Retinoids, homeobox genes, and limb morphogenesis

Commitment of mouse embryonic stem cells to the adipocyte lineage requires retinoic acid receptor beta and active GSK3

Key events leading to terminal differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes have been identified in recent years. However, signaling pathways involved in the decision of stem cells to follow the adipogenic lineage have not yet been characterized. We have previously shown that differentiating mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells give rise to functional adipocytes upon an early treatment with retinoic acid (RA). The goal of this work was to identify regulators of RA-induced commitment of mES cells to the adipocyte lineage. First, we investigated the role of RA receptor (RAR) isotypes in the induction of mES cell adipogenesis. Using synthetic retinoids selective of RAR isotypes, we show that RARbeta activation is both sufficient and necessary to trigger commitment of mES cells to adipocytes. Then, we performed a small-scale drug screening to find signaling pathways involved in RARbeta-induced mES cell adipogenesis. We show that pharmacological inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3, completely inhibit RARbeta-induced adipogenesis in mES cells. This finding uncovers the requirement of active GSK3 in RARbeta-induced commitment of mES cells toward the adipocyte lineage. Finally, we investigated the role of the Wnt pathway, in which GSK3 is a critical negative regulator, in adipocyte commitment by analyzing Wnt pathway activity in RA- and RARbeta-induced mES cell adipogenesis. Our results suggest that although RARbeta and active GSK3 are required for RA-induced adipogenesis, they might be acting through a Wnt pathway-independent mechanism.

Role of Sox-9, ER81 and VE-cadherin in retinoic acid-mediated trans-differentiation of breast cancer cells

Many aspects of development, tumor growth and metastasis depend upon the provision of an adequate vasculature. This can be a result of regulated angiogenesis, recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitors and/or vascular trans-differentiation. The present study demonstrates that treatment of SKBR-3 breast cancer cells with retinoic acid (RA), an important regulator of embryogenesis, cancer and other diseases, stimulates the formation of networks in Matrigel. RA-treatment of SKBR-3 cells co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells resulted in the formation of mixed structures. RA induces expression of many endothelial genes including vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin. VE-cadherin was also induced by RA in a number of other breast cancer cells. We show that RA-induced VE-cadherin is responsible for the RA-induced morphological changes. RA rapidly induced the expression of Sox-9 and ER81, which in turn form a complex on the VE-cadherin promoter and are required to mediate the transcriptional regulation of VE-cadherin by RA. These data indicate that RA may promote the expression of endothelial genes resulting in endothelial-like differentiation, or provide a mechanism whereby circulating endothelial progenitor cells could be incorporated into a growing organ or tumor.

Vitamin A and infancy. Biochemical, functional, and clinical aspects

Vitamin A is a very intriguing natural compound. The molecule not only has a complex array of physiological functions, but also represents the precursor of promising and powerful new pharmacological agents. Although several aspects of human retinol metabolism, including absorption and tissue delivery, have been clarified, the type and amounts of vitamin A derivatives that are intracellularly produced remain quite elusive. In addition, their precise function and targets still need to be identified. Retinoic acids, undoubtedly, play a major role in explaining activities of retinol, but, recently, a large number of physiological functions have been attributed to different retinoids and to vitamin A itself. One of the primary roles this vitamin plays is in embryogenesis. Almost all steps in organogenesis are controlled by retinoic acids, thus suggesting that retinol is necessary for proper development of embryonic tissues. These considerations point to the dramatic importance of a sufficient intake of vitamin A and explain the consequences if intake of retinol is deficient. However, hypervitaminosis A also has a number of remarkable negative consequences, which, in same cases, could be fatal. Thus, the use of large doses of retinol in the treatment of some human diseases and the use of megavitamin therapy for certain chronic disorders as well as the growing tendency toward vitamin faddism should alert physicians to the possibility of vitamin overdose.

Retinoids in embryonal development

The key role of vitamin A in embryonal development is reviewed. Special emphasis is given to the physiological action of retinoids, as evident from the retinoid ligand knockout models. Retinoid metabolism in embryonic tissues and teratogenic consequences of retinoid administration at high doses are presented. Physiological and pharmacological actions of retinoids are outlined and explained on the basis of their interactions as ligands of the nuclear retinoid receptors. Immediate target genes and the retinoid response elements of their promoters are summarized. The fundamental role of homeobox genes in embryonal development and the actions of retinoids on their expression are discussed. The similarity of the effects of retinoid ligand knockouts to effects of compound retinoid receptor knockouts on embryogenesis is presented. Although much remains to be clarified, the emerging landscape offers exciting views for future research.

Functional implications of the noradrenergic-cholinergic switch induced by retinoic acid in NB69 neuroblastoma cells

Some neuroblastoma cell lines change their neurotransmitter phenotype from noradrenergic to cholinergic under retinoic acid treatment. Such "neurotransmitter switch" seems to be a consequence of changes in the expression and activity of the biosynthetic machinery for both neurotransmitters. In this study, we have characterized this "neurotransmitter switch" induced by retinoic acid in a human neuroblastoma cell line (NB69) showing catecholaminergic characteristics. Retinoic acid treatment reduced tyrosine hydroxylase activity and noradrenaline levels in NB69 cells but did not modify the expression of this enzyme. Moreover, the calcium-dependent release of [(3)H]noradrenaline in control cells was highly reduced by retinoic acid treatment. On the other hand, NB69 cells treated with retinoic acid enhanced the expression of choline acetyltransferase and acquired the capability to release [(3)H]acetylcholine in a calcium-dependent way. In addition, we found that the expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was increased in those cells treated with retinoic acid. Immunostaining revealed that retinoic acid treatment changed the cellular distribution of both vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and vesicular acetylcholine transporter. In conclusion, retinoic acid induces a noradrenergic to cholinergic switch in NB69 cells by acting at several levels of the neurotransmitter phenotypic expression.

