1
|
He P, Zhong S, Lin S, Xia Z, Wang L, Han Y, Xu D, Hu S, Li X, Li P, Wang C. FGF9 is required for Purkinje cell development and function in the cerebellum. iScience 2024; 27:109039. [PMID: 38352230 PMCID: PMC10863307 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109039] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, which is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been reported that deletion of FGF9 leads to defects in cerebellum development, including Purkinje cell defect. However, it is not clear how FGF9 regulating cerebellar development remains to be determined. Our results showed that in addition to disrupt Bergmann fiber scaffold formation and granule neuron migration, deletion of neuronal FGF9 led to ataxia defects. It affected development and function of Purkinje cells, and also changed the action potential threshold and excitation frequency. Mechanistically, depletion of FGF9 significantly changed neurotransmitter contents in Purkinje cells and led to preferential increase in inflammation, even downregulation in ERK signaling. Together, the data demonstrate that neuronal FGF9 is required for the development and function of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Insufficient FGF9 during cerebellum development will cause ataxia defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuting Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuaijun Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyan Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhe Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Di Xu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Geriatric Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Geriatric Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325030, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Petersen C, Mucke L, Corces MR. CHOIR improves significance-based detection of cell types and states from single-cell data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576317. [PMID: 38328105 PMCID: PMC10849522 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Clustering is a critical step in the analysis of single-cell data, as it enables the discovery and characterization of putative cell types and states. However, most popular clustering tools do not subject clustering results to statistical inference testing, leading to risks of overclustering or underclustering data and often resulting in ineffective identification of cell types with widely differing prevalence. To address these challenges, we present CHOIR (clustering hierarchy optimization by iterative random forests), which applies a framework of random forest classifiers and permutation tests across a hierarchical clustering tree to statistically determine which clusters represent distinct populations. We demonstrate the enhanced performance of CHOIR through extensive benchmarking against 14 existing clustering methods across 100 simulated and 4 real single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomic, and multi-omic datasets. CHOIR can be applied to any single-cell data type and provides a flexible, scalable, and robust solution to the important challenge of identifying biologically relevant cell groupings within heterogeneous single-cell data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Petersen
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lennart Mucke
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - M. Ryan Corces
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iskusnykh IY, Zakharova AA, Kryl’skii ED, Popova TN. Aging, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1018. [PMID: 38256091 PMCID: PMC10815822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
An important part of the central nervous system (CNS), the cerebellum is involved in motor control, learning, reflex adaptation, and cognition. Diminished cerebellar function results in the motor and cognitive impairment observed in patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), and multiple sclerosis (MS), and even during the normal aging process. In most neurodegenerative disorders, impairment mainly occurs as a result of morphological changes over time, although during the early stages of some disorders such as AD, the cerebellum also serves a compensatory function. Biological aging is accompanied by changes in cerebellar circuits, which are predominantly involved in motor control. Despite decades of research, the functional contributions of the cerebellum and the underlying molecular mechanisms in aging and neurodegenerative disorders remain largely unknown. Therefore, this review will highlight the molecular and cellular events in the cerebellum that are disrupted during the process of aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. We believe that deeper insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the cerebellum during aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders will be essential for the design of new effective strategies for neuroprotection and the alleviation of some neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Y. Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Anastasia A. Zakharova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovitianov St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgenii D. Kryl’skii
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
| | - Tatyana N. Popova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nickle A, Ko S, Merrill AE. Fibroblast growth factor 2. Differentiation 2023:S0301-4681(23)00072-5. [PMID: 37858405 PMCID: PMC11009566 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2), also known as basic fibroblast growth factor, is a potent stimulator of growth and differentiation in multiple tissues. Its discovery traces back over 50 years ago when it was first isolated from bovine pituitary extracts due to its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation. Subsequent studies investigating the genomic structure of FGF2 identified multiple protein isoforms, categorized as the low molecular weight and high molecular weight FGF2. These isoforms arise from alternative translation initiation events and exhibit unique molecular and cellular functions. In this concise review, we aim to provide an overview of what is currently known about the structure, expression, and functions of the FGF2 isoforms within the contexts of development, homeostasis, and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Nickle
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Sebastian Ko
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Amy E Merrill
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cang Z, Zhao Y, Almet AA, Stabell A, Ramos R, Plikus MV, Atwood SX, Nie Q. Screening cell-cell communication in spatial transcriptomics via collective optimal transport. Nat Methods 2023; 20:218-228. [PMID: 36690742 PMCID: PMC9911355 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomic technologies and spatially annotated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets provide unprecedented opportunities to dissect cell-cell communication (CCC). However, incorporation of the spatial information and complex biochemical processes required in the reconstruction of CCC remains a major challenge. Here, we present COMMOT (COMMunication analysis by Optimal Transport) to infer CCC in spatial transcriptomics, which accounts for the competition between different ligand and receptor species as well as spatial distances between cells. A collective optimal transport method is developed to handle complex molecular interactions and spatial constraints. Furthermore, we introduce downstream analysis tools to infer spatial signaling directionality and genes regulated by signaling using machine learning models. We apply COMMOT to simulation data and eight spatial datasets acquired with five different technologies to show its effectiveness and robustness in identifying spatial CCC in data with varying spatial resolutions and gene coverages. Finally, COMMOT identifies new CCCs during skin morphogenesis in a case study of human epidermal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Cang
- Department of Mathematics and Center for Research in Scientific Computation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Yanxiang Zhao
- Department of Mathematics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Axel A Almet
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Adam Stabell
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Raul Ramos
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Maksim V Plikus
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Scott X Atwood
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iskusnykh IY, Chizhikov VV. Cerebellar development after preterm birth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1068288. [PMID: 36523506 PMCID: PMC9744950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1068288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth and its complications and the associated adverse factors, including brain hemorrhage, inflammation, and the side effects of medical treatments, are the leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability. Growing evidence suggests that preterm birth affects the cerebellum, which is the brain region involved in motor coordination, cognition, learning, memory, and social communication. The cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of preterm birth because key cerebellar developmental processes, including the proliferation of neural progenitors, and differentiation and migration of neurons, occur in the third trimester of a human pregnancy. This review discusses the negative impacts of preterm birth and its associated factors on cerebellar development, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate cerebellar pathology. A better understanding of the cerebellar developmental mechanisms affected by preterm birth is necessary for developing novel treatment and neuroprotective strategies to ameliorate the cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficits experienced by preterm subjects.
