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Yang Z. The Principle of Cortical Development and Evolution. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01259-2. [PMID: 39023844 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01259-2] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Human's robust cognitive abilities, including creativity and language, are made possible, at least in large part, by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex. This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells (primary neural stem cells) and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process, based on a core molecular pathway already in use, is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis. The core mechanism, which has been identified in our recent studies, is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form (GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog (SHH) positive feedback loop. Additionally, I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism, exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor, is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia, that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling. Finally, I propose that: (1) SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding; (2) human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons; (3) human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion. I hope this review assists colleagues in the field, guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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2
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Fox SC, Waskiewicz AJ. Transforming growth factor beta signaling and craniofacial development: modeling human diseases in zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1338070. [PMID: 38385025 PMCID: PMC10879340 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1338070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and other jawed vertebrates rely heavily on their craniofacial skeleton for eating, breathing, and communicating. As such, it is vital that the elements of the craniofacial skeleton develop properly during embryogenesis to ensure a high quality of life and evolutionary fitness. Indeed, craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft palate and craniosynostosis, represent some of the most common congenital abnormalities in newborns. Like many other organ systems, the development of the craniofacial skeleton is complex, relying on specification and migration of the neural crest, patterning of the pharyngeal arches, and morphogenesis of each skeletal element into its final form. These processes must be carefully coordinated and integrated. One way this is achieved is through the spatial and temporal deployment of cell signaling pathways. Recent studies conducted using the zebrafish model underscore the importance of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways in craniofacial development. Although both pathways contain similar components, each pathway results in unique outcomes on a cellular level. In this review, we will cover studies conducted using zebrafish that show the necessity of these pathways in each stage of craniofacial development, starting with the induction of the neural crest, and ending with the morphogenesis of craniofacial elements. We will also cover human skeletal and craniofacial diseases and malformations caused by mutations in the components of these pathways (e.g., cleft palate, craniosynostosis, etc.) and the potential utility of zebrafish in studying the etiology of these diseases. We will also briefly cover the utility of the zebrafish model in joint development and biology and discuss the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling in these processes and the diseases that result from aberrancies in these pathways, including osteoarthritis and multiple synostoses syndrome. Overall, this review will demonstrate the critical roles of TGF-β/BMP signaling in craniofacial development and show the utility of the zebrafish model in development and disease.
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3
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Li Z, Liu G, Yang L, Sun M, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Gao Y, Jiang X, Su Z, Li X, Yang Z. BMP7 expression in mammalian cortical radial glial cells increases the length of the neurogenic period. Protein Cell 2024; 15:21-35. [PMID: 37300483 PMCID: PMC10762677 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The seat of human intelligence is the human cerebral cortex, which is responsible for our exceptional cognitive abilities. Identifying principles that lead to the development of the large-sized human cerebral cortex will shed light on what makes the human brain and species so special. The remarkable increase in the number of human cortical pyramidal neurons and the size of the human cerebral cortex is mainly because human cortical radial glial cells, primary neural stem cells in the cortex, generate cortical pyramidal neurons for more than 130 days, whereas the same process takes only about 7 days in mice. The molecular mechanisms underlying this difference are largely unknown. Here, we found that bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) is expressed by increasing the number of cortical radial glial cells during mammalian evolution (mouse, ferret, monkey, and human). BMP7 expression in cortical radial glial cells promotes neurogenesis, inhibits gliogenesis, and thereby increases the length of the neurogenic period, whereas Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling promotes cortical gliogenesis. We demonstrate that BMP7 signaling and SHH signaling mutually inhibit each other through regulation of GLI3 repressor formation. We propose that BMP7 drives the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian cortex by increasing the length of the neurogenic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenmeiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guoping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mengge Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhejun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanjing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zihao Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaosu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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4
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Casey MA, Lusk S, Kwan KM. Eye Morphogenesis in Vertebrates. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:221-243. [PMID: 37040791 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100720-111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Proper eye structure is essential for visual function: Multiple essential eye tissues must take shape and assemble into a precise three-dimensional configuration. Accordingly, alterations to eye structure can lead to pathological conditions of visual impairment. Changes in eye shape can also be adaptive over evolutionary time. Eye structure is first established during development with the formation of the optic cup, which contains the neural retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and lens. This crucial yet deceptively simple hemispherical structure lays the foundation for all later elaborations of the eye. Building on descriptions of the embryonic eye that started with hand drawings and micrographs, the field is beginning to identify mechanisms driving dynamic changes in three-dimensional cell and tissue shape. A combination of molecular genetics, imaging, and pharmacological approaches is defining connections among transcription factors, signaling pathways, and the intracellular machinery governing the emergence of this crucial structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macaulie A Casey
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; , ,
| | - Sarah Lusk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; , ,
| | - Kristen M Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; , ,
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Qiu JJ, Liu YN, Wei H, Zeng F, Yan JB. Single-cell RNA sequencing of neural stem cells derived from human trisomic iPSCs reveals the abnormalities during neural differentiation of Down syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1137123. [PMID: 37396785 PMCID: PMC10311021 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1137123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic condition that causes intellectual disability in humans. The molecular mechanisms behind the DS phenotype remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we present new findings on its molecular mechanisms through single-cell RNA sequencing. Methods Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the patients with DS and the normal control (NC) patients were differentiated into iPSCs-derived neural stem cells (NSCs). Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to achieve a comprehensive single-cell level differentiation roadmap for DS-iPSCs. Biological experiments were also performed to validate the findings. Results and Discussion The results demonstrated that iPSCs can differentiate into NSCs in both DS and NC samples. Furthermore, 19,422 cells were obtained from iPSC samples (8,500 cells for DS and 10,922 cells for the NC) and 16,506 cells from NSC samples (7,182 cells for DS and 9,324 cells for the NC), which had differentiated from the iPSCs. A cluster of DS-iPSCs, named DS-iPSCs-not differentiated (DSi-PSCs-ND), which had abnormal expression patterns compared with NC-iPSCs, were demonstrated to be unable to differentiate into DS-NSCs. Further analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that inhibitor of differentiation family (ID family) members, which exhibited abnormal expression patterns throughout the differentiation process from DS-iPSCs to DS-NSCs, may potentially have contributed to the neural differentiation of DS-iPSCs. Moreover, abnormal differentiation fate was observed in DS-NSCs, which resulted in the increased differentiation of glial cells, such as astrocytes, but decreased differentiation into neuronal cells. Furthermore, functional analysis demonstrated that DS-NSCs and DS-NPCs had disorders in axon and visual system development. The present study provided a new insight into the pathogenesis of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-jun Qiu
- Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-na Liu
- Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wei
- Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanyi Zeng
- Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hiso-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-bin Yan
- Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
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6
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Paşcalău R, Badea TC. Signaling - transcription interactions in mouse retinal ganglion cells early axon pathfinding -a literature review. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1180142. [PMID: 38983012 PMCID: PMC11182120 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1180142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Sending an axon out of the eye and into the target brain nuclei is the defining feature of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The literature on RGC axon pathfinding is vast, but it focuses mostly on decision making events such as midline crossing at the optic chiasm or retinotopic mapping at the target nuclei. In comparison, the exit of RGC axons out of the eye is much less explored. The first checkpoint on the RGC axons' path is the optic cup - optic stalk junction (OC-OS). OC-OS development and the exit of the RGC pioneer axons out of the eye are coordinated spatially and temporally. By the time the optic nerve head domain is specified, the optic fissure margins are in contact and the fusion process is ongoing, the first RGCs are born in its proximity and send pioneer axons in the optic stalk. RGC differentiation continues in centrifugal waves. Later born RGC axons fasciculate with the more mature axons. Growth cones at the end of the axons respond to guidance cues to adopt a centripetal direction, maintain nerve fiber layer restriction and to leave the optic cup. Although there is extensive information on OC-OS development, we still have important unanswered questions regarding its contribution to the exit of the RGC axons out of the eye. We are still to distinguish the morphogens of the OC-OS from the axon guidance molecules which are expressed in the same place at the same time. The early RGC transcription programs responsible for axon emergence and pathfinding are also unknown. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms for early RGC axon guidance by contextualizing mouse knock-out studies on OC-OS development with the recent transcriptomic studies on developing RGCs in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of human optic nerve developmental anomalies. The published data summarized here suggests that the developing optic nerve head provides a physical channel (the closing optic fissure) as well as molecular guidance cues for the pioneer RGC axons to exit the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Paşcalău
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Cluj County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- National Center for Brain Research, Institutul de Cercetări pentru Inteligență Artificială, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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Cardozo MJ, Sánchez-Bustamante E, Bovolenta P. Optic cup morphogenesis across species and related inborn human eye defects. Development 2023; 150:dev200399. [PMID: 36714981 PMCID: PMC10110496 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate eye is shaped as a cup, a conformation that optimizes vision and is acquired early in development through a process known as optic cup morphogenesis. Imaging living, transparent teleost embryos and mammalian stem cell-derived organoids has provided insights into the rearrangements that eye progenitors undergo to adopt such a shape. Molecular and pharmacological interference with these rearrangements has further identified the underlying molecular machineries and the physical forces involved in this morphogenetic process. In this Review, we summarize the resulting scenarios and proposed models that include common and species-specific events. We further discuss how these studies and those in environmentally adapted blind species may shed light on human inborn eye malformations that result from failures in optic cup morphogenesis, including microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos J. Cardozo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-Bustamante
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
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8
