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Vergara MN, Tsissios G, Del Rio-Tsonis K. Lens regeneration: a historical perspective. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 62:351-361. [PMID: 29877565 PMCID: PMC6378223 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.180084nv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The idea of regenerating injured body parts has captivated human imagination for centuries, and the topic still remains an area of extensive scientific research. This review focuses on the process of lens regeneration: its history, our current knowledge, and the questions that remain unanswered. By highlighting some of the milestones that have shaped our understanding of this phenomenon and the contributions of scientists who have dedicated their lives to investigating these questions, we explore how regeneration enquiry evolved into the science it is today, and how technological advances accelerated our understanding of these remarkable processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Natalia Vergara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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An Y, Kawaguchi A, Zhao C, Toyoda A, Sharifi-Zarchi A, Mousavi SA, Bagherzadeh R, Inoue T, Ogino H, Fujiyama A, Chitsaz H, Baharvand H, Agata K. Draft genome of Dugesia japonica provides insights into conserved regulatory elements of the brain restriction gene nou-darake in planarians. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2018; 4:24. [PMID: 30181897 PMCID: PMC6114478 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-018-0102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Planarians are non-parasitic Platyhelminthes (flatworms) famous for their regeneration ability and for having a well-organized brain. Dugesia japonica is a typical planarian species that is widely distributed in the East Asia. Extensive cellular and molecular experimental methods have been developed to identify the functions of thousands of genes in this species, making this planarian a good experimental model for regeneration biology and neurobiology. However, no genome-level information is available for D. japonica, and few gene regulatory networks have been identified thus far. RESULTS To obtain whole-genome information on this species and to study its gene regulatory networks, we extracted genomic DNA from 200 planarians derived from a laboratory-bred asexual clonal strain, and sequenced 476 Gb of data by second-generation sequencing. Kmer frequency graphing and fosmid sequence analysis indicated a complex genome that would be difficult to assemble using second-generation sequencing short reads. To address this challenge, we developed a new assembly strategy and improved the de novo genome assembly, producing a 1.56 Gb genome sequence (DjGenome ver1.0, including 202,925 scaffolds and N50 length 27,741 bp) that covers 99.4% of all 19,543 genes in the assembled transcriptome, although the genome is fragmented as 80% of the genome consists of repeated sequences (genomic frequency ≥ 2). By genome comparison between two planarian genera, we identified conserved non-coding elements (CNEs), which are indicative of gene regulatory elements. Transgenic experiments using Xenopus laevis indicated that one of the CNEs in the Djndk gene may be a regulatory element, suggesting that the regulation of the ndk gene and the brain formation mechanism may be conserved between vertebrates and invertebrates. CONCLUSION This draft genome and CNE analysis will contribute to resolving gene regulatory networks in planarians. The genome database is available at: http://www.planarian.jp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang An
- Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Present address: Immolife-biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Akane Kawaguchi
- Department of Animal Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Japan
- Present address: Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna, Austria
| | - Chen Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Present address: Immolife-biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Ali Sharifi-Zarchi
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Computer Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mousavi
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Reza Bagherzadeh
- Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Present address: Department of Life Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Present address: Department of Life Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Ogino
- Department of Animal Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Japan
- Present address: Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-hiroshima, Japan
| | - Asao Fujiyama
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Hamidreza Chitsaz
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Present address: Department of Life Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