Collapse
|
7
|
Whittaker DE, Oleari R, Gregory LC, Le Quesne-Stabej P, Williams HJ, Torpiano JG, Formosa N, Cachia MJ, Field D, Lettieri A, Ocaka LA, Paganoni AJ, Rajabali SH, Riegman KL, De Martini LB, Chaya T, Robinson IC, Furukawa T, Cariboni A, Basson MA, Dattani MT. A recessive PRDM13 mutation results in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cerebellar hypoplasia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e141587. [PMID: 34730112 PMCID: PMC8670848 DOI: 10.1172/jci141587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive regulatory (PR) domain containing 13 (PRDM13) putative chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator functions downstream of the transcription factor PTF1A, which controls GABAergic fate in the spinal cord and neurogenesis in the hypothalamus. Here, we report a recessive syndrome associated with PRDM13 mutation. Patients exhibited intellectual disability, ataxia with cerebellar hypoplasia, scoliosis, and delayed puberty with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Expression studies revealed Prdm13/PRDM13 transcripts in the developing hypothalamus and cerebellum in mouse and human. An analysis of hypothalamus and cerebellum development in mice homozygous for a Prdm13 mutant allele revealed a significant reduction in the number of Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons in the hypothalamus and PAX2+ progenitors emerging from the cerebellar ventricular zone. The latter was accompanied by ectopic expression of the glutamatergic lineage marker TLX3. Prdm13-deficient mice displayed cerebellar hypoplasia and normal gonadal structure, but delayed pubertal onset. Together, these findings identify PRDM13 as a critical regulator of GABAergic cell fate in the cerebellum and of hypothalamic kisspeptin neuron development, providing a mechanistic explanation for the cooccurrence of CHH and cerebellar hypoplasia in this syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence linking disrupted PRDM13-mediated regulation of Kiss1 neurons to CHH in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Whittaker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise C. Gregory
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Polona Le Quesne-Stabej
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hywel J. Williams
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - GOSgene
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- GOSgene is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - John G. Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics and
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Mario J. Cachia
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Field
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise A. Ocaka
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa J.J. Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sakina H. Rajabali
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley L.H. Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa B. De Martini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Taro Chaya
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul T. Dattani
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Calandrelli R, Pilato F, Massimi L, Onesimo R, D’Apolito G, Tenore L, Romeo D, Leoni C, Zampino G, Colosimo C. Impairment of motor skills in children with achondroplasia-usefulness of brain and cranio-cervical junction evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging: a case-control study. Acta Radiol 2021; 63:1703-1711. [PMID: 34779271 DOI: 10.1177/02841851211055821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most infants and children with achondroplasia show delayed motor skill development; however, some patients may have clinical consequences related to cranio-cervical junction stenosis and compression. PURPOSE To assess, using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quantitative variables linked to neuromotor impairment in achondroplasic children. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 24 achondroplasic children underwent pediatric neurological assessment and were grouped in two cohorts according to relevant motor skill impairment. Achondroplasic children with (n=12) and without (n=12) motor symptoms were identified, and brain MRI scans were quantitatively evaluated. 3D fast spoiled gradient echo T1-weighted images were used to assess: supratentorial intracranial volumes (SICV); supratentorial intracranial brain volume (SICBV); SICV/SICBV ratio; posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV); posterior cranial fossa brain volume (PCBFV); PCFV/PCFBV ratio; ventricular and extra-ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes; foramen magnum (FM) area; and jugular foramina (JF) areas. RESULTS In both groups, SICV/SICBV ratio, supratentorial ventricular and extra-ventricular space volumes were increased while SICBV was increased only in the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). PCFV/PCFBV ratio, IV ventricle, infratentorial extra-ventricular spaces volumes were reduced (P < 0.05) in the symptomatic group while PCFBV was increased only in the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). Foramen magnum (FM) area was more reduced in the symptomatic group than the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05) but no correlation between FM area and ventriculomegaly was found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Evaluation of the FM area together with infratentorial ventricular and extra-ventricular space volume reduction may be helpful in differentiating patients at risk of developing motor skill impairment. Further investigation is needed to better understand the temporal profile between imaging and motor function in order to propose possible personalized surgical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalinda Calandrelli
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Pilato
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Onesimo
- Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Apolito
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tenore
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Romeo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Leoni
- Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lackey EP, Sillitoe RV. Eph/ephrin Function Contributes to the Patterning of Spinocerebellar Mossy Fibers Into Parasagittal Zones. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:7. [PMID: 32116578 PMCID: PMC7033604 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cell microcircuits perform diverse functions using widespread inputs from the brain and spinal cord. The formation of these functional circuits depends on developmental programs and molecular pathways that organize mossy fiber afferents from different sources into a complex and precisely patterned map within the granular layer of the cerebellum. During development, Purkinje cell zonal patterns are thought to guide mossy fiber terminals into zones. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate this process remain unclear. Here, we used knockout mice to test whether Eph/ephrin signaling controls Purkinje cell-mossy fiber interactions during cerebellar circuit formation. Loss of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5 disrupted the patterning of spinocerebellar terminals into discrete zones. Zone territories in the granular layer that normally have limited spinocerebellar input contained ectopic terminals in ephrin-A2 -/-;ephrin-A5 -/- double knockout mice. However, the overall morphology of the cerebellum, lobule position, and Purkinje cell zonal patterns developed normally in the ephrin-A2 -/-;ephrin-A5 -/- mutant mice. This work suggests that communication between Purkinje cell zones and mossy fibers during postnatal development allows contact-dependent molecular cues to sharpen the innervation of sensory afferents into functional zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jiwani T, Kim JJ, Rosenblum ND. Suppressor of fused controls cerebellum granule cell proliferation by suppressing Fgf8 and spatially regulating Gli proteins. Development 2020; 147:dev.170274. [PMID: 31932349 DOI: 10.1242/dev.170274] [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] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar granule cell (GC) development relies on precise regulation of sonic hedgehog (Shh)-Gli signalling activity, failure of which is associated with motor disorders and medulloblastoma. Mutations in the pathway regulator suppressor of fused (Sufu), which modulates Gli activators and repressors, are linked to cerebellar dysfunction and tumourigenesis. The mechanism by which Sufu calibrates Shh signalling in GCs is unknown. Math1-Cre-mediated deletion of Sufu in mouse GC progenitors (GCPs) demonstrated that Sufu restricts GCP proliferation and promotes cell cycle exit, by promoting expression of Gli3R and suppressing Gli2 levels. Sufu is also required to promote a high threshold of pathway activity in GCPs. Remarkably, central cerebellar lobules are more deleteriously impacted by Sufu deletion, but are less sensitive to downstream genetic manipulations to reduce Gli2 expression or overexpress a Gli3R mimic, compared with anterior lobules. Transcriptome sequencing uncovered new Sufu targets, especially Fgf8, which is upregulated in Sufu-mutant GCPs. We demonstrate that Fgf8 is necessary and sufficient to drive Sufu-mutant GCP proliferation. This study reveals new insights into the spatial and temporal regulation of cerebellar Shh-Gli signalling, while uncovering new targets, such as Fgf8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Jiwani
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jinny J Kim
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Norman D Rosenblum
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pascoe HM, Yang JYM, Chen J, Fink AM, Kumbla S. Macrocerebellum in Achondroplasia: A Further CNS Manifestation of FGFR3 Mutations? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:338-342. [PMID: 31857328 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Achondroplasia is the result of a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3). Appearances suggestive of macrocerebellum have not been described in this patient group. We retrospectively reviewed MR imaging studies of the brain in 23 children with achondroplasia. A constellation of imaging findings that are recognized in macrocerebellum was observed, including cerebellar hemisphere enlargement (inferior and superior extension, wrapping around the brainstem); an effaced retro- and infravermian cerebellar subarachnoid CSF space; a shortened midbrain; distortion of the tectal plate; and mass effect on the brainstem. All MR imaging studies exhibited some of these findings. Quantitative analysis confirmed an increased cerebellar volume compared with age- and sex-matched controls. We hypothesized that this may be due to direct effects of the FGFR3 mutation on cerebellar morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Pascoe
- From the Departments of Medical Imaging (H.M.P., A.M.F., S.K.)
| | - J Y-M Yang
- Neurosurgery (J.Y.-M.Y.), The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuroscience Research (J.Y.-M.Y.)