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Spanou CES, Wohl AP, Doherr S, Correns A, Sonntag N, Lütke S, Mörgelin M, Imhof T, Gebauer JM, Baumann U, Grobe K, Koch M, Sengle G. Targeting of bone morphogenetic protein complexes to heparin/heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans in bioactive conformation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22717. [PMID: 36563024 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200904r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are powerful regulators of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the specific molecular requirements controlling the bioavailability of BMPs in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are not yet fully understood. Our previous work showed that BMPs are targeted to the ECM as growth factor-prodomain (GF-PD) complexes (CPLXs) via specific interactions of their PDs. We showed that BMP-7 PD binding to the extracellular microfibril component fibrillin-1 renders the CPLXs from an open, bioactive V-shape into a closed, latent ring shape. Here, we show that specific PD interactions with heparin/heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) allow to target and spatially concentrate BMP-7 and BMP-9 CPLXs in bioactive V-shape conformation. However, targeting to GAGs may be BMP specific, since BMP-10 GF and CPLX do not interact with heparin. Bioactivity assays on solid phase in combination with interaction studies showed that the BMP-7 PD protects the BMP-7 GF from inactivation by heparin. By using transmission electron microscopy, molecular docking, and site-directed mutagenesis, we determined the BMP-7 PD-binding site for heparin. Further, fine-mapping of the fibrillin-1-binding site within the BMP-7 PD and molecular modeling showed that both binding sites are mutually exclusive in the open V- versus closed ring-shape conformation. Together, our data suggest that targeting exquisite BMP PD-binding sites by extracellular protein and GAG scaffolds integrates BMP GF bioavailability in a contextual manner in development, postnatal life, and connective tissue disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chara E S Spanou
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander P Wohl
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Doherr
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annkatrin Correns
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Niklas Sonntag
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffen Lütke
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Mörgelin
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Colzyx AB, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas Imhof
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan M Gebauer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kay Grobe
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuel Koch
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerhard Sengle
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), Cologne, Germany
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Diacou R, Nandigrami P, Fiser A, Liu W, Ashery-Padan R, Cvekl A. Cell fate decisions, transcription factors and signaling during early retinal development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101093. [PMID: 35817658 PMCID: PMC9669153 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the vertebrate eyes is a complex process starting from anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral patterning of the anterior neural tube, resulting in the formation of the eye field. Symmetrical separation of the eye field at the anterior neural plate is followed by two symmetrical evaginations to generate a pair of optic vesicles. Next, reciprocal invagination of the optic vesicles with surface ectoderm-derived lens placodes generates double-layered optic cups. The inner and outer layers of the optic cups develop into the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), respectively. In vitro produced retinal tissues, called retinal organoids, are formed from human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking major steps of retinal differentiation in vivo. This review article summarizes recent progress in our understanding of early eye development, focusing on the formation the eye field, optic vesicles, and early optic cups. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies are integrated with classical in vivo genetic and functional studies to uncover a range of cellular mechanisms underlying early eye development. The functions of signal transduction pathways and lineage-specific DNA-binding transcription factors are dissected to explain cell-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate determination during early eye development. The functions of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors Otx2, Pax6, Lhx2, Six3 and Six6, which are required for early eye development, are discussed in detail. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of early eye development provides insight into the molecular and cellular basis of developmental ocular anomalies, such as optic cup coloboma. Lastly, modeling human development and inherited retinal diseases using stem cell-derived retinal organoids generates opportunities to discover novel therapies for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven Diacou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Prithviraj Nandigrami
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Andras Fiser
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ales Cvekl
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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10
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Mao M, Labelle-Dumais C, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Gould DB. Elevated TGFβ signaling contributes to ocular anterior segment dysgenesis in Col4a1 mutant mice. Matrix Biol 2022; 110:151-173. [PMID: 35525525 PMCID: PMC10410753 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.05.001] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) refers to a collection of developmental disorders affecting the anterior structures of the eye. Although a number of genes have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. Mutations in genes encoding collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause Gould syndrome, a multi-system disorder that often includes ocular manifestations such as ASD and glaucoma. COL4A1 and COL4A2 are abundant basement membrane proteins that provide structural support to tissues and modulate signaling through interactions with other extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and cell surface receptors. In this study, we used a combination of histological, molecular, genetic and pharmacological approaches to demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to ASD in mouse models of Gould syndrome. We show that TGFβ signaling was elevated in anterior segments from Col4a1 mutant mice and that genetically reducing TGFβ signaling partially prevented ASD. Notably, we identified distinct roles for TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 in ocular defects observed in Col4a1 mutant mice. Importantly, we show that pharmacologically promoting type IV collagen secretion or reducing TGFβ signaling ameliorated ocular pathology in Col4a1 mutant mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to COL4A1-related ocular dysgenesis and implicate this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Gould syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Cassandre Labelle-Dumais
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Sara F Tufa
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas B Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Bakar Aging Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
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11
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Owen N, Toms M, Young RM, Eintracht J, Sarkar H, Brooks BP, Moosajee M. Identification of 4 novel human ocular coloboma genes ANK3, BMPR1B, PDGFRA, and CDH4 through evolutionary conserved vertebrate gene analysis. Genet Med 2022; 24:1073-1084. [PMID: 35034853 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular coloboma arises from genetic or environmental perturbations that inhibit optic fissure (OF) fusion during early eye development. Despite high genetic heterogeneity, 70% to 85% of patients remain molecularly undiagnosed. In this study, we have identified new potential causative genes using cross-species comparative meta-analysis. METHODS Evolutionarily conserved differentially expressed genes were identified through in silico analysis, with in situ hybridization, gene knockdown, and rescue performed to confirm spatiotemporal gene expression and phenotype. Interrogation of the 100,000 Genomes Project for putative pathogenic variants was performed. RESULTS Nine conserved differentially expressed genes between zebrafish and mouse were identified. Expression of zebrafish ank3a, bmpr1ba/b, cdh4, and pdgfaa was localized to the OF, periocular mesenchyme cells, or ciliary marginal zone, regions traversed by the OF. Knockdown of ank3, bmpr1b, and pdgfaa revealed a coloboma and/or microphthalmia phenotype. Novel pathogenic variants in ANK3, BMPR1B, PDGFRA, and CDH4 were identified in 8 unrelated coloboma families. We showed BMPR1B rescued the knockdown phenotype but variant messenger RNAs failed, providing evidence of pathogenicity. CONCLUSION We show the utility of cross-species meta-analysis to identify several novel coloboma disease-causing genes. There is a potential to increase the diagnostic yield for new and unsolved patients while adding to our understanding of the genetic basis of OF morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Owen
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo M Young
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Eintracht
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hajrah Sarkar
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Fox SC, Widen SA, Asai-Coakwell M, Havrylov S, Benson M, Prichard LB, Baddam P, Graf D, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. BMP3 is a novel locus involved in the causality of ocular coloboma. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1385-1407. [PMID: 35089417 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coloboma, a congenital disorder characterized by gaps in ocular tissues, is caused when the choroid fissure fails to close during embryonic development. Several loci have been associated with coloboma, but these represent less than 40% of those that are involved with this disease. Here, we describe a novel coloboma-causing locus, BMP3. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of patients with coloboma identified three variants in BMP3, two of which are predicted to be disease causing. Consistent with this, bmp3 mutant zebrafish have aberrant fissure closure. bmp3 is expressed in the ventral head mesenchyme and regulates phosphorylated Smad3 in a population of cells adjacent to the choroid fissure. Furthermore, mutations in bmp3 sensitize embryos to Smad3 inhibitor treatment resulting in open choroid fissures. Micro CT scans and Alcian blue staining of zebrafish demonstrate that mutations in bmp3 cause midface hypoplasia, suggesting that bmp3 regulates cranial neural crest cells. Consistent with this, we see active Smad3 in a population of periocular neural crest cells, and bmp3 mutant zebrafish have reduced neural crest cells in the choroid fissure. Taken together, these data suggest that Bmp3 controls Smad3 phosphorylation in neural crest cells to regulate early craniofacial and ocular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Vienna BioCenter, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mika Asai-Coakwell
- Department of Animal and Poultry and Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Serhiy Havrylov
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Benson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa B Prichard
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pranidhi Baddam
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada. .,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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13
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Shu DY, Lovicu FJ. Insights into Bone Morphogenetic Protein-(BMP-) Signaling in Ocular Lens Biology and Pathology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102604. [PMID: 34685584 PMCID: PMC8533954 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a diverse class of growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily. Although originally discovered to possess osteogenic properties, BMPs have since been identified as critical regulators of many biological processes, including cell-fate determination, cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis, throughout the body. In the ocular lens, BMPs are important in orchestrating fundamental developmental processes such as induction of lens morphogenesis, and specialized differentiation of its fiber cells. Moreover, BMPs have been reported to facilitate regeneration of the lens, as well as abrogate pathological processes such as TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize recent insights in this topic and discuss the complexities of BMP-signaling including the role of individual BMP ligands, receptors, extracellular antagonists and cross-talk between canonical and non-canonical BMP-signaling cascades in the lens. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying BMP activity, we can advance their potential therapeutic role in cataract prevention and lens regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y. Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Frank J. Lovicu
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9351-5170
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14
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Reynolds K, Zhang S, Sun B, Garland M, Ji Y, Zhou CJ. Genetics and signaling mechanisms of orofacial clefts. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1588-1634. [PMID: 32666711 PMCID: PMC7883771 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial development involves several complex tissue movements including several fusion processes to form the frontonasal and maxillary structures, including the upper lip and palate. Each of these movements are controlled by many different factors that are tightly regulated by several integral morphogenetic signaling pathways. Subject to both genetic and environmental influences, interruption at nearly any stage can disrupt lip, nasal, or palate fusion and result in a cleft. Here, we discuss many of the genetic risk factors that may contribute to the presentation of orofacial clefts in patients, and several of the key signaling pathways and underlying cellular mechanisms that control lip and palate formation, as identified primarily through investigating equivalent processes in animal models, are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Reynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Michael Garland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Yu Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Chengji J. Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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15
