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Erickson JR, Walker SE, Arenas Gomez CM, Echeverri K. Sall4 regulates downstream patterning genes during limb regeneration. Dev Biol 2024; 515:151-159. [PMID: 39067503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.07.015] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Many salamanders can completely regenerate a fully functional limb. Limb regeneration is a carefully coordinated process involving several defined stages. One key event during the regeneration process is the patterning of the blastema to inform cells of what they must differentiate into. Although it is known that many genes involved in the initial development of the limb are re-used during regeneration, the exact molecular circuitry involved in this process is not fully understood. Several large-scale transcriptional profiling studies of axolotl limb regeneration have identified many transcription factors that are up-regulated after limb amputation. Sall4 is a transcription factor that has been identified to play essential roles in maintaining cells in an undifferentiated state during development and also plays a unique role in limb development. Inactivation of Sall4 during limb bud development results in defects in anterior-posterior patterning of the limb. Sall4 has been found to be up-regulated during limb regeneration in both Xenopus and salamanders, but to date it function has been untested. We confirmed that Sall4 is up-regulated during limb regeneration in the axolotl using qRT-PCR and identified that it is present in the skin cells and also in cells within the blastema. Using CRISPR technology we microinjected gRNAs specific for Sall4 complexed with cas9 protein into the blastema to specifically knockout Sall4 in blastema cells only. This resulted in limb regenerate defects, including missing digits, fusion of digit elements, and defects in the radius and ulna. This suggests that during regeneration Sall4 may play a similar role in regulating the specification of anterior-proximal skeletal elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Erickson
- Department of Genetics, Dell Biology and Development, Stell Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S E Walker
- Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Chicago, Eugene Bell Center for Regeneration Biology and Tissue Engineering, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - C M Arenas Gomez
- Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Chicago, Eugene Bell Center for Regeneration Biology and Tissue Engineering, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - K Echeverri
- Department of Genetics, Dell Biology and Development, Stell Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Chicago, Eugene Bell Center for Regeneration Biology and Tissue Engineering, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
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2
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Bedelbaeva K, Cameron B, Latella J, Aslanukov A, Gourevitch D, Davuluri R, Heber-Katz E. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: an organizing principle of mammalian regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1101480. [PMID: 37965571 PMCID: PMC10641390 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1101480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The MRL mouse strain is one of the few examples of a mammal capable of healing appendage wounds by regeneration, a process that begins with the formation of a blastema, a structure containing de-differentiating mesenchymal cells. HIF-1α expression in the nascent MRL wound site blastema is one of the earliest identified events and is sufficient to initiate the complete regenerative program. However, HIF-1α regulates many cellular processes modulating the expression of hundreds of genes. A later signal event is the absence of a functional G1 checkpoint, leading to G2 cell cycle arrest with increased cellular DNA but little cell division observed in the blastema. This lack of mitosis in MRL blastema cells is also a hallmark of regeneration in classical invertebrate and vertebrate regenerators such as planaria, hydra, and newt. Results and discussion: Here, we explore the cellular events occurring between HIF-1α upregulation and its regulation of the genes involved in G2 arrest (EVI-5, γH3, Wnt5a, and ROR2), and identify epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (Twist and Slug) and chromatin remodeling (EZH-2 and H3K27me3) as key intermediary processes. The locus of these cellular events is highly regionalized within the blastema, occurring in the same cells as determined by double staining by immunohistochemistry and FACS analysis, and appears as EMT and chromatin remodeling, followed by G2 arrest determined by kinetic expression studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Bedelbaeva
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | - Benjamin Cameron
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | - John Latella
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | - Azamat Aslanukov
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Ellen Heber-Katz
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, United States
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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3
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Mahapatra C, Naik P, Swain SK, Mohapatra PP. Unravelling the limb regeneration mechanisms of Polypedates maculatus, a sub-tropical frog, by transcriptomics. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:122. [PMID: 36927452 PMCID: PMC10022135 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regeneration studies help to understand the strategies that replace a lost or damaged organ and provide insights into approaches followed in regenerative medicine and engineering. Amphibians regenerate their limbs effortlessly and are indispensable models to study limb regeneration. Xenopus and axolotl are the key models for studying limb regeneration but recent studies on non-model amphibians have revealed species specific differences in regeneration mechanisms. RESULTS The present study describes the de novo transcriptome of intact limbs and three-day post-amputation blastemas of tadpoles and froglets of the Asian tree frog Polypedates maculatus, a non-model amphibian species commonly found in India. Differential gene expression analysis between early tadpole and froglet limb blastemas discovered species-specific novel regulators of limb regeneration. The present study reports upregulation of proteoglycans, such as epiphycan, chondroadherin, hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1, collagens 2,5,6, 9 and 11, several tumour suppressors and methyltransferases in the P. maculatus tadpole blastemas. Differential gene expression analysis between tadpole and froglet limbs revealed that in addition to the expression of larval-specific haemoglobin and glycoproteins, an upregulation of cysteine and serine protease inhibitors and downregulation of serine proteases, antioxidants, collagenases and inflammatory genes in the tadpole limbs were essential for creating an environment that would support regeneration. Dermal myeloid cells were GAG+, EPYC+, INMT+, LEF1+ and SALL4+ and seemed to migrate from the unamputated regions of the tadpole limb to the blastema. On the other hand, the myeloid cells of the froglet limb blastemas were few and probably contributed to sustained inflammation resulting in healing. CONCLUSIONS Studies on non-model amphibians give insights into alternate tactics for limb regeneration which can help devise a plethora of methods in regenerative medicine and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuckoo Mahapatra
- P.G. Department of Zoology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha, 757003, India.
| | - Pranati Naik
- P.G. Department of Zoology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha, 757003, India
| | - Sumanta Kumar Swain
- P.G. Department of Zoology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha, 757003, India
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4
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Min S, Whited JL. Limb blastema formation: How much do we know at a genetic and epigenetic level? J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102858. [PMID: 36596359 PMCID: PMC9898764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of missing body parts is an incredible ability which is present in a wide number of species. However, this regenerative capability varies among different organisms. Urodeles (salamanders) are able to completely regenerate limbs after amputation through the essential process of blastema formation. The blastema is a collection of relatively undifferentiated progenitor cells that proliferate and repattern to form the internal tissues of a regenerated limb. Understanding blastema formation in salamanders may enable comparative studies with other animals, including mammals, with more limited regenerative abilities and may inspire future therapeutic approaches in humans. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge about how limb blastemas form in salamanders, highlighting both the possible roles of epigenetic controls in this process as well as limitations to scientific understanding that present opportunities for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwon Min
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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5
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Sousounis K, Courtemanche K, Whited JL. A Practical Guide for CRISPR-Cas9-Induced Mutations in Axolotls. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2562:335-349. [PMID: 36272086 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2659-7_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a powerful tool that enables editing of the axolotl genome. In this chapter, we will cover how to retrieve gene sequences, confirm annotation, design CRISPR targets, analyze indels, and screen for Crispant axolotls. This is a comprehensive guide on how to use CRISPR on your favorite gene and gain insights into its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sousounis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katharine Courtemanche
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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6
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Schraverus H, Larondelle Y, Page MM. Beyond the Lab: What We Can Learn about Cancer from Wild and Domestic Animals. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246177. [PMID: 36551658 PMCID: PMC9776354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer research has benefited immensely from the use of animal models. Several genetic tools accessible in rodent models have provided valuable insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms linked to cancer development or metastasis and various lines are available. However, at the same time, it is important to accompany these findings with those from alternative or non-model animals to offer new perspectives into the understanding of tumor development, prevention, and treatment. In this review, we first discuss animals characterized by little or no tumor development. Cancer incidence in small animals, such as the naked mole rat, blind mole rat and bats have been reported as almost negligible and tumor development may be inhibited by increased defense and repair mechanisms, altered cell cycle signaling and reduced rates of cell migration to avoid tumor microenvironments. On the other end of the size spectrum, large animals such as elephants and whales also appear to have low overall cancer rates, possibly due to gene replicates that are involved in apoptosis and therefore can inhibit uncontrolled cell cycle progression. While it is important to determine the mechanisms that lead to cancer protection in these animals, we can also take advantage of other animals that are highly susceptible to cancer, especially those which develop tumors similar to humans, such as carnivores or poultry. The use of such animals does not require the transplantation of malignant cancer cells or use of oncogenic substances as they spontaneously develop tumors of similar presentation and pathophysiology to those found in humans. For example, some tumor suppressor genes are highly conserved between humans and domestic species, and various tumors develop in similar ways or because of a common environment. These animals are therefore of great interest for broadening perspectives and techniques and for gathering information on the tumor mechanisms of certain types of cancer. Here we present a detailed review of alternative and/or non-model vertebrates, that can be used at different levels of cancer research to open new perspectives and fields of action.
