The Wheels mutation in the mouse causes vascular, hindbrain, and inner ear defects

Morphological and sensorimotor phenotypes in a zebrafish CHARGE syndrome model are domain-dependent

CHARGE syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by a spectrum of defects affecting multiple tissues and behavioral difficulties such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and sensory deficits. Most CHARGE cases arise from de novo, loss-of-function mutations in chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding-protein-7 (CHD7). CHD7 is required for processes such as neuronal differentiation and neural crest cell migration, but how CHD7 affects neural circuit function to regulate behavior is unclear. To investigate the pathophysiology of behavioral symptoms in CHARGE, we established a mutant chd7 zebrafish line that recapitulates multiple CHARGE phenotypes including ear, cardiac, and craniofacial defects. Using a panel of behavioral assays, we found that chd7 mutants have specific auditory and visual behavior deficits that are independent of defects in sensory structures. Mauthner cell-dependent short-latency acoustic startle responses are normal in chd7 mutants, while Mauthner-independent long-latency responses are reduced. Responses to sudden decreases in light are also reduced in mutants, while responses to sudden increases in light are normal, suggesting that the retinal OFF pathway may be affected. Furthermore, by analyzing multiple chd7 alleles we observed that the penetrance of morphological and behavioral phenotypes is influenced by genetic background but that it also depends on the mutation location, with a chromodomain mutation causing the highest penetrance. This pattern is consistent with analysis of a CHARGE patient dataset in which symptom penetrance was highest in subjects with mutations in the CHD7 chromodomains. These results provide new insight into the heterogeneity of CHARGE and will inform future work to define CHD7-dependent neurobehavioral mechanisms.

An Open-Source Tool for Automated Human-Level Circling Behavior Detection

Quantifying behavior and relating it to underlying biological states is of paramount importance in many life science fields. Although barriers to recording postural data have been reduced by progress in deep-learning-based computer vision tools for keypoint tracking, extracting specific behaviors from this data remains challenging. Manual behavior coding, the present gold standard, is labor-intensive and subject to intra- and inter-observer variability. Automatic methods are stymied by the difficulty of explicitly defining complex behaviors, even ones which appear obvious to the human eye. Here, we demonstrate an effective technique for detecting one such behavior, a form of locomotion characterized by stereotyped spinning, termed 'circling'. Though circling has an extensive history as a behavioral marker, at present there exists no standard automated detection method. Accordingly, we developed a technique to identify instances of the behavior by applying simple postprocessing to markerless keypoint data from videos of freely-exploring (Cib2-/-;Cib3-/-) mutant mice, a strain we previously found to exhibit circling. Our technique agrees with human consensus at the same level as do individual observers, and it achieves >90% accuracy in discriminating videos of wild type mice from videos of mutants. As using this technique requires no experience writing or modifying code, it also provides a convenient, noninvasive, quantitative tool for analyzing circling mouse models. Additionally, as our approach was agnostic to the underlying behavior, these results support the feasibility of algorithmically detecting specific, research-relevant behaviors using readily-interpretable parameters tuned on the basis of human consensus.

An L1 retrotransposon insertion-induced deafness mouse model for studying the development and function of the cochlear stria vascularis

Dysregulation of ion and potential homeostasis in the scala media is the most prevalent cause of hearing loss in mammals. However, it is not well understood how the development and function of the stria vascularis regulates this fluid homeostasis in the scala media. From a mouse genetic screen, we characterize a mouse line, named 299, that displays profound hearing impairment. Histology suggests that 299 mutant mice carry a severe, congenital structural defect of the stria vascularis. The in vivo recording of 299 mice using double-barreled electrodes shows that endocochlear potential is abolished and potassium concentration is reduced to ∼20 mM in the scala media, a stark contrast to the +80 mV endocochlear potential and the 150 mM potassium concentration present in healthy control mice. Genomic analysis revealed a roughly 7-kb-long, interspersed nuclear element (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposon insertion on chromosome 11. Strikingly, the deletion of this L1 retrotransposon insertion from chromosome 11 restored the hearing of 299 mutant mice. In summary, we characterize a mouse model that enables the study of stria vascularis development and fluid homeostasis in the scala media.

