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Huang Y, Yu G, Yang Y. MIGGRI: A multi-instance graph neural network model for inferring gene regulatory networks for Drosophila from spatial expression images. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011623. [PMID: 37939200 PMCID: PMC10659162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011623] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthrough in spatial transcriptomics has brought great opportunities for exploring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from a brand-new perspective. Especially, the local expression patterns and spatio-temporal regulation mechanisms captured by spatial expression images allow more delicate delineation of the interplay between transcript factors and their target genes. However, the complexity and size of spatial image collections pose significant challenges to GRN inference using image-based methods. Extracting regulatory information from expression images is difficult due to the lack of supervision and the multi-instance nature of the problem, where a gene often corresponds to multiple images captured from different views. While graph models, particularly graph neural networks, have emerged as a promising method for leveraging underlying structure information from known GRNs, incorporating expression images into graphs is not straightforward. To address these challenges, we propose a two-stage approach, MIGGRI, for capturing comprehensive regulatory patterns from image collections for each gene and known interactions. Our approach involves a multi-instance graph neural network (GNN) model for GRN inference, which first extracts gene regulatory features from spatial expression images via contrastive learning, and then feeds them to a multi-instance GNN for semi-supervised learning. We apply our approach to a large set of Drosophila embryonic spatial gene expression images. MIGGRI achieves outstanding performance in the inference of GRNs for early eye development and mesoderm development of Drosophila, and shows robustness in the scenarios of missing image information. Additionally, we perform interpretable analysis on image reconstruction and functional subgraphs that may reveal potential pathways or coordinate regulations. By leveraging the power of graph neural networks and the information contained in spatial expression images, our approach has the potential to advance our understanding of gene regulation in complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Huang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Key Laboratory of Shanghai Education Commission for Intelligent Interaction and Cognitive Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Gufeng Yu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Key Laboratory of Shanghai Education Commission for Intelligent Interaction and Cognitive Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Key Laboratory of Shanghai Education Commission for Intelligent Interaction and Cognitive Engineering, Shanghai, China
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2
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Bosso G, Cipressa F, Tullo L, Cenci G. Co-amplification of CBX3 with EGFR or RAC1 in human cancers corroborated by a conserved genetic interaction among the genes. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:317. [PMID: 37633946 PMCID: PMC10460438 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01598-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromobox Protein 3 (CBX3) overexpression is a common event occurring in cancer, promotes cancer cell proliferation and represents a poor prognosis marker in a plethora of human cancers. Here we describe that a wide spectrum of human cancers harbors a co-amplification of CBX3 gene with either EGFR or RAC1, which yields a statistically significant increase of both mRNA and protein levels of CBX3, EGFR and RAC1. We also reveal that the simultaneous overexpression of CBX3, RAC1 and EGFR gene products correlates with a worse prognosis compared to the condition when CBX3, RAC1 and EGFR are singularly upregulated. Furthermore, we also show that a co-occurrence of low-grade amplification, in addition to high-grade amplification, between CBX3 and EGFR or RAC1 is associated with a reduced patient lifespan. Finally, we find that CBX3 and RAC1/EGFR genetically interact in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting that the simultaneous overexpression as well as well the co-occurrence of high- or low-grade copy number alterations in these genes is not accidental and could reflect evolutionarily conserved functional relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bosso
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain.
