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Jones M, Norman M, Tiet AM, Lee J, Lee MH. C. elegans Germline as Three Distinct Tumor Models. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:425. [PMID: 38927305 PMCID: PMC11200432 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells display abnormal growth and division, avoiding the natural process of cell death. These cells can be benign (non-cancerous growth) or malignant (cancerous growth). Over the past few decades, numerous in vitro or in vivo tumor models have been employed to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis in diverse regards. However, our comprehension of how non-tumor cells transform into tumor cells at molecular and cellular levels remains incomplete. The nematode C. elegans has emerged as an excellent model organism for exploring various phenomena, including tumorigenesis. Although C. elegans does not naturally develop cancer, it serves as a valuable platform for identifying oncogenes and the underlying mechanisms within a live organism. In this review, we describe three distinct germline tumor models in C. elegans, highlighting their associated mechanisms and related regulators: (1) ectopic proliferation due to aberrant activation of GLP-1/Notch signaling, (2) meiotic entry failure resulting from the loss of GLD-1/STAR RNA-binding protein, (3) spermatogenic dedifferentiation caused by the loss of PUF-8/PUF RNA-binding protein. Each model requires the mutations of specific genes (glp-1, gld-1, and puf-8) and operates through distinct molecular mechanisms. Despite these differences in the origins of tumorigenesis, the internal regulatory networks within each tumor model display shared features. Given the conservation of many of the regulators implicated in C. elegans tumorigenesis, it is proposed that these unique models hold significant potential for enhancing our comprehension of the broader control mechanisms governing tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Mina Norman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Alex Minh Tiet
- Neuroscience Program, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA;
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Jiwoo Lee
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Park Y, Gaddy M, Hyun M, Jones ME, Aslam HM, Lee MH. Genetic and Chemical Controls of Sperm Fate and Spermatocyte Dedifferentiation via PUF-8 and MPK-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030434. [PMID: 36766775 PMCID: PMC9913519 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030434] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the nematode C. elegans germline as a model system, we previously reported that PUF-8 (a PUF RNA-binding protein) and LIP-1 (a dual-specificity phosphatase) repress sperm fate at 20 °C and the dedifferentiation of spermatocytes into mitotic cells (termed "spermatocyte dedifferentiation") at 25 °C. Thus, double mutants lacking both PUF-8 and LIP-1 produce excess sperm at 20 °C, and their spermatocytes return to mitotically dividing cells via dedifferentiation at 25 °C, resulting in germline tumors. To gain insight into the molecular competence for spermatocyte dedifferentiation, we compared the germline phenotypes of three mutant strains that produce excess sperm-fem-3(q20gf), puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf), and puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15). Spermatocyte dedifferentiation was not observed in fem-3(q20gf) mutants, but it was more severe in puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15) than in puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf) mutants. These results suggest that MPK-1 (the C. elegans ERK1/2 MAPK ortholog) activation in the absence of PUF-8 is required to promote spermatocyte dedifferentiation. This idea was confirmed using Resveratrol (RSV), a potential activator of MPK-1 and ERK1/2 in C. elegans and human cells, respectively. Notably, spermatocyte dedifferentiation was significantly enhanced by RSV treatment in the absence of PUF-8, and its effect was blocked by mpk-1 RNAi. We, therefore, conclude that PUF-8 and MPK-1 are essential regulators for spermatocyte dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we suggest that similar regulatory circuitry may control cellular dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Matthew Gaddy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Moonjung Hyun
- Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jinju 52834, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mariah E. Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Hafiz M. Aslam
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Correspondence:
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Achache H, Falk R, Lerner N, Beatus T, Tzur YB. Oocyte aging is controlled by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13386. [PMID: 34061407 PMCID: PMC8208789 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis is one of the first processes to fail during aging. In women, most oocytes cannot successfully complete meiotic divisions already during the fourth decade of life. Studies of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have uncovered conserved genetic pathways that control lifespan, but our knowledge regarding reproductive aging in worms and humans is limited. Specifically, little is known about germline internal signals that dictate the oogonial biological clock. Here, we report a thorough characterization of the changes in the worm germline during aging. We found that shortly after ovulation halts, germline proliferation declines, while apoptosis continues, leading to a gradual reduction in germ cell numbers. In late aging stages, we observed that meiotic progression is disturbed and crossover designation and DNA double-strand break repair