CHD7 regulates cardiovascular development through ATP-dependent and -independent activities

CHD7 encodes an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor. Mutation of this gene causes multiple developmental disorders, including CHARGE (Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth/development, Genital abnormalities, and Ear anomalies) syndrome, in which conotruncal anomalies are the most prevalent form of heart defects. How CHD7 regulates conotruncal development remains unclear. In this study, we establish that deletion of Chd7 in neural crest cells (NCCs) causes severe conotruncal defects and perinatal lethality, thus providing mouse genetic evidence demonstrating that CHD7 cell-autonomously regulates cardiac NCC development, thereby clarifying a long-standing controversy in the literature. Using transcriptomic analyses, we show that CHD7 fine-tunes the expression of a gene network that is critical for cardiac NCC development. To gain further molecular insights into gene regulation by CHD7, we performed a protein-protein interaction screen by incubating recombinant CHD7 on a protein array. We find that CHD7 directly interacts with several developmental disorder-mutated proteins including WDR5, a core component of H3K4 methyltransferase complexes. This direct interaction suggested that CHD7 may recruit histone-modifying enzymes to target loci independently of its remodeling functions. We therefore generated a mouse model that harbors an ATPase-deficient allele and demonstrates that mutant CHD7 retains the ability to recruit H3K4 methyltransferase activity to its targets. Thus, our data uncover that CHD7 regulates cardiovascular development through ATP-dependent and -independent activities, shedding light on the etiology of CHD7-related congenital disorders. Importantly, our data also imply that patients carrying a premature stop codon versus missense mutations will likely display different molecular alterations; these patients might therefore require personalized therapeutic interventions.

Genes Involved in the Development and Physiology of Both the Peripheral and Central Auditory Systems

The genetic approach, based on the study of inherited forms of deafness, has proven to be particularly effective for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the peripheral auditory system, the cochlea and its afferent auditory neurons, and how this system extracts the physical parameters of sound. Although this genetic dissection has provided little information about the central auditory system, scattered data suggest that some genes may have a critical role in both the peripheral and central auditory systems. Here, we review the genes controlling the development and function of the peripheral and central auditory systems, focusing on those with demonstrated intrinsic roles in both systems and highlighting the current underappreciation of these genes. Their encoded products are diverse, from transcription factors to ion channels, as are their roles in the central auditory system, mostly evaluated in brainstem nuclei. We examine the ontogenetic and evolutionary mechanisms that may underlie their expression at different sites.

Nervous system development and disease: A focus on trithorax related proteins and chromatin remodelers

The nervous system comprises many different cell types including neurons, glia, macrophages, and immune cells, each of which is defined by specific patterns of gene expression, morphology, function, and anatomical location. Establishment of these complex and highly regulated cell fates requires spatial and temporal coordination of gene transcription. Open chromatin (euchromatin) allows transcription factors to interact with gene promoters and activate lineage specific genes, whereas closed chromatin (heterochromatin) remains inaccessible to transcriptional activation. Changes in the genome-wide distribution of euchromatin accompany transcriptional plasticity that allows the diversity of mature cell fates to be generated during development. In the past 20years, many new genes and gene families have been identified to participate in regulation of chromatin accessibility. These genes include chromatin remodelers that interact with Trithorax group (TrxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins to activate or repress transcription, respectively. Here we review the role of TrxG proteins in neurodevelopment and disease.

New insights and advances in CHARGE syndrome: Diagnosis, etiologies, treatments, and research discoveries

CHARGE syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly condition caused, in a majority of individuals, by loss of function pathogenic variants in the gene CHD7. In this special issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics part C, authors of eleven manuscripts describe specific organ system features of CHARGE syndrome, with a focus on recent developments in diagnosis, etiologies, and treatments. Since 2004, when CHD7 was identified as the major causative gene in CHARGE, several animal models (mice, zebrafish, flies, and frog) and cell-based systems have been developed to explore the underlying pathophysiology of this condition. In this article, we summarize those advances, highlight opportunities for new discoveries, and encourage readers to explore specific organ systems in more detail in each individual article. We hope the excitement around innovative research and development in CHARGE syndrome will encourage others to join this effort, and will stimulate other investigators and professionals to engage with individuals diagnosed as having CHARGE syndrome, their families, and their care providers.