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Yoon KH, Fox SC, Dicipulo R, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. Ocular coloboma: Genetic variants reveal a dynamic model of eye development. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:590-610. [PMID: 32852110 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is a congenital disorder of the eye where a gap exists in the inferior retina, lens, iris, or optic nerve tissue. With a prevalence of 2-19 per 100,000 live births, coloboma, and microphthalmia, an associated ocular disorder, represent up to 10% of childhood blindness. It manifests due to the failure of choroid fissure closure during eye development, and it is a part of a spectrum of ocular disorders that include microphthalmia and anophthalmia. Use of genetic approaches from classical pedigree analyses to next generation sequencing has identified more than 40 loci that are associated with the causality of ocular coloboma. As we have expanded studies to include singleton cases, hereditability has been very challenging to prove. As such, researchers over the past 20 years, have unraveled the complex interrelationship amongst these 40 genes using vertebrate model organisms. Such research has greatly increased our understanding of eye development. These genes function to regulate initial specification of the eye field, migration of retinal precursors, patterning of the retina, neural crest cell biology, and activity of head mesoderm. This review will discuss the discovery of loci using patient data, their investigations in animal models, and the recent advances stemming from animal models that shed new light in patient diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Renée Dicipulo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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16
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Ji Y, Garland MA, Sun B, Zhang S, Reynolds K, McMahon M, Rajakumar R, Islam MS, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zhou CJ. Cellular and developmental basis of orofacial clefts. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1558-1587. [PMID: 32725806 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During craniofacial development, defective growth and fusion of the upper lip and/or palate can cause orofacial clefts (OFCs), which are among the most common structural birth defects in humans. The developmental basis of OFCs includes morphogenesis of the upper lip, primary palate, secondary palate, and other orofacial structures, each consisting of diverse cell types originating from all three germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Cranial neural crest cells and orofacial epithelial cells are two major cell types that interact with various cell lineages and play key roles in orofacial development. The cellular basis of OFCs involves defective execution in any one or several of the following processes: neural crest induction, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, primary cilia formation and its signaling transduction, epithelial seam formation and disappearance, periderm formation and peeling, convergence and extrusion of palatal epithelial seam cells, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton dynamics, and extracellular matrix function. The latest cellular and developmental findings may provide a basis for better understanding of the underlying genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and molecular mechanisms of OFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Michael A Garland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kurt Reynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Moira McMahon
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ratheya Rajakumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Mohammad S Islam
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yue Liu
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - YiPing Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Chengji J Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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17
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George A, Cogliati T, Brooks BP. Genetics of syndromic ocular coloboma: CHARGE and COACH syndromes. Exp Eye Res 2020; 193:107940. [PMID: 32032630 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optic fissure closure defects result in uveal coloboma, a potentially blinding condition affecting between 0.5 and 2.6 per 10,000 births that may cause up to 10% of childhood blindness. Uveal coloboma is on a phenotypic continuum with microphthalmia (small eye) and anophthalmia (primordial/no ocular tissue), the so-called MAC spectrum. This review gives a brief overview of the developmental biology behind coloboma and its clinical presentation/spectrum. Special attention will be given to two prominent, syndromic forms of coloboma, namely, CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defect, Atresia choanae, Retarded growth and development, Genital hypoplasia, and Ear anomalies/deafness) and COACH (Cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, Oligophrenia, Ataxia, Coloboma, and Hepatic fibrosis) syndromes. Approaches employed to identify genes involved in optic fissure closure in animal models and recent advances in live imaging of zebrafish eye development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman George
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Tiziana Cogliati
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
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18
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Perera N, Ritchie RH, Tate M. The Role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Diabetic Complications. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 3:11-20. [PMID: 32259084 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and is placing a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. Diabetes has a detrimental impact on many organs in the human body, including accelerating the development of micro- and macrovascular complications. Current therapeutic options to treat diabetic complications have their limitations. Importantly, many slow but fail to reverse the progression of diabetic complications. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a highly conserved subgroup of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, signaling via serine/threonine kinase receptors, that have recently been implicated in glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in the setting of diabetes. Downstream of the receptors, the signal can be transduced via the canonical Smad-dependent pathway or the noncanonical Smad-independent pathways. BMPs are essential in organ development, tissue homeostasis, and, as expected, disease pathogenesis. In fact, deletion of BMPs can be embryonically lethal or result in severe organ abnormalities. This review outlines the BMP signaling pathway and its relevance to diabetic complications, namely, diabetic nephropathy, diabetes-associated cardiovascular diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. Understanding the complexities of BMP signaling and particularly its tissue-, cellular-, and time-dependent actions will help delineate the underlying pathogenesis of the disease and may ultimately be harnessed in the treatment of diabetes-induced complications. This would replicate progress made in numerous other diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimna Perera
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mitchel Tate
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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19
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Kim HS, Neugebauer J, McKnite A, Tilak A, Christian JL. BMP7 functions predominantly as a heterodimer with BMP2 or BMP4 during mammalian embryogenesis. eLife 2019; 8:48872. [PMID: 31566563 PMCID: PMC6785266 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BMP7/BMP2 or BMP7/BMP4 heterodimers are more active than homodimers in vitro, but it is not known whether these heterodimers signal in vivo. To test this, we generated knock in mice carrying a mutation (Bmp7R-GFlag) that prevents proteolytic activation of the dimerized BMP7 precursor protein. This mutation eliminates the function of BMP7 homodimers and all other BMPs that normally heterodimerize with BMP7. While Bmp7 null homozygotes are live born, Bmp7R-GFlag homozygotes are embryonic lethal and have broadly reduced BMP activity. Furthermore, compound heterozygotes carrying the Bmp7R-G allele together with a null allele of Bmp2 or Bmp4 die during embryogenesis with defects in ventral body wall closure and/or the heart. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirm that endogenous BMP4/7 heterodimers exist. Thus, BMP7 functions predominantly as a heterodimer with BMP2 or BMP4 during mammalian development, which may explain why mutations in either Bmp4 or Bmp7 lead to a similar spectrum of congenital defects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Seok Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Judith Neugebauer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Autumn McKnite
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Anup Tilak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, United States
| | - Jan L Christian
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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20
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Valensi M, Goldman G, Marchant D, Van Den Berghe L, Jonet L, Daruich A, Robert MP, Krejci E, Klein C, Mascarelli F, Versaux-Botteri C, Moulin A, Putterman M, Guimiot F, Molina T, Terris B, Brémond-Gignac D, Behar-Cohen F, Abitbol MM. Sostdc1 is expressed in all major compartments of developing and adult mammalian eyes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:2401-2427. [PMID: 31529323 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted in order to study Sostdc1 expression in rat and human developing and adult eyes. METHODS Using the yeast signal sequence trap screening method, we identified the Sostdc1 cDNA encoding a protein secreted by the adult rat retinal pigment epithelium. We determined by in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis Sostdc1 gene and protein expression in developing and postnatal rat ocular tissue sections. We also investigated Sostdc1 immunohistolocalization in developing and adult human ocular tissues. RESULTS We demonstrated a prominent Sostdc1 gene expression in the developing rat central nervous system (CNS) and eyes at early developmental stages from E10.5 days postconception (dpc) to E13 dpc. Specific Sostdc1 immunostaining was also detected in most adult cells of rat ocular tissue sections. We also identified the rat ocular embryonic compartments characterized by a specific Sostdc1 immunohistostaining and specific Pax6, Sox2, Otx2, and Vsx2 immunohistostaining from embryonic stages E10.5 to E13 dpc. Furthermore, we determined the localization of SOSTDC1 immunoreactivity in ocular tissue sections of developing and adult human eyes. Indeed, we detected SOSTDC1 immunostaining in developing and adult human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina (NR) as well as in several developing and adult human ocular compartments, including the walls of choroidal and scleral vessels. Of utmost importance, we observed a strong SOSTDC1 expression in a pathological ocular specimen of type 2 Peters' anomaly complicated by retinal neovascularization as well in the walls ofother pathological extra-ocular vessels. CONCLUSION: As rat Sostdc1 and human SOSTDC1 are dual antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signaling pathways, these results underscore the potential crucial roles of these pathways and their antagonists, such as Sostdc1 and SOSTDC1, in developing and adult mammalian normal eyes as well as in syndromic and nonsyndromic congenital eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Valensi
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Gabrielle Goldman
- APHP, Service de Pathologie de L'Hôpital Cochin-Hôtel-Dieu, Université Paris Descartes, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Marchant
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, Laboratoire Hypoxie et poumons, Université Paris 13, EA 2363, 93017, Bobigny, France
| | - Loïc Van Den Berghe
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Inserm UMR 1037, CRCT (Cancer Research Center of Toulouse), 31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Jonet
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Alejandra Daruich
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Service d'Ophtalmologie, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Service d'Ophtalmologie, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
- COGnition and Action Group, UMR 8257, CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Eric Krejci
- COGnition and Action Group, UMR 8257, CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Klein
- Centre d'Imagerie Cellulaire et de Cytométrie (CICC), Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6, Université Paris Descartes - Paris 5, UMR_S 1138, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Mascarelli
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Claudine Versaux-Botteri
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Moulin
- Département de Pathologie, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin , 15, avenue de France, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Putterman
- APHP, Service de Pathologie de l'Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Université Paris Descartes, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Guimiot
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Foeto-Pathologie, Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Serrurier, 75019, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Molina
- APHP, Service de Pathologie de l'Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Université Paris Descartes, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Terris
- APHP, Service de Pathologie de L'Hôpital Cochin-Hôtel-Dieu, Université Paris Descartes, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Brémond-Gignac
- AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Service d'Ophtalmologie, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire Cochin-Hôtel-Dieu, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Marc M Abitbol
- Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers, UMR_S INSERM 1138, Equipe 17, Université Paris Descartes, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006, Paris, France.
- AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, Service d'Ophtalmologie, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France.
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21
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Harding P, Moosajee M. The Molecular Basis of Human Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7030016. [PMID: 31416264 PMCID: PMC6787759 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human eye development is coordinated through an extensive network of genetic signalling pathways. Disruption of key regulatory genes in the early stages of eye development can result in aborted eye formation, resulting in an absent eye (anophthalmia) or a small underdeveloped eye (microphthalmia) phenotype. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity, with >90 identified associated genes. By understanding the roles of these genes in development, including their temporal expression, the phenotypic variation associated with AM can be better understood, improving diagnosis and management. This review describes the genetic and structural basis of eye development, focusing on the function of key genes known to be associated with AM. In addition, we highlight some promising avenues of research involving multiomic approaches and disease modelling with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, which will aid in developing novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
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22
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An update on the genetics of ocular coloboma. Hum Genet 2019; 138:865-880. [PMID: 31073883 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is an uncommon, but often severe, sight-threatening condition that can be identified from birth. This congenital anomaly is thought to be caused by maldevelopment of optic fissure closure during early eye morphogenesis. It has been causally linked to both inherited (genetic) and environmental influences. In particular, as a consequence of work to identify genetic causes of coloboma, new molecular pathways that control optic fissure closure have now been identified. Many more regulatory mechanisms still await better understanding to inform on the development of potential therapies for patients with this malformation. This review provides an update of known coloboma genes, the pathways they influence and how best to manage the condition. In the age of precision medicine, determining the underlying genetic cause in any given patient is of high importance.
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23
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Bouty A, Walton K, Listyasari NA, Robevska G, Van den Bergen J, Santosa A, Faradz SMH, Harrison C, Ayers KL, Sinclair AH. Functional Characterization of Two New Variants in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Prodomain in Two Pairs of Monozygotic Twins With Hypospadias. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:814-824. [PMID: 30963139 PMCID: PMC6446891 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Variants in bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) have been reported in patients with hypospadias. Here we report and analyze two variants in the BMP7 prodomain in monozygotic twins with hypospadias. Materials and Methods Patients with hypospadias were prospectively recruited. After informed consent was obtained, DNA was extracted from blood. The coding regions of 1034 genes [including 64 known diagnostic genes and candidate genes for disorder/difference of sex development (DSD)] were sequenced using a targeted capture approach (HaloPlex, Agilent, Santa Clara, CA), combined with massively parallel sequencing. The resulting variants were filtered for rarity in the general population (<1%) and in our screen. Quality, depth of the reads, and predicted pathogenicity were also considered. The consequences of the identified mutations on BMP7 expression was determined by Western blot analysis on culture media from transfected cells, and activity measured using a SMAD 1/5-responsiveness luciferase assay. Results We analyzed DNA from 46 patients with hypospadias. Two variants in BMP7 were identified in two pairs of monozygotic concordant twins exhibiting proximal hypospadias. Both variants are heterozygous, nonsynonymous, and affect highly conserved amino acids in the prodomain of BMP7 in regions predicted to be important for BMP7 assembly/folding. Functional analyses demonstrated that both variants disrupt BMP7 synthesis or secretion. Conclusion Through our targeted DSD panel we have identified two variants in the prodomain of BMP7 in hypospadias. By decreasing BMP7 synthesis, these variants are likely to limit BMP7 bioavailability during closure of the urethral plate.Further analysis of patients with hypospadias may uncover additional variants that cause this DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Bouty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Urology Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kelly Walton
- Department of Physiology, Growth Factor Therapeutics Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Ardy Santosa
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, Dr Kariadi General Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Sultana M H Faradz
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Growth Factor Therapeutics Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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24
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Genetics of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Part 1: Non-syndromic anophthalmia/microphthalmia. Hum Genet 2019; 138:799-830. [PMID: 30762128 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Eye formation is the result of coordinated induction and differentiation processes during embryogenesis. Disruption of any one of these events has the potential to cause ocular growth and structural defects, such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M). A/M can be isolated or occur with systemic anomalies, when they may form part of a recognizable syndrome. Their etiology includes genetic and environmental factors; several hundred genes involved in ocular development have been identified in humans or animal models. In humans, around 30 genes have been repeatedly implicated in A/M families, although many other genes have been described in single cases or families, and some genetic syndromes include eye anomalies occasionally as part of a wider phenotype. As a result of this broad genetic heterogeneity, with one or two notable exceptions, each gene explains only a small percentage of cases. Given the overlapping phenotypes, these genes can be most efficiently tested on panels or by whole exome/genome sequencing for the purposes of molecular diagnosis. However, despite whole exome/genome testing more than half of patients currently remain without a molecular diagnosis. The proportion of undiagnosed cases is even higher in those individuals with unilateral or milder phenotypes. Furthermore, even when a strong gene candidate is available for a patient, issues of incomplete penetrance and germinal mosaicism make diagnosis and genetic counseling challenging. In this review, we present the main genes implicated in non-syndromic human A/M phenotypes and, for practical purposes, classify them according to the most frequent or predominant phenotype each is associated with. Our intention is that this will allow clinicians to rank and prioritize their molecular analyses and interpretations according to the phenotypes of their patients.
