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Brañas Casas R, Zuppardo A, Risato G, Dinarello A, Celeghin R, Fontana C, Grelloni E, Gilea AI, Viscomi C, Rasola A, Dalla Valle L, Lodi T, Baruffini E, Facchinello N, Argenton F, Tiso N. Zebrafish polg2 knock-out recapitulates human POLG-disorders; implications for drug treatment. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:281. [PMID: 38643274 PMCID: PMC11032366 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The human mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma is a holoenzyme, involved in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and maintenance, composed of a catalytic subunit (POLG) and a dimeric accessory subunit (POLG2) conferring processivity. Mutations in POLG or POLG2 cause POLG-related diseases in humans, leading to a subset of Mendelian-inherited mitochondrial disorders characterized by mtDNA depletion (MDD) or accumulation of multiple deletions, presenting multi-organ defects and often leading to premature death at a young age. Considering the paucity of POLG2 models, we have generated a stable zebrafish polg2 mutant line (polg2ia304) by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, carrying a 10-nucleotide deletion with frameshift mutation and premature stop codon. Zebrafish polg2 homozygous mutants present slower development and decreased viability compared to wild type siblings, dying before the juvenile stage. Mutants display a set of POLG-related phenotypes comparable to the symptoms of human patients affected by POLG-related diseases, including remarkable MDD, altered mitochondrial network and dynamics, and reduced mitochondrial respiration. Histological analyses detected morphological alterations in high-energy demanding tissues, along with a significant disorganization of skeletal muscle fibres. Consistent with the last finding, locomotor assays highlighted a decreased larval motility. Of note, treatment with the Clofilium tosylate drug, previously shown to be effective in POLG models, could partially rescue MDD in Polg2 mutant animals. Altogether, our results point at zebrafish as an effective model to study the etiopathology of human POLG-related disorders linked to POLG2, and a suitable platform to screen the efficacy of POLG-directed drugs in POLG2-associated forms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Zuppardo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Giovanni Risato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Alberto Dinarello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Camilla Fontana
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Alexandru Ionut Gilea
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Lodi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Enrico Baruffini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian Research Council (CNR), 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.
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2
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A zebrafish HCT116 xenograft model to predict anandamide outcomes on colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1069. [PMID: 36564370 PMCID: PMC9789132 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, cannabinoids have been extensively studied for their potential anticancer effects and symptom management. Several in vitro studies reported anandamide's (AEA) ability to block cancer cell proliferation and migration, but evidence from in vivo studies is still lacking. Thus, in this study, the effects of AEA exposure in zebrafish embryos transplanted with HCT116 cells were evaluated. Totally, 48 hpf xenografts were exposed to 10 nM AEA, 10 nM AM251, one of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) antagonist/inverse agonists, and to AEA + AM251, to verify the specific effect of AEA treatment. AEA efficacy was evaluated by confocal microscopy, which demonstrated that these xenografts presented a smaller tumor size, reduced tumor angiogenesis, and lacked micrometastasis formation. To gain deeper evidence into AEA action, microscopic observations were completed by molecular analyses. RNA seq performed on zebrafish transcriptome reported the downregulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and the immune system. Conversely, HCT116 cell transcripts resulted not affected by AEA treatment. In vitro HCT116 culture, in fact, confirmed that AEA exposure did not affect cell proliferation and viability, thus suggesting that the reduced tumor size mainly depends on direct effects on the fish rather than on the transplanted cancer cells. AEA reduced cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis, as suggested by socs3 and pcnp mRNAs and Vegfc protein levels, and exerted anti-inflammatory activity, as indicated by the reduction of il-11a, mhc1uba, and csf3b mRNA. Of note, are the results obtained in groups exposed to AM251, which presence nullifies AEA's beneficial effects. In conclusion, this study promotes the efficacy of AEA in personalized cancer therapy, as suggested by its ability to drive tumor growth and metastasis, and strongly supports the use of zebrafish xenograft as an emerging model platform for cancer studies.