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Suzuki A, Yoshida H, van Heeringen SJ, Takebayashi-Suzuki K, Veenstra GJC, Taira M. Genomic organization and modulation of gene expression of the TGF-β and FGF pathways in the allotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis. Dev Biol 2017; 426:336-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lin ST, Zheng GD, Sun YW, Chen J, Jiang XY, Zou SM. Divergent functions of fibroblast growth factor receptor-like 1 genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 187:31-8. [PMID: 25981703 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor-like 1 (FGFRL1) is a novel FGF receptor (FGFR) lacking an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. FGFRs control the proliferation, differentiation and migration of cells in various tissues. However the functions of FGFRL1 in teleost fish are currently unknown. In this study, we report the identification of two fgfrl1 genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) that share 56% amino acid sequence identity. Both fgfrl1a and 1b were transcribed throughout embryogenesis, and mRNA levels were particularly high during somitogenesis. Using in situ hybridization, fgfrl1a transcripts were detected in notochord, somites, brain and eye at 14, 24 and 36 h post fertilization (hpf). In contrast, fgfrl1b was transcribed mainly in the endoderm at 14 hpf, in the gut and proctodeum at 24 hpf, and in the lens, pharyngeal arch and proctodeum at 36 hpf. In adult fish, fgfrl1a was abundantly expressed in heart, brain and muscle, while fgfrl1b was expressed strongly in eye, muscle and gill. Furthermore, both genes were significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated in muscle and brain during starvation and returned to normal levels rapidly after re-feeding. Exogenous treatment with different doses of human growth hormone down-regulated the expression of both genes in brain and muscle (p<0.05). These results suggest that Fgfrl1a and 1b play divergent roles in regulating growth and development in grass carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yi-Wen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xia-Yun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Shu-Ming Zou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Trueb B, Amann R, Gerber SD. Role of FGFRL1 and other FGF signaling proteins in early kidney development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:2505-18. [PMID: 23112089 PMCID: PMC11114036 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian kidney develops from the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme. In mice, the ureteric bud invades the metanephric mesenchyme at day E10.5 and begins to branch. The tips of the ureteric bud induce the metanephric mesenchyme to condense and form the cap mesenchyme. Some cells of this cap mesenchyme undergo a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and differentiate into renal vesicles, which further develop into nephrons. The developing kidney expresses Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 20 and Fgf receptors Fgfr1 and Fgfr2. Fgf7 and Fgf10, mainly secreted by the metanephric mesenchyme, bind to Fgfr2b of the ureteric bud and induce branching. Fgfr1 and Fgfr2c are required for formation of the metanephric mesenchyme, however the two receptors can substitute for one another. Fgf8, secreted by renal vesicles, binds to Fgfr1 and supports survival of cells in the nascent nephrons. Fgf9 and Fgf20, expressed in the metanephric mesenchyme, are necessary to maintain survival of progenitor cells in the cortical region of the kidney. FgfrL1 is a novel member of the Fgfr family that lacks the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. It is expressed in the ureteric bud and all nephrogenic structures. Targeted deletion of FgfrL1 leads to severe kidney dysgenesis due to the lack of renal vesicles. FgfrL1 is known to interact mainly with Fgf8. It is therefore conceivable that FgfrL1 restricts signaling of Fgf8 to the precise location of the nascent nephrons. It might also promote tight adhesion of cells in the condensed metanephric mesenchyme as required for the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Trueb
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, Bern, Switzerland.
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Yuan B, Xian R, Ma J, Chen Y, Lin C, Song Y. Isthmin inhibits glioma growth through antiangiogenesis in vivo. J Neurooncol 2012; 109:245-52. [PMID: 22772605 PMCID: PMC3432204 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0910-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Among glioma treatment strategies, antiangiogenesis emerges as a meaningful and feasible treatment approach for inducing long-term survival. Isthmin is a gene highly expressed in the isthmus of the midbrain-hindbrain organizer in Xenopus, and has recently been identified as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. However, the potential of isthmin on the glioma angiogenesis has not been well studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that the recombinant adenovirus isthmin (Ad-isthmin) could inhibit VEGF-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through a caspase-dependent pathway. In addition, Ad-isthmin significantly suppressed glioma growth through antiangiogenesis without apparent side effects. Taken together, our results demonstrated that isthmin could act as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor and might be utilized in the glioma antiangiogenesis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangqing Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 476th Hospital of Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