- Developmental Imaging (J.Y.-M.Y., J.C.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics (J.Y.-M.Y.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Chen
- Developmental Imaging (J.Y.-M.Y., J.C.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - A M Fink
- From the Departments of Medical Imaging (H.M.P., A.M.F., S.K.)
- Department of Perinatal Medicine (A.M.F.), Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Kumbla
- From the Departments of Medical Imaging (H.M.P., A.M.F., S.K.)
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging (S.K.), Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Molecular Pathway Regulating Bergmann Glia and Folia Generation in the Cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:42-48. [PMID: 29218544 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Evolution of complex behaviors in higher vertebrates and primates require the development of sophisticated neuronal circuitry and the expansion of brain surface area to accommodate the vast number of neuronal and glial populations. To achieve these goals, the neocortex in primates and the cerebellum in amniotes have developed specialized types of basal progenitors to aid the folding of their cortices. In the cerebellum, Bergmann glia constitute such a basal progenitor population, having a distinctive morphology and playing a critical role in cerebellar corticogenesis. Here, we review recent studies on the induction of Bergmann glia and their crucial role in mediating folding of the cerebellar cortex. These studies uncover a key function of FGF-ERK-ETV signaling cascade in the transformation of Bergmann glia from radial glia in the ventricular zone. Remarkably, in the neocortex, the same signaling axis operates to facilitate the transformation of ventricular radial glia into basal radial glia, a Bergmann glia-like basal progenitor population, which have been implicated in the establishment of neocortical gyri. These new findings draw a striking similarity in the function and ontogeny of the two basal progenitor populations born in distinct brain compartments.
Collapse
|
13
|
Beckinghausen J, Sillitoe RV. Insights into cerebellar development and connectivity. Neurosci Lett 2018; 688:2-13. [PMID: 29746896 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum has a well-established role in controlling motor functions such coordination, balance, posture, and skilled learning. There is mounting evidence that it might also play a critical role in non-motor functions such as cognition and emotion. It is therefore not surprising that cerebellar defects are associated with a wide array of diseases including ataxia, dystonia, tremor, schizophrenia, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder. What is intriguing is that a seemingly uniform circuit that is often described as being "simple" should carry out all of these behaviors. Analyses of how cerebellar circuits develop have revealed that such descriptions massively underestimate the complexity of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in fact highly patterned and organized around a series of parasagittal stripes and transverse zones. This topographic architecture partitions all cerebellar circuits into functional modules that are thought to enhance processing power during cerebellar dependent behaviors. What are arguably the most remarkable features of cerebellar topography are the developmental processes that produce them. This review is concerned with the genetic and cellular mechanisms that orchestrate cerebellar patterning. We place a major focus on how Purkinje cells control multiple aspects of cerebellar circuit assembly. Using this model, we discuss evidence for how "zebra-like" patterns in Purkinje cells sculpt the cerebellum, how specific genetic cues mediate the process, and how activity refines the patterns into an adult map that is capable of executing various functions. We also discuss how defective Purkinje cell patterning might impact the pathogenesis of neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Beckinghausen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of TX Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of TX Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Whittaker DE, Kasah S, Donovan APA, Ellegood J, Riegman KLH, Volk HA, McGonnell I, Lerch JP, Basson MA. Distinct cerebellar foliation anomalies in a CHD7 haploinsufficient mouse model of CHARGE syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 175. [PMID: 29168327 PMCID: PMC5765394 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the ATP dependent chromatin‐remodeling factor, CHD7 are the major cause of CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retarded growth and development, Genital‐urinary anomalies, and Ear defects) syndrome. Neurodevelopmental defects and a range of neurological signs have been identified in individuals with CHARGE syndrome, including developmental delay, lack of coordination, intellectual disability, and autistic traits. We previously identified cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and abnormal cerebellar foliation in individuals with CHARGE syndrome. Here, we report mild cerebellar hypoplasia and distinct cerebellar foliation anomalies in a Chd7 haploinsufficient mouse model. We describe specific alterations in the precise spatio‐temporal sequence of fissure formation during perinatal cerebellar development responsible for these foliation anomalies. The altered cerebellar foliation pattern in Chd7 haploinsufficient mice show some similarities to those reported in mice with altered Engrailed, Fgf8 or Zic1 gene expression and we propose that mutations or polymorphisms in these genes may modify the cerebellar phenotype in CHARGE syndrome. Our findings in a mouse model of CHARGE syndrome indicate that a careful analysis of cerebellar foliation may be warranted in patients with CHARGE syndrome, particularly in patients with cerebellar hypoplasia and developmental delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Whittaker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sahrunizam Kasah
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex P A Donovan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberley L H Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Imelda McGonnell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
FGF-FGFR Mediates the Activity-Dependent Dendritogenesis of Layer IV Neurons during Barrel Formation. J Neurosci 2017; 37:12094-12105. [PMID: 29097598 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1174-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and FGF receptors (FGFRs) are known for their potent effects on cell proliferation/differentiation and cortical patterning in the developing brain. However, little is known regarding the roles of FGFs/FGFRs in cortical circuit formation. Here we show that Fgfr1/2/3 and Fgf7/9/10/22 mRNAs are expressed in the developing primary somatosensory (S1) barrel cortex. Barrel cortex layer IV spiny stellate cells (bSCs) are the primary recipients of ascending sensory information via thalamocortical axons (TCAs). Detail quantification revealed distinctive phases for bSC dendritogenesis: orienting dendrites toward TCAs, adding de novo dendritic segments, and elongating dendritic length, while maintaining dendritic patterns. Deleting Fgfr1/2/3 in bSCs had minimal impact on dendritic polarity but transiently increased the number of dendritic segments. However, 6 d later, FGFR1/2/3 loss of function reduced dendritic branch numbers. These data suggest that FGFs/FGFRs have a role in stabilizing dendritic patterning. Depolarization of cultured mouse cortical neurons upregulated the levels of several Fgf/Fgfr mRNAs within 2 h. In vivo, within 6 h of systemic kainic acid administration at postnatal day 6, mRNA levels of Fgf9, Fgf10, Fgfr2c, and Fgfr3b in S1 cortices were enhanced, and this was accompanied by exuberant dendritogenesis of bSCs by 24 h. Deleting Fgfr1/2/3 abolished kainic acid-induced bSC dendritic overgrowth. Finally, FGF9/10 gain of function also resulted in extensive dendritogenesis. Together, our data suggest that FGFs/FGFRs can be regulated by glutamate transmission to modulate/stabilize bSC dendritic complexity. Both male and female mice were used for our study.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glutamatergic transmission plays critical roles in cortical circuit formation. Its dysregulation has been proposed as a core factor in the etiology of many neurological diseases. We found that excessive glutamate transmission upregulated mRNA expression of Fgfrs and their ligands Fgfs Deleting Fgfr1/2/3 not only impaired bSC dendritogenesis but also abolished glutamate transmission-induced dendritic overgrowth. Overexpressing FGF9 or FGF10 in cortical glutamatergic neurons results in excessive dendritic outgrowth within 24 h, resembling the changes induced by excessive glutamate transmission. Our findings provide strong evidence for the physiological role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and FGF receptors (FGFRs) in establishing and maintaining cortical circuits. Perturbing the expression levels of FGFs/FGFRs by excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission could lead to abnormal neuronal circuits, which may contribute to neurological and psychiatric disease.