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7
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Lovely AM, Duerr TJ, Qiu Q, Galvan S, Voss SR, Monaghan JR. Wnt Signaling Coordinates the Expression of Limb Patterning Genes During Axolotl Forelimb Development and Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814250. [PMID: 35531102 PMCID: PMC9068880 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After amputation, axolotl salamanders can regenerate their limbs, but the degree to which limb regeneration recapitulates limb development remains unclear. One limitation in answering this question is our lack of knowledge about salamander limb development. Here, we address this question by studying expression patterns of genes important for limb patterning during axolotl salamander limb development and regeneration. We focus on the Wnt signaling pathway because it regulates multiple functions during tetrapod limb development, including limb bud initiation, outgrowth, patterning, and skeletal differentiation. We use fluorescence in situ hybridization to show the expression of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, and limb patterning genes in developing and regenerating limbs. Inhibition of Wnt ligand secretion permanently blocks limb bud outgrowth when treated early in limb development. Inhibiting Wnt signaling during limb outgrowth decreases the expression of critical signaling genes, including Fgf10, Fgf8, and Shh, leading to the reduced outgrowth of the limb. Patterns of gene expression are similar between developing and regenerating limbs. Inhibition of Wnt signaling during regeneration impacted patterning gene expression similarly. Overall, our findings suggest that limb development and regeneration utilize Wnt signaling similarly. It also provides new insights into the interaction of Wnt signaling with other signaling pathways during salamander limb development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J. Duerr
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qingchao Qiu
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - James R. Monaghan
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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Aztekin C, Hiscock TW, Gurdon J, Jullien J, Marioni J, Simons BD. Secreted inhibitors drive the loss of regeneration competence in Xenopus limbs. Development 2021; 148:269060. [PMID: 34105722 PMCID: PMC8217717 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Absence of a specialized wound epidermis is hypothesized to block limb regeneration in higher vertebrates. However, the factors preventing its formation in regeneration-incompetent animals are poorly understood. To characterize the endogenous molecular and cellular regulators of specialized wound epidermis formation in Xenopus laevis tadpoles, and the loss of their regeneration competency during development, we used single-cell transcriptomics and ex vivo regenerating limb cultures. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the specialized wound epidermis is not a novel cell state, but a re-deployment of the apical-ectodermal-ridge (AER) programme underlying limb development. Enrichment of secreted inhibitory factors, including Noggin, a morphogen expressed in developing cartilage/bone progenitor cells, are identified as key inhibitors of AER cell formation in regeneration-incompetent tadpoles. These factors can be overridden by Fgf10, which operates upstream of Noggin and blocks chondrogenesis. These results indicate that manipulation of the extracellular environment and/or chondrogenesis may provide a strategy to restore regeneration potential in higher vertebrates. Summary: Secreted inhibitors associated with chondrogenic progression inhibit AER cell formation and restrict limb regeneration potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Aztekin
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Tom W Hiscock
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.,Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Health Campus, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - John Gurdon
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Jerome Jullien
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.,Nantes Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - John Marioni
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.,EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Benjamin David Simons
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.,Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
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9
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Wang MH, Hsu CL, Wu CH, Chiou LL, Tsai YT, Lee HS, Lin SP. Timing Does Matter: Nerve-Mediated HDAC1 Paces the Temporal Expression of Morphogenic Genes During Axolotl Limb Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641987. [PMID: 34041236 PMCID: PMC8143519 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sophisticated axolotl limb regeneration is a highly orchestrated process that requires highly regulated gene expression and epigenetic modification patterns at precise positions and timings. We previously demonstrated two waves of post-amputation expression of a nerve-mediated repressive epigenetic modulator, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), at the wound healing (3 days post-amputation; 3 dpa) and blastema formation (8 dpa onward) stages in juvenile axolotls. Limb regeneration was profoundly inhibited by local injection of an HDAC inhibitor, MS-275, at the amputation sites. To explore the transcriptional response of post-amputation axolotl limb regeneration in a tissue-specific and time course-dependent manner after MS-275 treatment, we performed transcriptome sequencing of the epidermis and soft tissue (ST) at 0, 3, and 8 dpa with and without MS-275 treatment. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of each coregulated gene cluster revealed a complex array of functional pathways in both the epidermis and ST. In particular, HDAC activities were required to inhibit the premature elevation of genes related to tissue development, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Further validation by Q-PCR in independent animals demonstrated that the expression of 5 out of 6 development- and regeneration-relevant genes that should only be elevated at the blastema stage was indeed prematurely upregulated at the wound healing stage when HDAC1 activity was inhibited. WNT pathway-associated genes were also prematurely activated under HDAC1 inhibition. Applying a WNT inhibitor to MS-275-treated amputated limbs partially rescued HDAC1 inhibition, resulting in blastema formation defects. We propose that post-amputation HDAC1 expression is at least partially responsible for pacing the expression timing of morphogenic genes to facilitate proper limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hui Wang
- College of Bioresources and Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lang Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ling Chiou
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tzang Tsai
- College of Bioresources and Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Shu Lee
- College of Bioresources and Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- College of Bioresources and Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center of Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,The Research Center of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Wei X, Li H, Guo Y, Zhao X, Liu Y, Zou X, Zhou L, Yuan Y, Qin Y, Mao C, Huang G, Yu Y, Deng Q, Feng W, Xu J, Wang M, Liu S, Yang H, Liu L, Liu C, Gu Y. An ATAC-seq Dataset Uncovers the Regulatory Landscape During Axolotl Limb Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:651145. [PMID: 33869207 PMCID: PMC8044901 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.651145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hanbo Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Guo
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Yang Liu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zou
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhou
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yating Qin
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyan Mao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Yeya Yu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiuting Deng
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weimin Feng
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangshan Xu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Shanshan Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanyu Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Gu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Huang T, Zuo L, Walczyńska KS, Zhu M, Liang Y. Essential roles of matrix metalloproteinases in axolotl digit regeneration. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:105-113. [PMID: 33783606 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Among vertebrates, urodele amphibians possess a unique ability to regenerate various body parts including limbs. However, reports of their digit regeneration remain scarce, especially information about the related genes. In this study, it was evident that matrix metalloproteinases (mmps) including mmp9, mmp3/10a, and mmp3/10b, which play a crucial role in tissue remodeling, are highly expressed during early stages of digit regeneration in axolotl. Using in situ hybridization, we revealed that wound epidermis and blastema are two major origins of the MMPs during the regeneration process. Additionally, we found that the inhibition of MMPs with GM6001 (a wide-spectrum inhibitor of MMPs) in vivo after amputation disturbed normal digit regeneration process and resulted in malformed regenerates. Furthermore, inhibition of MMPs hindered blastema formation and decreased cell apoptosis at early stages in the digit regenerates. All these points suggest that MMPs are required for digit regeneration, as they play a significant role in the regulation of blastema formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyue Huang
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lingling Zuo
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Katarzyna S Walczyńska
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Mengying Zhu
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yujun Liang
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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12
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Salnikov L, Baramiya MG. From Autonomy to Integration, From Integration to Dynamically Balanced Integrated Co-existence: Non-aging as the Third Stage of Development. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:655315. [PMID: 35822034 PMCID: PMC9261420 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.655315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Reversible senescence at the cellular level emerged together with tissue specialization in Metazoans. However, this reversibility (ability to permanently rejuvenate) through recapitulation of early stages of development, was originally a part of ontogenesis, since the pressure of integrativeness was not dominant. The complication of specialization in phylogenesis narrowed this “freedom of maneuver”, gradually “truncating” remorphogenesis to local epimorphosis and further up to the complete disappearance of remorphogenesis from the ontogenesis repertoire. This evolutionary trend transformed cellular senescence into organismal aging and any recapitulation of autonomy into carcinogenesis. The crown of specialization, Homo sapiens, completed this post-unicellular stage of development, while in the genome all the potential for the next stage of development, which can be called the stage of balanced coexistence of autonomous and integrative dominants within a single whole. Here, completing the substantiation of the new section of developmental biology, we propose to call it Developmental Biogerontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Salnikov
- SibEnzyme US LLC, West Roxbury, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lev Salnikov,
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13
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Arenas Gómez CM, Echeverri K. Salamanders: The molecular basis of tissue regeneration and its relevance to human disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2021; 145:235-275. [PMID: 34074531 PMCID: PMC8186737 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Salamanders are recognized for their ability to regenerate a broad range of tissues. They have also have been used for hundreds of years for classical developmental biology studies because of their large accessible embryos. The range of tissues these animals can regenerate is fascinating, from full limbs to parts of the brain or heart, a potential that is missing in humans. Many promising research efforts are working to decipher the molecular blueprints shared across the organisms that naturally have the capacity to regenerate different tissues and organs. Salamanders are an excellent example of a vertebrate that can functionally regenerate a wide range of tissue types. In this review, we outline some of the significant insights that have been made that are aiding in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tissue regeneration in salamanders and discuss why salamanders are a worthy model in which to study regenerative biology and how this may benefit research fields like regenerative medicine to develop therapies for humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marcela Arenas Gómez
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, University of Chicago, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Karen Echeverri
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, University of Chicago, Woods Hole, MA, United States.