decrease. In addition, we detected a decline in the quality of mature oocytes during aging, as reflected by decreasing size and elongation of interhomolog distance, a phenotype also observed in human oocytes. Many of these altered processes were previously attributed to MAPK signaling variations in young worms. In support of this, we observed changes in activation dynamics of MPK-1 during aging. We therefore tested the hypothesis that MAPK controls oocyte quality in aged worms using both genetic and pharmacological tools. We found that in mutants with high levels of activated MPK-1, oocyte quality deteriorates more rapidly than in wild-type worms, whereas reduction of MPK-1 levels enhances quality. Thus, our data suggest that MAPK signaling controls germline aging and could be used to attenuate the rate of oogenesis quality decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Achache
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Roni Falk
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Noam Lerner
- Department of NeurobiologyThe Institute of Life ScienceThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Grass Center for BioengineeringThe Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and EngineeringThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Tsevi Beatus
- Department of NeurobiologyThe Institute of Life ScienceThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Grass Center for BioengineeringThe Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and EngineeringThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Yonatan B. Tzur
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
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Huggins HP, Subash JS, Stoffel H, Henderson MA, Hoffman JL, Buckner DS, Sengupta MS, Boag PR, Lee MH, Keiper BD. Distinct roles of two eIF4E isoforms in the germline of Caenorhabditis elegans. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs237990. [PMID: 32079657 PMCID: PMC7132772 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.237990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells use both positive and negative mRNA translational control to regulate gene expression that drives their differentiation into gametes. mRNA translational control is mediated by RNA-binding proteins, miRNAs and translation initiation factors. We have uncovered the discrete roles of two translation initiation factor eIF4E isoforms (IFE-1, IFE-3) that bind 7-methylguanosine (m7G) mRNA caps during Caenorhabditiselegans germline development. IFE-3 plays important roles in germline sex determination (GSD), where it promotes oocyte cell fate and is dispensable for spermatogenesis. IFE-3 is expressed throughout the germline and localizes to germ granules, but is distinct from IFE-1 and PGL-1, and facilitates oocyte growth and viability. This contrasts with the robust expression in spermatocytes of IFE-1, the isoform that resides within P granules in spermatocytes and oocytes, and promotes late spermatogenesis. Each eIF4E is localized by its cognate eIF4E-binding protein (IFE-1:PGL-1 and IFE-3:IFET-1). IFE-3 and IFET-1 regulate translation of several GSD mRNAs, but not those under control of IFE-1. Distinct mutant phenotypes, in vivo localization and differential mRNA translation suggest independent dormant and active periods for each eIF4E isoform in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden P Huggins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jacob S Subash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Hamilton Stoffel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Melissa A Henderson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
| | - Jenna L Hoffman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - David S Buckner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Madhu S Sengupta
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Peter R Boag
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Brett D Keiper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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Lu F, Guo K, Chen A, Chen S, Lin H, Zhou X. Transcriptomic profiling of effects of emamectin benzoate on the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:747-757. [PMID: 31386282 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emamectin benzoate (EB) has recently been successfully applied as a trunk injection for preventative control of the pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle. Here, a whole-organism transcriptomic analysis provides comprehensive insights into the adverse effects of EB on B. xylophilus. RESULTS A large set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, demonstrating the antagonistic effects of EB on B. xylophilus embryonic and larval development, reproduction, nervous and motor systems, and pathogenesis. In toxicity assays with EB, the number of eggs laid, hatching rate, thrashing frequency, and developmental rate of B. xylophilus were significantly suppressed at low concentrations (0.1 μg mL-1 ). Moreover, the transcriptional changes validated by real-time quantitative PCR showed downregulated transcript levels of the genes encoding pectate lyases, β-1,4-endoglucanases, and upregulated the genes encoding glutamate-gated chloride channel, γ-aminobutyric acid type β receptor, uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyl transferase, ATP-binding cassette transporter. The potential responses of B. xylophilus to EB included the upregulation of several genes putatively contributing to oocyte protection, stem cell renewal, and xenobiotic degradation, implying the potential for drug resistance to develop. CONCLUSION Our findings further our understanding of the effects of EB for managing the PWD and may help to improve the pesticide-use strategies for controlling B. xylophilus. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Anliang Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shani Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiping Lin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Green Pesticide, State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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6
