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Cao X, Ma T, Fan R, Yuan GC. Broad H3K4me3 Domain Is Associated with Spatial Coherence during Mammalian Embryonic Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.11.570452. [PMID: 38168252 PMCID: PMC10760050 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.570452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
It is well known that the chromatin states play a major role in cell-fate decision and cell-identity maintenance; however, the spatial variation of chromatin states in situ remains poorly characterized. Here, by leveraging recently available spatial-CUT&Tag data, we systematically characterized the global spatial organization of the H3K4me3 profiles in a mouse embryo. Our analysis identified a subset of genes with spatially coherent H3K4me3 patterns, which together delineate the tissue boundaries. The spatially coherent genes are strongly enriched with tissue-specific transcriptional regulators. Remarkably, their corresponding genomic loci are marked by broad H3K4me3 domains, which is distinct from the typical H3K4me3 signature. Spatial transition across tissue boundaries is associated with continuous shortening of the broad H3K4me3 domains as well as expansion of H3K27me3 domains. Our analysis reveals a strong connection between the genomic and spatial variation of chromatin states, which may play an important role in embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry Ma
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Havens, CT, USA
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, NY, USA
- Lead contact
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Vázquez-Román V, Fernández-Santos JM, Martín-Lacave I. C-cell differentiation in the wall of an aberrant ultimobranchial sinus in the thyroid gland of an old rat. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:876-883. [PMID: 36370461 PMCID: PMC10029892 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, the thyroid gland possesses two types of endocrine cells, follicular cells and C cells, which have different functions but share a similar endodermal origin (although from different regions of the primitive pharynx). Specifically, follicular cells derive from the ventral pharyngeal floor, while C cells derive from the fourth pair of pharyngeal pouches through the ultimobranchial bodies (UBBs). Disruptions to human midline thyroid morphogenesis are relatively frequent and known as thyroid dysgenesis, which is the leading cause of congenital hypothyroidism. In contrast, fourth branchial apparatus anomalies are very rare clinical entities. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological features and the immunohistochemical pattern of an aberrant ultimobranchial remnant, align with its persistent contribution to the formation of new C cells. METHODS The thyroid gland of an old rat was serially sectioned and immunostained for the following markers: calcitonin, thyroglobulin, cytokeratins, PCNA, P63, E-cadherin, beta-tubulin and CD3. RESULTS We detected a spontaneous congenital defect in the organogenesis of the UBB in an old rat, giving rise to an 'ultimobranchial sinus', which was accompanied by thymic tissue and an abscess. The epithelium contained basal/stem cells and contributed to the formation of abundant C cells and scarce follicular cells. CONCLUSIONS The ultimobranchial sinus is an exceptional finding for representing the first spontaneous abnormality in the development of UBB reported in rats, and the opportunity to observe sustained C-cell differentiation from stem cells in an old rat. These findings are consistent with a common origin of both C cells and follicular cells from UBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Vázquez-Román
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
| | - José M Fernández-Santos
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Lacave
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
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3
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Chen CH, Behringer RR. Transgenic human HOXB1-9 directs anterior-posterior axial skeleton pattern in Hoxb1-9 deficient mice. Differentiation 2022; 127:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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4
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Friedmacher F, Rolle U, Puri P. Genetically Modified Mouse Models of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Opportunities and Limitations for Studying Altered Lung Development. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:867307. [PMID: 35633948 PMCID: PMC9136148 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.867307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively common and life-threatening birth defect, characterized by an abnormal opening in the primordial diaphragm that interferes with normal lung development. As a result, CDH is accompanied by immature and hypoplastic lungs, being the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with this condition. In recent decades, various animal models have contributed novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying CDH and associated pulmonary hypoplasia. In particular, the generation of genetically modified mouse models, which show both diaphragm and lung abnormalities, has resulted in the discovery of multiple genes and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of CDH. This article aims to offer an up-to-date overview on CDH-implicated transcription factors, molecules regulating cell migration and signal transduction as well as components contributing to the formation of extracellular matrix, whilst also discussing the significance of these genetic models for studying altered lung development with regard to the human situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Friedmacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Udo Rolle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Prem Puri
- Beacon Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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5
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Faisal M, Kim JH, Yoo KH, Roh EJ, Hong SS, Lee SH. Development and Therapeutic Potential of NUAKs Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 64:2-25. [PMID: 33356242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NUAK isoforms, NUAK1 (ARK5) and NUAK2 (SNARK), are important members of the AMPK family of protein kinases. They are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological and cellular events, and sometimes their biological roles overlap. NUAK isoform dysregulation is associated with numerous pathological disorders, including neurodegeneration, metastatic cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, they are promising therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases and cancers; consequently, various NUAK-targeted inhibitors have been disclosed. The first part of this review comprises a brief discussion of the homology, expression, structure, and characteristics of NUAK isoforms. The second part focuses on NUAK isoforms' involvement in crucial biological operations, including mechanistic findings, highlighting how their abnormal functioning contributes to disease progression and quality of life. The third part summarizes the key findings and applications of targeting NUAK isoforms for treating multiple cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. The final part systematically presents a critical review and analysis of the literature on NUAK isoform inhibitions through small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faisal