| | - Francesca Cipressa
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Liliana Tullo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cenci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Chen X, Tzekov R, Su M, Zhu Y, Han A, Li W. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and protective role of peroxiredoxin 6 protein via EGFR/ERK signaling pathway in RPE cells. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1169211. [PMID: 37529008 PMCID: PMC10388243 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1169211] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Damage to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells caused by oxidative stress is closely related to the pathogenesis of several blinding retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other inherited retinal degenerative conditions. However, the mechanisms of this process are poorly understood. Hence, the goal of this study was to investigate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage and protective role of peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) protein via EGFR/ERK signaling pathway in RPE cells. Methods Cells from a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19 cells) were treated with H2O2, and then cell viability was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. The levels of PRDX6, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were detected by Western blot assay. PRDX6 and EGFR were also detected via immunofluorescence staining. Results Our results show that H2O2 inhibited cell viability, induced cell death, and increased ROS levels in ARPE-19 cells. It was also found that H2O2 decreased the levels of PRDX6, EGFR, and phosphorylated ERK but increased the levels of phosphorylated P38MAPK and JNK. PRDX6 overexpression was found to attenuate H2O2-induced inhibition of cell viability and increased cell death and ROS production in ARPE-19 cells. PRDX6 overexpression also increased the expression of EGFR and alleviated the H2O2-induced decrease in EGFR and phosphorylated ERK. Moreover, inhibition of epidermal growth factor-induced EGFR and ERK signaling in oxidative stress was partially blocked by PRDX6 overexpression. Discussion Our findings indicate that PRDX6 overexpression protects RPE cells from oxidative stress damage caused by decreasing ROS production and partially blocking the inhibition of the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway induced by oxidative stress. Therefore, PRDX6 shows promise as a therapeutic target for the prevention of RPE cell damage caused by oxidative stress associated with retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an No. 1 Hospital, Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Radouil Tzekov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Mingyang Su
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiangan, Xiamen, China
| | - Yusheng Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an No. 1 Hospital, Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aidong Han
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiangan, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Aier Eye Institute, Shanghai, China
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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4
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Kim LH, Kim JY, Xu YY, Lim MA, Koo BS, Kim JH, Yoon SE, Kim YJ, Choi KW, Chang JW, Hong ST. Tctp, a unique Ing5-binding partner, inhibits the chromatin binding of Enok in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218361120. [PMID: 37014852 PMCID: PMC10104566 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218361120] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The MOZ/MORF histone acetyltransferase complex is highly conserved in eukaryotes and controls transcription, development, and tumorigenesis. However, little is known about how its chromatin localization is regulated. Inhibitor of growth 5 (ING5) tumor suppressor is a subunit of the MOZ/MORF complex. Nevertheless, the in vivo function of ING5 remains unclear. Here, we report an antagonistic interaction between Drosophila Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) (Tctp) and ING5 (Ing5) required for chromatin localization of the MOZ/MORF (Enok) complex and H3K23 acetylation. Yeast two-hybrid screening using Tctp identified Ing5 as a unique binding partner. In vivo, Ing5 controlled differentiation and down-regulated epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, whereas it is required in the Yorkie (Yki) pathway to determine organ size. Ing5 and Enok mutants promoted tumor-like tissue overgrowth when combined with uncontrolled Yki activity. Tctp depletion rescued the abnormal phenotypes of the Ing5 mutation and increased the nuclear translocation of Ing5 and chromatin binding of Enok. Nonfunctional Enok promoted the nuclear translocation of Ing5 by reducing Tctp, indicating a feedback mechanism between Tctp, Ing5, and Enok to regulate histone acetylation. Therefore, Tctp is essential for H3K23 acetylation by controlling the nuclear translocation of Ing5 and chromatin localization of Enok, providing insights into the roles of human TCTP and ING5-MOZ/MORF in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Hyang Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Young Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Ying Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ae Lim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Seok Koo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hae Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Yoon
- Korea Drosophila Resource Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Wook Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, Daejeon34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon35015, Republic of Korea
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5