Collapse
|
16
|
Donovan APA, Yu T, Ellegood J, Riegman KLH, de Geus C, van Ravenswaaij-Arts C, Fernandes C, Lerch JP, Basson MA. Cerebellar Vermis and Midbrain Hypoplasia Upon Conditional Deletion of Chd7 from the Embryonic Mid-Hindbrain Region. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:86. [PMID: 29046629 PMCID: PMC5632662 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling from the mid-hindbrain or isthmus organizer (IsO) during early embryonic development results in hypoplasia of the midbrain and cerebellar vermis. We previously reported evidence for reduced Fgf8 expression and FGF signaling in the mid-hindbrain region of embryos heterozygous for Chd7, the gene mutated in CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defects, choanal Atresia, Retarded growth and development, Genitourinary anomalies and Ear defects) syndrome. However, Chd7+/- animals only exhibit mild cerebellar vermis anomalies. As homozygous deletion of Chd7 is embryonic lethal, we conditionally deleted Chd7 from the early embryonic mid-hindbrain region to identify the function of CHD7 in mid-hindbrain development. Using a combination of high resolution structural MRI and histology, we report striking midbrain and cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in the homozygous conditional mutants. We show that cerebellar vermis hypoplasia is associated with reduced embryonic Fgf8 expression and an expanded roof plate in rhombomere 1 (r1). These findings identify an essential role for Chd7 in regulating mid-hindbrain development via Fgf8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex P A Donovan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tian Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberley L H Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christa de Geus
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Conny van Ravenswaaij-Arts
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Motch Perrine SM, Stecko T, Neuberger T, Jabs EW, Ryan TM, Richtsmeier JT. Integration of Brain and Skull in Prenatal Mouse Models of Apert and Crouzon Syndromes. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:369. [PMID: 28790902 PMCID: PMC5525342 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain and skull represent a complex arrangement of integrated anatomical structures composed of various cell and tissue types that maintain structural and functional association throughout development. Morphological integration, a concept developed in vertebrate morphology and evolutionary biology, describes the coordinated variation of functionally and developmentally related traits of organisms. Syndromic craniosynostosis is characterized by distinctive changes in skull morphology and perceptible, though less well studied, changes in brain structure and morphology. Using mouse models for craniosynostosis conditions, our group has precisely defined how unique craniosynostosis causing mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptors affect brain and skull morphology and dysgenesis involving coordinated tissue-specific effects of these mutations. Here we examine integration of brain and skull in two mouse models for craniosynostosis: one carrying the FGFR2c C342Y mutation associated with Pfeiffer and Crouzon syndromes and a mouse model carrying the FGFR2 S252W mutation, one of two mutations responsible for two-thirds of Apert syndrome cases. Using linear distances estimated from three-dimensional coordinates of landmarks acquired from dual modality imaging of skull (high resolution micro-computed tomography and magnetic resonance microscopy) of mice at embryonic day 17.5, we confirm variation in brain and skull morphology in Fgfr2cC342Y/+ mice, Fgfr2+/S252W mice, and their unaffected littermates. Mutation-specific variation in neural and cranial tissue notwithstanding, patterns of integration of brain and skull differed only subtly between mice carrying either the FGFR2c C342Y or the FGFR2 S252W mutation and their unaffected littermates. However, statistically significant and substantial differences in morphological integration of brain and skull were revealed between the two mutant mouse models, each maintained on a different strain. Relative to the effects of disease-associated mutations, our results reveal a stronger influence of the background genome on patterns of brain-skull integration and suggest robust genetic, developmental, and evolutionary relationships between neural and skeletal tissues of the head.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Motch Perrine
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States
| | - Tim Stecko
- Center for Quantitative Imaging, Penn State Institutes for Energy and the Environment, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States
| | - Thomas Neuberger
- High Field MRI Facility, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States
| | - Ethylin W Jabs
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew York, NY, United States
| | - Timothy M Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States.,Center for Quantitative Imaging, Penn State Institutes for Energy and the Environment, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States
| | - Joan T Richtsmeier
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rodríguez-Vázquez L, Martí J. Effects of Hydroxyurea Exposure on the Rat Cerebellar Neuroepithelium: an Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study Along the Anteroposterior and Mediolateral Axes. Neurotox Res 2017; 32:671-682. [PMID: 28744838 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We present a histological study of the cell death of cerebellar neuroepithelial neuroblasts following treatment with the cytotoxic agent hydroxyurea (HU) during the embryonic life. Pregnant rats were treated with a single dose of HU (300 mg/kg) at embryonic days 13, 14, or 15 of gestation, and their fetuses were studied from 5 to 35 h after treatment to elucidate the mechanisms of HU-induced fetotoxicity. Quantification of several parameters such as the density of pyknotic, mitotic, and PCNA-immunoreactive cells indicated that HU compromises the survival of the cerebellar neuroepithelium neuroblasts. On the other hand, our light and electron microscopic investigations during the course of prenatal development indicated that HU leads to two types of cell death: apoptosis and cells presenting cytoplasmic vacuolization, altered organelles, and a recognizable cell nucleus. Both modalities of cell death resulted in a substantial loss of cerebellar neuroepithelium cells. Current results suggest that HU exposure during gestation is toxic to the cerebellar neuroepithelium. Moreover, they allow to examine the mechanisms of HU-induced toxicity during the early development of the central nervous system. Our data also suggest that it is essential to avoid underestimating the adverse effects of HU when administered during early prenatal life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Rodríguez-Vázquez
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martí
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Whittaker DE, Riegman KL, Kasah S, Mohan C, Yu T, Sala BP, Hebaishi H, Caruso A, Marques AC, Michetti C, Smachetti MES, Shah A, Sabbioni M, Kulhanci O, Tee WW, Reinberg D, Scattoni ML, Volk H, McGonnell I, Wardle FC, Fernandes C, Basson MA. The chromatin remodeling factor CHD7 controls cerebellar development by regulating reelin expression. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:874-887. [PMID: 28165338 PMCID: PMC5330721 DOI: 10.1172/jci83408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the neurodevelopmental deficits associated with CHARGE syndrome, which include cerebellar hypoplasia, developmental delay, coordination problems, and autistic features, have not been identified. CHARGE syndrome has been associated with mutations in the gene encoding the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler CHD7. CHD7 is expressed in neural stem and progenitor cells, but its role in neurogenesis during brain development remains unknown. Here we have shown that deletion of Chd7 from cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCps) results in reduced GCp proliferation, cerebellar hypoplasia, developmental delay, and motor deficits in mice. Genome-wide expression profiling revealed downregulated expression of the gene encoding the glycoprotein reelin (Reln) in Chd7-deficient GCps. Recessive RELN mutations have been associated with severe cerebellar hypoplasia in humans. We found molecular and genetic evidence that reductions in Reln expression contribute to GCp proliferative defects and cerebellar hypoplasia in GCp-specific Chd7 mouse mutants. Finally, we showed that CHD7 is necessary for maintaining an open, accessible chromatin state at the Reln locus. Taken together, this study shows that Reln gene expression is regulated by chromatin remodeling, identifies CHD7 as a previously unrecognized upstream regulator of Reln, and provides direct in vivo evidence that a mammalian CHD protein can control brain development by modulating chromatin accessibility in neuronal progenitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Whittaker
