Hox proteins through a homeostatic mechanism. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6097. [PMID: 36243871 PMCID: PMC9569373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox transcription factors play fundamental roles during early patterning, but they are also expressed continuously, from embryonic stages through adulthood, in the nervous system. However, the functional significance of their sustained expression remains unclear. In C. elegans motor neurons (MNs), we find that LIN-39 (Scr/Dfd/Hox4-5) is continuously required during post-embryonic life to maintain neurotransmitter identity, a core element of neuronal function. LIN-39 acts directly to co-regulate genes that define cholinergic identity (e.g., unc-17/VAChT, cho-1/ChT). We further show that LIN-39, MAB-5 (Antp/Hox6-8) and the transcription factor UNC-3 (Collier/Ebf) operate in a positive feedforward loop to ensure continuous and robust expression of cholinergic identity genes. Finally, we identify a two-component design principle for homeostatic control of Hox gene expression in adult MNs: Hox transcriptional autoregulation is counterbalanced by negative UNC-3 feedback. These findings uncover a noncanonical role for Hox proteins during post-embryonic life, critically broadening their functional repertoire from early patterning to the control of neurotransmitter identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Feng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Honorine Destain
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jayson J Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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9
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Shireby G, Dempster EL, Policicchio S, Smith RG, Pishva E, Chioza B, Davies JP, Burrage J, Lunnon K, Seiler Vellame D, Love S, Thomas A, Brookes K, Morgan K, Francis P, Hannon E, Mill J. DNA methylation signatures of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology in the cortex are primarily driven by variation in non-neuronal cell-types. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5620. [PMID: 36153390 PMCID: PMC9509387 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta and neurofibrillary tangles of tau in the neocortex. We profiled DNA methylation in two regions of the cortex from 631 donors, performing an epigenome-wide association study of multiple measures of AD neuropathology. We meta-analyzed our results with those from previous studies of DNA methylation in AD cortex (total n = 2013 donors), identifying 334 cortical differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with AD pathology including methylomic variation at loci not previously implicated in dementia. We subsequently profiled DNA methylation in NeuN+ (neuronal-enriched), SOX10+ (oligodendrocyte-enriched) and NeuN-/SOX10- (microglia- and astrocyte-enriched) nuclei, finding that the majority of DMPs identified in 'bulk' cortex tissue reflect DNA methylation differences occurring in non-neuronal cells. Our study highlights the power of utilizing multiple measures of neuropathology to identify epigenetic signatures of AD and the importance of characterizing disease-associated variation in purified cell-types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Shireby
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma L Dempster
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Stefania Policicchio
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rebecca G Smith
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barry Chioza
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jonathan P Davies
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joe Burrage
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Katie Lunnon
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Dorothea Seiler Vellame
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Seth Love
- Dementia Research Group, University of Bristol Medical School (Translational Health Sciences), Bristol, UK
| | - Alan Thomas
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Keeley Brookes
- Biosciences, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kevin Morgan
- Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Francis
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eilis Hannon
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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10
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Catela C, Chen Y, Weng Y, Wen K, Kratsios P. Control of spinal motor neuron terminal differentiation through sustained Hoxc8 gene activity. eLife 2022; 11:70766. [PMID: 35315772 PMCID: PMC8940177 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons (MNs) constitute cellular substrates for several movement disorders. Although their early development has received much attention, how spinal MNs become and remain terminally differentiated is poorly understood. Here, we determined the transcriptome of mouse MNs located at the brachial domain of the spinal cord at embryonic and postnatal stages. We identified novel transcription factors (TFs) and terminal differentiation genes (e.g. ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, adhesion molecules) with continuous expression in MNs. Interestingly, genes encoding homeodomain TFs (e.g. HOX, LIM), previously implicated in early MN development, continue to be expressed postnatally, suggesting later functions. To test this idea, we inactivated Hoxc8 at successive stages of mouse MN development and observed motor deficits. Our in vivo findings suggest that Hoxc8 is not only required to establish, but also maintain expression of several MN terminal differentiation markers. Data from in vitro generated MNs indicate Hoxc8 acts directly and is sufficient to induce expression of terminal differentiation genes. Our findings dovetail recent observations in Caenorhabditis elegans MNs, pointing toward an evolutionarily conserved role for Hox in neuronal terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Catela