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Xu Z, Liao X, Li N, Zhou H, Li H, Zhang Q, Hu K, Yang P, Hou S. A Single-Cell Transcriptome Atlas of the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:802457. [PMID: 34977041 PMCID: PMC8718768 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.802457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human retinal pigment epithelium cells are arranged in a monolayer that plays an important supporting role in the retina. Although the heterogeneity of specific retinal cells has been well studied, the diversity of hRPE cells has not been reported. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing on 9,302 hRPE cells from three donors and profiled a transcriptome atlas. Our results identified two subpopulations that exhibit substantial differences in gene expression patterns and functions. One of the clusters specifically expressed ID3, a macular retinal pigment epithelium marker. The other cluster highly expressed CRYAB, a peripheral RPE marker. Our results also showed that the genes associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were more enriched in the macular RPE. The genes related to light perception, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were more enriched in the peripheral RPE. Additionally, we provided a map of disease-related genes in the hRPE and highlighted the importance of the macular RPE and peripheral RPE clusters P4 and P6 as potential therapeutic targets for retinal diseases. Our study provides a transcriptional landscape for the human retinal pigment epithelium that is critical to understanding retinal biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongren Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingyun Liao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongxiu Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengping Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
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6
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Grinshpan N, Abayed FA, Wahl M, Ner-Gaon H, Manor R, Sagi A, Shay T. The transcriptional landscape of the giant freshwater prawn: Embryonic development and early sexual differentiation mechanisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1059936. [PMID: 36568080 PMCID: PMC9767951 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1059936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant freshwater prawn pjMacrobrachium rosenbergii is one of the best studied species in aquaculture. However, the transcriptional changes associated with embryonic development and the sexual differentiation mechanism of M. rosenbergii remain to be elucidated. To characterize the embryonic development of this prawn and to determine whether differential expression and differential splicing play roles in the early sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii, we profiled five developmental days of male and female embryos by RNA sequencing. We identified modules of co-expressed genes representing waves of transcription that correspond to physiological processes in early embryonic development (such as the maternal-to-zygotic transition) up to preparation for life outside the egg (development of muscles, cuticle etc.). Additionally, we found that hundreds of genes are differentially expressed between sexes, most of them uncharacterized, suggesting that the sex differentiation mechanism of M. rosenbergii might contain clade-specific elements. The resulting first-of-a-kind transcriptional map of embryonic development of male and female M. rosenbergii will guide future studies to reveal the roles of specific genes and splicing isoforms in the embryonic development and sexual differentiation process of M. rosenbergii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufar Grinshpan
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Faiza A.A. Abayed
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Melody Wahl
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hadas Ner-Gaon
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rivka Manor
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Tal Shay,
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Tal Shay,
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7
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La Marca JE, Willoughby LF, Allan K, Portela M, Goh PK, Tiganis T, Richardson HE. PTP61F Mediates Cell Competition and Mitigates Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12732. [PMID: 34884538 PMCID: PMC8657627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis via the elimination of aberrant cells is fundamental for organism survival. Cell competition is a key homeostatic mechanism, contributing to the recognition and elimination of aberrant cells, preventing their malignant progression and the development of tumors. Here, using Drosophila as a model organism, we have defined a role for protein tyrosine phosphatase 61F (PTP61F) (orthologue of mammalian PTP1B and TCPTP) in the initiation and progression of epithelial cancers. We demonstrate that a Ptp61F null mutation confers cells with a competitive advantage relative to neighbouring wild-type cells, while elevating PTP61F levels has the opposite effect. Furthermore, we show that knockdown of Ptp61F affects the survival of clones with impaired cell polarity, and that this occurs through regulation of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway. Importantly, PTP61F plays a robust non-cell-autonomous role in influencing the elimination of adjacent polarity-impaired mutant cells. Moreover, in a neoplastic RAS-driven polarity-impaired tumor model, we show that PTP61F levels determine the aggressiveness of tumors, with Ptp61F knockdown or overexpression, respectively, increasing or reducing tumor size. These effects correlate with the regulation of the RAS-MAPK and JAK-STAT signalling by PTP61F. Thus, PTP61F acts as a tumor suppressor that can function in an autonomous and non-cell-autonomous manner to ensure cellular fitness and attenuate tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. La Marca
- Cell Polarity, Cell Signaling & Cancer Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.E.L.M.); (K.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Lee F. Willoughby
- Cell Cycle & Development Laboratory, Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia;
| | - Kirsten Allan
- Cell Polarity, Cell Signaling & Cancer Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.E.L.M.); (K.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Marta Portela
- Cell Polarity, Cell Signaling & Cancer Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.E.L.M.); (K.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Pei Kee Goh
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (P.K.G.); (T.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tony Tiganis
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (P.K.G.); (T.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Helena E. Richardson
- Cell Polarity, Cell Signaling & Cancer Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.E.L.M.); (K.A.); (M.P.)