Participation of type II protein kinase A in the retinoic acid-induced growth inhibition of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

To examine the role of protein kinase A (EC 2.7.1.37) isozymes in the retinoic acid-induced growth inhibition and neuronal differentiation, we investigated the changes of protein kinase A isozyme patterns in retinoic acid-treated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Retinoic acid induced growth inhibition and neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Neuronal differentiation was evidenced by extensive neurite outgrowth, decrease of N-Myc oncoprotein, and increase of GAP-43 mRNA. Type II protein kinase A activity increased by 1.5-fold in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by retinoic acid treatment. The increase of type II protein kinase A was due to the increase of RIIbeta and Calpha subunits. Since type II protein kinase A and RIIbeta have been known to play important role(s) in the growth inhibition and differentiation of cancer cells, we further investigated the role of the increased type II protein kinase A by overexpressing RIIbeta in SH-SY5Y cells. The growth of RIIbeta-overexpressing cells was slower than that of parental cells, being comparable to that of retinoic acid-treated cells. Retinoic acid treatment further increased the RIIbeta level and further inhibited the growth of RIIbeta-overexpressing cells, showing strong correlation between the level of RIIbeta and growth inhibition. However, RIIbeta-overexpressing cells did not show any sign of neuronal differentiation and responded to retinoic acid in the same way as parental cells. These data suggest that protein kinase A participates in the retinoic acid-induced growth inhibition through the up-regulation of RIIbeta/type II protein kinase A.

The mechanisms of retinoic acid-induced regulation on the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in rat granulosa cells

The present study was undertaken to identify the mechanisms underlying the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) in rat granulosa cells. Treatment with FSH produced a substantial increase in FSH-R mRNA level, as was expected, while concurrent treatment with increasing concentrations of RA brought about dose-dependent decreases in FSH-induced FSH-R mRNA, with a maximal inhibition one-third lower than that induced by FSH alone. RA, either alone or in combination with FSH, did not affect intracellular cAMP levels, while it inhibited the effect of 8-Br-cAMP on FSH-R mRNA production. These results suggested that RA diminished the action of FSH on FSH-R expression at sites distal to cAMP generation in the granulosa cells. Whether the effect of RA and FSH on FSH-R mRNA levels was the result of decreased transcription and/or altered mRNA stability was also investigated. The rate of FSH receptor mRNA gene transcription, assessed by nuclear run-on transcription assay, was found to decrease by the addition of RA. On the other hand, the decay curves for the 2.4 kb FSH-R mRNA transcript in primary granulosa cells did not alter the slope of the FSH-R mRNA decay curve in the presence of RA. Our data suggests for the first time that the effect of RA on FSH-R expression is possibly mediated by the reduction of the FSH-R mRNA level due to a negative regulation of the FSH-R gene in the presence of FSH. These findings assist in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of RA on reproductive function in rat granulosa cells.

Retinoic acid (RA) represses follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor in rat granulosa cells

The present study was undertaken to identify the mechanisms underlying the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on the luteinizing hormone receptor (LH-R) in rat granulosa cells. Treatment with FSH produced a substantial increase in LH-R mRNA level, as was expected, while concurrent treatment with increasing concentrations of RA brought about dose-dependent decreases in FSH-induced LH-R mRNA. RA, either alone or in combination with FSH, did not affect intracellular cAMP levels, while it inhibited the effect of 8-Br-cAMP on LH-R mRNA production. Whether the effect of RA and FSH on LH-R mRNA levels was the result of decreased transcription and/or altered mRNA stability was also investigated. The rate of LH receptor mRNA gene transcription, assessed by nuclear run-on transcription assay, was inhibited by the addition of RA. The effect of RA on LH-R mRNA stability was determined by measuring the decay of LH receptor mRNA under conditions known to inhibit transcription. The decay curves for the 5.4-kb LH-R mRNA transcript showed a significant decrease after the addition of RA. It may be possible that RA not only inhibits FSH-induced transcription but also stimulates the production of destabilizing factors for the LH-R mRNA. These findings assist in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of RA on reproductive function in rat granulosa cells.

Molecular cloning of the Notophthalmus viridescens radical fringe cDNA and characterization of its expression during forelimb development and adult forelimb regeneration

Larval and adult newts provide important experimental models to study limb development and regeneration. These animals have exceptional ability to regenerate their appendages, as well as other vital structures. Our research examines the role of the fringe gene (fng) in the developing and regenerating adult newt forelimb. Fringe codes for a secretory protein. It was first discovered in Drosophila, and later homologues were isolated in Xenopus laevis, chick and mouse. This gene has been highly conserved throughout evolution, indicating its crucial role in vertebrate and invertebrate development. We have isolated, cloned, and sequenced the full length of the Notophthalmus viridescens radical fringe cDNA (nrFng) by screening a newt forelimb blastema cDNA library with a 500-bp fragment of the Xenopus lunatic fringe cDNA. The newt fringe cDNA codes for a 396 amino acid protein with a predicted N-terminal signal sequence. Newt fringe shows high homology with radical fringe homologues of many species. Whole mount mRNA in situ hybridization on several stages of newt limb development reveals that nrFng is first expressed in the limb field, with intense expression as the limb bud develops. However, gene expression diminishes with more advanced digit development. A significant role in adult forelimb regeneration is also evident, as we isolated the cDNA from a regeneration-specific library and found it highly expressed during the regenerative phases of active cell division and then down regulated at sites undergoing differentiation and morphogenesis.