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25
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Mukhopadhyay P, Smolenkova I, Warner D, Pisano MM, Greene RM. Spatio-Temporal Expression and Functional Analysis of miR-206 in Developing Orofacial Tissue. Microrna 2019; 8:43-60. [PMID: 30068287 DOI: 10.2174/2211536607666180801094528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of the mammalian palate is dependent on precise, spatiotemporal expression of a panoply of genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the largest family of noncoding RNAs, function as crucial modulators of cell and tissue differentiation, regulating expression of key downstream genes. OBSERVATIONS Our laboratory has previously identified several developmentally regulated miRNAs, including miR-206, during critical stages of palatal morphogenesis. The current study reports spatiotemporal distribution of miR-206 during development of the murine secondary palate (gestational days 12.5-14.5). RESULT AND CONCLUSION Potential cellular functions and downstream gene targets of miR-206 were investigated using functional assays and expression profiling, respectively. Functional analyses highlighted potential roles of miR-206 in governing TGFß- and Wnt signaling in mesenchymal cells of the developing secondary palate. In addition, altered expression of miR-206 within developing palatal tissue of TGFß3-/- fetuses reinforced the premise that crosstalk between this miRNA and TGFß3 is crucial for secondary palate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Anomalies, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Irina Smolenkova
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Anomalies, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Dennis Warner
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Anomalies, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Michele M Pisano
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Anomalies, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Robert M Greene
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Anomalies, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
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26
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Andrews MG, Kong J, Novitch BG, Butler SJ. New perspectives on the mechanisms establishing the dorsal-ventral axis of the spinal cord. Curr Top Dev Biol 2018; 132:417-450. [PMID: 30797516 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Distinct classes of neurons arise at different positions along the dorsal-ventral axis of the spinal cord leading to spinal neurons being segregated along this axis according to their physiological properties and functions. Thus, the neurons associated with motor control are generally located in, or adjacent to, the ventral horn whereas the interneurons (INs) that mediate sensory activities are present within the dorsal horn. Here, we review classic and recent studies examining the developmental mechanisms that establish the dorsal-ventral axis in the embryonic spinal cord. Intriguingly, while the cellular organization of the dorsal and ventral halves of the spinal cord looks superficially similar during early development, the underlying molecular mechanisms that establish dorsal vs ventral patterning are markedly distinct. For example, the ventral spinal cord is patterned by the actions of a single growth factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh) acting as a morphogen, i.e., concentration-dependent signal. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanisms by which the spatial and temporal gradient of Shh is transduced by cells to elicit the generation of different classes of ventral INs, and motor neurons (MNs). In contrast, the dorsal spinal cord is patterned by the action of multiple factors, most notably by members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt families. While less is known about dorsal patterning, recent studies have suggested that the BMPs do not act as morphogens to specify dorsal IN identities as previously proposed, rather each BMP has signal-specific activities. Finally, we consider the promise that elucidation of these mechanisms holds for neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G Andrews
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Kong
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bennett G Novitch
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Samantha J Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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27
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Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) loss-of-function variant associated with autosomal dominant Stickler syndrome and renal dysplasia. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 27:369-377. [PMID: 30568244 PMCID: PMC6460578 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stickler syndrome is a genetic disorder that can lead to joint problems, hearing difficulties and retinal detachment. Genes encoding collagen types II, IX and XI are usually responsible, but some families have no causal variant identified. We investigate a variant in the gene encoding growth factor BMP4 in a family with Stickler syndrome with associated renal dysplasia. Next generation sequencing of the coding region of COL2A1, COL11A1 and a panel of genes associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) was performed. A novel heterozygous BMP4 variant causing a premature stop codon, c. 130G>T, p.(Gly44Ter), which segregated with clinical features of Stickler syndrome in multiple family members, was identified. No variant affecting gene function was detected in COL2A1 or COL11A1. Skin fibroblasts were cultured with and without emetine, and the mRNA extracted and analysed by Sanger sequencing to assess whether the change was causing nonsense-mediated decay. Nonsense-mediated decay was not observed from the extracted BMP4 mRNA. BMP4 is a growth factor known to contribute to eye development in animals, and gene variants in humans have been linked to microphthalmia/anophthalmia as well as CAKUT. The variant identified here further demonstrates the importance of BMP4 in eye development. This is the first report of a BMP4 DNA variant causing Stickler syndrome, and we suggest BMP4 be added to standard diagnostic gene panels for this condition.
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28
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Slavotinek A. Genetics of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Part 2: Syndromes associated with anophthalmia-microphthalmia. Hum Genet 2018; 138:831-846. [PMID: 30374660 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1949-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As new genes for A/M are identified in the genomic era, the number of syndromes associated with A/M has greatly expanded. In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the clinical presentation and molecular genetic etiology of previously characterized pathways involved in A/M, including the Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), Orthodenticle Homeobox 2 (OTX2) and Paired box protein-6 (PAX6) genes, and the Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 homolog (STRA6), Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A3 (ALDH1A3), and RA Receptor Beta (RARβ) genes that are involved in retinoic acid synthesis. Less common genetic causes of A/M, including genes involved in BMP signaling [Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4), Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) and SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1)], genes involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex [Holocytochrome c-type synthase (HCCS), Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 7B (COX7B), and NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase subunit B11 (NDUFB11)], the BCL-6 corepressor gene (BCOR), Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) and Transcription Factor AP-2 Alpha (TFAP2α), are more briefly discussed. We also review several recently described genes and pathways associated with A/M, including Smoothened (SMO) that is involved in Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1 (SMCHD1) and Solute carrier family 25 member 24 (SLC25A24), emphasizing phenotype-genotype correlations and shared pathways where relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Slavotinek
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco Room RH384C, 1550 4th St, San Francisco, CA, 94143-2711, USA.
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29
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Genes and pathways in optic fissure closure. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 91:55-65. [PMID: 29198497 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic development of the vertebrate eye begins with the formation of an optic vesicle which folds inwards to form a double-layered optic cup with a fissure on the ventral surface, known as the optic fissure. Closure of the optic fissure is essential for subsequent growth and development of the eye. A defect in this process can leave a gap in the iris, retina or optic nerve, known as a coloboma, which can lead to severe visual impairment. This review brings together current information about genes and pathways regulating fissure closure from human coloboma patients and animal models. It focuses especially on current understanding of the morphological changes and processes of epithelial remodelling occurring at the fissure margins.
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30
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MacFarlane EG, Haupt J, Dietz HC, Shore EM. TGF-β Family Signaling in Connective Tissue and Skeletal Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022269. [PMID: 28246187 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of signaling molecules, which includes TGF-βs, activins, inhibins, and numerous bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), has important functions in all cells and tissues, including soft connective tissues and the skeleton. Specific TGF-β family members play different roles in these tissues, and their activities are often balanced with those of other TGF-β family members and by interactions with other signaling pathways. Perturbations in TGF-β family pathways are associated with numerous human diseases with prominent involvement of the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. This review focuses on the role of this family of signaling molecules in the pathologies of connective tissues that manifest in rare genetic syndromes (e.g., syndromic presentations of thoracic aortic aneurysm), as well as in more common disorders (e.g., osteoarthritis and osteoporosis). Many of these diseases are caused by or result in pathological alterations of the complex relationship between the TGF-β family of signaling mediators and the extracellular matrix in connective tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Julia Haupt
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.,Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Harry C Dietz
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 21205
| | - Eileen M Shore
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.,Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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31
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Mao B, Moss CF, Wilkinson GS. Age-dependent gene expression in the inner ear of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186667. [PMID: 29073148 PMCID: PMC5658057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For echolocating bats, hearing is essential for survival. Specializations for detecting and processing high frequency sounds are apparent throughout their auditory systems. Recent studies on echolocating mammals have reported evidence of parallel evolution in some hearing-related genes in which distantly related groups of echolocating animals (bats and toothed whales), cluster together in gene trees due to apparent amino acid convergence. However, molecular adaptations can occur not only in coding sequences, but also in the regulation of gene expression. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of hearing-related genes in the inner ear of developing big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, during the period in which echolocation vocalizations increase dramatically in frequency. We found that seven genes were significantly upregulated in juveniles relative to adults, and that the expression of four genes through development correlated with estimated age. Compared to available data for mice, it appears that expression of some hearing genes is extended in juvenile bats. These results are consistent with a prolonged growth period required to develop larger cochlea relative to body size, a later maturation of high frequency hearing, and a greater dependence on high frequency hearing in echolocating bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mao
- Department of Biology, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cynthia F. Moss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gerald S. Wilkinson
- Department of Biology, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
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32