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3
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Risato G, Celeghin R, Brañas Casas R, Dinarello A, Zuppardo A, Vettori A, Pilichou K, Thiene G, Basso C, Argenton F, Visentin S, Cosmi E, Tiso N, Beffagna G. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways in human and zebrafish foetal growth restriction models: Implications for pharmacological rescue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943127. [PMID: 36051436 PMCID: PMC9424487 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR), previously known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is an obstetrical condition due to placental insufficiency, affecting yearly about 30 million newborns worldwide. In this work, we aimed to identify and pharmacologically target signalling pathways specifically involved in the FGR condition, focusing on FGR-related cardiovascular phenotypes. The transcriptional profile of human umbilical cords from FGR and control cases was compared with the response to hypoxia of zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic lines reporting in vivo the activity of twelve signalling pathways involved in embryonic development. Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 were found as key pathways significantly dysregulated in both human and zebrafish samples. This information was used in a chemical-genetic analysis to test drugs targeting Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways to rescue a set of FGR phenotypes, including growth restriction and cardiovascular modifications. Treatments with the Wnt/β-catenin agonist SB216763 successfully rescued body dimensions, cardiac shape, and vessel organization in zebrafish FGR models. Our data support the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a key FGR marker and a promising target for pharmacological intervention in the FGR condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Risato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | | | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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4
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Dinarello A, Tesoriere A, Martini P, Fontana CM, Volpato D, Badenetti L, Terrin F, Facchinello N, Romualdi C, Carnevali O, Dalla Valle L, Argenton F. Zebrafish Mutant Lines Reveal the Interplay between nr3c1 and nr3c2 in the GC-Dependent Regulation of Gene Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052678. [PMID: 35269817 PMCID: PMC8910431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mainly exert their biological functions through their cognate receptor, encoded by the nr3c1 gene. Here, we analysed the glucocorticoids mechanism of action taking advantage of the availability of different zebrafish mutant lines for their receptor. The differences in gene expression patterns between the zebrafish gr knock-out and the grs357 mutant line, in which a point mutation prevents binding of the receptor to the hormone-responsive elements, reveal an intricate network of GC-dependent transcription. Particularly, we show that Stat3 transcriptional activity mainly relies on glucocorticoid receptor GR tethering activity: several Stat3 target genes are induced upon glucocorticoid GC exposure both in wild type and in grs357/s357 larvae, but not in gr knock-out zebrafish. To understand the interplay between GC, their receptor, and the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is evolutionarily and structurally related to the GR, we generated an mr knock-out line and observed that several GC-target genes also need a functional mineralocorticoid receptor MR to be correctly transcribed. All in all, zebrafish mutants and transgenic models allow in vivo analysis of GR transcriptional activities and interactions with other transcription factors such as MR and Stat3 in an in-depth and rapid way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Dinarello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Annachiara Tesoriere
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Paolo Martini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Davide Volpato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Badenetti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Terrin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Chiara Romualdi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
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5
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Codolo G, Facchinello N, Papa N, Bertocco A, Coletta S, Benna C, Dall’Olmo L, Mocellin S, Tiso N, de Bernard M. Macrophage-Mediated Melanoma Reduction after HP-NAP Treatment in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031644. [PMID: 35163566 PMCID: PMC8836027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil Activating Protein (HP-NAP) is endowed with immunomodulatory properties that make it a potential candidate for anticancer therapeutic applications. By activating cytotoxic Th1 responses, HP-NAP inhibits the growth of bladder cancer and enhances the anti-tumor activity of oncolytic viruses in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. The possibility that HP-NAP exerts its anti-tumor effect also by modulating the activity of innate immune cells has not yet been explored. Taking advantage of the zebrafish model, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of HP-NAP against metastatic human melanoma, limiting the observational window to 9 days post-fertilization, well before the maturation of the adaptive immunity. Human melanoma cells were xenotransplanted into zebrafish embryos and tracked in the presence or absence of HP-NAP. The behavior and phenotype of macrophages and the impact of their drug-induced depletion were analyzed exploiting macrophage-expressed transgenes. HP-NAP administration efficiently inhibited tumor growth and metastasis and this was accompanied by strong recruitment of macrophages with a pro-inflammatory profile at the tumor site. The depletion of macrophages almost completely abrogated the ability of HP-NAP to counteract tumor growth. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of activated macrophages in counteracting melanoma growth and support the notion that HP-NAP might become a new biological therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Codolo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (N.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Nicole Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (N.P.); (S.C.)
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Ambra Bertocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Sara Coletta
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (N.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Clara Benna
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, 35124 Padova, Italy;
| | - Luigi Dall’Olmo
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, 35124 Padova, Italy;
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, 35124 Padova, Italy;
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (N.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (M.d.B.)
| | - Marina de Bernard
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (N.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (M.d.B.)