Clinical and molecular effects of CHD7 in the heart

Heart defects caused by loss-of-function mutations in CHD7 are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in CHARGE syndrome. Here we review the clinical and molecular aspects of CHD7 that are related to the cardiovascular manifestations of the syndrome. The types of heart defects found in patients with CHD7 mutations are variable, with an overrepresentation of atrioventricular septal defect and outflow tract defect including aortic arch anomalies compared to nonsyndromic heart defects. Chd7 haploinsufficiency in mouse is a good model for studying the heart effects seen in CHARGE syndrome, and mouse models reveal a role for Chd7 in multiple lineages during heart development. Formation of the great vessels requires Chd7 expression in the pharyngeal surface ectoderm, and this expression likely has an non-autonomous effect on neural crest cells. In the cardiogenic mesoderm, Chd7 is required for atrioventricular cushion development and septation of the outflow tract. Emerging knowledge about the function of CHD7 in the heart indicates that it may act in concert with transcription factors such as TBX1 and SMADs to regulate genes such as p53 and the cardiac transcription factor NKX2.5.

Inner ear manifestations in CHARGE: Abnormalities, treatments, animal models, and progress toward treatments in auditory and vestibular structures

The inner ear contains the sensory organs for hearing and balance. Both hearing and balance are commonly affected in individuals with CHARGE syndrome (CS), an autosomal dominant condition caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the CHD7 gene. Semicircular canal dysplasia or aplasia is the single most prevalent feature in individuals with CHARGE leading to deficient gross motor skills and ambulation. Identification of CHD7 as the major gene affected in CHARGE has enabled acceleration of research in this field. Great progress has been made in understanding the role of CHD7 in the development and function of the inner ear, as well as in related organs such as the middle ear and auditory and vestibular neural pathways. The goals of current research on CHD7 and CS are to (a) improve our understanding of the pathology caused by CHD7 pathogenic variants and (b) to provide better tools for prognosis and treatment. Current studies utilize cells and whole animals, from flies to mammals. The mouse is an excellent model for exploring mechanisms of Chd7 function in the ear, given the evolutionary conservation of ear structure, function, Chd7 expression, and similarity of mutant phenotypes between mice and humans. Newly recognized developmental functions for mouse Chd7 are shedding light on how abnormalities in CHD7 might lead to CS symptoms in humans. Here we review known human inner ear phenotypes associated with CHD7 pathogenic variants and CS, summarize progress toward diagnosis and treatment of inner ear-related pathologies, and explore new avenues for treatment based on basic science discoveries.

Epistatic interactions between Chd7 and Fgf8 during cerebellar development: Implications for CHARGE syndrome

CHARGE syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant condition caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene. Although central nervous system defects have been reported, the detailed description and analysis of these anomalies in CHARGE syndrome patients lag far behind the description of other, more easily observed defects. We recently described cerebellar abnormalities in CHARGE syndrome patients and used mouse models to identify the underlying causes. Our studies identified altered expression of the homeobox genes Otx2 and Gbx2 in the developing neural tube of Chd7^−/− embryos. Furthermore, we showed that the expression of Fgf8 is sensitive to Chd7 gene dosage and demonstrated an epistatic relationship between these genes during cerebellar vermis development. These findings provided, for the first time, an example of cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in a human syndrome that can be linked to deregulated FGF signaling. I discuss some of these observations and their implications for CHARGE syndrome.

Deregulated FGF and homeotic gene expression underlies cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in CHARGE syndrome

Mutations in CHD7 are the major cause of CHARGE syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1/15,000. We have little understanding of the disruptions in the developmental programme that underpin brain defects associated with this syndrome. Using mouse models, we show that Chd7 haploinsufficiency results in reduced Fgf8 expression in the isthmus organiser (IsO), an embryonic signalling centre that directs early cerebellar development. Consistent with this observation, Chd7 and Fgf8 loss-of-function alleles interact during cerebellar development. CHD7 associates with Otx2 and Gbx2 regulatory elements and altered expression of these homeobox genes implicates CHD7 in the maintenance of cerebellar identity during embryogenesis. Finally, we report cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in 35% of CHARGE syndrome patients with a proven CHD7 mutation. These observations provide key insights into the molecular aetiology of cerebellar defects in CHARGE syndrome and link reduced FGF signalling to cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in a human syndrome.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01305.001

CHARGE syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes various developmental abnormalities, including heart defects, deafness and neurological defects. In most cases, it is caused by mutations in a human gene called CHD7. CHD7 is known to control the expression of other genes during embryonic development, but the molecular mechanisms by which mutations in CHD7 lead to the neural defects found in CHARGE syndrome are unclear.

