1
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Divyanshi, Yang J. Germ plasm dynamics during oogenesis and early embryonic development in Xenopus and zebrafish. Mol Reprod Dev 2023:10.1002/mrd.23718. [PMID: 38126950 PMCID: PMC11190040 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Specification of the germline and its segregation from the soma mark one of the most crucial events in the lifetime of an organism. In different organisms, this specification can occur through either inheritance or inductive mechanisms. In species such as Xenopus and zebrafish, the specification of primordial germ cells relies on the inheritance of maternal germline determinants that are synthesized and sequestered in the germ plasm during oogenesis. In this review, we discuss the formation of the germ plasm, how germline determinants are recruited into the germ plasm during oogenesis, and the dynamics of the germ plasm during oogenesis and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyanshi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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2
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates in zebrafish are controlled by Dnd1. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1578-1592.e5. [PMID: 37463577 PMCID: PMC10528888 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles that are essential for germline development in different organisms. The patterning of the granules and their relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that the localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized, depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with the loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for post-transcriptional control and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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3
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Doyle DA, Burian FN, Aharoni B, Klinder AJ, Menzel MM, Nifras GCC, Shabazz-Henry AL, Palma BU, Hidalgo GA, Sottolano CJ, Ortega BM, Niepielko MG. Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad174. [PMID: 37527522 PMCID: PMC10414811 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad174] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The copackaging of mRNAs into biomolecular condensates called germ granules is a conserved strategy to posttranscriptionally regulate germline mRNAs. In Drosophila melanogaster, mRNAs accumulate in germ granules by forming homotypic clusters, aggregates containing multiple transcripts from the same gene. Nucleated by Oskar (Osk), homotypic clusters are generated through a stochastic seeding and self-recruitment process that requires the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of germ granule mRNAs. Interestingly, the 3' UTR belonging to germ granule mRNAs, such as nanos (nos), have considerable sequence variations among Drosophila species and we hypothesized that this diversity influences homotypic clustering. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the homotypic clustering of nos and polar granule component (pgc) in four Drosophila species and concluded that clustering is a conserved process used to enrich germ granule mRNAs. However, we discovered germ granule phenotypes that included significant changes in the abundance of transcripts present in species' homotypic clusters, which also reflected diversity in the number of coalesced primordial germ cells within their embryonic gonads. By integrating biological data with computational modeling, we found that multiple mechanisms underlie naturally occurring germ granule diversity, including changes in nos, pgc, osk levels and/or homotypic clustering efficacy. Furthermore, we demonstrated how the nos 3' UTR from different species influences nos clustering, causing granules to have ∼70% less nos and increasing the presence of defective primordial germ cells. Our results highlight the impact that evolution has on germ granules, which should provide broader insight into processes that modify compositions and activities of other classes of biomolecular condensate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A Doyle
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Florencia N Burian
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin Aharoni
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Annabelle J Klinder
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Melissa M Menzel
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Bianca Ulrich Palma
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Gisselle A Hidalgo
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher J Sottolano
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Bianca M Ortega
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew G Niepielko
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
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4
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Eichler CE, Li H, Grunberg ME, Gavis ER. Localization of oskar mRNA by agglomeration in ribonucleoprotein granules. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010877. [PMID: 37624861 PMCID: PMC10484445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010877] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Localization of oskar mRNA to the posterior of the Drosophila oocyte is essential for abdominal patterning and germline development. oskar localization is a multi-step process involving temporally and mechanistically distinct transport modes. Numerous cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors have been identified that mediate earlier motor-dependent transport steps leading to an initial accumulation of oskar at the posterior. Little is known, however, about the requirements for the later localization phase, which depends on cytoplasmic flows and results in the accumulation of large oskar ribonucleoprotein granules, called founder granules, by the end of oogenesis. Using super-resolution microscopy, we show that founder granules are agglomerates of smaller oskar transport particles. In contrast to the earlier kinesin-dependent oskar transport, late-phase localization depends on the sequence as well as on the structure of the spliced oskar localization element (SOLE), but not on the adjacent exon junction complex deposition. Late-phase localization also requires the oskar 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), which targets oskar to founder granules. Together, our results show that 3' UTR-mediated targeting together with SOLE-dependent agglomeration leads to accumulation of oskar in large founder granules at the posterior of the oocyte during late stages of oogenesis. In light of previous work showing that oskar transport particles are solid-like condensates, our findings indicate that founder granules form by a process distinct from that of well-characterized ribonucleoprotein granules like germ granules, P bodies, and stress granules. Additionally, they illustrate how an individual mRNA can be adapted to exploit different localization mechanisms depending on the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Eichler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Michelle E. Grunberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R. Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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5
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates are controlled by Dnd1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548244. [PMID: 37461638 PMCID: PMC10350045 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles essential for germline development in different organisms The patterning of the granules and its relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for posttranscriptional control, and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
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6
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Chukrallah LG, Snyder EM. Modern tools applied to classic structures: Approaches for mammalian male germ cell RNA granule research. Andrology 2023; 11:872-883. [PMID: 36273399 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13320] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
First reported in the 1800s, germ cell granules are small nonmembrane bound RNA-rich regions of the cytoplasm. These sites of critical RNA processing and storage in the male germ cell are essential for proper differentiation and development and are present in a wide range of species from Caenorhabditis elegans through mammals. Initially characterized by light and electron microscopy, more modern techniques such as immunofluorescence and genetic models have played a major role in expanding our understanding of the composition of these structures. While these methods have given light to potential granule functions, much work remains to be done. The current expansion of imaging technologies and omics-scale analyses to germ cell granule research will drive the field forward considerably. Many of these methods, both current and upcoming, have considerable caveats and limitations that necessitate a holistic approach to the study of germ granules. By combining and balancing different techniques, the field is poised to elucidate the nature of these critical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Snyder
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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7
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Doyle DA, Burian FN, Aharoni B, Klinder AJ, Menzel MM, Nifras GCC, Shabazz-Henry AL, Palma BU, Hidalgo GA, Sottolano CJ, Ortega BM, Niepielko MG. Evolutionary changes in germ granule mRNA content are driven by multiple mechanisms in Drosophila. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529147. [PMID: 36865184 PMCID: PMC9980053 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The co-packaging of mRNAs into biomolecular condensates called germ granules is a conserved strategy to post-transcriptionally regulate mRNAs that function in germline development and maintenance. In D. melanogaster, mRNAs accumulate in germ granules by forming homotypic clusters, aggregates that contain multiple transcripts from a specific gene. Nucleated by Oskar (Osk), homotypic clusters in D. melanogaster are generated through a stochastic seeding and self-recruitment process that requires the 3' UTR of germ granule mRNAs. Interestingly, the 3' UTR belonging to germ granule mRNAs, such as nanos (nos), have considerable sequence variations among Drosophila species. Thus, we hypothesized that evolutionary changes in the 3' UTR influences germ granule development. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the homotypic clustering of nos and polar granule component (pgc) in four Drosophila species and concluded that homotypic clustering is a conserved developmental process used to enrich germ granule mRNAs. Additionally, we discovered that the number of transcripts found in nos and/or pgc clusters could vary significantly among species. By integrating biological data with computational modeling, we determined that multiple mechanisms underlie naturally occurring germ granule diversity, including changes in nos, pgc, osk levels, and/or homotypic clustering efficacy. Finally, we found that the nos 3' UTR from different species can alter the efficacy of nos homotypic clustering, resulting in germ granules with reduced nos accumulation. Our findings highlight the impact that evolution has on the development of germ granules and may provide insight into processes that modify the content of other classes of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A. Doyle
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Florencia N. Burian
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Benjamin Aharoni
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Annabelle J. Klinder
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Melissa M. Menzel
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Gerard Carlo C. Nifras
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Ahad L. Shabazz-Henry
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Bianca Ulrich Palma
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Gisselle A. Hidalgo
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Christopher J. Sottolano
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Bianca M. Ortega
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Matthew G. Niepielko
- School of Integrative Science and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083, USA
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8