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6
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Facchinello N, Astone M, Audano M, Oberkersch RE, Spizzotin M, Calura E, Marques M, Crisan M, Mitro N, Santoro MM. Oxidative pentose phosphate pathway controls vascular mural cell coverage by regulating extracellular matrix composition. Nat Metab 2022; 4:123-140. [PMID: 35102339 PMCID: PMC7612297 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular mural cells (vMCs) play an essential role in the development and maturation of the vasculature by promoting vessel stabilization through their interactions with endothelial cells. Whether endothelial metabolism influences mural cell recruitment and differentiation is unknown. Here, we show that the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) in endothelial cells is required for establishing vMC coverage of the dorsal aorta during early vertebrate development in zebrafish and mice. We demonstrate that laminar shear stress and blood flow maintain oxPPP activity, which in turn, promotes elastin expression in blood vessels through production of ribose-5-phosphate. Elastin is both necessary and sufficient to drive vMC recruitment and maintenance when the oxPPP is active. In summary, our work demonstrates that endothelial cell metabolism regulates blood vessel maturation by controlling vascular matrix composition and vMC recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Facchinello
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, DiBio, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Astone
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, DiBio, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roxana E Oberkersch
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, DiBio, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marianna Spizzotin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, DiBio, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrica Calura
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Madalena Marques
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science and Centre for Regenerative Medicine/Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mihaela Crisan
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science and Centre for Regenerative Medicine/Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo M Santoro
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, DiBio, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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7
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Camillo C, Facchinello N, Villari G, Mana G, Gioelli N, Sandri C, Astone M, Tortarolo D, Clapero F, Gays D, Oberkersch RE, Arese M, Tamagnone L, Valdembri D, Santoro MM, Serini G. LPHN2 inhibits vascular permeability by differential control of endothelial cell adhesion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212665. [PMID: 34581723 PMCID: PMC8480966 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202006033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic modulation of endothelial cell-to-cell and cell–to–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion is essential for blood vessel patterning and functioning. Yet the molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been completely deciphered. We identify the adhesion G protein–coupled receptor (ADGR) Latrophilin 2 (LPHN2) as a novel determinant of endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and barrier function. In cultured ECs, endogenous LPHN2 localizes at ECM contacts, signals through cAMP/Rap1, and inhibits focal adhesion (FA) formation and nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulators, while promoting tight junction (TJ) assembly. ECs also express an endogenous LPHN2 ligand, fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane 2 (FLRT2), that prevents ECM-elicited EC behaviors in an LPHN2-dependent manner. Vascular ECs of lphn2a knock-out zebrafish embryos become abnormally stretched, display a hyperactive YAP/TAZ pathway, and lack proper intercellular TJs. Consistently, blood vessels are hyperpermeable, and intravascularly injected cancer cells extravasate more easily in lphn2a null animals. Thus, LPHN2 ligands, such as FLRT2, may be therapeutically exploited to interfere with cancer metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Camillo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Villari
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giulia Mana
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Noemi Gioelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Chiara Sandri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Matteo Astone
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Dora Tortarolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Fabiana Clapero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Dafne Gays
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roxana E Oberkersch
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,"Agostino Gemelli" University Polyclinic Foundation, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Valdembri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Massimo M Santoro
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Serini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
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8
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Lauri A, Fasano G, Venditti M, Dallapiccola B, Tartaglia M. In vivo Functional Genomics for Undiagnosed Patients: The Impact of Small GTPases Signaling Dysregulation at Pan-Embryo Developmental Scale. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:642235. [PMID: 34124035 PMCID: PMC8194860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.642235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While individually rare, disorders affecting development collectively represent a substantial clinical, psychological, and socioeconomic burden to patients, families, and society. Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders are required to speed up diagnosis, improve counseling, and optimize management toward targeted therapies. Genome sequencing is now unveiling previously unexplored genetic variations in undiagnosed patients, which require functional validation and mechanistic understanding, particularly when dealing with novel nosologic entities. Functional perturbations of key regulators acting on signals' intersections of evolutionarily conserved pathways in these pathological conditions hinder the fine balance between various developmental inputs governing morphogenesis and homeostasis. However, the distinct mechanisms by which these hubs orchestrate pathways to ensure the developmental coordinates are poorly understood. Integrative functional genomics implementing quantitative in vivo models of embryogenesis with subcellular precision in whole organisms contribute to answering these questions. Here, we review the current knowledge on genes and mechanisms critically involved in developmental syndromes and pediatric cancers, revealed by genomic sequencing and in vivo models such as insects, worms and fish. We focus on the monomeric GTPases of the RAS superfamily and their influence on crucial developmental signals and processes. We next discuss the effectiveness of exponentially growing functional assays employing tractable models to identify regulatory crossroads. Unprecedented sophistications are now possible in zebrafish, i.e., genome editing with single-nucleotide precision, nanoimaging, highly resolved recording of multiple small molecules activity, and simultaneous monitoring of brain circuits and complex behavioral response. These assets permit accurate real-time reporting of dynamic small GTPases-controlled processes in entire organisms, owning the potential to tackle rare disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Lauri
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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9
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Zizioli D, Bernardi S, Varinelli M, Farina M, Mignani L, Bosio K, Finazzi D, Monti E, Polverelli N, Malagola M, Borsani E, Borsani G, Russo D. Development of BCR-ABL1 Transgenic Zebrafish Model Reproducing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Like-Disease and Providing a New Insight into CML Mechanisms. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020445. [PMID: 33669758 PMCID: PMC7922348 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish has proven to be a versatile and reliable experimental in vivo tool to study human hematopoiesis and model hematological malignancies. Transgenic technologies enable the generation of specific leukemia types by the expression of human oncogenes under specific promoters. Using this technology, a variety of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies zebrafish models have been described. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasia characterized by the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, derived from the t (9;22) translocation causing the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph). The BCR-ABL1 protein is a constitutively activated tyrosine kinas inducing the leukemogenesis and resulting in an accumulation of immature leukemic cells into bone marrow and peripheral blood. To model Ph+ CML, a transgenic zebrafish line expressing the human BCR-ABL1 was generated by the Gal4/UAS system, and then crossed with the hsp70-Gal4 transgenic line. The new line named (BCR-ABL1pUAS:CFP/hsp70-Gal4), presented altered expression of hematopoietic markers during embryonic development compared to controls and transgenic larvae showed proliferating hematopoietic cells in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT). The present transgenic zebrafish would be a robust CML model and a high-throughput drug screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zizioli
- Unit of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.V.); (L.M.); (D.F.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: daniela.zizioli@unibs; Tel.: +39-(03)-03717546
| | - Simona Bernardi
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica AIL (CREA), ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Varinelli
- Unit of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.V.); (L.M.); (D.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Mirko Farina
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Luca Mignani
- Unit of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.V.); (L.M.); (D.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Katia Bosio
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica AIL (CREA), ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Finazzi
- Unit of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.V.); (L.M.); (D.F.); (E.M.)
- Laboratorio Centrale Analisi Chimico-Cliniche, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Unit of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.V.); (L.M.); (D.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Nicola Polverelli
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Michele Malagola
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Borsani
- Unit of Biology and Genetic, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Domenico Russo
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.); (K.B.); (N.P.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
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10
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Efficient clofilium tosylate-mediated rescue of POLG-related disease phenotypes in zebrafish. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:100. [PMID: 33469036 PMCID: PMC7815880 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The DNA polymerase gamma (Polg) is a nuclear-encoded enzyme involved in DNA replication in animal mitochondria. In humans, mutations in the POLG gene underlie a set of mitochondrial diseases characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion or deletion and multiorgan defects, named POLG disorders, for which an effective therapy is still needed. By applying antisense strategies, ENU- and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we have generated embryonic, larval-lethal and adult-viable zebrafish Polg models. Morphological and functional characterizations detected a set of phenotypes remarkably associated to POLG disorders, including cardiac, skeletal muscle, hepatic and gonadal defects, as well as mitochondrial dysfunctions and, notably, a perturbed mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling (CREB and Hypoxia pathways). Next, taking advantage of preliminary evidence on the candidate molecule Clofilium tosylate (CLO), we tested CLO toxicity and then its efficacy in our zebrafish lines. Interestingly, at well tolerated doses, the CLO drug could successfully rescue mtDNA and Complex I respiratory activity to normal levels, even in mutant phenotypes worsened by treatment with Ethidium Bromide. In addition, the CLO drug could efficiently restore cardio-skeletal parameters and mitochondrial mass back to normal values. Altogether, these evidences point to zebrafish as a valuable vertebrate organism to faithfully phenocopy multiple defects detected in POLG patients. Moreover, this model represents an excellent platform to screen, at the whole-animal level, candidate molecules with therapeutic effects in POLG disorders.
