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Yao XJ, Chen Q, Yu HP, Ruan DD, Li SJ, Wu M, Liao LS, Lin XF, Fang ZT, Luo JW, Xie BS. A novel splicing mutation DNAH5 c.13,338 + 5G > C is involved in the pathogenesis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in a family with primary familial brain calcification. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:343. [PMID: 39014333 PMCID: PMC11251106 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03164-w] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease characterized by recurrent respiratory infections. In clinical manifestations, DNAH5 (NM_001361.3) is one of the recessive pathogenic genes. Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral calcification in the basal ganglia and other brain regions. PFBC can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive manner. A family with PCD caused by a DNAH5 compound heterozygous variant and PFBC caused by a MYORG homozygous variant was analyzed. METHODS In this study, we recruited three generations of Han families with primary ciliary dyskinesia combined with primary familial brain calcification. Their clinical phenotype data were collected, next-generation sequencing was performed to screen suspected pathogenic mutations in the proband and segregation analysis of families was carried out by Sanger sequencing. The mutant and wild-type plasmids were constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells instantaneously, and splicing patterns were detected by Minigene splicing assay. The structure and function of mutations were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS The clinical phenotypes of the proband (II10) and his sister (II8) were bronchiectasis, recurrent pulmonary infection, multiple symmetric calcifications of bilateral globus pallidus and cerebellar dentate nucleus, paranasal sinusitis in the whole group, and electron microscopy of bronchial mucosa showed that the ciliary axoneme was defective. There was also total visceral inversion in II10 but not in II8. A novel splice variant C.13,338 + 5G > C and a frameshift variant C.4314delT (p. Asn1438lysfs *10) were found in the DNAH5 gene in proband (II10) and II8. c.347_348dupCTGGCCTTCCGC homozygous insertion variation was found in the MYORG of the proband. The two pathogenic genes were co-segregated in the family. Minigene showed that DNAH5 c.13,338 + 5G > C has two abnormal splicing modes: One is that part of the intron bases where the mutation site located is translated, resulting in early translation termination of DNAH5; The other is the mutation resulting in the deletion of exon76. CONCLUSIONS The newly identified DNAH5 splicing mutation c.13,338 + 5G > C is involved in the pathogenesis of PCD in the family, and forms a compound heterozygote with the pathogenic variant DNAH5 c.4314delT lead to the pathogenesis of PCD.
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Grants
- 2021J02053, 2023J011159, 2022J01996 Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province
- 2020-822, 2021-157, 2021-848, 2021-917, 2022-840) Fujian Provincial Finance Department
- 2020-822, 2021-157, 2021-848, 2021-917, 2022-840) Fujian Provincial Finance Department
- 2022CXA001, 2021CXB001, 2022CXB002 Medical Innovation Project of Fujian Province
- National famous and old Chinese medicine experts (Xuemei Zhang, Xiaohua Yan) inheritance studio construction project
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Juan Yao
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Respiratory department, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Hong-Ping Yu
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Dan-Dan Ruan
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Shi-Jie Li
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Min Wu
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Li-Sheng Liao
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin-Fu Lin
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Pediatrics department, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhu-Ting Fang
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Interventional Department, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Jie-Wei Luo
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Bao-Song Xie
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, no. 134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Respiratory department, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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Katoh TA, Lange T, Nakajima Y, Yashiro K, Okada Y, Hamada H. BMP4 regulates asymmetric Pkd2 distribution in mouse nodal immotile cilia and ciliary mechanosensing required for left-right determination. Dev Dyn 2024. [PMID: 38984461 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mouse nodal immotile cilia mechanically sense the bending direction for left-right (L-R) determination and activate the left-side-specific signaling cascade, leading to increased Nodal activity. Asymmetric distribution of Pkd2, a crucial channel for L-R determination, on immotile cilia has been reported recently. However, the causal relationship between the asymmetric Pkd2 distribution and direction-dependent flow sensing is not well understood. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanism directing this asymmetric Pkd2 distribution remains unclear. RESULTS The effects of several recombinant proteins and inhibitors on the Pkd2 distribution were analyzed using super-resolution microscopy. Notably, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) affected the Pkd2 distribution. Additionally, three-dimensional manipulation of nodal immotile cilia using optical tweezers revealed that excess BMP4 caused defects in the mechanosensing ability of the cilia. CONCLUSIONS Experimental data together with model calculations suggest that BMP4 regulates the asymmetric distribution of Pkd2 in nodal immotile cilia, thereby affecting the ability of these cilia to sense the bending direction for L-R determination. This study, for the first time, provides insight into the relationship between the asymmetric protein distribution in cilia and their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanobu A Katoh
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tim Lange
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Nakajima
- Division of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Anatomy, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenta Yashiro
- Division of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Anatomy, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okada
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Cell Polarity Regulation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Physics, Universal Biology Institute and International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamada
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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Scacchi E, Paszkiewicz G, Thi Nguyen K, Meda S, Burian A, de Back W, Timmermans MCP. A diffusible small-RNA-based Turing system dynamically coordinates organ polarity. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:412-422. [PMID: 38409292 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The formation of a flat and thin leaf presents a developmentally challenging problem, requiring intricate regulation of adaxial-abaxial (top-bottom) polarity. The patterning principles controlling the spatial arrangement of these domains during organ growth have remained unclear. Here we show that this regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana is achieved by an organ-autonomous Turing reaction-diffusion system centred on mobile small RNAs. The data illustrate how Turing dynamics transiently instructed by prepatterned information is sufficient to self-sustain properly oriented polarity in a dynamic, growing organ, presenting intriguing parallels to left-right patterning in the vertebrate embryo. Computational modelling demonstrates that this self-organizing system continuously adapts to coordinate the robust planar polarity of a flat leaf while affording flexibility to generate the tissue patterns of evolutionarily diverse organ shapes. Our findings identify a small-RNA-based Turing network as a dynamic regulator of organ polarity that accounts for leaf shape diversity at the level of the individual organ, plant or species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Scacchi
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Gael Paszkiewicz
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Khoa Thi Nguyen
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Shreyas Meda
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Agata Burian
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Walter de Back
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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4