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Thomas L, Putnam A, Folkmann A. Germ granules in development. Development 2023; 150:286764. [PMID: 36715566 PMCID: PMC10165536 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201037] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of all germ cells is the presence of germ granules: assemblies of proteins and RNA that lack a delineating membrane and are proposed to form via condensation. Germ granules across organisms share several conserved components, including factors required for germ cell fate determination and maintenance, and are thought to be linked to germ cell development. The molecular functions of germ granules, however, remain incompletely understood. In this Development at a Glance article, we survey germ granules across organisms and developmental stages, and highlight emerging themes regarding granule regulation, dynamics and proposed functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Thomas
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrea Putnam
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Folkmann
- HHMI and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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9
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Chiappetta A, Liao J, Tian S, Trcek T. Structural and functional organization of germ plasm condensates. Biochem J 2022; 479:2477-2495. [PMID: 36534469 PMCID: PMC10722471 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210815] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive success of metazoans relies on germ cells. These cells develop early during embryogenesis, divide and undergo meiosis in the adult to make sperm and oocytes. Unlike somatic cells, germ cells are immortal and transfer their genetic material to new generations. They are also totipotent, as they differentiate into different somatic cell types. The maintenance of immortality and totipotency of germ cells depends on extensive post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation coupled with epigenetic remodeling, processes that begin with the onset of embryogenesis [1, 2]. At the heart of this regulation lie germ granules, membraneless ribonucleoprotein condensates that are specific to the germline cytoplasm called the germ plasm. They are a hallmark of all germ cells and contain several proteins and RNAs that are conserved across species. Interestingly, germ granules are often structured and tend to change through development. In this review, we describe how the structure of germ granules becomes established and discuss possible functional outcomes these structures have during development.
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10
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Tao B, Hu H, Chen J, Chen L, Luo D, Sun Y, Ge F, Zhu Z, Trudeau VL, Hu W. Sinhcaf‐dependent histone deacetylation is essential for primordial germ cell specification. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54387. [PMID: 35532311 PMCID: PMC9171691 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the progenitor cells that give rise to sperm and eggs. Sinhcaf is a recently identified subunit of the Sin3 histone deacetylase complex (SIN3A-HDAC). Here, we provide evidence that Sinhcaf-dependent histone deacetylation is essential for germ plasm aggregation and primordial germ cell specification. Specifically, maternal-zygotic sinhcaf zebrafish mutants exhibit germ plasm aggregation defects, decreased PGC abundance and male-biased sex ratio, which can be rescued by re-expressing sinhcaf. Overexpression of sinhcaf results in excess PGCs and a female-biased sex ratio. Sinhcaf binds to the promoter region of kif26ab. Loss of sinhcaf epigenetically switches off kif26ab expression by increasing histone 3 acetylation in the promoter region. Injection of kif26ab mRNA could partially rescue the germ plasm aggregation defects in sinhcaf mutant embryos. Taken together, we demonstrate a role of Sinhcaf in germ plasm aggregation and PGC specialization that is mediated by regulating the histone acetylation status of the kif26ab promoter to activate its transcription. Our findings provide novel insights into the function and regulatory mechanisms of Sinhcaf-mediated histone deacetylation in PGC specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Hongling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Daji Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Feng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | | | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology Institute of Hydrobiology The Innovation Academy of Seed Design Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology Qingdao China
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11
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Valentino M, Ortega BM, Ulrich B, Doyle DA, Farnum ED, Joiner DA, Gavis ER, Niepielko MG. Computational modeling offers new insight into Drosophila germ granule development. Biophys J 2022; 121:1465-1482. [PMID: 35288123 PMCID: PMC9072583 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The packaging of specific mRNAs into ribonucleoprotein granules called germ granules is required for germline proliferation and maintenance. During Drosophila germ granule development, mRNAs such as nanos (nos) and polar granule component (pgc) localize to germ granules through a stochastic seeding and self-recruitment process that generates homotypic clusters: aggregates containing multiple copies of a specific transcript. Germ granules vary in mRNA composition with respect to the different transcripts that they contain and their quantity. However, what influences germ granule mRNA composition during development is unclear. To gain insight into how germ granule mRNA heterogeneity arises, we created a computational model that simulates granule development. Although the model includes known mechanisms that were converted into mathematical representations, additional unreported mechanisms proved to be essential for modeling germ granule formation. The model was validated by predicting defects caused by changes in mRNA and protein abundance. Broader application of the model was demonstrated by quantifying nos and pgc localization efficacies and the contribution that an element within the nos 3' untranslated region has on clustering. For the first time, a mathematical representation of Drosophila germ granule formation is described, offering quantitative insight into how mRNA compositions arise while providing a new tool for guiding future studies.
