1
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Wong MMK, Hachmer S, Gardner E, Runfola V, Arezza E, Megeney LA, Emerson CP, Gabellini D, Dilworth FJ. SMCHD1 activates the expression of genes required for the expansion of human myoblasts. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae600. [PMID: 38994563 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SMCHD1 is an epigenetic regulatory protein known to modulate the targeted repression of large chromatin domains. Diminished SMCHD1 function in muscle fibers causes Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD2) through derepression of the D4Z4 chromatin domain, an event which permits the aberrant expression of the disease-causing gene DUX4. Given that SMCHD1 plays a broader role in establishing the cellular epigenome, we examined whether loss of SMCHD1 function might affect muscle homeostasis through additional mechanisms. Here we show that acute depletion of SMCHD1 results in a DUX4-independent defect in myoblast proliferation. Genomic and transcriptomic experiments determined that SMCHD1 associates with enhancers of genes controlling cell cycle to activate their expression. Amongst these cell cycle regulatory genes, we identified LAP2 as a key target of SMCHD1 required for the expansion of myoblasts, where the ectopic expression of LAP2 rescues the proliferation defect of SMCHD1-depleted cells. Thus, the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 can play the role of a transcriptional co-activator for maintaining the expression of genes required for muscle progenitor expansion. This DUX4-independent role for SMCHD1 in myoblasts suggests that the pathology of FSHD2 may be a consequence of defective muscle regeneration in addition to the muscle wasting caused by spurious DUX4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Man-Kin Wong
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Sarah Hachmer
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin; Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ed Gardner
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Valeria Runfola
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Eric Arezza
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Lynn A Megeney
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Charles P Emerson
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - F Jeffrey Dilworth
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin; Madison, WI 53705, USA
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2
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Latham KE. Preimplantation embryo gene expression: 56 years of discovery, and counting. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:169-200. [PMID: 36812478 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23676] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The biology of preimplantation embryo gene expression began 56 years ago with studies of the effects of protein synthesis inhibition and discovery of changes in embryo metabolism and related enzyme activities. The field accelerated rapidly with the emergence of embryo culture systems and progressively evolving methodologies that have allowed early questions to be re-addressed in new ways and in greater detail, leading to deeper understanding and progressively more targeted studies to discover ever more fine details. The advent of technologies for assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing, stem cell manipulations, artificial gametes, and genetic manipulation, particularly in experimental animal models and livestock species, has further elevated the desire to understand preimplantation development in greater detail. The questions that drove enquiry from the earliest years of the field remain drivers of enquiry today. Our understanding of the crucial roles of oocyte-expressed RNA and proteins in early embryos, temporal patterns of embryonic gene expression, and mechanisms controlling embryonic gene expression has increased exponentially over the past five and a half decades as new analytical methods emerged. This review combines early and recent discoveries on gene regulation and expression in mature oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos to provide a comprehensive understanding of preimplantation embryo biology and to anticipate exciting future advances that will build upon and extend what has been discovered so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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3
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Wu X, Liu Y, Wang W, Crimmings K, Williams A, Mager J, Cui W. Early embryonic lethality of mice lacking POLD2. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:98-108. [PMID: 36528861 PMCID: PMC9974775 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23663] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As a highly conserved DNA polymerase (Pol), Pol δ plays crucial roles in chromosomal DNA synthesis and various DNA repair pathways. However, the function of POLD2, the second small subunit of DNA Pol δ (p50 subunit), has not been characterized in vivo during mammalian development. Here, we report for the first time, the essential role of subunit POLD2 during early murine embryogenesis. Although Pold2 mutant mouse embryos exhibit normal morphology at E3.5 blastocyst stage, they cannot be recovered at gastrulation stages. Outgrowth assays reveal that mutant blastocysts cannot hatch from the zona pellucida, indicating impaired blastocyst function. Notably, these phenotypes can be recapitulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown, which also exhibit slowed cellular proliferation together with skewed primitive endoderm and epiblast allocation during the second cell lineage specification. In summary, our study demonstrates that POLD2 is essential for the earliest steps of mammalian development, and the retarded proliferation and embryogenesis may also alter the following cell lineage specifications in the mouse blastocyst embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui, China
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wenying Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Kate Crimmings
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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4