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Reddien PW. Constitutive gene expression and the specification of tissue identity in adult planarian biology. Trends Genet 2011; 27:277-85. [PMID: 21680047 PMCID: PMC3125669 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Planarians are flatworms that constitutively maintain adult tissues through cell turnover and can regenerate entire organisms from tiny body fragments. In addition to requiring new cells (from neoblasts), these feats require mechanisms that specify tissue identity in the adult. Crucial roles for Wnt and BMP signaling in the regeneration and maintenance of the body axes have been uncovered, among other regulatory factors. Available data indicate that genes involved in positional identity regulation at key embryonic stages in other animals display persisting regionalized expression in adult planarians. These expression patterns suggest that a constitutively active gene expression map exists for the maintenance of the planarian body. Planarians thus present a fertile ground for the identification of factors regulating the regionalization of the metazoan body plan and for the study of the attributes of these factors that can lead to the maintenance and regeneration of adult tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Reddien
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Zhuang L, Villiger P, Trueb B. Interaction of the receptor FGFRL1 with the negative regulator Spred1. Cell Signal 2011; 23:1496-504. [PMID: 21616146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
FGFRL1 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family. It plays an essential role during branching morphogenesis of the metanephric kidneys, as mice with a targeted deletion of the Fgfrl1 gene show severe kidney dysplasia. Here we used the yeast two-hybrid system to demonstrate that FGFRL1 binds with its C-terminal, histidine-rich domain to Spred1 and to other proteins of the Sprouty/Spred family. Members of this family are known to act as negative regulators of the Ras/Raf/Erk signaling pathway. Truncation experiments further showed that FGFRL1 interacts with the SPR domain of Spred1, a domain that is shared by all members of the Sprouty/Spred family. The interaction could be verified by coprecipitation of the interaction partners from solution and by codistribution at the cell membrane of COS1 and HEK293 cells. Interestingly, Spred1 increased the retention time of FGFRL1 at the plasma membrane where the receptor might interact with ligands. FGFRL1 and members of the Sprouty/Spred family belong to the FGF synexpression group, which also includes FGF3, FGF8, Sef and Isthmin. It is conceivable that FGFRL1, Sef and some Sprouty/Spred proteins work in concert to control growth factor signaling during branching morphogenesis of the kidneys and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Trueb B. Biology of FGFRL1, the fifth fibroblast growth factor receptor. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:951-64. [PMID: 21080029 PMCID: PMC11115071 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
FGFRL1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor like 1) is the most recently discovered member of the FGFR family. It contains three extracellular Ig-like domains similar to the classical FGFRs, but it lacks the protein tyrosine kinase domain and instead contains a short intracellular tail with a peculiar histidine-rich motif. The gene for FGFRL1 is found in all metazoans from sea anemone to mammals. FGFRL1 binds to FGF ligands and heparin with high affinity. It exerts a negative effect on cell proliferation, but a positive effect on cell differentiation. Mice with a targeted deletion of the Fgfrl1 gene die perinatally due to alterations in their diaphragm. These mice also show bilateral kidney agenesis, suggesting an essential role for Fgfrl1 in kidney development. A human patient with a frameshift mutation exhibits craniosynostosis, arguing for an additional role of FGFRL1 during bone formation. FGFRL1 contributes to the complexity of the FGF signaling system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Trueb
