1
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Luo Z, Shah S, Tanasa B, Chang KC, Goldberg JL. Gene regulatory roles of growth and differentiation factors in retinal development. iScience 2024; 27:110100. [PMID: 38947520 PMCID: PMC11214324 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation is tightly controlled by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) promotes RGC differentiation, opposite to GDF-11 which inhibits RGC differentiation, both in the mouse retina and in human stem cells. To deepen our understanding of how these two closely related molecules confer opposing effects on retinal development, here we assess the transcriptional profiles of mouse retinal progenitors exposed to exogenous GDF-11 or -15. We find a dichotomous effect of GDF-15 on RGC differentiation, decreasing RGCs expressing residual pro-proliferative genes and increasing RGCs expressing non-proliferative genes, suggestive of greater RGC maturation. Furthermore, GDF-11 promoted the differentiation of photoreceptors and amacrine cells. These data enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of RGCs and photoreceptors from retinal progenitors and suggest new approaches to the optimization of protocols for the differentiation of these cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Sahil Shah
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Bogdan Tanasa
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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2
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Guha S, Nguyen AM, Young A, Mondell E, Farber DB. Decreased CREB phosphorylation impairs embryonic retinal neurogenesis in the Oa1-/- mouse model of Ocular albinism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594013. [PMID: 38798688 PMCID: PMC11118284 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the human Ocular albinism type-1 gene OA1 are associated with abnormal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) melanogenesis and poor binocular vision resulting from misrouting of ipsilateral retinal ganglion cell (iRGC) axons to the brain. We studied the latter using wild-type (WT) and Oa1-/- mouse eyes. At embryonic stages, the WT RPE-specific Oa1 protein signals through cAMP/Epac1-Erk2-CREB. Following CREB phosphorylation, a pCREB gradient extends from the RPE to the differentiating retinal amacrine and RGCs. In contrast to WT, the Oa1-/- RPE and ventral ciliary-margin-zone, a niche for iRGCs, express less pCREB while their retinas have a disrupted pCREB gradient, indicating Oa1's involvement in pCREB maintenance. Oa1-/- retinas also show hyperproliferation, enlarged nuclei, reduced differentiation, and fewer newborn amacrine and RGCs than WT retinas. Our results demonstrate that Oa1's absence leads to reduced binocular vision through a hyperproliferation-associated block in differentiation that impairs neurogenesis. This may affect iRGC axon's routing to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Guha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Andrew M. Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alejandra Young
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ethan Mondell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Debora B. Farber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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3
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Nakai A, Kashiwagi M, Fujiyama T, Iwasaki K, Hirano A, Funato H, Yanagisawa M, Sakurai T, Hayashi Y. Crucial role of TFAP2B in the nervous system for regulating NREM sleep. Mol Brain 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38413970 PMCID: PMC10900699 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The AP-2 transcription factors are crucial for regulating sleep in both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. In mice, loss of function of the transcription factor AP-2β (TFAP2B) reduces non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. When and where TFAP2B functions, however, is unclear. Here, we used the Cre-loxP system to generate mice in which Tfap2b was specifically deleted in the nervous system during development and mice in which neuronal Tfap2b was specifically deleted postnatally. Both types of mice exhibited reduced NREM sleep, but the nervous system-specific deletion of Tfap2b resulted in more severe sleep phenotypes accompanied by defective light entrainment of the circadian clock and stereotypic jumping behavior. These findings indicate that TFAP2B in postnatal neurons functions at least partly in sleep regulation and imply that TFAP2B also functions either at earlier stages or in additional cell types within the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Nakai
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Kashiwagi
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujiyama
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kanako Iwasaki
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Arisa Hirano
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Funato
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Anatomy, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yu Hayashi
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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4
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Liu K, Xiao Y, Gan L, Li W, Zhang J, Min J. Structural basis for specific DNA sequence motif recognition by the TFAP2 transcription factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8270-8282. [PMID: 37409559 PMCID: PMC10450164 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The TFAP2 family regulates gene expression during differentiation, development, and organogenesis, and includes five homologs in humans. They all possess a highly conserved DNA binding domain (DBD) followed by a helix-span-helix (HSH) domain. The DBD-HSH tandem domain specifically binds to a GCC(N3)GGC consensus sequence, but the precise recognition mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that TFAP2 preferred binding to the GCC(N3)GGC sequence, and the pseudo-palindromic GCC and GGC motifs and the length of the central spacer between the two motifs determined their binding specificity. Structural studies revealed that the two flat amphipathic α-helical HSH domains of TFAP2A stacked with each other to form a dimer via hydrophobic interactions, while the stabilized loops from both DBD domains inserted into two neighboring major grooves of the DNA duplex to form base-specific interactions. This specific DNA binding mechanism controlled the length of the central spacer and determined the DNA sequence specificity of TFAP2. Mutations of the TFAP2 proteins are implicated in various diseases. We illustrated that reduction or disruption of the DNA binding ability of the TFAP2 proteins is the primary cause of TFAP2 mutation-associated diseases. Thus, our findings also offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of disease-associated mutations in TFAP2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yuqing Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Linyao Gan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Weifang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
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5
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Ferrena A, Zhang X, Shrestha R, Zheng D, Liu W. Six3 and Six6 jointly regulate the identities and developmental trajectories of multipotent retinal progenitor cells in the mouse retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539288. [PMID: 37205402 PMCID: PMC10187238 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Formation, maintenance, and differentiation of tissue-specific progenitor cells are fundamental tasks during organogenesis. Retinal development is an excellent model for dissecting these processes; mechanisms of retinal differentiation can be harnessed for retinal regeneration toward curing blindness. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of embryonic mouse eye cups in which transcription factor Six3 was conditionally inactivated in peripheral retinas on top of germline deletion of its close paralog Six6 ("DKO"), we identified cell clusters and then inferred developmental trajectories in the integrated dataset. In control retinas, naïve retinal progenitor cells had two major trajectories leading to ciliary margin cells and retinal neurons, respectively. The ciliary margin trajectory was directly from naïve retinal progenitor cells at G1 phase, and the retinal neuron trajectory was through a neurogenic state marked by Atoh7 expression. Upon Six3 and Six6 dual deficiency, both naïve and neurogenic retinal progenitor cells were defective. Ciliary margin differentiation was enhanced, and multi-lineage retinal differentiation was disrupted. An ectopic neuronal trajectory lacking the Atoh7+ state led to ectopic neurons. Differential expression analysis not only confirmed previous phenotype studies but also identified novel candidate genes regulated by Six3/Six6 . Six3 and Six6 were jointly required for balancing the opposing gradients of the Fgf and Wnt signaling in the central-peripheral patterning of the eye cups. Taken together, we identify transcriptomes and developmental trajectories jointly regulated by Six3 and Six6, providing deeper insight into molecular mechanisms underlying early retinal differentiation.