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yihan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Yifei Weng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Kailong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, United States
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11
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Feng W, Li Y, Kratsios P. Emerging Roles for Hox Proteins in the Last Steps of Neuronal Development in Worms, Flies, and Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:801791. [PMID: 35185450 PMCID: PMC8855150 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.801791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A remarkable diversity of cell types characterizes every animal nervous system. Previous studies provided important insights into how neurons commit to a particular fate, migrate to the right place and form precise axodendritic patterns. However, the mechanisms controlling later steps of neuronal development remain poorly understood. Hox proteins represent a conserved family of homeodomain transcription factors with well-established roles in anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning and the early steps of nervous system development, including progenitor cell specification, neuronal migration, cell survival, axon guidance and dendrite morphogenesis. This review highlights recent studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and mice that suggest new roles for Hox proteins in processes occurring during later steps of neuronal development, such as synapse formation and acquisition of neuronal terminal identity features (e.g., expression of ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and neuropeptides). Moreover, we focus on exciting findings suggesting Hox proteins are required to maintain synaptic structures and neuronal terminal identity during post-embryonic life. Altogether, these studies, in three model systems, support the hypothesis that certain Hox proteins are continuously required, from early development throughout post-embryonic life, to build and maintain a functional nervous system, significantly expanding their functional repertoire beyond the control of early A-P patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Feng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
- Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yinan Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
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12
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Hernández R, Jiménez-Luna C, Ortiz R, Setién F, López M, Perazzoli G, Esteller M, Berdasco M, Prados J, Melguizo C. Impact of the Epigenetically Regulated Hoxa-5 Gene in Neural Differentiation from Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10080802. [PMID: 34440035 PMCID: PMC8389620 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) may be used in some nervous system pathologies, although obtaining an adequate degree of neuronal differentiation is an important barrier to their applicability. This requires a deep understanding of the expression and epigenetic changes of the most important genes involved in their differentiation. We used hASCs from human lipoaspirates to induce neuronal-like cells through three protocols (Neu1, 2, and 3), determined the degree of neuronal differentiation using specific biomarkers in culture cells and neurospheres, and analyzed epigenetic changes of genes involved in this differentiation. Furthermore, we selected the Hoxa-5 gene to determine its potential to improve neuronal differentiation. Our results showed that an excellent hASC neuronal differentiation process using Neu1 which efficiently modulated NES, CHAT, SNAP25, or SCN9A neuronal marker expression. In addition, epigenetic studies showed relevant changes in Hoxa-5, GRM4, FGFR1, RTEL1, METRN, and PAX9 genes. Functional studies of the Hoxa-5 gene using CRISPR/dCas9 and lentiviral systems showed that its overexpression induced hASCs neuronal differentiation that was accelerated with the exposure to Neu1. These results suggest that Hoxa-5 is an essential gene in hASCs neuronal differentiation and therefore, a potential candidate for the development of cell therapy strategies in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Hernández
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Jiménez-Luna
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Raúl Ortiz
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Setién
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (F.S.); (M.L.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBCL), Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel López
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (F.S.); (M.L.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Epigenetic Therapies Group, Experimental and Clinical Hematology Program (PHEC), Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Perazzoli
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (F.S.); (M.L.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBCL), Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Berdasco
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (F.S.); (M.L.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Epigenetic Therapies Group, Experimental and Clinical Hematology Program (PHEC), Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Prados
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Consolación Melguizo
- Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; (R.H.); (C.J.-L.); (R.O.); (G.P.); (C.M.)