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Sudderick ZR, Glover JD. Periodic pattern formation during embryonic development. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:75-88. [PMID: 38288903 PMCID: PMC10903485 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During embryonic development many organs and structures require the formation of series of repeating elements known as periodic patterns. Ranging from the digits of the limb to the feathers of the avian skin, the correct formation of these embryonic patterns is essential for the future form and function of these tissues. However, the mechanisms that produce these patterns are not fully understood due to the existence of several modes of pattern generation which often differ between organs and species. Here, we review the current state of the field and provide a perspective on future approaches to studying this fundamental process of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe R. Sudderick
- The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - James D. Glover
- The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
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5
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Fraga Delfino Kunz C, Gerisch A, Glover J, Headon D, Painter KJ, Matthäus F. Novel Aspects in Pattern Formation Arise from Coupling Turing Reaction-Diffusion and Chemotaxis. Bull Math Biol 2023; 86:4. [PMID: 38038776 PMCID: PMC10692013 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01225-5] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent experimental studies on primary hair follicle formation and feather bud morphogenesis indicate a coupling between Turing-type diffusion driven instability and chemotactic patterning. Inspired by these findings we develop and analyse a mathematical model that couples chemotaxis to a reaction-diffusion system exhibiting diffusion-driven (Turing) instability. While both systems, reaction-diffusion systems and chemotaxis, can independently generate spatial patterns, we were interested in how the coupling impacts the stability of the system, parameter region for patterning, pattern geometry, as well as the dynamics of pattern formation. We conduct a classical linear stability analysis for different model structures, and confirm our results by numerical analysis of the system. Our results show that the coupling generally increases the robustness of the patterning process by enlarging the pattern region in the parameter space. Concerning time scale and pattern regularity, we find that an increase in the chemosensitivity can speed up the patterning process for parameters inside and outside of the Turing space, but generally reduces spatial regularity of the pattern. Interestingly, our analysis indicates that pattern formation can also occur when neither the Turing nor the chemotaxis system can independently generate pattern. On the other hand, for some parameter settings, the coupling of the two processes can extinguish the pattern formation, rather than reinforce it. These theoretical findings can be used to corroborate the biological findings on morphogenesis and guide future experimental studies. From a mathematical point of view, this work sheds a light on coupling classical pattern formation systems from the parameter space perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camile Fraga Delfino Kunz
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alf Gerisch
- Department of Mathematics, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - James Glover
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Denis Headon
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Kevin John Painter
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Scienze, Progetto e Politiche del Territorio (DIST), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Franziska Matthäus
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Fu XX, Zhuo DH, Zhang YJ, Li YF, Liu X, Xing YY, Huang Y, Wang YF, Cheng T, Wang D, Chen SH, Chen YJ, Jiang GN, Lu FI, Feng Y, Huang X, Ma J, Liu W, Bai G, Xu PF. A spatiotemporal barrier formed by Follistatin is required for left-right patterning. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219649120. [PMID: 37276408 PMCID: PMC10268237 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219649120] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
How left-right (LR) asymmetry emerges in a patterning field along the anterior-posterior axis remains an unresolved problem in developmental biology. Left-biased Nodal emanating from the LR organizer propagates from posterior to anterior (PA) and establishes the LR pattern of the whole embryo. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanism of the PA spread of Nodal and its asymmetric activation in the forebrain. Here, we identify bilaterally expressed Follistatin (Fst) as a regulator blocking the propagation of the zebrafish Nodal ortholog Southpaw (Spaw) in the right lateral plate mesoderm (LPM), and restricting Spaw transmission in the left LPM to facilitate the establishment of a robust LR asymmetric Nodal patterning. In addition, Fst inhibits the Activin-Nodal signaling pathway in the forebrain thus preventing Nodal activation prior to the arrival, at a later time, of Spaw emanating from the left LPM. This contributes to the orderly propagation of asymmetric Nodal activation along the PA axis. The LR regulation function of Fst is further confirmed in chick and frog embryos. Overall, our results suggest that a robust LR patterning emerges by counteracting a Fst barrier formed along the PA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Fu
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Ding-Hao Zhuo
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Yun-Fei Li
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Yan-Yi Xing
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
- Precision Medicine Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore117599, Singapore
| | - Tao Cheng
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Si-Han Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Ministry of Education Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou311121, China
| | - Yi-Jian Chen
- Institute of Cell and Developmental Biology, Zhejiang University School of Life Sciences, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Guan-Nan Jiang
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Fu-I Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Biophysics and Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Cell and Developmental Biology, Zhejiang University School of Life Sciences, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu32200, China
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Ministry of Education Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou311121, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310058, China
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Shylo NA, Smith SE, Price AJ, Guo F, McClain M, Trainor PA. Morphological changes and two Nodal paralogs drive left-right asymmetry in the squamate veiled chameleon ( C. calyptratus). Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1132166. [PMID: 37113765 PMCID: PMC10126504 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1132166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ancestral mode of left-right (L-R) patterning involves cilia in the L-R organizer. However, the mechanisms regulating L-R patterning in non-avian reptiles remains an enigma, since most squamate embryos are undergoing organogenesis at oviposition. In contrast, veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) embryos are pre-gastrula at oviposition, making them an excellent organism for studying L-R patterning evolution. Here we show that veiled chameleon embryos lack motile cilia at the time of L-R asymmetry establishment. Thus, the loss of motile cilia in the L-R organizers is a synapomorphy of all reptiles. Furthermore, in contrast to avians, geckos and turtles, which have one Nodal gene, veiled chameleon exhibits expression of two paralogs of Nodal in the left lateral plate mesoderm, albeit in non-identical patterns. Using live imaging, we observed asymmetric morphological changes that precede, and likely trigger, asymmetric expression of the Nodal cascade. Thus, veiled chameleons are a new and unique model for studying the evolution of L-R patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Shylo
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sarah E. Smith
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Andrew J. Price
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Fengli Guo
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Melainia McClain
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Paul A. Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Paul A. Trainor,
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8