During embryonic development, the neural tube—the precursor to the nervous system—is divided into segments, which give rise to different neural structures. The r1 segment, for example, forms the cerebellum, and the secretion of a protein called FGF8 (short for fibroblast growth factor 8) by a nearby structure called the isthmus organiser has an important role in this process. Since a reduction in FGF8 causes defects similar to those found in CHARGE syndrome, Yu et al. decided to investigate if the FGF signalling pathway was involved in this syndrome.

Mice should have two working copies of the Chd7 gene, and mice that lack one of these suffer from symptoms similar to those of humans with CHARGE syndrome. Yu et al. examined the embryos of these mice and found that the isthmus organiser produced less FGF8. Embryos with no working copies of the gene completely lost the r1 segment. The loss of this segment appeared to be caused by changes in the expression of homeobox genes (the genes that determine the identity of brain segments).

Embryos that did not have any working copies of the Chd7 gene died early in development, which made further studies impossible. However, embryos that had one working copy of the Chd7 gene survived, and Yu et al. took advantage of this to study the effects of reduced FGF8 expression on these mice. These experiments showed that mice with just one working copy of the Fgf8 gene and one working copy of the Chd7 gene had a small cerebellar vermis. This part of the cerebellum is known to be very sensitive to changes in FGF8 signalling. Yu et al. then used an MRI scanner to look at the cerebellar vermis in patients with CHARGE syndrome, and found that more than half of the patients had abnormal cerebella.

In addition to confirming that studies on mouse embryos can provide insights into human disease, the work of Yu et al. add defects in the cerebellar vermis to the list of developmental abnormalities associated with CHARGE syndrome. The next step will be to test if any mutations in the human FGF8 gene can contribute to cerebellar defects in CHARGE syndrome, and to investigate if any other developmental defects in CHARGE syndrome are associated with abnormal FGF8 levels.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01305.002

Inner ear dysfunction in caspase-3 deficient mice

BACKGROUND

Caspase-3 is one of the most downstream enzymes activated in the apoptotic pathway. In caspase-3 deficient mice, loss of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion cells coincide closely with hearing loss. In contrast with the auditory system, details of the vestibular phenotype have not been characterized. Here we report the vestibular phenotype and inner ear anatomy in the caspase-3 deficient (Casp3(-/-)) mouse strain.

RESULTS

Average ABR thresholds of Casp3(-/-) mice were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) compared to Casp3(+/-) mice and Casp3(+/+) mice at 3 months of age. In DPOAE testing, distortion product 2F1-F2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in Casp3(-/-) mice, whereas Casp3(+/-) and Casp3(+/+) mice showed normal and comparable values to each other. Casp3(-/-) mice were hyperactive and exhibited circling behavior when excited. In lateral canal VOR testing, Casp3(-/-) mice had minimal response to any of the stimuli tested, whereas Casp3(+/-) mice had an intermediate response compared to Casp3(+/+) mice. Inner ear anatomical and histological analysis revealed gross hypomorphism of the vestibular organs, in which the main site was the anterior semicircular canal. Hair cell numbers in the anterior- and lateral crista, and utricle were significantly smaller in Casp3(-/-) mice whereas the Casp3(+/-) and Casp3(+/+) mice had normal hair cell numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that caspase-3 is essential for correct functioning of the cochlea as well as normal development and function of the vestibule.

