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Schindler-Johnson M, Petridou NI. Collective effects of cell cleavage dynamics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1358971. [PMID: 38559810 PMCID: PMC10978805 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1358971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A conserved process of early embryonic development in metazoans is the reductive cell divisions following oocyte fertilization, termed cell cleavages. Cell cleavage cycles usually start synchronously, lengthen differentially between the embryonic cells becoming asynchronous, and cease before major morphogenetic events, such as germ layer formation and gastrulation. Despite exhibiting species-specific characteristics, the regulation of cell cleavage dynamics comes down to common controllers acting mostly at the single cell/nucleus level, such as nucleus-to-cytoplasmic ratio and zygotic genome activation. Remarkably, recent work has linked cell cleavage dynamics to the emergence of collective behavior during embryogenesis, including pattern formation and changes in embryo-scale mechanics, raising the question how single-cell controllers coordinate embryo-scale processes. In this review, we summarize studies across species where an association between cell cleavages and collective behavior was made, discuss the underlying mechanisms, and propose that cell-to-cell variability in cell cleavage dynamics can serve as a mechanism of long-range coordination in developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Schindler-Johnson
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicoletta I. Petridou
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Kiyomitsu A, Nishimura T, Hwang SJ, Ansai S, Kanemaki MT, Tanaka M, Kiyomitsu T. Ran-GTP assembles a specialized spindle structure for accurate chromosome segregation in medaka early embryos. Nat Commun 2024; 15:981. [PMID: 38302485 PMCID: PMC10834446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite drastic cellular changes during cleavage, a mitotic spindle assembles in each blastomere to accurately segregate duplicated chromosomes. Mechanisms of mitotic spindle assembly have been extensively studied using small somatic cells. However, mechanisms of spindle assembly in large vertebrate embryos remain little understood. Here, we establish functional assay systems in medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos by combining CRISPR knock-in with auxin-inducible degron technology. Live imaging reveals several unexpected features of microtubule organization and centrosome positioning that achieve rapid, accurate cleavage. Importantly, Ran-GTP assembles a dense microtubule network at the metaphase spindle center that is essential for chromosome segregation in early embryos. This unique spindle structure is remodeled into a typical short, somatic-like spindle after blastula stages, when Ran-GTP becomes dispensable for chromosome segregation. We propose that despite the presence of centrosomes, the chromosome-derived Ran-GTP pathway has essential roles in functional spindle assembly in large, rapidly dividing vertebrate early embryos, similar to acentrosomal spindle assembly in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Kiyomitsu
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishimura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- Hokkaido University Fisheries Sciences, 3-1-1, Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan
| | - Shiang Jyi Hwang
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ansai
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Editing Breeding, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masato T Kanemaki
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), and Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kiyomitsu
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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3
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Latham KE. Preimplantation embryo gene expression: 56 years of discovery, and counting. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:169-200. [PMID: 36812478 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The biology of preimplantation embryo gene expression began 56 years ago with studies of the effects of protein synthesis inhibition and discovery of changes in embryo metabolism and related enzyme activities. The field accelerated rapidly with the emergence of embryo culture systems and progressively evolving methodologies that have allowed early questions to be re-addressed in new ways and in greater detail, leading to deeper understanding and progressively more targeted studies to discover ever more fine details. The advent of technologies for assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing, stem cell manipulations, artificial gametes, and genetic manipulation, particularly in experimental animal models and livestock species, has further elevated the desire to understand preimplantation development in greater detail. The questions that drove enquiry from the earliest years of the field remain drivers of enquiry today. Our understanding of the crucial roles of oocyte-expressed RNA and proteins in early embryos, temporal patterns of embryonic gene expression, and mechanisms controlling embryonic gene expression has increased exponentially over the past five and a half decades as new analytical methods emerged. This review combines early and recent discoveries on gene regulation and expression in mature oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos to provide a comprehensive understanding of preimplantation embryo biology and to anticipate exciting future advances that will build upon and extend what has been discovered so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Chen H, Good MC. Nascent transcriptome reveals orchestration of zygotic genome activation in early embryogenesis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4314-4324.e7. [PMID: 36007528 PMCID: PMC9560990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.078] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development requires maternal-to-zygotic transition, during which transcriptionally silent nuclei begin widespread gene expression during zygotic genome activation (ZGA).1-3 ZGA is vital for early cell fating and germ-layer specification,3,4 and