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Benetti N, Gouil Q, Tapia Del Fierro A, Beck T, Breslin K, Keniry A, McGlinn E, Blewitt ME. Maternal SMCHD1 regulates Hox gene expression and patterning in the mouse embryo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4295. [PMID: 35879318 PMCID: PMC9314430 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents transmit genetic and epigenetic information to their offspring. Maternal effect genes regulate the offspring epigenome to ensure normal development. Here we report that the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 has a maternal effect on Hox gene expression and skeletal patterning. Maternal SMCHD1, present in the oocyte and preimplantation embryo, prevents precocious activation of Hox genes post-implantation. Without maternal SMCHD1, highly penetrant posterior homeotic transformations occur in the embryo. Hox genes are decorated with Polycomb marks H2AK119ub and H3K27me3 from the oocyte throughout early embryonic development; however, loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not deplete these marks. Therefore, we propose maternal SMCHD1 acts downstream of Polycomb marks to establish a chromatin state necessary for persistent epigenetic silencing and appropriate Hox gene expression later in the developing embryo. This is a striking role for maternal SMCHD1 in long-lived epigenetic effects impacting offspring phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Benetti
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andres Tapia Del Fierro
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamara Beck
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelsey Breslin
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Keniry
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Edwina McGlinn
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- The Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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5
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Xue S, Ly TTN, Vijayakar RS, Chen J, Ng J, Mathuru AS, Magdinier F, Reversade B. HOX epimutations driven by maternal SMCHD1/LRIF1 haploinsufficiency trigger homeotic transformations in genetically wildtype offspring. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3583. [PMID: 35739109 PMCID: PMC9226161 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The body plan of animals is laid out by an evolutionary-conserved HOX code which is colinearly transcribed after zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Here we report that SMCHD1, a chromatin-modifying enzyme needed for X-inactivation in mammals, is maternally required for timely HOX expression. Using zebrafish and mouse Smchd1 knockout animals, we demonstrate that Smchd1 haplo-insufficiency brings about precocious and ectopic HOX transcription during oogenesis and embryogenesis. Unexpectedly, wild-type offspring born to heterozygous knockout zebrafish smchd1 mothers exhibited patent vertebrate patterning defects. The loss of maternal Smchd1 was accompanied by HOX epi-mutations driven by aberrant DNA methylation. We further show that this regulation is mediated by Lrif1, a direct interacting partner of Smchd1, whose knockout in zebrafish phenocopies that of Smchd1. Rather than being a short-lived maternal effect, HOX mis-regulation is stably inherited through cell divisions and persists in cultured fibroblasts derived from FSHD2 patients haploinsufficient for SMCHD1. We conclude that maternal SMCHD1/LRIF1 sets up an epigenetic state in the HOX loci that can only be reset in the germline. Such an unusual inter-generational inheritance, whereby a phenotype can be one generation removed from its genotype, casts a new light on how unresolved Mendelian diseases may be interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Xue
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Thanh Thao Nguyen Ly
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jingyi Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajay S Mathuru
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Bruno Reversade
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medical Genetics, KOÇ University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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6
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Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Functions and Regulation of Endogenous Retrovirus Elements during Zygotic Genome Activation: Implications for Improving Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Efficiency. Biomolecules 2021; 11:829. [PMID: 34199637 PMCID: PMC8229993 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), previously viewed as deleterious relics of ancestral retrovirus infections, are silenced in the vast majority of cells to minimize the risk of retrotransposition. Counterintuitively, bursts of ERV transcription usually occur during maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) in preimplantation embryos; this is regarded as a major landmark event in the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) process, indicating that ERVs play an active part in ZGA. Evolutionarily, the interaction between ERVs and hosts is mutually beneficial. The endogenization of retrovirus sequences rewires the gene regulatory network during ZGA, and ERV repression may lower germline fitness. Unfortunately, owing to various limitations of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology, both developmental arrest and ZGA abnormalities occur in a high percentage of cloned embryos, accompanied by ERV silencing, which may be caused by the activation failure of upstream ERV inducers. In this review, we discuss the functions and regulation of ERVs during the ZGA process and the feasibility of temporal control over ERVs in cloned embryos via exogenous double homeobox (DUX). We hypothesize that further accurate characterization of the ERV-rewired gene regulatory network during ZGA may provide a novel perspective on the development of preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
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7