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Yoo
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Roh
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.,Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - So Ha Lee
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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6
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Chang CN, Kioussi C. Location, Location, Location: Signals in Muscle Specification. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:E11. [PMID: 29783715 PMCID: PMC6027348 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscles control body movement and locomotion, posture and body position and soft tissue support. Mesoderm derived cells gives rise to 700 unique muscles in humans as a result of well-orchestrated signaling and transcriptional networks in specific time and space. Although the anatomical structure of skeletal muscles is similar, their functions and locations are specialized. This is the result of specific signaling as the embryo grows and cells migrate to form different structures and organs. As cells progress to their next state, they suppress current sequence specific transcription factors (SSTF) and construct new networks to establish new myogenic features. In this review, we provide an overview of signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks during formation of the craniofacial, cardiac, vascular, trunk, and limb skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ning Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
- Molecular Cell Biology Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Chrissa Kioussi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
- Molecular Cell Biology Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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7
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Coupling the roles of Hox genes to regulatory networks patterning cranial neural crest. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S67-S78. [PMID: 29571614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest is a transient population of cells that forms within the developing central nervous system and migrates away to generate a wide range of derivatives throughout the body during vertebrate embryogenesis. These cells are of evolutionary and clinical interest, constituting a key defining trait in the evolution of vertebrates and alterations in their development are implicated in a high proportion of birth defects and craniofacial abnormalities. In the hindbrain and the adjacent cranial neural crest cells (cNCCs), nested domains of Hox gene expression provide a combinatorial'Hox-code' for specifying regional properties in the developing head. Hox genes have been shown to play important roles at multiple stages in cNCC development, including specification, migration, and differentiation. However, relatively little is known about the underlying gene-regulatory mechanisms involved, both upstream and downstream of Hox genes. Furthermore, it is still an open question as to how the genes of the neural crest GRN are linked to Hox-dependent pathways. In this review, we describe Hox gene expression, function and regulation in cNCCs with a view to integrating these genes within the emerging gene regulatory network for cNCC development. We highlight early roles for Hox1 genes in cNCC specification, proposing that this may be achieved, in part, by regulation of the balance between pluripotency and differentiation in precursor cells within the neuro-epithelium. We then describe what is known about the regulation of Hox gene expression in cNCCs and discuss this from the perspective of early vertebrate evolution.
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Lehman AM, Cowan JR, McFadden DE, Patel MS. Anterolateral diaphragmatic hernia with body wall defect understood in relation to the abaxial domain. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:1860-2. [PMID: 24700809 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zhang L, Li H, Yu J, Cao J, Chen H, Zhao H, Zhao J, Yao Y, Cheng H, Wang L, Zhou R, Yao Z, Guo X. Ectodermal Wnt signaling regulates abdominal myogenesis during ventral body wall development. Dev Biol 2014; 387:64-72. [PMID: 24394376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Defects of the ventral body wall are prevalent birth anomalies marked by deficiencies in body wall closure, hypoplasia of the abdominal musculature and multiple malformations across a gamut of organs. However, the mechanisms underlying ventral body wall defects remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of Wnt signaling in ventral body wall development by inactivating Wls or β-catenin in murine abdominal ectoderm. The loss of Wls in the ventral epithelium, which blocks the secretion of Wnt proteins, resulted in dysgenesis of ventral musculature and genito-urinary tract during embryonic development. Molecular analyses revealed that the dermis and myogenic differentiation in the underlying mesenchymal progenitor cells was perturbed by the loss of ectodermal Wls. The activity of the Wnt-Pitx2 axis was impaired in the ventral mesenchyme of the mutant body wall, which partially accounted for the defects in ventral musculature formation. In contrast, epithelial depletion of β-catenin or Wnt5a did not resemble the body wall defects in the ectodermal Wls mutant. These findings indicate that ectodermal Wnt signaling instructs the underlying mesodermal specification and abdominal musculature formation during ventral body wall development, adding evidence to the theory that ectoderm-mesenchyme signaling is a potential unifying mechanism for the origin of ventral body wall defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hanjun Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jingjing Cao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haixia Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianzhi Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiyun Yao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huihui Cheng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Rujiang Zhou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhengju Yao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xizhi Guo
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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10
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Rodríguez-Vázquez JF, Verdugo-López S, Garrido JM, Murakami G, Kim JH. Morphogenesis of the Manubrium of Sternum in Human Embryos: A New Concept. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 296:279-89. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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11