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Park Y, O'Rourke S, Taki FA, Alfhili MA, Lee MH. Dose-Dependent Effects of GLD-2 and GLD-1 on Germline Differentiation and Dedifferentiation in the Absence of PUF-8. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:5. [PMID: 32039211 PMCID: PMC6992537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PUMILIO/FBF (PUF) proteins have a conserved function in stem cell regulation. Caenorhabditis elegans PUF-8 protein inhibits the translation of target mRNAs by interacting with PUF binding element (PBE) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). In this work, an in silico analysis has identified gld-2 [a poly(A) polymerase] as a putative PUF-8 target. Biochemical and reporter analyses showed that PUF-8 specifically binds to a PBE in gld-2 3′ UTR and represses a GFP reporter gene carrying gld-2 3′ UTR in the C. elegans mitotic germ cells. GLD-2 enhances meiotic entry at least in part by activating GLD-1 (a KH motif-containing RNA-binding protein). Our genetic analyses also demonstrated that heterozygous gld-2(+/−) gld-1(+/−) genes in the absence of PUF-8 are competent for meiotic entry (early differentiation), but haplo-insufficient for the meiotic division (terminal differentiation) of spermatocytes. Indeed, the arrested spermatocytes return to mitotic cells via dedifferentiation, which results in germline tumors. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we thus suggest that similar molecular mechanisms may control differentiation, dedifferentiation, and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Samuel O'Rourke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Faten A Taki
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohammad A Alfhili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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7
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Ye C, Rasheed H, Ran Y, Yang X, Xing L, Su X. Transcriptome changes reveal the genetic mechanisms of the reproductive plasticity of workers in lower termites. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:702. [PMID: 31500567 PMCID: PMC6734246 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The reproductive plasticity of termite workers provides colonies with tremendous flexibility to respond to environmental changes, which is the basis for evolutionary and ecological success. Although it is known that all colony members share the same genetic background and that differences in castes are caused by differences in gene expression, the pattern of the specific expression of genes involved in the differentiation of workers into reproductives remains unclear. In this study, the isolated workers of Reticulitermes labralis developed into reproductives, and then comparative transcriptomes were used for the first time to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive plasticity of workers. Results We identified 38,070 differentially expressed genes and found a pattern of gene expression involved in the differentiation of the workers into reproductives. 12, 543 genes were specifically upregulated in the isolated workers. Twenty-five signal transduction pathways classified into environmental information processing were related to the differentiation of workers into reproductives. Ras functions as a signalling switch regulates the reproductive plasticity of workers. The catalase gene which is related to longevity was up-regulated in reproductives. Conclusion We demonstrate that workers leaving the natal colony can induce the expression of stage-specific genes in the workers, which leads to the differentiation of workers into reproductives and suggests that the signal transduction along the Ras-MAPK pathway crucially controls the reproductive plasticity of the workers. This study also provides an important model for revealing the molecular mechanism of longevity changes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6037-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Humaira Rasheed
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuehua Ran
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lianxi Xing
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Su
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China. .,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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Achache H, Laurent L, Hecker-Mimoun Y, Ishtayeh H, Rappaport Y, Kroizer E, Colaiácovo MP, Tzur YB. Progression of Meiosis Is Coordinated by the Level and Location of MAPK Activation Via OGR-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2019; 212:213-229. [PMID: 30867196 PMCID: PMC6499523 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, a series of evolutionarily conserved events allow for reductional chromosome division, which is required for sexual reproduction. Although individual meiotic processes have been extensively studied, we currently know far less about how meiosis is regulated and coordinated. In the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling drives oogenesis while undergoing spatial activation and deactivation waves. However, it is currently unclear how MAPK activation is governed and how it facilitates the progression of oogenesis. Here, we show that the oocyte and germline-related 2 (ogr-2) gene affects proper progression of oogenesis. Complete deletion of ogr-2 results in delayed meiotic entry and late spatial onset of double-strand break repair. Elevated levels of apoptosis are observed in this mutant, independent of the meiotic canonical checkpoints; however, they are dependent on the MAPK terminal member MPK-1/ERK. MPK-1 activation is elevated in diplotene in ogr-2 mutants and its aberrant spatial activation correlates with stages where meiotic progression defects are evident. Deletion of ogr-2 significantly reduces the expression of lip-1, a phosphatase reported to repress MPK-1, which is consistent with OGR-2 localization at chromatin in germ cells. We suggest that OGR-2 modulates the expression of lip-1 to promote the timely progression of meiosis through MPK-1 spatial deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Achache
