Polychaetoid/ZO-1 is required for cell specification and rearrangement during Drosophila tracheal morphogenesis

Polychaetoid/ZO-1 strengthens cell junctions under tension while localizing differently than core adherens junction proteins

During embryonic development, dramatic cell shape changes and movements reshape the embryonic body plan. These require robust but dynamic linkage between the cell-cell adherens junctions and the force-generating actomyosin cytoskeleton. Our view of this linkage has evolved, and we now realize linkage is mediated by mechanosensitive multiprotein complexes assembled via multivalent connections. Here we combine genetic, cell biological, and modeling approaches to define the mechanism of action and functions of an important player, Drosophila polychaetoid, homologue of mammalian ZO-1. Our data reveal that Pyd reinforces cell junctions under elevated tension, and facilitates cell rearrangements. Pyd is important to maintain junctional contractility and in its absence cell rearrangements stall. We next use structured illumination microscopy to define the molecular architecture of cell-cell junctions during these events. The cadherin-catenin complex and Cno both localize to puncta along the junctional membrane, but are differentially enriched in different puncta. Pyd, in contrast, exhibits a distinct localization to strands that extend out from the region occupied by core junction proteins. We then discuss the implications for the protein network at the junction-cytoskeletal interface, suggesting different proteins localize and function in distinct ways, perhaps in distinct subcomplexes, but combine to produce robust connections.

Polychaetoid/ZO-1 strengthens cell junctions under tension while localizing differently than core adherens junction proteins

During embryonic development dramatic cell shape changes and movements re-shape the embryonic body plan. These require robust but dynamic linkage between the cell-cell adherens junctions and the force-generating actomyosin cytoskeleton. Our view of this linkage has evolved, and we now realize linkage is mediated by a mechanosensitive multiprotein complex assembled via multivalent connections. Here we combine genetic, cell biological and modeling approaches to define the mechanism of action and functions of an important player, Drosophila Polychaetoid, homolog of mammalian ZO-1. Our data reveal that Pyd reinforces cell junctions under elevated tension, and facilitates cell rearrangements. Pyd is important to maintain junctional contractility and in its absence cell rearrangements stall. We next use structured illumination microscopy to define the molecular architecture of cell-cell junctions during these events. The cadherin-catenin complex and Cno both localize to puncta along the junctional membrane, but are differentially enriched in different puncta. Pyd, in contrast, exhibits a distinct localization to strands that extend out from the region occupied by core junction proteins. We then discuss the implications for the protein network at the junction-cytoskeletal interface, suggesting different proteins localize and function in distinct ways but combine to produce robust connections.

Identification of the genes encoding candidate septate junction components expressed during early development of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and evidence of a role for Mesh in the formation of the gut barrier

Septate junctions (SJs) evolved as cell-cell junctions that regulate the paracellular barrier and integrity of epithelia in invertebrates. Multiple morphological variants of SJs exist specific to different epithelia and/or phyla but the biological significance of varied SJ morphology is unclear because the knowledge of the SJ associated proteins and their functions in non-insect invertebrates remains largely unknown. Here we report cell-specific expression of nine candidate SJ genes in the early life stages of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. By use of in situ RNA hybridization and single cell RNA-seq we found that the expression of selected genes encoding putatively SJ associated transmembrane and cytoplasmic scaffold molecules was dynamically regulated during epithelial development in the embryos and larvae with different epithelia expressing different cohorts of SJ genes. We focused a functional analysis on SpMesh, a homolog of the Drosophila smooth SJ component Mesh, which was highly enriched in the endodermal epithelium of the mid- and hindgut. Functional perturbation of SpMesh by both CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and vivo morpholino-mediated knockdown shows that loss of SpMesh does not disrupt the formation of the gut epithelium during gastrulation. However, loss of SpMesh resulted in a severely reduced gut-paracellular barrier as quantitated by increased permeability to 3-5 ​kDa FITC-dextran. Together, these studies provide a first look at the molecular SJ physiology during the development of a marine organism and suggest a shared role for Mesh-homologous proteins in forming an intestinal barrier in invertebrates. Results have implications for consideration of the traits underlying species-specific sensitivity of marine larvae to climate driven ocean change.

Transcriptomic analysis of feminizing somatic stem cells in the Drosophila testis reveals putative downstream effectors of the transcription factor Chinmo

One of the best examples of sexual dimorphism is the development and function of the gonads, ovaries and testes, which produce sex-specific gametes, oocytes, and spermatids, respectively. The development of these specialized germ cells requires sex-matched somatic support cells. The sexual identity of somatic gonadal cells is specified during development and must be actively maintained during adulthood. We previously showed that the transcription factor Chinmo is required to ensure the male sexual identity of somatic support cells in the Drosophila melanogaster testis. Loss of chinmo from male somatic gonadal cells results in feminization: they transform from squamous to epithelial-like cells that resemble somatic cells in the female gonad but fail to properly ensheath the male germline, causing infertility. To identify potential target genes of Chinmo, we purified somatic cells deficient for chinmo from the adult Drosophila testis and performed next-generation sequencing to compare their transcriptome to that of control somatic cells. Bioinformatics revealed 304 and 1549 differentially upregulated and downregulated genes, respectively, upon loss of chinmo in early somatic cells. Using a combination of methods, we validated several differentially expressed genes. These data sets will be useful resources to the community.