Genetic modification of the inner ear lateral semicircular canal phenotype of the Bmp4 haplo-insufficient mouse

In the mouse, development of the lateral semicircular canal of the inner ear is sensitive to Bmp4 heterozygosity. In the C57BL6 background 30% of the heterozygotes display circling behavior, 66% have a specific defect in the vestibular part of the inner ear, namely the constriction, interruption or absence of the lateral semicircular canal. Only mice having both ears affected display circling behavior. In the (C57BL6xCBA)N1 background, the penetrance of the canal phenotype is greatly reduced, and bilateral lateral canal defect is not sufficient to induce circling. We found association of the canal phenotype with the genotype of markers on chromosome 14 and 4, co-localizing with Ecs and Eclb identified in the Ecl mouse with similar lateral canal defects. Candidate genes to contain the causal mutation are Bmp4 on chromosome 14, and Rere on chromosome 4.

Vertebrate Lrig3-ErbB interactions occur in vitro but are unlikely to play a role in Lrig3-dependent inner ear morphogenesis

Background

The Lrig genes encode a family of transmembrane proteins that have been implicated in tumorigenesis, psoriasis, neural crest development, and complex tissue morphogenesis. Whether these diverse phenotypes reflect a single underlying cellular mechanism is not known. However, Lrig proteins contain evolutionarily conserved ectodomains harboring both leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin domains, suggesting an ability to bind to common partners. Previous studies revealed that Lrig1 binds to and inhibits members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases by inducing receptor internalization and degradation. In addition, other receptor tyrosine kinase binding partners have been identified for both Lrig1 and Lrig3, leaving open the question of whether defective ErbB signaling is responsible for the observed mouse phenotypes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here, we report that Lrig3, like Lrig1, is able to interact with ErbB receptors in vitro. We examined the in vivo significance of these interactions in the inner ear, where Lrig3 controls semicircular canal formation by determining the timing and extent of Netrin1 expression in the otic vesicle epithelium. We find that ErbB2 and ErbB3 are present in the early otic epithelium, and that Lrig3 acts cell-autonomously here, as would be predicted if Lrig3 regulates ErbB2/B3 activity. However, inhibition of ErbB activation in the chick otic vesicle has no detectable effect on Netrin gene expression or canal morphogenesis.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest that although both Lrig1 and Lrig3 can interact with ErbB receptors in vitro, modulation of Neuregulin signaling is unlikely to contribute to Lrig3-dependent processes of inner ear morphogenesis. These results highlight the similar binding properties of Lrig1 and Lrig3 and underscore the need to determine how these two family members bind to and regulate different receptors to affect diverse aspects of cell behavior in vivo.

Great vessel development requires biallelic expression of Chd7 and Tbx1 in pharyngeal ectoderm in mice

Aortic arch artery patterning defects account for approximately 20% of congenital cardiovascular malformations and are observed frequently in velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS). In the current study, we screened for chromosome rearrangements in patients suspected of VCFS, but who lacked a 22q11 deletion or TBX1 mutation. One individual displayed hemizygous CHD7, which encodes a chromodomain protein. CHD7 haploinsufficiency is the major cause of coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae, retarded growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and ear anomalies/deafness (CHARGE) syndrome, but this patient lacked the major diagnostic features of coloboma and choanal atresia. Because a subset of CHARGE cases also display 22q11 deletions, we explored the embryological relationship between CHARGE and VCSF using mouse models. The hallmark of Tbx1 haploinsufficiency is hypo/aplasia of the fourth pharyngeal arch artery (PAA) at E10.5. Identical malformations were observed in Chd7 heterozygotes, with resulting aortic arch interruption at later stages. Other than Tbx1, Chd7 is the only gene reported to affect fourth PAA development by haploinsufficiency. Moreover, Tbx1+/-;Chd7+/- double heterozygotes demonstrated a synergistic interaction during fourth PAA, thymus, and ear morphogenesis. We could not rescue PAA morphogenesis by restoring neural crest Chd7 expression. Rather, biallelic expression of Chd7 and Tbx1 in the pharyngeal ectoderm was required for normal PAA development.