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Kimberley L.H. Riegman
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Sahrunizam Kasah
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Conor Mohan
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Tian Yu
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Blanca Pijuan Sala
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Husam Hebaishi
- King’s College London, Randall Division, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Caruso
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
- School of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana Claudia Marques
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer,” Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Apar Shah
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
| | - Mara Sabbioni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
| | - Omer Kulhanci
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wee-Wei Tee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and
| | - Holger Volk
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Imelda McGonnell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, and
| | - Fiona C. Wardle
- King’s College London, Randall Division, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Albert Basson
- King’s College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Guy’s Hospital Tower Wing
- King’s College London, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, New Hunt’s House, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Study of polyethylene glycol-fluorophore complex formation by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Macromol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-016-4142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
21
|
Differential timing of granule cell production during cerebellum development underlies generation of the foliation pattern. Neural Dev 2016; 11:17. [PMID: 27609139 PMCID: PMC5017010 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0072-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mouse cerebellum (Cb) has a remarkably complex foliated three-dimensional (3D) structure, but a stereotypical cytoarchitecture and local circuitry. Little is known of the cellular behaviors and genes that function during development to determine the foliation pattern. In the anteroposterior axis the mammalian cerebellum is divided by lobules with distinct sizes, and the foliation pattern differs along the mediolateral axis defining a medial vermis and two lateral hemispheres. In the vermis, lobules are further grouped into four anteroposterior zones (anterior, central, posterior and nodular zones) based on genetic criteria, and each has distinct lobules. Since each cerebellar afferent group projects to particular lobules and zones, it is critical to understand how the 3D structure of the Cb is acquired. During cerebellar development, the production of granule cells (gcs), the most numerous cell type in the brain, is required for foliation. We hypothesized that the timing of gc accumulation is different in the four vermal zones during development and contributes to the distinct lobule morphologies. Methods and Results In order to test this idea, we used genetic inducible fate mapping to quantify accumulation of gcs in each lobule during the first two postnatal weeks in mice. The timing of gc production was found to be particular to each lobule, and delayed in the central zone lobules relative to the other zones. Quantification of gc proliferation and differentiation at three time-points in lobules representing different zones, revealed the delay involves a later onset of maximum differentiation and prolonged proliferation of gc progenitors in the central zone. Similar experiments in Engrailed mutants (En1−/+;En2−/−), which have a smaller Cb and altered foliation pattern preferentially outside the central zone, showed that gc production, proliferation and differentiation are altered such that the differences between zones are attenuated compared to wild-type mice. Conclusions Our results reveal that gc production is differentially regulated in each zone of the cerebellar vermis, and our mutant analysis indicates that the dynamics of gc production plays a role in determining the 3D structure of the Cb. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-016-0072-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
22
|
Weekes D, Kashima TG, Zandueta C, Perurena N, Thomas DP, Sunters A, Vuillier C, Bozec A, El-Emir E, Miletich I, Patiño-Garcia A, Lecanda F, Grigoriadis AE. Regulation of osteosarcoma cell lung metastasis by the c-Fos/AP-1 target FGFR1. Oncogene 2016; 35:2852-61. [PMID: 26387545 PMCID: PMC4688957 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the skeleton and is prevalent in children and adolescents. Survival rates are poor and have remained stagnant owing to chemoresistance and the high propensity to form lung metastases. In this study, we used in vivo transgenic models of c-fos oncogene-induced osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma in addition to c-Fos-inducible systems in vitro to investigate downstream signalling pathways that regulate osteosarcoma growth and metastasis. Fgfr1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) was identified as a novel c-Fos/activator protein-1(AP-1)-regulated gene. Induction of c-Fos in vitro in osteoblasts and chondroblasts caused an increase in Fgfr1 RNA and FGFR1 protein expression levels that resulted in increased and sustained activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), morphological transformation and increased anchorage-independent growth in response to FGF2 ligand treatment. High levels of FGFR1 protein and activated pFRS2α signalling were observed in murine and human osteosarcomas. Pharmacological inhibition of FGFR1 signalling blocked MAPK activation and colony growth of osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Orthotopic injection in vivo of FGFR1-silenced osteosarcoma cells caused a marked twofold to fivefold decrease in spontaneous lung metastases. Similarly, inhibition of FGFR signalling in vivo with the small-molecule inhibitor AZD4547 markedly reduced the number and size of metastatic nodules. Thus deregulated FGFR signalling has an important role in osteoblast transformation and osteosarcoma formation and regulates the development of lung metastases. Our findings support the development of anti-FGFR inhibitors as potential antimetastatic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Weekes
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Takeshi G Kashima
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Carolina Zandueta
- Division of Oncology, Adhesion and Metastasis Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Naiara Perurena
- Division of Oncology, Adhesion and Metastasis Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David P Thomas
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Andrew Sunters
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Céline Vuillier
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ethaar El-Emir
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Isabelle Miletich
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Ana Patiño-Garcia
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- Division of Oncology, Adhesion and Metastasis Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Szabo-Rogers H, Yakob W, Liu KJ. Frontal Bone Insufficiency in Gsk3β Mutant Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149604. [PMID: 26886780 PMCID: PMC4757545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the mammalian skull is a complex process that requires multiple tissue interactions and a balance of growth and differentiation. Disrupting this balance can lead to changes in the shape and size of skull bones, which can have serious clinical implications. For example, insufficient ossification of the bony elements leads to enlarged anterior fontanelles and reduced mechanical protection of the brain. In this report, we find that loss of Gsk3β leads to a fully penetrant reduction of frontal bone size and subsequent enlarged frontal fontanelle. In the absence of Gsk3β the frontal bone primordium undergoes increased cell death and reduced proliferation with a concomitant increase in Fgfr2-IIIc and Twist1 expression. This leads to a smaller condensation and premature differentiation. This phenotype appears to be Wnt-independent and is not rescued by decreasing the genetic dose of β-catenin/Ctnnb1. Taken together, our work defines a novel role for Gsk3β in skull development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Szabo-Rogers