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Nichol PF, Corliss RF, Yamada S, Shiota K, Saijoh Y. Muscle patterning in mouse and human abdominal wall development and omphalocele specimens of humans. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 295:2129-40. [PMID: 22976993 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human omphalocele is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall in which the secondary abdominal wall structures (muscle and connective tissue) in an area centered around the umbilicus are replaced by a translucent membranous layer of tissue. Histological examination of omphalocele development and moreover the staging of normal human abdominal wall development has never been described. We hypothesized that omphalocele is the result of an arrest in the secondary abdominal wall development and predicted that we would observe delays in myoblast maturation and an arrest in secondary abdominal wall development. To look for evidence in support of our hypothesis, we performed a histological analysis of normal human abdominal wall development and compared this to mouse. We also conducted the first histological analysis of two human specimens with omphalocele. In these two omphalocele specimens, secondary abdominal wall development appears to have undergone an arrest around Carnegie Stage 19. In both specimens disruptions in the unidirectional orientation of myofibers were observed in the external and internal obliques, and rectus abdominis but not in the transversus abdominis. These latter findings support a model of normal abdominal wall development in which positional information instructs the orientation of myoblasts as they organize into individual muscle groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F Nichol
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University of Wisconsin SMPH, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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12
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Yang JD, Hwang HP, Kim JH, Rodríguez-Vázquez JF, Abe SI, Murakami G, Cho BH. Development of the rectus abdominis and its sheath in the human fetus. Yonsei Med J 2012; 53:1028-35. [PMID: 22869489 PMCID: PMC3423835 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2012.53.5.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the rectus abdominis and its sheath are well known structures, their development in the human fetus is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined rectus abdominis and sheath development in semiserial horizontal sections of 18 fetuses at 5-9 weeks of gestation. RESULTS Rectus muscle differentiation was found to commence above the umbilicus at 6 weeks and extend inferiorly. Until closure of the anterior chest wall via fusion of the bilateral sternal anlagen (at 7 weeks), the anterior rectal sheath originated from the external oblique and developed towards the medial margin of the rectus abdominis at all levels, including the supracostal part. After formation of the anterior sheath, fascial laminae from the internal oblique and transversus abdominis contributed to formation of the posterior rectus sheath. However, the posterior sheath was absent along the supracostal part of the rectus abdominis, as the transversus muscle fibers reached the sternum or the midline area. Therefore, it appeared that resolution of the physiological umbilical hernia (8-9 weeks) as well as chest wall closure was not required for development of the rectus abdominis and its sheath. Conversely, in the inferior part of the two largest fetal specimens, after resolution of the hernia, the posterior sheath underwent secondary disappearance, possibly due to changes in mechanical stress. CONCLUSION Upward extension of the rectus abdominis suddenly stopped at the margin of the inferiorly developing pectoralis major without facing the external intercostalis. The rectus thoracis, if present, might correspond to the pectoralis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Do Yang
- Department of Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Hong Pil Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | | | - Shin-ichi Abe
- Oral Health Science Center hrc-8 and Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan
| | - Gen Murakami
- Division of Internal Medicine, Iwamizawa Kojin-kai Hospital, Iwamizawa, Japan
| | - Baik Hwan Cho
- Department of Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
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Woods Ignatoski KM, Bingham EL, Frome LK, Doherty GM. DirectedTrans-Differentiation of Thymus Cells into Parathyroid-Like Cells Without Genetic Manipulation. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2011; 17:1051-9. [PMID: 21797755 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2011.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Woods Ignatoski
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Evangeline L. Bingham
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren K. Frome
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gerard M. Doherty
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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14
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Nichol PF, Botham R, Saijoh Y, Reeder AL, Zaremba KM. A more efficient method to generate null mutants using Hprt-Cre with floxed alleles. J Pediatr Surg 2011; 46:1711-9. [PMID: 21929979 PMCID: PMC3177085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2011.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The generation of nonviable homozygous null mouse embryos from heterozygote null/+ breedings can be highly resource consuming, with only 25% of the embryos in the litter being null mutants. We hypothesized that (1) we could double the number of homozygous null mouse embryos in a litter without reducing litter size using Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase-Cre (Hprt)-Cre (which is active in the female germ line at the time of fertilization), and (2) these homozygous null mutants would be identical to mutants generated through traditional null/+ breedings. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we used a conditional allele Fgfr2IIIb(flox). This allele when recombined is identical to the Fgfr2IIIb(null) allele. An F1 generation of Fgfr2IIIb(rec/+); Hprt(Cre/+) females was created by mating Fgfr2IIIb(+/+); Hprt(cre)(/cre) females to a Fgfr2IIIb(flox/flox) male. The F1 females were then mated to a Fgfr2IIIb(flox/flox) male. F2 embryos were genotyped, and the morphology and histology of the lungs, intestine, limbs, and brain were analyzed. RESULTS The Hprt-Cre mating strategy results in 51% of pups being genotypic homozygous null embryos (85/166) vs 23% for the standard null/+ approach (38/167). These embryos did not express the Fgfr2IIIb transcript and were phenotypically identical to null embryos generated through standard null/+ breedings. CONCLUSIONS The Hprt-Cre mating strategy increases the number of homozygous mutant embryos in a litter without decreasing litter size. Embryos generated through this approach are phenotypically identical to those from standard heterozygous breedings. We recommend this approach to investigators using a model system that relies on the generation of homozygous null embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F. Nichol
- Section of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery University of Wisconsin SMPH, Madison, WI, (O) (608) 263-9419, (F) (608) 261-1876
| | - Robert Botham
- Specialist Section of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery University of Wisconsin SMPH Madison, WI
| | - Yukio Saijoh
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Amy L. Reeder
- Section of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery University of Wisconsin SMPH, Madison, WI
| | - Krzyztoff M. Zaremba
- Section of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin SMPH, Madison, WI
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15