ZGA timing is regulated by multiple mechanisms.1-5 However, controversies remain about whether these mechanisms are interrelated and vary among species6-10 and whether the timing of germ-layer-specific gene activation is temporally ordered.11,12 In some embryonic models, widespread ZGA onset is spatiotemporally graded,13,14 yet it is unclear whether the transcriptome follows this pattern. A major challenge in addressing these questions is to accurately measure the timing of each gene activation. Here, we metabolically label and identify the nascent transcriptome using 5-ethynyl uridine (5-EU) in Xenopus blastula embryos. We find that EU-RNA-seq outperforms total RNA-seq in detecting the ZGA transcriptome, which is dominated by transcription from maternal-zygotic genes, enabling improved ZGA timing determination. We uncover discrete spatiotemporal patterns for individual gene activation, a majority following a spatial pattern of ZGA that is correlated with a cell size gradient.14 We further reveal that transcription necessitates a period of developmental progression and that ZGA can be precociously induced by cycloheximide, potentially through elongation of interphase. Finally, most ectodermal genes are activated earlier than endodermal genes, suggesting a temporal orchestration of germ-layer-specific genes, potentially linked to the spatially graded pattern of ZGA. Together, our study provides fundamental new insights into the composition and dynamics of the ZGA transcriptome, mechanisms regulating ZGA timing, and its role in the onset of early cell fating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew C Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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5
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Differential nuclear import sets the timing of protein access to the embryonic genome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5887. [PMID: 36202846 PMCID: PMC9537182 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a fertilized egg to an embryo requires the proper temporal control of gene expression. During cell differentiation, timing is often controlled via cascades of transcription factors (TFs). However, in early development, transcription is often inactive, and many TF levels stay constant, suggesting that alternative mechanisms govern the observed rapid and ordered onset of gene expression. Here, we find that in early embryonic development access of maternally deposited nuclear proteins to the genome is temporally ordered via importin affinities, thereby timing the expression of downstream targets. We quantify changes in the nuclear proteome during early development and find that nuclear proteins, such as TFs and RNA polymerases, enter the nucleus sequentially. Moreover, we find that the timing of nuclear proteins' access to the genome corresponds to the timing of downstream gene activation. We show that the affinity of proteins to importin is a major determinant in the timing of protein entry into embryonic nuclei. Thus, we propose a mechanism by which embryos encode the timing of gene expression in early development via biochemical affinities. This process could be critical for embryos to organize themselves before deploying the regulatory cascades that control cell identities.
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Hu R, Xu Y, Han B, Chen Y, Li W, Guan G, Hu P, Zhou Y, Xu Q, Chen L. MiR-202-3p determines embryo viability during mid-blastula transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:897826. [PMID: 36003151 PMCID: PMC9393261 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.897826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental growth is an intricate process involving the coordinated regulation of the expression of various genes, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in diverse processes throughout animal development. The mid-blastula transition (MBT) is a developmental milestone when maternal RNAs are cleared and the zygotic genome programmed asynchronous cell division begins to drive embryogenesis. While mechanisms underlying MBT have been intensively revealed, factors regulating cell proliferation at the transition remain largely unknown. We report here a microRNA, miR-202-3p to be a key factor that determines embryonic fate during MBT in zebrafish. A miR-202-3p antagomir specifically terminated embryo development at the mid-blastula stage. In vivo deletion of the miR-202 locus recapitulated the fatal phenotypes, which were rescued only by miR-202-3p or its precursor. Transcriptome comparison revealed >250 RNAs including both maternal and zygotic origins were dysregulated at MBT in the miR-202−/− embryos, corresponding with arrays of homeostatic disorders leading to massive apoptosis. A trio of genes: nfkbiaa, perp and mgll, known to be intimately involved with cell proliferation and survival, were identified as direct targets of miR-202-3p. Importantly, over- or under-expression of any of the trio led to developmental delay or termination at the blastula or gastrula stages. Furthermore, nfkbiaa and perp were shown to inter-regulate each other. Thus, miR-202-3p mediates a regulatory network whose components interact closely during MBT to determine embryonic viability and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqin Hu
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanna Xu
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingshe Han
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Chen
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijun Guan
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Hu
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianghua Xu
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, College of Marine Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- International Joint Research Centre for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education) and International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liangbiao Chen,