Loss of Chd7 function in gene-trapped reporter mice is embryonic lethal and associated with severe defects in multiple developing tissues

CHD7 is a novel chromodomain gene mutated in 60%-80% of humans with CHARGE syndrome, a multiple congenital anomaly condition characterized by ocular coloboma, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retarded growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and characteristic ear abnormalities including deafness. Phenotypic features of CHARGE are highly variable and incompletely penetrant. To explore developmental roles of CHD7, we generated mice carrying the Chd7(Gt) allele from a Chd7-deficient, gene-trapped lacZ reporter ES cell line. RT-PCR of embryo RNA demonstrated significantly reduced levels of wild-type transcript in Chd7(Gt/Gt) embryos. Chd7(Gt/Gt) embryos survive only up to embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5). Chd7(Gt/+) male and female mice are viable, small, and exhibit variable degrees of head-bobbing and circling, consistent with vestibular dysfunction. Paint-filling of E16.5 heterozygous inner ears revealed defects of the semicircular canals. The pattern of beta-galactosidase activity in Chd7(Gt/+) embryos mimics Chd7 mRNA expression in wild-type embryos, confirming the fidelity of the lacZ reporter. We observed tissue-specific beta-galactosidase in the E12.5 and E14.5 Chd7(Gt/+) brain, pituitary, ear, heart, and craniofacial structures, indicating survival of Chd7(Gt/+) cells in CHARGE-relevant organs. These studies demonstrate the utility of Chd7(Gt) as a reporter-tagged loss-of-function allele for future studies exploring developmental mechanisms of Chd7 deficiency.

Principles and problems revolving around rhythm-related genetic variants

Much of what is known about the regulation of circadian rhythms has stemmed from the induction, recognition, or manufacture of genetic variants. Such investigations have been especially salient in chronobiological analyses of Drosophila. Many starting points for elucidation of rhythmic processes operating in this insect entailed the isolation of mutants or the design of engineered gene modifications. Various features of the principles and practices associated with the genetic approach toward understanding clock functions, and chronobiologically related ones, are discussed from perspectives that are largely genetic as such, although intertwined with certain neurogenetic and molecular-genetic concerns when appropriate. Key themes in this treatment connect with the power and problems associated with multiply mutant forms of rhythm-related genes, with the opportunistic or problematical aspects of multigenic variants that are in play (sometimes surprisingly), and with a question as to how forceful chronogenetic inferences have been in terms of elucidating the mechanisms of circadian pacemaking.

Planar relationships of the semicircular canals in two strains of mice

The mouse is increasingly important as a subject of vestibular research. Although many studies have focused on the vestibular responses of mice to angular rotation, the geometry of their semicircular canals has not been described. High-voltage X-ray computed tomography was used to measure the anatomy of the semicircular canals of two strains of mice, C57Bl/6J and CBA/CaJ. The horizontal plane of a stereotaxic coordinate system was defined by the midpoints of the external auditory meati and the point where the incisors emerge from the maxilla. The centroids of the lumens of the bony canals were calculated, and planes that describe the canals were fit using a least-squares regression analysis to the resulting points. Vectors normal to each regressed plane were used to represent the corresponding canal's axis of rotation, and angles of these vectors relative to skull landmarks as well as to each other were calculated. The horizontal canal of the mouse was found to be angled anteriorly upward 17.8 degrees for CBA/CaJ and 32.6 degrees for C57Bl/6J from the reference horizontal plane. Angles between ipsilateral canals deviated up to 12.3 degrees from orthogonal, and angles between contralateral synergistic canals (left anterior-right posterior, right anterior-left posterior, and horizontal-horizontal) deviated from parallel by up to 14.8 degrees. The orientations of the canals within the head as well as the orientations of the canals relative to each other were significantly different between the two strains, suggesting that care must be taken in the design and interpretation of developmental and physiologic studies involving different mouse strains.

Distinct roles for hindbrain and paraxial mesoderm in the induction and patterning of the inner ear revealed by a study of vitamin-A-deficient quail