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Nichol PF, Corliss RF, Tyrrell JD, Graham B, Reeder A, Saijoh Y. Conditional mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2 results in an omphalocele in mice associated with disruptions in ventral body wall muscle formation. J Pediatr Surg 2011; 46:90-6. [PMID: 21238647 PMCID: PMC3979308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE We observed that fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (Fgfr1, Fgfr2) are expressed during abdominal wall development in mice and hypothesized that conditional mutation of these genes would result in abdominal wall defects. METHODS Section in situ hybridizations were performed for Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 on wild-type embryos at embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E13.5. Conditional mutation of Fgfr1and Fgfr2 was achieved with a tamoxifen inducible Cre at E8.5. Litters were harvested at E17.5, whole mount photographs were taken, and paraffin sections were generated and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS Fgfr1 was expressed in ectoderm, lateral plate mesoderm, and myoblasts, whereas Fgfr2 was expressed almost exclusively in the early dermis and ectoderm of the abdominal wall. Conditional mutation of both Fgfr2 alleles and one Fgfr1 allele resulted in omphalocele in 38.7% of mutants. Histologic examination in mutants demonstrated disruptions in dermal and muscle development. CONCLUSIONS Mutant embryos with omphalocele arising from mutation in Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 exhibit disruptions in the development of the secondary abdominal wall structures. These findings are consistent with a model of ventral abdominal wall development in which organization of the muscles and connective tissue (secondary abdominal wall structures) is influenced by positional information emanating from the primary abdominal wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F. Nichol
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Surgery, Madison, WI 53792, USA,Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 608 263 9419; fax: +1 608 261 1876, (P.F. Nichol)
| | - Robert F. Corliss
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Pathology, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - John D. Tyrrell
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Bradley Graham
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Amy Reeder
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Surgery, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Yukio Saijoh
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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16
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HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated in the cadmium-induced omphalocele in the chick model. Pediatr Surg Int 2010; 26:1017-23. [PMID: 20625746 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-010-2658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the chick embryo, administration of cadmium (Cd) induces omphalocele phenotype. HoxB2 and HoxB4, expressed in cell types that contribute to ventral body wall (VBW) formation, act together to mediate proper closure of the VBW, involving a key downstream transcription factor, Alx4. HoxB2 and HoxB4 knockout mice display VBW defects with specific downregulation of Alx4 gene expression, while homozygous Alx4 knockouts show omphalocele phenotype. Although the earliest histological changes in the Cd chick model occur commencing at 4H post treatment, the exact timing and molecular mechanism by which Cd acts is still unclear. We hypothesized that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated during the critical timing of very early embryogenesis in the Cd-induced omphalocele chick model. METHODS After 60H incubation, chick embryos were harvested at 1H, 4H and 8H after treatment with saline or Cd and divided into controls and Cd group (n = 24 for each group). RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 and statistically analyzed (significance was accepted at p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to evaluate the protein expression/distribution of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 in the chick embryo. RESULTS The expression levels of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 gene at 4H were significantly downregulated in the Cd group as compared to controls, whereas there were no significant differences at the other time points. Immunoreactivity of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 at 4H is also markedly decreased in the ectoderm and the dermomyotome in the Cd chick model as compared to controls. CONCLUSION Downregulation of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 expression during the narrow window of early embryogenesis may cause omphalocele in the Cd chick model by interfering with molecular signaling required for proper VBW formation. Furthermore, these results support the concept that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes work together to mediate proper VBW formation.
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17
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Danzer E, Layne MD, Auber F, Shegu S, Kreiger P, Radu A, Volpe M, Adzick NS, Flake AW. Gastroschisis in mice lacking aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein is associated with a defect in neuromuscular development of the eviscerated intestine. Pediatr Res 2010; 68:23-8. [PMID: 20386491 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181e17c75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mice lacking aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) exhibit a gastroschisis (GS) like abdominal wall defect. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pathophysiological features of GS in ACLP mice and to characterize the neuromuscular development of the eviscerated intestine (EI). ACLP mice were created by heterozygous mating from previously generated mice with targeted disruption of ACLP. Specimens were processed for H&E, and immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle cells [SMC, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibody], interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC, c-kit-antibody), neural crest cells (NCC, Hox-b5-antibody), and enteric neurons (EN, PGP9.5-, alpha-internexin, and synaptophysin antibody). From 47 fetuses genotyped, 13 (27.7%) were wild type, 20 (42.5%) were heterozygous, and 14 (29.8%) were ACLP homozygous. In GS mice, expression of c-kit, Hox-b5, PGP-9.5, alpha-internexin, and synaptophysin were almost completely absent and only faint alpha-SMA expression was seen in the EI. In contrast, c-kit, Hox-b5, PGP9.5, alpha-internexin, synaptophysin, and alpha-SMA expression in intra-abdominal intestine in GS fetuses was the same as control intestine. The defect observed in ACLP mice closely resembles GS. Absence of ICC, NCC, EN, and immature differentiation of SMC supports an associated defect in neuromuscular development that is restricted to the EI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Danzer
- The Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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18