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Resnick CM, Estroff JA, Kooiman TD, Calabrese CE, Koudstaal MJ, Padwa BL. Pathogenesis of Cleft Palate in Robin Sequence: Observations From Prenatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017; 76:1058-1064. [PMID: 29125932 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The etiology of the palatal cleft in Robin sequence (RS) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the position of the fetal tongue at prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to suggest a potential relation between tongue position and development of the cleft palate seen in most patients with RS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective case-and-control study including fetuses with prenatal MRIs performed in the authors' center from 2002 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were 1) prenatal MRI of adequate quality, 2) liveborn infant, and 3) postnatal diagnosis of RS (Robin group) or cleft lip and palate (CLP group). Patients with postnatal RS without a palatal cleft were excluded. A control group with normal facial morphology was matched by gestational age. The outcome variable was tongue position at fetal MRI, described as within the cleft, along the floor of the mouth (normal), other, or indeterminate. RESULTS One hundred twenty-two patients with mean gestational age at MRI of 25.8 ± 4.9 weeks were included (Robin, n = 21 [17%]; CLP, n = 47 [39%]; control, n = 54 [44%]). The tongue was visualized within the palatal cleft in 76.2% of the Robin group and 4.3% of the CLP group. The tongue was found along the floor of the mouth (normal) in the remainder of the Robin and CLP groups and in 100% of the control group. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a relation between in utero tongue position and the development of cleft palate in RS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Resnick
- Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
| | - Judy A Estroff
- Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Radiologist, Division Chief, Fetal-Neonatal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Advanced Fetal Care Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Tessa D Kooiman
- Medical Student, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carly E Calabrese
- Clinical Research Specialist, Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Maarten J Koudstaal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Research Associate, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Bonnie L Padwa
- Associate Professor, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston; Oral Surgeon-in-Chief, Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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33
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Holt R, Ceroni F, Bax DA, Broadgate S, Diaz DG, Santos C, Gerrelli D, Ragge NK. New variant and expression studies provide further insight into the genotype-phenotype correlation in YAP1-related developmental eye disorders. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7975. [PMID: 28801591 PMCID: PMC5554234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
YAP1, which encodes the Yes-associated protein 1, is part of the Hippo pathway involved in development, growth, repair and homeostasis. Nonsense YAP1 mutations have been shown to co-segregate with autosomal dominantly inherited coloboma. Therefore, we screened YAP1 for variants in a cohort of 258 undiagnosed UK patients with developmental eye disorders, including anophthalmia, microphthalmia and coloboma. We identified a novel 1 bp deletion in YAP1 in a boy with bilateral microphthalmia and bilateral chorioretinal coloboma. This variant is located in the coding region of all nine YAP1 spliceforms, and results in a frameshift and subsequent premature termination codon in each. The variant is predicted to result in the loss of part of the transactivation domain of YAP1, and sequencing of cDNA from the patient shows it does not result in nonsense mediated decay. To investigate the role of YAP1 in human eye development, we performed in situ hybridisation utilising human embryonic tissue, and observed expression in the developing eye, neural tube, brain and kidney. These findings help confirm the role of YAP1 and the Hippo developmental pathway in human eye development and its associated anomalies and demonstrate its expression during development in affected organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Holt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - F Ceroni
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - D A Bax
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - S Broadgate
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - D Gold Diaz
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - C Santos
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Gerrelli
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - N K Ragge
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. .,Clinical Genetics Unit, West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
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Steinfeld J, Steinfeld I, Bausch A, Coronato N, Hampel ML, Depner H, Layer PG, Vogel-Höpker A. BMP-induced reprogramming of the neural retina into retinal pigment epithelium requires Wnt signalling. Biol Open 2017; 6:979-992. [PMID: 28546339 PMCID: PMC5550904 DOI: 10.1242/bio.018739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors of the neural retina (NR) comprise a functional unit required for vision. During vertebrate eye development, a conversion of the RPE into NR can be induced by growth factors in vivo at optic cup stages, but the reverse process, the conversion of NR tissue into RPE, has not been reported. Here, we show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling can reprogram the NR into RPE at optic cup stages in chick. Shortly after BMP application, expression of Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) is induced in the NR and selective cell death on the basal side of the NR induces an RPE-like morphology. The newly induced RPE differentiates and expresses Melanosomalmatrix protein 115 (Mmp115) and RPE65. BMP-induced Wnt2b expression is observed in regions of the NR that become pigmented. Loss of function studies show that conversion of the NR into RPE requires both BMP and Wnt signalling. Simultaneous to the appearance of ectopic RPE tissue, BMP application reprogrammed the proximal RPE into multi-layered retinal tissue. The newly induced NR expresses visual segment homeobox-containing gene (Vsx2), and the ganglion and photoreceptor cell markers Brn3α and Visinin are detected. Our results show that high BMP concentrations are required to induce the conversion of NR into RPE, while low BMP concentrations can still induce transdifferentiation of the RPE into NR. This knowledge may contribute to the development of efficient standardized protocols for RPE and NR generation for cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Steinfeld
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Ichie Steinfeld
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Alexander Bausch
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Nicola Coronato
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Meggi-Lee Hampel
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Heike Depner
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Paul G Layer
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Astrid Vogel-Höpker
- Fachbereich Biologie, Abteilung Stammzell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Schnittspahnstraße 13, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
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Shu DY, Wojciechowski MC, Lovicu FJ. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 Suppresses TGFβ2-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Lens: Implications for Cataract Prevention. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:781-796. [PMID: 28152139 PMCID: PMC5295783 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is a key pathologic mechanism underlying cataract. Two members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily, TGFβ and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) have functionally distinct roles in EMT. While TGFβ is a potent inducer of EMT, BMP-7 counteracts the fibrogenic activity of TGFβ. We examine the modulating effect of BMP-7 on TGFβ-induced EMT in LECs. Methods Rat lens epithelial explants were treated exogenously with TGFβ2 alone or in combination with BMP-7 for up to 5 days. Expression levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and phosphorylated downstream Smads were determined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to study gene expression levels of EMT markers and downstream BMP target genes, including the Inhibitors of differentiation (Id). Results Transforming growth factor-β2 induced LECs to transdifferentiate into myofibroblastic cells. Addition of BMP-7 suppressed TGFβ2-induced α-SMA protein levels and mesenchymal gene expression, with retention of E-cadherin and β-catenin expression to the cell membrane. Addition of BMP-7 prevented lens capsular wrinkling and cellular loss associated with TGFβ2-induced EMT over the 5-day treatment period. The inhibitory effect of BMP-7 was accompanied by an early induction of pSmad1/5 and suppression of TGFβ2-induced pSmad2/3. Treatment with TGFβ2 alone suppressed gene expression of Id2/3 and addition of BMP-7 restored Id2/3 expression. Conclusions Exogenous administration of BMP-7 abrogated TGFβ2-induced EMT in rat lens epithelial explants. Understanding the complex interplay between the TGFβ- and BMP-7–associated Smad signaling pathways and their downstream target genes holds therapeutic promise in cataract prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y Shu
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Magdalena C Wojciechowski
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Determinants of orofacial clefting I: Effects of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on cellular processes and gene expression during development of the first branchial arch. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 67:85-99. [PMID: 27915011 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we identify gene targets and cellular events mediating the teratogenic action(s) of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AzaD), an inhibitor of DNA methylation, on secondary palate development. Exposure of pregnant mice (on gestation day (GD) 9.5) to AzaD for 12h resulted in the complete penetrance of cleft palate (CP) in fetuses. Analysis of cells of the embryonic first branchial arch (1-BA), in fetuses exposed to AzaD, revealed: 1) significant alteration in expression of genes encoding several morphogenetic factors, cell cycle inhibitors and regulators of apoptosis; 2) a decrease in cell proliferation; and, 3) an increase in apoptosis. Pyrosequencing of selected genes, displaying pronounced differential expression in AzaD-exposed 1-BAs, failed to reveal significant alterations in CpG methylation levels in their putative promoters or gene bodies. CpG methylation analysis suggested that the effects of AzaD on gene expression were likely indirect.
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Holt R, Ugur Iseri SA, Wyatt AW, Bax DA, Gold Diaz D, Santos C, Broadgate S, Dunn R, Bruty J, Wallis Y, McMullan D, Ogilvie C, Gerrelli D, Zhang Y, Ragge N. Identification and functional characterisation of genetic variants in OLFM2 in children with developmental eye disorders. Hum Genet 2016; 136:119-127. [PMID: 27844144 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1745-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and coloboma are a genetically heterogeneous spectrum of developmental eye disorders and affect around 30 per 100,000 live births. OLFM2 encodes a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the noelin family of olfactomedin domain-containing proteins that modulate the timing of neuronal differentiation during development. OLFM2 SNPs have been associated with open angle glaucoma in a case-control study, and knockdown of Olfm2 in zebrafish results in reduced eye size. From a cohort of 258 individuals with developmental eye anomalies, we identified two with heterozygous variants in OLFM2: an individual with bilateral microphthalmia carrying a de novo 19p13.2 microdeletion involving OLFM2 and a second individual with unilateral microphthalmia and contralateral coloboma who had a novel single base change in the 5' untranslated region. Dual luciferase assays demonstrated that the latter variant causes a significant decrease in expression of OLFM2. Furthermore, RNA in situ hybridisation experiments using human developmental tissue revealed expression in relevant structures, including the lens vesicle and optic cup. Our study indicates that OLFM2 is likely to be important in mammalian eye development and disease and should be considered as a gene for human ocular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Holt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - S A Ugur Iseri
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A W Wyatt
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - D A Bax
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - D Gold Diaz
- Developmental Biology & Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - C Santos
- Developmental Biology & Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - S Broadgate
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Dunn
- Department of Genetics, Viapath, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - J Bruty
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Y Wallis
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - D McMullan
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Ogilvie
- Department of Cytogenetics, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - D Gerrelli
- Developmental Biology & Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Y Zhang
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Ragge
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. .,Clinical Genetics Unit, West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK.