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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13
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Abdelhamed ZA, Abdelmottaleb DI, El-Asrag ME, Natarajan S, Wheway G, Inglehearn CF, Toomes C, Johnson CA. The ciliary Frizzled-like receptor Tmem67 regulates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the developing cerebellum via Hoxb5. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5446. [PMID: 30931988 PMCID: PMC6445493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia defects result in a group of related pleiotropic malformation syndromes known as ciliopathies, often characterised by cerebellar developmental and foliation defects. Here, we describe the cerebellar anatomical and signalling defects in the Tmem67tm1(Dgen)/H knockout mouse. At mid-gestation, Tmem67 mutant cerebella were hypoplastic and had aberrantly high canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling, proliferation and apoptosis. Later in development, mutant cerebellar hemispheres had severe foliation defects and inferior lobe malformation, characterized by immature Purkinje cells (PCs). Early postnatal Tmem67 mutant cerebellum had disrupted ciliogenesis and reduced responsiveness to Shh signalling. Transcriptome profiling of Tmem67 mutant cerebella identified ectopic increased expression of homeobox-type transcription factors (Hoxa5, Hoxa4, Hoxb5 and Hoxd3), normally required for early rostral hindbrain patterning. HOXB5 protein levels were increased in the inferior lobe, and increased canonical Wnt signalling, following loss of TMEM67, was dependent on HOXB5. HOXB5 occupancy at the β-catenin promoter was significantly increased by activation of canonical Wnt signalling in Tmem67-/- mutant cerebellar neurones, suggesting that increased canonical Wnt signalling following mutation or loss of TMEM67 was directly dependent on HOXB5. Our results link dysregulated expression of Hox group genes with ciliary Wnt signalling defects in the developing cerebellum, providing new mechanistic insights into ciliopathy cerebellar hypoplasia phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakia A Abdelhamed
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
| | - Dina I Abdelmottaleb
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Mohammed E El-Asrag
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Subaashini Natarajan
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
| | - Gabrielle Wheway
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK
| | - Chris F Inglehearn
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK
| | - Colin A Johnson
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, Leeds, UK.
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14
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Sun JP, Ge QX, Ren Z, Sun XF, Xie SP. Down-regulation of HOXB5 inhibits TGF-β-induced migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. RSC Adv 2018; 8:41415-41421. [PMID: 35559288 PMCID: PMC9091567 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06860g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXB5, a member of the HOX gene family, is a developmental gene which encodes homeoproteins and is known to be a crucial player in development of enteric nervous systems. Recently, HOXB5 was reported to be associated with cancer progression. However, the specific effect of HOXB5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the important role of HOXB5 in HCC. We showed that HOXB5 was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, down-regulation of HOXB5 inhibited TGF-β-induced HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor metastasis in vivo. We also found that the PI3K/Akt pathway partly accounted for the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of HOXB5 down-regulation on TGF-β-induced HCC progression. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that down-regulation of HOXB5 inhibits TGF-β-induced migration and invasion in HCC cells via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, HOXB5 may be a novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ping Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University No. 115 Ximen Street, Longting District Kaifeng 475000 China +86-371-23906892 +86-371-23906892
| | - Quan-Xing Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University No. 115 Ximen Street, Longting District Kaifeng 475000 China +86-371-23906892 +86-371-23906892
| | - Zheng Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University No. 115 Ximen Street, Longting District Kaifeng 475000 China +86-371-23906892 +86-371-23906892
| | - Xin-Fang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University No. 115 Ximen Street, Longting District Kaifeng 475000 China +86-371-23906892 +86-371-23906892
| | - Shu-Ping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University No. 115 Ximen Street, Longting District Kaifeng 475000 China +86-371-23906892 +86-371-23906892
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15