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Forrest K, Barricella AC, Pohar SA, Hinman AM, Amack JD. Understanding laterality disorders and the left-right organizer: Insights from zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1035513. [PMID: 36619867 PMCID: PMC9816872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1035513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vital internal organs display a left-right (LR) asymmetric arrangement that is established during embryonic development. Disruption of this LR asymmetry-or laterality-can result in congenital organ malformations. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a complete concordant reversal of internal organs that results in a low occurrence of clinical consequences. Situs ambiguous, which gives rise to Heterotaxy syndrome (HTX), is characterized by discordant development and arrangement of organs that is associated with a wide range of birth defects. The leading cause of health problems in HTX patients is a congenital heart malformation. Mutations identified in patients with laterality disorders implicate motile cilia in establishing LR asymmetry. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SIT and HTX are not fully understood. In several vertebrates, including mouse, frog and zebrafish, motile cilia located in a "left-right organizer" (LRO) trigger conserved signaling pathways that guide asymmetric organ development. Perturbation of LRO formation and/or function in animal models recapitulates organ malformations observed in SIT and HTX patients. This provides an opportunity to use these models to investigate the embryological origins of laterality disorders. The zebrafish embryo has emerged as an important model for investigating the earliest steps of LRO development. Here, we discuss clinical characteristics of human laterality disorders, and highlight experimental results from zebrafish that provide insights into LRO biology and advance our understanding of human laterality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadeen Forrest
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Alexandria C. Barricella
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Sonny A. Pohar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Anna Maria Hinman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Amack
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse, NY, United States
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9
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Petri N, Nordbrink R, Tsikolia N, Kremnyov S. Abnormal left-right organizer and laterality defects in Xenopus embryos after formin inhibitor SMIFH2 treatment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275164. [PMCID: PMC9639825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Left-right symmetry breaking in most studied vertebrates makes use of so-called leftward flow, a mechanism which was studied in detail especially in mouse and Xenopus laevis embryos and is based on rotation of monocilia on specialized epithelial surface designated as left-right organizer or laterality coordinator. However, it has been argued that prior to emergence of leftward flow an additional mechanism operates during early cleavage stages in Xenopus embryo which is based on cytoskeletal processes. Evidence in favour of this early mechanism was supported by left-right abnormalities after chemical inhibition of cytoskeletal protein formin. Here we analyzed temporal dimension of this effect in detail and found that reported abnormalities arise only after treatment at gastrula-neurula stages, i.e. just prior to and during the operation of left-right organizer. Moreover, molecular and morphological analysis of the left-right organizer reveals its abnormal development. Our results strongly indicate that left-right abnormalities reported after formin inhibition cannot serve as support of models based on early symmetry breaking event in Xenopus embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Petri
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rhea Nordbrink
- Anatomy and Embryology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nikoloz Tsikolia
- Anatomy and Embryology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail: (NT); (SK)
| | - Stanislav Kremnyov
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail: (NT); (SK)
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Abstract
Metazoan embryos develop from a single cell into three-dimensional structured organisms while groups of genetically identical cells attain specialized identities. Cells of the developing embryo both create and accurately interpret morphogen gradients to determine their positions and make specific decisions in response. Here, we first cover intellectual roots of morphogen and positional information concepts. Focusing on animal embryos, we then provide a review of current understanding on how morphogen gradients are established and how their spans are controlled. Lastly, we cover how gradients evolve in time and space during development, and how they encode information to control patterning. In sum, we provide a list of patterning principles for morphogen gradients and review recent advances in quantitative methodologies elucidating information provided by morphogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Fethullah Simsek
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ertuğrul M. Özbudak
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Derrick CJ, Santos-Ledo A, Eley L, Paramita IA, Henderson DJ, Chaudhry B. Sequential action of JNK genes establishes the embryonic left-right axis. Development 2022; 149:274898. [PMID: 35352808 PMCID: PMC9148569 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200136] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of the left-right axis is crucial for the placement, morphogenesis and function of internal organs. Left-right specification is proposed to be dependent on cilia-driven fluid flow in the embryonic node. Planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling is crucial for patterning of nodal cilia, yet downstream effectors driving this process remain elusive. We have examined the role of the JNK gene family, a proposed downstream component of PCP signalling, in the development and function of the zebrafish node. We show jnk1 and jnk2 specify length of nodal cilia, generate flow in the node and restrict southpaw to the left lateral plate mesoderm. Moreover, loss of asymmetric southpaw expression does not result in disturbances to asymmetric organ placement, supporting a model in which nodal flow may be dispensable for organ laterality. Later, jnk3 is required to restrict pitx2c expression to the left side and permit correct endodermal organ placement. This work uncovers multiple roles for the JNK gene family acting at different points during left-right axis establishment. It highlights extensive redundancy and indicates JNK activity is distinct from the PCP signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Derrick
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Adrian Santos-Ledo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Lorraine Eley
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Isabela Andhika Paramita
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Deborah J Henderson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Bill Chaudhry
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
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12
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Fiorentino J, Scialdone A. The role of cell geometry and cell-cell communication in gradient sensing. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009552. [PMID: 35286298 PMCID: PMC8963572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells can measure shallow gradients of external signals to initiate and accomplish a migration or a morphogenetic process. Recently, starting from mathematical models like the local-excitation global-inhibition (LEGI) model and with the support of empirical evidence, it has been proposed that cellular communication improves the measurement of an external gradient. However, the mathematical models that have been used have over-simplified geometries (e.g., they are uni-dimensional) or assumptions about cellular communication, which limit the possibility to analyze the gradient sensing ability of more complex cellular systems. Here, we generalize the existing models to study the effects on gradient sensing of cell number, geometry and of long- versus short-range cellular communication in 2D systems representing epithelial tissues. We find that increasing the cell number can be detrimental for gradient sensing when the communication is weak and limited to nearest neighbour cells, while it is beneficial when there is long-range communication. We also find that, with long-range communication, the gradient sensing ability improves for tissues with more disordered geometries; on the other hand, an ordered structure with mostly hexagonal cells is advantageous with nearest neighbour communication. Our results considerably extend the current models of gradient sensing by epithelial tissues, making a step further toward predicting the mechanism of communication and its putative mediator in many biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Fiorentino
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München; München, Germany
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Scialdone
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München; München, Germany
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Neuherberg, Germany
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13