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Lee JK, Case LC, Chan AF, Zhu Y, Tessier-Lavigne M, Zheng B. Generation of an OMgp allelic series in mice. Genesis 2009; 47:751-6. [PMID: 19672953 PMCID: PMC2788017 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The very limited ability to regenerate axons after injury in the mature mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has been partly attributed to the growth restrictive nature of CNS myelin. Oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp) was identified as a major myelin-derived inhibitor of axon growth. However, its role in axon regeneration in vivo is poorly understood. Here we describe the generation and molecular characterization of an OMgp allelic series. With a single gene targeting event and Cre/FLP mediated recombination, we generated an OMgp null allele with a LacZ reporter, one without a reporter gene, and an OMgp conditional allele. This allelic series will aid in the study of OMgp in adult CNS axon regeneration using mouse models of spinal cord injury. The conditional allele will overcome developmental compensation when employed with an inducible Cre, and allows for the study of temporal and tissue/cell type-specific roles of OMgp in CNS injury-induced axonal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae K Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093-0691, USA
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19
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Ruby KM, Zheng B. Gene targeting in a HUES line of human embryonic stem cells via electroporation. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1496-506. [PMID: 19544466 DOI: 10.1002/stem.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification is critical for achieving the full potential of human embryonic stem (ES) cells as a tool for therapeutic development and for basic research. Targeted modifications in human ES cells have met with limited success because of the unique culture conditions for many human ES cell lines. The HUES lines of human ES cells were developed for ease of manipulation and are gaining increased utility in stem cell research. We tested conditions for gene targeting via electroporation in the HUES-9 human ES cell line and demonstrate here successful gene targeting at the gene encoding Fezf2 (also known as Fezl), a transcription factor involved in corticospinal neuron development. With a targeting strategy involving positive and negative selection that is applicable to all genes, we observed a gene targeting frequency of approximately 1.5% for Fezf2, a gene not expressed in human ES cells. We found that conditions developed for gene targeting in mouse ES cells can be readily adapted to HUES cells with few key modifications. HUES-9 cells exhibit an intrinsically high efficiency of clonal expansion and sustain electroporation-based gene targeting procedures without any significant loss of pluripotency marker expression or karyotypic stability. Thus, human ES cell lines adapted for enzymatic passage and efficient clonal expansion can be highly amenable to genetic modifications, which will facilitate their application in basic science and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Ruby
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093-0691, USA
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20
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Ma LH, Punnamoottil B, Rinkwitz S, Baker R. Mosaic hoxb4a neuronal pleiotropism in zebrafish caudal hindbrain. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5944. [PMID: 19536294 PMCID: PMC2693931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand how individual genes and experience influence behavior, the role of a single homeotic unit, hoxb4a, was comprehensively analyzed in vivo by clonal and retrograde fluorescent labeling of caudal hindbrain neurons in a zebrafish enhancer-trap YFP line. A quantitative spatiotemporal neuronal atlas showed hoxb4a activity to be highly variable and mosaic in rhombomere 7–8 reticular, motoneuronal and precerebellar nuclei with expression decreasing differentially in all subgroups through juvenile stages. The extensive Hox mosaicism and widespread pleiotropism demonstrate that the same transcriptional protein plays a role in the development of circuits that drive behaviors from autonomic through motor function including cerebellar regulation. We propose that the continuous presence of hoxb4a positive neurons may provide a developmental plasticity for behavior-specific circuits to accommodate experience- and growth-related changes. Hence, the ubiquitous hoxb4a pleitropism and modularity likely offer an adaptable transcriptional element for circuit modification during both growth and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leung-Hang Ma
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Beena Punnamoottil
- Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Silke Rinkwitz
- Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Baker
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Volpe MV, Wang KTW, Nielsen HC, Chinoy MR. Unique spatial and cellular expression patterns of Hoxa5, Hoxb4, and Hoxb6 proteins in normal developing murine lung are modified in pulmonary hypoplasia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 82:571-84. [PMID: 18553509 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hox transcription factors modulate signaling pathways controlling organ morphogenesis and maintain cell fate and differentiation in adults. Retinoid signaling, key in regulating Hox expression, is altered in pulmonary hypoplasia. Information on pattern-specific expression of Hox proteins in normal lung development and in pulmonary hypoplasia is minimal. Our objective was to determine how pulmonary hypoplasia alters temporal, spatial, and cellular expression of Hoxa5, Hoxb4, and Hoxb6 proteins compared to normal lung development. METHODS Temporal, spatial, and cellular Hoxa5, Hoxb4, and Hoxb6 expression was studied in normal (untreated) and nitrofen-induced hypoplastic (NT-PH) lungs from gestational day 13.5, 16, and 19 fetuses and neonates using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Modification of protein levels and spatial and cellular Hox expression patterns in NT-PH lungs was consistent with delayed lung development. Distinct protein isoforms were detected for each Hox protein. Expression levels of the Hoxa5 and Hoxb6 protein isoforms changed with development and were altered further in NT-PH lungs. Compared to normal lungs, GD19 and neonatal NT-PH lungs had decreased Hoxb6 and increased Hoxa5 and Hoxb4. Hoxa5 cellular localization changed from mesenchyme to epithelia earlier in normal lungs. Hoxb4 was expressed in mesenchyme and epithelial cells throughout development. Hoxb6 remained mainly in mesenchymal cells around distal airways. CONCLUSIONS Unique spatial and cellular expression of Hoxa5, Hoxb4, and Hoxb6 participates in branching morphogenesis and terminal sac formation. Altered Hox protein temporal and cellular balance of expression either contributes to pulmonary hypoplasia or functions as a compensatory mechanism attempting to correct abnormal lung development and maturation in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- MaryAnn Vitoria Volpe
- Div. of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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22
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Microarray-bioinformatics analysis of altered genomic expression profiles between human fetal and infant myocardium. Chin Med J (Engl) 2008. [DOI: 10.1097/00029330-200807020-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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23