Sidekick Is a Key Component of Tricellular Adherens Junctions that Acts to Resolve Cell Rearrangements

Tricellular adherens junctions are points of high tension that are central to the rearrangement of epithelial cells. However, the molecular composition of these junctions is unknown, making it difficult to assess their role in morphogenesis. Here, we show that Sidekick, an immunoglobulin family cell adhesion protein, is highly enriched at tricellular adherens junctions in Drosophila. This localization is modulated by tension, and Sidekick is itself necessary to maintain normal levels of cell bond tension. Loss of Sidekick causes defects in cell and junctional rearrangements in actively remodeling epithelial tissues like the retina and tracheal system. The adaptor proteins Polychaetoid and Canoe are enriched at tricellular adherens junctions in a Sidekick-dependent manner; Sidekick functionally interacts with both proteins and directly binds to Polychaetoid. We suggest that Polychaetoid and Canoe link Sidekick to the actin cytoskeleton to enable tricellular adherens junctions to maintain or transmit cell bond tension during epithelial cell rearrangements.

The Drosophila Afadin and ZO-1 homologues Canoe and Polychaetoid act in parallel to maintain epithelial integrity when challenged by adherens junction remodeling

During morphogenesis, cells must change shape and move without disrupting tissue integrity. This requires cell-cell junctions to allow dynamic remodeling while resisting forces generated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton. Multiple proteins play roles in junctional-cytoskeletal linkage, but the mechanisms by which they act remain unclear. Drosophila Canoe maintains adherens junction-cytoskeletal linkage during gastrulation. Canoe's mammalian homologue Afadin plays similar roles in cultured cells, working in parallel with ZO-1 proteins, particularly at multicellular junctions. We take these insights back to the fly embryo, exploring how cells maintain epithelial integrity when challenged by adherens junction remodeling during germband extension and dorsal closure. We found that Canoe helps cells maintain junctional-cytoskeletal linkage when challenged by the junctional remodeling inherent in mitosis, cell intercalation, and neuroblast invagination or by forces generated by the actomyosin cable at the leading edge. However, even in the absence of Canoe, many cells retain epithelial integrity. This is explained by a parallel role played by the ZO-1 homologue Polychaetoid. In embryos lacking both Canoe and Polychaetoid, cell junctions fail early, with multicellular junctions especially sensitive, leading to widespread loss of epithelial integrity. Our data suggest that Canoe and Polychaetoid stabilize Bazooka/Par3 at cell-cell junctions, helping maintain balanced apical contractility and tissue integrity.

The Drosophila ZO-1 protein Polychaetoid suppresses Deltex-regulated Notch activity to modulate germline stem cell niche formation

The developmental signalling protein Notch can be proteolytically activated following ligand-interaction at the cell surface, or can be activated independently of its ligands, following Deltex (Dx)-induced Notch endocytosis and trafficking to the lysosomal membrane. The means by which different pools of Notch are directed towards these alternative outcomes remains poorly understood. We found that the Drosophila ZO-1 protein Polychaetoid (Pyd) suppresses specifically the Dx-induced form of Notch activation both in vivo and in cell culture assays. In vivo we confirmed the physiological relevance and direction of the Pyd/Dx interaction by showing that the expanded ovary stem cell niche phenotypes of pyd mutants require the presence of functional Dx and other components that are specific to the Dx-induced Notch activation mechanism. In S2 cells we found that Pyd can form a complex with Dx and Notch at the cell surface and reduce Dx-induced Notch endocytosis. Similar to other known activities of ZO-1 family proteins, the action of Pyd on Dx-induced endocytosis and signalling was found to be cell density dependent. Thus, together, our results suggest an alternative means by which external cues can tune Notch signalling through Pyd regulation of Dx-induced Notch trafficking.

MRC-5 fibroblast-conditioned medium influences multiple pathways regulating invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs), an important component of tumor microenvironment, are capable of enhancing tumor cells invasion and migration through initiation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). MRC-5 fibroblasts are one of the CAFs expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin. It is ascertained that medium conditioned by MRC-5 fibroblasts stimulate motility and invasion of breast cancer cells. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is less clear. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of MRC-5-CM on HCC and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Using a combination of techniques, the role of MRC-5-CM in HCC was evaluated. We determined that MRC-5-CM induced the non-classical EMT in Bel-7402 and MHCC-LM3 cell lines. Initiation of the non-classical EMT was mainly via quintessential redistribution of α-, β- and γ-catenin, P120 catenin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin, rather than up-regulation of typical EMT-related transcription factors (i.e., Snail, Twist1, ZEB-1 and ZEB2). We also found that MRC-5-CM potentiated both the migration and invasion of Bel-7402 and MHCC-LM3 cells in mesenchymal movement mode through activation of the α6, β3, β4, β7 integrin/FAK pathway and upregulation of MMP2. The flow cytometric analysis showed that MRC-5-CM induced G1 phase arrest in Bel-7402 cells with a concomitant reduction of S phase cells. In contrast, MRC-5-CM induced S phase arrest in MHCC-LM3 cells with a concomitant reduction of cells in the G2/M phase. MRC-5-CM also inhibited apoptosis in Bel-7402 cells while inducing apoptosis in MHCC-LM3 cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, MRC-5-CM promoted HCC cell motility and invasiveness through initiation of the non-classical EMT, including redistribution of α-, β- and γ-catenin, P120 catenin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin, activation of the integrin/FAK pathway, and upregulation of MMP2. Hence, MRC-5-CM exerted distinct roles in Bel-7402 and MHCC-LM3 cell viability by regulating cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs), CDK inhibitors (CKIs), Bcl-2 family proteins and other unknown mechanosensors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0588-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Structural molecular components of septate junctions in cnidarians point to the origin of epithelial junctions in eukaryotes

Septate junctions (SJs) insure barrier properties and control paracellular diffusion of solutes across epithelia in invertebrates. However, the origin and evolution of their molecular constituents in Metazoa have not been firmly established. Here, we investigated the genomes of early branching metazoan representatives to reconstruct the phylogeny of the molecular components of SJs. Although Claudins and SJ cytoplasmic adaptor components appeared successively throughout metazoan evolution, the structural components of SJs arose at the time of Placozoa/Cnidaria/Bilateria radiation. We also show that in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata, the structural SJ component Neurexin IV colocalizes with the cortical actin network at the apical border of the cells, at the place of SJs. We propose a model for SJ components in Cnidaria. Moreover, our study reveals an unanticipated diversity of SJ structural component variants in cnidarians. This diversity correlates with gene-specific expression in calcifying and noncalcifying tissues, suggesting specific paracellular pathways across the cell layers of these diploblastic animals.