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11
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Meneghetti G, Skobo T, Chrisam M, Fontana CM, Facchinello N, Nazio F, Cecconi F, Bonaldo P, Dalla Valle L. Zebrafish ambra1a and ambra1b Silencing Affect Heart Development. Zebrafish 2020; 17:163-176. [PMID: 32320344 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In zebrafish, two paralogous genes, activating molecule in beclin-1 (BECN1)-regulated autophagy ambra1a and ambra1b, both required for the autophagic process and during development, encode the protein AMBRA1, a positive regulator of early steps of autophagosome formation. As transcripts for both genes are expressed during embryogenesis in the heart region, in this work, we investigated the effects of ambra1a and ambra1b knockdown on heart development by means of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs). Silencing of the two proteins by MOs directed against the ATG translation initiation codon affects cardiac morphogenesis, resulting in a small, string-like heart with pericardial edema, whereas treatment with splice-blocking MOs does not lead to overt cardiac phenotypes, thus revealing the relevance of maternally supplied ambra1 transcripts for heart development. Co-injection of both ATG-MOs determines a more severe cardiac phenotype, with prominent pericardial edema. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) for myosin light chain 7 (myl7), as well as ambra1 ATG-MO microinjection in zebrafish transgenic line expressing green fluorescent protein in the heart, revealed defects with the heart jogging process followed by imperfect cardiac looping. Moreover, WMISH of homeodomain transcription factor 2 isoform c (pitx2c) transcripts showed both bilateral and reversed pitx2c expression in morphants. The morphants' cardiac phenotypes were effectively rescued by co-injection of MOs with human AMBRA1 (hAMBRA1) messenger RNA (mRNA), pointing at the conservation of Ambra1 functions during evolution. Co-injections of ambra1 ATG-MOs with a hAMBRA1 mRNA mutated in the protein phosphatase 2a (PP2A) binding sites (hAMBRA1PXP) were not able to rescue the cardiac phenotypes, at the difference from wild-type hAMBRA1 mRNA, and treatment of zebrafish embryos with the specific PP2A inhibitor cantharidin resulted in similar developmental cardiac defects. These results suggest a critical role for AMBRA1 in vertebrate heart development, likely involving the binding site for the PP2A phosphatase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatjana Skobo
- Department of Biology and University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Chrisam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Unit of Cell Stress and Survival, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paolo Bonaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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12
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Adusumilli L, Facchinello N, Teh C, Busolin G, Le MTN, Yang H, Beffagna G, Campanaro S, Tam WL, Argenton F, Lim B, Korzh V, Tiso N. miR-7 Controls the Dopaminergic/Oligodendroglial Fate through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030711. [PMID: 32183236 PMCID: PMC7140713 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During the development of the central nervous system, the proliferation of neural progenitors and differentiation of neurons and glia are tightly regulated by different transcription factors and signaling cascades, such as the Wnt and Shh pathways. This process takes place in cooperation with several microRNAs, some of which evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates, from teleosts to mammals. We focused our attention on miR-7, as its role in the regulation of cell signaling during neural development is still unclear. Specifically, we used human stem cell cultures and whole zebrafish embryos to study, in vitro and in vivo, the role of miR-7 in the development of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, a cell type primarily affected in Parkinson’s disease. We demonstrated that the zebrafish homologue of miR-7 (miR-7a) is expressed in the forebrain during the development of DA neurons. Moreover, we identified 143 target genes downregulated by miR-7, including the neural fate markers TCF4 and TCF12, as well as the Wnt pathway effector TCF7L2. We then demonstrated that miR-7 negatively regulates the proliferation of DA-progenitors by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in zebrafish embryos. In parallel, miR-7 positively regulates Shh signaling, thus controlling the balance between oligodendroglial and DA neuronal cell fates. In summary, this study identifies a new molecular cross-talk between Wnt and Shh signaling pathways during the development of DA-neurons. Being mediated by a microRNA, this mechanism represents a promising target in cell differentiation therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Adusumilli
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A-STAR, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (L.A.); (H.Y.); (W.L.T.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Cathleen Teh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A-STAR, Singapore 138632, Singapore;
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Giorgia Busolin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Minh TN Le
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117559, Singapore;
| | - Henry Yang
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A-STAR, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (L.A.); (H.Y.); (W.L.T.)
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefano Campanaro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A-STAR, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (L.A.); (H.Y.); (W.L.T.)