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Wu Y, Wang G, Scott SA, Capecchi MR. Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 regulate mouse columnar, divisional and motor pool identity of lumbar motoneurons. Development 2008; 135:171-82. [PMID: 18065432 DOI: 10.1242/dev.009225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A central question in neural development is how the broad diversity of neurons is generated in the vertebrate CNS. We have investigated the function of Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 in mouse lumbar motoneuron development. We show that Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 are initially expressed in most newly generated lumbar motoneurons, but subsequently become restricted to the lateral division of the lateral motor column (lLMC). Disruption of Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 caused severe hindlimb locomotor defects. Motoneurons in rostral lumbar segments were found to adopt the phenotype of thoracic motoneurons. More caudally the lLMC and dorsal-projecting axons were missing, yet most hindlimb muscles were innervated. The loss of the lLMC was not due to decreased production of motoneuron precursors or increased apoptosis. Instead, presumptive lLMC neurons failed to migrate to their normal position, and did not differentiate into other motoneurons or interneurons. Together, these results show that Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 play key roles in establishing lumbar motoneuron columnar, divisional and motor pool identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral body wall (VBW) defects occur in 1:2000 live births. We examined the association of VBW defect with somite abnormality and lordosis in the chick using in vitro and in ovo methods. METHODS Explanted chick embryos were treated at 60 hours with 50 microL sodium acetate or 0.001% cadmium acetate solution to produce VBW defects. Mortality and abnormality rates were assessed. A further cohort of chicks was treated in ovo by dropping 50 microL 0.001% to 0.01% cadmium acetate onto the embryo and allowing development to 16.5 days for further assessment of the defect and skeletal staining with alcian blue and alizarin red. RESULTS Cadmium treatment at 24 hours induced VBW defects in chicks treated in both shell-less culture and in ovo. Material herniating through the VBW defects was covered by a membrane in all fresh specimens. Membrane removal revealed large defects containing liver and bowel. These criteria clearly indicate that the defect observed is an omphalocele. Affected embryos had reduced somite numbers within 24 hours. Chicks exhibiting exomphalos at 16.5 days invariably had lumbosacral lordosis. CONCLUSIONS The cadmium-treated chick embryo is a reliable model for exomphalos. A positive association was found between exomphalos and lumbar lordosis in the chick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Thompson
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences and Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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25
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Hirano M, Kiyonari H, Inoue A, Furushima K, Murata T, Suda Y, Aizawa S. A new serine/threonine protein kinase, Omphk1, essential to ventral body wall formation. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:2229-37. [PMID: 16715502 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report a new serine/threonine protein kinase of the SNF1 subfamily Omphk1. Two Omphk homologues exist in each vertebrate species, and one homologue exists in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans; the kinase domain is highly conserved among these homologues, and several domains are conserved among vertebrate Omphk. Omphk1 expression dynamically changes in the developing central nervous system, is found ubiquitously in epidermis, and is present uniquely in several other tissues. Its expression is also found in each tissue associated with the ventral body wall closure: the primary body wall composed of primitive ectoderm and each component of the secondary body wall. Concomitantly, its null mutant exhibits omphalocele with a failure in closure of the secondary body wall. There are no apparent gross morphological defects in brain, however, despite the unique Omphk1 expression in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Hirano
- Laboratory for Vertebrate Body Plan, Center for Developmental Biology, RIKEN Kobe, Minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
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26
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Liu L, Gudas LJ. Disruption of the lecithin:retinol acyltransferase gene makes mice more susceptible to vitamin A deficiency. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:40226-34. [PMID: 16174770 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m509643200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) catalyzes the esterification of retinol (vitamin A) in the liver and in some extrahepatic tissues, including the lung. We produced an LRAT gene knock-out mouse strain and assessed whether LRAT-/- mice were more susceptible to vitamin A deficiency than wild type (WT) mice. After maintenance on a vitamin A-deficient diet for 6 weeks, the serum retinol level was 1.34 +/- 0.32 microM in WT mice versus 0.13 +/- 0.06 microM in LRAT-/- mice (p < 0.05). In liver, lung, eye, kidney, brain, tongue, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and pancreas, the retinol levels ranged from 0.05 pmol/mg (muscle and tongue) to 17.35 +/- 2.66 pmol/mg (liver) in WT mice. In contrast, retinol was not detectable (<0.007 pmol/mg) in most tissues from LRAT-/- mice after maintenance on a vitamin A-deficient diet for 6 weeks. Cyp26A1 mRNA was not detected in hepatic tissue samples from LRAT-/- mice but was detected in WT mice fed the vitamin A-deficient diet. These data indicate that LRAT-/- mice are much more susceptible to vitamin A deficiency and should be an excellent animal model of vitamin A deficiency. In addition, the retinol levels in serum rapidly increased in the LRAT-/- mice upon re-addition of vitamin A to the diet, indicating that serum retinol levels in LRAT-/- mice can be conveniently modulated by the quantitative manipulation of dietary retinol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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27
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Ogi H, Suzuki K, Ogino Y, Kamimura M, Miyado M, Ying X, Zhang Z, Shinohara M, Chen Y, Yamada G. Ventral abdominal wall dysmorphogenesis of Msx1/Msx2 double-mutant mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 284:424-30. [PMID: 15803476 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.20180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Msx1 and Msx2 genes encode the homeodomain transcription factors. Several gene knockout mice and expression studies suggest that they possess functionally redundant roles in embryogenesis. In this study, we revealed that Msx1 and Msx2 were expressed during ventral body wall formation in an overlapping manner. Msx1/Msx2 double-mutant mice displayed embryonic abdominal wall defects with disorganized muscle layers and connective tissues. These findings indicate that Msx1 and Msx2 play roles in concert during embryonic ventral abdominal wall formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenao Ogi
- Center for Animal Resources and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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28