The hindbrain and cranial paraxial mesoderm have been implicated in the induction and patterning of the inner ear, but the precise role of the two tissues in these processes is still not clear. We have addressed these questions using the vitamin-A-deficient (VAD) quail model, in which VAD embryos lack the posterior half of the hindbrain that normally lies next to the inner ear. Using a battery of molecular markers, we show that the anlagen of the inner ear, the otic placode, is induced in VAD embryos in the absence of the posterior hindbrain. By performing grafting and ablation experiments in chick embryos, we also show that cranial paraxial mesoderm which normally lies beneath the presumptive otic placode is necessary for otic placode induction and that paraxial mesoderm from other locations cannot induce the otic placode. Two members of the fibroblast growth factor family, FGF3 and FGF19, continue to be expressed in this mesodermal population in VAD embryos, and these may be responsible for otic placode induction in the absence of the posterior hindbrain. Although the posterior hindbrain is not required for otic placode induction in VAD embryos, the subsequent patterning of the inner ear is severely disrupted. Several regional markers of the inner ear, such as Pax2, EphA4, SOHo1 and Wnt3a, are incorrectly expressed in VAD otocysts, and the sensory patches and vestibulo-acoustic ganglia are either greatly reduced or absent. Exogenous application of retinoic acid prior to 30 h of development is able rescue the VAD phenotype. By performing such rescue experiments before and after 30 h of development, we show that the inner ear defects of VAD embryos correlate with the absence of the posterior hindbrain. These results show that induction and patterning of the inner ear are governed by separate developmental processes that can be experimentally uncoupled from each other.

Connexin43 deficiency causes dysregulation of coronary vasculogenesis

The connexin43 knockout (Cx43alpha1 KO) mouse dies at birth from outflow obstruction associated with infundibular pouches. To elucidate the origin of the infundibular pouches, we used microarray analysis to investigate gene expression changes in the pouch tissue. We found elevated expression of many genes encoding markers for vascular smooth muscle (VSM), endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, cell types that are epicardially derived and essential for coronary vasculogenesis. This was accompanied by increased expression of VEGF and genes in the TGFbeta and VEGF/Notch/Eph cell-signaling pathways known to regulate vasculogenesis/angiogenesis. Using immunohistochemistry and a VSM lacZ reporter gene, we confirmed an abundance of ectopic VSM and endothelial cells in the infundibular pouch and in some regions of the right ventricle forming secondary pouches. This was associated with distinct thinning of the compact myocardium. TUNEL labeling showed increased apoptosis in the pouch tissue, in agreement with the finding of altered expression of many apoptotic genes. Defects in vascular remodeling were indicated by a marked reduction in the branching complexity of the distal coronary arteries. In the near term KO mouse, we also observed a profusion of large coronary vascular plexuses subepicardially. This was associated with elevated epicardial expression of VEGF and abnormal epicardial cell morphology. Together, these observations indicate that dysregulated coronary vasculogenesis plays a pivotal role in formation of the infundibular pouches and suggests an essential role for Cx43alpha1 gap junctions in coronary vasculogenesis and vascular remodeling.

Multiple mutations in mouse Chd7 provide models for CHARGE syndrome

Mouse ENU mutagenesis programmes have yielded a series of independent mutations on proximal chromosome 4 leading to dominant head-bobbing and circling behaviour due to truncations of the lateral semicircular canal of the inner ear. Here, we report the identification of mutations in the Chd7 gene in nine of these mutant alleles including six nonsense and three splice site mutations. The human CHD7 gene is known to be involved in CHARGE syndrome, which also shows inner ear malformations and a variety of other features with varying penetrance and appears to be due to frequent de novo mutation. We found widespread expression of Chd7 in early development of the mouse in organs affected in CHARGE syndrome including eye, olfactory epithelium, inner ear and vascular system. Closer inspection of heterozygous mutant mice revealed a range of defects with reduced penetrance, such as cleft palate, choanal atresia, septal defects of the heart, haemorrhages, prenatal death, vulva and clitoral defects and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Many of these defects mimic the features of CHARGE syndrome. There were no obvious features of the gene that might make it more mutable than other genes. We conclude that the large number of mouse mutants and human de novo mutations may be due to the combination of the Chd7 gene being a large target and the fact that many heterozygous carriers of the mutations are viable individuals with a readily detectable phenotype.

Two new mouse mutants with vestibular defects that map to the highly mutable locus on chromosome 4

The purpose of this study was to characterise two new mouse mutants, carousel, and whirligig. Both were derived from a large-scale mutagenesis programme which screened for dominantly inherited mutations that cause hearing impairments and balance defects. Genetic mapping placed both mutations on the proximal region of chromosome 4. Paint-filling and clearing techniques revealed abnormalities of the lateral semicircular canal. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased numbers of outer and inner hair cells in the apical region of the organ of Corti. The behavioural, genetic, and morphological characteristics lead us to the conclusion that both mutants are probably alleles of seven previously identified mutants which all map to proximal chromosome 4 and share similar defects of the lateral semicircular canal. We suggest that this region may be particularly susceptible to ENU mutagenesis independent of genetic background.