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Bedekar P, Timofeyev I, Warmflash A, Perepelitsa M. Reaction-diffusion models for morphological patterning of hESCs. J Math Biol 2021; 83:55. [PMID: 34727234 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-021-01674-3] [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: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we consider mathematical modeling of the dynamics of self-organized patterning of spatially confined human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) treated with BMP4 (gastruloids) described in recent experimental works (Warmflash in Nat Methods 11:847-854, 2014; Chhabra in PloS Biol 17: 3000498, 2019). In the first part of the paper we use the activator-inhibitor equations of Gierer and Meinhardt to identify 3 reaction-diffusion regimes for each of the three morphogenic proteins, BMP4, Wnt and Nodal, based on the characteristic features of the dynamic patterning. We identify appropriate boundary conditions which correspond to the experimental setup and perform numerical simulations of the reaction-diffusion (RD) systems, using the finite element approximation, to confirm that the RD systems in these regimes produce realistic dynamics of the protein concentrations. In the second part of the paper we use analytic tools to address the questions of the existence and stability of non-homogeneous steady states for the reaction-diffusion systems of the type considered in the first part of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajakta Bedekar
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ilya Timofeyev
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Laboratory of Systems Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Misha Perepelitsa
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
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14
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Minegishi K, Rothé B, Komatsu KR, Ono H, Ikawa Y, Nishimura H, Katoh TA, Kajikawa E, Sai X, Miyashita E, Takaoka K, Bando K, Kiyonari H, Yamamoto T, Saito H, Constam DB, Hamada H. Fluid flow-induced left-right asymmetric decay of Dand5 mRNA in the mouse embryo requires a Bicc1-Ccr4 RNA degradation complex. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4071. [PMID: 34210974 PMCID: PMC8249388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular left-right (L-R) asymmetry is established at the node of the mouse embryo as a result of the sensing of a leftward fluid flow by immotile cilia of perinodal crown cells and the consequent degradation of Dand5 mRNA on the left side. We here examined how the fluid flow induces Dand5 mRNA decay. We found that the first 200 nucleotides in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of Dand5 mRNA are necessary and sufficient for the left-sided decay and to mediate the response of a 3'-UTR reporter transgene to Ca2+, the cation channel Pkd2, the RNA-binding protein Bicc1 and their regulation by the flow direction. We show that Bicc1 preferentially recognizes GACR and YGAC sequences, which can explain the specific binding to a conserved GACGUGAC motif located in the proximal Dand5 3'-UTR. The Cnot3 component of the Ccr4-Not deadenylase complex interacts with Bicc1 and is also required for Dand5 mRNA decay at the node. These results suggest that Ca2+ currents induced by leftward fluid flow stimulate Bicc1 and Ccr4-Not to mediate Dand5 mRNA degradation specifically on the left side of the node.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsura Minegishi
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Benjamin Rothé
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kaoru R Komatsu
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ono
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yayoi Ikawa
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nishimura
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takanobu A Katoh
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Eriko Kajikawa
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Xiaorei Sai
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Emi Miyashita
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Takaoka
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kana Bando
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamamoto
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Suehiro-cho, Yokohama, Japan
- Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Daniel B Constam
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Hiroshi Hamada
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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15
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Lord ND, Carte AN, Abitua PB, Schier AF. The pattern of nodal morphogen signaling is shaped by co-receptor expression. eLife 2021; 10:e54894. [PMID: 34036935 PMCID: PMC8266389 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos must communicate instructions to their constituent cells over long distances. These instructions are often encoded in the concentration of signals called morphogens. In the textbook view, morphogen molecules diffuse from a localized source to form a concentration gradient, and target cells adopt fates by measuring the local morphogen concentration. However, natural patterning systems often incorporate numerous co-factors and extensive signaling feedback, suggesting that embryos require additional mechanisms to generate signaling patterns. Here, we examine the mechanisms of signaling pattern formation for the mesendoderm inducer Nodal during zebrafish embryogenesis. We find that Nodal signaling activity spans a normal range in the absence of signaling feedback and relay, suggesting that diffusion is sufficient for Nodal gradient formation. We further show that the range of endogenous Nodal ligands is set by the EGF-CFC co-receptor Oep: in the absence of Oep, Nodal activity spreads to form a nearly uniform distribution throughout the embryo. In turn, increasing Oep levels sensitizes cells to Nodal ligands. We recapitulate these experimental results with a computational model in which Oep regulates the diffusive spread of Nodal ligands by setting the rate of capture by target cells. This model predicts, and we confirm in vivo, the surprising observation that a failure to replenish Oep transforms the Nodal signaling gradient into a travelling wave. These results reveal that patterns of Nodal morphogen signaling are shaped by co-receptor-mediated restriction of ligand spread and sensitization of responding cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Lord
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Adam N Carte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology PhD Program, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Biozentrum, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Philip B Abitua
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Biozentrum, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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16
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Wang X, Bai D. Self‐Organization Principles of Cell Cycles and Gene Expressions in the Development of Cell Populations. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
- School of Physical Sciences University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Dongyun Bai
- School of Physics and Astronomy Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
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17
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Maternal control of visceral asymmetry evolution in Astyanax cavefish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10312. [PMID: 33986376 PMCID: PMC8119719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The direction of visceral organ asymmetry is highly conserved during vertebrate evolution with heart development biased to the left and pancreas and liver development restricted to opposing sides of the midline. Here we show that reversals in visceral organ asymmetry have evolved in Astyanax mexicanus, a teleost species with interfertile surface-dwelling (surface fish) and cave-dwelling (cavefish) forms. Visceral organ asymmetry is conventional in surface fish but some cavefish have evolved reversals in heart, liver, and pancreas development. Corresponding changes in the normally left-sided expression of the Nodal-Pitx2/Lefty signaling system are also present in the cavefish lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). The Nodal antagonists lefty1 (lft1) and lefty2 (lft2), which confine Nodal signaling to the left LPM, are expressed in most surface fish, however, lft2, but not lft1, expression is absent during somitogenesis of most cavefish. Despite this difference, multiple lines of evidence suggested that evolutionary changes in L-R patterning are controlled upstream of Nodal-Pitx2/Lefty signaling. Accordingly, reciprocal hybridization of cavefish and surface fish showed that modifications of heart asymmetry are present in hybrids derived from cavefish mothers but not from surface fish mothers. The results indicate that changes in visceral asymmetry during cavefish evolution are influenced by maternal genetic effects.