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Kuijper S, Feitsma H, Sheth R, Korving J, Reijnen M, Meijlink F. Function and regulation of Alx4 in limb development: complex genetic interactions with Gli3 and Shh. Dev Biol 2005; 285:533-44. [PMID: 16039644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2005] [Revised: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 06/11/2005] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of the aristaless-related homeobox gene Alx4 in antero-posterior (AP-) patterning of the developing vertebrate limb has remained somewhat elusive. Polydactyly of Alx4 mutant mice is known to be accompanied by ectopic anterior expression of genes like Shh, Fgf4 and 5'Hoxd. We reported previously that polydactyly in Alx4 mutant mice requires SHH signaling, but we now show that in early Alx4-/- limb buds the anterior ectopic expression of Fgf4 and Hoxd13, and therefore disruption of AP-patterning, occurs independently of SHH signaling. To better understand how Alx4 functions in the pathways that regulate AP-patterning, we also studied genomic regulatory sequences that are capable of directing expression of a reporter gene in a pattern corresponding to endogenous Alx4 expression in anterior limb bud mesenchyme. We observed, as expected for authentic Alx4 expression, expansion of reporter construct expression in a Shh-/- background. Total lack of reporter expression in a Gli3-/- background confirms the existence of Gli3-dependent and -independent Alx4 expression in the limb bud. Apparently, these two modules of Alx4 expression are linked to dissimilar functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Kuijper
- Hubrecht Laboratory, The Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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29
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Forzano F, Daubeney PEF, White SM. Midline raphé, sternal cleft, and other midline abnormalities: a new dominant syndrome? Am J Med Genet A 2005; 135:9-12. [PMID: 15810010 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sternal fusion defects are malformations that often present as an isolated finding. An association with multiple malformations has been reported, in particular with midline raphe and craniofacial hemangiomas and as part of the pentalogy of Cantrell. Most syndromic cases were sporadic with a few families reported with recurrence in sibs. We describe a mother and two daughters with midline raphe and sternal defects. Affected members also had double central incisors, congenital heart defect, neck webbing, bicornuate uterus and minor anomalies including long face with hypotelorism. None of the three affected relatives had hemangiomas. The manifestations of these patients do not fit any previously described condition, and we propose they represent a new syndrome. This family is also important as it points to a possible genetic cause for at least some cases of this disorder of the ventral midline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Forzano
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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30
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Brewer S, Williams T. Finally, a sense of closure? Animal models of human ventral body wall defects. Bioessays 2005; 26:1307-21. [PMID: 15551266 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Malformations concerning the ventral body wall constitute one of the leading categories of human birth defects and are present in about one out of every 2000 live births. Although the occurrence of these defects is relatively common, few detailed experimental studies exist on the development and closure of the ventral body wall in mouse and human. This field is further complicated by the array of theories on the pathogenesis of body wall defects and the likelihood that there is no single cause for these abnormalities. In this review, we summarize what is known concerning the mechanisms of normal ventral body wall closure in humans and mice. We then outline the theories that have been proposed concerning human body wall closure abnormalities and examine the growing number of mouse mutations that impact normal ventral body wall closure. Finally, we speculate how studies in animal models such as mouse and Drosophila are beginning to provide a much-needed mechanistic framework with which to identify and characterize the genes and tissues required for this vital aspect of human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Brewer
- Department of Craniofacial Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80045, USA
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Yamada R, Mizutani-Koseki Y, Koseki H, Takahashi N. Requirement for Mab21l2 during development of murine retina and ventral body wall. Dev Biol 2004; 274:295-307. [PMID: 15385160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2004] [Revised: 07/16/2004] [Accepted: 07/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The mab-21 gene was first identified because of its requirement for ray identity specification in Caenorhabditis elegans. It is now known to constitute a family of genes that are highly conserved from vertebrates to invertebrates, and two homologues Mab21l1 and Mab21l2 have been identified in many species. Here we describe the generation of Mab21l2-deficient mice, which have defects in eye and body wall formation. The mutant mouse eye has a rudimentary retina, as a result of insufficient invagination of the optic vesicle due to deficient proliferation, causing the absence of lens. The defects in optic vesicle development correlate with reduced expression of Chx10, which is also required for retina development; Rx, Lhx2, and Pax6 expression is not significantly affected. We conclude that Mab21l2 expression is essential for optic vesicle growth and formation of the optic cup, its absence causing reduced expression of Chx10. Mutant mice also display abnormal extrusion of abdominal organs, defects in ventral body wall formation, resulting in death in utero at mid-gestational stage. Our results reveal that Mab21l2 plays crucial roles in retina and in ventral body wall formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Yamada
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0101, Japan
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Brewer S, Williams T. Loss of AP-2alpha impacts multiple aspects of ventral body wall development and closure. Dev Biol 2004; 267:399-417. [PMID: 15013802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2003.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2003] [Revised: 11/05/2003] [Accepted: 11/24/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Human birth defects involving the ventral body wall are common, yet little is known about the mechanism of body wall closure in mammals. The AP-2alpha transcription factor knock-out mouse provides an exceptional tool to understand this particular pathology, since it has one of the most severe ventral body wall closure defects, thoracoabdominoschisis. To gain insight into the complex morphological events responsible for body wall closure, we have studied this developmental process in AP-2alpha knock-out mice. Several tissues involved in normal ventral body wall closure are defective in the absence of AP-2alpha, including those associated with the primary body wall, the umbilical ring, and the mesoderm of the secondary body wall. These defects, coupled with the expression pattern of AP-2alpha, suggest that AP-2alpha is involved in multiple developmental mechanisms directing the morphogenesis of the ventral body wall, including cell migration, differentiation, and death. There is a failure of migration and fusion of the body folds at the umbilical ring, as well as in the formation and migration of the abdominal bands and ventral musculature. Furthermore, the mechanism of cell deposition at the umbilical ring is disturbed. Consequently, the mesodermal compartment of the body wall is underdeveloped. We also suggest that AP-2alpha is required for signaling from the surface ectoderm to the underlying mesoderm for proper development and closure of the ventral body wall. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of how AP-2alpha functions in the closure of the ventral body wall, as well as offer insight into related human birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Brewer