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Tran V, Carpo N, Shaka S, Zamudio J, Choi S, Cepeda C, Espinosa-Jeffrey A. Delayed Maturation of Oligodendrocyte Progenitors by Microgravity: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis and Space Flight. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:797. [PMID: 35743828 PMCID: PMC9224676 DOI: 10.3390/life12060797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, we examined the effects of space microgravity on human neural stem cells. To date, there are no studies on a different type of cell that is critical for myelination and electrical signals transmission, oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs). The purpose of the present study was to examine the behavior of space-flown OLPs (SPC-OLPs) as they were adapting to Earth's gravity. We found that SPC-OLPs survived, and most of them proliferated normally. Nonetheless, some of them displayed incomplete cytokinesis. Both morphological and ontogenetic analyses showed that they remained healthy and expressed the immature OLP markers Sox2, PDGFR-α, and transferrin (Tf) after space flight, which confirmed that SPC-OLPs displayed a more immature phenotype than their ground control (GC) counterparts. In contrast, GC OLPs expressed markers that usually appear later (GPDH, O4, and ferritin), indicating a delay in SPC-OLPs' development. These cells remained immature even after treatment with culture media designed to support oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation. The most remarkable and surprising finding was that the iron carrier glycoprotein Tf, previously described as an early marker for OLPs, was expressed ectopically in the nucleus of all SPC-OLPs. In contrast, their GC counterparts expressed it exclusively in the cytoplasm, as previously described. In addition, analysis of the secretome demonstrated that SPC-OLPs contained 3.5 times more Tf than that of GC cells, indicating that Tf is gravitationally regulated, opening two main fields of study to understand the upregulation of the Tf gene and secretion of the protein that keep OLPs at a progenitor stage rather than moving forward to more mature phenotypes. Alternatively, because Tf is an autocrine and paracrine factor in the central nervous system (CNS), in the absence of neurons, it accumulated in the secretome collected after space flight. We conclude that microgravity is becoming a novel platform to study why in some myelin disorders OLPs are present but do not mature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Tran
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Nicholas Carpo
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Sophia Shaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Joile Zamudio
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Sungshin Choi
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Araceli Espinosa-Jeffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (V.T.); (N.C.); (S.S.); (J.Z.); (C.C.)
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8
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Li D, Liu Z, Deng M, Liu L, Lu J, Wang F, Wan Y. The function of the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 in goat early embryo development under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Theriogenology 2022; 177:140-150. [PMID: 34700071 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) plays an important role in zygote genome activation during embryonic development, but the effects of METTL3 under oxidative stress in the early development of goat embryos remain largely unknown. In this study, zygotes were monitored at 72 and 168 h after fertilization, and they developed to the 8-cell stage and blastocyst stage under hypoxic conditions and normoxic conditions. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing was performed at the 8-cell stage and the blastocyst stage in the goat embryos, the differentially expressed METTL3 was screened from the sequencing results. We found that microinjection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against METTL3 caused developmental arrest, both 8-cell rates (37.45 ± 2.21% vs. 47.09 ± 1.38%; P < 0.01) and blastocyst rates of Si-METTL3 (12.17% ± 2.84 vs. 20.83 ± 3.61%; P < 0.01) in Si-METTL3 group were significantly decreased compared with that of control under hypoxic conditions, significant changes were found in the m6A-related genes and the expression levels of critical transcription factors, such as, NANOG, GATA3, CDX2 and SOX17, were decreased. This study revealed the key role of METTL3 in the regulation of embryonic development under oxidative stress, and laid the foundation for further study of the crucial mechanism of oxidative stress during the early embryonic development of goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Mingtian Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiawei Lu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yongjie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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9
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Trivellin G, Tirosh A, Hernández-Ramírez LC, Gupta T, Tsai-Morris CH, Faucz FR, Burgess HA, Feldman B, Stratakis CA. The X-linked acrogigantism-associated gene gpr101 is a regulator of early embryonic development and growth in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 520:111091. [PMID: 33248229 PMCID: PMC8771005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We recently described X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG), a condition of early childhood-onset pituitary gigantism associated with microduplications of the GPR101 receptor. The expression of GPR101 in hyperplastic pituitary regions and tumors in X-LAG patients, and GPR101's normally transient pituitary expression during fetal development, suggest a role in the regulation of growth. Nevertheless, little is still known about GPR101's physiological functions, especially during development. By using zebrafish models, we investigated the role of gpr101 during embryonic development and somatic growth. Transient ectopic gpr101 expression perturbed the embryonic body plan but did not affect growth. Loss of gpr101 led to a significant reduction in body size that was even more pronounced in the absence of maternal transcripts, as well as subfertility. These changes were accompanied by gastrulation and hypothalamic defects. In conclusion, both gpr101 loss- and gain-of-function affect, in different ways, fertility, embryonic patterning, growth and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampaolo Trivellin
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology and Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Mi, Italy.