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Plaisancie J, Calvas P, Chassaing N. Genetic Advances in Microphthalmia. J Pediatr Genet 2016; 5:184-188. [PMID: 27895970 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital ocular anomalies such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are severe craniofacial malformations in human. The etiologies of these ocular globe anomalies are diverse but the genetic origin appears to be a predominant cause. Until recently, genetic diagnosis capability was rather limited in AM patients and only a few genes were available for routine genetic testing. While some issues remain poorly understood, knowledge regarding the molecular basis of AM dramatically improved over the last years with the development of new molecular screening technologies. Thus, the genetic cause is now identifiable in more than 50% of patients with a severe bilateral eye phenotype and in around 30% of all AM patients taken together. Such advances in the knowledge of these genetic bases are important as they improve the quality of care, in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and genetic counseling delivered to the patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Plaisancie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Calvas
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France; U1056 INSERM-FRE 3742 CNRS-Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Chassaing
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France; U1056 INSERM-FRE 3742 CNRS-Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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Benítez-Burraco A, Lattanzi W, Murphy E. Language Impairments in ASD Resulting from a Failed Domestication of the Human Brain. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:373. [PMID: 27621700 PMCID: PMC5002430 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders entailing social and cognitive deficits, including marked problems with language. Numerous genes have been associated with ASD, but it is unclear how language deficits arise from gene mutation or dysregulation. It is also unclear why ASD shows such high prevalence within human populations. Interestingly, the emergence of a modern faculty of language has been hypothesized to be linked to changes in the human brain/skull, but also to the process of self-domestication of the human species. It is our intention to show that people with ASD exhibit less marked domesticated traits at the morphological, physiological, and behavioral levels. We also discuss many ASD candidates represented among the genes known to be involved in the “domestication syndrome” (the constellation of traits exhibited by domesticated mammals, which seemingly results from the hypofunction of the neural crest) and among the set of genes involved in language function closely connected to them. Moreover, many of these genes show altered expression profiles in the brain of autists. In addition, some candidates for domestication and language-readiness show the same expression profile in people with ASD and chimps in different brain areas involved in language processing. Similarities regarding the brain oscillatory behavior of these areas can be expected too. We conclude that ASD may represent an abnormal ontogenetic itinerary for the human faculty of language resulting in part from changes in genes important for the “domestication syndrome” and, ultimately, from the normal functioning of the neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London London, UK
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40
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Liu C, Widen SA, Williamson KA, Ratnapriya R, Gerth-Kahlert C, Rainger J, Alur RP, Strachan E, Manjunath SH, Balakrishnan A, Floyd JA, Li T, Waskiewicz A, Brooks BP, Lehmann OJ, FitzPatrick DR, Swaroop A. A secreted WNT-ligand-binding domain of FZD5 generated by a frameshift mutation causes autosomal dominant coloboma. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1382-91. [PMID: 26908622 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is a common eye malformation resulting from incomplete fusion of the optic fissure during development. Coloboma is often associated with microphthalmia and/or contralateral anophthalmia. Coloboma shows extensive locus heterogeneity associated with causative mutations identified in genes encoding developmental transcription factors or components of signaling pathways. We report an ultra-rare, heterozygous frameshift mutation in FZD5 (p.Ala219Glufs*49) that was identified independently in two branches of a large family with autosomal dominant non-syndromic coloboma. FZD5 has a single-coding exon and consequently a transcript with this frameshift variant is not a canonical substrate for nonsense-mediated decay. FZD5 encodes a transmembrane receptor with a conserved extracellular cysteine rich domain for ligand binding. The frameshift mutation results in the production of a truncated protein, which retains the Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member-ligand-binding domain, but lacks the transmembrane domain. The truncated protein was secreted from cells, and behaved as a dominant-negative FZD5 receptor, antagonizing both canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling. Expression of the resultant mutant protein caused coloboma and microphthalmia in zebrafish, and disruption of the apical junction of the retinal neural epithelium in mouse, mimicking the phenotype of Fz5/Fz8 compound conditional knockout mutants. Our studies have revealed a conserved role of Wnt-Frizzled (FZD) signaling in ocular development and directly implicate WNT-FZD signaling both in normal closure of the human optic fissure and pathogenesis of coloboma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqiao Liu
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Kathleen A Williamson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Rinki Ratnapriya
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christina Gerth-Kahlert
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 24, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Joe Rainger
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ramakrishna P Alur
- Unit on Pediatric, Developmental, and Genetic Eye Disease, National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erin Strachan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - Souparnika H Manjunath
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Archana Balakrishnan
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James A Floyd
- Welcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1HH, UK and
| | | | - Tiansen Li
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9,
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Unit on Pediatric, Developmental, and Genetic Eye Disease, National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK,
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,
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Kouskoura T, El Fersioui Y, Angelini M, Graf D, Katsaros C, Chiquet M. Dislocated Tongue Muscle Attachment and Cleft Palate Formation. J Dent Res 2015; 95:453-9. [PMID: 26701347 DOI: 10.1177/0022034515621869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In Pierre Robin sequence, a retracted tongue due to micrognathia is thought to physically obstruct palatal shelf elevation and thereby cause cleft palate. However, micrognathia is not always associated with palatal clefting. Here, by using the Bmp7-null mouse model presenting with cleft palate and severe micrognathia, we provide the first causative mechanism linking the two. In wild-type embryos, the genioglossus muscle, which mediates tongue protrusion, originates from the rostral process of Meckel's cartilage and later from the mandibular symphysis, with 2 tendons positive for Scleraxis messenger RNA. In E13.5 Bmp7-null embryos, a rostral process failed to form, and a mandibular symphysis was absent at E17.5. Consequently, the genioglossus muscle fibers were diverted toward the lingual surface of Meckel's cartilage and mandibles, where they attached in an aponeurosis that ectopically expressed Scleraxis. The deflection of genioglossus fibers from the anterior-posterior toward the medial-lateral axis alters their direction of contraction and necessarily compromises tongue protrusion. Since this muscle abnormality precedes palatal shelf elevation, it is likely to contribute to clefting. In contrast, embryos with a cranial mesenchyme-specific deletion of Bmp7 (Bmp7:Wnt1-Cre) exhibited some degree of micrognathia but no cleft palate. In these embryos, a rostral process was present, indicating that mesenchyme-derived Bmp7 is dispensable for its formation. Moreover, the genioglossus appeared normal in Bmp7:Wnt1-Cre embryos, further supporting a role of aberrant tongue muscle attachment in palatal clefting. We thus propose that in Pierre Robin sequence, palatal shelf elevation is not impaired simply by physical obstruction by the tongue but by a specific developmental defect that leads to functional changes in tongue movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kouskoura
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Y El Fersioui
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Angelini
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Graf
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - C Katsaros
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Chiquet
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Common mechanisms in development and disease: BMP signaling in craniofacial development. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 27:129-39. [PMID: 26747371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is one of the key pathways regulating craniofacial development. It is involved in the early patterning of the head, the development of cranial neural crest cells, and facial patterning. It regulates development of its mineralized structures, such as cranial bones, maxilla, mandible, palate, and teeth. Targeted mutations in the mouse have been instrumental to delineate the functional involvement of this signaling network in different aspects of craniofacial development. Gene polymorphisms and mutations in BMP pathway genes have been associated with various non-syndromic and syndromic human craniofacial malformations. The identification of intricate cellular interactions and underlying molecular pathways illustrate the importance of local fine-regulation of Bmp signaling to control proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and stem/progenitor differentiation during craniofacial development. Thus, BMP signaling contributes both to shape and functionality of our facial features. BMP signaling also regulates postnatal craniofacial growth and is associated with dental structures life-long. A more detailed understanding of BMP function in growth, homeostasis, and repair of postnatal craniofacial tissues will contribute to our ability to rationally manipulate this signaling network in the context of tissue engineering.