Retinoic acid and thyroid hormone may function through similar and competitive pathways in regenerating axolotls

The objective of this study was to determine whether thyroid hormone (TH) would interfere with retinoic acid (RA), which proximalizes axolotl larvae regenerate limb pattern. RA and TH are ligands for members of the steroid hormone thyroid hormone nuclear binding protein superfamily which form functional homodimers, but may also form stable heterodimers with the RXR protein and may recognize identical DNA sequences. TH alone does not affect limb pattern but induces metamorphosis in regenerating animals. Coinjected animals do not metamorphose, and when compared to RA controls regenerate more proximal and in some cases anteroposterior (AP) and dorsoventral (DV) duplicate limb structures. In addition, the tissues that are normally lost or changed during metamorphosis appear to be sensitized resulting in the formation of (1) new dorsal gill lamellae accompanied by bifurcation and broadening of the original gill lamellae, (2) partial resorption of the tail fin, and (3) changes in eye position and snout morphology. Bifurcation of gill lamellae tips, but not the formation of supernumerary gills, is also observed in animals treated with RA alone. These results indicate that the molecular mechanism of RA and TH function through similar and perhaps competitive pathways.

Gene expression during amphibian limb regeneration

Limb regeneration in adult urodeles is an important phenomenon that poses fundamental questions both in biology and in medicine. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the characterization of the regeneration blastema at cellular and molecular levels and on the current understanding of the molecular basis of limb regeneration and its relationship to development. In particular, we discuss (i) the spatiotemporal distribution of genes and gene products in the mesenchyme and wound epidermis of the regenerating limb, (ii) how growth is controlled in the regeneration blastema, and (iii) molecules that are likely to be involved in patterning the regenerating limb such as homeobox genes and retinoids.

Vitamin A and embryonic development: an overview

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient throughout the life cycle. Its active form, retinoic acid via retinoid receptors, is involved in signal transduction pathways regulating development. Both the lack and excess of vitamin A during embryonic development result in congenital malformations. Approaches to examine the function of vitamin A in embryonic development have included treatment with excess retinoids and the use of retinoid receptor knock-out mice, which have provided important insights into the complexity of the retinoid signaling system. A recently explored model is the retinoid ligand knock-out, i.e., the vitamin A-deficient embryo. Early development can be successfully examined in the vitamin A-deficient avian embryo, in which bioactive retinoids can rescue the deficient genotype as well as phenotype. In this model it has been possible to unequivocally link the physiological function of vitamin A to development of heart, embryonal circulatory and central nervous systems and the regulation of heart asymmetry. Several developmental genes regulated by endogenous vitamin A during early embryogenesis have been identified. Retinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, the vitamin A-active forms, are present in the early embryo. It is the developmentally regulated biogeneration of the vitamin A-active forms via distinct spatio-temporal metabolic pathways that is critically linked to the initiation of retinoid signal transduction during embryonic development.

Distribution of fibronectin, type I collagen, type IV collagen, and laminin in the cardiac jelly of the mouse embryonic heart with retinoic acid-induced complete transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

In the mouse model of complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) produced by all-trans retinoic acid (RA), parietal and septal ridges in the outflow tract (OT) are hypoplastic. At first, these ridges are generated by an expanded cardiac jelly (mainly myocardial basement membrane). Thereafter, endothelial cells delaminate and invade into the adjacent cardiac jelly to form endocardial cushion tissue (formation of cushion ridge). During cushion tissue formation, basement membrane antigens play an important role in the regulation of this endothelial-mesenchymal transformation.

METHODS

To examine whether the myocardial basement membrane components are altered in the RA-treated heart OT, immunohistochemistry for fibronectin, type I collagen, type IV collagen, and laminin was carried out in mouse embryonic hearts at 9.5 and 10.5 ED (embryonic day; vaginal plug = day 0) with or without prior exposure to RA.

RESULTS

Particulate/fibrillar fibronectin and fibrillar type I collagen were observed in the thick cardiac jelly of the control heart at the onset of mesenchymal formation. In the RA-treated heart, an intermittent patchy staining for fibronectin and a sparse distribution of type I collagen were observed in the thin cardiac jelly. Laminin and type IV collagen were distributed continuously on the basal surface (layer adjacent to the basal plasma membrane) of endocardium and myocardium in both control and RA-treated hearts.

CONCLUSIONS

The alterations in the antigens of the myocardial basement membrane (cardiac jelly) may be responsible for the hypoplasticity of parietal and septal ridges that characterizes RA-induced TGA morphology. This may be one of the reasons why mesenchymal cell formation is inhibited in the RA-induced TGA.

Different expression of adenylyl cyclase isoforms after retinoic acid induction of P19 teratocarcinoma cells

We have investigated the adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and gene expression in retinoic acid (RA)-primed murine P19 teratocarcinoma cells, which recapitulate in vitro the first stages of neuroectodermal formation. Here we show that the P19 stem cells possess a basal Ca2+/CaM-stimulated AC activity, which increases about 10-fold after RA induction. The rise of AC activity is associated with a stage-specific up-regulation of AC2, AC5 and AC8 mRNAs and a down-regulation of AC3 mRNA. P19 cells provide a powerful model to investigate the role and specific regulation of AC isoforms during neuronal differentiation.

Purification and characterization of a novel cytosolic NADP(H)-dependent retinol oxidoreductase from rabbit liver