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6
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Lin JM, Mitchell TA, Rothstein M, Pehl A, Taroc EZM, Katreddi RR, Parra KE, Zuloaga DG, Simoes-Costa M, Forni PE. Sociosexual behavior requires both activating and repressive roles of Tfap2e/AP-2ε in vomeronasal sensory neurons. eLife 2022; 11:e77259. [PMID: 36111787 PMCID: PMC9525060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal identity dictates the position in an epithelium, and the ability to detect, process, and transmit specific signals to specified targets. Transcription factors (TFs) determine cellular identity via direct modulation of genetic transcription and recruiting chromatin modifiers. However, our understanding of the mechanisms that define neuronal identity and their magnitude remain a critical barrier to elucidate the etiology of congenital and neurodegenerative disorders. The rodent vomeronasal organ provides a unique system to examine in detail the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and maturation of chemosensory neurons. Here, we demonstrated that the identity of postmitotic/maturing vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs), and vomeronasal-dependent behaviors can be reprogrammed through the rescue of Tfap2e/AP-2ε expression in the Tfap2eNull mice, and partially reprogrammed by inducing ectopic Tfap2e expression in mature apical VSNs. We suggest that the TF Tfap2e can reprogram VSNs bypassing cellular plasticity restrictions, and that it directly controls the expression of batteries of vomeronasal genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
| | - Tyler A Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
| | - Megan Rothstein
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Alison Pehl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
| | - Ed Zandro M Taroc
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
| | - Raghu R Katreddi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
| | - Katherine E Parra
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
| | - Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
| | - Marcos Simoes-Costa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Paolo Emanuele Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New YorkAlbanyUnited States
- The RNA Institute, University at AlbanyAlbanyUnited States
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7
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Azimi F, Mirshahi R, Naseripour M. Review: New horizons in retinoblastoma treatment: an updated review article. Mol Vis 2022; 28:130-146. [PMID: 36034735 PMCID: PMC9352364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare childhood intraocular malignancy with an incidence rate of approximately 9000 children per year worldwide. The management of Rb is inherently complex and depends on several factors. The orders of priorities in the treatment of Rb are saving life, globe salvage and vision salvage. Rarity and the young age at diagnosis impede conducting randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for new therapeutic options, and therefore pre-RCTs studies are needed. This review provides an overview of advances in Rb treatment options, focusing on the emergence of new small molecules to treat Rb. Articles related to the management and treatments of Rb were searched in different databases. Several studies and animal models discussing recent advances in the treatment of Rb were included to have a better grasp of the biological mechanisms of Rb. Over the years, the principles of management and treatment of Rb have changed significantly. Innovations in targeted therapies and molecular biology have led to improved patient and ocular survival. However, there is still a need for further evaluation of the long-term effects of these new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Azimi
- Eye Research Center, the Five Senses Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirshahi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masood Naseripour
- Eye Research Center, the Five Senses Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Jiang L, Huang G, Dai C, Zheng R, Xie C, Duan S, Zhong L, Liu X, Gong B, Yao D, Yang Z, Shi Y. Association of genetic variants in PDGFRA with high myopia in the Han population of southwestern China. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 43:184-190. [PMID: 34865611 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1998550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the associations of 11 genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FRAP1 and PDGFRA with high myopia (HM) in a Han Chinese population. METHODS A total of 442 HM patients and 947 healthy controls were recruited for this study. Five genetic models were analysed to further evaluate the association of target SNPs with HM. SNP functional annotation database tools were used to predict and analyse the potential function of these SNPs. RESULTS Our findings indicated that rs2114039 located in PDGFRA had significant association with HM in a Han Chinese population (P = 2.00E-06, OR = 0.647, 95%CI = 0.542-0.773). The common genotypes rs2114039CC, rs2114039CT and rs2114039CT+TT all had a decreased risk of HM when compared with rs2114039TT (P = 4.10E-05, OR = 0.290, 95%CI = 0.161-0.524; P = 1.00E-03, OR = 0.626, 95%CI = 0.479-0.819; P = 9.00E-06, OR = 0.560, 95%CI = 0.433-0.724, respectively). In addition, compared with rs2114039CT+TT, rs2114039CC also had a decreased risk of HM (P = 3.59E-04, OR = 0.347, 95% CI = 0.194-0.620). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that rs2114039, located in PDGFRA, was significantly associated with HM in the southwest Han Chinese population. Additionally, rs2114039 might influence the function of PDGFRA by regulating the growth of human vision through different pathways. Furthermore, functional research on the role of PDGFRA in myopia pathogenesis should be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Jiang
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guo Huang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Dai
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Genecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Scu-cuhk), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Podiatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunbao Xie
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Suyang Duan
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Gong
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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9
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Taiyab A, Akula M, Dham J, Deschamps P, Sheardown H, Williams T, Borrás T, West-Mays JA. Deletion of transcription factor AP-2β from the developing murine trabecular meshwork region leads to progressive glaucomatous changes. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:638-652. [PMID: 34822722 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24982] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness and can result from abnormalities in anterior segment structures required for aqueous humor outflow, including the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Transcription factors such as AP-2β play critical roles in anterior segment development. Here, we show that the Mgp-Cre knock-in (Mgp-Cre.KI) mouse can be used to target the embryonic periocular mesenchyme giving rise to the TM and SC. Fate mapping of male and female mice indicates that AP-2β loss causes a decrease in iridocorneal angle cells derived from Mgp-Cre.KI-expressing populations compared to controls. Moreover, histological analyses revealed peripheral iridocorneal adhesions in AP-2β mutants that were accompanied by a decrease in expression of TM and SC markers, as observed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, rebound tonometry showed significantly higher intraocular pressure (IOP) that was correlated with a progressive significant loss of retinal ganglion cells, reduced retinal thickness, and reduced retinal function, as measured using an electroretinogram, in AP-2β mutants compared with controls, reflecting pathology described in late-stage glaucoma patients. Importantly, elevated IOP in AP-2β mutants was significantly reduced by treatment with latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog that increases unconventional outflow. These findings demonstrate that AP-2β is critical for TM and SC development, and that these mutant mice can serve as a model for understanding and treating progressive human primary angle-closure glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Taiyab
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Akula
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Japnit Dham
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Deschamps
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Sheardown
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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10
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Özgümüs T, Sulaieva O, Jain R, Artner I, Lyssenko V. Starvation to Glucose Reprograms Development of Neurovascular Unit in Embryonic Retinal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726852. [PMID: 34869314 PMCID: PMC8636675 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to starvation is a risk factor for development of severe retinopathy in adult patients with diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. In the present study, we shed light on molecular consequences of exposure to short-time glucose starvation on the transcriptome profile of mouse embryonic retinal cells. We found a profound downregulation of genes regulating development of retinal neurons, which was accompanied by reduced expression of genes encoding for glycolytic enzymes and glutamatergic signaling. At the same time, glial and vascular markers were upregulated, mimicking the diabetes-associated increase of angiogenesis-a hallmark of pathogenic features in diabetic retinopathy. Energy deprivation as a consequence of starvation to glucose seems to be compensated by upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid elongation. Results from the present study demonstrate that short-term glucose deprivation during early fetal life differentially alters expression of metabolism- and function-related genes and could have detrimental and lasting effects on gene expression in the retinal neurons, glial cells, and vascular elements and thus potentially disrupting gene regulatory networks essential for the formation of the retinal neurovascular unit. Abnormal developmental programming during retinogenesis may serve as a trigger of reactive gliosis, accelerated neurodegeneration, and increased vascularization, which may promote development of severe retinopathy in patients with diabetes later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Türküler Özgümüs
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ruchi Jain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Isabella Artner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Valeriya Lyssenko
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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11
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Conditional Deletion of AP-2β in the Periocular Mesenchyme of Mice Alters Corneal Epithelial Cell Fate and Stratification. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168730. [PMID: 34445433 PMCID: PMC8395778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is an anterior eye structure specialized for vision. The corneal endothelium and stroma are derived from the periocular mesenchyme (POM), which originates from neural crest cells (NCCs), while the stratified corneal epithelium develops from the surface ectoderm. Activating protein-2β (AP-2β) is highly expressed in the POM and important for anterior segment development. Using a mouse model in which AP-2β is conditionally deleted in the NCCs (AP-2β NCC KO), we investigated resulting corneal epithelial abnormalities. Through PAS and IHC staining, we observed structural and phenotypic changes to the epithelium associated with AP-2β deletion. In addition to failure of the mutant epithelium to stratify, we also observed that Keratin-12, a marker of the differentiated epithelium, was absent, and Keratin-15, a limbal and conjunctival marker, was expanded across the central epithelium. Transcription factors PAX6 and P63 were not observed to be differentially expressed between WT and mutant. However, growth factor BMP4 was suppressed in the mutant epithelium. Given the non-NCC origin of the epithelium, we hypothesize that the abnormalities in the AP-2β NCC KO mouse result from changes to regulatory signaling from the POM-derived stroma. Our findings suggest that stromal pathways such as Wnt/β-Catenin signaling may regulate BMP4 expression, which influences cell fate and stratification.