Cell migration

Cell migration is fundamental to establishing and maintaining the proper organization of multicellular organisms. Morphogenesis can be viewed as a consequence, in part, of cell locomotion, from large-scale migrations of epithelial sheets during gastrulation, to the movement of individual cells during development of the nervous system. In an adult organism, cell migration is essential for proper immune response, wound repair, and tissue homeostasis, while aberrant cell migration is found in various pathologies. Indeed, as our knowledge of migration increases, we can look forward to, for example, abating the spread of highly malignant cancer cells, retarding the invasion of white cells in the inflammatory process, or enhancing the healing of wounds. This article is organized in two main sections. The first section is devoted to the single-cell migrating in isolation such as occurs when leukocytes migrate during the immune response or when fibroblasts squeeze through connective tissue. The second section is devoted to cells collectively migrating as part of multicellular clusters or sheets. This second type of migration is prevalent in development, wound healing, and in some forms of cancer metastasis.

Fosmid-based structure-function analysis reveals functionally distinct domains in the cytoplasmic domain of Drosophila crumbs

The evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein Crumbs is required for epithelial polarity and morphogenesis in the embryo, control of tissue size in imaginal discs and morphogenesis of photoreceptor cells, and prevents light-dependent retinal degeneration. The small cytoplasmic domain contains two highly conserved regions, a FERM (i.e., protein 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin)-binding and a PDZ (i.e., postsynaptic density/discs large/ZO-1)-binding domain. Using a fosmid-based transgenomic approach, we analyzed the role of the two domains during invagination of the tracheae and the salivary glands in the Drosophila embryo. We provide data to show that the PDZ-binding domain is essential for the maintenance of cell polarity in both tissues. In contrast, in embryos expressing a Crumbs protein with an exchange of a conserved Tyrosine residue in the FERM-binding domain to an Alanine, both tissues are internalized, despite some initial defects in apical constriction, phospho-Moesin recruitment, and coordinated invagination movements. However, at later stages these embryos fail to undergo dorsal closure, germ band retraction, and head involution. In addition, frequent defects in tracheal fusion were observed. These results suggest stage and/or tissue specific binding partners. We discuss the power of this fosmid-based system for detailed structure-function analyses in comparison to the UAS/Gal4 system.

Phosphoinositides and PDZ domain scaffolds

The discovery that PSD-95/Discs large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains can function as lipid-binding modules, in particular interacting with phosphoinositides (PIs), was made more than 10 years ago (Mol Cell 9(6): 1215-1225, 2002). Confirmatory studies and a series of functional follow-ups established PDZ domains as dual specificity modules displaying both peptide and lipid binding, and prompted a rethinking of the mode of action of PDZ domains in the control of cell signaling. In this chapter, after introducing PDZ domains, PIs and methods for studying protein-lipid interactions, we focus on (i) the prevalence and the specificity of PDZ-PIs interactions, (ii) the molecular determinants of PDZ-PIs interactions, (iii) the integration of lipid and peptide binding by PDZ domains, (iv) the common features of PIs interacting PDZ domains and (v) the regulation and functional significance of PDZ-PIs interactions.

Cell migration

Cell migration is fundamental to establishing and maintaining the proper organization of multicellular organisms. Morphogenesis can be viewed as a consequence, in part, of cell locomotion, from large-scale migrations of epithelial sheets during gastrulation, to the movement of individual cells during development of the nervous system. In an adult organism, cell migration is essential for proper immune response, wound repair, and tissue homeostasis, while aberrant cell migration is found in various pathologies. Indeed, as our knowledge of migration increases, we can look forward to, for example, abating the spread of highly malignant cancer cells, retarding the invasion of white cells in the inflammatory process, or enhancing the healing of wounds. This article is organized in two main sections. The first section is devoted to the single-cell migrating in isolation such as occurs when leukocytes migrate during the immune response or when fibroblasts squeeze through connective tissue. The second section is devoted to cells collectively migrating as part of multicellular clusters or sheets. This second type of migration is prevalent in development, wound healing, and in some forms of cancer metastasis.

Adherens junctions and cadherins in Drosophila development

Drosophila represents a paradigm for the analysis of the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms of development and is an ideal model system to study the contribution of Adherens Junctions (AJs) and their major components, cadherins, to morphogenesis. The combination of different techniques and approaches has allowed researchers to identify the requirements of these epithelial junctions in vivo in the context of a whole organism. The functional analysis of mutants for AJ core components, particularly for Drosophila DE-cadherin, has shown that AJs play critical roles in virtually all stages of development. For instance, AJs maintain tissue integrity while allowing the remodelling and homeostasis of many tissues. They control cell shape, contribute to cell polarity, facilitate cell-cell recognition during cell sorting, orient cell divisions, or regulate cell rearrangements, among other activities. Remarkably, these activities require a very fine control of the organisation and turnover of AJs during development. In addition, AJs engage in diverse and complex interactions with the cytoskeleton, signalling networks, intracellular trafficking machinery or polarity cues to perform these functions. Here, by summarising the requirements of AJs and cadherins during Drosophila morphogenesis, we illustrate the capital contribution of this model system to our knowledge of the mechanisms and biology of AJs.