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Lévana Laurent
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Yaël Hecker-Mimoun
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Hasan Ishtayeh
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Yisrael Rappaport
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Eitan Kroizer
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | | | - Yonatan B Tzur
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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9
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Giannoulatou E, Maher GJ, Ding Z, Gillis AJM, Dorssers LCJ, Hoischen A, Rajpert-De Meyts E, McVean G, Wilkie AOM, Looijenga LHJ, Goriely A. Whole-genome sequencing of spermatocytic tumors provides insights into the mutational processes operating in the male germline. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178169. [PMID: 28542371 PMCID: PMC5439955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult male germline stem cells (spermatogonia) proliferate by mitosis and, after puberty, generate spermatocytes that undertake meiosis to produce haploid spermatozoa. Germ cells are under evolutionary constraint to curtail mutations and maintain genome integrity. Despite constant turnover, spermatogonia very rarely form tumors, so-called spermatocytic tumors (SpT). In line with the previous identification of FGFR3 and HRAS selfish mutations in a subset of cases, candidate gene screening of 29 SpTs identified an oncogenic NRAS mutation in two cases. To gain insights in the etiology of SpT and into properties of the male germline, we performed whole-genome sequencing of five tumors (4/5 with matched normal tissue). The acquired single nucleotide variant load was extremely low (~0.2 per Mb), with an average of 6 (2-9) non-synonymous variants per tumor, none of which is likely to be oncogenic. The observed mutational signature of SpTs is strikingly similar to that of germline de novo mutations, mostly involving C>T transitions with a significant enrichment in the ACG trinucleotide context. The tumors exhibited extensive aneuploidy (50-99 autosomes/tumor) involving whole-chromosomes, with recurrent gains of chr9 and chr20 and loss of chr7, suggesting that aneuploidy itself represents the initiating oncogenic event. We propose that SpT etiology recapitulates the unique properties of male germ cells; because of evolutionary constraints to maintain low point mutation rate, rare tumorigenic driver events are caused by a combination of gene imbalance mediated via whole-chromosome aneuploidy. Finally, we propose a general framework of male germ cell tumor pathology that accounts for their mutational landscape, timing and cellular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Giannoulatou
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey J. Maher
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhihao Ding
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gilean McVean
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew O. M. Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Goriely
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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Lee MH, Yoon DS. A Phenotype-Based RNAi Screening for Ras-ERK/MAPK Signaling-Associated Stem Cell Regulators in C. elegans. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1622:207-221. [PMID: 28674811 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7108-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have the ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated cell types. A regulatory network that controls this balance is critical for stem cell homeostasis and normal animal development. Particularly, Ras-ERK/MAPK signaling pathway is critical for stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in mammals, including humans. Aberrant regulation of Ras-ERK/MAPK signaling pathway results in either stem cell or overproliferation. Therefore, the identification of Ras-ERK/MAPK signaling pathway-associated regulators is critical to understand the mechanism of stem cell (possibly cancer stem cell) control. In this report, using the nematode C. elegans mutants, we developed a methodology for a phenotype-based RNAi screening that identifies stem cell regulator genes associated with Ras-ERK/MAPK signaling within the context of a whole organism. Importantly, this phenotype-based RNAi screening can be applied for other stem cell-associated signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and Notch using the C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myon-Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Dong Suk Yoon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
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11