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43
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. Osteogenesis and neurogenesis: a robust link also for language evolution. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:291. [PMID: 26283924 PMCID: PMC4516893 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research Barcelona, Spain ; Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
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Reis LM, Semina EV. Conserved genetic pathways associated with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:96-113. [PMID: 26046913 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human eye is a complex organ whose development requires extraordinary coordination of developmental processes. The conservation of ocular developmental steps in vertebrates suggests possible common genetic mechanisms. Genetic diseases involving the eye represent a leading cause of blindness in children and adults. During the last decades, there has been an exponential increase in genetic studies of ocular disorders. In this review, we summarize current success in identification of genes responsible for microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) phenotypes, which are associated with early defects in embryonic eye development. Studies in animal models for the orthologous genes identified overlapping phenotypes for most factors, confirming the conservation of their function in vertebrate development. These animal models allow for further investigation of the mechanisms of MAC, integration of various identified genes into common developmental pathways and finally, provide an avenue for the development and testing of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell Biology Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Yu Q, He S, Zeng N, Ma J, Zhang B, Shi B, Jia Z. BMP7 Gene involved in nonsyndromic orofacial clefts in Western Han Chinese. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2015; 20:e298-304. [PMID: 25662552 PMCID: PMC4464917 DOI: 10.4317/medoral.20335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOCs) are the most common craniofacial birth defects with complex etiology in which multiple genes and environmental exposures are involved. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), as a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, has been shown to play crucial roles in palate and other orofacial ectodermal appendages development in animal models. Material and Methods This study was designed to investigate the possible associations between BMP7 gene and the NSOCs (221 case-parent trios) in Western Han Chinese. Five tagSNPs at BMP7, rs12438, rs6099486, rs6127973, rs230188 and rs6025469 were picked and tried to cover the entire gene. In order to identify the contribution of BMP7 gene to the etiology of NSOCs, we performed several statistical analysis from different aspects including transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD), parent-of-origin effect and Chi-squared/Fisher’s exact tests. Results Rs6127973 G allele and G/G homozygotes were over-transmitted for both NSOCs (P=0.005 and P=0.011, respectively) and NSCL/P (P=0.0061 and P=0.011, respectively), rs6127973 G allele was also paternally over-transmitted for both NSOCs (P=0.0061) and NSCL/P (P=0.011). Conclusions This study suggested that rs6127973 may be a risk factor of being NSOCs and confirmed the role of BMP7 gene in orofacial deformity from Western Han Chinese, which will also supply scientific evidence for future research and genetic counseling. Key words:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms, nonsyndromic orofacial clefts, BMP7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No.14, 3rd Section, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, China, 610041
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Deml B, Kariminejad A, Borujerdi RHR, Muheisen S, Reis LM, Semina EV. Mutations in MAB21L2 result in ocular Coloboma, microcornea and cataracts. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005002. [PMID: 25719200 PMCID: PMC4342166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma results from abnormal embryonic development and is often associated with additional ocular and systemic features. Coloboma is a highly heterogeneous disorder with many cases remaining unexplained. Whole exome sequencing from two cousins affected with dominant coloboma with microcornea, cataracts, and skeletal dysplasia identified a novel heterozygous allele in MAB21L2, c.151 C>G, p.(Arg51Gly); the mutation was present in all five family members with the disease and appeared de novo in the first affected generation of the three-generational pedigree. MAB21L2 encodes a protein similar to C. elegans mab-21 cell fate-determining factor; the molecular function of MAB21L2 is largely unknown. To further evaluate the role of MAB21L2, zebrafish mutants carrying a p.(Gln48Serfs*5) frameshift truncation (mab21l2Q48Sfs*5) and a p.(Arg51_Phe52del) in-frame deletion (mab21l2R51_F52del) were developed with TALEN technology. Homozygous zebrafish embryos from both lines developed variable lens and coloboma phenotypes: mab21l2Q48Sfs*5 embryos demonstrated severe lens and retinal defects with complete lethality while mab21l2R51_F52del mutants displayed a milder lens phenotype and severe coloboma with a small number of fish surviving to adulthood. Protein studies showed decreased stability for the human p.(Arg51Gly) and zebrafish p.(Arg51_Phe52del) mutant proteins and predicted a complete loss-of-function for the zebrafish p.(Gln48Serfs*5) frameshift truncation. Additionally, in contrast to wild-type human MAB21L2 transcript, mutant p.(Arg51Gly) mRNA failed to efficiently rescue the ocular phenotype when injected into mab21l2Q48Sfs*5 embryos, suggesting this allele is functionally deficient. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization experiments identified retinal invagination defects, an increase in cell death, abnormal proliferation patterns, and altered expression of several ocular markers in the mab21l2 mutants. These findings support the identification of MAB21L2 as a novel factor involved in human coloboma and highlight the power of genome editing manipulation in model organisms for analysis of the effects of whole exome variation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Deml
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | | | - Sanaa Muheisen
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Linda M. Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Elena V. Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Cooke Bailey JN, Yaspan BL, Pasquale LR, Hauser MA, Kang JH, Loomis SJ, Brilliant M, Budenz DL, Christen WG, Fingert J, Gaasterland D, Gaasterland T, Kraft P, Lee RK, Lichter PR, Liu Y, McCarty CA, Moroi SE, Richards JE, Realini T, Schuman JS, Scott WK, Singh K, Sit AJ, Vollrath D, Wollstein G, Zack DJ, Zhang K, Pericak-Vance MA, Allingham RR, Weinreb RN, Haines JL, Wiggs JL. Hypothesis-independent pathway analysis implicates GABA and acetyl-CoA metabolism in primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-pressure glaucoma. Hum Genet 2014; 133:1319-30. [PMID: 25037249 PMCID: PMC4273559 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-014-1468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Using genome-wide association single-nucleotide polymorphism data from the Glaucoma Genes and Environment study and National Eye Institute Glaucoma Human Genetics Collaboration comprising 3,108 cases and 3,430 controls, we assessed biologic pathways as annotated in the KEGG database for association with risk of POAG. After correction for genic overlap among pathways, we found 4 pathways, butanoate metabolism (hsa00650), hematopoietic cell lineage (hsa04640), lysine degradation (hsa00310) and basal transcription factors (hsa03022) related to POAG with permuted p < 0.001. In addition, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family was significantly associated with POAG (p < 0.001). In the POAG subset with normal-pressure glaucoma (NPG), the butanoate metabolism pathway was also significantly associated (p < 0.001) as well as the MAPK and Hedgehog signaling pathways (hsa04010 and hsa04340), glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-heparan sulfate pathway (hsa00534) and the phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis pathway (hsa0400). The butanoate metabolism pathway overall, and specifically the aspects of the pathway that contribute to GABA and acetyl-CoA metabolism, was the only pathway significantly associated with both POAG and NPG. Collectively these results implicate GABA and acetyl-CoA metabolism in glaucoma pathogenesis, and suggest new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian L. Yaspan
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Louis R. Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A. Hauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jae H. Kang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Loomis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Murray Brilliant
- Center for Human Genetics, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Donald L. Budenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - John Fingert
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IO, USA
- Department of A natomy/Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IO, USA
| | | | - Terry Gaasterland
- Scripps Genome Center, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard K. Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paul R. Lichter
- Department of Ophthalmology and V isual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Sayoko E. Moroi
- Department of Ophthalmology and V isual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julia E. Richards
- Department of Ophthalmology and V isual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tony Realini
- Department of Ophthalmology, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Joel S. Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William K. Scott
- Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kuldev Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Arthur J. Sit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Gadi Wollstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - R. Rand Allingham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Haines
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Janey L. Wiggs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
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Wang RN, Green J, Wang Z, Deng Y, Qiao M, Peabody M, Zhang Q, Ye J, Yan Z, Denduluri S, Idowu O, Li M, Shen C, Hu A, Haydon RC, Kang R, Mok J, Lee MJ, Luu HL, Shi LL. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in development and human diseases. Genes Dis 2014; 1:87-105. [PMID: 25401122 PMCID: PMC4232216 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 691] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are a group of signaling molecules that belongs to the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins. Initially discovered for their ability to induce bone formation, BMPs are now known to play crucial roles in all organ systems. BMPs are important in embryogenesis and development, and also in maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Mouse knockout models of various components of the BMP signaling pathway result in embryonic lethality or marked defects, highlighting the essential functions of BMPs. In this review, we first outline the basic aspects of BMP signaling and then focus on genetically manipulated mouse knockout models that have helped elucidate the role of BMPs in development. A significant portion of this review is devoted to the prominent human pathologies associated with dysregulated BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N. Wang
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jordan Green
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine, and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Youlin Deng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine, and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Min Qiao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine, and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Michael Peabody
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine, and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jixing Ye
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- School of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengjian Yan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine, and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Sahitya Denduluri
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Olumuyiwa Idowu
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Melissa Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Christine Shen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alan Hu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Richard Kang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James Mok
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J. Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue L. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lewis L. Shi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Williamson KA, FitzPatrick DR. The genetic architecture of microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:369-80. [PMID: 24859618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are distinct phenotypes that represent a continuum of structural developmental eye defects. In severe bilateral cases (anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia) the genetic cause is now identifiable in approximately 80 percent of cases, with de novo heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOX2 or OTX2 being the most common. The genetic cause of other forms of MAC, in particular isolated coloboma, remains unknown in the majority of cases. This review will focus on MAC phenotypes that are associated with mutation of the genes SOX2, OTX2, PAX6, STRA6, ALDH1A3, RARB, VSX2, RAX, FOXE3, BMP4, BMP7, GDF3, GDF6, ABCB6, ATOH7, C12orf57, TENM3 (ODZ3), and VAX1. Recently reported mutation of the SALL2 and YAP1 genes are discussed in brief. Clinical and genetic features were reviewed in a total of 283 unrelated MAC cases or families that were mutation-positive from these 20 genes. Both the relative frequency of mutations in MAC cohort screens and the level of confidence in the assignment of disease-causing status were evaluated for each gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Williamson
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. The shape of the human language-ready brain. Front Psychol 2014; 5:282. [PMID: 24772099 PMCID: PMC3983487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our core hypothesis is that the emergence of our species-specific language-ready brain ought to be understood in light of the developmental changes expressed at the levels of brain morphology and neural connectivity that occurred in our species after the split from Neanderthals–Denisovans and that gave us a more globular braincase configuration. In addition to changes at the cortical level, we hypothesize that the anatomical shift that led to globularity also entailed significant changes at the subcortical level. We claim that the functional consequences of such changes must also be taken into account to gain a fuller understanding of our linguistic capacity. Here we focus on the thalamus, which we argue is central to language and human cognition, as it modulates fronto-parietal activity. With this new neurobiological perspective in place, we examine its possible molecular basis. We construct a candidate gene set whose members are involved in the development and connectivity of the thalamus, in the evolution of the human head, and are known to give rise to language-associated cognitive disorders. We submit that the new gene candidate set opens up new windows into our understanding of the genetic basis of our linguistic capacity. Thus, our hypothesis aims at generating new testing grounds concerning core aspects of language ontogeny and phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (ICREA) Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
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