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Schall PZ, Latham KE. Essential shared and species-specific features of mammalian oocyte maturation-associated transcriptome changes impacting oocyte physiology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C3-C16. [PMID: 33881934 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00105.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oogenesis is a complex process resulting in the production of a truly remarkable cell-the oocyte. Oocytes execute many unique processes and functions such as meiotic segregation of maternal genetic material, and essential life-generating functions after fertilization including posttranscriptional support of essential homeostatic and metabolic processes, and activation and reprogramming of the embryonic genome. An essential goal for understanding female fertility and infertility in mammals is to discover critical features driving the production of quality oocytes, particularly the complex regulation of oocyte maternal mRNAs. We report here the first in-depth meta-analysis of oocyte maturation-associated transcriptome changes, using eight datasets encompassing 94 RNAseq libraries for human, rhesus monkey, mouse, and cow. A majority of maternal mRNAs are regulated in a species-restricted manner, highlighting considerable divergence in oocyte transcriptome handling during maturation. We identified 121 mRNAs changing in relative abundance similarly across all four species (92 of high homology), and 993 (670 high homology) mRNAs regulated similarly in at least three of the four species, corresponding to just 0.84% and 6.9% of mRNAs analyzed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed an association of these shared mRNAs with many shared pathways and functions, most prominently oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function. These shared functions were reinforced further by primate-specific and species-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Thus, correct downregulation of mRNAs related to oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function is a major shared feature of mammalian oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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8
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Paonessa M, Borini A, Coticchio G. Genetic causes of preimplantation embryo developmental failure. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:338-348. [PMID: 33843124 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Embryo development requires orchestrated events, finely regulated at the molecular and cellular level by mechanisms which are progressively emerging from animal studies. With progress in genetic technologies-such as genome editing and single-cell RNA analysis-we can now assess embryo gene expression with increased precision and gain new insights into complex processes until recently difficult to explore. Multiple genes and regulative pathways have been identified for each developmental stage. We have learned that embryos with undisturbed and timely gene expression have higher chances of successful development. For example, selected genes are highly expressed during the first stages, being involved in cell adhesion, cell cycle, and regulation of transcription; other genes are instead crucial for lineage specification and therefore expressed at later stages. Due to ethical constraints, studies on human embryos remain scarce, mainly descriptive, and unable to provide functional evidence. This highlights the importance of animal studies as basic knowledge to test and appraise in a clinical context. In this review, we report on preimplantation development with a focus on genes whose impairment leads to developmental arrest. Preconceptional genetic screening could identify loss-of-function mutations of these genes; thereby, novel biomarkers of embryo quality could be adopted to improve diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Paonessa
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Bologna, Italy.,Casa di Cura Candela Spa, Palermo, Italy
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9
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Su J, Miao X, Archambault D, Mager J, Cui W. ZC3H4-a novel Cys-Cys-Cys-His-type zinc finger protein-is essential for early embryogenesis in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:325-335. [PMID: 33246328 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger domains of the Cys-Cys-Cys-His (CCCH) class are evolutionarily conserved proteins that bind nucleic acids and are involved in various biological processes. Nearly 60 CCCH-type zinc finger proteins have been identified in humans and mice, most have not been functionally characterized. Here, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of ZC3H4-a novel CCCH-type zinc finger protein. Our results show that although Zc3h4 mutant embryos exhibit normal morphology at E3.5 blastocyst stage, they cannot be recovered at E7.5 early post-gastrulation stage, suggesting implantation failure. Outgrowth assays reveal that mutant blastocysts either fail to hatch from the zona pellucida, or can hatch but do not form a typical inner cell mass colony, the source of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although there is no change in levels of reactive oxygen species, Zc3h4 mutants display severe DNA breaks and reduced cell proliferation. Analysis of lineage specification reveals that both epiblast and primitive endoderm lineages are compromised with severe reductions in cell number and/or specification in the mutant blastocysts. In summary, these findings demonstrate the essential role of ZC3H4 during early mammalian embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Su
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Archambault
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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10
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Wanigasuriya I, Gouil Q, Kinkel SA, Tapia Del Fierro A, Beck T, Roper EA, Breslin K, Stringer J, Hutt K, Lee HJ, Keniry A, Ritchie ME, Blewitt ME. Smchd1 is a maternal effect gene required for genomic imprinting. eLife 2020; 9:55529. [PMID: 33186096 PMCID: PMC7665889 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting establishes parental allele-biased expression of a suite of mammalian genes based on parent-of-origin specific epigenetic marks. These marks are under the control of maternal effect proteins supplied in the oocyte. Here we report epigenetic repressor Smchd1 as a novel maternal effect gene that regulates the imprinted expression of ten genes in mice. We also found zygotic SMCHD1 had a dose-dependent effect on the imprinted expression of seven genes. Together, zygotic and maternal SMCHD1 regulate three classic imprinted clusters and eight other genes, including non-canonical imprinted genes. Interestingly, the loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not alter germline DNA methylation imprints pre-implantation or later in gestation. Instead, what appears to unite most imprinted genes sensitive to SMCHD1 is their reliance on polycomb-mediated methylation as germline or secondary imprints, therefore we propose that SMCHD1 acts downstream of polycomb imprints to mediate its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iromi Wanigasuriya
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sarah A Kinkel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrés Tapia Del Fierro
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tamara Beck
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ellise A Roper