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12
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Kaufman ML, Goodson NB, Park KU, Schwanke M, Office E, Schneider SR, Abraham J, Hensley A, Jones KL, Brzezinski JA. Initiation of Otx2 expression in the developing mouse retina requires a unique enhancer and either Ascl1 or Neurog2 activity. Development 2021; 148:dev199399. [PMID: 34143204 PMCID: PMC8254865 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During retinal development, a large subset of progenitors upregulates the transcription factor Otx2, which is required for photoreceptor and bipolar cell formation. How these retinal progenitor cells initially activate Otx2 expression is unclear. To address this, we investigated the cis-regulatory network that controls Otx2 expression in mice. We identified a minimal enhancer element, DHS-4D, that drove expression in newly formed OTX2+ cells. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of DHS-4D reduced OTX2 expression, but this effect was diminished in postnatal development. Systematic mutagenesis of the enhancer revealed that three basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor-binding sites were required for its activity. Single cell RNA-sequencing of nascent Otx2+ cells identified the bHLH factors Ascl1 and Neurog2 as candidate regulators. CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of these factors showed that only the simultaneous loss of Ascl1 and Neurog2 prevented OTX2 expression. Our findings suggest that Ascl1 and Neurog2 act either redundantly or in a compensatory fashion to activate the DHS-4D enhancer and Otx2 expression. We observed redundancy or compensation at both the transcriptional and enhancer utilization levels, suggesting that the mechanisms governing Otx2 regulation in the retina are flexible and robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Noah B. Goodson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael Schwanke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emma Office
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sophia R. Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joy Abraham
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Austin Hensley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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13
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Haverkamp S, Albert L, Balaji V, Němec P, Dedek K. Expression of cell markers and transcription factors in the avian retina compared with that in the marmoset retina. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3171-3193. [PMID: 33834511 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the vertebrate retina, amacrine and ganglion cells represent the most diverse cell classes. They can be classified into different cell types by several features, such as morphology, light responses, and gene expression profile. Although birds possess high visual acuity (similar to primates that we used here for comparison) and tetrachromatic color vision, data on the expression of transcription factors in retinal ganglion cells of birds are largely missing. In this study, we tested various transcription factors, known to label subpopulations of cells in mammalian retinae, in two avian species: the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), a raptor with exceptional acuity, and the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica), a good navigator and widely used model for visual cognition. Staining for the transcription factors Foxp2, Satb1 and Satb2 labeled most ganglion cells in the avian ganglion cell layer. CtBP2 was established as marker for displaced amacrine cells, which allowed us to reliably distinguish ganglion cells from displaced amacrine cells and assess their densities in buzzard and pigeon. When we additionally compared the temporal and central fovea of the buzzard with the fovea of primates, we found that the cellular organization in the pits was different in primates and raptors. In summary, we demonstrate that the expression of transcription factors is a defining feature of cell types not only in the retina of mammals but also in the retina of birds. The markers, which we have established, may provide useful tools for more detailed studies on the retinal circuitry of these highly visual animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Haverkamp
- Department of Computational Neuroethology, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Bonn, Germany
| | - László Albert
- Animal Navigation/Neurosensorics Group, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Vaishnavi Balaji
- Animal Navigation/Neurosensorics Group, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Pavel Němec
- Department of Zoology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karin Dedek
- Animal Navigation/Neurosensorics Group, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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14
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Schick E, Gonzalez KC, Dutta P, Hossain K, Ghinia Tegla MG, Emerson MM. Early cis-regulatory events in the formation of retinal horizontal cells. Dev Biol 2021; 476:88-100. [PMID: 33774011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.016] [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: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During retinal development, multipotent and restricted progenitor cells generate all of the neuronal cells of the retina. Among these are horizontal cells, which are interneurons that modulate the light-induced signal from photoreceptors. This study utilizes the identification of novel cis-regulatory elements as a method to examine the gene regulatory networks that direct the development of horizontal cells. Here we describe a screen for cis-regulatory elements, or enhancers, for the horizontal cell-associated genes PTF1A, ONECUT1 (OC1), TFAP2A (AP2A), and LHX1. The OC1ECR22 and Tfap2aACR5 elements were shown to be potential enhancers for OC1 and TFAP2A, respectively, and to be specifically active in developing horizontal cells. The OC1ECR22 element is activated by PTF1A and RBPJ, which translates to regulation of OC1 expression and suggests that PTF1A is a direct activator of OC1 expression in developing horizontal cells. The region within the Tfap2aACR5 element that is responsible for its activation was determined to be a 100 bp sequence named Motif 4. Both OC1ECR22 and Tfap2aACR5 are negatively regulated by the nuclear receptors THRB and RXRG, as is the expression of OC1 and AP2A, suggesting that nuclear receptors may have a role in the negative regulation of horizontal cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estie Schick
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kevin C Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Pooja Dutta
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Kazi Hossain
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Miruna G Ghinia Tegla
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Mark M Emerson
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Biochemistry PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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15
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Wu F, Bard JE, Kann J, Yergeau D, Sapkota D, Ge Y, Hu Z, Wang J, Liu T, Mu X. Single cell transcriptomics reveals lineage trajectory of retinal ganglion cells in wild-type and Atoh7-null retinas. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1465. [PMID: 33674582 PMCID: PMC7935890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Atoh7 has been believed to be essential for establishing the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) lineage, and Pou4f2 and Isl1 are known to regulate RGC specification and differentiation. Here we report our further study of the roles of these transcription factors. Using bulk RNA-seq, we identify genes regulated by the three transcription factors, which expand our understanding of the scope of downstream events. Using scRNA-seq on wild-type and mutant retinal cells, we reveal a transitional cell state of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) co-marked by Atoh7 and other genes for different lineages and shared by all early retinal lineages. We further discover the unexpected emergence of the RGC lineage in the absence of Atoh7. We conclude that competence of RPCs for different retinal fates is defined by lineage-specific genes co-expressed in the transitional state and that Atoh7 defines the RGC competence and collaborates with other factors to shepherd transitional RPCs to the RGC lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan E Bard
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Julien Kann
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Yergeau
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yichen Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zihua Hu
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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16
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Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Dagan B, Conidi A, Cohen-Gulkar M, David A, Ehrlich M, Giladi PO, Clark BS, Blackshaw S, Shapira K, Huylebroeck D, Henis YI, Ashery-Padan R. Zeb2 regulates the balance between retinal interneurons and Müller glia by inhibition of BMP-Smad signaling. Dev Biol 2020; 468:80-92. [PMID: 32950463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between signaling molecules and transcription factors during retinal development is key to controlling the correct number of retinal cell types. Zeb2 (Sip1) is a zinc-finger multidomain transcription factor that plays multiple roles in central and peripheral nervous system development. Haploinsufficiency of ZEB2 causes Mowat-Wilson syndrome, a congenital disease characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy and Hirschsprung disease. In the developing retina, Zeb2 is required for generation of horizontal cells and the correct number of interneurons; however, its potential function in controlling gliogenic versus neurogenic decisions remains unresolved. Here we present cellular and molecular evidence of the inhibition of Müller glia cell fate by Zeb2 in late stages of retinogenesis. Unbiased transcriptomic profiling of control and Zeb2-deficient early-postnatal retina revealed that Zeb2 functions in inhibiting Id1/2/4 and Hes1 gene expression. These neural progenitor factors normally inhibit neural differentiation and promote Müller glia cell fate. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) supported direct regulation of Id1 by Zeb2 in the postnatal retina. Reporter assays and ChIP analyses in differentiating neural progenitors provided further evidence that Zeb2 inhibits Id1 through inhibition of Smad-mediated activation of Id1 transcription. Together, the results suggest that Zeb2 promotes the timely differentiation of retinal interneurons at least in part by repressing BMP-Smad/Notch target genes that inhibit neurogenesis. These findings show that Zeb2 integrates extrinsic cues to regulate the balance between neuronal and glial cell types in the developing murine retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Dagan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Mazal Cohen-Gulkar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ahuvit David
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Pazit Oren Giladi
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Center for Human Systems Biology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Keren Shapira
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Yoav I Henis
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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17
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Akula M, Taiyab A, Deschamps P, Yee S, Ball AK, Williams T, West-Mays JA. AP-2β is required for formation of the murine trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Exp Eye Res 2020; 195:108042. [PMID: 32353428 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that Tfap2b, the gene encoding transcription factor AP-2β, is needed for normal mouse eye development. Specifically, targeted loss of Tfap2b in neural crest cells (NCCs)1 and their derivatives, particularly the periocular mesenchyme (POM), resulted in anterior segment defects affecting the cornea and angle tissue. These defects were further associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). The present study investigates the underlying changes in embryonic and postnatal POM cell development and differentiation caused by loss of AP-2β in the NCCs, particularly in the structures that control aqueous outflow, using Wnt1Cre+/-; Tfap2b-/lox; tdTomatolox/+ mice (AP-2β neural crest cell knockout or AP-2β NCC KO). Toluidine blue-stained sections and ultrathin sections stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate were used to assess morphology and ultrastructure, respectively. Immunohistochemistry of KO and control eyes was performed at embryonic day (E) 15.5, E18.5, postnatal day (P) 1, P7 and P14 using phospho-histone H3 (PH3), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), myocilin and endomucin antibodies, as well as a TUNEL assay. Conditional deletion of AP-2β in the NCC-derived POM resulted in defects that appeared during both embryogenesis and postnatal stages. Fate mapping of the knockout cells in the mutants revealed that the POM migrated appropriately into the eye during embryogenesis. However, during postnatal stages a significant reduction in POM proliferation in the angle region was observed in the mutants compared to controls. This was accompanied by a lack of expression of appropriate trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal markers. This is the first study to show that AP-2β is required for development and differentiation of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Together, these defects likely contributed to the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) previously reported in the AP-2β NCC KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Akula