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12
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Moravec CE, Voit GC, Pelegri F. Determining the Role of Maternally-Expressed Genes in Early Development with Maternal Crispants. J Vis Exp 2021:10.3791/63177. [PMID: 35001909 PMCID: PMC8919840 DOI: 10.3791/63177] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Early development depends on a pool of maternal factors incorporated into the mature oocyte during oogenesis that perform all cellular functions necessary for development until zygotic genome activation. Typically, genetic targeting of these maternal factors requires an additional generation to identify maternal-effect phenotypes, hindering the ability to determine the role of maternally-expressed genes during development. The discovery of the biallelic editing capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9 has allowed screening of embryonic phenotypes in somatic tissues of injected embryos or "crispants," augmenting the understanding of the role zygotically-expressed genes play in developmental programs. This article describes a protocol that is an extension of the crispant method. In this method, the biallelic editing of germ cells allows for the isolation of a maternal-effect phenotype in a single generation, or "maternal crispants." Multiplexing guide RNAs to a single target promotes the efficient production of maternal crispants, while sequence analysis of maternal crispant haploids provides a simple method to corroborate genetic lesions that produce a maternal-effect phenotype. The use of maternal crispants supports the rapid identification of essential maternally-expressed genes, thus facilitating the understanding of early development.
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13
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Hansen CL, Chamberlain TJ, Trevena RL, Kurek JE, Pelegri F. Conserved germ plasm characteristics across the Danio and Devario lineages. Genesis 2021; 59:e23452. [PMID: 34617657 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23452] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In many animal species, germ cell specification requires the inheritance of germ plasm, a biomolecular condensate containing maternally derived RNAs and proteins. Most studies of germ plasm composition and function have been performed in widely evolutionarily divergent model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus laevis, and Danio rerio (zebrafish). In zebrafish, 12 RNAs localize to germ plasm at the furrows of the early embryo. Here, we tested for the presence of these RNAs in three additional species within the Danionin clade: Danio kyathit, Danio albolineatus, and Devario aequipinnatus. By visualizing nanos RNA, we find that germ plasm segregation patterns during early embryogenesis are conserved across these species. Ten additional germ plasm RNAs exhibit localization at the furrows of early embryos in all three non-zebrafish Danionin species, consistent with germ plasm localization. One component of zebrafish germ plasm, ca15b, lacked specific localization in embryos of the more distantly related D. aequipinnatus. Our findings show that within a subset of closely related Danionin species, the vast majority of germ plasm RNA components are conserved. At the same time, the lack of ca15b localization in D. aequipinnatus germ plasm highlights the potential for the divergence of germ plasm composition across a restricted phylogenetic space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Hansen
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Trevor J Chamberlain
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan L Trevena
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jacob E Kurek
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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14
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Hansen CL, Pelegri F. Primordial Germ Cell Specification in Vertebrate Embryos: Phylogenetic Distribution and Conserved Molecular Features of Preformation and Induction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730332. [PMID: 34604230 PMCID: PMC8481613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) occurs during early embryonic development and is critical for the survival and fitness of sexually reproducing species. Here, we review the two main mechanisms of PGC specification, induction, and preformation, in the context of four model vertebrate species: mouse, axolotl, Xenopus frogs, and zebrafish. We additionally discuss some notable molecular characteristics shared across PGC specification pathways, including the shared expression of products from three conserved germline gene families, DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) genes, nanos-related genes, and DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the distribution of germ cell determination systems across kingdom Animalia, with particular attention to vertebrate species, but include several categories of invertebrates - ranging from the "proto-vertebrate" cephalochordates to arthropods, cnidarians, and ctenophores. We also briefly highlight ongoing investigations and potential lines of inquiry that aim to understand the evolutionary relationships between these modes of specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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15