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Zhuang L, Karotki AV, Bruecker P, Trueb B. Comparison of the receptor FGFRL1 from sea urchins and humans illustrates evolution of a zinc binding motif in the intracellular domain. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2009; 10:33. [PMID: 20021659 PMCID: PMC2806250 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-10-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background FGFRL1, the gene for the fifth member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family, is found in all vertebrates from fish to man and in the cephalochordate amphioxus. Since it does not occur in more distantly related invertebrates such as insects and nematodes, we have speculated that FGFRL1 might have evolved just before branching of the vertebrate lineage from the other invertebrates (Beyeler and Trueb, 2006). Results We identified the gene for FGFRL1 also in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and cloned its mRNA. The deduced amino acid sequence shares 62% sequence similarity with the human protein and shows conservation of all disulfides and N-linked carbohydrate attachment sites. Similar to the human protein, the S. purpuratus protein contains a histidine-rich motif at the C-terminus, but this motif is much shorter than the human counterpart. To analyze the function of the novel motif, recombinant fusion proteins were prepared in a bacterial expression system. The human fusion protein bound to nickel and zinc affinity columns, whereas the sea urchin protein barely interacted with such columns. Direct determination of metal ions by atomic absorption revealed 2.6 mole zinc/mole protein for human FGFRL1 and 1.7 mole zinc/mole protein for sea urchin FGFRL1. Conclusion The FGFRL1 gene has evolved much earlier than previously assumed. A comparison of the intracellular domain between sea urchin and human FGFRL1 provides interesting insights into the shaping of a novel zinc binding domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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Steinberg F, Zhuang L, Beyeler M, Kälin RE, Mullis PE, Brändli AW, Trueb B. The FGFRL1 receptor is shed from cell membranes, binds fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and antagonizes FGF signaling in Xenopus embryos. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:2193-202. [PMID: 19920134 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.058248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
FGFRL1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor like 1) is the fifth and most recently discovered member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family. With up to 50% amino acid similarity, its extracellular domain closely resembles that of the four conventional FGFRs. Its intracellular domain, however, lacks the split tyrosine kinase domain needed for FGF-mediated signal transduction. During embryogenesis of the mouse, FGFRL1 is essential for the development of parts of the skeleton, the diaphragm muscle, the heart, and the metanephric kidney. Since its discovery, it has been hypothesized that FGFRL1 might act as a decoy receptor for FGF ligands. Here we present several lines of evidence that support this notion. We demonstrate that the FGFRL1 ectodomain is shed from the cell membrane of differentiating C2C12 myoblasts and from HEK293 cells by an as yet unidentified protease, which cuts the receptor in the membrane-proximal region. As determined by ligand dot blot analysis, cell-based binding assays, and surface plasmon resonance analysis, the soluble FGFRL1 ectodomain as well as the membrane-bound receptor are capable of binding to some FGF ligands with high affinity, including FGF2, FGF3, FGF4, FGF8, FGF10, and FGF22. We furthermore show that ectopic expression of FGFRL1 in Xenopus embryos antagonizes FGFR signaling during early development. Taken together, our data provide strong evidence that FGFRL1 is indeed a decoy receptor for FGFs.
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FGFRL1 is a neglected putative actor of the FGF signalling pathway present in all major metazoan phyla. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:226. [PMID: 19740411 PMCID: PMC2754479 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) and their receptors are well known for having major implications in cell signalling controlling embryonic development. Recently, a gene coding for a protein closely related to FGFRs (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors) called FGFR5 or FGFR-like 1 (FGFRL1), has been described in vertebrates. An orthologous gene was also found in the cephalochordate amphioxus, but no orthologous genes were found by the authors in other non-vertebrate species, even if a FGFRL1 gene was identified in the sea urchin genome, as well as a closely related gene, named nou-darake, in the planarian Dugesia japonica. These intriguing data of a deuterostome-specific gene that might be implicated in FGF signalling prompted us to search for putative FGFRL1 orthologues in the completely sequenced genomes of metazoans. RESULTS We found FGFRL1 genes in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis as well as in many bilaterian species. Our analysis also shows that FGFRL1 orthologous genes are linked in the genome with other members of the FGF signalling pathway from cnidarians to bilaterians (distance < 10 Mb). To better understand the implication of FGFRL1 genes in chordate embryonic development, we have analyzed expression patterns of the amphioxus and the mouse genes by whole mount in situ hybridization. We show that some homologous expression territories can be defined, and we propose that FGFRL1 and FGF8/17/18 were already co-expressed in the pharyngeal endoderm in the ancestor of chordates. CONCLUSION Our work sheds light on the existence of a putative FGF signalling pathway actor present in the ancestor of probably all metazoans, the function of which has received little attention until now.