- Cell Cycle & Development Laboratory, Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia;
- Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Department of Biochemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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8
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Soler Beatty J, Molnar C, Luque CM, de Celis JF, Martín-Bermudo MD. EGFRAP encodes a new negative regulator of the EGFR acting in both normal and oncogenic EGFR/Ras-driven tissue morphogenesis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009738. [PMID: 34411095 PMCID: PMC8407591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of Ras signaling occurs in ~30% of human cancers. However, activated Ras alone is insufficient to produce malignancy. Thus, it is imperative to identify those genes cooperating with activated Ras in driving tumoral growth. In this work, we have identified a novel EGFR inhibitor, which we have named EGFRAP, for EGFR adaptor protein. Elimination of EGFRAP potentiates activated Ras-induced overgrowth in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. We show that EGFRAP interacts physically with the phosphorylated form of EGFR via its SH2 domain. EGFRAP is expressed at high levels in regions of maximal EGFR/Ras pathway activity, such as at the presumptive wing margin. In addition, EGFRAP expression is up-regulated in conditions of oncogenic EGFR/Ras activation. Normal and oncogenic EGFR/Ras-mediated upregulation of EGRAP levels depend on the Notch pathway. We also find that elimination of EGFRAP does not affect overall organogenesis or viability. However, simultaneous downregulation of EGFRAP and its ortholog PVRAP results in defects associated with increased EGFR function. Based on these results, we propose that EGFRAP is a new negative regulator of the EGFR/Ras pathway, which, while being required redundantly for normal morphogenesis, behaves as an important modulator of EGFR/Ras-driven tissue hyperplasia. We suggest that the ability of EGFRAP to functionally inhibit the EGFR pathway in oncogenic cells results from the activation of a feedback loop leading to increase EGFRAP expression. This could act as a surveillance mechanism to prevent excessive EGFR activity and uncontrolled cell growth. Activation of Ras signalling occurs in ~30% of human cancers. However, activated Ras alone is insufficient to produce malignancy. Thus, the discovery of genes cooperating with Ras in cancer is imperative to understand tumoral growth driven by Ras activating mutations. A key output of over-activated EGFR/Ras signalling is the induction of a complex and dynamic set of transcriptional networks leading to changes in gene expression. As a result of these changes, the normal function of some genes can become adjusted in a tumorigenic context. In this work, using the Drosophila wing imaginal disc as model system, we have identified a new EGFR inhibitor, EGFRAP, which function is redundant for proper morphogenesis, yet becomes an important limiter of the overgrowth driven by oncogenic EGFR/Ras activity. We show that the specificity of EGFRAP in cells with high levels of EGFR activity arises from activation of a negative feedback loop resulting in increased EGFRAP levels. This could act to prevent excessive EGFR activity and uncontrolled cell growth. We believe the identification of other factors behaving like EGFRAP, will help in our fight against cancer, as it might lead to the identification of new therapeutic drugs affecting cancer but not normal cells, a top priority in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Soler Beatty
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/CSIC/JA, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cristina Molnar
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM/CSIC), Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M. Luque
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM/CSIC), Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose F. de Celis
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM/CSIC), Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María D. Martín-Bermudo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/CSIC/JA, Sevilla, Spain
- * E-mail:
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9
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DeAngelis MW, Coolon JD, Johnson RI. Comparative transcriptome analyses of the Drosophila pupal eye. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:5995320. [PMID: 33561221 PMCID: PMC8043229 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa003] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Tissue function is dependent on correct cellular organization and behavior. As a result, the identification and study of genes that contribute to tissue morphogenesis is of paramount importance to the fields of cell and developmental biology. Many of the genes required for tissue patterning and organization are highly conserved between phyla. This has led to the emergence of several model organisms and developmental systems that are used to study tissue morphogenesis. One such model is the Drosophila melanogaster pupal eye that has a highly stereotyped arrangement of cells. In addition, the pupal eye is postmitotic that allows for the study of tissue morphogenesis independent from any effects of proliferation. While the changes in cell morphology and organization that occur throughout pupal eye development are well documented, less is known about the corresponding transcriptional changes that choreograph these processes. To identify these transcriptional changes, we dissected wild-type Canton S pupal eyes and performed RNA-sequencing. Our analyses identified differential expression of many loci that are documented regulators of pupal eye morphogenesis and contribute to multiple biological processes including signaling, axon projection, adhesion, and cell survival. We also identified differential expression of genes not previously implicated in pupal eye morphogenesis such as components of the Toll pathway, several non-classical cadherins, and components of the muscle sarcomere, which could suggest these loci function as novel patterning factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles W DeAngelis
- Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, 52 Lawn Avenue, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Joseph D Coolon
- Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, 52 Lawn Avenue, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Ruth I Johnson
- Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, 52 Lawn Avenue, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
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10
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DeAngelis MW, McGhie EW, Coolon JD, Johnson RI. Mask, a component of the Hippo pathway, is required for Drosophila eye morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2020; 464:53-70. [PMID: 32464117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hippo signaling is an important regulator of tissue size, but it also has a lesser-known role in tissue morphogenesis. Here we use the Drosophila pupal eye to explore the role of the Hippo effector Yki and its cofactor Mask in morphogenesis. We found that Mask is required for the correct distribution and accumulation of adherens junctions and appropriate organization of the cytoskeleton. Accordingly, disrupting mask expression led to severe mis-patterning and similar defects were observed when yki was reduced or in response to ectopic wts. Further, the patterning defects generated by reducing mask expression were modified by Hippo pathway activity. RNA-sequencing revealed a requirement for Mask for appropriate expression of numerous genes during eye morphogenesis. These included genes implicated in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization, a comprehensive set of genes that promote cell survival, and numerous signal transduction genes. To validate our transcriptome analyses, we then considered two loci that were modified by Mask activity: FER and Vinc, which have established roles in regulating adhesion. Modulating the expression of either locus modified mask mis-patterning and adhesion phenotypes. Further, expression of FER and Vinc was modified by Yki. It is well-established that the Hippo pathway is responsive to changes in cell adhesion and the cytoskeleton, but our data indicate that Hippo signaling also regulates these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles W DeAngelis
- Wesleyan University Department of Biology, Middletown CT, 06457, USA.
| | - Emily W McGhie
- Wesleyan University Department of Biology, Middletown CT, 06457, USA.
| | - Joseph D Coolon
- Wesleyan University Department of Biology, Middletown CT, 06457, USA.
| | - Ruth I Johnson
- Wesleyan University Department of Biology, Middletown CT, 06457, USA.
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11
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Cruz J, Martín D, Franch-Marro X. Egfr Signaling Is a Major Regulator of Ecdysone Biosynthesis in the Drosophila Prothoracic Gland. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1547-1554.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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12
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Tzortzopoulos A, Thomaidou D, Gaitanou M, Matsas R, Skoulakis E. Expression of Mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila Affects Nervous System Development by Interfering with Precursor Cell Formation. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:979-995. [PMID: 31079319 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00386-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We used Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model to express mouse and pig BM88/CEND1 (cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation 1) in order to investigate its potential functional effects on Drosophila neurogenesis. BM88/CEND1 is a neuron-specific protein whose function is implicated in triggering cells to exit from the cell cycle and differentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Transgenic flies expressing either mouse or pig BM88/CEND1 in the nervous system had severe neuronal phenotypes with variable expressivity at various stages of embryonic development. In early embryonic stage 10, BM88/CEND1 expression led to an increase in the neural-specific antigenicity of neuroectoderm at the expense of precursor cells [neuroblasts (Nbs) and ganglion mother cells (GMCs)] including the defective formation and differentiation of the MP2 precursors, whereas at later stages (12-15), protein accumulation induced gross morphological defects primarily in the CNS accompanied by a reduction of Nb and GMC markers. Furthermore, the neuronal precursor cells of embryos expressing BM88/CEND1 failed to carry out proper cell-cycle progression as revealed by the disorganized expression patterns of specific cell-cycle markers. BM88/CEND1 accumulation in the Drosophila eye affected normal eye disc development by disrupting the ommatidia. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of BM88/CEND1 modified/reduced the levels of activated MAP kinase indicating a functional effect of BM88/CEND1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that the expression of mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila exerts specific functional effects associated with neuronal precursor cell formation during embryonic neurogenesis and proper eye disc development. This study also validates the use of Drosophila as a powerful model system in which to investigate gene function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Skoulakis