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Zaucker A, Mitchell CA, Coker HLE, Sampath K. Tools to Image Germplasm Dynamics During Early Zebrafish Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:712503. [PMID: 34485299 PMCID: PMC8414583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.712503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the first day of zebrafish development, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes called germplasm form large aggregates that initially segregate asymmetrically during cleavage stages. After zygotic genome activation, the granules break into smaller fragments that associate with the nuclear membrane as perinuclear (germ) granules toward the end of gastrulation. The mechanisms underlying the highly dynamic behavior of germ granules are not well studied but thought to be facilitated by the cytoskeleton. Here, we present efficient mounting strategies using 3d-printed tools that generate wells on agarose-coated sample holders to allow high-resolution imaging of multiplexed embryos that are less than one day post-fertilization (dpf) on inverted (spinning disk confocal) as well as upright (lattice light-sheet and diSPIM) microscopes. In particular, our tools and methodology allow water dipping lenses to have direct access to mounted embryos, with no obstructions to the light path (e.g., through low melting agarose or methyl cellulose). Moreover, the multiplexed tight arrays of wells generated by our tools facilitate efficient mounting of early embryos (including cleavage stages) for live imaging. These methods and tools, together with new transgenic reporter lines, can facilitate the study of germ granule dynamics throughout their lifetime in detail, at high resolution and throughput, using live imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zaucker
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Claire A Mitchell
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Helena L E Coker
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Karuna Sampath
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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16
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Voronina AS, Pshennikova ES. mRNPs: Structure and role in development. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:832-843. [PMID: 34212408 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, mRNA molecules are coated with numerous RNA-binding proteins and so exist in ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs). The proteins associated with the mRNA regulate the fate of mRNA, including its localization, translation and decay. Before activation of translation, the mRNA does not display any template functions-it is masked. The coordinated activity of certain RNA-binding proteins determines the future fate of each mRNA individually. In embryo development, the temporal and spatial regulation of translation can cause a situation when the mRNA and the encoded protein are localized in different compartments and so the differentiation of the cells can be determined. The fundamentals of regulation of the mRNAs fate and functioning in nerves are similar to those already described for oo- and embryogenesis. Disorders in the mRNA masking and demasking result in the emergence of various diseases, in particular cancers and neuro-degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Voronina
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S Pshennikova
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Purushothaman K, Tan JKH, Lau D, Saju JM, Thevasagayam NM, Wee CL, Vij S. Feed Restriction Modulates Growth, Gut Morphology and Gene Expression in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041814. [PMID: 33670431 PMCID: PMC7917766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041814] [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: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A reduction in daily caloric or nutrient intake has been observed to promote health benefits in mammals and other vertebrates. Feed Restriction (FR), whereby the overall food intake of the organism is reduced, has been explored as a method to improve metabolic and immune health, as well as to optimize productivity in farming. However, less is known regarding the molecular and physiological consequences of FR. Using the model organism, Danio rerio, we investigated the impact of a short-term (month-long) FR on growth, gut morphology and gene expression. Our data suggest that FR has minimal effects on the average growth rates, but it may affect weight and size heterogeneity in a sex-dependent manner. In the gut, we observed a significant reduction in gut circumference and generally lower mucosal heights, whereas other parameters remained unchanged. Gene Ontology (GO), EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified numerous metabolic, reproductive, and immune response pathways that were affected by FR. These results broaden our understanding of FR and contribute towards growing knowledge of its effects on vertebrate health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathiresan Purushothaman
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; (K.P.); (D.L.); (J.M.S.); (N.M.T.)