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14
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Vieira WA, Goren S, McCusker CD. ECM-mediated positional cues are able to induce pattern, but not new positional information, during axolotl limb regeneration. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248051. [PMID: 33667253 PMCID: PMC7935289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mexican Axolotl is able to regenerate missing limb structures in any position along the limb axis throughout its life and serves as an excellent model to understand the basic mechanisms of endogenous regeneration. How the new pattern of the regenerating axolotl limb is established has not been completely resolved. An accumulating body of evidence indicates that pattern formation occurs in a hierarchical fashion, which consists of two different types of positional communications. The first type (Type 1) of communication occurs between connective tissue cells, which retain memory of their original pattern information and use this memory to generate the pattern of the regenerate. The second type (Type 2) of communication occurs from connective tissue cells to other cell types in the regenerate, which don’t retain positional memory themselves and arrange themselves according to these positional cues. Previous studies suggest that molecules within the extracellular matrix (ECM) participate in pattern formation in developing and regenerating limbs. However, it is unclear whether these molecules play a role in Type 1 or Type 2 positional communications. Utilizing the Accessory Limb Model, a regenerative assay, and transcriptomic analyses in regenerates that have been reprogrammed by treatment with Retinoic Acid, our data indicates that the ECM likely facilities Type-2 positional communications during limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren A. Vieira
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Shira Goren
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Catherine D. McCusker
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Sanor LD, Flowers GP, Crews CM. Multiplex CRISPR/Cas screen in regenerating haploid limbs of chimeric Axolotls. eLife 2020; 9:48511. [PMID: 31989926 PMCID: PMC6986871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Axolotls and other salamanders can regenerate entire limbs after amputation as adults, and much recent effort has sought to identify the molecular programs controlling this process. While targeted mutagenesis approaches like CRISPR/Cas9 now permit gene-level investigation of these mechanisms, genetic screening in the axolotl requires an extensive commitment of time and space. Previously, we quantified CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutations in the limbs of mosaic mutant axolotls before and after regeneration and found that the regenerated limb is a highfidelity replicate of the original limb (Flowers et al. 2017). Here, we circumvent aforementioned genetic screening limitations and present methods for a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 haploid screen in chimeric axolotls (MuCHaChA), which is a novel platform for haploid genetic screening in animals to identify genes essential for limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Sanor
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Grant Parker Flowers
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
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16
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Tsai SL, Baselga-Garriga C, Melton DA. Midkine is a dual regulator of wound epidermis development and inflammation during the initiation of limb regeneration. eLife 2020; 9:50765. [PMID: 31934849 PMCID: PMC6959999 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of a specialized wound epidermis is required to initiate salamander limb regeneration. Yet little is known about the roles of the early wound epidermis during the initiation of regeneration and the mechanisms governing its development into the apical epithelial cap (AEC), a signaling structure necessary for outgrowth and patterning of the regenerate. Here, we elucidate the functions of the early wound epidermis, and further reveal midkine (mk) as a dual regulator of both AEC development and inflammation during the initiation of axolotl limb regeneration. Through loss- and gain-of-function experiments, we demonstrate that mk acts as both a critical survival signal to control the expansion and function of the early wound epidermis and an anti-inflammatory cytokine to resolve early injury-induced inflammation. Altogether, these findings unveil one of the first identified regulators of AEC development and provide fundamental insights into early wound epidermis function, development, and the initiation of limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Tsai
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Clara Baselga-Garriga
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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17
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Bossuyt F, Schulte LM, Maex M, Janssenswillen S, Novikova PY, Biju SD, Van de Peer Y, Matthijs S, Roelants K, Martel A, Van Bocxlaer I. Multiple Independent Recruitment of Sodefrin Precursor-Like Factors in Anuran Sexually Dimorphic Glands. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 36:1921-1930. [PMID: 31238339 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical signaling in animals often plays a central role in eliciting a variety of responses during reproductive interactions between males and females. One of the best-known vertebrate courtship pheromone systems is sodefrin precursor-like factors (SPFs), a family of two-domain three-finger proteins with a female-receptivity enhancing function, currently only known from salamanders. The oldest divergence between active components in a single salamander species dates back to the Late Paleozoic, indicating that these proteins potentially gained a pheromone function earlier in amphibian evolution. Here, we combined whole transcriptome sequencing, proteomics, histology, and molecular phylogenetics in a comparative approach to investigate SPF occurrence in male breeding glands across the evolutionary tree of anurans (frogs and toads). Our study shows that multiple families of both terrestrially and aquatically reproducing frogs have substantially increased expression levels of SPFs in male breeding glands. This suggests that multiple anuran lineages make use of SPFs to complement acoustic and visual sexual signaling during courtship. Comparative analyses show that anurans independently recruited these proteins each time the gland location on the male's body allowed efficient transmission of the secretion to the female's nares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa M Schulte
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Wildlife-/Zoo-Animal-Biology and Systematics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Margo Maex
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sunita Janssenswillen
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Polina Yu Novikova
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S D Biju
- Systematics Lab, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Severine Matthijs
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Roelants
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology, and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ines Van Bocxlaer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Okumura A, Hayashi T, Ebisawa M, Yoshimura M, Sasagawa Y, Nikaido I, Umesono Y, Mochii M. Cell type-specific transcriptome analysis unveils secreted signaling molecule genes expressed in apical epithelial cap during appendage regeneration. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 61:447-456. [PMID: 31713234 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Wound epidermis (WE) and the apical epithelial cap (AEC) are believed to trigger regeneration of amputated appendages such as limb and tail in amphibians by producing certain secreted signaling molecules. To date, however, only limited information about the molecular signatures of these epidermal structures is available. Here we used a transgenic Xenopus laevis line harboring the enhanced green fluorescent protein (egfp) gene under control of an es1 gene regulatory sequence to isolate WE/AEC cells by performing fluorescence-activated cell sorting during the time course of tail regeneration (day 1, day 2, day 3 and day 4 after amputation). Time-course transcriptome analysis of these isolated WE/AEC cells revealed that more than 8,000 genes, including genes involved in signaling pathways such as those of reactive oxygen species, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), canonical and non-canonical Wnt, transforming growth factor β (TGF β) and Notch, displayed dynamic changes of their expression during tail regeneration. Notably, this approach enabled us to newly identify seven secreted signaling molecule genes (mdk, fstl, slit1, tgfβ1, bmp7.1, angptl2 and egfl6) that are highly expressed in tail AEC cells. Among these genes, five (mdk, fstl, slit1, tgfβ1 and bmp7.1) were also highly expressed in limb AEC cells but the other two (angptl2 and egfl6) are specifically expressed in tail AEC cells. Interestingly, there was no expression of fgf8 in tail WE/AEC cells, whose expression and pivotal role in limb AEC cells have been reported previously. Thus, we identified common and different properties between tail and limb AEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Okumura
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Akou-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masashi Ebisawa
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mika Yoshimura
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yohei Sasagawa
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Itoshi Nikaido
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan.,School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Umesono
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Akou-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Makoto Mochii
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Akou-gun, Hyogo, Japan
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19
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Vieira WA, McCusker CD. Hierarchical pattern formation during amphibian limb regeneration. Biosystems 2019; 183:103989. [PMID: 31295535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2019.103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In 1901 T.H. Morgan proposed in "Regeneration" that pattern formation in amphibian limb regeneration is a stepwise process. Since, biologist have continued to piece together the molecular components of this process to better understand the "patterning code" responsible for regenerate formation. Within this context, several different models have been proposed; however, all are based on one of two underlying hypotheses. The first is the "morphogen hypothesis" that dictates that pattern emerges from localized expression of signaling molecules, which produce differing position-specific cellular responses in receptive cells depending on the intensity of the signal. The second hypothesis is that cells in the remaining tissues retain memory of their patterning information, and use this information to generate new cells with the missing positional identities. A growing body of evidence supports the possibility that these two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive. Here, we propose our theory of hierarchical pattern formation, which consists of 4 basic steps. The first is the existence of cells with positional memory. The second is the communication of positional information through cell-cell interactions in a regeneration-permissive environment. The third step is the induction of molecular signaling centers. And the last step is the interpretation of these signals by specialized cell types to ultimately restore the limb in its entirety. Biological codes are intertwined throughout this model, and we will discuss their multiple roles and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren A Vieira