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Floor 27, Tower Wing, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom SE1 9RT
| | - Wardati Yakob
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Floor 27, Tower Wing, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom SE1 9RT
| | - Karen J. Liu
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Floor 27, Tower Wing, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom SE1 9RT
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Naruse M, Shibasaki K, Ishizaki Y. FGF-2 signal promotes proliferation of cerebellar progenitor cells and their oligodendrocytic differentiation at early postnatal stage. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:1091-6. [PMID: 26079890 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The origins and developmental regulation of cerebellar oligodendrocytes are largely unknown, although some hypotheses of embryonic origins have been suggested. Neural stem cells exist in the white matter of postnatal cerebellum, but it is unclear whether these neural stem cells generate oligodendrocytes at postnatal stages. We previously showed that cerebellar progenitor cells, including neural stem cells, widely express CD44 at around postnatal day 3. In the present study, we showed that CD44-positive cells prepared from the postnatal day 3 cerebellum gave rise to neurospheres, while CD44-negative cells prepared from the same cerebellum did not. These neurospheres differentiated mainly into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, suggesting that CD44-positive neural stem/progenitor cells might generate oligodendrocytes in postnatal cerebellum. We cultured CD44-positive cells from the postnatal day 3 cerebellum in the presence of signaling molecules known as mitogens or inductive differentiation factors for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Of these, only FGF-2 promoted survival and proliferation of CD44-positive cells, and these cells differentiated into O4+ oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we examined the effect of FGF-2 on cerebellar oligodendrocyte development ex vivo. FGF-2 enhanced proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and increased the number of O4+ and CC1+ oligodendrocytes in slice cultures. These results suggest that CD44-positive cells might be a source of cerebellar oligodendrocytes and that FGF-2 plays important roles in their development at an early postnatal stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masae Naruse
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Koji Shibasaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yasuki Ishizaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Investigation of genetic factors underlying typical orofacial clefts: mutational screening and copy number variation. J Hum Genet 2014; 60:17-25. [PMID: 25391604 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2014.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Typical orofacial clefts (OFCs) comprise cleft lip, cleft palate and cleft lip and palate. The complex etiology has been postulated to involve chromosome rearrangements, gene mutations and environmental factors. A group of genes including IRF6, FOXE1, GLI2, MSX2, SKI, SATB2, MSX1 and FGF has been implicated in the etiology of OFCs. Recently, the role of the copy number variations (CNVs) has been studied in genetic defects and diseases. CNVs act by modifying gene expression, disrupting gene sequence or altering gene dosage. The aims of this study were to screen the above-mentioned genes and to investigate CNVs in patients with OFCs. The sample was composed of 23 unrelated individuals who were grouped according to phenotype (associated with other anomalies or isolated) and familial recurrence. New sequence variants in GLI2, MSX1 and FGF8 were detected in patients, but not in their parents, as well as in 200 control chromosomes, indicating that these were rare variants. CNV screening identified new genes that can influence OFC pathogenesis, particularly highlighting TCEB3 and KIF7, that could be further analyzed. The findings of the present study suggest that the mechanism underlying CNV associated with sequence variants may play a role in the etiology of OFC.
Collapse
|
26
|
Meier F, Giesert F, Delic S, Faus-Kessler T, Matheus F, Simeone A, Hölter SM, Kühn R, Weisenhorn DMV, Wurst W, Prakash N. FGF/FGFR2 signaling regulates the generation and correct positioning of Bergmann glia cells in the developing mouse cerebellum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101124. [PMID: 24983448 PMCID: PMC4077754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal cellular organization and layering of the vertebrate cerebellum is established during embryonic and early postnatal development by the interplay of a complex array of genetic and signaling pathways. Disruption of these processes and of the proper layering of the cerebellum usually leads to ataxic behaviors. Here, we analyzed the relative contribution of Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)-mediated signaling to cerebellar development in conditional Fgfr2 single mutant mice. We show that during embryonic mouse development, Fgfr2 expression is higher in the anterior cerebellar primordium and excluded from the proliferative ventricular neuroepithelium. Consistent with this finding, conditional Fgfr2 single mutant mice display the most prominent defects in the anterior lobules of the adult cerebellum. In this context, FGFR2-mediated signaling is required for the proper generation of Bergmann glia cells and the correct positioning of these cells within the Purkinje cell layer, and for cell survival in the developing cerebellar primordium. Using cerebellar microexplant cultures treated with an FGFR agonist (FGF9) or antagonist (SU5402), we also show that FGF9/FGFR-mediated signaling inhibits the outward migration of radial glia and Bergmann glia precursors and cells, and might thus act as a positioning cue for these cells. Altogether, our findings reveal the specific functions of the FGFR2-mediated signaling pathway in the generation and positioning of Bergmann glia cells during cerebellar development in the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Meier
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Florian Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sabit Delic
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Faus-Kessler
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Matheus
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Simeone
- Centre of Genetics Engineering (CEINGE) Biotecnologie Avanzate, European School of Molecular Medicine and Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabine M. Hölter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kühn
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniela M. Vogt. Weisenhorn
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Standort München, München, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, München, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Standort München, München, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
- * E-mail: (WW) (WW); (NP) (NP)
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail: (WW) (WW); (NP) (NP)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jackson A, Kasah S, Mansour SL, Morrow B, Basson MA. Endoderm-specific deletion of Tbx1 reveals an FGF-independent role for Tbx1 in pharyngeal apparatus morphogenesis. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:1143-51. [PMID: 24812002 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The T-box transcription factor Tbx1, is essential for the normal development of multiple organ systems in the embryo. One of the most striking phenotypes in Tbx1-/- embryos is the failure of the caudal pharyngeal pouches to evaginate from the foregut endoderm. Despite considerable interest in the role of Tbx1 in development, the mechanisms whereby Tbx1 controls caudal pouch formation have remained elusive. In particular, the question as to how Tbx1 expression in the pharyngeal endoderm regulates pharyngeal pouch morphogenesis in the mouse embryo is not known. RESULTS To address this question, we produced mouse embryos in which Tbx1 was specifically deleted from the pharyngeal endoderm and, as expected, embryos failed to form caudal pharyngeal pouches. To determine the molecular mechanism, we examined expression of Fgf3 and Fgf8 ligands and downstream effectors. Although Fgf8 expression is greatly reduced in Tbx1-deficient endoderm, FGF signaling levels are unaffected. Furthermore, pouch morphogenesis is only partially perturbed by the loss of both Fgf3 and Fgf8 from the endoderm, indicating that neither are required for pouch formation. CONCLUSIONS Tbx1 deletion from the pharyngeal endoderm is sufficient to cause caudal pharyngeal arch segmentation defects by FGF-independent effectors that remain to be identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Jackson