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Aftab Taiyab
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Deschamps
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shannin Yee
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander K Ball
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Williams
- University of Colorado, Craniofacial Biology, Mail Stop 8120, RC1-S, Rm L18 111, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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18
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Buenaventura DF, Corseri A, Emerson MM. Identification of Genes With Enriched Expression in Early Developing Mouse Cone Photoreceptors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2787-2799. [PMID: 31260032 PMCID: PMC6607928 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-26951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The early transcriptional events that occur in newly generated cone photoreceptors are not well described. Knowledge of these events is critical to provide benchmarks for in vitro-derived cone photoreceptors and to understand the process of cone and rod photoreceptor diversification. We sought to identify genes with differential gene expression in embryonic mouse cone photoreceptors. Methods The specificity of expression of the LHX4 transcription factor in developing cone photoreceptors was examined using immunofluorescence visualization in both mouse and chicken retinas. A LHX4 transgenic reporter line with high specificity for developing mouse cone photoreceptors was identified and used to purify early-stage cone photoreceptors for profiling by single-cell RNA sequencing. Comparisons were made to previous datasets targeting photoreceptors. Results The LHX4 transcription factor and a transgenic reporter were determined to be highly specific to early developing cone photoreceptors in the mouse. Single-cell transcriptional profiling identified new genes with enriched expression in cone photoreceptors relative to concurrent cell populations. Comparison to previous profiling datasets allowed for further characterization of these genes across developmental time, species, photoreceptor type, and gene regulatory network. Conclusions The LHX4 gene is highly enriched in developing cone photoreceptors as are several new genes identified through transcriptional profiling, some of which are expressed in subclusters of cones. Many of these cone-enriched genes do not show obvious de-repression in profiling of retinas mutant for the rod-specific transcription factor NRL, highlighting differences between endogenous cones and those induced in NRL mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Buenaventura
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Biology PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States
| | - Adrianne Corseri
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States
| | - Mark M Emerson
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Biology PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Biochemistry PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States
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19
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Langer BE, Hiller M. TFforge utilizes large-scale binding site divergence to identify transcriptional regulators involved in phenotypic differences. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e19. [PMID: 30496469 PMCID: PMC6393245 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene regulation are important for phenotypic and in particular morphological evolution. However, it remains challenging to identify the transcription factors (TFs) that contribute to differences in gene regulation and thus to phenotypic differences between species. Here, we present TFforge (Transcription Factor forward genomics), a computational method to identify TFs that are involved in the loss of phenotypic traits. TFforge screens an input set of regulatory genomic regions to detect TFs that exhibit a significant binding site divergence signature in species that lost a particular phenotypic trait. Using simulated data of modular and pleiotropic regulatory elements, we show that TFforge can identify the correct TFs for many different evolutionary scenarios. We applied TFforge to available eye regulatory elements to screen for TFs that exhibit a significant binding site decay signature in subterranean mammals. This screen identified interacting and co-binding eye-related TFs, and thus provides new insights into which TFs likely contribute to eye degeneration in these species. TFforge has broad applicability to identify the TFs that contribute to phenotypic changes between species, and thus can help to unravel the gene-regulatory differences that underlie phenotypic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn E Langer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
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20
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Chambers BE, Gerlach GF, Clark EG, Chen KH, Levesque AE, Leshchiner I, Goessling W, Wingert RA. Tfap2a is a novel gatekeeper of nephron differentiation during kidney development. Development 2019; 146:dev.172387. [PMID: 31160420 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Renal functional units known as nephrons undergo patterning events during development that create a segmental array of cellular compartments with discrete physiological identities. Here, from a forward genetic screen using zebrafish, we report the discovery that transcription factor AP-2 alpha (tfap2a) coordinates a gene regulatory network that activates the terminal differentiation program of distal segments in the pronephros. We found that tfap2a acts downstream of Iroquois homeobox 3b (irx3b), a distal lineage transcription factor, to operate a circuit consisting of tfap2b, irx1a and genes encoding solute transporters that dictate the specialized metabolic functions of distal nephron segments. Interestingly, this regulatory node is distinct from other checkpoints of differentiation, such as polarity establishment and ciliogenesis. Thus, our studies reveal insights into the genetic control of differentiation, where tfap2a is essential for regulating a suite of segment transporter traits at the final tier of zebrafish pronephros ontogeny. These findings have relevance for understanding renal birth defects, as well as efforts to recapitulate nephrogenesis in vivo to facilitate drug discovery and regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Gary F Gerlach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Eleanor G Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Karen H Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Anna E Levesque
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ignaty Leshchiner
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Genetics and Gastroenterology Division, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Genetics and Gastroenterology Division, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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21
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Kaufman ML, Park KU, Goodson NB, Chew S, Bersie S, Jones KL, Lamba DA, Brzezinski JA. Transcriptional profiling of murine retinas undergoing semi-synchronous cone photoreceptor differentiation. Dev Biol 2019; 453:155-167. [PMID: 31163126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.05.016] [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: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uncovering the gene regulatory networks that control cone photoreceptor formation has been hindered because cones only make up a few percent of the retina and form asynchronously during development. To overcome these limitations, we used a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT, to disrupt Notch signaling and force proliferating retinal progenitor cells to rapidly adopt neuronal identity. We treated mouse retinal explants at the peak of cone genesis with DAPT and examined tissues at several time-points by histology and bulk RNA-sequencing. We found that this treatment caused supernumerary cone formation in an overwhelmingly synchronized fashion. This analysis revealed several categorical patterns of gene expression changes over time relative to DMSO treated control explants. These were placed in the temporal context of the activation of Otx2, a transcription factor that is expressed at the onset of photoreceptor development and that is required for both rod and cone formation. One group of interest had genes, such as Mybl1, Ascl1, Neurog2, and Olig2, that became upregulated by DAPT treatment before Otx2. Two other groups showed upregulated gene expression shortly after Otx2, either transiently or permanently. This included genes such as Mybl1, Meis2, and Podxl. Our data provide a developmental timeline of the gene expression events that underlie the initial steps of cone genesis and maturation. Applying this strategy to human retinal organoid cultures was also sufficient to induce a massive increase in cone genesis. Taken together, our results provide a temporal framework that can be used to elucidate the gene regulatory logic controlling cone photoreceptor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Noah B Goodson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shereen Chew
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Bersie
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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22
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Sghari S, Gunhaga L. Temporal Requirement of Mab21l2 During Eye Development in Chick Reveals Stage-Dependent Functions for Retinogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3869-3878. [PMID: 30073347 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Different missense mutations in the single exon gene Mab21l2 have been identified in unrelated families with various bilateral eye malformations, including microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma, but the molecular function of Mab21l2 during eye development still remains largely unknown. Methods We have established an in vivo Mab21l2-deficient eye development model in chick, by using a Mab21l2 RNA interference construct that we electroporated in ovo in prospective retinal cells. In addition, we designed a Mab21l2 gain-of-function electroporation vector. Mab21l2-modulated retinas were analyzed on consecutive sections in terms of morphology, and molecular markers for apoptosis, cell proliferation, and retinogenesis. Results Our Mab21l2-deficient chick model mimics human ocular phenotypes. When Mab21l2 is downregulated prior to optic vesicle formation, the embryos develop anophthalmia, and Mab21l2 inhibition by optic cup stages results in a microphthalmic colobomatous phenotype. Our results show that inhibition of Mab21l2 affects cell proliferation, cell cycle exit, and the expression of Atoh7/Ath5, NeuroD4/Ath3, Isl1, Pax6, AP-2α, and Prox1. In addition, Mab21l2 overexpression hampers cell cycle exit and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of a regulated temporal expression of Mab21l2 during eye development: At early stages, Mab21l2 is required to maintain RPC proliferation and expansion of cell number; before retinogenesis, a decrease in Mab21l2 expression in proliferating RPCs is required for cell cycle exit and differentiation; during retinogenesis, Mab21l2 is chronologically upregulated in RGCs, followed by differentiated horizontal and amacrine cells and cone photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soufien Sghari
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lena Gunhaga
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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23