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Bichirs employ similar genetic pathways for limb regeneration as are used in lungfish and salamanders. Gene 2019; 690:68-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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21
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Liang Y, Rathnayake D, Huang S, Pathirana A, Xu Q, Zhang S. BMP signaling is required for amphioxus tail regeneration. Development 2019; 146:dev.166017. [PMID: 30696711 DOI: 10.1242/dev.166017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Amphioxus, a cephalochordate, is an ideal animal in which to address questions about the evolution of regenerative ability and the mechanisms behind the invertebrate to vertebrate transition in chordates. However, the cellular and molecular basis of tail regeneration in amphioxus remains largely ill-defined. We confirmed that the tail regeneration of amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum is a vertebrate-like epimorphosis process. We performed transcriptome analysis of tail regenerates, which provided many clues for exploring the mechanism of tail regeneration. Importantly, we showed that BMP2/4 and its related signaling pathway components are essential for the process of tail regeneration, revealing an evolutionarily conserved genetic regulatory system involved in regeneration in many metazoans. We serendipitously discovered that bmp2/4 expression is immediately inducible by general wounds and that expression of bmp2/4 can be regarded as a biomarker of wounds in amphioxus. Collectively, our results provide a framework for understanding the evolution and diversity of cellular and molecular events of tail regeneration in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Liang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Delima Rathnayake
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shibo Huang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Anjalika Pathirana
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qiyu Xu
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China .,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
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22
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Tsai SL, Baselga-Garriga C, Melton DA. Blastemal progenitors modulate immune signaling during early limb regeneration. Development 2019; 146:146/1/dev169128. [PMID: 30602532 DOI: 10.1242/dev.169128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastema formation, a hallmark of limb regeneration, requires proliferation and migration of progenitors to the amputation plane. Although blastema formation has been well described, the transcriptional programs that drive blastemal progenitors remain unknown. We transcriptionally profiled dividing and non-dividing cells in regenerating stump tissues, as well as the wound epidermis, during early axolotl limb regeneration. Our analysis revealed unique transcriptional signatures of early dividing cells and, unexpectedly, repression of several core developmental signaling pathways in early regenerating stump tissues. We further identify an immunomodulatory role for blastemal progenitors through interleukin 8 (IL-8), a highly expressed cytokine in subpopulations of early blastemal progenitors. Ectopic il-8 expression in non-regenerating limbs induced myeloid cell recruitment, while IL-8 knockdown resulted in defective myeloid cell retention during late wound healing, delaying regeneration. Furthermore, the il-8 receptor cxcr-1/2 was expressed in myeloid cells, and inhibition of CXCR-1/2 signaling during early stages of limb regeneration prevented regeneration. Altogether, our findings suggest that blastemal progenitors are active early mediators of immune support, and identify CXCR-1/2 signaling as an important immunomodulatory pathway during the initiation of regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Tsai
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Clara Baselga-Garriga
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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23
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Fei JF, Lou WPK, Knapp D, Murawala P, Gerber T, Taniguchi Y, Nowoshilow S, Khattak S, Tanaka EM. Application and optimization of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome engineering in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Nat Protoc 2018; 13:2908-2943. [PMID: 30429597 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-018-0071-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genomic manipulation is essential to the use of model organisms to understand development, regeneration and adult physiology. The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), a type of salamander, exhibits an unparalleled regenerative capability in a spectrum of complex tissues and organs, and therefore serves as a powerful animal model for dissecting mechanisms of regeneration. We describe here an optimized stepwise protocol to create genetically modified axolotls using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The protocol, which takes 7-8 weeks to complete, describes generation of targeted gene knockouts and knock-ins and includes site-specific integration of large targeting constructs. The direct use of purified CAS9-NLS (CAS9 containing a C-terminal nuclear localization signal) protein allows the prompt formation of guide RNA (gRNA)-CAS9-NLS ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, which accelerates the creation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) at targeted genomic loci in single-cell-stage axolotl eggs. With this protocol, a substantial number of F0 individuals harboring a homozygous-type frameshift mutation can be obtained, allowing phenotype analysis in this generation. In the presence of targeting constructs, insertions of exogenous genes into targeted axolotl genomic loci can be achieved at efficiencies of up to 15% in a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) manner. Our protocol bypasses the long generation time of axolotls and allows direct functional analysis in F0 genetically manipulated axolotls. This protocol can be potentially applied to other animal models, especially to organisms with a well-characterized transcriptome but lacking a well-characterized genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Feng Fei
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation (IBRR), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wilson Pak-Kin Lou
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Dunja Knapp
- DFG Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Prayag Murawala
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Gerber
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yuka Taniguchi
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Sergej Nowoshilow
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Shahryar Khattak
- DFG Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elly M Tanaka
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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24
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Stocum DL. Nerves and Proliferation of Progenitor Cells in Limb Regeneration. Dev Neurobiol 2018; 79:468-478. [PMID: 30303627 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Nerves, in conjunction with the apical epidermal cap (AEC), play an important role in the proliferation of the mesenchymal progenitor cells comprising the blastema of regenerating urodele amphibian limbs. Reinnervation after amputation requires factors supplied by the forming blastema, and neurotrophic factors must be present at or above a quantitative threshold for mitosis of the blastema cells. The AEC forms independently of nerves, but requires nerves to be maintained. Urodele limb buds are independent of nerves for regeneration, but innervation imposes a regenerative requirement for nerve factors on their cells as they differentiate. There are three main ideas on the functional relationship between nerves, AEC, and blastema cells: (1) nerves and AEC produce factors with different roles in maintaining progenitor status and mitosis; (2) the AEC produces the factors that promote blastema cell mitosis, but requires nerves to express them; (3) blastema cells, nerves, and AEC all produce the same factor(s) that additively attain the required threshold for mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Stocum
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202
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25
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Arenas Gómez CM, Woodcock RM, Smith JJ, Voss RS, Delgado JP. Using transcriptomics to enable a plethodontid salamander (Bolitoglossa ramosi) for limb regeneration research. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:704. [PMID: 30253734 PMCID: PMC6157048 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tissue regeneration is widely distributed across the tree of life. Among vertebrates, salamanders possess an exceptional ability to regenerate amputated limbs and other complex structures. Thus far, molecular insights about limb regeneration have come from a relatively limited number of species from two closely related salamander families. To gain a broader perspective on the molecular basis of limb regeneration and enhance the molecular toolkit of an emerging plethodontid salamander (Bolitoglossa ramosi), we used RNA-Seq to generate a de novo reference transcriptome and identify differentially expressed genes during limb regeneration. Results Using paired-end Illumina sequencing technology and Trinity assembly, a total of 433,809 transcripts were recovered and we obtained functional annotation for 142,926 non-redundant transcripts of the B. ramosi de novo reference transcriptome. Among the annotated transcripts, 602 genes were identified as differentially expressed during limb regeneration. This list was further processed to identify a core set of genes that exhibit conserved expression changes between B. ramosi and the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), and presumably their common ancestor from approximately 180 million years ago. Conclusions We identified genes from B. ramosi that are differentially expressed during limb regeneration, including multiple conserved protein-coding genes and possible putative species-specific genes. Comparative analyses reveal a subset of genes that show similar patterns of expression with ambystomatid species, which highlights the importance of developing comparative gene expression data for studies of limb regeneration among salamanders. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5076-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Arenas Gómez
- Grupo de Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Universidad de Antioquia, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Torre 2, laboratorio 432. Calle 62 No. 52 - 59, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ryan M Woodcock
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.,Keene State College, Keene, NH, USA
| | - Jeramiah J Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Randal S Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Grupo de Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Universidad de Antioquia, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Torre 2, laboratorio 432. Calle 62 No. 52 - 59, Medellín, Colombia.