Rabbit liver cytosol exhibits very high retinol dehydrogenase activity. At least two retinol dehydrogenases were demonstrated to exist in rabbit liver cytosol, and the major one, a cytosolic NADP(H)-dependent retinol dehydrogenase (systematic name: retinol oxidoreductase) was purified about 1795-fold to electrophoretic and column chromatographic homogeneity by a procedure involving column chromatography on AF-Red Toyopearl twice and then hydroxyapatite. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 34 kDa by SDS-PAGE, and 144 kDa by HPLC gel filtration, suggesting that it is a homo-tetramer. The enzyme uses free retinol and retinal, and their complexes with CRBP as substrates in vitro. The optimum pH values for retinol oxidation of free retinol and CRBP-retinol were 8.8-9.2 and 8.0-9.0, respectively, and those for retinal reduction of free retinal and retinal-CRBP were the same, 7.0-7.6. Km for free retinol and Vmax for retinal formation were 2.8 microM and 2893 nmol/min per mg protein at 37 degrees C (pH 9.0) and the corresponding values with retinol-CRBP as a substrate were 2.5 microM and 2428 nmol/min per mg protein at 37 degrees C (pH 8.6); Km for free retinal and Vmax for retinol formation were 6.5 microM and 4108 nmol/min per mg protein, and the corresponding values with retinal-CRBP as a substrate were 5.1 microM and 3067 nmol/min per mg protein at 37 degrees C, pH 7.4. NAD(H) was not effective as a cofactor. 4-Methylpyrazole was a weak inhibitor (IC50 = 28 mM) of the enzyme, and ethanol was neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of the enzyme. This enzyme exhibits relatively broad aldehyde reductase activity and some ketone reductase activity, the activity for aromatic substitutive aldehydes being especially high and effective. Whereas, except in the case of retinol, oxidative activity toward the corresponding alcohols was not detected. This novel cytosolic enzyme may play an important role in vivo in maintaining the homeostasis of retinal, the substrate of retinoic acid synthesis, at least in rabbit liver, since a high concentration of retinol in liver and the lower Km of the enzyme for retinol force the oxidative reaction, while higher activity of retinal reductase at physiological pH forces the reductive reaction.

Retinoic acid-induced transcriptional modulation of the human interferon-gamma promoter

Disregulation of vitamin A metabolism is able to generate different immunological effects, including altered response to infection, reduced IgG production, and differential regulation of cytokine gene expression (including interleukin-2 and -4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)). In particular, IFN-gamma gene expression is significantly affected by vitamin A and/or its derivatives (e.g. retinoic acid (RA)). Here, we analyze the effect of retinoic acid on IFN-gamma transcription. Transient transfection assays in the human T lymphoblastoid cell line Jurkat demonstrated that the activation of the IFN-gamma promoter was significantly down-regulated in the presence of RA. Surprisingly, two different AP-1/CREB-ATF-binding elements situated in the initial 108 base pairs of the IFN-gamma promoter and previously shown to be critical for transcriptional activity were unaffected by RA. Utilizing promoter deletions and electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, we identified a USF/EGR-1-binding element cooperating in the modulation of IFN-gamma promoter activity by RA. This element was found to be situated in a position of the IFN-gamma promoter close to a silencer element previously identified in our laboratory. These results suggest that direct modulation of IFN-gamma promoter activity is one of the possible mechanisms involved in the inhibitory effect of retinoids on IFN-gamma gene expression.

Molecular identification of a major retinoic-acid-synthesizing enzyme, a retinaldehyde-specific dehydrogenase

Retinoic acid, a developmental signal implicated in the formation of the neural axis, is present at high levels in the early embryonic trunk region, where it is synthesized by a novel dehydrogenase. Here we show that the same enzyme is inducible by retinoic acid in P19 teratocarcinoma cells, and we report the cloning from P19 cells of a cDNA encoding a novel dehydrogenase, named retinaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (RALDH-2). Expression in COS cells shows RALDH-2 to be highly effective in oxidation of retinaldehyde, with no detectable activity on any other aldehyde tested. In situ hybridization histochemistry on the embryonic trunk reveals RALDH-2 mRNA both in mesoderm and neuroectoderm, with highest neuroectodermal expression in the ventral horn of the spinal cord at two restricted locations along the anteroposterior axis, presumably the subpopulation of motoneurons that innervate the limbs.

Functional interaction between a RARE and an AP-2 binding site in the regulation of the human HOX A4 gene promoter

HOX A genes are induced in a temporal fashion after retinoic acid (RA) treatment in non-N-ras-transformed PA-1 human teratcarcinoma cells. However, In N-ras-transformed PA-1 cells, RA-Induced expression of HOX A genes is delayed. The mRNA for the transcriptional activator AP-2 is overexpressed in these ras-transformed cells, but AP-2 transcriptional activity is inhibited relative to non ras-transformed PA-1 cells. Constitutive expression of AP-2 mimics the effect of ras by transforming cells and inhibiting differentiation in culture. We analyzed 4 kb of the human HOX A4 gene promoter and identified seven putative AP-2-binding sites in the DNA sequence. Transcription assays with variably sized HOX A4 promoter reporter constructs revealed that a 365 bp region of the promoter, -2950 to -3315 relative to the mRNA start, controls RA responsiveness and ras-mediated inhibition of HOX A4 activity. This region contains an AP-2 binding site and a RARE. Elimination of the AP-2 site by site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the AP-2 site is involved in RA-mediated transcriptional activation of the human HOX A4 promoter in combination with the RA receptor response element (RARE). In N-ras-transformed cells, low HOX A4 promoter activity results from ras inhibition of AP-2 transactivation.

Nicotinic receptor subunits alpha 3, alpha 4, and beta 2 and high affinity nicotine binding sites are expressed by P19 embryonal cells

Controlled exposure to retinoic acid (RA) induces the murine embryonal carcinoma cell line P19S18O1A1 (P19) to differentiate into a variety of cell types. One of the cell types exhibits neuronal-like morphology and expresses neuronal markers including neurofilament proteins, glutamate receptors, and the cholinergic enzymes choline acetyl-transferase and acetylcholinesterase. In this study we use Northern blot analysis, double-label immunocytochemistry, and single cell RNA analysis using polymerase chain reaction to show that RA-treated P19 cells with neuronal-like morphology also express neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits alpha 3, alpha 4, and beta 2. Greater than 80% of RA-treated P19 cells with a neuronal-like phenotype express nAChR alpha 4 subunit transcripts and both alpha 4 and beta 2 protein. The RA-induced expression of alpha 3 transcripts accounts for a comparably small number of nAChR-containing cells (< 20%) of which half coexpress alpha 4 transcripts. Expression of high-levels of alpha 4 RNA is dependent upon both cell-cell contact and RA exposure. The appearance of nAChR subunits also coincides with RA-induced expression of high affinity [3H]-nicotine binding receptors. The P19 cell line offers an inducible neuronal cell system to study mammalian neuronal nicotinic receptor expression and the development of high affinity nicotinic binding sites similar to those expressed in the mammalian central nervous system.