- "Alexander Fleming" Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, 16672, Athens, Greece
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13
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Chiasson-MacKenzie C, McClatchey AI. Cell-Cell Contact and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a029215. [PMID: 28716887 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The behavior of cells within tissues is governed by the activities of adhesion receptors that provide spatial cues and transmit forces through intercellular junctions, and by growth-factor receptors, particularly receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), that respond to biochemical signals from the environment. Coordination of these two activities is essential for the patterning and polarized migration of cells during morphogenesis and for homeostasis in mature tissues; loss of this coordination is a hallmark of developing cancer and driver of metastatic progression. Although much is known about the individual functions of adhesion and growth factor receptors, we have a surprisingly superficial understanding of the mechanisms by which their activities are coordinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chiasson-MacKenzie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pathology, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Andrea I McClatchey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pathology, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
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14
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Modelling Cooperative Tumorigenesis in Drosophila. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4258387. [PMID: 29693007 PMCID: PMC5859872 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4258387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of human metastatic cancer is a multistep process, involving the acquisition of several genetic mutations, tumour heterogeneity, and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Due to the complexity of cancer development in mammals, simpler model organisms, such as the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, are being utilized to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. In this review, we highlight recent advances in modelling tumorigenesis using the Drosophila model, focusing on the cooperation of oncogenes or tumour suppressors, and the interaction of mutant cells with the surrounding tissue in epithelial tumour initiation and progression.
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15
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Ketosugbo KF, Bushnell HL, Johnson RI. A screen for E3 ubiquitination ligases that genetically interact with the adaptor protein Cindr during Drosophila eye patterning. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187571. [PMID: 29117266 PMCID: PMC5678704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a crucial post-translational modification that can target proteins for degradation. The E3 ubiquitin ligases are responsible for recognizing substrate proteins for ubiquitination, hence providing specificity to the process of protein degradation. Here, we describe a genetic modifier screen that identified E3 ligases that modified the rough-eye phenotype generated by expression of cindrRNAi transgenes during Drosophila eye development. In total, we identified 36 E3 ligases, as well as 4 Cullins, that modified the mild cindrRNA mis-patterning phenotype. This indicates possible roles for these E3s/Cullins in processes that require Cindr function, including cytoskeletal regulation, cell adhesion, cell signaling and cell survival. Three E3 ligases identified in our screen had previously been linked to regulating JNK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwami F. Ketosugbo
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Henry L. Bushnell
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ruth I. Johnson
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Olivares-Castiñeira I, Llimargas M. EGFR controls Drosophila tracheal tube elongation by intracellular trafficking regulation. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006882. [PMID: 28678789 PMCID: PMC5517075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Development is governed by a few conserved signalling pathways. Amongst them, the EGFR pathway is used reiteratively for organ and tissue formation, and when dysregulated can lead to cancer and metastasis. Given its relevance, identifying its downstream molecular machinery and understanding how it instructs cellular changes is crucial. Here we approach this issue in the respiratory system of Drosophila. We identify a new role for EGFR restricting the elongation of the tracheal Dorsal Trunk. We find that EGFR regulates the apical determinant Crb and the extracellular matrix regulator Serp, two factors previously known to control tube length. EGFR regulates the organisation of endosomes in which Crb and Serp proteins are loaded. Our results are consistent with a role of EGFR in regulating Retromer/WASH recycling routes. Furthermore, we provide new insights into Crb trafficking and recycling during organ formation. Our work connects cell signalling, trafficking mechanisms and morphogenesis and suggests that the regulation of cargo trafficking can be a general outcome of EGFR activation. The control of organ size and shape is a critical aspect of morphogenesis, as miss-regulation can lead to pathologies and malformations. The tracheal system of Drosophila is a good model to investigate this issue as tube size is strictly regulated. In addition, tracheal system development represents also an excellent system to study the molecular mechanisms employed by signalling pathways to instruct cells to form tubular structures. Here we describe that EGFR, which triggers one of the principal conserved pathways acting reiteratively during