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Chi C, Ronai D, Than MT, Walker CJ, Sewell AK, Han M. Nucleotide levels regulate germline proliferation through modulating GLP-1/Notch signaling in C. elegans. Genes Dev 2016; 30:307-20. [PMID: 26833730 PMCID: PMC4743060 DOI: 10.1101/gad.275107.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Chi et al. researched the link between known nutrient-sensing systems and reproductive programs. Using a model system in C. elegans, they show that a Notch signaling pathway senses the level of uridine/thymidine and controls germline proliferation, delineating a previously unknown nucleotide-sensing mechanism for controlling reproductivity. Animals alter their reproductive programs to accommodate changes in nutrient availability, yet the connections between known nutrient-sensing systems and reproductive programs are underexplored, and whether there is a mechanism that senses nucleotide levels to coordinate germline proliferation is unknown. We established a model system in which nucleotide metabolism is perturbed in both the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (cytidine deaminases) and its food (Escherichia coli); when fed food with a low uridine/thymidine (U/T) level, germline proliferation is arrested. We provide evidence that this impact of U/T level on the germline is critically mediated by GLP-1/Notch and MPK-1/MAPK, known to regulate germline mitotic proliferation. This germline defect is suppressed by hyperactivation of glp-1 or disruption of genes downstream from glp-1 to promote meiosis but not by activation of the IIS or TORC1 pathways. Moreover, GLP-1 expression is post-transcriptionally modulated by U/T levels. Our results reveal a previously unknown nucleotide-sensing mechanism for controlling reproductivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Chi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Diana Ronai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Minh T Than
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Aileen K Sewell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Min Han
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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12
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Hall BA, Piterman N, Hajnal A, Fisher J. Emergent stem cell homeostasis in the C. elegans germline is revealed by hybrid modeling. Biophys J 2016. [PMID: 26200879 PMCID: PMC4621618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of homeostasis among cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis is of key importance for organogenesis. Stem cells respond to temporally and spatially regulated signals by switching from mitotic proliferation to asymmetric cell division and differentiation. Executable computer models of signaling pathways can accurately reproduce a wide range of biological phenomena by reducing detailed chemical kinetics to a discrete, finite form. Moreover, coordinated cell movements and physical cell-cell interactions are required for the formation of three-dimensional structures that are the building blocks of organs. To capture all these aspects, we have developed a hybrid executable/physical model describing stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and homeostasis in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. Using this hybrid model, we are able to track cell lineages and dynamic cell movements during germ cell differentiation. We further show how apoptosis regulates germ cell homeostasis in the gonad, and propose a role for intercellular pressure in developmental control. Finally, we use the model to demonstrate how an executable model can be developed from the hybrid system, identifying a mechanism that ensures invariance in fate patterns in the presence of instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Hall
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, Hutchison/Medical Research Council Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Microsoft Research Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Nir Piterman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alex Hajnal
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmin Fisher
- Microsoft Research Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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SHI HUAIPING, ZHANG TIANYING, YI YONGQING, MA YUE. Inhibition of the Ras-ERK pathway in mitotic COS7 cells is due to the inability of EGFR/Raf to transduce EGF signaling to downstream proteins. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:3593-9. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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14
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Shi H, Zhang T, Yi Y, Luo J. Investigation of MEK activity in COS7 cells entering mitosis. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:3163-8. [PMID: 25269541 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been extensively investigated, numerous events remain unclear. In the present study, we examined mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) expression from interphase to mitosis. Following nocodazole treatment, COS7 cells gradually became round as early as 4 h after treatment. Cyclin B1 expression gradually increased from 4 to 24 h in the presence of nocodazole. When cells were treated with nocodazole for 4 h, the level of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated MEK phosphorylation did not significantly change between nocodazole-untreated and -treated (4 h) cells (P>0.05). However, EGF-mediated MEK phosphorylation was significantly inhibited upon treatment with nocodazole for 8 and 24 h compared to nocodazole-untreated cells (P<0.05). MEK phosphorylation levels were comparable between 1, 5, 10 and 50 ng/ml EGF treatments. Phorbol 12-myristic 13-acetate (PMA) did not activate MEK in mitotic cells. Following treatment of COS7 cells at the interphase with AG1478 or U0126, MEK phosphorylation was blocked. In addition, the investigation of the expression of proteins downstream of MEK demonstrated that EGF does not significantly affect the phosphorylation level of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RSK) and Elk in mitotic cells (P>0.05). The results showed that MEK expression is gradually inhibited from cell interphase to mitosis, and that MEK downstream signaling is affected by this inhibition, which probably reflects the requirements of cell physiology during mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiping Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