Zonula occludens-1 and -2 regulate apical cell structure and the zonula adherens cytoskeleton in polarized epithelia

ETOC: Our study reveals that ZO proteins in fully polarized cells regulate the assembly and contractility of the perijunctional actomyosin ring associated with the adherens junction.

The structure and function of both adherens (AJ) and tight (TJ) junctions are dependent on the cortical actin cytoskeleton. The zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and -2 proteins have context-dependent interactions with both junction types and bind directly to F-actin and other cytoskeletal proteins, suggesting ZO-1 and -2 might regulate cytoskeletal activity at cell junctions. To address this hypothesis, we generated stable Madin-Darby canine kidney cell lines depleted of both ZO-1 and -2. Both paracellular permeability and the localization of TJ proteins are disrupted in ZO-1/-2–depleted cells. In addition, immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy revealed a significant expansion of the perijunctional actomyosin ring associated with the AJ. These structural changes are accompanied by a recruitment of 1-phosphomyosin light chain and Rho kinase 1, contraction of the actomyosin ring, and expansion of the apical domain. Despite these changes in the apical cytoskeleton, there are no detectable changes in cell polarity, localization of AJ proteins, or the organization of the basal and lateral actin cytoskeleton. We conclude that ZO proteins are required not only for TJ assembly but also for regulating the organization and functional activity of the apical cytoskeleton, particularly the perijunctional actomyosin ring, and we speculate that these activities are relevant both to cellular organization and epithelial morphogenesis.

ZO proteins and redox-dependent processes

SIGNIFICANCE

ZO-1, ZO-2, and ZO-3 are scaffold proteins of the tight junction (TJ) that belong to the MAGUK protein family characterized for exhibiting PDZ, SH3, and GuK domains. ZO proteins are present only in multicellular organisms, being the placozoa the first to have them. ZO proteins associate among themselves and with other integral and adaptor proteins of the TJ, of the ZA and of gap junctions, as with numerous signaling proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. ZO proteins are also present at the nucleus of proliferating cells.

RECENT ADVANCES

Oxidative stress disassembles the TJs of endothelial and epithelial cells.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Oxidative stress alters ZO proteins expression and localization, in conditions like hypoxia, bacterial and viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, age-related diseases, diabetes and inflammation, alcohol and tobacco consumption.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Molecules present in the signaling pathways triggered by oxidative stress can be targets for therapeutic intervention.

A systematic screen for tube morphogenesis and branching genes in the Drosophila tracheal system

Many signaling proteins and transcription factors that induce and pattern organs have been identified, but relatively few of the downstream effectors that execute morphogenesis programs. Because such morphogenesis genes may function in many organs and developmental processes, mutations in them are expected to be pleiotropic and hence ignored or discarded in most standard genetic screens. Here we describe a systematic screen designed to identify all Drosophila third chromosome genes (∼40% of the genome) that function in development of the tracheal system, a tubular respiratory organ that provides a paradigm for branching morphogenesis. To identify potentially pleiotropic morphogenesis genes, the screen included analysis of marked clones of homozygous mutant tracheal cells in heterozygous animals, plus a secondary screen to exclude mutations in general “house-keeping” genes. From a collection including more than 5,000 lethal mutations, we identified 133 mutations representing ∼70 or more genes that subdivide the tracheal terminal branching program into six genetically separable steps, a previously established cell specification step plus five major morphogenesis and maturation steps: branching, growth, tubulogenesis, gas-filling, and maintenance. Molecular identification of 14 of the 70 genes demonstrates that they include six previously known tracheal genes, each with a novel function revealed by clonal analysis, and two well-known growth suppressors that establish an integral role for cell growth control in branching morphogenesis. The rest are new tracheal genes that function in morphogenesis and maturation, many through cytoskeletal and secretory pathways. The results suggest systematic genetic screens that include clonal analysis can elucidate the full organogenesis program and that over 200 patterning and morphogenesis genes are required to build even a relatively simple organ such as the Drosophila tracheal system.

Elucidating the genetic programs that control formation and maintenance of body organs is a central goal of developmental biology, and understanding how these programs go awry in disease has important implications for medicine. Many such organogenesis genes have been identified, but most are early-acting “patterning genes” encoding signaling proteins and gene regulators that control expression of a poorly characterized set of downstream “morphogenesis genes,” which encode proteins that generate the remarkable organ forms and structures of the constituent cells. We screened ∼40% of the fruit fly Drosophila genome for mutations that affect tracheal (respiratory) system development. We included steps to bypass complexities from mutant effects on other tissues and steps to exclude mutations in general cell “housekeeping genes.” We isolated mutations in ∼70 genes that identify major steps in the organogenesis program including an integral cell growth control step. Many of the new tracheal genes are “morphogenesis genes” that encode proteins involved in cell structure or intracellular transport. The results suggest that genetic screens can elucidate a full organogenesis program and that over 200 patterning and morphogenesis genes are required to build even a relatively simple organ.

The single Drosophila ZO-1 protein Polychaetoid regulates embryonic morphogenesis in coordination with Canoe/afadin and Enabled

Analysis of the function of the fly ZO-1 homologue Polychaetoid shows that it is not essential for junctional assembly or maintenance but does play an important role in embryonic morphogenesis. The data suggest that it works with Canoe/afadin and the actin regulator Enabled to regulate actin anchoring at junctions.