Novel retinoic acid receptor ligands in Xenopus embryos

Retinoids are a large family of natural and synthetic compounds related to vitamin A that have pleiotropic effects on body physiology, reproduction, immunity, and embryonic development. The diverse activities of retinoids are primarily mediated by two families of nuclear retinoic acid receptors, the RARs and RXRs. Retinoic acids are thought to be the only natural ligands for these receptors and are widely assumed to be the active principle of vitamin A. However, during an unbiased, bioactivity-guided fractionation of Xenopus embryos, we were unable to detect significant levels of all-trans or 9-cis retinoic acids. Instead, we found that the major bioactive retinoid in the Xenopus egg and early embryo is 4-oxoretinaldehyde, which is capable of binding to and transactivating RARs. In addition to its inherent activity, 4-oxoretinaldehyde appears to be a metabolic precursor of two other RAR ligands, 4-oxoretinoic acid and 4-oxoretinol. The remarkable increase in activity of retinaldehyde and retinol as a consequence of 4-oxo derivatization suggests that this metabolic step could serve a critical regulatory function during embryogenesis.

Retinoic acid-induced embryopathy of the mouse inner ear

Retinoic acid (RA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A that is teratogenic when present in excess during mammalian embryogenesis. We have investigated the effect of embryonic exposure to nonphysiological levels of all-trans RA on the development of the mouse inner ear. Dysmorphogenesis of both vestibular and auditory portions of the inner ear, and abnormal formation of the surrounding capsule are produced by exposure to teratogenic levels of RA at an embryonic age of 9 days (E9). There was no observable teratogenic effect of RA when administered at earlier (i.e., E7 or E8) or later (i.e., E10) stages of otic morphogenesis. We hypothesize that exposure to high levels of RA during a critical period of early otic morphogenesis interferes with the inductive tissue interactions required for inner ear development.

Potential role of bFGF and retinoic acid in the regeneration of chicken cochlear hair cells

Messenger RNAs (mRNA) of several growth factor receptors and relate genes were examined with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in normal and noise-damaged chicken basilar papillae (BP). Analysis of the amplification products indicated the presence of mRNAs for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast factor receptor (FGFR), insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR), insulin receptor (IR), retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR beta), retinoic acid receptor gamma (RXR gamma), and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) in both normal and noise-damaged BP. The RT-PCR products generated were characterized by size and sequencing analysis to confirm the identities of the target molecules. The subcellular localization of the mature protein analogs for EGFR, FGFR, IGFR, RAR beta, and BFGF were identified using fluorescence immunocytochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. These experiments indicated that EGFR is present in the stereociliary bundles in the hair cells, IGFR is not present in the cells of the BP, BFGF localizes in the nuclei of supporting cells in the BP, but not hair cells or hyaline cells, and that RAR beta localizes in the perinuclear regions of hair cells. The subcellular distributions of these proteins were consistent in both noise-damaged and control BP. FGFR, in contrast, changed its distribution in the tissue after noise damage. In normal BP, FGFR is concentrated in the stereocilia of hair cells. However, in damaged regions of noise-exposed chick cochleae, FGFR is heavily expressed in the expanded apical regions of the supporting cells. These findings suggest that BFGF and retinoic acid may potentially play a role in the mechanisms which regulate the regeneration of chicken cochlear hair cells.

Differential teratogenic response of mouse embryos to receptor selective analogs of retinoic acid

Early events that initiate teratogenesis by Accutane or other retinoids in mammalian embryos remain unknown. It would be helpful for mechanistic considerations to know whether or not retinoids act through retinoid receptor-dependent pathways, and if they do, which of the two families of receptors (retinoic acid receptors - RARalpha, beta, gamma or retinoid X receptors - RXRalpha, beta, gamma) are more likely involved. We previously used an in vitro bioassay to demonstrate that those retinoid analogs with binding affinity and transactivational activity limited only to the RXRs have a low potential as teratogens. Here, we have extended the study to examine teratogenicity, in pregnant mice, of a number of synthetic retinoids with varying degrees of receptor selectivity. The ability of each compound to induce fetal limb and craniofacial defects after a single exposure on day 11 of gestation was assessed and compared to that of all-trans retinoic acid (RA). The highest dose selected was 100 mg/kg maternal body weight since such a regimen of all-trans RA affects virtually every exposed embryo without any indication of maternal toxicity. We found that although all RAR agonists were strong teratogens, their potencies varied over a wide magnitude. The teratogenic potencies and receptor transactivation profiles of RAR agonists were not directly correlated since compounds with similar receptor activities presented major differences in potencies. Three compounds were exclusively RXR agonists, and these were not teratogenic under our experimental conditions. Two additional compounds which turned out to be non-teratogenic were distinguished by the fact that they activated neither RARs nor RXRs. These data indicate that although RAR-dependent mechanisms are likely involved in retinoid-induced teratogenesis, there are additional factors which determine teratogenic potency. The absence of teratogenic response in the case of RXR agonists suggests that risk-benefit analyses of such receptor-selective compounds may be fruitful in further studies.

Bilateral ulnar agenesis: case report and review of the literature

Bilateral ulnar agenesis is a rare abnormality. A total of 36 cases are analyzed: 35 of these are documented in the literature and 1 stillborn male is presented in this study. Most patients had one of the three conditions: Al-Awadi/Raas-Rothschild syndrome, syndrome of ulnar aplasia with split hand/split foot deformity, or the Brachmann-de Lange syndrome. Fifty percent of all cases with bilateral ulnar agenesis were associated with lower limb defects and these cases, for the most part, also belonged to the aforementioned syndromes. Nonskeletal, internal organ malformations were identified in 34% of all patients. Nine patients presented with isolated bilateral ulnar agenesis. The Al-Awadi/Raas-Rothschild syndrome and the split hand/split foot deformity are heritable disorders. There was no evidence for genetic etiology in most of the other cases. Bilateral ulnar agenesis in our fetus was part of the Brachmann-de Lange syndrome with associated cardiac defect, diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical artery agenesis.