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Bing Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A-STAR, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (L.A.); (H.Y.); (W.L.T.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (V.K.); (N.T.); Tel.: +1-781-484-7643 (B.L.); +48-22-597-07-65 (V.K.); +39-049-827-6302 (N.T.)
| | - Vladimir Korzh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A-STAR, Singapore 138632, Singapore;
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (V.K.); (N.T.); Tel.: +1-781-484-7643 (B.L.); +48-22-597-07-65 (V.K.); +39-049-827-6302 (N.T.)
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (N.F.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (S.C.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (V.K.); (N.T.); Tel.: +1-781-484-7643 (B.L.); +48-22-597-07-65 (V.K.); +39-049-827-6302 (N.T.)
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13
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Meneghetti G, Skobo T, Chrisam M, Facchinello N, Fontana CM, Bellesso S, Sabatelli P, Raggi F, Cecconi F, Bonaldo P, Dalla Valle L. The epg5 knockout zebrafish line: a model to study Vici syndrome. Autophagy 2019; 15:1438-1454. [PMID: 30806141 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2019.1586247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The EPG5 protein is a RAB7A effector involved in fusion specificity between autophagosomes and late endosomes or lysosomes during macroautophagy/autophagy. Mutations in the human EPG5 gene cause a rare and severe multisystem disorder called Vici syndrome. In this work, we show that zebrafish epg5-/- mutants from both heterozygous and incrossed homozygous matings are viable and can develop to the age of sexual maturity without conspicuous defects in external appearance. In agreement with the dysfunctional autophagy of Vici syndrome, western blot revealed higher levels of the Lc3-II autophagy marker in epg5-/- mutants with respect to wild type controls. Moreover, starvation elicited higher accumulation of Lc3-II in epg5-/- than in wild type larvae, together with a significant reduction of skeletal muscle birefringence. Accordingly, muscle ultrastructural analysis revealed accumulation of degradation-defective autolysosomes in starved epg5-/- mutants. By aging, epg5-/- mutants showed impaired motility and muscle thinning, together with accumulation of non-degradative autophagic vacuoles. Furthermore, epg5-/- adults displayed morphological alterations in gonads and heart. These findings point at the zebrafish epg5 mutant as a valuable model for EPG5-related disorders, thus providing a new tool for dissecting the contribution of EPG5 on the onset and progression of Vici syndrome as well as for the screening of autophagy-stimulating drugs. Abbreviations: ATG: autophagy related; cDNA: complementary DNA; DIG: digoxigenin; dpf: days post-fertilization; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; EPG: ectopic P granules; GFP: green fluorescent protein; hpf: hours post-fertilization; IL1B: interleukin 1 beta; Lc3-II: lipidated Lc3; mpf: months post-fertilization; mRNA: messenger RNA; NMD: nonsense-mediated mRNA decay; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; qPCR: real time-polymerase chain reaction; RAB7A/RAB7: RAB7a, member RAS oncogene family; RACE: rapid amplification of cDNA ends; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RT-PCR: reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; SEM: standard error of the mean; sgRNA: guide RNA; UTR: untranslated region; WMISH: whole mount in situ hybridization; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatjana Skobo
- a Department of Biology , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Martina Chrisam
- b Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | | | | | - Stefania Bellesso
- b Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Patrizia Sabatelli
- c Institute of Molecular Genetics , National Research Council of Italy , Bologna , Italy.,d IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute , Bologna , Italy
| | - Flavia Raggi
- a Department of Biology , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- e Department of Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Roma , Italy.,f Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology , Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital , Rome , Italy.,g Unit of Cell Stress and Survival , Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Paolo Bonaldo
- b Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
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14
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Martorano L, Peron M, Laquatra C, Lidron E, Facchinello N, Meneghetti G, Tiso N, Rasola A, Ghezzi D, Argenton F. The zebrafish orthologue of the human hepatocerebral disease gene MPV17 plays pleiotropic roles in mitochondria. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.037226. [PMID: 30833296 PMCID: PMC6451431 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.037226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes (MDS) are a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders with early onset and no cure available. MDS are caused by mutations in nuclear genes involved in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance, and characterized by both a strong reduction in mtDNA content and severe mitochondrial defects in affected tissues. Mutations in MPV17, a nuclear gene encoding a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, have been associated with hepatocerebral forms of MDS. The zebrafish mpv17 null mutant lacks the guanine-based reflective skin cells named iridophores and represents a promising model to clarify the role of Mpv17. In this study, we characterized the mitochondrial phenotype of mpv17−/− larvae and found early and severe ultrastructural alterations in liver