Adherens and tight junctions play key roles in assembling epithelia and maintaining barriers. In cell culture zonula occludens (ZO)–family proteins are important for assembly/maturation of both tight and adherens junctions (AJs). Genetic studies suggest that ZO proteins are important during normal development, but interpretation of mouse and fly studies is limited by genetic redundancy and/or a lack of null alleles. We generated null alleles of the single Drosophila ZO protein Polychaetoid (Pyd). Most embryos lacking Pyd die with striking defects in morphogenesis of embryonic epithelia including the epidermis, segmental grooves, and tracheal system. Pyd loss does not dramatically affect AJ protein localization or initial localization of actin and myosin during dorsal closure. However, Pyd loss does affect several cell behaviors that drive dorsal closure. The defects, which include segmental grooves that fail to retract, a disrupted leading edge actin cable, and reduced zippering as leading edges meet, closely resemble defects in canoe zygotic null mutants and in embryos lacking the actin regulator Enabled (Ena), suggesting that these proteins act together. Canoe (Cno) and Pyd are required for proper Ena localization during dorsal closure, and strong genetic interactions suggest that Cno, Pyd, and Ena act together in regulating or anchoring the actin cytoskeleton during dorsal closure.

The Drosophila L1CAM homolog Neuroglian signals through distinct pathways to control different aspects of mushroom body axon development

The spatiotemporal integration of adhesion and signaling during neuritogenesis is an important prerequisite for the establishment of neuronal networks in the developing brain. In this study, we describe the role of the L1-type CAM Neuroglian protein (NRG) in different steps of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neuron axonogenesis. Selective axon bundling in the peduncle requires both the extracellular and the intracellular domain of NRG. We uncover a novel role for the ZO-1 homolog Polychaetoid (PYD) in axon branching and in sister branch outgrowth and guidance downstream of the neuron-specific isoform NRG-180. Furthermore, genetic analyses show that the role of NRG in different aspects of MB axonal development not only involves PYD, but also TRIO, SEMA-1A and RAC1.

Echinoid regulates tracheal morphology and fusion cell fate in Drosophila

Morphogenesis of the Drosophila embryonic trachea involves a stereotyped pattern of epithelial tube branching and fusion. Here, we report unexpected phenotypes resulting from maternal and zygotic (M/Z) loss of the homophilic cell adhesion molecule Echinoid (Ed), as well as the subcellular localization of Ed in the trachea. ed(M/Z) embryos have convoluted trachea reminiscent of septate junction (SJ) and luminal matrix mutants. However, Ed does not localize to SJs, and ed(M/Z) embryos have intact SJs and show normal luminal accumulation of the matrix-modifying protein Vermiform. Surprisingly, tracheal length is not increased in ed(M/Z) mutants, but a previously undescribed combination of reduced intersegmental spacing and deep epidermal grooves produces a convoluted tracheal phenotype. In addition, ed(M/Z) mutants have unique fusion defects involving supernumerary fusion cells, ectopic fusion events and atypical branch breaks. Tracheal-specific expression of Ed rescues these fusion defects, indicating that Ed acts in trachea to control fusion cell fate.

Su(dx) E3 ubiquitin ligase-dependent and -independent functions of polychaetoid, the Drosophila ZO-1 homologue

Zona occludens (ZO) proteins are molecular scaffolds localized to cell junctions, which regulate epithelial integrity in mammals. Using newly generated null alleles, we demonstrate that polychaetoid (pyd), the unique Drosophila melanogaster ZO homologue, regulates accumulation of adherens junction-localized receptors, such as Notch, although it is dispensable for epithelial polarization. Pyd positively regulates Notch signaling during sensory organ development but acts negatively on Notch to restrict the ovary germline stem cell niche. In both contexts, we identify a core antagonistic interaction between Pyd and the WW domain E3 ubiquitin ligase Su(dx). Pyd binds Su(dx) directly, in part through a noncanonical WW-binding motif. Pyd also restricts epithelial wing cell numbers to control adult wing shape, a function associated with the FERM protein Expanded and independent of Su(dx). As both Su(dx) and Expanded regulate trafficking, we propose that a conserved role of ZO proteins is to coordinate receptor trafficking and signaling with junctional organization.

Tube continued: morphogenesis of the Drosophila tracheal system

The Drosophila respiratory organ (tracheal system) consists of epithelial tubes, the morphogenesis of which is controlled by distinct sets of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The downstream events controlling tube formation and shape are only now beginning to be identified. Here we review recent insight into the communication between neighboring tracheal cells, their interactions with the surrounding matrix, and the impact of these processes on tube morphogenesis. We focus on cell-cell interactions that drive rearrangement of cells within the epithelium and that are essential for maintenance of epithelial integrity, and also on cell-matrix interactions that play key roles in determining and maintaining the size and shape of tube lumens.

Establishment and characterization of a new hypoxia-resistant cancer cell line, OCUM-12/Hypo, derived from a scirrhous gastric carcinoma

Background:

Many kinds of solid tumour have heterogeneously a hypoxic environment. Tumour hypoxia reported to be associated with more aggressive tumour phenotypes such as high metastatic ability and resistance to various anti-cancer therapies which may lead to a poorer prognosis. However, the mechanisms by which hypoxia affects the aggressive phenotypes remain unclear.

Methods:

We established a scirrhous gastric carcinoma cell line (OCUM-12) from ascites associated with scirrhous gastric carcinoma, and a hypoxia-resistant cancer cell line (OCUM-12/Hypo) was cloned from OCUM-12 cells by continuous exposure to 1% oxygen.