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Kelsey Breslin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jessica Stringer
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Karla Hutt
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Heather J Lee
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Andrew Keniry
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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11
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Miao X, Sun T, Golan M, Mager J, Cui W. Loss of POLR1D results in embryonic lethality prior to blastocyst formation in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1152-1158. [PMID: 33022126 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, RNA polymerase (Pol) I and Pol III are dedicated to the synthesis of ribosomal RNA precursors and a variety of small RNAs, respectively. Although RNA Pol I and Pol III complexes are crucial for the regulation of cell growth and cell cycle in all cell types, many of the components of the Pol I and Pol III complexes have not been functionally characterized in mammals. Here, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of POLR1D, a subunit shared by RNA Pol I and Pol III, during early mammalian embryo development. Our results show that Polr1d mutant embryos cannot be recovered at E7.5 early post-gastrulation stage, suggesting failed implantation. Although Polr1d mutants can be recovered at E3.5, they exhibit delayed/stalled development with morula morphology rather than differentiation into blastocysts. Even with extended time in culture, mutant embryos fail to form blastocysts and eventually die. Analysis of E3.0 embryos revealed severe DNA damage in Polr1d mutants. Additionally, lineage assessment reveals that trophectoderm specification is compromised in the absence of Polr1d. In summary, these findings demonstrate the essential role of POLR1D during early mammalian embryogenesis and highlight cell-lethal phenotype without Polr1d function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tieqi Sun
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Morgane Golan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.,Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Giacomucci G, Monforte M, Diaz-Manera J, Mul K, Fernandez Torrón R, Maggi L, Marini Bettolo C, Dahlqvist JR, Haberlova J, Camaño P, Gros M, Tartaglione T, Cristiano L, Gerevini S, Calandra P, Deidda G, Giardina E, Sacconi S, Straub V, Vissing J, Van Engelen B, Ricci E, Tasca G. Deep phenotyping of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 2 by magnetic resonance imaging. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:2604-2615. [PMID: 32697863 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to define the radiological picture of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 2 (FSHD2) in comparison with FSHD1 and to explore correlations between imaging and clinical/molecular data. METHODS Upper girdle and/or lower limb muscle magnetic resonance imaging scans of 34 molecularly confirmed FSHD2 patients from nine European neuromuscular centres were analysed. T1-weighted and short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were used to evaluate the global pattern and to assess the extent of fatty replacement and muscle oedema. RESULTS The most frequently affected muscles were obliquus and transversus abdominis, semimembranosus, soleus and gluteus minimus in the lower limbs; trapezius, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major in the upper girdle. Iliopsoas, popliteus, obturator internus and tibialis posterior in the lower limbs and subscapularis, spinati, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae in the upper girdle were the most spared. Asymmetry and STIR hyperintensities were consistent features. The pattern of muscle involvement was similar to that of FSHD1, and the combined involvement of trapezius, abdominal and hamstring muscles, together with complete sparing of iliopsoas and subscapularis, was detected in 91% of patients. Peculiar differences were identified in a rostro-caudal gradient, a predominant involvement of lower limb muscles compared to the upper girdle, and in the higher percentage of STIR hyperintensities in FSHD2. CONCLUSION This multicentre study defines the pattern of muscle involvement in FSHD2, providing useful information for diagnostics and clinical trial design. Both similarities and differences between FSHD1 and FSHD2 were detected, which is also relevant to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the FSHD-related disease spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giacomucci
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - M Monforte
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - J Diaz-Manera
- Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Mul
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R Fernandez Torrón
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Neurology Department, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Neuromuscular Area, Hospital Donostia, Basque Health Service, Doctor Begiristain, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - L Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - C Marini Bettolo
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J R Dahlqvist
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Haberlova
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Camaño
- Biodonostia, Neurosciences Area, Group of Neuromuscular Diseases; Biodonostia-Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Molecular Diagnostics Platform, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - M Gros
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, Pasteur 2 Hospital, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - T Tartaglione
- Radiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS-FLMM, Rome, Italy
| | - L Cristiano
- Radiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS-FLMM, Rome, Italy
| | - S Gerevini
- Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - P Calandra
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - G Deidda
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - E Giardina
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCSS-University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - S Sacconi
- Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, Pasteur 2 Hospital, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - V Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E Ricci
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.,Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - G Tasca