| | - Amit Tirosh
- NET Service and Endocrine Oncology Bioinformatics Lab, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tripti Gupta
- Division of Developmental Biology, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Harold A Burgess
- Division of Developmental Biology, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Feldman
- Division of Developmental Biology, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Charney ND, Kubel JE, Woodard CT, Carbajal-González BI, Avis S, Blyth JA, Eiseman CS, Castorino J, Malone JH. Survival of Polyploid hybrid salamander embryos. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:21. [PMID: 31718554 PMCID: PMC6849221 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Animals with polyploid, hybrid nuclei offer a challenge for models of gene expression and regulation during embryogenesis. To understand how such organisms proceed through development, we examined the timing and prevalence of mortality among embryos of unisexual salamanders in the genus Ambystoma. Results Our regional field surveys suggested that heightened rates of embryo mortality among unisexual salamanders begin in the earliest stages of embryogenesis. Although we expected elevated mortality after zygotic genome activation in the blastula stage, this is not what we found among embryos which we reared in the laboratory. Once embryos entered the first cleavage stage, we found no difference in mortality rates between unisexual salamanders and their bisexual hosts. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing high rates of unisexual mortality, but counter to reports that heightened embryo mortality continues throughout embryo development. Conclusions Possible causes of embryonic mortality in early embryogenesis suggested by our results include abnormal maternal loading of RNA during meiosis and barriers to insemination. The surprising survival rates of embryos post-cleavage invites further study of how genes are regulated during development in such polyploid hybrid organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob E Kubel
- Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John H Malone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
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11
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Chen H, Einstein LC, Little SC, Good MC. Spatiotemporal Patterning of Zygotic Genome Activation in a Model Vertebrate Embryo. Dev Cell 2019; 49:852-866.e7. [PMID: 31211992 PMCID: PMC6655562 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A defining feature of early embryogenesis is the transition from maternal to zygotic control. This transition requires embryo-wide zygotic genome activation (ZGA), but the extent of spatiotemporal coordination of ZGA between individual cells is unknown. Multiple interrelated parameters, including elapsed time, completed cycles of cell division, and cell size may impact ZGA onset; however, the principal determinant of ZGA during vertebrate embryogenesis is debated. Here, we perform single-cell imaging of large-scale ZGA in whole-mount Xenopus embryos. We find a striking new spatiotemporal pattern of ZGA whose onset tightly correlates with cell size but not with elapsed time or number of cell divisions. Further, reducing cell size induces premature ZGA, dose dependently. We conclude that large-scale ZGA is not spatially uniform and that its onset is determined at the single-cell level, primarily by cell size. Our study suggests that spatial patterns of ZGA onset may be a common feature of embryonic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lily C Einstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shawn C Little
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew C Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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12
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Packaging development: how chromatin controls transcription in zebrafish embryogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:713-724. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
How developmental gene expression is activated, co-ordinated and maintained is one of the biggest questions in developmental biology. While transcription factors lead the way in directing developmental gene expression, their accessibility to the correct repertoire of genes can depend on other factors such as DNA methylation, the presence of particular histone variants and post-translational modifications of histones. Collectively, factors that modify DNA or affect its packaging and accessibility contribute to a chromatin landscape that helps to control the timely expression of developmental genes. Zebrafish, perhaps better known for their strength as a model of embryology and organogenesis during development, are coming to the fore as a powerful model for interpreting the role played by chromatin in gene expression. Several recent advances have shown that zebrafish exhibit both similarities and differences to other models (and humans) in the way that they employ chromatin mechanisms of gene regulation. Here, I review how chromatin influences developmental transcriptional programmes during early zebrafish development, patterning and organogenesis. Lastly, I briefly highlight the importance of zebrafish chromatin research towards the understanding of human disease and transgenerational inheritance.