Results:

Histologic findings from orthotopic tumours derived from parent OCUM-12 cells and daughter OCUM-12/Hypo cells revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with extensive fibrosis that resembled human scirrhous gastric cancer. Necrotic lesions were frequently detected in the OCUM-12 tumours but were rarely found in the OCUM-12/Hypo tumours, although both types had multiple hypoxic loci. Apoptosis rate of OCUM-12 cells was increased to 24.7% at 1% O₂, whereas that of OCUM-12/Hypo was 5.6%. The OCUM-12/Hypo orthotopic models developed multiple metastases to the peritoneum and lymph nodes, but the OCUM-12 models did not. OCUM-12/Hypo cells showed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and high migratory and invasive activities in comparison with OCUM-12 cells. The mRNA expression levels of both E-cadherin and zonula occludens ZO-1 and ZO-2 decreased in OCUM-12/Hypo cells, and that of vimentin, Snail-1, Slug/Snail-2, Twist, ZEB-1, ZEB-2, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and MMP-2 were increased in OCUM-12/Hypo cells.

Conclusion:

OCUM-12 and OCUM-12/Hypo may be useful for the elucidation of disease progression associated with scirrhous gastric cancer in the setting of chronic hypoxia.

Inhibitory effect of a TGFbeta receptor type-I inhibitor, Ki26894, on invasiveness of scirrhous gastric cancer cells

Background:

Gastric cancer cells frequently metastasise, partly because of their highly invasive nature. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor signalling is closely associated with the invasion of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a TGF-β receptor (TβR) phosphorylation inhibitor on the invasiveness of gastric cancer cells.

Methods:

Four gastric cancer cell lines, including two scirrhous-type cell lines and two non-scirrhous-type cell lines, were used. A TβR type I (TβR-I) kinase inhibitor, Ki26894, inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad2 at an ATP-binding site of TβR-I. We investigated the expression levels of TβR and phospho-Smad2, and the effects of TGF-β in the presence or absence of Ki26894 on Smad2 phosphorylation, invasion, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Ras homologue gene family member A (RhoA), ZO-2, myosin, and E-cadherin expression of gastric cancer cells.

Results:

TβR-I, TβR-II, and phospho-Smad2 expressions were found in scirrhous gastric cancer cells, but not in non-scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Ki26894 decreased Smad2 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β1 in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 upregulated the invasion, migration, and EMT ability of scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 significantly upregulated the activity of RhoA and myosin phosphorylation, whereas TGF-β1 decreased ZO-2 and E-cadherin expression in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Interestingly, Ki26894 inhibited these characteristics in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. In contrast, non-scirrhous gastric cancer cells were not affected by TGF-β1 or Ki26894 treatment.

Conclusion:

A TβR-I kinase inhibitor decreases the invasiveness and EMT of scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Ki26894 is therefore considered to be a promising therapeutic compound for the metastasis of scirrhous gastric carcinoma.

Zonula occludens-1 and -2 are cytosolic scaffolds that regulate the assembly of cellular junctions

The integrity of the tight junction barrier in epithelial and endothelial cells is critical to human health, but we still lack a detailed mechanistic knowledge of how the barrier is formed during development or responds to pathological and pharmacological insults. This limits our understanding of barrier dysfunction in disease and slows the development of therapeutic strategies. Recent studies confirm the long-maintained but previously unsupported view that the zonula occludens (ZO) proteins ZO-1 and ZO-2 are critical determinants of barrier formation. However, ZO proteins can also be components of adherens junctions, and recent studies suggest that ZO proteins may also promote the assembly and function of these junctions during epithelial morphogenesis. We review these studies and outline several recent observations that suggest that one role of ZO proteins is to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics at cell junctions. Finally, we propose a model by which the functional activities of ZO proteins in the adherens junction and tight junction are differentiated by a novel regulatory motif known as the U6 or acidic motif.

Wnt9b signaling regulates planar cell polarity and kidney tubule morphogenesis

Although many vertebrate organs, such as kidneys, lungs and liver, are composed of epithelial tubules, little is known of the mechanisms that establish the length or diameter of these tubules. In the kidney, defects in the establishment and/or maintenance of tubule diameter are associated with one of the most common inherited human disorders, polycystic kidney disease. Here, we show that attenuation of Wnt9b signaling during kidney morphogenesis affects the planar cell polarity of the epithelium and leads to tubules with significantly increased diameter. Although previous studies showed that polarized cell divisions maintain the diameter of postnatal kidney tubules, we find cell divisions are randomly oriented during embryonic development. Our data suggest that diameter is established during early morphogenetic stages by convergent extension processes and maintained by polarized cell divisions. Wnt9b, signaling through the non-canonical Rho/Jnk branch of the Wnt pathway, is necessary for both of these processes.

Tight junctions and the regulation of gene expression

Cell adhesion is a key regulator of cell differentiation. Cell interactions with neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix regulate gene expression, cell proliferation, polarity and apoptosis. Apical cell-cell junctions participate in these processes using different types of proteins, some of them exhibit nuclear and junctional localization and are called NACos for Nuclear Adhesion Complexes. Tight junctions are one type of such cell-cell junctions and several signaling complexes have been identified to associate with them. In general, expression of tight junction components suppresses proliferation to allow differentiation in a coordinated manner with adherens junctions and extracellular matrix adhesion. These tight junction components have been shown to affect several signaling and transcriptional pathways, and changes in the expression of tight junction proteins are associated with several disease conditions, such as cancer. Here, we will review how tight junction proteins participate in the regulation of gene expression and cell proliferation, as well as how they are regulated themselves by different mechanisms involved in gene expression and cell differentiation.