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gardiner JR, Jackson AL, Gordon J, Lickert H, Manley NR, Basson MA. Localised inhibition of FGF signalling in the third pharyngeal pouch is required for normal thymus and parathyroid organogenesis. Development 2012; 139:3456-66. [PMID: 22912418 DOI: 10.1242/dev.079400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The thymus and parathyroid glands are derived from the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm. The mechanisms that establish distinct molecular domains in the third pouch and control the subsequent separation of these organ primordia from the pharynx are poorly understood. Here, we report that mouse embryos that lack two FGF feedback antagonists, Spry1 and Spry2, display parathyroid and thymus hypoplasia and a failure of these organ primordia to completely separate from the pharynx. We show that FGF ligands and downstream reporter genes are expressed in highly regionalised patterns in the third pouch and that sprouty gene deletion results in upregulated FGF signalling throughout the pouch endoderm. As a consequence, the initiation of markers of parathyroid and thymus fate is altered. In addition, a normal apoptotic programme that is associated with the separation of the primordia from the pharynx is disrupted, resulting in the maintenance of a thymus-pharynx attachment and a subsequent inability of the thymus to migrate to its appropriate position above the heart. We demonstrate that the sprouty genes function in the pharyngeal endoderm itself to control these processes and that the defects in sprouty-deficient mutants are, at least in part, due to hyper-responsiveness to Fgf8. Finally, we provide evidence to suggest that parathyroid hypoplasia in these mutants is due to early gene expression defects in the third pouch, whereas thymus hypoplasia is caused by reduced proliferation of thymic epithelial cells in the thymus primordium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Gardiner
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King's College London, 27th floor, Guy's Tower, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Distinct roles for fibroblast growth factor signaling in cerebellar development and medulloblastoma. Oncogene 2012; 32:4181-8. [PMID: 23045271 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar granule neurons are the most abundant neurons in the brain, and a critical element of the circuitry that controls motor coordination and learning. In addition, granule neuron precursors (GNPs) are thought to represent cells of origin for medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Thus, understanding the signals that control the growth and differentiation of these cells has important implications for neurobiology and neurooncology. Our previous studies have shown that proliferation of GNPs is regulated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and that aberrant activation of the Shh pathway can lead to medulloblastoma. Moreover, we have demonstrated that Shh-dependent proliferation of GNPs and medulloblastoma cells can be blocked by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). But while the mitogenic effects of Shh signaling have been confirmed in vivo, the inhibitory effects of bFGF have primarily been studied in culture. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking FGF signaling in GNPs exhibit no discernable changes in GNP proliferation or differentiation. In contrast, activation of FGF signaling has a potent effect on tumor growth: treatment of medulloblastoma cells with bFGF prevents them from forming tumors following transplantation, and inoculation of tumor-bearing mice with bFGF markedly inhibits tumor growth in vivo. These results suggest that activators of FGF signaling may be useful for targeting medulloblastoma and other Shh-dependent tumors.
Collapse
|
30
|
Macià A, Gallel P, Vaquero M, Gou-Fabregas M, Santacana M, Maliszewska A, Robledo M, Gardiner JR, Basson MA, Matias-Guiu X, Encinas M. Sprouty1 is a candidate tumor-suppressor gene in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Oncogene 2012; 31:3961-72. [PMID: 22158037 PMCID: PMC3378485 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignancy derived from the calcitonin-producing C-cells of the thyroid gland. Oncogenic mutations of the Ret proto-oncogene are found in all heritable forms of MTC and roughly one half of the sporadic cases. However, several lines of evidence argue for the existence of additional genetic lesions necessary for the development of MTC. Sprouty (Spry) family of genes is composed of four members in mammals (Spry1-4). Some Spry family members have been proposed as candidate tumor-suppressor genes in a variety of cancerous pathologies. In this work, we show that targeted deletion of Spry1 causes C-cell hyperplasia, a precancerous lesion preceding MTC, in young adult mice. Expression of Spry1 restrains proliferation of the MTC-derived cell line, TT. Finally, we found that the Spry1 promoter is frequently methylated in MTC and that Spry1 expression is consequently decreased. These findings identify Spry1 as a candidate tumor-suppressor gene in MTC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Medullary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Medullary/pathology
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- DNA Methylation
- Female
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Precancerous Conditions/pathology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Proto-Oncogene Mas
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret/genetics
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Sequence Deletion
- Thyroid Gland/metabolism
- Thyroid Gland/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Macià
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Pilar Gallel
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Marta Vaquero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Myriam Gou-Fabregas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Santacana
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Agnieszka Maliszewska
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - M. Albert Basson
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King’s College London, UK
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mario Encinas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
White JJ, Sillitoe RV. Development of the cerebellum: from gene expression patterns to circuit maps. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 2:149-64. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
32
|
Hébert JM. FGFs: Neurodevelopment's Jack-of-all-Trades - How Do They Do it? Front Neurosci 2011; 5:133. [PMID: 22164131 PMCID: PMC3230033 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
From neurulation to postnatal processes, the requirements for FGF signaling in many aspects of neural precursor cell biology have been well documented. However, identifying a requirement for FGFs in a particular neurogenic process provides only an initial and superficial understanding of what FGF signaling is doing. How FGFs specify cell types in one instance, yet promote cell survival, proliferation, migration, or differentiation in other instances remains largely unknown and is key to understanding how they function. This review describes what we have learned primarily from in vivo vertebrate studies about the roles of FGF signaling in neurulation, anterior–posterior patterning of the neural plate, brain patterning from local signaling centers, and finally neocortex development as an example of continued roles for FGFs within the same brain area. The potential explanations for the diverse functions of FGFs through differential interactions with cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors is then discussed with an emphasis on how little we know about the modulation of FGF signaling in vivo. A clearer picture of the mechanisms involved is nevertheless essential to understand the behavior of neural precursor cells and to potentially guide their fates for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Hébert