Retinoid signaling and the generation of regional and cellular diversity in the embryonic mouse spinal cord

Retinoid-dependent gene expression accompanies the emergence of distinct regions and cell classes in the mouse spinal cord around midgestation. We asked whether changes in the expression of retinoid signaling molecules and retinoid-responsive genes reflect the establishment of this regional and cellular diversity. At E10.5, retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RAR)alpha, RAR beta, the retinoid X receptor (RXR) gamma, cellular RA binding protein (CRABP)I, CRAPBII, and cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP)I mRNAs are found throughout the entire anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the cord, as is RA (Colbert et al. [1993] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90:6572-6576) and RA-sensitive transgene expression (Balkan et al. [1992] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:3347-3351). At E12.5, RA, transgene expression, and RAR beta become restricted to the cervical and lumbar cord. RAR alpha, CRABPI, and RXR gamma, however, are found throughout the AP extent. CRABPII and CRBPI, although expanded within the cervical and lumbar regions, are also found throughout the AP axis. Thus, several retinoid signaling molecules continue to be expressed beyond distinct regions of the spinal cord where RA is available and some RA-responsive genes are either restricted or enhanced. Exogenous RA can activate a more widespread response resulting in ectopic transgene and RAR beta expression in the thoracic and sacral cord. Not all RA-sensitive genes, however, respond; CRABPII and CRBPI expression patterns are unchanged. Finally, not every cell within the normal or exogenously induced domains of RA-dependent gene expression responds to RA, nor does every cell express RA receptors or binding proteins. Thus, regional and cellular differences in the distribution of the known retinoid receptors and binding proteins do not predict absolutely where or whether retinoid sensitive genes will be expressed or where retinoids will be available in the developing spinal cord. Instead, retinoid-mediated gene expression in the cervical and lumbar cord seems to reflect retinoid responses that rely both on the local availability of retinoids, the identity of the responding gene, and an indeterminate array of retinoid signaling molecules.

Expression and activity of the newt Msx-1 gene in relation to limb regeneration

The Msx-1 homeobox gene is expressed in various contexts during vertebrate development, including the progress zone of the avian and mouse limb bud. Expression of mouse Msx-1 in a cultured myogenic cell line conferred a transformed phenotype and inhibited fusion into myotubes. It has been proposed that Msx-1 expression is required to maintain certain cells in a proliferating and undifferentiated state and may be associated with the ability to regenerate limbs. Urodele amphibians such as the newt regenerate their limbs by formation of a growth zone or blastema, and we have isolated and sequenced newt Msx-1 (NvMsx-1) from a limb blastemal cDNA library. NvMsx-1 expression was detectable in RNA preparations from both limb and tail and their regeneration blastemas, although cultured cells established from limb blastemal mesenchyme gave negative results. When either COS cells or cultured newt blastemal cells were cotransfected with an expression vector for NvMsx-1 and reporter plasmids containing multiple homeobox protein binding sites, NvMsx-1 repressed reporter expression. If NvMsx-1 was expressed together with a marker enzyme in cultured newt blastemal cells, no significant difference in DNA synthesis was observed relative to control transfectants. When myogenic mononucleate cells were transfected with NvMsx-1 and subsequently exposed to low serum to promote fusion, the fraction of Msx-1 positive cells in myotubes was comparable to a control transfected population analysed in the same culture. These results indicate that although Msx-1 expression could be important for limb regeneration, it does not exert a cell-autonomous effect on proliferation or myogenic differentiation of cultured blastemal cells.

A novel pathway for retinoic acid-induced differentiation of F9 cells that is distinct from receptor-mediated trans-activation

Retinoic acid (RA) has striking effects on vertebrate development and induces differentiation of several lines of cells including embryonal carcinoma F9 cells. It is generally accepted that the actions of RA are mediated by nuclear receptors for RA. However, we now provide evidence that F9 cells can differentiate in response to RA without trans-activation by nuclear receptors. Irreversible differentiation of F9 cells was induced by 18 h of exposure to RA with subsequent incubation in the absence of RA. This induction of differentiation was not blocked after inhibition of protein synthesis and mRNA synthesis during the 18-h treatment with RA, but the endogenous RA receptors failed to activate transcription from their target genes that contain the receptor-binding sequences. During the commitment to RA-induced differentiation, at least five sets of four phosphorylated proteins underwent changes in the absence of protein synthesis de novo. These results suggest that there is a novel pathway for the action of RA that is independent of nuclear receptor-mediated trans-activation.

Activin signalling and response to a morphogen gradient

Using combinations of amphibian embryo tissues, it is shown that the selection of genes expressed by a cell is determined by its distance from a source of activin, a peptide growth factor contained in vegetal cells and able to induce other cells to form mesoderm. This long-range signal spreads over at least 10 cell diameters in a few hours. It does so by passive diffusion, because it can by-pass cells that do not themselves respond to the signal nor synthesize protein. These results provide direct support for the operation of a morphogen concentration gradient in vertebrate development.