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26
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Taghiyar L, Hosseini S, Safari F, Bagheri F, Fani N, Stoddart MJ, Alini M, Eslaminejad MB. New insight into functional limb regeneration: A to Z approaches. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:1925-1943. [PMID: 30011424 DOI: 10.1002/term.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Limb/digit amputation is a common event in humans caused by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. Although the loss of a digit is not lethal, it affects quality of life and imposes high costs on amputees. In recent years, the increasing interest in limb regeneration has led to enhanced scientific knowledge. However, the limited ability to develop functional limb regeneration in the clinical setting suggests that a challenging issue remains in limb regeneration. Recently, the emergence of regenerative engineering is a promising field to address this challenge and close the gap between science and clinical applications. Cell signalling and molecular mechanisms involved in the limb regeneration process have been extensively studied; however, there is still insufficient data on cell therapy and tissue engineering for limb regeneration. In this review, we intend to focus on therapeutic approaches for limb regeneration that are closely related to gene, immune, and stem cell therapies, as well as tissue engineering approaches that take into consideration the peculiar developmental properties of the limbs. In addition, we attempt to identify the challenges of these strategies for limb regeneration studies in terms of clinical settings and as a road map to accomplish the goal of functional human limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Taghiyar
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Hosseini
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nesa Fani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Johnson K, Bateman J, DiTommaso T, Wong AY, Whited JL. Systemic cell cycle activation is induced following complex tissue injury in axolotl. Dev Biol 2018; 433:461-472. [PMID: 29111100 PMCID: PMC5750138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of progenitor cells is crucial to promote tissue repair following injury in adult animals. In the context of successful limb regeneration following amputation, progenitor cells residing within the stump must re-enter the cell cycle to promote regrowth of the missing limb. We demonstrate that in axolotls, amputation is sufficient to induce cell-cycle activation in both the amputated limb and the intact, uninjured contralateral limb. Activated cells were found throughout all major tissue populations of the intact contralateral limb, with internal cellular populations (bone and soft tissue) the most affected. Further, activated cells were additionally found within the heart, liver, and spinal cord, suggesting that amputation induces a common global activation signal throughout the body. Among two other injury models, limb crush and skin excisional wound, only limb crush injuries were capable of inducing cellular responses in contralateral uninjured limbs but did not achieve activation levels seen following limb loss. We found this systemic activation response to injury is independent of formation of a wound epidermis over the amputation plane, suggesting that injury-induced signals alone can promote cellular activation. In mammals, mTOR signaling has been shown to promote activation of quiescent cells following injury, and we confirmed a subset of activated contralateral cells is positive for mTOR signaling within axolotl limbs. These findings suggest that conservation of an early systemic response to injury exists between mammals and axolotls, and propose that a distinguishing feature in species capable of full regeneration is converting this initial activation into sustained and productive growth at the site of regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Johnson
- Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham&Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joel Bateman
- Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham&Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tia DiTommaso
- Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham&Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan Y Wong
- Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham&Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham&Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Arenas Gómez CM, Gómez Molina A, Zapata JD, Delgado JP. Limb regeneration in a direct-developing terrestrial salamander, Bolitoglossa ramosi (Caudata: Plethodontidae): Limb regeneration in plethodontid salamanders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 4:227-235. [PMID: 29299325 PMCID: PMC5743783 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Appendage regeneration is one of the most compelling phenomena in regenerative biology and is extensively studied in axolotls and newts. However, the regenerative capacity in other families of salamanders remains poorly described. Here we characterize the limb regeneration process in Bolitoglossa ramosi, a direct‐developing terrestrial salamander of the plethodontid family. We (1) describe the major morphological features at different stages of limb regeneration, (2) show that appendage regeneration in a terrestrial salamander varies from other amphibians and (3) show that limb regeneration in this species is considerably slower than in axolotls and newts (95 days post‐amputation for complete regeneration) despite having a significantly smaller genome size than axolotls or newts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marcela Arenas Gómez
- Sede de Investigación Universitaria Torre 2, Laboratorio 432, Calle 62 No. 52-59 Medellín Colombia.,Grupo de Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer Universidad de Antioquia Medellin Colombia
| | - Andrea Gómez Molina
- Sede de Investigación Universitaria Torre 2, Laboratorio 432, Calle 62 No. 52-59 Medellín Colombia.,Grupo de Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer Universidad de Antioquia Medellin Colombia
| | - Juliana D Zapata
- Grupo de Investigación en Patobiología Quiró nUniversidad de Antioquia Ciudadela Robledo, Carrera 75 # 65-87, bloque 47, oficina 134 Medellín Colombia
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Sede de Investigación Universitaria Torre 2, Laboratorio 432, Calle 62 No. 52-59 Medellín Colombia.,Grupo de Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer Universidad de Antioquia Medellin Colombia
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29
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Stocum DL. Mechanisms of urodele limb regeneration. REGENERATION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2017; 4:159-200. [PMID: 29299322 PMCID: PMC5743758 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This review explores the historical and current state of our knowledge about urodele limb regeneration. Topics discussed are (1) blastema formation by the proteolytic histolysis of limb tissues to release resident stem cells and mononucleate cells that undergo dedifferentiation, cell cycle entry and accumulation under the apical epidermal cap. (2) The origin, phenotypic memory, and positional memory of blastema cells. (3) The role played by macrophages in the early events of regeneration. (4) The role of neural and AEC factors and interaction between blastema cells in mitosis and distalization. (5) Models of pattern formation based on the results of axial reversal experiments, experiments on the regeneration of half and double half limbs, and experiments using retinoic acid to alter positional identity of blastema cells. (6) Possible mechanisms of distalization during normal and intercalary regeneration. (7) Is pattern formation is a self-organizing property of the blastema or dictated by chemical signals from adjacent tissues? (8) What is the future for regenerating a human limb?
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Stocum
- Department of BiologyIndiana University−Purdue University Indianapolis723 W. Michigan StIndianapolisIN 46202USA
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30
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Abstract
Humans and other mammals are limited in their natural abilities to regenerate lost body parts. By contrast, many salamanders are highly regenerative and can spontaneously replace lost limbs even as adults. Because salamander limbs are anatomically similar to human limbs, knowing how they regenerate should provide important clues for regenerative medicine. Although interest in understanding the mechanics of this process has never wavered, until recently researchers have been vexed by seemingly impenetrable logistics of working with these creatures at a molecular level. Chief among the problems has been the very large size of salamander genomes, and not a single salamander genome has been fully sequenced to date. Recently the enormous gap in sequence information has been bridged by approaches that leverage mRNA as the starting point. Together with functional experimentation, these data are rapidly enabling researchers to finally uncover the molecular mechanisms underpinning the astonishing biological process of limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Haas
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) and Harvard, Klarman Cell Observatory, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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31
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Spina EJ, Guzman E, Zhou H, Kosik KS, Smith WC. A microRNA-mRNA expression network during oral siphon regeneration in Ciona. Development 2017; 144:1787-1797. [PMID: 28432214 DOI: 10.1242/dev.144097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Here we present a parallel study of mRNA and microRNA expression during oral siphon (OS) regeneration in Ciona robusta, and the derived network of their interactions. In the process of identifying 248 mRNAs and 15 microRNAs as differentially expressed, we also identified 57 novel microRNAs, several of which are among the most highly differentially expressed. Analysis of functional categories identified enriched transcripts related to stress responses and apoptosis at the wound healing stage, signaling pathways including Wnt and TGFβ during early regrowth, and negative regulation of extracellular proteases in late stage regeneration. Consistent with the expression results, we found that inhibition of TGFβ signaling blocked OS regeneration. A correlation network was subsequently inferred for all predicted microRNA-mRNA target pairs expressed during regeneration. Network-based clustering associated transcripts into 22 non-overlapping groups, the functional analysis of which showed enrichment of stress response, signaling pathway and extracellular protease categories that could be related to specific microRNAs. Predicted targets of the miR-9 cluster suggest a role in regulating differentiation and the proliferative state of neural progenitors through regulation of the cytoskeleton and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah J Spina
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Elmer Guzman
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Hongjun Zhou