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Jin K, Xiang M. Transcription factor Ptf1a in development, diseases and reprogramming. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:921-940. [PMID: 30470852 PMCID: PMC11105224 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2972-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Ptf1a is a crucial helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein selectively expressed in the pancreas, retina, spinal cord, brain, and enteric nervous system. Ptf1a is preferably assembled into a transcription trimeric complex PTF1 with an E protein and Rbpj (or Rbpjl). In pancreatic development, Ptf1a is indispensable in controlling the expansion of multipotent progenitor cells as well as the specification and maintenance of the acinar cells. In neural tissues, Ptf1a is transiently expressed in the post-mitotic cells and specifies the inhibitory neuronal cell fates, mostly mediated by downstream genes such as Tfap2a/b and Prdm13. Mutations in the coding and non-coding regulatory sequences resulting in Ptf1a gain- or loss-of-function are associated with genetic diseases such as pancreatic and cerebellar agenesis in the rodent and human. Surprisingly, Ptf1a alone is sufficient to reprogram mouse or human fibroblasts into tripotential neural stem cells. Its pleiotropic functions in many biological processes remain to be deciphered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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24
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Hicks EA, Zaveri M, Deschamps PA, Noseworthy MD, Ball A, Williams T, West-Mays JA. Conditional Deletion of AP-2α and AP-2β in the Developing Murine Retina Leads to Altered Amacrine Cell Mosaics and Disrupted Visual Function. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2229-2239. [PMID: 29715367 PMCID: PMC5931233 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The combined action of the activating protein-2 (AP-2) transcription factors, AP-2α and AP-2β, is important in early retinal development, specifically in the formation of horizontal cells. However, in previous studies, it was not possible to analyze postnatal development and function of additional retinal subtypes. Methods We used a double conditional deletion of AP-2α and AP-2β from the retina to further examine the combinatory role of these genes in retinal cell patterning and function in postnatal adult mice as measured by Voronoi domain area and nearest-neighbor distance spatial analyses and ERGs, respectively. Results Conditional deletion of both AP-2α and AP-2β from the retina resulted in a variety of abnormalities, including the absence of horizontal cells, defects in the photoreceptor ribbons in which synapses failed to form, along with evidence of aberrant amacrine cell arrangement. Although no significant changes in amacrine cell population numbers were observed in the double mutants, significant irregularities in the mosaic patterning of amacrine cells was observed as demonstrated by both Voronoi domain areas and nearest-neighbor distances analyses. These changes were further accompanied by an alteration in the retinal response to light as recorded by ERGs. In particular, in the double-mutant mice lacking AP-2α and AP-2β, the b-wave amplitude, representative of interneuron signal processing, was significantly reduced compared with control littermates. Conclusions Together these findings demonstrate the requirement for both AP-2α and AP-2β in proper amacrine mosaic patterning and a normal functional light response in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Anne Hicks
- McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mizna Zaveri
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula A Deschamps
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Noseworthy
- McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Ball
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Xiao D, Jin K, Xiang M. Necessity and Sufficiency of Ldb1 in the Generation, Differentiation and Maintenance of Non-photoreceptor Cell Types During Retinal Development. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:271. [PMID: 30127719 PMCID: PMC6087769 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian retinal development, the multipotent progenitors differentiate into all classes of retinal cells under the delicate control of transcriptional factors. The deficiency of a transcription cofactor, the LIM-domain binding protein Ldb1, has been shown to cause proliferation and developmental defects in multiple tissues including cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nervous systems; however, it remains unclear whether and how it regulates retinal development. By expression profiling, RNA in situ hybridization and immunostaining, here we show that Ldb1 is expressed in the progenitors during early retinal development, but later its expression gradually shifts to non-photoreceptor cell types including bipolar, amacrine, horizontal, ganglion, and Müller glial cells. Retina-specific ablation of Ldb1 in mice resulted in microphthalmia, optic nerve hypoplasia, retinal thinning and detachment, and profound vision impairment as determined by electroretinography. In the mutant retina, there was precocious differentiation of amacrine and horizontal cells, indicating a requirement of Ldb1 in maintaining the retinal progenitor pool. Additionally, all non-photoreceptor cell types were greatly reduced which appeared to be caused by a generation defect and/or retinal degeneration via excessive cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that misexpressed Ldb1 was sufficient to promote the generation of bipolar, amacrine, horizontal, ganglion, and Müller glial cells at the expense of photoreceptors. Together, these results demonstrate that Ldb1 is not only necessary but also sufficient for the development and/or maintenance of non-photoreceptor cell types, and implicate that the pleiotropic functions of Ldb1 during retinal development are context-dependent and determined by its interaction with diverse LIM-HD (LIM-homeodomain) and LMO (LIM domain-only) binding protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Lin JM, Taroc EZM, Frias JA, Prasad A, Catizone AN, Sammons MA, Forni PE. The transcription factor Tfap2e/AP-2ε plays a pivotal role in maintaining the identity of basal vomeronasal sensory neurons. Dev Biol 2018; 441:67-82. [PMID: 29928868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The identity of individual neuronal cell types is defined and maintained by the expression of specific combinations of transcriptional regulators that control cell type-specific genetic programs. The epithelium of the vomeronasal organ of mice contains two major types of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs): 1) the apical VSNs which express vomeronasal 1 receptors (V1r) and the G-protein subunit Gαi2 and; 2) the basal VSNs which express vomeronasal 2 receptors (V2r) and the G-protein subunit Gαo. Both cell types originate from a common pool of progenitors and eventually acquire apical or basal identity through largely unknown mechanisms. The transcription factor AP-2ε, encoded by the Tfap2e gene, plays a role in controlling the development of GABAergic interneurons in the main and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), moreover AP-2ε has been previously described to be expressed in the basal VSNs. Here we show that AP-2ε is expressed in post-mitotic VSNs after they commit to the basal differentiation program. Loss of AP-2ε function resulted in reduced number of basal VSNs and in an increased number of neurons expressing markers of the apical lineage. Our work suggests that AP-2ε, which is expressed in late phases of differentiation, is not needed to initiate the apical-basal differentiation dichotomy but for maintaining the basal VSNs' identity. In AP-2ε mutants we observed a large number of cells that entered the basal program can express apical genes, our data suggest that differentiated VSNs of mice retain a notable level of plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Ed Zandro M Taroc
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jesus A Frias
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Aparna Prasad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Allison N Catizone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Morgan A Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Paolo E Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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Akula M, Park JW, West-Mays JA. Relationship between neural crest cell specification and rare ocular diseases. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:7-15. [PMID: 29660784 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Development of the eye is closely associated with neural crest cell migration and specification. Eye development is extremely complex, as it requires the working of a combination of local factors, receptors, inductors, and signaling interactions between tissues such as the optic cup and periocular mesenchyme (POM). The POM is comprised of neural crest-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells that give rise to numerous important ocular structures including those tissues that form the optic cup and anterior segment of the eye. A number of genes are involved in the migration and specification of the POM such as PITX2, PITX3, FOXC1, FOXE3, PAX6, LMX1B, GPR48, TFAP2A, and TFAP2B. In this review, we will discuss the relevance of these genes in the development of the POM and how mutations and defects result in rare ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Akula
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeong Won Park
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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28
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Ouyang X, Zhang G, Pan H, Huang J. Susceptibility and severity of cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer patients is associated with SLC6A4 gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs25531 A>G genotype. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 33:97-101. [PMID: 29551185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the correlation between the SERT gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs25531 and rs956304 and the cancer-related fatigue (CRF) of colon and rectal cancer, and also to analyze the correlation of the interaction of genetic and non-genetic factors. METHOD A sample of 568 colon and rectal cancer patients were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from October 2013 to December 2015. The Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C) was used to evaluate the CRF. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patients. Direct sequencing was used to determine the rs25531 and rs956304 genotypes. RESULTS Compared with the AA genotype, the risk of suffering from CRF and the severity of CRF increased to 1.77 times (95% CI = 1.22-2.59, P = 0.003) for patients who carry with G allele (AG+GG genotype) at rs25531 locus. CONCLUSIONS The SERT gene promoter SNP rs25531 was associated with the CRF in patients with colon and rectal cancer and the G genotype was an independent risk factor for CRF among individuals with colon and rectal cancer in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Ouyang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Guanping Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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29
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AP-2ε Expression in Developing Retina: Contributing to the Molecular Diversity of Amacrine Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3386. [PMID: 29467543 PMCID: PMC5821864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AP-2 transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of gene expression during development. Four of the five members of the AP-2 family (AP-2α, AP-2β, AP-2γ and AP-2δ) have previously been shown to be expressed in developing retina. Mouse knockouts have revealed roles for AP-2α, AP-2β and AP-2δ in retinal cell specification and function. Here, we show that the fifth member of the AP-2 family, AP-2ε, is also expressed in amacrine cells in developing mammalian and chicken retina. Our data indicate that there are considerably fewer AP-2ε-positive cells in the developing mouse retina compared to AP-2α, AP-2β and AP-2γ-positive cells, suggesting a specialized role for AP-2ε in a subset of amacrine cells. AP-2ε, which is restricted to the GABAergic amacrine lineage, is most commonly co-expressed with AP-2α and AP-2β, especially at early stages of retinal development. Co-expression of AP-2ε and AP-2γ increases with differentiation. Analysis of previously published Drop-seq data from single retinal cells supports co-expression of multiple AP-2s in the same cell. Since AP-2s bind to their target sequences as either homodimers or heterodimers, our work suggests spatially- and temporally-coordinated roles for combinations of AP-2 transcription factors in amacrine cells during retinal development.