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Umesono Y, Agata K. Evolution and regeneration of the planarian central nervous system. Dev Growth Differ 2009; 51:185-95. [PMID: 19379275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 years ago, early workers realized that planarians offer an excellent system for regeneration studies. Another unique aspect of planarians is that they occupy an interesting phylogenetic position with respect to the nervous system in that they possess an evolutionarily primitive brain structure and can regenerate a functional brain from almost any tiny body fragment. Recent molecular studies have revisited planarian regeneration and revealed key information about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain regeneration in planarians. One of our great advances was identification of a gene, nou-darake, which directs the formation of a proper extrinsic environment for pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into brain cells in the planarian Dugesia japonica. Our recent findings have provided mechanistic insights into stem cell biology and also evolutionary biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Umesono
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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Catela C, Bilbao-Cortes D, Slonimsky E, Kratsios P, Rosenthal N, Te Welscher P. Multiple congenital malformations of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome are recapitulated in Fgfrl1 null mice. Dis Model Mech 2009; 2:283-94. [PMID: 19383940 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.002287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is caused by deletions in the short arm of chromosome 4 (4p) and occurs in about one per 20,000 births. Patients with WHS display a set of highly variable characteristics including craniofacial dysgenesis, mental retardation, speech problems, congenital heart defects, short stature and a variety of skeletal anomalies. Analysis of patients with 4p deletions has identified two WHS critical regions (WHSCRs); however, deletions targeting mouse WHSCRs do not recapitulate the classical WHS defects, and the genes contributing to WHS have not been conclusively established. Recently, the human FGFRL1 gene, encoding a putative fibroblast growth factor (FGF) decoy receptor, has been implicated in the craniofacial phenotype of a WHS patient. Here, we report that targeted deletion of the mouse Fgfrl1 gene recapitulates a broad array of WHS phenotypes, including abnormal craniofacial development, axial and appendicular skeletal anomalies, and congenital heart defects. Fgfrl1 null mutants also display a transient foetal anaemia and a fully penetrant diaphragm defect, causing prenatal and perinatal lethality. Together, these data support a wider role for Fgfrl1 in development, implicate FGFRL1 insufficiency in WHS, and provide a novel animal model to dissect the complex aetiology of this human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Catela
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Mouse Biology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
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Agata K, Umesono Y. Brain regeneration from pluripotent stem cells in planarian. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:2071-8. [PMID: 18375378 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.2260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
How can planarians regenerate their brain? Recently we have identified many genes critical for this process. Brain regeneration can be divided into five steps: (1) anterior blastema formation, (2) brain rudiment formation, (3) pattern formation, (4) neural network formation, and (5) functional recovery. Here we will describe the structure and process of regeneration of the planarian brain in the first part, and then introduce genes involved in brain regeneration in the second part. Especially, we will speculate about molecular events during the early steps of brain regeneration in this review. The finding providing the greatest insight thus far is the discovery of the nou-darake (ndk; 'brains everywhere' in Japanese) gene, since brain neurons are formed throughout the entire body as a result of loss of function of the ndk gene. This finding provides a clue for elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain regeneration. Here we describe the molecular action of the nou-darake gene and propose a new model to explain brain regeneration and restriction in the head region of the planarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyokazu Agata
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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Rieckmann T, Kotevic I, Trueb B. The cell surface receptor FGFRL1 forms constitutive dimers that promote cell adhesion. Exp Cell Res 2008; 314:1071-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Baertschi S, Zhuang L, Trueb B. Mice with a targeted disruption of the Fgfrl1 gene die at birth due to alterations in the diaphragm. FEBS J 2007; 274:6241-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.06143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Beyeler M, Trueb B. Fgfrl1, a fibroblast growth factor receptor-like gene, is found in the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae but not in the urochordate Ciona intestinalis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 145:43-9. [PMID: 16887372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
FGFRL1 is a novel member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family that controls the formation of musculoskeletal tissues. Some vertebrates, including man, cow, dog, mouse, rat and chicken, possess a single copy the FGFRL1 gene. Teleostean fish have two copies, fgfrl1a and fgfrl1b, because they have undergone a whole genome duplication. Vertebrates belong to the chordates, a phylum that also includes the subphyla of the cephalochordates (e.g. Branchiostoma floridae) and urochordates (tunicates, e.g. Ciona intestinalis). We therefore investigated whether other chordates might also possess an FGFRL1 related gene. In fact, a homologous gene was found in B. floridae (amphioxus). The corresponding protein showed 60% sequence identity with the human protein and all sequence motifs identified in the vertebrate proteins were also conserved in amphioxus Fgfrl1. In contrast, the genome of the urochordate C. intestinalis and those from more distantly related invertebrates including the insect Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans did not appear to contain any related sequences. Thus, the FGFRL1 gene might have evolved just before branching of the vertebrate lineage from the other chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Beyeler