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13
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Desnitskiy AG. Cell cycles during early steps of amphibian embryogenesis: A review. Biosystems 2018; 173:100-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Sindelka R, Abaffy P, Qu Y, Tomankova S, Sidova M, Naraine R, Kolar M, Peuchen E, Sun L, Dovichi N, Kubista M. Asymmetric distribution of biomolecules of maternal origin in the Xenopus laevis egg and their impact on the developmental plan. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8315. [PMID: 29844480 PMCID: PMC5974320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division is a ubiquitous feature during the development of higher organisms. Asymmetry is achieved by differential localization or activities of biological molecules such as proteins, and coding and non-coding RNAs. Here, we present subcellular transcriptomic and proteomic analyses along the animal-vegetal axis of Xenopus laevis eggs. More than 98% of the maternal mRNAs could be categorized into four localization profile groups: animal, vegetal, extremely vegetal, and a newly described group of mRNAs that we call extremely animal, which are mRNAs enriched in the animal cortex region. 3′UTRs of localized mRNAs were analyzed for localization motifs. Several putative motifs were discovered for vegetal and extremely vegetal mRNAs, while no distinct conserved motifs for the extremely animal mRNAs were identified, suggesting different localization mechanisms. Asymmetric profiles were also found for proteins, with correlation to those of corresponding mRNAs. Based on unexpected observation of the profiles of the homoeologous genes exd2 we propose a possible mechanism of genetic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Sindelka
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Abaffy
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Yanyan Qu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Silvie Tomankova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Sidova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Ravindra Naraine
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolar
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Elizabeth Peuchen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Norman Dovichi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Mikael Kubista
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences - BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic.,TATAA Biocenter, Odinsgatan 28, Göteborg, 411 03, Sweden
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15
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Liu C, Ma Y, Shang Y, Huo R, Li W. Post-translational regulation of the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1707-1722. [PMID: 29427077 PMCID: PMC11105290 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2750-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is essential for the developmental control handed from maternal products to newly synthesized zygotic genome in the earliest stages of embryogenesis, including maternal component (mRNAs and proteins) degradation and zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Various protein post-translational modifications have been identified during the MZT, such as phosphorylation, methylation and ubiquitination. Precise post-translational regulation mechanisms are essential for the timely transition of early embryonic development. In this review, we summarize recent progress regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying post-translational regulation of maternal component degradation and ZGA during the MZT and discuss some important issues in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Haerbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Meier M, Grant J, Dowdle A, Thomas A, Gerton J, Collas P, O'Sullivan JM, Horsfield JA. Cohesin facilitates zygotic genome activation in zebrafish. Development 2018; 145:dev156521. [PMID: 29158440 DOI: 10.1242/dev.156521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
At zygotic genome activation (ZGA), changes in chromatin structure are associated with new transcription immediately following the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). The nuclear architectural proteins cohesin and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) contribute to chromatin structure and gene regulation. We show here that normal cohesin function is important for ZGA in zebrafish. Depletion of the cohesin subunit Rad21 delays ZGA without affecting cell cycle progression. In contrast, CTCF depletion has little effect on ZGA, whereas complete abrogation is lethal. Genome-wide analysis of Rad21 binding reveals a change in distribution from pericentromeric satellite DNA and other locations, including the miR-430 locus (the products of which are responsible for maternal transcript degradation), to genes, as embryos progress through the MZT. After MZT, a subset of Rad21 binding overlaps the pioneer factor Pou5f3, which activates early expressed genes. Rad21 depletion disrupts the formation of nucleoli and RNA polymerase II foci, suggestive of global defects in chromosome architecture. We propose that Rad21/cohesin redistribution to active areas of the genome is key to the establishment of chromosome organization and the embryonic developmental program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Meier
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Grant
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Amy Dowdle
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Amarni Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Gerton
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0316, Norway
| | - Justin M O'Sullivan
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Julia A Horsfield
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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