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18
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Sharma J, Antenos M, Madan P. A Comparative Analysis of Hippo Signaling Pathway Components during Murine and Bovine Early Mammalian Embryogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:281. [PMID: 33669396 PMCID: PMC7920285 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The time required for successful blastocyst formation varies among multiple species. The formation of a blastocyst is governed by numerous molecular cell signaling pathways, such as the Hippo signaling pathway. The Hippo signaling pathway is initiated by increased cell-cell contact and via apical polarity proteins (AMOT, PARD6, and NF2) during the period of preimplantation embryogenesis. Cell-cell contact and cell polarity activate (phosphorylates) the core cascade components of the pathway (mammalian sterile twenty like 1 and 2 (MST1/2) and large tumor suppressor 1 and 2 (LATS1/2)), which in turn phosphorylate the downstream effectors of the pathway (YAP1/TAZ). The Hippo pathway remains inactive with YAP1 (Yes Associated protein 1) present inside the nucleus in the trophectoderm (TE) cells (polar blastomeres) of the mouse blastocyst. In the inner cell mass (ICM) cells (apolar blastomeres), the pathway is activated with p-YAP1 present in the cytoplasm. On the contrary, during bovine embryogenesis, p-YAP1 is exclusively present in the nucleus in both TE and ICM cells. Contrary to mouse embryos, transcription co activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) (also known as WWTR1) is also predominantly present in the cytoplasm in all the blastomeres during bovine embryogenesis. This review outlines the major differences in the localization and function of Hippo signaling pathway components of murine and bovine preimplantation embryos, suggesting significant differences in the regulation of this pathway in between the two species. The variance observed in the Hippo signaling pathway between murine and bovine embryos confirms that both of these early embryonic models are quite distinct. Moreover, based on the similarity of the Hippo signaling pathway between bovine and human early embryo development, bovine embryos could be an alternate model for understanding the regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway in human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.S.); (M.A.)
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19
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Little RB, Norris DP. Right, left and cilia: How asymmetry is established. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 110:11-18. [PMID: 32571625 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The initial breaking of left-right (L-R) symmetry in the embryo is controlled by a motile-cilia-driven leftward fluid flow in the left-right organiser (LRO), resulting in L-R asymmetric gene expression flanking the LRO. Ultimately this results in left- but not right-sided activation of the Nodal-Pitx2 pathway in more lateral tissues. While aspects of the initial breaking event clearly vary between vertebrates, events in the Lateral Plate Mesoderm (LPM) are conserved through the vertebrate lineage. Evidence from model systems and humans highlights the role of cilia both in the initial symmetry breaking and in the ability of more lateral tissues to exhibit asymmetric gene expression. In this review we concentrate on the process of L-R determination in mouse and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie B Little
- MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Dominic P Norris
- MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
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20
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The Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome Gene FOXC1 Contributes to Left-Right Patterning. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020170. [PMID: 33530637 PMCID: PMC7912076 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise spatiotemporal expression of the Nodal-Lefty-Pitx2 cascade in the lateral plate mesoderm establishes the left–right axis, which provides vital cues for correct organ formation and function. Mutations of one cascade constituent PITX2 and, separately, the Forkhead transcription factor FOXC1 independently cause a multi-system disorder known as Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome (ARS). Since cardiac involvement is an established ARS phenotype and because disrupted left–right patterning can cause congenital heart defects, we investigated in zebrafish whether foxc1 contributes to organ laterality or situs. We demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-generated foxc1a and foxc1b mutants exhibit abnormal cardiac looping and that the prevalence of cardiac situs defects is increased in foxc1a−/−; foxc1b−/− homozygotes. Similarly, double homozygotes exhibit isomerism of the liver and pancreas, which are key features of abnormal gut situs. Placement of the asymmetric visceral organs relative to the midline was also perturbed by mRNA overexpression of foxc1a and foxc1b. In addition, an analysis of the left–right patterning components, identified in the lateral plate mesoderm of foxc1 mutants, reduced or abolished the expression of the NODAL antagonist lefty2. Together, these data reveal a novel contribution from foxc1 to left–right patterning, demonstrating that this role is sensitive to foxc1 gene dosage, and provide a plausible mechanism for the incidence of congenital heart defects in Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome patients.
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21
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Cornwall Scoones J, Banerjee DS, Banerjee S. Size-Regulated Symmetry Breaking in Reaction-Diffusion Models of Developmental Transitions. Cells 2020; 9:E1646. [PMID: 32659915 PMCID: PMC7407810 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of multicellular organisms proceeds through a series of morphogenetic and cell-state transitions, transforming homogeneous zygotes into complex adults by a process of self-organisation. Many of these transitions are achieved by spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanisms, allowing cells and tissues to acquire pattern and polarity by virtue of local interactions without an upstream supply of information. The combined work of theory and experiment has elucidated how these systems break symmetry during developmental transitions. Given that such transitions are multiple and their temporal ordering is crucial, an equally important question is how these developmental transitions are coordinated in time. Using a minimal mass-conserved substrate-depletion model for symmetry breaking as our case study, we elucidate mechanisms by which cells and tissues can couple reaction-diffusion-driven symmetry breaking to the timing of developmental transitions, arguing that the dependence of patterning mode on system size may be a generic principle by which developing organisms measure time. By analysing different regimes of our model, simulated on growing domains, we elaborate three distinct behaviours, allowing for clock-, timer- or switch-like dynamics. Relating these behaviours to experimentally documented case studies of developmental timing, we provide a minimal conceptual framework to interrogate how developing organisms coordinate developmental transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Cornwall Scoones
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA;
| | - Deb Sankar Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Shiladitya Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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22
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Schweisguth F, Corson F. Self-Organization in Pattern Formation. Dev Cell 2020; 49:659-677. [PMID: 31163171 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Self-organization is pervasive in development, from symmetry breaking in the early embryo to tissue patterning and morphogenesis. For a few model systems, the underlying molecular and cellular processes are now sufficiently characterized that mathematical models can be confronted with experiments, to explore the dynamics of pattern formation. Here, we review selected systems, ranging from cyanobacteria to mammals, where different forms of cell-cell communication, acting alone or together with positional cues, drive the patterning of cell fates, highlighting the insights that even very simple models can provide as well as the challenges on the path to a predictive understanding of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Schweisguth
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology F-75015 Paris, France; CNRS, UMR 3738 F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Francis Corson
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Diderot 75005 Paris, France.