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Kenneth S Kosik
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.,Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - William C Smith
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA .,Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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32
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Milyavsky M, Dickie R. Methylene Blue Assay for Estimation of Regenerative Re-Epithelialization In Vivo. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2017; 23:113-121. [PMID: 28228166 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927617000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The rapidity with which epithelial cells cover a wound surface helps determine whether scarring or scar-less healing results. As methylene blue is a vital dye that is absorbed by damaged tissue but not undamaged epidermis, it can be used to assess wound closure. We sought to develop a quantitative methylene blue exclusion assay to estimate the timeframe for re-epithelialization in regenerating appendages in zebrafish and axolotls, two classic model systems of regeneration. Following application of methylene blue to the amputation plane and extensive washing, the regenerating tail was imaged in vivo until staining was no longer visible. The percent area of the amputation plane positive for methylene blue, representing the area of the amputation plane not yet re-epithelialized, was measured for each time point. The loss of methylene blue occurred rapidly, within ~2.5 h in larval and juvenile axolotls and <1 h in adult zebrafish, consistent with high rates of re-epithelialization in these models of regeneration. The assay allows simple, rapid estimation of the time course for regenerative re-epithelialization without affecting subsequent regenerative ability. This technique will permit comparison of re-epithelialization across different strains and stages, as well as under the influence of various pharmacological inhibitors that affect regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maresha Milyavsky
- Department of Biological Sciences,Towson University,Towson, MD 21252,USA
| | - Renee Dickie
- Department of Biological Sciences,Towson University,Towson, MD 21252,USA
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33
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Huang TY, Chang CC, Cheng NC, Wang MH, Chiou LL, Lee KL, Lee HS. Re-epithelialization of large wound in paedomorphic and metamorphic axolotls. J Morphol 2016; 278:228-235. [PMID: 27859516 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) may heal their skin wounds scar-free in both paedomorphs and metamorphs. In previous studies on small punch skin wounds, rapid re-epithelialisation was noted in these two axolotl morphs. However, large wound size in mammals may affect wound healing. In this study, large circumferential full thickness excision wounds on the hind limbs were created on juvenile paedomorphic and metamorphic axolotls. The results showed re-epithelialisation was more quickly initiated in paedomorphs than in metamorphs after wounding. The migrating rate of epidermis on the wound bed was faster in paedomorphs than in metamorphs and thus completion of re-epithelialisation was faster in paedomorphs than in metamorphs. Within these re-epithelialisation periods, neither basement membrane nor dermis was reformed. Epidermal cell proliferation was detected by EdU-labelling technique. In the normal unwounded skin, epidermal proliferation rate was higher in paedomorphs than in metamorphs. After wounding, the epidermal proliferation rate was significantly lower in the migrating front on the wound bed than in the normal skin in paedomorphs. The EdU-labelling rate between normal skin and migration front was not different in metamorphs. Lacking of more proliferating epidermal cells on the wound bed indicated that the new epidermis here derived rather from migrating epidermal cells than from cell proliferation in situ. In conclusion, re-epithelialisation in the large wound might be fully completed in both morphs despite it was initiated earlier and with faster rate in paedomorphs than in metamorphs. The new epidermis on the wound bed derived mainly from cell migration than by cell proliferation in the re-epithelialisation period. J. Morphol. 278:228-235, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Huang
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Chang
- Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chen Cheng
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hui Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ling Chiou
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Lun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Shu Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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34
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Nogueira AF, Costa CM, Lorena J, Moreira RN, Frota-Lima GN, Furtado C, Robinson M, Amemiya CT, Darnet S, Schneider I. Tetrapod limb and sarcopterygian fin regeneration share a core genetic programme. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13364. [PMID: 27804976 PMCID: PMC5097137 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Salamanders are the only living tetrapods capable of fully regenerating limbs. The discovery of salamander lineage-specific genes (LSGs) expressed during limb regeneration suggests that this capacity is a salamander novelty. Conversely, recent paleontological evidence supports a deeper evolutionary origin, before the occurrence of salamanders in the fossil record. Here we show that lungfishes, the sister group of tetrapods, regenerate their fins through morphological steps equivalent to those seen in salamanders. Lungfish de novo transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression analysis reveal notable parallels between lungfish and salamander appendage regeneration, including strong downregulation of muscle proteins and upregulation of oncogenes, developmental genes and lungfish LSGs. MARCKS-like protein (MLP), recently discovered as a regeneration-initiating molecule in salamander, is likewise upregulated during early stages of lungfish fin regeneration. Taken together, our results lend strong support for the hypothesis that tetrapods inherited a bona fide limb regeneration programme concomitant with the fin-to-limb transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acacio F Nogueira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Carinne M Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Jamily Lorena
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo N Moreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Gabriela N Frota-Lima
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Carolina Furtado
- Unidade Genômica, Programa de Genética, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro 20230-240, Brazil
| | - Mark Robinson
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA
| | - Chris T Amemiya
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Washington 106 Kincaid, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Sylvain Darnet
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Igor Schneider
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
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35
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King BL, Yin VP. A Conserved MicroRNA Regulatory Circuit Is Differentially Controlled during Limb/Appendage Regeneration. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157106. [PMID: 27355827 PMCID: PMC4927183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although regenerative capacity is evident throughout the animal kingdom, it is not equally distributed throughout evolution. For instance, complex limb/appendage regeneration is muted in mammals but enhanced in amphibians and teleosts. The defining characteristic of limb/appendage regenerative systems is the formation of a dedifferentiated tissue, termed blastema, which serves as the progenitor reservoir for regenerating tissues. In order to identify a genetic signature that accompanies blastema formation, we employ next-generation sequencing to identify shared, differentially regulated mRNAs and noncoding RNAs in three different, highly regenerative animal systems: zebrafish caudal fins, bichir pectoral fins and axolotl forelimbs. Results These studies identified a core group of 5 microRNAs (miRNAs) that were commonly upregulated and 5 miRNAs that were commonly downregulated, as well as 4 novel tRNAs fragments with sequences conserved with humans. To understand the potential function of these miRNAs, we built a network of 1,550 commonly differentially expressed mRNAs that had functional relationships to 11 orthologous blastema-associated genes. As miR-21 was the most highly upregulated and most highly expressed miRNA in all three models, we validated the expression of known target genes, including the tumor suppressor, pdcd4, and TGFβ receptor subunit, tgfbr2 and novel putative target genes such as the anti-apoptotic factor, bcl2l13, Choline kinase alpha, chka and the regulator of G-protein signaling, rgs5. Conclusions Our extensive analysis of RNA-seq transcriptome profiling studies in three regenerative animal models, that diverged in evolution ~420 million years ago, reveals a common miRNA-regulated genetic network of blastema genes. These comparative studies extend our current understanding of limb/appendage regeneration by identifying previously unassociated blastema genes and the extensive regulation by miRNAs, which could serve as a foundation for future functional studies to examine the process of natural cellular reprogramming in an injury context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. King
- Kathryn W. Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Mount Desert Island, Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, Maine, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Viravuth P. Yin
- Kathryn W. Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Mount Desert Island, Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, Maine, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Signalling by Transforming Growth Factor Beta Isoforms in Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:jdb4020021. [PMID: 29615587 PMCID: PMC5831781 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling is essential for wound healing, including both non-specific scar formation and tissue-specific regeneration. Specific TGFβ isoforms and downstream mediators of canonical and non-canonical signalling play different roles in each of these processes. Here we review the role of TGFβ signalling during tissue repair, with a particular focus on the prototypic isoforms TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3. We begin by introducing TGFβ signalling and then discuss the role of these growth factors and their key downstream signalling mediators in determining the balance between scar formation and tissue regeneration. Next we discuss examples of the pleiotropic roles of TGFβ ligands during cutaneous wound healing and blastema-mediated regeneration, and how inhibition of the canonical signalling pathway (using small molecule inhibitors) blocks regeneration. Finally, we review various TGFβ-targeting therapeutic strategies that hold promise for enhancing tissue repair.
