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Panara V, Yu H, Peng D, Staxäng K, Hodik M, Filipek-Gorniok B, Kazenwadel J, Skoczylas R, Mason E, Allalou A, Harvey NL, Haitina T, Hogan BM, Koltowska K. Multiple cis-regulatory elements control prox1a expression in distinct lymphatic vascular beds. Development 2024; 151:dev202525. [PMID: 38722096 PMCID: PMC11128278 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
During embryonic development, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) precursors are distinguished from blood endothelial cells by the expression of Prospero-related homeobox 1 (Prox1), which is essential for lymphatic vasculature formation in mouse and zebrafish. Prox1 expression initiation precedes LEC sprouting and migration, serving as the marker of specified LECs. Despite its crucial role in lymphatic development, Prox1 upstream regulation in LECs remains to be uncovered. SOX18 and COUP-TFII are thought to regulate Prox1 in mice by binding its promoter region. However, the specific regulation of Prox1 expression in LECs remains to be studied in detail. Here, we used evolutionary conservation and chromatin accessibility to identify enhancers located in the proximity of zebrafish prox1a active in developing LECs. We confirmed the functional role of the identified sequences through CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of a lymphatic valve enhancer. The deletion of this region results in impaired valve morphology and function. Overall, our results reveal an intricate control of prox1a expression through a collection of enhancers. Ray-finned fish-specific distal enhancers drive pan-lymphatic expression, whereas vertebrate-conserved proximal enhancers refine expression in functionally distinct subsets of lymphatic endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Panara
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
- Beijer Gene and Neuro Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Hujun Yu
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology and Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Di Peng
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Karin Staxäng
- BioVis Core Facility, Platform EM, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Monika Hodik
- BioVis Core Facility, Platform EM, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Beata Filipek-Gorniok
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Jan Kazenwadel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Renae Skoczylas
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Mason
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Amin Allalou
- Uppsala University, Department of Information Technology, Division of Visual Information and Interaction, and SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
| | - Natasha L. Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Tatjana Haitina
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75236, Sweden
| | - Benjamin M. Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology and Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Koltowska
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
- Beijer Gene and Neuro Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden
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Hu Z, Zhao X, Wu Z, Qu B, Yuan M, Xing Y, Song Y, Wang Z. Lymphatic vessel: origin, heterogeneity, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:9. [PMID: 38172098 PMCID: PMC10764842 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels, comprising the secondary circulatory system in human body, play a multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis among various tissues and organs. They are tasked with a serious of responsibilities, including the regulation of lymph absorption and transport, the orchestration of immune surveillance and responses. Lymphatic vessel development undergoes a series of sophisticated regulatory signaling pathways governing heterogeneous-origin cell populations stepwise to assemble into the highly specialized lymphatic vessel networks. Lymphangiogenesis, as defined by new lymphatic vessels sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels/embryonic veins, is the main developmental mechanism underlying the formation and expansion of lymphatic vessel networks in an embryo. However, abnormal lymphangiogenesis could be observed in many pathological conditions and has a close relationship with the development and progression of various diseases. Mechanistic studies have revealed a set of lymphangiogenic factors and cascades that may serve as the potential targets for regulating abnormal lymphangiogenesis, to further modulate the progression of diseases. Actually, an increasing number of clinical trials have demonstrated the promising interventions and showed the feasibility of currently available treatments for future clinical translation. Targeting lymphangiogenic promoters or inhibitors not only directly regulates abnormal lymphangiogenesis, but improves the efficacy of diverse treatments. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of lymphatic vessel development and physiological functions, and describe the critical involvement of abnormal lymphangiogenesis in multiple diseases. Moreover, we summarize the targeting therapeutic values of abnormal lymphangiogenesis, providing novel perspectives for treatment strategy of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xushi Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Bicheng Qu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Minxian Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yongxi Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Moleri S, Mercurio S, Pezzotta A, D’Angelo D, Brix A, Plebani A, Lini G, Di Fuorti M, Beltrame M. Lymphatic Defects in Zebrafish sox18 Mutants Are Exacerbated by Perturbed VEGFC Signaling, While Masked by Elevated sox7 Expression. Cells 2023; 12:2309. [PMID: 37759531 PMCID: PMC10527217 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor-coding gene SOX18, the growth factor-coding gene VEGFC and its receptor-coding gene VEGFR3/FLT4 cause primary lymphedema in humans. In mammals, SOX18, together with COUP-TFII/NR2F2, activates the expression of Prox1, a master regulator in lymphatic identity and development. Knockdown studies have also suggested an involvement of Sox18, Coup-tfII/Nr2f2, and Prox1 in zebrafish lymphatic development. Mutants in the corresponding genes initially failed to recapitulate the lymphatic defects observed in morphants. In this paper, we describe a novel zebrafish sox18 mutant allele, sa12315, which behaves as a null. The formation of the lymphatic thoracic duct is affected in sox18 homozygous mutants, but defects are milder in both zygotic and maternal-zygotic sox18 mutants than in sox18 morphants. Remarkably, in sox18 mutants, the expression of the closely related sox7 gene is elevated where lymphatic precursors arise. Sox7 could thus mask the absence of a functional Sox18 protein and account for the mild lymphatic phenotype in sox18 mutants, as shown in mice. Partial knockdown of vegfc exacerbates lymphatic defects in sox18 mutants, making them visible in heterozygotes. Our data thus reinforce the genetic interaction between Sox18 and Vegfc in lymphatic development, previously suggested by knockdown studies, and highlight the ability of Sox7 to compensate for Sox18 lymphatic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moleri
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mercurio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alex Pezzotta
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Brix
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Plebani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Lini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marialaura Di Fuorti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Beltrame
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Shiiya T, Hirashima M. From lymphatic endothelial cell migration to formation of tubular lymphatic vascular network. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1124696. [PMID: 36895637 PMCID: PMC9989012 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1124696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) progenitors differentiate from venous endothelial cells only in limited regions of the body. Thus, LEC migration and subsequent tube formation are essential processes for the development of tubular lymphatic vascular network throughout the body. In this review, we discuss chemotactic factors, LEC-extracellular matrix interactions and planar cell polarity regulating LEC migration and formation of tubular lymphatic vessels. Insights into molecular mechanisms underlying these processes will help in understanding not only physiological lymphatic vascular development but lymphangiogenesis associated with pathological conditions such as tumors and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Shiiya
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masanori Hirashima
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Ujiie N, Kume T. Mechanical forces in lymphatic vessel development: Focus on transcriptional regulation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1066460. [PMID: 36439271 PMCID: PMC9685408 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1066460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is crucial for the maintenance of interstitial fluid and protein homeostasis. It has important roles in collecting excess plasma and interstitial fluid leaked from blood vessels, lipid absorption and transportation in the digestive system, and immune surveillance and response. The development of lymphatic vessels begins during fetal life as lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells first differentiate into lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) by expressing the master lymphatic vascular regulator, prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1). The lymphatic vasculature forms a hierarchical network that consists of blind-ended and unidirectional vessels. Although much progress has been made in the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the lymphatic vascular system, the causes of lymphatic vessel abnormalities and disease are poorly understood and complicated; specifically, the mechanistic basis for transcriptional dysregulation in lymphatic vessel development remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lymphatic vascular development, including LEC differentiation, lymphangiogenesis, and valve formation, and the significance of mechanical forces in lymphatic vessels, with a focus on transcriptional regulation. We also summarize the current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of lymphatic gene expression.
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Blei F. Update August 2022. Lymphat Res Biol 2022; 20:443-464. [PMID: 35993922 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2022.29127.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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