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23
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HAMADA H. Molecular and cellular basis of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:273-296. [PMID: 32788551 PMCID: PMC7443379 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the human body appears superficially symmetrical with regard to the left-right (L-R) axis, most visceral organs are asymmetric in terms of their size, shape, or position. Such morphological asymmetries of visceral organs, which are essential for their proper function, are under the control of a genetic pathway that operates in the developing embryo. In many vertebrates including mammals, the breaking of L-R symmetry occurs at a structure known as the L-R organizer (LRO) located at the midline of the developing embryo. This symmetry breaking is followed by transfer of an active form of the signaling molecule Nodal from the LRO to the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) on the left side, which results in asymmetric expression of Nodal (a left-side determinant) in the left LPM. Finally, L-R asymmetric morphogenesis of visceral organs is induced by Nodal-Pitx2 signaling. This review will describe our current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the generation of L-R asymmetry in vertebrates, with a focus on mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi HAMADA
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: H. Hamada, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan (e-mail: )
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24
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Shylo NA, Emmanouil E, Ramrattan D, Weatherbee SD. Loss of ciliary transition zone protein TMEM107 leads to heterotaxy in mice. Dev Biol 2019; 460:187-199. [PMID: 31887266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cilia in most vertebrate left-right organizers are involved in the original break in left-right (L-R) symmetry, however, less is known about their roles in subsequent steps of the cascade - relaying the signaling and maintaining the established asymmetry. Here we describe the L-R patterning cascades in two mutants of a ciliary transition zone protein TMEM107, revealing that near-complete loss of cilia in Tmem107null leads to left pulmonary isomerism due to the failure of the midline barrier. Contrary, partially retained cilia in the node and the midline of a hypomorphic Tmem107schlei mutant appear sufficient for the formation of the midline barrier and establishment and maintenance of the L-R asymmetry. Despite misregulation of Shh signaling in both mutants, the presence of normal Lefty1 expression and midline barrier formation in Tmem107schlei mutants, suggests a requirement for cilia, but not necessarily Shh signaling for Lefty1 expression and midline barrier formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Shylo
- Yale University, Genetics Department, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Elli Emmanouil
- Yale University, Genetics Department, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Dylan Ramrattan
- Yale University, Genetics Department, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Scott D Weatherbee
- Yale University, Genetics Department, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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25
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Nöthe-Menchen T, Wallmeier J, Pennekamp P, Höben IM, Olbrich H, Loges NT, Raidt J, Dougherty GW, Hjeij R, Dworniczak B, Omran H. Randomization of Left-right Asymmetry and Congenital Heart Defects: The Role of DNAH5 in Humans and Mice. CIRCULATION. GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2019; 12:10.1161/CIRCGEN.119.002686. [PMID: 31638833 PMCID: PMC7174103 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.119.002686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background - Nearly one in 100 live births presents with congenital heart defects (CHD). CHD are frequently associated with laterality defects, such as situs inversus totalis (SIT), a mirrored positioning of internal organs. Body laterality is established by a complex process: monocilia at the embryonic left-right organizer (LRO) facilitate both the generation and sensing of a leftward fluid flow. This induces the conserved left-sided Nodal signaling cascade to initiate asymmetric organogenesis. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) originates from dysfunction of motile cilia, causing symptoms such as chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis and frequently SIT. The most frequently mutated gene in PCD, DNAH5 is associated with randomization of body asymmetry resulting in SIT in half of the patients; however, its relation to CHD occurrence in humans has not been investigated in detail so far. Methods - We performed genotype / phenotype correlations in 132 PCD patients carrying disease-causing DNAH5 mutations, focusing on situs defects and CHD. Using high speed video microscopy-, immunofluorescence-, and in situ hybridization analyses, we investigated the initial steps of left-right axis establishment in embryos of a Dnah5 mutant mouse model. Results - 65.9% (87 / 132) of the PCD patients carrying disease-causing DNAH5 mutations had laterality defects: 88.5% (77 / 87) presented with SIT, 11.5% (10 / 87) presented with situs ambiguus; and 6.1% (8 / 132) presented with CHD. In Dnah5mut/mut mice, embryonic LRO monocilia lack outer dynein arms resulting in immotile cilia, impaired flow at the LRO, and randomization of Nodal signaling with normal, reversed or bilateral expression of key molecules. Conclusions - For the first time, we directly demonstrate the disease-mechanism of laterality defects linked to DNAH5 deficiency at the molecular level during embryogenesis. We highlight that mutations in DNAH5 are not only associated with classical randomization of left-right body asymmetry but also with severe laterality defects including CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Nöthe-Menchen
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Wallmeier
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Petra Pennekamp
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Inga M Höben
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Heike Olbrich
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Niki T Loges
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Johanna Raidt
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Gerard W Dougherty
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Rim Hjeij
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Bernd Dworniczak
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Heymut Omran
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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26
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Chhabra S, Liu L, Goh R, Kong X, Warmflash A. Dissecting the dynamics of signaling events in the BMP, WNT, and NODAL cascade during self-organized fate patterning in human gastruloids. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000498. [PMID: 31613879 PMCID: PMC6814242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During gastrulation, the pluripotent epiblast self-organizes into the 3 germ layers-endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm, which eventually form the entire embryo. Decades of research in the mouse embryo have revealed that a signaling cascade involving the Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP), WNT, and NODAL pathways is necessary for gastrulation. In vivo, WNT and NODAL ligands are expressed near the site of gastrulation in the posterior of the embryo, and knockout of these ligands leads to a failure to gastrulate. These data have led to the prevailing view that a signaling gradient in WNT and NODAL underlies patterning during gastrulation; however, the activities of these pathways in space and time have never been directly observed. In this study, we quantify BMP, WNT, and NODAL signaling dynamics in an in vitro model of human gastrulation. Our data suggest that BMP signaling initiates waves of WNT and NODAL signaling activity that move toward the colony center at a constant rate. Using a simple mathematical model, we show that this wave-like behavior is inconsistent with a reaction-diffusion-based Turing system, indicating that there is no stable signaling gradient of WNT/NODAL. Instead, the final signaling state is homogeneous, and spatial differences arise only from boundary effects. We further show that the durations of WNT and NODAL signaling control mesoderm differentiation, while the duration of BMP signaling controls differentiation of CDX2-positive extra-embryonic cells. The identity of these extra-embryonic cells has been controversial, and we use RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to obtain their transcriptomes and show that they closely resemble human trophoblast cells in vivo. The domain of BMP signaling is identical to the domain of differentiation of these trophoblast-like cells; however, neither WNT nor NODAL forms a spatial pattern that maps directly to the mesodermal region, suggesting that mesoderm differentiation is controlled dynamically by the combinatorial effect of multiple signals. We synthesize our data into a mathematical model that accurately recapitulates signaling dynamics and predicts cell fate patterning upon chemical and physical perturbations. Taken together, our study shows that the dynamics of signaling events in the BMP, WNT, and NODAL cascade in the absence of a stable signaling gradient control fate patterning of human gastruloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Chhabra
- Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lizhong Liu
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ryan Goh
- Department of Mathematics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Takao D, Yamamoto S, Kitagawa D. A theory of centriole duplication based on self-organized spatial pattern formation. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:3537-3547. [PMID: 31451615 PMCID: PMC6829667 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201904156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Super-resolution imaging combined with quantitative image analyses reveals dynamic spatial pattern formation of centriolar Plk4, a master regulator of centriole duplication. The self-organization properties of Plk4 exclusively provide the single site for centriole formation around the preexisting centriole. In each cell cycle, centrioles are duplicated to produce a single copy of each preexisting centriole. At the onset of centriole duplication, the master regulator Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4) undergoes a dynamic change in its spatial pattern around the preexisting centriole, forming a single duplication site. However, the significance and mechanisms of this pattern transition remain unknown. Using super-resolution imaging, we found that centriolar Plk4 exhibits periodic discrete patterns resembling pearl necklaces, frequently with single prominent foci. Mathematical modeling and simulations incorporating the self-organization properties of Plk4 successfully generated the experimentally observed patterns. We therefore propose that the self-patterning of Plk4 is crucial for the regulation of centriole duplication. These results, defining the mechanisms of self-organized regulation, provide a fundamental principle for understanding centriole duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Takao
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shohei Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate Program in Bioscience, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiju Kitagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Abstract
Consistent asymmetries between the left and right sides of animal bodies are common. For example, the internal organs of vertebrates are left-right (L-R) asymmetric in a stereotyped fashion. Other structures, such as the skeleton and muscles, are largely symmetric. This Review considers how symmetries and asymmetries form alongside each other within the embryo, and how they are then maintained during growth. I describe how asymmetric signals are generated in the embryo. Using the limbs and somites as major examples, I then address mechanisms for protecting symmetrically forming tissues from asymmetrically acting signals. These examples reveal that symmetry should not be considered as an inherent background state, but instead must be actively maintained throughout multiple phases of embryonic patterning and organismal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Grimes
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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29
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Sempou E, Khokha MK. Genes and mechanisms of heterotaxy: patients drive the search. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2019; 56:34-40. [PMID: 31234044 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heterotaxy, a disorder in which visceral organs, including the heart, are mispatterned along the left-right body axis, contributes to particularly severe forms of congenital heart disease that are difficult to mitigate even despite surgical advances. A higher incidence of heterotaxy among individuals with blood kinship and the existence of rare monogenic disease forms suggest the existence of a genetic component, but the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease have rendered gene discovery challenging. Next generation genomics in patients with syndromic, but also non-syndromic and sporadic heterotaxy, have recently helped to uncover new candidate disease genes, expanding the pool of genes already identified via traditional animal studies. Further characterization of these new genes in animal models has uncovered fascinating mechanisms of left-right axis development. In this review, we will discuss recent findings on the functions of heterotaxy genes with identified patient alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sempou
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, United States
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30
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Sekine R, Shibata T, Ebisuya M. Synthetic mammalian pattern formation driven by differential diffusivity of Nodal and Lefty. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5456. [PMID: 30575724 PMCID: PMC6303393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic mammalian reaction-diffusion pattern has yet to be created, and Nodal-Lefty signaling has been proposed to meet conditions for pattern formation: Nodal is a short-range activator whereas Lefty is a long-range inhibitor. However, this pattern forming possibility has never been directly tested, and the underlying mechanisms of differential diffusivity of Nodal and Lefty remain unclear. Here, through a combination of synthetic and theoretical approaches, we show that a reconstituted Nodal-Lefty network in mammalian cells spontaneously gives rise to a pattern. Surprisingly, extracellular Nodal is confined underneath the cells, resulting in a narrow distribution compared with Lefty. The short-range distribution requires the finger 1 domain of Nodal, and transplantation of the finger 1 domain into Lefty shortens the distribution of Lefty, successfully preventing pattern formation. These results indicate that the differences in localization and domain structures between Nodal and Lefty, combined with the activator-inhibitor topology, are sufficient for reaction-diffusion patterning. Nodal-Lefty signaling combines a short-range activator and a long-range inhibitor for axis formation and left-right patterning. Here the authors reconstitute a synthetic biology activator-inhibitor circuit of Nodal-Lefty to drive pattern formation in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Sekine
- Laboratory for Reconstitutive Developmental Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (RIKEN BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, 650-0047, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Shibata
- Laboratory for Physical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (RIKEN BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, 650-0047, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miki Ebisuya
- Laboratory for Reconstitutive Developmental Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (RIKEN BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, 650-0047, Kobe, Japan. .,European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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31