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DNA methylation analysis on purified neurons and glia dissects age and Alzheimer's disease-specific changes in the human cortex. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:41. [PMID: 30045751 PMCID: PMC6058387 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) based on human brain samples allow a deep and direct understanding of epigenetic dysregulation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, strong variation of cell-type proportions across brain tissue samples represents a significant source of data noise. Here, we report the first EWAS based on sorted neuronal and non-neuronal (mostly glia) nuclei from postmortem human brain tissues. Results We show that cell sorting strongly enhances the robust detection of disease-related DNA methylation changes even in a relatively small cohort. We identify numerous genes with cell-type-specific methylation signatures and document differential methylation dynamics associated with aging specifically in neurons such as CLU, SYNJ2 and NCOR2 or in glia RAI1,CXXC5 and INPP5A. Further, we found neuron or glia-specific associations with AD Braak stage progression at genes such as MCF2L, ANK1, MAP2, LRRC8B, STK32C and S100B. A comparison of our study with previous tissue-based EWAS validates multiple AD-associated DNA methylation signals and additionally specifies their origin to neuron, e.g., HOXA3 or glia (ANK1). In a meta-analysis, we reveal two novel previously unrecognized methylation changes at the key AD risk genes APP and ADAM17. Conclusions Our data highlight the complex interplay between disease, age and cell-type-specific methylation changes in AD risk genes thus offering new perspectives for the validation and interpretation of large EWAS results. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13072-018-0211-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Lizen B, Moens C, Mouheiche J, Sacré T, Ahn MT, Jeannotte L, Salti A, Gofflot F. Conditional Loss of Hoxa5 Function Early after Birth Impacts on Expression of Genes with Synaptic Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:369. [PMID: 29187810 PMCID: PMC5695161 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hoxa5 is a member of the Hox gene family that plays critical roles in successive steps of the central nervous system formation during embryonic and fetal development. In the mouse, Hoxa5 was recently shown to be expressed in the medulla oblongata and the pons from fetal stages to adulthood. In these territories, Hoxa5 transcripts are enriched in many precerebellar neurons and several nuclei involved in autonomic functions, while the HOXA5 protein is detected mainly in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. However, whether HOXA5 is functionally required in these neurons after birth remains unknown. As a first approach to tackle this question, we aimed at determining the molecular programs downstream of the HOXA5 transcription factor in the context of the postnatal brainstem. A comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed in combination with gene expression localization, using a conditional postnatal Hoxa5 loss-of-function mouse model. After inactivation of Hoxa5 at postnatal days (P)1–P4, we established the transcriptome of the brainstem from P21 Hoxa5 conditional mutants using RNA-Seq analysis. One major finding was the downregulation of several genes associated with synaptic function in Hoxa5 mutant specimens including different actors involved in glutamatergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, and GABAergic synapse. Data were confirmed and extended by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the expression of several HOXA5 candidate targets was shown to co-localize with Hoxa5 transcripts in precerebellar nuclei. Together, these new results revealed that HOXA5, through the regulation of key actors of the glutamatergic/GABAergic synapses and calcium signaling, might be involved in synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity of the cortico-ponto-cerebellar circuitry in the postnatal brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Lizen
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Moens
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jinane Mouheiche
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Thomas Sacré
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie-Thérèse Ahn
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Lucie Jeannotte
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ahmad Salti
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Françoise Gofflot
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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17
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CHARGE and Kabuki Syndromes: Gene-Specific DNA Methylation Signatures Identify Epigenetic Mechanisms Linking These Clinically Overlapping Conditions. Am J Hum Genet 2017; 100:773-788. [PMID: 28475860 PMCID: PMC5420353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a recurring mechanism in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Two such disorders, CHARGE and Kabuki syndromes, result from loss of function mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7LOF) and lysine (K) methyltransferase 2D (KMT2DLOF), respectively. Although these two syndromes are clinically distinct, there is significant phenotypic overlap. We therefore expected that epigenetically driven developmental pathways regulated by CHD7 and KMT2D would overlap and that DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations downstream of the mutations in these genes would identify common target genes, elucidating a mechanistic link between these two conditions, as well as specific target genes for each disorder. Genome-wide DNAm profiles in individuals with CHARGE and Kabuki syndromes with CHD7LOF or KMT2DLOF identified distinct sets of DNAm differences in each of the disorders, which were used to generate two unique, highly specific and sensitive DNAm signatures. These DNAm signatures were able to differentiate pathogenic mutations in these two genes from controls and from each other. Analysis of the DNAm targets in each gene-specific signature identified both common gene targets, including homeobox A5 (HOXA5), which could account for some of the clinical overlap in CHARGE and Kabuki syndromes, as well as distinct gene targets. Our findings demonstrate how characterization of the epigenome can contribute to our understanding of disease pathophysiology for epigenetic disorders, paving the way for explorations of novel therapeutics.
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