Characterization of heterologously expressed recombinant retinoic acid receptors with natural or synthetic retinoids

The first step in retinoid action is binding to their nuclear receptors. Therefore, characterization of binding characteristics of retinoids is of major importance. Human retinoic acid receptors alpha (hRAR alpha), hRAR beta, and mouse RAR gamma (mRAR gamma) were expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli as a recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein. The expressed fusion proteins were functional and bound specifically to the all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). The dissociation constants (Kd) for RA were 1.4 nM for GST-hRAR alpha, 1.4 nM for GST-hRAR beta, and 3.3 nM for GST-mRAR gamma, respectively. The fusion proteins were further used for competitive displacement assays to determine the displacement constant (DC50) for other selected retinoids. All-trans-RA and 4-oxo-all-trans-RA have high affinity with all three receptors (DC50 = 0.8-55 nM). The 13-cis RA binds to hRAR alpha with low affinity, but not to other RARs evaluated here. All-trans-N-ethylretinamide, all-trans-retinylacetate, and an ethyl ester of tetrahydronaphthalene derivative had no affinity to any RARs. The hRAR alpha and mRAR gamma receptors did not bind a naphthalene carboxylic acid derivative of RA, but hRAR beta binds this chemical with high affinity. Results indicated that the three recombinant proteins were functional in binding various RA congeners. The affinity and binding data of these retinoids were compared to their observed teratogenic activity.

Retinoic acid modulates the pattern of cell division in embryos of Lymnaea stagnalis (Mollusca)

All-trans retinoic acid is well known as a modulator of positional specification in vertebrate development. A similar mechanism may operate in molluscan development. Molluscan development is characterized by an invariant pattern of cell divisions, which allows the study of individual cells in the developing organism. Low concentrations of exogenous retinoic acid applied during gastrulation affect the cell division pattern in the early larval stage of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. A few cells from the apical plate, a larval organ consisting of seven large cleavage-arrested cells, were induced by retinoic acid to resume cell division. They typically formed an area of proliferating small cells that resembles the adjacent areas of precursor cells of adult ectoderm. The identification of individual cells that are transformed by retinoic acid may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying positional specification within the embryo.

Isolation of a novel RXR from Xenopus that most closely resembles mammalian RXR beta and is expressed throughout early development

In a search for nuclear receptors that may mediate the teratogenic effects of the potential morphogen, retinoic acid, on the early development of Xenopus we have isolated a novel Xenopus RXR that most closely resembles the mammalian beta-type RXR. Xenopus RXR beta mRNA is expressed throughout early embryogenesis, and functions as an accessory protein to enhance the DNA-binding of other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily.

Retinoic acid and mouse skin morphogenesis. I. Expression pattern of retinoic acid receptor genes during hair vibrissa follicle, plantar, and nasal gland development

The spatial and temporal expression of the nuclear retinoic acid receptors alpha, beta, and gamma (RAR-alpha, beta, and gamma) was compared by in situ hybridization during hair vibrissa follicle and nasal and plantar eccrine gland morphogenesis in mouse embryo. The RAR-alpha and RAR-gamma transcripts are abundant in the dermal papilla cells of the hair vibrissa when these cells elicit epidermal hair placode (12.5-d embryos) and hair follicle (13.5-d embryos) formation. Both these transcripts are also abundant in the dermal cells of the plantar foot pad at the initiation stage (17.5-d embryos) of glandular morphogenesis. In epidermal cells, the distribution of RAR-gamma transcripts increases in parallel with hair vibrissa follicle and sweat gland differentiation, and thus may be part of the epidermal response to the dermal instructions. The RAR-beta signal is barely above control level during both hair vibrissa and plantar gland morphogenesis. By contrast, during nasal gland formation (12.5- to 15.5-d embryos), the RAR-beta signal reaches a high level in mesenchymal cells, whereas the RAR-alpha-transcripts are present in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These results suggest a role for RAR-alpha and RAR-gamma in the epidermal-dermal interactions that lead to hair follicle and plantar gland morphogenesis, whereas the nasal gland development implies RAR-alpha and RAR-beta gene expression. This should be correlated with the expression of the RAR-beta gene that was previously shown to be linked to the RA-induced glandular metaplasia of hair vibrissa follicles.

A model for reading morphogenetic gradients: autocatalysis and competition at the gene level

How are morphogenetic gradients interpreted in terms of embryonic gene transcription patterns within a syncytium such as the Drosophila blastoderm? We propose a hypothetical model based on recent findings in the molecular biology of transcription factors. The model postulates a morphogen which is itself a spatially distributed transcription factor M or which generates a distribution of such a factor. We posit the existence of an additional, zygotically transcribed "vernier" factor V. M and V form all possible dimers: MM, MV, and VV. These are differentially translocated to the nuclei and bind with various affinities to responsive elements in the V promoter, thereby contributing to activation/inactivation of V transcription. We find four generic regimes. In order of complexity, they are as follows: (i) MM activates V; the M gradient gives rise to a sharp transcriptional boundary for V and to a secondary gradient in the concentration of protein V; (ii) MV activates V; a sharp boundary in transcription and distribution of V arises; (iii) MM and MV compete for binding; a stationary stripe of active V transcription is generated; (iv) MM and VV are in competition; a stripe of V transcription moves from one end of the embryo toward the other and may stop and/or dwindle at an intermediate position. Tentative interpretations in terms of Drosophila genes such as bicoid and hunchback are presented.

Vertebrate homeobox genes

In the former part of the review the principal available data about Hox genes, their molecular organisation and their expression in vertebrate embryos, with particular emphasis for mammals, are briefly summarized. In the latter part we analysed the expression of four mouse homeobox genes related to two Drosophila genes expressed in the developing head of the fly: Emx1 and Emx2, related to ems, and Otx1 and Otx2, related to otd.