mitochondria, as well as significant impairment of the respiratory chain, leading to activation of the mitochondrial quality control. Our results provide evidence for zebrafish Mpv17 being essential for maintaining mitochondrial structure and functionality, while its effects on mtDNA copy number seem to be subordinate. Considering that a role in nucleotide availability had already been postulated for MPV17, that embryos blocked in pyrimidine synthesis do phenocopy mpv17−/− knockouts (KOs) and that mpv17−/− KOs have impaired Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase activity, we provided mpv17 mutants with the pyrimidine precursor orotic acid (OA). Treatment with OA, an easily available food supplement, significantly increased both iridophore number and mtDNA content in mpv17−/− mutants, thus linking the loss of Mpv17 to pyrimidine de novo synthesis and opening a new simple therapeutic approach for MPV17-related MDS. Summary: The zebrafish mpv17−/− mutant shows a severe mitochondrial phenotype with ultrastructural alterations and oxidative phosphorylation impairment. The pyrimidine precursor orotic acid ameliorates mpv17−/− phenotype and increases mitochondrial DNA content, linking the loss of Mpv17 to pyrimidine de novo synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martorano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Peron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Laquatra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Lidron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Meneghetti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniele Ghezzi
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via Libero Temolo 4, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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15
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Astone M, Lai JKH, Dupont S, Stainier DYR, Argenton F, Vettori A. Zebrafish mutants and TEAD reporters reveal essential functions for Yap and Taz in posterior cardinal vein development. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10189. [PMID: 29976931 PMCID: PMC6033906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27657-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As effectors of the Hippo signaling cascade, YAP1 and TAZ are transcriptional regulators playing important roles in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. A number of different cues, including mechanotransduction of extracellular stimuli, adhesion molecules, oncogenic signaling and metabolism modulate YAP1/TAZ nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. In the nucleus, YAP1/TAZ tether with the DNA binding proteins TEADs, to activate the expression of target genes that regulate proliferation, migration, cell plasticity, and cell fate. Based on responsive elements present in the human and zebrafish promoters of the YAP1/TAZ target gene CTGF, we established zebrafish fluorescent transgenic reporter lines of Yap1/Taz activity. These reporter lines provide an in vivo view of Yap1/Taz activity during development and adulthood at the whole organism level. Transgene expression was detected in many larval tissues including the otic vesicles, heart, pharyngeal arches, muscles and brain and is prominent in endothelial cells. Analysis of vascular development in yap1/taz zebrafish mutants revealed specific defects in posterior cardinal vein (PCV) formation, with altered expression of arterial/venous markers. The overactivation of Yap1/Taz in endothelial cells was sufficient to promote an aberrant vessel sprouting phenotype. Our findings confirm and extend the emerging role of Yap1/Taz in vascular development including angiogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics
- Embryo, Nonmammalian
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Genes, Reporter/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Luciferases/chemistry
- Luciferases/genetics
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Mutation
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins
- Transgenes/genetics
- Veins/cytology
- Veins/growth & development
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
- Zebrafish
- Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
- Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Astone
- University of Padova, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Sirio Dupont
- University of Padova, Department of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Vettori
- University of Padova, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy.
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16
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Dynamic Tissue Rearrangements during Vertebrate Eye Morphogenesis: Insights from Fish Models. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6010004. [PMID: 29615553 PMCID: PMC5875564 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last thirty years, fish models, such as the zebrafish and medaka, have become essential to pursue developmental studies and model human disease. Community efforts have led to the generation of wide collections of mutants, a complete sequence of their genomes, and the development of sophisticated genetic tools, enabling the manipulation of gene activity and labelling and tracking of specific groups of cells during embryonic development. When combined with the accessibility and optical clarity of fish embryos, these approaches have made of them an unbeatable model to monitor developmental processes in vivo and in real time. Over the last few years, live-imaging studies in fish have provided fascinating insights into tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis. This review will illustrate the advantages of fish models to pursue morphogenetic studies by highlighting the findings that, in the last decade, have transformed our understanding of eye morphogenesis.