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Filippov MA, Hormuzdi SG, Fuchs EC, Monyer H. A reporter allele for investigating connexin 26 gene expression in the mouse brain. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:3183-92. [PMID: 14686892 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2003.03042.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A variety of connexins are expressed in the diverse cell types of the central nervous system and are thought to regulate some of the functional properties exhibited by immature and mature cells. A proper understanding of the role of specific connexins in these processes requires an unambiguous characterization of their spatial and temporal pattern of expression. In order to define the cellular distribution of connexin 26 (Cx26) in the mouse we have generated a reporter allele (Cx26lacZ) by genetically manipulating the locus so that the beta-galactosidase (lacZ) gene is expressed from the endogenous Cx26 promoter. This modification decreased expression from the allele and resulted in embryonic lethality for the Cx26lacZ/lacZ genotype in accordance with previous studies on Cx26 knock-out animals indicating that Cx26-containing gap junctions are necessary for embryonic development. Despite the lower than expected transcript levels, the amount of lacZ protein produced in heterozygous mice was sufficient to label tissues known to contain Cx26, such as liver, kidney, skin, cochlea, small intestine, placenta and thyroid gland. In the embryonic and mature central nervous system, however, lacZ was restricted to meningeal cells and could not be detected in either neurons or glia. The absence of Cx26 mRNA in these cells could also be confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Our experiments indicate that the Cx26lacZ mouse line can be used as a reporter of Cx26 gene expression and suggest that Cx26, contrary to previous reports, is restricted to the meninges in both embryonic and adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail A Filippov
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Neurology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Lees-Miller JP, Guo J, Somers JR, Roach DE, Sheldon RS, Rancourt DE, Duff HJ. Selective knockout of mouse ERG1 B potassium channel eliminates I(Kr) in adult ventricular myocytes and elicits episodes of abrupt sinus bradycardia. Mol Cell Biol 2003; 23:1856-62. [PMID: 12612061 PMCID: PMC149456 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.23.6.1856-1862.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ERG1 gene encodes a family of potassium channels. Mutations in human ERG1 lead to defects in cardiac repolarization, referred to as the long QT syndrome. Through homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells the ERG1 B potassium channel transcript was eliminated while the ERG1 A transcript was maintained. Heterologous expression of ERG1 isoforms had previously indicated that the deactivation time course of ERG1 B is 10-fold more rapid than that of ERG1 A. In day-18 fetal +/+ myocytes, I(Kr) exhibited two time constants of deactivation (3,933 +/- 404 and 350 +/- 19 ms at -50 mV), whereas in age-matched ERG1 B(-/-) mice the rapid component was absent. Biexponential deactivation rates (2,039 +/- 268 and 163 +/- 43 ms at -50 mV) were also observed in adult +/+ myocytes. In adult ERG1 B(-/-) myocytes no I(Kr) was detected. Electrocardiogram intervals were similar in +/+ and -/- mice. However, adult -/- mice manifested abrupt spontaneous episodes of sinus bradycardia (>100 ms of slowing) in 6 out of 21 mice. This phenomenon was never observed in +/+ mice (0 out of 16). We conclude that ERG1 B is necessary for I(Kr) expression in the surface membrane of adult myocytes. Knockout of ERG1 B predisposes mice to episodic sinus bradycardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Lees-Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
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Abstract
The musculoskeletal system of vertebrates is derived from the embryonic mesoderm. Its structures are categorized as epaxial or hypaxial based on their adult position and innervation. The epaxial/hypaxial terminology is also used to describe regions of the embryonic somites based on fate mapping of somitic derivatives. However, the adult, functional distinctions are not fully consistent with the changing embryonic environments of mesodermal populations during morphogenesis, and the traditional terminology loses accuracy when used to describe certain mutant phenotypes. Here we describe a new terminology naming two mesodermal environments defined by the lineage of the included cells. We discuss how mutant phenotypes may be better explained by consideration of the embryonic context in which genes take their effect and argue that the recognition of these embryonic territories clarifies description and discussion of the morphogenesis and patterning of the musculoskeletal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Burke
- Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA.
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Ren SY, Angrand PO, Rijli FM. Targeted insertion results in a rhombomere 2-specific Hoxa2 knockdown and ectopic activation of Hoxa1 expression. Dev Dyn 2002; 225:305-15. [PMID: 12412013 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.10171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicated that retention of selectable marker cassettes in targeted Hox loci may cause unexpected phenotypes in mutant mice, due to neighborhood effects. However, the molecular mechanisms have been poorly investigated. Here, we analysed the effects of the targeted insertion of a PGK-neo cassette in the 3' untranslated region of Hoxa2. Even at this 3' position, the insertion resulted in homozygous mutants that unexpectedly did not survive beyond 3 weeks of age. Molecular analysis of the targeted allele revealed a selective "knockdown" of Hoxa2 expression in rhombomere 2 and associated patterning abnormalities. Moreover, Hoxa1 was ectopically expressed in the hindbrain and branchial arches of mutant embryos. Of interest, we demonstrated that the ectopic expression was due to the generation of neo-Hoxa1 fusion transcripts, resulting from aberrant alternative splicing. These defects could be rescued after removal of the PGK-neo cassette by Flp-mediated recombination. These results underscore the complexity of transcriptional regulation at Hox loci and provide insights into the in vivo regulation of Hoxa2 segmental expression. They also provide a molecular basis for the interpretation of unexpected Hox knockout phenotypes in which the targeted selectable marker is retained in the locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yue Ren
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, Collège de France, Illkirch Cedex, CU de Strasbourg, France
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