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30
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Van Otterloo E, Li H, Jones KL, Williams T. AP-2α and AP-2β cooperatively orchestrate homeobox gene expression during branchial arch patterning. Development 2018; 145:dev.157438. [PMID: 29229773 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of a hinged moveable jaw with variable morphology is considered a major factor behind the successful expansion of the vertebrates. DLX homeobox transcription factors are crucial for establishing the positional code that patterns the mandible, maxilla and intervening hinge domain, but how the genes encoding these proteins are regulated remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that the concerted action of the AP-2α and AP-2β transcription factors within the mouse neural crest is essential for jaw patterning. In the absence of these two proteins, the hinge domain is lost and there are alterations in the size and patterning of the jaws correlating with dysregulation of homeobox gene expression, with reduced levels of Emx, Msx and Dlx paralogs accompanied by an expansion of Six1 expression. Moreover, detailed analysis of morphological features and gene expression changes indicate significant overlap with various compound Dlx gene mutants. Together, these findings reveal that the AP-2 genes have a major function in mammalian neural crest development, influencing patterning of the craniofacial skeleton via the DLX code, an effect that has implications for vertebrate facial evolution, as well as for human craniofacial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Van Otterloo
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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31
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Goodson NB, Nahreini J, Randazzo G, Uruena A, Johnson JE, Brzezinski JA. Prdm13 is required for Ebf3+ amacrine cell formation in the retina. Dev Biol 2017; 434:149-163. [PMID: 29258872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Amacrine interneurons play a critical role in the processing of visual signals within the retina. They are highly diverse, representing 30 or more distinct subtypes. Little is known about how amacrine subtypes acquire their unique gene expression and morphological features. We characterized the gene expression pattern of the zinc-finger transcription factor Prdm13 in the mouse. Consistent with a developmental role, Prdm13 was expressed by Ptf1a+ amacrine and horizontal precursors. Over time, Prdm13 expression diverged from the transiently expressed Ptf1a and marked just a subset of amacrine cells in the adult retina. While heterogeneous, we show that most of these Prdm13+ amacrine cells express the transcription factor Ebf3 and the calcium binding protein calretinin. Loss of Prdm13 did not affect the number of amacrine cells formed during development. However, we observed a modest loss of amacrine cells and increased apoptosis that correlated with the onset timing of Ebf3 expression. Adult Prdm13 loss-of-function mice had 25% fewer amacrine cells, altered calretinin expression, and a lack of Ebf3+ amacrines. Forcing Prdm13 expression in retinal progenitor cells did not significantly increase amacrine cell formation, Ebf3 or calretinin expression, and appeared detrimental to the survival of photoreceptors. Our data show that Prdm13 is not required for amacrine fate as a class, but is essential for the formation of Ebf3+ amacrine cell subtypes. Rather than driving subtype identity, Prdm13 may act by restricting competing fate programs to maintain identity and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Goodson
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Ophthalmology, United States; University of Colorado Denver, Neuroscience Graduate Program, United States
| | - Jhenya Nahreini
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Ophthalmology, United States
| | - Grace Randazzo
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Ophthalmology, United States
| | - Ana Uruena
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neuroscience, United States
| | - Jane E Johnson
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neuroscience, United States
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Fujimura N, Kuzelova A, Ebert A, Strnad H, Lachova J, Machon O, Busslinger M, Kozmik Z. Polycomb repression complex 2 is required for the maintenance of retinal progenitor cells and balanced retinal differentiation. Dev Biol 2017; 433:47-60. [PMID: 29137925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complexes maintain transcriptional repression of genes encoding crucial developmental regulators through chromatin modification. Here we investigated the role of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in retinal development by inactivating its key components Eed and Ezh2. Conditional deletion of Ezh2 resulted in a partial loss of PRC2 function and accelerated differentiation of Müller glial cells. In contrast, inactivation of Eed led to the ablation of PRC2 function at early postnatal stage. Cell proliferation was reduced and retinal progenitor cells were significantly decreased in this mutant, which subsequently caused depletion of Müller glia, bipolar, and rod photoreceptor cells, primarily generated from postnatal retinal progenitor cells. Interestingly, the proportion of amacrine cells was dramatically increased at postnatal stages in the Eed-deficient retina. In accordance, multiple transcription factors controlling amacrine cell differentiation were upregulated. Furthermore, ChIP-seq analysis showed that these deregulated genes contained bivalent chromatin (H3K27me3+ H3K4me3+). Our results suggest that PRC2 is required for proliferation in order to maintain the retinal progenitor cells at postnatal stages and for retinal differentiation by controlling amacrine cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Fujimura
- Laboratory of Eye Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Kuzelova
- Laboratory of Eye Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Ebert
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Lachova
- Laboratory of Eye Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Machon
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Meinrad Busslinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Laboratory of Eye Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Barzago MM, Kurosaki M, Fratelli M, Bolis M, Giudice C, Nordio L, Cerri E, Domenici L, Terao M, Garattini E. Generation of a new mouse model of glaucoma characterized by reduced expression of the AP-2β and AP-2δ proteins. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11140. [PMID: 28894266 PMCID: PMC5593953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11752-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We generated 6 transgenic lines with insertion of an expression plasmid for the R883/M xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) mutant protein. Approximately 20% of the animals deriving from one of the transgenic lines show ocular abnormalities and an increase in intra-ocular pressure which are consistent with glaucoma. The observed pathologic phenotype is not due to expression of the transgene, but rather the consequence of the transgene insertion site, which has been defined by genome sequencing. The insertion site maps to chromosome 1qA3 in close proximity to the loci encoding AP-2β and AP-2δ, two proteins expressed in the eye. The insertion leads to a reduction in AP-2β and AP-2δ levels. Down-regulation of AP-2β expression is likely to be responsible for the pathologic phenotype, as conditional deletion of the Tfap2b gene in the neural crest has recently been shown to cause defective development of the eye anterior segment and early-onset glaucoma. In these conditional knock-out and our transgenic mice, the morphological/histological features of the glaucomatous pathology are surprisingly similar. Our transgenic mouse represents a model of angle-closure glaucoma and a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Monica Barzago
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Mami Kurosaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Giudice
- DIVET, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy, Via Celoria 10, 20113, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Nordio
- DIVET, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy, Via Celoria 10, 20113, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luciano Domenici
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mineko Terao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy.
| | - Enrico Garattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via La Masa 19, 20156, Milano, Italy.
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Laboissonniere LA, Martin GM, Goetz JJ, Bi R, Pope B, Weinand K, Ellson L, Fru D, Lee M, Wester AK, Liu P, Trimarchi JM. Single cell transcriptome profiling of developing chick retinal cells. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2735-2781. [PMID: 28510275 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is a specialized photosensitive tissue comprised of six neuronal and one glial cell types, each of which develops in prescribed proportions at overlapping timepoints from a common progenitor pool. While each of these cells has a specific function contributing to proper vision in the mature animal, their differential representation in the retina as well as the presence of distinctive cellular subtypes makes identifying the transcriptomic signatures that lead to each retinal cell's fate determination and development challenging. We have analyzed transcriptomes from individual cells isolated from the chick retina throughout retinogenesis. While we focused our efforts on the retinal ganglion cells, our transcriptomes of developing chick cells also contained representation from multiple retinal cell types, including photoreceptors and interneurons at different stages of development. Most interesting was the identification of transcriptomes from individual mixed lineage progenitor cells in the chick as these cells offer a window into the cell fate decision-making process. Taken together, these data sets will enable us to uncover the most critical genes acting in the steps of cell fate determination and early differentiation of various retinal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Laboissonniere
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Gregory M Martin
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Jillian J Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Ran Bi
- Department of Statistics, 2117 Snedecor Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Brock Pope
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Kallie Weinand
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Laura Ellson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Diane Fru
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Miranda Lee
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Andrea K Wester
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Statistics, 2117 Snedecor Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
| | - Jeffrey M Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, 2114 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011
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35
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Gueta K, David A, Cohen T, Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Nobel H, Narkis G, Li L, Love P, de Melo J, Blackshaw S, Westphal H, Ashery-Padan R. The stage-dependent roles of Ldb1 and functional redundancy with Ldb2 in mammalian retinogenesis. Development 2016; 143:4182-4192. [PMID: 27697904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Lim domain-binding proteins are key co-factor proteins that assemble with LIM domains of the LMO/LIM-HD family to form functional complexes that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Using conditional mutagenesis and comparative phenotypic analysis, we analyze the function of Ldb1 and Ldb2 in mouse retinal development, and demonstrate overlapping and specific functions of both proteins. Ldb1 interacts with Lhx2 in the embryonic retina and both Ldb1 and Ldb2 play a key role in maintaining the pool of retinal progenitor cells. This is accomplished by controlling the expression of the Vsx2 and Rax, and components of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Furthermore, the Ldb1/Ldb2-mediated complex is essential for generation of early-born photoreceptors through the regulation of Rax and Crx. Finally, we demonstrate functional redundancy between Ldb1 and Ldb2. Ldb1 can fully compensate the loss of Ldb2 during all phases of retinal development, whereas Ldb2 alone is sufficient to sustain activity of Lhx2 in both early- and late-stage RPCs and in Müller glia. By contrast, loss of Ldb1 disrupts activity of the LIM domain factors in neuronal precursors. An intricate regulatory network exists that is mediated by Ldb1 and Ldb2, and promotes RPC proliferation and multipotency; it also controls specification of mammalian retina cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Gueta
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ahuvit David