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17
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Facchinello N, Tarifeño-Saldivia E, Grisan E, Schiavone M, Peron M, Mongera A, Ek O, Schmitner N, Meyer D, Peers B, Tiso N, Argenton F. Tcf7l2 plays pleiotropic roles in the control of glucose homeostasis, pancreas morphology, vascularization and regeneration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9605. [PMID: 28851992 PMCID: PMC5575064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease characterized by impaired insulin secretion. The Wnt signaling transcription factor Tcf7l2 is to date the T2D-associated gene with the largest effect on disease susceptibility. However, the mechanisms by which TCF7L2 variants affect insulin release from β-cells are not yet fully understood. By taking advantage of a tcf7l2 zebrafish mutant line, we first show that these animals are characterized by hyperglycemia and impaired islet development. Moreover, we demonstrate that the zebrafish tcf7l2 gene is highly expressed in the exocrine pancreas, suggesting potential bystander effects on β-cell growth, differentiation and regeneration. Finally, we describe a peculiar vascular phenotype in tcf7l2 mutant larvae, characterized by significant reduction in the average number and diameter of pancreatic islet capillaries. Overall, the zebrafish Tcf7l2 mutant, characterized by hyperglycemia, pancreatic and vascular defects, and reduced regeneration proves to be a suitable model to study the mechanism of action and the pleiotropic effects of Tcf7l2, the most relevant T2D GWAS hit in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Estefania Tarifeño-Saldivia
- Laboratory of Zebrafish Development and Disease Models, GIGA-R, University of Liege, B-4000, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Enrico Grisan
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Peron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Ek
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicole Schmitner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dirk Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernard Peers
- Laboratory of Zebrafish Development and Disease Models, GIGA-R, University of Liege, B-4000, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy.
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nr3c1 null mutant zebrafish are viable and reveal DNA-binding-independent activities of the glucocorticoid receptor. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4371. [PMID: 28663543 PMCID: PMC5491532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04535-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) play important roles in developmental and physiological processes through the transcriptional activity of their cognate receptor (Gr). Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we established a zebrafish null Gr mutant line and compared its phenotypes with wild type and a zebrafish line with partially silenced gr (grs357/s357). Homozygous gr−/− larvae are morphologically inconspicuous and, in contrast to GR−/− knockout mice, viable through adulthood, although with reduced fitness and early life survival. Mutants gr−/− are fertile, but their reproductive capabilities fall at around 10 months of age, when, together with cardiac and intestinal abnormalities already visible at earlier stages, increased fat deposits are also observed. Mutants show higher levels of whole-body cortisol associated with overstimulated basal levels of crh and pomca transcripts along the HPI axis, which is unresponsive to a mechanical stressor. Transcriptional activity linked to immune response is also hampered in the gr−/− line: after intestinal damage by dextran sodium sulphate exposure, there are neither inflammatory nor anti-inflammatory cytokine gene responses, substantiating the hypothesis of a dual-action of the GC-GR complex on the immune system. Hence, the zebrafish gr mutant line appears as a useful tool to investigate Gr functions in an integrated in vivo model.
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Afshar P, Ashtari N, Jiao X, Rahimi-Balaei M, Zhang X, Yaganeh B, Del Bigio MR, Kong J, Marzban H. Overexpression of Human SOD1 Leads to Discrete Defects in the Cerebellar Architecture in the Mouse. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:22. [PMID: 28424594 PMCID: PMC5372795 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene is responsible for neutralizing supercharged oxygen radicals within the cell. Mutation in SOD1 gene causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have shown involvement of the cerebellum in ALS, although the cerebellar contribution in SOD1 transgenic mice remains unclear. Using immunohistopathology, we investigated the Purkinje cell phenotype in the vermis of the SOD1 transgenic mice cerebellum. Calbindin 1 (Calb1) and three well-known zone and stripe markers, zebrin II, HSP25, and PLCβ4 have been used to explore possible alteration in zone and stripe. Here we show that Calb1 expression is significantly reduced in a subset of the Purkinje cells that is almost aligned with the cerebellar zones and stripes pattern. The Purkinje cells of SOD1 transgenic mice display a pattern of Calb1 down-regulation, which seems to proceed to Purkinje cell degeneration as the mice age. The onset of Calb1 down-regulation in Purkinje cells begins from the central zone and continues into the nodular zone, however it has not been observed in the anterior and posterior zones. In a subgroup of SOD1 transgenic mice in which gait unsteadiness was apparent, down-regulation of Calb1 is seen in a subset of PLCβ4+ Purkinje cells in the anterior zone. These observations suggest that the Calb1- subset of Purkinje cells in the anterior zone, which receives somatosensory input, causes unsteady gait. Our data suggest that human SOD1 overexpression leads to Calb1 down-regulation in the zone and strip pattern and raise the question of whether SOD1 overexpression leads to Purkinje cells degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Afshar
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Niloufar Ashtari
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xiaodan Jiao
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xiaosha Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Behzad Yaganeh
- Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children and University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jiming Kong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Foundation University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
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