development and homeostasis, is required to restrict tube elongation. We find that EGFR regulates the accumulation and subcellular localisation of Crumbs and Serpentine, two factors previously known to regulate tube length. We show that Crumbs and Serpentine are loaded in common endosomes, which require EGFR for proper organisation, ensuring delivery of both cargoes to their final destination. We also report that during tracheal development the apical determinant Crumbs undergoes a complex pattern of recycling, which involves internalisation and different sorting pathways. Our analysis identifies EGFR as a hub to coordinate both cell intrinsic properties, namely Crumbs-dependant apical membrane growth, and extrinsic mechanisms, Serpentine-mediated extracellular matrix modifications, which regulate tube elongation. We suggest that the regulation of the endocytic traffic of specific cargoes could be one of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the EGFR, and therefore could regulate different morphogenetic and pathological EGFR-mediated events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette Olivares-Castiñeira
- Developmental Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Llimargas
- Developmental Biology Department, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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17
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Kushnir T, Mezuman S, Bar-Cohen S, Lange R, Paroush Z, Helman A. Novel interplay between JNK and Egfr signaling in Drosophila dorsal closure. PLoS Genet 2017. [PMID: 28628612 PMCID: PMC5495517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dorsal closure (DC) is a developmental process in which two contralateral epithelial sheets migrate to seal a large hole in the dorsal ectoderm of the Drosophila embryo. Two signaling pathways act sequentially to orchestrate this dynamic morphogenetic process. First, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling activity in the dorsal-most leading edge (LE) cells of the epidermis induces expression of decapentaplegic (dpp). Second, Dpp, a secreted TGF-β homolog, triggers cell shape changes in the adjacent, ventrally located lateral epidermis, that guide the morphogenetic movements and cell migration mandatory for DC. Here we uncover a cell non-autonomous requirement for the Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) pathway in the lateral epidermis for sustained dpp expression in the LE. Specifically, we demonstrate that Egfr pathway activity in the lateral epidermis prevents expression of the gene scarface (scaf), encoding a secreted antagonist of JNK signaling. In embryos with compromised Egfr signaling, upregulated Scaf causes reduction of JNK activity in LE cells, thereby impeding completion of DC. Our results identify a new developmental role for Egfr signaling in regulating epithelial plasticity via crosstalk with the JNK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kushnir
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharon Mezuman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shaked Bar-Cohen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rotem Lange
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ze'ev Paroush
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Aharon Helman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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18
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Epidermal Growth Factor Pathway Signaling in Drosophila Embryogenesis: Tools for Understanding Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9020016. [PMID: 28178204 PMCID: PMC5332939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
EGF signaling is a well-known oncogenic pathway in animals. It is also a key developmental pathway regulating terminal and dorsal-ventral patterning along with many other aspects of embryogenesis. In this review, we focus on the diverse roles for the EGF pathway in Drosophila embryogenesis. We review the existing body of evidence concerning EGF signaling in Drosophila embryogenesis focusing on current uncertainties in the field and areas for future study. This review provides a foundation for utilizing the Drosophila model system for research into EGF effects on cancer.
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19
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Yadav AK, Srikrishna S, Gupta SC. Cancer Drug Development Using Drosophila as an in vivo Tool: From Bedside to Bench and Back. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:789-806. [PMID: 27298020 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used for modeling cancer and as an in vivo tool for the validation and/or development of cancer therapeutics. The impetus for the use of Drosophila in cancer research stems from the high conservation of its signaling pathways, lower genetic redundancy, short life cycle, genetic amenability, and ease of maintenance. Several cell signaling pathways in Drosophila have been used for cancer drug development. The efficacy of combination therapy and uptake/bioavailability of drugs have also been studied. Drosophila has been validated using several FDA-approved drugs, suggesting a potential application of this model in drug repurposing. The model is emerging as a powerful tool for high-throughput screening and should significantly reduce the cost and time associated with drug development. In this review we discuss the applications of Drosophila in cancer drug development. The advantages and limitations of the model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarish Kumar Yadav
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Saripella Srikrishna
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India.
| | - Subash Chandra Gupta
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India.
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