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37
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Voss SR, Palumbo A, Nagarajan R, Gardiner DM, Muneoka K, Stromberg AJ, Athippozhy AT. Gene expression during the first 28 days of axolotl limb regeneration I: Experimental design and global analysis of gene expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 2:120-136. [PMID: 27168937 PMCID: PMC4860271 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While it is appreciated that global gene expression analyses can provide novel insights about complex biological processes, experiments are generally insufficiently powered to achieve this goal. Here we report the results of a robust microarray experiment of axolotl forelimb regeneration. At each of 20 post‐amputation time points, we estimated gene expression for 10 replicate RNA samples that were isolated from 1 mm of heterogeneous tissue collected from the distal limb tip. We show that the limb transcription program diverges progressively with time from the non‐injured state, and divergence among time adjacent samples is mostly gradual. However, punctuated episodes of transcription were identified for five intervals of time, with four of these coinciding with well‐described stages of limb regeneration—amputation, early bud, late bud, and pallet. The results suggest that regeneration is highly temporally structured and regulated by mechanisms that function within narrow windows of time to coordinate transcription within and across cell types of the regenerating limb. Our results provide an integrative framework for hypothesis generation using this complex and highly informative data set.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Randal Voss
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
| | - Alex Palumbo
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
| | - Radha Nagarajan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
| | - David M Gardiner
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, UC-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ken Muneoka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, USA
| | - Arnold J Stromberg
- Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
| | - Antony T Athippozhy
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA; Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
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38
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Janssenswillen S, Willaert B, Treer D, Vandebergh W, Bossuyt F, Van Bocxlaer I. High pheromone diversity in the male cheek gland of the red-spotted newt Notophthalmus viridescens (Salamandridae). BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:54. [PMID: 25888438 PMCID: PMC4379952 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male salamanders (Urodela) often make use of pheromones that are produced in sexually dimorphic glands to persuade the female into courtship and mating. The mental gland of lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) and dorsal cloacal glands (or abdominal glands) of newts (Salamandridae) have been particularly well studied in that respect. In both families, sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) proteins have been identified as major components of the courtship pheromone system. However, similar to plethodontids, some newts also make use of subtle head glands during courtship, but few pheromones have been characterized from such structures. Males of red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens, Salamandridae) have both cloacal and cheek (genial) glands, and are known to apply secretions to the female's nose by both tail-fanning and cheek-rubbing. Here we combined transcriptomic and phylogenetic analyses to investigate the presence, diversity and evolution of SPF proteins in the cloacal and cheek glands of this species. RESULTS Our analyses indicate that the cheek glands of male N. viridescens produce a similar amount and diversity of SPF isoforms as the cloacal glands in this species. Expression in other tissues was much lower, suggesting that both male-specific courtship glands secrete SPF pheromones during courtship. Our phylogenetic analyses show that N. viridescens expresses a combination of isoforms that stem from four highly diverged evolutionary lineages of SPF variants, that together form a basis for the broad diversity of SPF precursors in the breeding glands. CONCLUSIONS The similar SPF expression of cheek and cloacal glands suggests that this protein family is used for pheromone signalling through cheek rubbing in the red-spotted newt. Since several male salamandrids in other genera have comparable head glands, SPF application via other glands than the cloacal glands may be more widespread than currently appreciated in salamandrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Janssenswillen
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Bert Willaert
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Dag Treer
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Wim Vandebergh
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Franky Bossuyt
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ines Van Bocxlaer
- Biology Department, Amphibian Evolution Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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Flowers GP, Crews CM. Generating and identifying axolotls with targeted mutations using Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1290:279-95. [PMID: 25740494 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2495-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease now enables a reverse genetics approach to investigate the function of genes of interest during regeneration in the axolotl. The process of generating the constructs necessary for targeting a gene of interest is considerably less labor intensive than for other methods of targeted mutagenesis such as Zinc finger nucleases or Transcription activator-like effector nucleases. Here, we describe the identification of targetable sequences in the gene of interest, the construction of unique guide RNAs, the microinjection of these RNAs with Cas9-encoding mRNA, the selection of well-injected animals, and an inexpensive, PCR-based method for identifying highly mutagenized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Parker Flowers
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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Sousounis K, Bhavsar R, Looso M, Krüger M, Beebe J, Braun T, Tsonis PA. Molecular signatures that correlate with induction of lens regeneration in newts: lessons from proteomic analysis. Hum Genomics 2014; 8:22. [PMID: 25496664 PMCID: PMC4271507 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-014-0022-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amphibians have the remarkable ability to regenerate missing body parts. After complete removal of the eye lens, the dorsal but not the ventral iris will transdifferentiate to regenerate an exact replica of the lost lens. We used reverse-phase nano-liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry to detect protein concentrations in dorsal and ventral iris 0, 4, and 8 days post-lentectomy. We performed gene expression comparisons between regeneration and intact timepoints as well as between dorsal and ventral iris. Results Our analysis revealed gene expression patterns associated with the ability of the dorsal iris for transdifferentiation and lens regeneration. Proteins regulating gene expression and various metabolic processes were enriched in regeneration timepoints. Proteins involved in extracellular matrix, gene expression, and DNA-associated functions like DNA repair formed a regeneration-related protein network and were all up-regulated in the dorsal iris. In addition, we investigated protein concentrations in cultured dorsal (transdifferentiation-competent) and ventral (transdifferentiation-incompetent) iris pigmented epithelial (IPE) cells. Our comparative analysis revealed that the ability of dorsal IPE cells to keep memory of their tissue of origin and transdifferentiation is associated with the expression of proteins that specify the dorso-ventral axis of the eye as well as with proteins found highly expressed in regeneration timepoints, especially 8 days post-lentectomy. Conclusions The study deepens our understanding in the mechanism of regeneration by providing protein networks and pathways that participate in the process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40246-014-0022-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sousounis
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
| | - Rital Bhavsar
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
| | - Mario Looso
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Jessica Beebe
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Panagiotis A Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
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Godwin J. The promise of perfect adult tissue repair and regeneration in mammals: Learning from regenerative amphibians and fish. Bioessays 2014; 36:861-71. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201300144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Godwin
- The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI); Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
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Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-derived cells are involved in wound healing responses throughout the body. Unfortunately for mammals, wound repair typically results in scarring and nonfunctional reparation. Among vertebrates, none display such an extensive ability for adult regeneration as urodele amphibians, including 1 of the more popular models: the axolotl. However, a lack of knowledge of axolotl hematopoiesis hinders the use of this animal for the study of hematopoietic cells in scar-free wound healing and tissue regeneration. We used white and cytomegalovirus:green fluorescent protein(+) transgenic white axolotl strains to map sites of hematopoiesis and develop hematopoietic cell transplant methodology. We also established a fluorescence-activated cell sorter enrichment technique for major blood lineages and colony-forming unit assays for hematopoietic progenitors. The liver and spleen are both active sites of hematopoiesis in adult axolotls and contain transplantable HSCs capable of long-term multilineage blood reconstitution. As in zebrafish, use of the white axolotl mutant allows direct visualization of homing, engraftment, and hematopoiesis in real time. Donor-derived hematopoiesis occurred for >2 years in recipients generating stable hematopoietic chimeras. Organ segregation, made possible by embryonic microsurgeries wherein halves of 2 differently colored embryos were joined, indicate that the spleen is the definitive site of adult hematopoiesis.
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Flowers GP, Timberlake AT, Mclean KC, Monaghan JR, Crews CM. Highly efficient targeted mutagenesis in axolotl using Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease. Development 2014; 141:2165-71. [PMID: 24764077 PMCID: PMC4011087 DOI: 10.1242/dev.105072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Among tetrapods, only urodele salamanders, such as the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum, can completely regenerate limbs as adults. The mystery of why salamanders, but not other animals, possess this ability has for generations captivated scientists seeking to induce this phenomenon in other vertebrates. Although many recent advances in molecular biology have allowed limb regeneration and tissue repair in the axolotl to be investigated in increasing detail, the molecular toolkit for the study of this process has been limited. Here, we report that the CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease system can efficiently create mutations at targeted sites within the axolotl genome. We identify individual animals treated with RNA-guided nucleases that have mutation frequencies close to 100% at targeted sites. We employ this technique to completely functionally ablate EGFP expression in transgenic animals and recapitulate developmental phenotypes produced by loss of the conserved gene brachyury. Thus, this advance allows a reverse genetic approach in the axolotl and will undoubtedly provide invaluable insight into the mechanisms of salamanders' unique regenerative ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Parker Flowers
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Andrew T. Timberlake
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kaitlin C. Mclean
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - James R. Monaghan
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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DuBuc TQ, Traylor-Knowles N, Martindale MQ. Initiating a regenerative response; cellular and molecular features of wound healing in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. BMC Biol 2014; 12:24. [PMID: 24670243 PMCID: PMC4229989 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-12-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wound healing is the first stage of a series of cellular events that are necessary to initiate a regenerative response. Defective wound healing can block regeneration even in animals with a high regenerative capacity. Understanding how signals generated during wound healing promote regeneration of lost structures is highly important, considering that virtually all animals have the ability to heal but many lack the ability to regenerate missing structures. Cnidarians are the phylogenetic sister taxa to bilaterians and are highly regenerative animals. To gain a greater understanding of how early animals generate a regenerative response, we examined the cellular and molecular components involved during wound healing in the anthozoan cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. Results Pharmacological inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling blocks regeneration and wound healing in Nematostella. We characterized early and late wound healing events through genome-wide microarray analysis, quantitative PCR, and in situ hybridization to identify potential wound healing targets. We identified a number of genes directly related to the wound healing response in other animals (metalloproteinases, growth factors, transcription factors) and suggest that glycoproteins (mucins and uromodulin) play a key role in early wound healing events. This study also identified a novel cnidarian-specific gene, for a thiamine biosynthesis enzyme (vitamin B synthesis), that may have been incorporated into the genome by lateral gene transfer from bacteria and now functions during wound healing. Lastly, we suggest that ERK signaling is a shared element of the early wound response for animals with a high regenerative capacity. Conclusions This research describes the temporal events involved during Nematostella wound healing, and provides a foundation for comparative analysis with other regenerative and non-regenerative species. We have shown that the same genes that heal puncture wounds are also activated after oral-aboral bisection, indicating a clear link with the initiation of regenerative healing. This study demonstrates the strength of using a forward approach (microarray) to characterize a developmental phenomenon (wound healing) at a phylogenetically important crossroad of animal evolution (cnidarian-bilaterian ancestor). Accumulation of data on the early wound healing events across numerous systems may provide clues as to why some animals have limited regenerative abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Q Martindale
- University of Florida, Whitney Marine Laboratory, 9505 Oceanshore Boulevard, St, Augustine, FL 32080, USA.