RXR alpha mutant mice establish a genetic basis for vitamin A signaling in heart morphogenesis

We have established a targeted loss-of-function mutation in the RXR alpha gene in the mouse germ line that results in embryonic lethality between E13.5 and E16.5 when bred to homozygosity. The major defect responsible for lethality is hypoplastic development of the ventricular chambers of the heart, which is manifest as a grossly thinned ventricular wall with concurrent defects in ventricular septation. This phenotype is identical to a subset of the effects of embryonic vitamin A deficiency and, therefore, establishes RXR alpha as a genetic component of the vitamin A signaling pathway in cardiac morphogenesis. The cardiac outflow tracts and associated vessels, which are populated by derivatives of the neural crest and which are also sensitive to vitamin A deficiency, are normal in homozygous embryos, indicating the genetic independence of ventricular chamber development. Hepatic differentiation was dramatically but transiently retarded yet is histologically and morphologically normal. These results ascribe an essential function for the RXR alpha gene in embryonic development and provide the first evidence of a requirement for RXR in one of its predicted hormone response pathways.

Brain lipid-binding protein (BLBP): a novel signaling system in the developing mammalian CNS

Using a polyclonal antibody against postnatal cerebellar cells, we have isolated a new, brain-specific member of the lipid-binding protein family (BLBP). Members of this family, such as cellular retinoic acid-binding protein, have been shown to carry small hydrophobic signaling molecules between cellular compartments. The expression of BLBP is spatially and temporally correlated with neuronal differentiation in many parts of the mouse CNS, including postnatal cerebellum, embryonic spinal cord, and cerebral cortex. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry show that BLBP is transiently expressed in radial glia in both the embryonic ventricular zone and the postnatal cerebellum. Subcellular localization studies by immunoelectron microscopy demonstrate that BLBP is present in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm. Affinity-purified anti-BLBP antibodies block glial and neuronal differentiation in primary cell cultures, but have no effect on cell proliferation or adhesion. Based on these results, we propose that BLBP is required for the establishment of the radial glial fiber system in developing brain, a system that is necessary for the migration of immature neurons to establish cortical layers.

Antisense retinoic acid receptor gamma-1 oligonucleotide enhances chondrogenesis of mouse limb mesenchymal cells in vitro

Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) gamma gene is expressed in the precartilaginous cells during chondrogenesis in mouse embryos, but the role of the gene products is still unclear. To examine the role during chondrogenesis, we isolated mesenchymal cells from the limb bud of mouse embryos and exposed them to antisense RAR gamma-1 oligodeoxynucleotide in micromass culture. The antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited RAR gamma-1 protein expression and enhanced chondrogenesis in the exposed cells. These results suggest that the complex of RAR gamma-1 protein and its ligand RA acts as a suppressor of the chondrogenesis in the limb development.

Effects of retinoic acid on NB 69 human neuroblastoma cells and fetal rat mid brain neurons

Retinoids are chemical compounds which play important roles in ontogenetic development and cranio-caudal differentiation in animals, but their effect on phenotypic expression of neurotransmitters are unknown. We studied the pharmacological and morphological effects of retinoic acid (RA) on two types of immature vertebrate neurons, the human derived neuroblastoma cells, NB69, and fetal rat mid brain neurons in culture. The pharmacological effects of RA on the cultures and their relation to catecholamine and acetylcholine neurotransmission were evaluated according the levels of catecholamines, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, TH immunostaining, and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity, respectively. RA reduces catecholamine levels and TH activity in NB69 cells and the number of dopamine neurons in cultures derived from rat fetal mid brain. The detrimental effect of RA on mid brain neurons is dose- dependent; limited to TH+ cells at low concentrations (100 to 500 nM) and toxic for all types of cells at high concentrations (1 to 2 microM). RA increases CAT activity in NB 69 cells and produces phenotypic differentiation of these to a more mature neuronal phenotype with more prolonged neurite extensions. Therefore, RA may play a trophic positive role in the differentiation of immature cells to cholinergic neurons; this contrasts with the detrimental effects of RA on catecholamine neurons.

Isoform-specific induction of a retinoid-responsive antigen after biolistic transfection of chimaeric retinoic acid/thyroid hormone receptors into a regenerating limb

Retinoic acid (RA) induces secretory differentiation in the wound epidermis of a regenerating amphibian limb. We investigated the role of individual RA receptor (RAR) types in the newt wound epidermis by introducing chimaeric RA/thyroid hormone (T3) receptors (chi alpha 1 and chi delta 1) that can be activated by T3. A biolistic particle delivery system was employed to transfect cells in the wound epidermis of a regenerating limb and approximately 10% of the cells in targeted surface areas expressed marker genes. Both chi alpha 1 and chi delta 1 were comparable in their ability to stimulate transcription of a synthetic reporter construct through a RA response element after activation with T3 in situ. This activation was also comparable to that obtained by the endogenous complement of RARs in the RA-treated, transfected wound epidermis. The RA-inducible WE3 antigen, a marker for secretory differentiation, which distinguishes the wound epidermis from normal skin (Tassava, R. A., Johnson-Wint, B. and Gross, J. 1986, J. Exp. Zool. 239, 229–240), was used to assess the functional role of chi alpha 1 and chi delta 1. Chimaeric receptors were transfected with an alkaline phosphatase marker gene, activated with T3, and the expression of both the marker and WE3 was analyzed by double-label immunofluorescence. Newt limbs transfected with chi delta 1 showed many double-labelled cells dependent on the presence of T3, whereas contralateral limbs transfected with an alkaline phosphatase marker lacking chimaeric receptor sequences did not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Retinoic acid modulates the pattern of cell division in embryos ofLymnaea stagnalis (Mollusca)

All-trans retinoic acid is well known as a modulator of positional specification in vertebrate development. A similar mechanism may operate in molluscan development. Molluscan development is characterized by an invariant pattern of cell divisions, which allows the study of individual cells in the developing organism. Low concentrations of exogenous retinoic acid applied during gastrulation affect the cell division pattern in the early larval stage of the molluscLymnaea stagnalis. A few cells from the apical plate, a larval organ consisting of seven large cleavage-arrested cells, were induced by retinoic acid to resume cell division. They typically formed an area of proliferating small cells that resembles the adjacent areas of precursor cells of adult ectoderm. The identification of individual cells that are transformed by retinoic acid may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying positional specification within the embryo.