- ITI Research Institute, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, PO Box 54, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Hall C, Flores MV, Murison G, Crosier K, Crosier P. An essential role for zebrafish Fgfrl1 during gill cartilage development. Mech Dev 2006; 123:925-40. [PMID: 17011755 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2006.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate craniofacial skeleton develops via a complex process involving signaling cascades in all three germ layers. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for several steps in pharyngeal arch development. In zebrafish, Fgf3 and Fgf8 in the mesoderm and hindbrain have an early role to pattern the pouch endoderm, influencing craniofacial integrity. Endodermal FGF signaling is required for the differentiation and survival of postmigratory neural crest cells that form the pharyngeal skeleton. We identify a novel role for zebrafish Fgf receptor-like 1a (Fgfrl1a) that is indispensable during gill cartilage development. We show that depletion of Fgfrl1a is sufficient to abolish cartilage derivatives of the ceratobranchials. Using an Fgfrl1a-deficient model, we analyzed expression of genes critical for chondrogenesis in the different compartments of the developing pharyngeal arch. Fgfrl1a-depleted animals demonstrate typical neural crest specification and migration to populate the arch primordia as well as normal pouch segmentation. However, in the absence of Fgfrl1a, larvae fail to express the transcription factor glial cells missing 2 (gcm2), a gene necessary for cartilage and gill filament formation, in the ectodermal lining of the branchial arches. In addition, two transcription factors essential for chondrogenesis, sox9a and runx2b, fail to express within the mesenchymal condensations of the branchial arches. A duplicate zebrafish gene, fgfrl1b, has now been identified. We show that Fgfrl1b is also required for proper formation of all ventral cartilage elements and acts cooperatively with Fgfrl1a during gill cartilage formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, P.O. 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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Suga A, Hikasa H, Taira M. Xenopus ADAMTS1 negatively modulates FGF signaling independent of its metalloprotease activity. Dev Biol 2006; 295:26-39. [PMID: 16690049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 02/17/2006] [Accepted: 02/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated the Xenopus ortholog of ADAMTS1 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs), XADAMTS1, which is expressed in the presumptive ectoderm, then the Spemann organizer, and later in the trunk organizer region and posterior ectoderm in the Xenopus embryo. We show that, when overexpressed in the dorsal marginal zone or in the anterior ectoderm by mRNA injection, XADAMTS1 inhibits gastrulation or generates embryos with an enlarged cement gland, respectively. XADAMTS1 also reduces the expression of Xbra in both whole embryos and FGF-treated animal caps. These effects of XADAMTS1 are likely to be due to its inhibition of the Ras-MAPK cascade because XADAMTS1 inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK by FGF4 in animal caps. Deletion analysis of XADAMTS1 revealed that a combination of the signal peptide and the C-terminal region containing the thrombospondin type 1 repeats is necessary and sufficient for this function, whereas the metalloprotease domain is dispensable. In addition, loss-of-function analysis with antisense morpholino oligos showed that knockdown of XADAMTS1 sensitizes animal caps to Xbra induction by FGF2. These data suggest that secreted XADAMTS1 negatively modulates FGF signaling in the Xenopus embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Suga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
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Urban AE, Zhou X, Ungos JM, Raible DW, Altmann CR, Vize PD. FGF is essential for both condensation and mesenchymal-epithelial transition stages of pronephric kidney tubule development. Dev Biol 2006; 297:103-17. [PMID: 16872594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.04.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2006] [Revised: 04/10/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The pronephros is a transient embryonic kidney that is essential for the survival of aquatic larvae. It is also absolutely critical for adult kidney development, as the pronephric derivative the wolffian duct forms the ductal system of the adult kidney and also triggers the condensation of metanephric mesenchyme into the adult nephrons. While exploring Xenopus pronephric patterning, we observed that epidermally delivered hedgehog completely suppresses pronephric kidney tubule development but does not effect development of the pronephric glomus, the equivalent of the mammalian glomerulus or corpuscle. This effect is not mediated by apoptosis. Microarray analysis of microdissected primordia identified FGF8 as one of the potential mediators of hedgehog action. Further investigation demonstrated that SU5402-sensitive FGF signaling plays a critical role in the very earliest stages of pronephric tubule development. Modulation of FGF8 activity using a morpholino has a later effect that blocks condensation of pronephric mesenchyme into the pronephric tubule. Together, these data show that FGF signaling plays a critical role at two stages of embryonic kidney development, one in the condensation of the pronephric primordium from the intermediate mesoderm and a second in the later epithelialization of this mesenchyme into the pronephric nephron. The data also show that in Xenopus, development of the glomus/glomerulus can be uncoupled from nephron formation via ectopic hedgehog expression and provides an experimental avenue for investigating glomerulogenesis in the complete absence of tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Urban
- Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
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