1
|
Wellik DM. Hox genes and patterning the vertebrate body. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 159:1-27. [PMID: 38729674 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The diversity of vertebrate body plans is dizzying, yet stunning for the many things they have in common. Vertebrates have inhabited virtually every part of the earth from its coldest to warmest climates. They locomote by swimming, flying, walking, slithering, or climbing, or combinations of these behaviors. And they exist in many different sizes, from the smallest of frogs, fish and lizards to giraffes, elephants, and blue whales. Despite these differences, vertebrates follow a remarkably similar blueprint for the establishment of their body plan. Within the relatively small amount of time required to complete gastrulation, the process through which the three germ layers, ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm are created, the embryo also generates its body axis and is simultaneously patterned. For the length of this axis, the genes that distinguish the neck from the rib cage or the trunk from the sacrum are the Hox genes. In vertebrates, there was evolutionary pressure to maintain this set of genes in the organism. Over the past decades, much has been learned regarding the regulatory mechanisms that ensure the appropriate expression of these genes along the main body axes. Genetic functions continue to be explored though much has been learned. Much less has been discerned on the identity of co-factors used by Hox proteins for the specificity of transcriptional regulation or what downstream targets and pathways are critical for patterning events, though there are notable exceptions. Current work in the field is demonstrating that Hox genes continue to function in many organs long after directing early patterning events. It is hopeful continued research will shed light on remaining questions regarding mechanisms used by this important and conserved set of transcriptional regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deneen M Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Nucera S, Scicchitano M, Ruga S, Cardamone A, Maurotti S, Russo C, Coppoletta AR, Macrì R, Bava I, Scarano F, Castagna F, Serra M, Caminiti R, Maiuolo J, Oppedisano F, Ilari S, Lauro F, Giancotti L, Muscoli C, Carresi C, Palma E, Gliozzi M, Musolino V, Mollace V. Pathophysiological Aspects of Muscle Atrophy and Osteopenia Induced by Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) of the Sciatic Nerve in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043765. [PMID: 36835176 PMCID: PMC9962869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a condition characterized by a loss of muscle mass and muscle strength caused by an imbalance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. Muscle atrophy is often associated with a loss of bone mass manifesting as osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate if chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats can be a valid model to study muscle atrophy and consequent osteoporosis. Body weight and body composition were assessed weekly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on day zero before ligation and day 28 before sacrifice. Catabolic markers were assessed via Western blot and Quantitative Real-time PCR. After the sacrifice, a morphological analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle and Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) on the tibia bone were performed. Rats that underwent CCI had a lower body weight increase on day 28 compared to the naive group of rats (p < 0.001). Increases in lean body mass and fat mass were also significantly lower in the CCI group (p < 0.001). The weight of skeletal muscles was found to be significantly lower in the ipsilateral hindlimb compared to that of contralateral muscles; furthermore, the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers decreased significantly in the ipsilateral gastrocnemius. The CCI of the sciatic nerve induced a statistically significant increase in autophagic and UPS (Ubiquitin Proteasome System) markers and a statistically significant increase in Pax-7 (Paired Box-7) expression. Micro-CT showed a statistically significant decrease in the bone parameters of the ipsilateral tibial bone. Chronic nerve constriction appeared to be a valid model for inducing the condition of muscle atrophy, also causing changes in bone microstructure and leading to osteoporosis. Therefore, sciatic nerve constriction could be a valid approach to study muscle-bone crosstalk and to identify new strategies to prevent osteosarcopenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bosco
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Miriam Scicchitano
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Samantha Maurotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Grecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Russo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Grecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Coppoletta
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Macrì
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Irene Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH) Center, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Ilari
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Filomena Lauro
- Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Luigi Giancotti
- Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Micaela Gliozzi
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH) Center, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Hox genes encode evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that are essential for the proper development of bilaterian organisms. Hox genes are unique because they are spatially and temporally regulated during development in a manner that is dictated by their tightly linked genomic organization. Although their genetic function during embryonic development has been interrogated, less is known about how these transcription factors regulate downstream genes to direct morphogenetic events. Moreover, the continued expression and function of Hox genes at postnatal and adult stages highlights crucial roles for these genes throughout the life of an organism. Here, we provide an overview of Hox genes, highlighting their evolutionary history, their unique genomic organization and how this impacts the regulation of their expression, what is known about their protein structure, and their deployment in development and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A. Hubert
- Program in Genetics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Deneen M. Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mechano-activated biomolecule release in regenerating load-bearing tissue microenvironments. Biomaterials 2020; 265:120255. [PMID: 33099065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although mechanical loads are integral for musculoskeletal tissue homeostasis, overloading and traumatic events can result in tissue injury. Conventional drug delivery approaches for musculoskeletal tissue repair employ localized drug injections. However, rapid drug clearance and inadequate synchronization of molecule provision with healing progression render these methods ineffective. To overcome this, a programmable mechanoresponsive drug delivery system was developed that utilizes the mechanical environment of the tissue during rehabilitation (for example, during cartilage repair) to trigger biomolecule provision. For this, a suite of mechanically-activated microcapsules (MAMCs) with different rupture profiles was generated in a single fabrication batch via osmotic annealing of double emulsions. MAMC physical dimensions were found to dictate mechano-activation in 2D and 3D environments and their stability in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the tunability of this system. In models of cartilage regeneration, MAMCs did not interfere with tissue growth and activated depending on the mechanical properties of the regenerating tissue. Finally, biologically active anti-inflammatory agents were encapsulated and released from MAMCs, which counteracted degradative cues and prevented the loss of matrix in living tissue environments. This unique technology has tremendous potential for implementation across a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions for enhanced repair of load-bearing tissues.
Collapse
|