The C. elegans zonula occludens ortholog cooperates with the cadherin complex to recruit actin during morphogenesis

The dramatic cell-shape changes necessary to form a multicellular organism require cell-cell junctions to be both pliable and strong. The zonula occludens (ZO) subfamily of membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) are scaffolding molecules thought to regulate cell-cell adhesion [1-3], but there is little known about their roles in vivo. To elucidate the functional role of ZO proteins in a living embryo, we have characterized the sole C. elegans ZO family member, ZOO-1. ZOO-1 localizes with the cadherin-catenin complex during development, and its junctional recruitment requires the transmembrane proteins HMR-1/E-cadherin and VAB-9/claudin, but surprisingly, not HMP-1/alpha-catenin or HMP-2/beta-catenin. zoo-1 knockdown results in lethality during elongation, resulting in the rupture of epidermal cell-cell junctions under stress and failure of epidermal sheet sealing at the ventral midline. Consistent with a role in recruiting actin to the junction in parallel to the cadherin-catenin complex, zoo-1 loss of function reduces the dynamic recruitment of actin to junctions and enhances the severity of actin filament defects in hypomorphic alleles of hmp-1 and hmp-2. These results show that ZOO-1 cooperates with the cadherin-catenin complex to dynamically regulate strong junctional anchorage to the actin cytoskeleton during morphogenesis.

Modulation of intracellular trafficking regulates cell intercalation in the Drosophila trachea

Through intercalation, a fundamental mechanism underlying elongation during morphogenesis, epithelial cells exchange places in a spatially oriented manner. Epithelial cells are tightly coupled through distinct intercellular junctions, including adherens junctions. Whether trafficking-mediated regulation of adhesion through adherens junctions modulates intercalation in vivo remains controversial. In Drosophila melanogaster, cells in most branches intercalate during tracheal development. However, Wingless (Wg)-promoted expression of the transcription factor Spalt (Sal) in the dorsal trunk inhibits intercalation by an unknown mechanism. Here we have examined the role of trafficking in tracheal intercalation and show that it requires endocytosis, whereas it is opposed by Rab11-mediated recycling in the dorsal trunk. Subapical Rab11 accumulation is enhanced by sal and elevated Rab11-mediated recycling occurs in the dorsal trunk, suggesting that upregulation of Rab11 is one way in which sal inhibits intercalation. We found that dRip11, which regulates Rab11 localization and function, is regulated by sal and can modulate intercalation. Finally, we provide evidence that levels of E-cadherin (DE-cad), an adherens junction component and Rab11-compartment cargo, are dynamically regulated by trafficking during tracheal development, and that such regulation modulates intercalation. Our work suggests a mechanism by which trafficking of adhesion molecules regulates intercalation, and shows how this mechanism can be modulated in vivo to influence cell behaviour.

Tracheal branching morphogenesis in Drosophila: new insights into cell behaviour and organ architecture

Our understanding of the molecular control of morphological processes has increased tremendously over recent years through the development and use of high resolution in vivo imaging approaches, which have enabled cell behaviour to be linked to molecular functions. Here we review how such approaches have furthered our understanding of tracheal branching morphogenesis in Drosophila, during which the control of cell invagination, migration, competition and rearrangement is accompanied by the sequential secretion and resorption of proteins into the apical luminal space, a vital step in the elaboration of the trachea's complex tubular network. We also discuss the similarities and differences between flies and vertebrates in branched organ formation that are becoming apparent from these studies.

Deficiency of zonula occludens-1 causes embryonic lethal phenotype associated with defected yolk sac angiogenesis and apoptosis of embryonic cells

Zonula occludens (ZO)-1/2/3 are the members of the TJ-MAGUK family of membrane-associated guanylate kinases associated with tight junctions. To investigate the role of ZO-1 (encoded by Tjp1) in vivo, ZO-1 knockout (Tjp1(-/-)) mice were generated by gene targeting. Although heterozygous mice showed normal development and fertility, delayed growth and development were evident from E8.5 onward in Tjp1(-/-) embryos, and no viable Tjp1(-/-) embryos were observed beyond E11.5. Tjp1(-/-) embryos exhibited massive apoptosis in the notochord, neural tube area, and allantois at embryonic day (E)9.5. In the yolk sac, the ZO-1 deficiency induced defects in vascular development, with impaired formation of vascular trees, along with defective chorioallantoic fusion. Immunostaining of wild-type embryos at E8.5 for ZO-1/2/3 revealed that ZO-1/2 were expressed in almost all embryonic cells, showing tight junction-localizing patterns, with or without ZO-3, which was confined to the epithelial cells. ZO-1 deficiency depleted ZO-1-expression without influence on ZO-2/3 expression. In Tjp1(+/+) yolk sac extraembryonic mesoderm, ZO-1 was dominant without ZO-2/3 expression. Thus, ZO-1 deficiency resulted in mesoderms with no ZO-1/2/3, associated with mislocalization of endothelial junctional adhesion molecules. As a result, angiogenesis was defected in Tjp1(-/-) yolk sac, although differentiation of endothelial cells seemed to be normal. In conclusion, ZO-1 may be functionally important for cell remodeling and tissue organization in both the embryonic and extraembryonic regions, thus playing an essential role in embryonic development.