| | - Tianying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
| | - Yongqing Yi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
| | - Jun Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
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15
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Jiang J, Lau AC, Csankovszki G. Pluripotent cells will not dosage compensate. WORM 2014; 3:e29051. [PMID: 25254152 DOI: 10.4161/worm.29051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dosage compensation is the mechanism that balances gene expression levels between males and females as well as between the X chromosome and autosomes. In mammals, loss of pluripotency and differentiation are closely linked with the onset of dosage compensation. Pluripotency factors negatively regulate Xist (the non-coding RNA that triggers X chromosome inactivation) and positively regulate Tsix, a repressor of Xist, to inhibit dosage compensation. In addition, X chromosome dose also regulates exit from the pluripotent state. A double dose of X chromosomes in undifferentiated female cells inhibits the MAPK and Gsk3 signaling pathways and activates the Akt pathway, thereby blocking differentiation. Here we review our recent report, which showed that the onset of dosage compensation is also linked to the loss of pluripotency in C. elegans. We discuss these findings in light of what is known about pluripotency and differentiation in this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Jiang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Alyssa C Lau
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Györgyi Csankovszki
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI USA
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16
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Datla US, Scovill NC, Brokamp AJ, Kim E, Asch AS, Lee MH. Role of PUF-8/PUF protein in stem cell control, sperm-oocyte decision and cell fate reprogramming. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1306-11. [PMID: 24638209 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pumilio and FBF (PUF) proteins are conserved stem cell regulators that maintain germline stem cells (GSCs) in worms and flies. Moreover, they are also present in vertebrate stem cells. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has multiple PUF proteins with specialized roles. Among them, PUF-8 protein controls multiple cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, sperm-oocyte decision, and cell fate reprogramming, depending on the genetic context in the C. elegans germline. In this review, we describe the possible mechanisms of how PUF-8 protein systematically controls multiple cellular processes in the C. elegans germline. Since PUF proteins are evolutionarily conserved, we suggest that a similar mechanism may be involved in controlling stem cell regulation and differentiation in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Sree Datla
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina; Department of Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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17
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Kobet RA, Pan X, Zhang B, Pak SC, Asch AS, Lee MH. Caenorhabditis elegans: A Model System for Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery and Therapeutic Target Identification. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 22:371-83. [PMID: 25414766 PMCID: PMC4201220 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) offers a unique opportunity for biological and basic medical researches due to its genetic tractability and well-defined developmental lineage. It also provides an exceptional model for genetic, molecular, and cellular analysis of human disease-related genes. Recently, C. elegans has been used as an ideal model for the identification and functional analysis of drugs (or small-molecules) in vivo. In this review, we describe conserved oncogenic signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, and Ras) and their potential roles in the development of cancer stem cells. During C. elegans germline development, these signaling pathways regulate multiple cellular processes such as germline stem cell niche specification, germline stem cell maintenance, and germ cell fate specification. Therefore, the aberrant regulations of these signaling pathways can cause either loss of germline stem cells or overproliferation of a specific cell type, resulting in sterility. This sterility phenotype allows us to identify drugs that can modulate the oncogenic signaling pathways directly or indirectly through a high-throughput screening. Current in vivo or in vitro screening methods are largely focused on the specific core signaling components. However, this phenotype-based screening will identify drugs that possibly target upstream or downstream of core signaling pathways as well as exclude toxic effects. Although phenotype-based drug screening is ideal, the identification of drug targets is a major challenge. We here introduce a new technique, called Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS). This innovative method is able to identify the target of the identified drug. Importantly, signaling pathways and their regulators in C. elegans are highly conserved in most vertebrates, including humans. Therefore, C. elegans will provide a great opportunity to identify therapeutic drugs and their targets, as well as to understand mechanisms underlying the formation of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Kobet