| | - Jerryl Kim Han Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Dr, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
| | - Doreen Lau
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; (K.P.); (D.L.); (J.M.S.); (N.M.T.)
| | - Jolly M. Saju
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; (K.P.); (D.L.); (J.M.S.); (N.M.T.)
| | - Natascha M. Thevasagayam
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; (K.P.); (D.L.); (J.M.S.); (N.M.T.)
| | - Caroline Lei Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Dr, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
- Correspondence: (C.L.W.); (S.V.)
| | - Shubha Vij
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; (K.P.); (D.L.); (J.M.S.); (N.M.T.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.W.); (S.V.)
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18
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Mukherjee N, Mukherjee C. Germ cell ribonucleoprotein granules in different clades of life: From insects to mammals. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1642. [PMID: 33555143 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are no newcomers in biology. Found in all life forms, ranging across taxa, these membrane-less "organelles" have been classified into different categories based on their composition, structure, behavior, function, and localization. Broadly, they can be listed as stress granules (SGs), processing bodies (PBs), neuronal granules (NGs), and germ cell granules (GCGs). Keeping in line with the topic of this review, RNP granules present in the germ cells have been implicated in a wide range of cellular functions including cellular specification, differentiation, proliferation, and so forth. The mechanisms used by them can be diverse and many of them remain partly obscure and active areas of research. GCGs can be of different types in different organisms and at different stages of development, with multiple types coexisting in the same cell. In this review, the different known subcategories of GCGs have been studied with respect to five distinct model organisms, namely, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus, Zebrafish, and mammals. Of them, the cytoplasmic polar granules in Drosophila, P granules in C. elegans, balbiani body in Xenopus and Zebrafish, and chromatoid bodies in mammals have been specifically emphasized upon. A descriptive account of the same has been provided along with insights into our current understanding of their functional significance with respect to cellular events relating to different developmental and reproductive processes. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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19
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So C, Cheng S, Schuh M. Phase Separation during Germline Development. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:254-268. [PMID: 33455855 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation has emerged as a new key principle of intracellular organization. Phase-separated structures play diverse roles in various biological processes and pathogenesis of protein aggregation diseases. Recent work has revealed crucial functions for phase separation during germline development. Phase separation controls the assembly and segregation of germ granules that determine which embryonic cells become germ cells. Phase separation promotes the formation of the Balbiani body, a structure that stores organelles and RNAs during the prolonged prophase arrest of oocytes. Phase separation also facilitates meiotic recombination that prepares homologous chromosomes for segregation, and drives the formation of a liquid-like spindle domain that promotes spindle assembly in mammalian oocytes. We review how phase separation drives these essential steps during germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun So
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shiya Cheng
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Melina Schuh
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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20
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Abstract
Actin is a conserved cytoskeletal protein with essential functions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art reagents, tools and methods used to probe actin biology and functions in zebrafish embryo and larvae. We also discuss specific cell types and tissues where the study of actin in zebrafish has provided new insights into its functions.