Polychaetoid controls patterning by modulating adhesion in the Drosophila pupal retina

Correct cellular patterning is central to tissue morphogenesis, but the role of epithelial junctions in this process is not well-understood. The Drosophila pupal eye provides a sensitive and accessible model for testing the role of junction-associated proteins in cells that undergo dynamic and coordinated movements during development. Mutations in polychaetoid (pyd), the Drosophila homologue of Zonula Occludens-1, are characterized by two phenotypes visible in the adult fly: increased sensory bristle number and the formation of a rough eye produced by poorly arranged ommatidia. We found that Pyd was localized to the adherens junction in cells of the developing pupal retina. Reducing Pyd function in the pupal eye resulted in mis-patterning of the interommatidial cells and a failure to consistently switch cone cell contacts from an anterior-posterior to an equatorial-polar orientation. Levels of Roughest, DE-Cadherin and several other adherens junction-associated proteins were increased at the membrane when Pyd protein was reduced. Further, both over-expression and mutations in several junction-associated proteins greatly enhanced the patterning defects caused by reduction of Pyd. Our results suggest that Pyd modulates adherens junction strength and Roughest-mediated preferential cell adhesion.

Making and breaking contacts: the cellular biology of cadherin regulation

Cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions are dynamic processes, and cadherin function is tightly regulated in response to cellular context and signaling. Ultimately, cadherin regulation is likely to reflect the interplay between a range of fundamental cellular processes, including surface organization of receptors, cytoskeletal organization and cell trafficking, that are coordinated by signaling events. In this review we focus on recent advances in understanding how interplay with membrane trafficking and other cell-cell junctions can control cadherin function. The endocytosis of cadherins, and their post-internalization fate, influences surface expression and metabolic stability of these adhesion receptors. Similarly, at the surface, components of tight junctions provide a mode of cross-talk that regulates assembly of adherens junctions.

Tramtrack regulates different morphogenetic events duringDrosophilatracheal development

Tramtrack (Ttk) is a widely expressed transcription factor, the function of which has been analysed in different adult and embryonic tissues in Drosophila. So far, the described roles of Ttk have been mainly related to cell fate specification, cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation. Using the tracheal system of Drosophila as a morphogenetic model, we have undertaken a detailed analysis of Ttk function. Ttk is autonomously and non-autonomously required during embryonic tracheal formation. Remarkably, besides a role in the specification of different tracheal cell identities, we have found that Ttk is directly involved and required for different cellular responses and morphogenetic events. In particular, Ttk appears to be a new positive regulator of tracheal cell intercalation. Analysis of this process in ttk mutants has unveiled cell shape changes as a key requirement for intercalation and has identified Ttk as a novel regulator of its progression. Moreover, we define Ttk as the first identified regulator of intracellular lumen formation and show that it is autonomously involved in the control of tracheal tube size by regulating septate junction activity and cuticle formation. In summary, the involvement of Ttk in different steps of tube morphogenesis identifies it as a key player in tracheal development.

Cell surface mechanics and the control of cell shape, tissue patterns and morphogenesis

Embryonic morphogenesis requires the execution of complex mechanisms that regulate the local behaviour of groups of cells. The orchestration of such mechanisms has been mainly deciphered through the identification of conserved families of signalling pathways that spatially and temporally control cell behaviour. However, how this information is processed to control cell shape and cell dynamics is an open area of investigation. The framework that emerges from diverse disciplines such as cell biology, physics and developmental biology points to adhesion and cortical actin networks as regulators of cell surface mechanics. In this context, a range of developmental phenomena can be explained by the regulation of cell surface tension.

The emergence of shape: notions from the study of the Drosophila tracheal system

The generation of bodies and body parts with specific shapes and sizes has been a longstanding issue in biology. Morphogenesis in general and organogenesis in particular are complex events that involve global changes in cell populations in terms of their proliferation, migration, differentiation and shape. Recent studies have begun to address how these synchronized changes are controlled by the genes that specify cell fate and by the ability of cells to respond to extracellular cues. In particular, a notable shift in this research has occurred owing to the ability to address these issues in the context of the whole organism. For such studies, the Drosophila tracheal system has proven to be a particularly appropriate model. Here, my aim is to highlight some ideas that have arisen through our studies, and those from other groups, of Drosophila tracheal development. Rather than providing an objective review of the features of tracheal development, I intend to discuss some selected notions that I think are relevant to the question of shape generation.

Epithelial tight junctions, gene expression and nucleo-junctional interplay

Tight junctions are components of the junctional complex linking neighbouring epithelial cells and are important for barrier formation. Recent evidence suggests that tight junctions also participate in signal transduction mechanisms that regulate epithelial cell proliferation, gene expression, differentiation and morphogenesis. One important class of tight-junction-associated signal transduction mechanism is based on dual localisation of certain proteins both at junctions and in the nucleus. These proteins and their partners participate in various steps of gene expression, ranging from regulation of transcription and chromatin structure to mRNA processing and translation. In cancer tissues, their expression is often deregulated in a manner that suggests that tight junctions function as suppressors of proliferation and transformation.

The unique-5 and -6 motifs of ZO-1 regulate tight junction strand localization and scaffolding properties

The proper cellular location and sealing of tight junctions is assumed to depend on scaffolding properties of ZO-1, a member of the MAGUK protein family. ZO-1 contains a conserved SH3-GUK module that is separated by a variable region (unique-5), which in other MAGUKs has proven regulatory functions. To identify motifs in ZO-1 critical for its putative scaffolding functions, we focused on the SH3-GUK module including unique-5 (U5) and unique-6 (U6), a motif immediately C-terminal of the GUK domain. In vitro binding studies reveal U5 is sufficient for occludin binding; U6 reduces the affinity of this binding. In cultured cells, U5 is required for targeting ZO-1 to tight junctions and removal of U6 results in ectopically displaced junction strands containing the modified ZO-1, occludin, and claudin on the lateral cell membrane. These results provide evidence that ZO-1 can control the location of tight junction transmembrane proteins and reveals complex protein binding and targeting signals within its SH3-U5-GUK-U6 region. We review these findings in the context of regulated scaffolding functions of other MAGUK proteins.