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tsadok Cohen
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Hila Nobel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ginat Narkis
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - LiQi Li
- Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paul Love
- Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jimmy de Melo
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Heiner Westphal
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Oren-Giladi P, Xie Q, Ezra-Elia R, Ofri R, Peled-Hajaj S, Farhy C, Higashi Y, Van de Putte T, Kondoh H, Huylebroeck D, Cvekl A, Ashery-Padan R. Sip1 regulates the generation of the inner nuclear layer retinal cell lineages in mammals. Development 2016; 143:2829-41. [PMID: 27385012 DOI: 10.1242/dev.136101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Sip1 (Zeb2) plays multiple roles during CNS development from early acquisition of neural fate to cortical neurogenesis and gliogenesis. In humans, SIP1 (ZEB2) haploinsufficiency leads to Mowat-Wilson syndrome, a complex congenital anomaly including intellectual disability, epilepsy and Hirschsprung disease. Here we uncover the role of Sip1 in retinogenesis. Somatic deletion of Sip1 from mouse retinal progenitors primarily affects the generation of inner nuclear layer cell types, resulting in complete loss of horizontal cells and reduced numbers of amacrine and bipolar cells, while the number of Muller glia is increased. Molecular analysis places Sip1 downstream of the eye field transcription factor Pax6 and upstream of Ptf1a in the gene network required for generating the horizontal and amacrine lineages. Intriguingly, characterization of differentiation dynamics reveals that Sip1 has a role in promoting the timely differentiation of retinal interneurons, assuring generation of the proper number of the diverse neuronal and glial cell subtypes that constitute the functional retina in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Pazit Oren-Giladi
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Raaya Ezra-Elia
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shany Peled-Hajaj
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chen Farhy
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yujiro Higashi
- Department of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center, Kasugai, Aichi 480-0392, Japan
| | - Tom Van de Putte
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Hisato Kondoh
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ales Cvekl
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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37
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Martino VB, Sabljic T, Deschamps P, Green RM, Akula M, Peacock E, Ball A, Williams T, West-Mays JA. Conditional deletion of AP-2β in mouse cranial neural crest results in anterior segment dysgenesis and early-onset glaucoma. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:849-61. [PMID: 27483349 PMCID: PMC5007979 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.025262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) encompasses a group of developmental disorders in which a closed angle phenotype in the anterior chamber of the eye can occur and 50% of patients develop glaucoma. Many ASDs are thought to involve an inappropriate patterning and migration of the periocular mesenchyme (POM), which is derived from cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) and mesoderm. Although, the mechanism of this disruption is not well understood, a number of transcriptional regulatory molecules have previously been implicated in ASDs. Here, we investigate the function of the transcription factor AP-2β, encoded by Tfap2b, which is expressed in NCCs and their derivatives. Wnt1-Cre-mediated conditional deletion of Tfap2b in NCCs resulted in post-natal ocular defects typified by opacity. Histological data revealed that the conditional AP-2β NCC knockout (KO) mutants exhibited dysgenesis of multiple structures in the anterior segment of the eye including defects in the corneal endothelium, corneal stroma, ciliary body and disruption in the iridocorneal angle with adherence of the iris to the cornea. We further show that this phenotype leads to a significant increase in intraocular pressure and a subsequent loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve degeneration, features indicative of glaucoma. Overall, our findings demonstrate that AP-2β is required in the POM for normal development of the anterior segment of the eye and that the AP-2β NCC KO mice might serve as a new and exciting model of ASD and glaucoma that is fully penetrant and with early post-natal onset. Summary: Tissue-specific deletion of transcription factor AP-2β in the neural-crest-derived periocular mesenchyme generates a novel model of anterior segment dysgenesis and early onset glaucoma in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa B Martino
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Thomas Sabljic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Paula Deschamps
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Rebecca M Green
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Mailstop 8120, RC-1 South Building, 11th Floor, Room 111, 12801 East 17th Ave. P.O., Aurora, CO 80045, USA Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Mailstop 8120, RC-1 South Building, 11th Floor, Room 111, 12801 East 17th Ave. P.O., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Monica Akula
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Erica Peacock
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Alexander Ball
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Mailstop 8120, RC-1 South Building, 11th Floor, Room 111, 12801 East 17th Ave. P.O., Aurora, CO 80045, USA Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Mailstop 8120, RC-1 South Building, 11th Floor, Room 111, 12801 East 17th Ave. P.O., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Room 4N65, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5
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Li X, Gaillard F, Monckton EA, Glubrecht DD, Persad ARL, Moser M, Sauvé Y, Godbout R. Loss of AP-2delta reduces retinal ganglion cell numbers and axonal projections to the superior colliculus. Mol Brain 2016; 9:62. [PMID: 27259519 PMCID: PMC4893287 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background AP-2δ is the most divergent member of the Activating Protein-2 (TFAP2) family of transcription factors. AP-2δ is restricted to specific regions of the CNS, including a subset of ganglion cells in the retina. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the only output neurons of the retina, are responsible for transmitting the visual signal to the brain. Results AP-2δ knockout results in loss of Brn3c (Pou4f3) expression in AP-2δ -positive RGCs. While AP-2δ-/- mice have morphologically normal retinas at birth, there is a significant reduction in retinal ganglion cell numbers by P21, after eye opening. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicates that Brn3c is a target of AP-2δ in the retina. Using fluorochrome-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B to trace ganglion cell axons from the eye to the major visual pathways in the brain, we found 87 % and 32 % decreases in ipsilateral and contralateral projections, respectively, to the superior colliculus in AP-2δ-/- mice. In agreement with anatomical data, visually evoked responses recorded from the brain confirmed that retinal outputs to the brain are compromised. Conclusions AP-2δ is important for the maintenance of ganglion cell numbers in the retina. Loss of AP-2δ alters retinal axonal projections to visual centers of the brain, with ipsilaterial projections to the superior colliculus being the most dramatically affected. Our results have important implications for integration of the visual signal at the superior colliculus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-016-0244-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Frédéric Gaillard
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Monckton
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Darryl D Glubrecht
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Amit R L Persad
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Markus Moser
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yves Sauvé
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roseline Godbout
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada.
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Transitional Progenitors during Vertebrate Retinogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3565-3576. [PMID: 27194297 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a delicate neural tissue responsible for light signal capturing, modulating, and passing to mid-brain. The brain then translated the signals into three-dimensional vision. The mature retina is composed of more than 50 subtypes of cells, all of which are developed from a pool of early multipotent retinal progenitors, which pass through sequential statuses of oligopotent, bipotent, and unipotent progenitors, and finally become terminally differentiated retinal cells. A transitional progenitor model is proposed here to describe how intrinsic developmental programs, along with environmental cues, control the step-by-step differentiation during retinogenesis. The model could elegantly explain many current findings as well as predict roles of intrinsic factors during retinal development.
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40
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Goetz JJ, Laboissonniere LA, Wester AK, Lynch MR, Trimarchi JM. Polo-Like Kinase 3 Appears Dispensable for Normal Retinal Development Despite Robust Embryonic Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150878. [PMID: 26949938 PMCID: PMC4780821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During retinogenesis seven different cell types are generated in distinct yet overlapping timepoints from a population of retinal progenitor cells. Previously, we performed single cell transcriptome analyses of retinal progenitor cells to identify candidate genes that may play roles in the generation of early-born retinal neurons. Based on its expression pattern in subsets of early retinal cells, polo-like kinase 3 (Plk3) was identified as one such candidate gene. Further characterization of Plk3 expression by in situ hybridization revealed that this gene is expressed as cells exit the cell cycle. We obtained a Plk3 deficient mouse and investigated changes in the retina’s morphology and transcriptome through immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and gene expression profiling. These experiments have been performed initially on adult mice and subsequently extended throughout retinal development. Although morphological studies revealed no consistent changes in retinogenesis upon Plk3 loss, microarray profiling revealed potential candidate genes altered in Plk3-KO mice. Further studies will be necessary to understand the connection between these changes in gene expression and the loss of a protein kinase such as Plk3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J. Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lauren A. Laboissonniere
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Andrea K. Wester
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Madison R. Lynch
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Ames High School, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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41
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Prdm13 regulates subtype specification of retinal amacrine interneurons and modulates visual sensitivity. J Neurosci 2015; 35:8004-20. [PMID: 25995483 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0089-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amacrine interneurons, which are highly diversified in morphological, neurochemical, and physiological features, play crucial roles in visual information processing in the retina. However, the specification mechanisms and functions in vision for each amacrine subtype are not well understood. We found that the Prdm13 transcriptional regulator is specifically expressed in developing and mature amacrine cells in the mouse retina. Most Prdm13-positive amacrine cells are Calbindin- and Calretinin-positive GABAergic or glycinergic neurons. Absence of Prdm13 significantly reduces GABAergic and glycinergic amacrines, resulting in a specific defect of the S2/S3 border neurite bundle in the inner plexiform layer. Forced expression of Prdm13 distinctively induces GABAergic and glycinergic amacrine cells but not cholinergic amacrine cells, whereas Ptf1a, an upstream transcriptional regulator of Prdm13, induces all of these subtypes. Moreover, Prdm13-deficient mice showed abnormally elevated spatial, temporal, and contrast sensitivities in vision. Together, these results show that Prdm13 regulates development of a subset of amacrine cells, which newly defines an amacrine subtype to negatively modulate visual sensitivities. Our current study provides new insights into mechanisms of the diversification of amacrine cells and their function in vision.