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Eroglu B, Szurek EA, Schall P, Latham KE, Eroglu A. Probing lasting cryoinjuries to oocyte-embryo transcriptome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231108. [PMID: 32251418 PMCID: PMC7135251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical applications of oocytes cryopreservation include preservation of future fertility of young cancer patients, substitution of embryo freezing to avoid associated legal and ethical issues, and delaying childbearing years. While the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation has recently been improved, currently used vitrification method still suffer from increased biosafety risk and handling issues while slow freezing techniques yield overall low success. Understanding better the mechanism of cryopreservation-induced injuries may lead to development of more reliable and safe methods for oocyte cryopreservation. Using the mouse model, a microarray study was conducted on oocyte cryopreservation to identify cryoinjuries to transcriptionally active genome. To this end, metaphase II (MII) oocytes were subjected to standard slow freezing, and then analyzed at the four-cell stage after embryonic genome activation. Non-frozen four-cell embryos served as controls. Differentially expressed genes were identified and validated using RT-PCR. Embryos produced from the cryopreserved oocytes displayed 200 upregulated and 105 downregulated genes, associated with the regulation of mitochondrial function, protein ubiquitination and maintenance, cellular response to stress and oxidative states, fatty acid and lipid regulation/metabolism, and cell cycle maintenance. These findings reveal previously unrecognized effects of standard slow oocyte freezing on embryonic gene expression, which can be used to guide improvement of oocyte cryopreservation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binnur Eroglu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Edyta A. Szurek
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Peter Schall
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources/Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Keith E. Latham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources/Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Ali Eroglu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
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Ruebel ML, Latham KE. Listening to mother: Long-term maternal effects in mammalian development. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:399-408. [PMID: 32202026 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The oocyte is a complex cell that executes many crucial and unique functions at the start of each life. These functions are fulfilled by a unique collection of macromolecules and other factors, all of which collectively support meiosis, oocyte activation, and embryo development. This review focuses on the effects of oocyte components on developmental processes that occur after the initial stages of embryogenesis. These include long-term effects on genome function, metabolism, lineage allocation, postnatal progeny health, and even subsequent generations. Factors that regulate chromatin structure, genome programming, and mitochondrial function are elements that contribute to these oocyte functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L Ruebel
- Department of Animal Science, and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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15
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Schall PZ, Ruebel ML, Latham KE. A New Role for SMCHD1 in Life's Master Switch and Beyond. Trends Genet 2019; 35:948-955. [PMID: 31668908 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge-domain containing protein 1 (SMCHD1) has emerged as a key regulator of embryonic genome function. Its functions have now extended well beyond the initial findings of effects on X chromosome inactivation associated with lethality in female embryos homozygous for a null allele. Autosomal dominant effects impact stem cell properties as well as postnatal health. Recent studies have revealed that SMCHD1 plays an important role as a maternal effect gene that regulates the master switch of life, namely embryonic genome activation, as well as subsequent preimplantation development and term viability. These discoveries mark SMCHD1 as a major regulator linking developmental processes to adult disorders including a form of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Meghan L Ruebel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Kashevarova AA, Skryabin NA, Nikitina TV, Lopatkina ME, Sazhenova EA, Zhigalina DI, Savchenko RR, Lebedev IN. Ontogenetic Pleiotropy of Genes Involved in CNVs in Human Spontaneous Abortions. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ruebel ML, Vincent KA, Schall PZ, Wang K, Latham KE. SMCHD1 terminates the first embryonic genome activation event in mouse two-cell embryos and contributes to a transcriptionally repressive state. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C655-C664. [PMID: 31365290 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00116.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic genome activation (EGA) in mammals begins with transient expression of a large group of genes (EGA1). Importantly, entry into and exit from the 2C/EGA state is essential for viability. Dux family member genes play an integral role in EGA1 by activating other EGA marker genes such as Zscan4 family members. We previously reported that structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain-containing protein 1 (Smchd1) is expressed at the mRNA and protein levels in mouse oocytes and early embryos and that elimination of Smchd1 expression inhibits inner cell mass formation, blastocyst formation and hatching, and term development. We extend these observations here by showing that siRNA knockdown of Smchd1 in zygotes results in overexpression of Dux and Zscan4 in two-cell embryos, with continued overexpression of Dux at least through the eight-cell stage as well as prolonged expression of Zscan4. These results are consistent with a role for SMCHD1 in promoting exit from the EGA1 state and establishing SMCHD1 as a maternal effect gene and the first chromatin regulatory factor identified with this role. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis reveals that SMCHD1 also contributes to the creation of a transcriptionally repressive state to allow correct gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L Ruebel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Kailey A Vincent
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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