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Wu CH, Tsai MH, Ho CC, Chen CY, Lee HS. De novo transcriptome sequencing of axolotl blastema for identification of differentially expressed genes during limb regeneration. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:434. [PMID: 23815514 PMCID: PMC3702472 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salamanders are unique among vertebrates in their ability to completely regenerate amputated limbs through the mediation of blastema cells located at the stump ends. This regeneration is nerve-dependent because blastema formation and regeneration does not occur after limb denervation. To obtain the genomic information of blastema tissues, de novo transcriptomes from both blastema tissues and denervated stump ends of Ambystoma mexicanum (axolotls) 14 days post-amputation were sequenced and compared using Solexa DNA sequencing. Results The sequencing done for this study produced 40,688,892 reads that were assembled into 307,345 transcribed sequences. The N50 of transcribed sequence length was 562 bases. A similarity search with known proteins identified 39,200 different genes to be expressed during limb regeneration with a cut-off E-value exceeding 10-5. We annotated assembled sequences by using gene descriptions, gene ontology, and clusters of orthologous group terms. Targeted searches using these annotations showed that the majority of the genes were in the categories of essential metabolic pathways, transcription factors and conserved signaling pathways, and novel candidate genes for regenerative processes. We discovered and confirmed numerous sequences of the candidate genes by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that de novo transcriptome sequencing allows gene expression analysis in a species lacking genome information and provides the most comprehensive mRNA sequence resources for axolotls. The characterization of the axolotl transcriptome can help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying blastema formation during limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Han Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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46
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Abstract
The failure to replace damaged body parts in adult mammals results from a muted growth response and fibrotic scarring. Although infiltrating immune cells play a major role in determining the variable outcome of mammalian wound repair, little is known about the modulation of immune cell signaling in efficiently regenerating species such as the salamander, which can regrow complete body structures as adults. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of immune signaling during limb regeneration in axolotl, an aquatic salamander, and reveal a temporally defined requirement for macrophage infiltration in the regenerative process. Although many features of mammalian cytokine/chemokine signaling are retained in the axolotl, they are more dynamically deployed, with simultaneous induction of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers within the first 24 h after limb amputation. Systemic macrophage depletion during this period resulted in wound closure but permanent failure of limb regeneration, associated with extensive fibrosis and disregulation of extracellular matrix component gene expression. Full limb regenerative capacity of failed stumps was restored by reamputation once endogenous macrophage populations had been replenished. Promotion of a regeneration-permissive environment by identification of macrophage-derived therapeutic molecules may therefore aid in the regeneration of damaged body parts in adult mammals.
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Knapp D, Schulz H, Rascon CA, Volkmer M, Scholz J, Nacu E, Le M, Novozhilov S, Tazaki A, Protze S, Jacob T, Hubner N, Habermann B, Tanaka EM. Comparative transcriptional profiling of the axolotl limb identifies a tripartite regeneration-specific gene program. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61352. [PMID: 23658691 PMCID: PMC3641036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the limb blastema is established after the initial wound healing response is an important aspect of regeneration research. Here we performed parallel expression profile time courses of healing lateral wounds versus amputated limbs in axolotl. This comparison between wound healing and regeneration allowed us to identify amputation-specific genes. By clustering the expression profiles of these samples, we could detect three distinguishable phases of gene expression - early wound healing followed by a transition-phase leading to establishment of the limb development program, which correspond to the three phases of limb regeneration that had been defined by morphological criteria. By focusing on the transition-phase, we identified 93 strictly amputation-associated genes many of which are implicated in oxidative-stress response, chromatin modification, epithelial development or limb development. We further classified the genes based on whether they were or were not significantly expressed in the developing limb bud. The specific localization of 53 selected candidates within the blastema was investigated by in situ hybridization. In summary, we identified a set of genes that are expressed specifically during regeneration and are therefore, likely candidates for the regulation of blastema formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Knapp
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cynthia Alexander Rascon
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Volkmer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging, Cologne, Germany
| | - Juliane Scholz
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eugen Nacu
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mu Le
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sergey Novozhilov
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Akira Tazaki
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephanie Protze
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tina Jacob
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Norbert Hubner
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Habermann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elly M. Tanaka
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technical University Dresden, DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Reyes-Ruiz JM, Limon A, Korn MJ, Nakamura PA, Shirkey NJ, Wong JK, Miledi R. Profiling neurotransmitter receptor expression in the Ambystoma mexicanum brain. Neurosci Lett 2013; 538:32-7. [PMID: 23353105 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ability to regenerate limbs and central nervous system (CNS) is unique to few vertebrates, most notably the axolotl (Ambystoma sp.). However, despite the fact the neurotransmitter receptors are involved in axonal regeneration, little is known regarding its expression profile. In this project, RT-PCR and qPCR were performed to gain insight into the neurotransmitter receptors present in Ambystoma. Its functional ability was studied by expressing axolotl receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes by either injection of mRNA or by direct microtransplantation of brain membranes. Oocytes injected with axolotl mRNA expressed ionotropic receptors activated by GABA, aspartate+glycine and kainate, as well as metabotropic receptors activated by acetylcholine and glutamate. Interestingly, we did not see responses following the application of serotonin. Membranes from the axolotl brain were efficiently microtransplanted into Xenopus oocytes and two types of native GABA receptors that differed in the temporal course of their responses and affinities to GABA were observed. Results of this study are necessary for further characterization of axolotl neurotransmitter receptors and may be useful for guiding experiments aimed at understanding activity-dependant limb and CNS regeneration.
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Stewart R, Rascón CA, Tian S, Nie J, Barry C, Chu LF, Ardalani H, Wagner RJ, Probasco MD, Bolin JM, Leng N, Sengupta S, Volkmer M, Habermann B, Tanaka EM, Thomson JA, Dewey CN. Comparative RNA-seq analysis in the unsequenced axolotl: the oncogene burst highlights early gene expression in the blastema. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1002936. [PMID: 23505351 PMCID: PMC3591270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The salamander has the remarkable ability to regenerate its limb after amputation. Cells at the site of amputation form a blastema and then proliferate and differentiate to regrow the limb. To better understand this process, we performed deep RNA sequencing of the blastema over a time course in the axolotl, a species whose genome has not been sequenced. Using a novel comparative approach to analyzing RNA-seq data, we characterized the transcriptional dynamics of the regenerating axolotl limb with respect to the human gene set. This approach involved de novo assembly of axolotl transcripts, RNA-seq transcript quantification without a reference genome, and transformation of abundances from axolotl contigs to human genes. We found a prominent burst in oncogene expression during the first day and blastemal/limb bud genes peaking at 7 to 14 days. In addition, we found that limb patterning genes, SALL genes, and genes involved in angiogenesis, wound healing, defense/immunity, and bone development are enriched during blastema formation and development. Finally, we identified a category of genes with no prior literature support for limb regeneration that are candidates for further evaluation based on their expression pattern during the regenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Stewart
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.
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In vivo cell and tissue dynamics underlying zebrafish fin fold regeneration. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51766. [PMID: 23284763 PMCID: PMC3527495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has a remarkable capacity to regenerate many organs and tissues. During larval stages the fin fold allows the possibility of performing long time-lapse imaging making this system very appealing to study the relationships between tissue movements, cell migration and proliferation necessary for the regeneration process. Results Through the combined use of transgenic fluorescently-labeled animals and confocal microscopy imaging, we characterized in vivo the complete fin fold regeneration process. We show, for the first time, that there is an increase in the global rate of epidermal growth as a response to tissue loss. Also enhanced significantly is cell proliferation, which upon amputation happens in a broad area concerning the amputation level and not in a blastema-restricted way. This reveals a striking difference with regard to the adult fin regeneration system. Finally, an accumulation of migratory, shape-changing fibroblasts occurs proximally to the wound area, resembling a blastemal-like structure, which may act as a signaling center for the regeneration process to proceed. Conclusions These findings provide a novel in vivo description of fundamental mechanisms occurring during the fin fold regeneration process, thereby contributing to a better knowledge of this regenerative system and to reveal variations in the epimorphic regeneration field.
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