Characterization of a new mouse mutant, flouncer, with a balance defect and inner ear malformation

HYPOTHESIS

Balance anomalies are often associated with abnormalities of the vestibular part of the inner ear. We studied a newly generated mouse mutant with balance defects and asked whether its behavioral anomalies were associated with inner ear defects. Furthermore, we asked whether the mutation responsible for the defects was located in the same region of mouse chromosome 4 as several other mouse mutations that we have previously described.

BACKGROUND

Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of mouse mutants with hearing or balance problems has helped greatly with the identification of the genes involved in deafness and has contributed to the understanding of mechanisms of normal hearing and balance. This article describes a new mouse mutant, flouncer, that shows a balance defect. The flouncer mutation shows semidominant inheritance, and was generated by mutagenesis using N- ethyl-N- nitrosourea.

METHODS

Hearing was assessed by the Preyer reflex (ear-flick) test. Behavioral tests including open field and swimming tests were performed. The morphology of the middle and inner ears was investigated by microdissection, clearing using glycerol, paint-filling of the labyrinth, and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Flouncer mutants showed vestibular dysfunction but do respond to sounds. Phenotypically, mutants had various degrees of truncation of the lateral semicircular canals, small or obliterated round window of the cochlea, and mild morphologic anomalies of the stapes. Flouncer mutants showed circling behavior and hyperactivity. Linkage mapping using a backcross has indicated that the mutation lies in proximal chromosome 4 proximal to D4Mit171.

CONCLUSION

The lateral semicircular canal has been described to be the most commonly affected part of the inner ear in humans, and flouncer provides a mouse model for genetic and developmental analysis of such defects.

New behavioral mutant rat exhibiting circling behavior (clx) controlled by a sex-linked recessive gene

A male rat showing intermittent circling behavior was discovered among the Jcl:Wistar rats in our laboratories, and among its backcross offspring individuals showing the same behavior were found. The abnormalities in these animals were characterized by intermittent circling behavior (walking and/or running in circles) and head tossing with the neck twisted. No abnormalities were observed in fertility, delivery or pup mortality. The results of mating experiments indicated that the circling behavior phenotype is controlled by a single sex-linked recessive gene, and the mutant was named "circling behavior linked to X-chromosome (gene symbol: clx)." This circling behavior mutant is considered to be different from the previously reported mutants, the behavior in all of which has been found to be autosomally inherited. Sib-mating is continuing to produce an inbred strain with this newly discovered circling behavior mutant gene.

ENU mutagenesis reveals a highly mutable locus on mouse Chromosome 4 that affects ear morphogenesis

Chemical mutagenesis followed by screening for abnormal phenotypes in the mouse holds much promise as a method for revealing gene function. This method is particularly well-suited for discovering genes involved in hearing or balance function, as these defects are relatively easy to screen for in the mouse. We report here the inner ear abnormalities and genetic localization of seven new dominant mutations created by ENU mutagenesis. All seven mutant stocks were identified because of circling and/or head-weaving behavior, which is an indication of balance dysfunction. Investigation of the inner ears of the seven mutant stocks revealed very similar lateral and posterior semicircular canal defects. Studies of the development of the canals in one mutant stock revealed that the affected canals showed reduced outgrowth and delayed canal fusion. Physiological studies performed in one mutant stock showed raised average compound-action-potential thresholds of approximately 10-20 dB sound pressure level (SPL) (depending on frequency), indicating a mild hearing impairment, although scanning electron microscopy performed in several of the mutant stocks revealed no obvious structural defects in the organ of Corti. All seven mutations mapped to the proximal portion of Chromosome (Chr) 4, near the centromere. On the basis of their similar phenotype and map location, we suggest that the seven mutant genes may be allelic and represent a highly mutable locus on Chr 4 that may be particularly susceptible to ENU-induced mutation on the BALB/c genetic background.