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42
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Jin K, Jiang H, Xiao D, Zou M, Zhu J, Xiang M. Tfap2a and 2b act downstream of Ptf1a to promote amacrine cell differentiation during retinogenesis. Mol Brain 2015; 8:28. [PMID: 25966682 PMCID: PMC4429372 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0118-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinogenesis is a precisely controlled developmental process during which different types of neurons and glial cells are generated under the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Three transcription factors, Foxn4, RORβ1 and their downstream effector Ptf1a, have been shown to be indispensable intrinsic regulators for the differentiation of amacrine and horizontal cells. At present, however, it is unclear how Ptf1a specifies these two cell fates from competent retinal precursors. Here, through combined bioinformatic, molecular and genetic approaches in mouse retinas, we identify the Tfap2a and Tfap2b transcription factors as two major downstream effectors of Ptf1a. RNA-seq and immunolabeling analyses show that the expression of Tfap2a and 2b transcripts and proteins is dramatically downregulated in the Ptf1a null mutant retina. Their overexpression is capable of promoting the differentiation of glycinergic and GABAergic amacrine cells at the expense of photoreceptors much as misexpressed Ptf1a is, whereas their simultaneous knockdown has the opposite effect. Given the demonstrated requirement for Tfap2a and 2b in horizontal cell differentiation, our study thus defines a Foxn4/RORβ1-Ptf1a-Tfap2a/2b transcriptional regulatory cascade that underlies the competence, specification and differentiation of amacrine and horizontal cells during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 54 South Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Haisong Jiang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 679 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA. .,Present address: Institute for Cell Engineering, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21206, USA.
| | - Dongchang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 54 South Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Min Zou
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 679 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Jun Zhu
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 54 South Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China. .,Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 679 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors operate downstream of Pax6 to regulate horizontal cell development. Dev Biol 2015; 402:48-60. [PMID: 25794677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies of the last decades strongly indicated that generation of particular retinal cell types is governed by gene regulatory networks of transcription factors and their target genes. The paired and homeodomain transcription factor Pax6 plays a pivotal role in retinal development as its inactivation in the retinal progenitor cell population leads to abolished differentiation of all retinal cell types. However, until now, only a few transcription factors operating downstream of Pax6 responsible for generation of individual retinal cell types have been identified. In this study, we identified two transcription factors of the Onecut family, Onecut1 and Onecut2, as Pax6 downstream-acting factors. Onecut1 and Onecut2 were previously shown to be expressed in developing horizontal cells, retinal ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors; however, their role in differentiation of these cell types is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the horizontal cell genesis is severely disturbed in Onecut-deficient retinae. In single Onecut1 and Onecut2 mutants, the number of horizontal cells is dramatically reduced while horizontal cells are completely missing in the Onecut1/Onecut2 compound mutant. Analysis of genes involved in the horizontal cell genesis such as Foxn4, Ptf1a, Prox1 and Lim1 showed that although horizontal cells are initially formed, they are not maintained in Onecut-deficient retinae. Taken together, this study suggests the model in which Pax6 regulates the maintenance of horizontal cells through the activation of Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors.
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Lens Development and Crystallin Gene Expression. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:129-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Kerr CL, Zaveri MA, Robinson ML, Williams T, West-Mays JA. AP-2α is required after lens vesicle formation to maintain lens integrity. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:1298-309. [PMID: 24753151 PMCID: PMC7962590 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors are critical in regulating lens development. The AP-2 family of transcription factors functions in differentiation, cell growth and apoptosis, and in lens and eye development. AP-2α, in particular, is important in early lens development, and when conditionally deleted at the placode stage defective separation of the lens vesicle from the surface ectoderm results. AP-2α's role during later stages of lens development is unknown. To address this, the MLR10-Cre transgene was used to delete AP-2α from the lens epithelium beginning at embryonic day (E) 10.5. RESULTS The loss of AP-2α after lens vesicle separation resulted in morphological defects beginning at E18.5. By P4, a small highly vacuolated lens with a multilayered epithelium was evident in the MLR10-AP-2α mutants. Epithelial cells appeared elongated and expressed fiber cell specific βB1 and γ-crystallins. Epithelial cell polarity and lens cell adhesion was disrupted and accompanied by the misexpression of ZO-1, N-Cadherin, and β-catenin. Cell death was observed in the mutant lens epithelium between postnatal day (P) 14 and P30, and correlated with altered arrangements of cells within the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that AP-2α continues to be required after lens vesicle separation to maintain a normal lens epithelial cell phenotype and overall lens integrity and to ensure correct fiber cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Kerr
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mizna A. Zaveri
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Judith A. West-Mays
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Health Science Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Li X, Persad ARL, Monckton EA, Godbout R. Transcription factor AP-2delta regulates the expression of polysialyltransferase ST8SIA2 in chick retina. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:770-5. [PMID: 24462686 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The AP-2δ transcription factor is restricted to a subset of retinal ganglion cells. Overexpression of AP-2δ in chick retina results in induction of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) accompanied by misrouting and bundling of ganglion cell axons. Two polysialyltransferases, ST8SIA2 and ST8SIA4, are responsible for polysialylation of NCAM. Here, we investigate the mechanism driving the increase in PSA-NCAM observed upon AP-2δ overexpression. We show that ST8SIA2 is induced by AP-2δ overexpression in chick retina. We use chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel shift assays to demonstrate direct interaction between AP-2δ and the ST8SIA2 promoter. We propose that up-regulation of ST8SIA2 upon AP-2δ overexpression in retina increases ectopic polysialylation of NCAM which in turn causes premature bundling of axons and alters axonal response to guidance cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Amit R L Persad
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Monckton
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Roseline Godbout
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada.
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Wu F, Li R, Umino Y, Kaczynski TJ, Sapkota D, Li S, Xiang M, Fliesler SJ, Sherry DM, Gannon M, Solessio E, Mu X. Onecut1 is essential for horizontal cell genesis and retinal integrity. J Neurosci 2013; 33:13053-65, 13065a. [PMID: 23926259 PMCID: PMC3735885 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0116-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Horizontal cells are interneurons that synapse with photoreceptors in the outer retina. Their genesis during development is subject to regulation by transcription factors in a hierarchical manner. Previously, we showed that Onecut 1 (Oc1), an atypical homeodomain transcription factor, is expressed in developing horizontal cells (HCs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mouse retina. Herein, by knocking out Oc1 specifically in the developing retina, we show that the majority (∼80%) of HCs fail to form during early retinal development, implying that Oc1 is essential for HC genesis. However, no other retinal cell types, including RGCs, were affected in the Oc1 knock-out. Analysis of the genetic relationship between Oc1 and other transcription factor genes required for HC development revealed that Oc1 functions downstream of FoxN4, in parallel with Ptf1a, but upstream of Lim1 and Prox1. By in utero electroporation, we found that Oc1 and Ptf1a together are not only essential, but also sufficient for determination of HC fate. In addition, the synaptic connections in the outer plexiform layer are defective in Oc1-null mice, and photoreceptors undergo age-dependent degeneration, indicating that HCs are not only an integral part of the retinal circuitry, but also are essential for the survival of photoreceptors. In sum, these results demonstrate that Oc1 is a critical determinant of HC fate, and reveal that HCs are essential for photoreceptor viability, retinal integrity, and normal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Renzhong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Yumiko Umino
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Ophthalmology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Tadeusz J. Kaczynski
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Shengguo Li
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Steven J. Fliesler
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Research Service, Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York 14215
| | - David M. Sherry
- Department of Cell Biology, Oklahoma Center for Neurosciences and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126, and
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Eduardo Solessio
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Ophthalmology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute and
- Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203
- CCSG Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263
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Id2a functions to limit Notch pathway activity and thereby influence the transition from proliferation to differentiation of retinoblasts during zebrafish retinogenesis. Dev Biol 2012; 371:280-92. [PMID: 22981606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During vertebrate retinogenesis, the precise balance between retinoblast proliferation and differentiation is spatially and temporally regulated through a number of intrinsic factors and extrinsic signaling pathways. Moreover, there are complex gene regulatory network interactions between these intrinsic factors and extrinsic pathways, which ultimately function to determine when retinoblasts exit the cell cycle and terminally differentiate. We recently uncovered a cell non-autonomous role for the intrinsic HLH factor, Id2a, in regulating retinoblast proliferation and differentiation, with Id2a-deficient retinae containing an abundance of proliferative retinoblasts and an absence of terminally differentiated retinal neurons and glia. Here, we report that Id2a function is necessary and sufficient to limit Notch pathway activity during retinogenesis. Id2a-deficient retinae possess elevated levels of Notch pathway component gene expression, while retinae overexpressing id2a possess reduced expression of Notch pathway component genes. Attenuation of Notch signaling activity by DAPT or by morpholino knockdown of Notch1a is sufficient to rescue both the proliferative and differentiation defects in Id2a-deficient retinae. In addition to regulating Notch pathway activity, through a novel RNA-Seq and differential gene expression analysis of Id2a-deficient retinae, we identify a number of additional intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory pathway components whose expression is regulated by Id2a. These data highlight the integral role played by Id2a in the gene regulatory network governing the transition from retinoblast proliferation to terminal differentiation during vertebrate retinogenesis.
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