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yu T, Yaguchi Y, Echevarria D, Martinez S, Basson MA. Sprouty genes prevent excessive FGF signalling in multiple cell types throughout development of the cerebellum. Development 2011; 138:2957-68. [PMID: 21693512 DOI: 10.1242/dev.063784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and regulators of the FGF signalling pathway are expressed in several cell types within the cerebellum throughout its development. Although much is known about the function of this pathway during the establishment of the cerebellar territory during early embryogenesis, the role of this pathway during later developmental stages is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the function of sprouty genes (Spry1, Spry2 and Spry4), which encode feedback antagonists of FGF signalling, during cerebellar development in the mouse. Simultaneous deletion of more than one of these genes resulted in a number of defects, including mediolateral expansion of the cerebellar vermis, reduced thickness of the granule cell layer and abnormal foliation. Analysis of cerebellar development revealed that the anterior cerebellar neuroepithelium in the early embryonic cerebellum was expanded and that granule cell proliferation during late embryogenesis and early postnatal development was reduced. We show that the granule cell proliferation deficit correlated with reduced sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression and signalling. A reduction in Fgfr1 dosage during development rescued these defects, confirming that the abnormalities are due to excess FGF signalling. Our data indicate that sprouty acts both cell autonomously in granule cell precursors and non-cell autonomously to regulate granule cell number. Taken together, our data demonstrate that FGF signalling levels have to be tightly controlled throughout cerebellar development in order to maintain the normal development of multiple cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yu
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cyr AB, Nimmakayalu M, Longmuir SQ, Patil SR, Keppler-Noreuil KM, Shchelochkov OA. A novel 4p16.3 microduplication distal to WHSC1 and WHSC2 characterized by oligonucleotide array with new phenotypic features. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:2224-8. [PMID: 21815251 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Larger imbalances on chromosome 4p in the form of deletions associated with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) and duplications of chromosome 4p have a defined clinical phenotype. The critical region for both these clinical disorders has been narrowed based on the genotype-phenotype correlations. However, cryptic rearrangements in this region have been reported infrequently. We report on a male patient with a microduplication of chromosome 4p, who presents with findings of macrocephaly, irregular iris pigmentation-heterochromia, and preserved linear growth in addition to overlapping features of trisomy 4p such as seizures, delayed psychomotor development, and dysmorphic features including prominent glabella, low-set ears, and short neck. Using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray, we have identified a novel submicroscopic duplication involving dosage sensitive genes TACC3, FGFR3, and LETM1. The microduplication did not involve WHSC1 and WHSC2 which are considered in the critical region for WHS and trisomy 4p. This patient's presentation and genomic findings help further delineate clinical significance of re-arrangements in the 4p16 region without the involvement of WHS critical region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Cyr
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cai N, Kurachi M, Shibasaki K, Okano-Uchida T, Ishizaki Y. CD44-Positive Cells Are Candidates for Astrocyte Precursor Cells in Developing Mouse Cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2011; 11:181-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-011-0294-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
36
|
Defective Wnt-dependent cerebellar midline fusion in a mouse model of Joubert syndrome. Nat Med 2011; 17:726-31. [PMID: 21623382 PMCID: PMC3110639 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The ciliopathy Joubert syndrome is marked by cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, a phenotype for which the pathogenic mechanism is unclear1–3. In order to investigate Joubert syndrome pathogenesis, we have examined mice with mutated Ahi1, the first identified Joubert syndrome gene4,5. These mice exhibit cerebellar hypoplasia with a vermis/midline fusion defect early in development. This defect is concomitant with expansion of the roof plate and is also evident in a mouse mutant for another Joubert syndrome gene, Cep2906,7. Further, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from human subjects with Joubert syndrome reveals a similar midline cleft suggesting parallel pathogenic mechanisms. Previous evidence has suggested a role for Jouberin (Jbn), the protein encoded by Ahi1, in canonical Wnt signaling8. Consistent with this, we found decreased Wnt reporter activity at the site of hemisphere fusion in the developing cerebellum of Ahi1 mutant mice. This decrease was accompanied by reduced proliferation at the site of fusion. Finally, treatment with lithium, a Wnt pathway agonist9, partially rescued this phenotype. Our findings implicate a defect in Wnt signaling in the cerebellar midline phenotype seen in Joubert syndrome, which can be overcome with Wnt stimulation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Porntaveetus T, Otsuka-Tanaka Y, Basson MA, Moon AM, Sharpe PT, Ohazama A. Expression of fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) in murine tooth development. J Anat 2011; 218:534-43. [PMID: 21332717 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2011.01352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fgf signalling is known to play critical roles in tooth development. Twenty-two Fgf ligands have been identified in mammals, but expression of only 10 in molars and three in the incisor loop stem cell region have been documented in murine tooth development. Our understanding of Fgf signalling in tooth development thus remains incomplete and we therefore carried out comparative in situ hybridisation analysis of unexamined Fgf ligands (eight in molars and 15 in cervical loops of incisors; Fgf11-Fgf14 were excluded from this analysis because they are not secreted and do not activate Fgf receptors) during tooth development. To identify where Fgf signalling is activated, we also examined the expression of Etv4 and Etv5, considered to be transcriptional targets of the Fgf signalling pathway. In molar tooth development, the expression of Fgf15 and Fgf20 was restricted to the primary enamel knots, whereas Etv4 and Etv5 were expressed in cells surrounding the primary enamel knots. Fgf20 expression was observed in the secondary enamel knots, whereas Fgf15 showed localised expression in the adjacent mesenchyme. Fgf16, Etv4 and Etv5 were strongly expressed in the ameloblasts of molars. In the incisor cervical loop stem cell region, Fgf17, Fgf18, Etv4 and Etv5 showed a restricted expression pattern. These molecules thus show dynamic temporo-spatial expression in murine tooth development. We also analysed teeth in Fgf15(-/-) and Fgf15(-/-) ;Fgf8(+/-) mutant mice. Neither mutant showed significant abnormalities in tooth development, indicating likely functional redundancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thantrira Porntaveetus
- Department of Craniofacial Development, Dental Institute, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gould P, Kamnasaran D. Immunohistochemical analyses of NPAS3 expression in the developing human fetal brain. Anat Histol Embryol 2011; 40:196-203. [PMID: 21306425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The NPAS3 gene encodes a transcription factor with disease roles in neurodevelopment, neoplasia and neurobehaviour. We report the first immunohistochemical findings on NPAS3 protein expression in the developing human fetal brain during the three trimesters (10-41 weeks) of gestational development. In the first trimester, NPAS3 expression is largely confined in the nucleus of cells of the ventricular zone. Similarly, strong nuclear expression in the hippocampus is noted as early as the first trimester, but with progressive increases in expression becoming more apparent in the molecular layer and layer III of the maturing neocortex during the second and third trimesters. In the cerebellum, nuclear expression is seen in basket cells and in Bergmann glia, but some cytoplasmic staining present in the internal granule layer of neurons. Findings from this study will assist in understanding the role of NPAS3 in human gestational brain development and consequently the pathological involvement in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Gould
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical Biology, CHAUQ Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, QC, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|