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
| | - Xiaoping Pan
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Adam S Asch
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 ; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 ; Current address: Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 ; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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18
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Benson JA, Cummings EE, O'Reilly LP, Lee MH, Pak SC. A high-content assay for identifying small molecules that reprogram C. elegans germ cell fate. Methods 2014; 68:529-35. [PMID: 24990146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthrough discoveries have shown that committed cell fates can be reprogrammed by genetic, chemical and environmental manipulations. The germline of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides a tractable system for studying cell fate reprogramming within the context of a whole organism. To explore the possibility of using C. elegans in high-throughput screens (HTS), we developed a high-throughput workflow for testing compounds that modulate cell fate reprogramming. We utilized puf-8; lip-1 mutants that have enhanced MPK-1 (an ERK homolog)/MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling. Wild-type C. elegans hermaphrodites produce both sperm and oocytes, and are thus self-fertile. However, puf-8; lip-1 mutants produce only sperm and are sterile. Notably, compounds that pharmacologically down-regulate MPK-1 (an ERK homolog)/MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling are able to reprogram germ cell fate and restore fertility to these animals. puf-8; lip-1 mutants provide numerous challenges for HTS. First, they are sterile as homozygotes and must be maintained as heterozygotes using a balancer chromosome. Second, homozygous animals for experimentation must be physically separated from the rest of the population. Third, a high quality, high-content assay has not been developed to measure compound effects on germ cell fate reprogramming. Here we describe a semi-automated high-throughput workflow that enables effective sorting of homozygous puf-8; lip-1 mutants into 384-well plates using the COPAS™ BIOSORT. In addition, we have developed an image-based assay for rapidly measuring germ cell reprogramming by measuring the number of viable progeny in wells. The methods presented in this report enable the use of puf-8; lip-1 mutants in HTS campaigns for chemical modulators of germ cell reprogramming within the context of a whole organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Benson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Erin E Cummings
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Linda P O'Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
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19
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Yang J, Hong Y, Yuan C, Fu Z, Shi Y, Zhang M, Shen L, Han Y, Zhu C, Li H, Lu K, Liu J, Feng X, Lin J. Microarray analysis of gene expression profiles of Schistosoma japonicum derived from less-susceptible host water buffalo and susceptible host goat. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70367. [PMID: 23940568 PMCID: PMC3734127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Water buffalo and goats are natural hosts for S. japonicum in endemic areas of China. The susceptibility of these two hosts to schistosome infection is different, as water buffalo are less conducive to S. japonicum growth and development. To identify genes that may affect schistosome development and survival, we compared gene expression profiles of schistosomes derived from these two natural hosts using high-throughput microarray technology. Results The worm recovery rate was lower and the length and width of worms from water buffalo were smaller compared to those from goats following S. japonicum infection for 7 weeks. Besides obvious morphological difference between the schistosomes derived from the two hosts, differences were also observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Microarray analysis showed differentially expressed gene patterns for parasites from the two hosts, which revealed that genes related to lipid and nucleotide metabolism, as well as protein folding, sorting, and degradation were upregulated, while others associated with signal transduction, endocrine function, development, immune function, endocytosis, and amino acid/carbohydrate/glycan metabolism were downregulated in schistosomes from water buffalo. KEGG pathway analysis deduced that the differentially expressed genes mainly involved lipid metabolism, the MAPK and ErbB signaling pathways, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, dorso-ventral axis formation, reproduction, and endocytosis, etc. Conclusion The microarray gene analysis in schistosomes derived from water buffalo and goats provide a useful platform to disclose differences determining S. japonicum host compatibility to better understand the interplay between natural hosts and parasites, and identify schistosome target genes associated with susceptibility to screen vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmei Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxiu Yuan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaojun Shi
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuhong Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuangang Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingang Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JL); (XF)
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JL); (XF)
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