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21
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Dodson AE, Kennedy S. Phase Separation in Germ Cells and Development. Dev Cell 2020; 55:4-17. [PMID: 33007213 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The animal germline is an immortal cell lineage that gives rise to eggs and/or sperm each generation. Fusion of an egg and sperm, or fertilization, sets off a cascade of developmental events capable of producing an array of different cell types and body plans. How germ cells develop, function, and eventually give rise to entirely new organisms is an important question in biology. A growing body of evidence suggests that phase separation events likely play a significant and multifaceted role in germ cells and development. Here, we discuss the organization, dynamics, and potential functions of phase-separated compartments in germ cells and examine the various ways in which phase separation might contribute to the development of multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Dodson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Scott Kennedy
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Tian S, Curnutte HA, Trcek T. RNA Granules: A View from the RNA Perspective. Molecules 2020; 25:E3130. [PMID: 32650583 PMCID: PMC7397151 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA granules are ubiquitous. Composed of RNA-binding proteins and RNAs, they provide functional compartmentalization within cells. They are inextricably linked with RNA biology and as such are often referred to as the hubs for post-transcriptional regulation. Much of the attention has been given to the proteins that form these condensates and thus many fundamental questions about the biology of RNA granules remain poorly understood: How and which RNAs enrich in RNA granules, how are transcripts regulated in them, and how do granule-enriched mRNAs shape the biology of a cell? In this review, we discuss the imaging, genetic, and biochemical data, which have revealed that some aspects of the RNA biology within granules are carried out by the RNA itself rather than the granule proteins. Interestingly, the RNA structure has emerged as an important feature in the post-transcriptional control of granule transcripts. This review is part of the Special Issue in the Frontiers in RNA structure in the journal Molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tatjana Trcek
- Homewood Campus, Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (S.T.); (H.A.C.)
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23
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Moravec CE, Pelegri F. The role of the cytoskeleton in germ plasm aggregation and compaction in the zebrafish embryo. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 140:145-179. [PMID: 32591073 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of genetic information from one generation to another is crucial for survival of animal species. This is accomplished by the induction of primordial germ cells (PGCs) that will eventually establish the germline. In some animals the germline is induced by signals in gastrula, whereas in others it is specified by inheritance of maternal determinants, known as germ plasm. In zebrafish, aggregation and compaction of maternally derived germ plasm during the first several embryonic cell cycles is essential for generation of PGCs. These processes are controlled by cellular functions associated with the cellular division apparatus. Ribonucleoparticles containing germ plasm components are bound to both the ends of astral microtubules and a dynamic F-actin network through a mechanism integrated with that which drives the cell division program. In this chapter we discuss the role that modifications of the cell division apparatus, including the cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, play in the regulation of zebrafish germ plasm assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Moravec
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
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24
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Trcek T, Douglas TE, Grosch M, Yin Y, Eagle WVI, Gavis ER, Shroff H, Rothenberg E, Lehmann R. Sequence-Independent Self-Assembly of Germ Granule mRNAs into Homotypic Clusters. Mol Cell 2020; 78:941-950.e12. [PMID: 32464092 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
mRNAs enriched in membraneless condensates provide functional compartmentalization within cells. The mechanisms that recruit transcripts to condensates are under intense study; however, how mRNAs organize once they reach a granule remains poorly understood. Here, we report on a self-sorting mechanism by which multiple mRNAs derived from the same gene assemble into discrete homotypic clusters. We demonstrate that in vivo mRNA localization to granules and self-assembly within granules are governed by different mRNA features: localization is encoded by specific RNA regions, whereas self-assembly involves the entire mRNA, does not involve sequence-specific, ordered intermolecular RNA:RNA interactions, and is thus RNA sequence independent. We propose that the ability of mRNAs to self-sort into homotypic assemblies is an inherent property of an messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) that is augmented under conditions that increase RNA concentration, such as upon enrichment in RNA-protein granules, a process that appears conserved in diverse cellular contexts and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Trcek
- HHMI, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tyler E Douglas
- HHMI, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Markus Grosch
- HHMI, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yandong Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Whitby V I Eagle
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Hari Shroff
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Lehmann
- HHMI, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Jamieson-Lucy A, Mullins MC. The vertebrate Balbiani body, germ plasm, and oocyte polarity. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:1-34. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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