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Montague TG, Gagnon JA, Schier AF. Conserved regulation of Nodal-mediated left-right patterning in zebrafish and mouse. Development 2018; 145:dev.171090. [PMID: 30446628 DOI: 10.1242/dev.171090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nodal is the major effector of left-right axis development. In mice, Nodal forms heterodimers with Gdf1 and is inhibited by Cerl2/Dand5 at the node, and by Lefty1 in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). Studies in zebrafish have suggested some parallels, but also differences, between left-right patterning in mouse and zebrafish. To address these discrepancies, we generated single and double zebrafish mutants for southpaw (spaw, the Nodal ortholog), dand5 and lefty1, and performed biochemical and activity assays with Spaw and Vg1/Gdf3 (the Gdf1 ortholog). Contrary to previous findings, spaw mutants failed to initiate spaw expression in the LPM, and asymmetric heart looping was absent, similar to mouse Nodal mutants. In blastoderm assays, Vg1 and Spaw were interdependent for target gene induction, and contrary to previous results, formed heterodimers. Loss of Dand5 or Lefty1 caused bilateral spaw expression, similar to mouse mutants, and Lefty1 was replaceable with a uniform Nodal signaling inhibitor. Collectively, these results indicate that Dand5 activity biases Spaw-Vg1 heterodimer activity to the left, Spaw around Kupffer's vesicle induces the expression of spaw in the LPM and global Nodal inhibition maintains the left bias of Spaw activity, demonstrating conservation between zebrafish and mouse mechanisms of left-right patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa G Montague
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - James A Gagnon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA .,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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32
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A mathematical model of the biochemical network underlying left-right asymmetry establishment in mammals. Biosystems 2018; 173:281-297. [PMID: 30292532 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the TGF-β protein Nodal on the left side of vertebrate embryos is a determining event in the development of internal-organ asymmetry. We present a mathematical model for the control of the expression of Nodal and its antagonist Lefty consisting entirely of realistic elementary reactions. We analyze the model in the absence of Lefty and find a wide range of parameters over which bistability (two stable steady states) is observed, with one stable steady state a low-Nodal state corresponding to the right-hand developmental fate, and the other a high-Nodal state corresponding to the left. We find that bistability requires a transcription factor containing two molecules of phosphorylated Smad2. A numerical survey of the full model, including Lefty, shows the effects of Lefty on the potential for bistability, and on the conditions that lead to the system reaching one or the other steady state.
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33
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Abstract
TGF-β family ligands function in inducing and patterning many tissues of the early vertebrate embryonic body plan. Nodal signaling is essential for the specification of mesendodermal tissues and the concurrent cellular movements of gastrulation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling patterns tissues along the dorsal-ventral axis and simultaneously directs the cell movements of convergence and extension. After gastrulation, a second wave of Nodal signaling breaks the symmetry between the left and right sides of the embryo. During these processes, elaborate regulatory feedback between TGF-β ligands and their antagonists direct the proper specification and patterning of embryonic tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of TGF-β family signaling in these processes. Although we cover principles that are involved in the development of all vertebrate embryos, we focus specifically on three popular model organisms: the mouse Mus musculus, the African clawed frog of the genus Xenopus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio, highlighting the similarities and differences between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zinski
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Mary C Mullins
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
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34
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35
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Abstract
Understanding cell fate patterning and morphogenesis in the mammalian embryo remains a formidable challenge. Recently, in vivo models based on embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have emerged as complementary methods to quantitatively dissect the physical and molecular processes that shape the embryo. Here we review recent developments in using ESCs to create both two- and three-dimensional culture models that shed light on mammalian gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Departments of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States.
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36
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A chemotaxis model of feather primordia pattern formation during avian development. J Theor Biol 2018; 437:225-238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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37
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Schweickert A, Ott T, Kurz S, Tingler M, Maerker M, Fuhl F, Blum M. Vertebrate Left-Right Asymmetry: What Can Nodal Cascade Gene Expression Patterns Tell Us? J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2017; 5:jcdd5010001. [PMID: 29367579 PMCID: PMC5872349 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Laterality of inner organs is a wide-spread characteristic of vertebrates and beyond. It is ultimately controlled by the left-asymmetric activation of the Nodal signaling cascade in the lateral plate mesoderm of the neurula stage embryo, which results from a cilia-driven leftward flow of extracellular fluids at the left-right organizer. This scenario is widely accepted for laterality determination in wildtype specimens. Deviations from this norm come in different flavors. At the level of organ morphogenesis, laterality may be inverted (situs inversus) or non-concordant with respect to the main body axis (situs ambiguus or heterotaxia). At the level of Nodal cascade gene activation, expression may be inverted, bilaterally induced, or absent. In a given genetic situation, patterns may be randomized or predominantly lacking laterality (absence or bilateral activation). We propose that the distributions of patterns observed may be indicative of the underlying molecular defects, with randomizations being primarily caused by defects in the flow-generating ciliary set-up, and symmetrical patterns being the result of impaired flow sensing, on the left, the right, or both sides. This prediction, the reasoning of which is detailed in this review, pinpoints functions of genes whose role in laterality determination have remained obscure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Schweickert
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Tim Ott
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sabrina Kurz
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Melanie Tingler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Markus Maerker
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Franziska Fuhl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Martin Blum
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
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38
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The Role of Cerl2 in the Establishment of Left-Right Asymmetries during Axis Formation and Heart Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2017; 4:jcdd4040023. [PMID: 29367552 PMCID: PMC5753124 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd4040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the asymmetric left-right (LR) body axis is one of the fundamental aspects of vertebrate embryonic development, and one still raising passionate discussions among scientists. Although the conserved role of nodal is unquestionable in this process, several of the details around this signaling cascade are still unanswered. To further understand this mechanism, we have been studying Cerberus-like 2 (Cerl2), an inhibitor of Nodal, and its role in the generation of asymmetries in the early vertebrate embryo. The absence of Cerl2 results in a wide spectrum of malformations commonly known as heterotaxia, which comprises defects in either global organ position (e.g., situs inversus totalis), reversed orientation of at least one organ (e.g., situs ambiguus), and mirror images of usually asymmetric paired organs (e.g., left or right isomerisms of the lungs). Moreover, these laterality defects are frequently associated with congenital heart diseases (e.g., transposition of the great arteries, or atrioventricular septal defects). Here, reviewing the knowledge on the establishment of LR asymmetry in mouse embryos, the emerging conclusion is that as necessary as is the activation of the Nodal signaling cascade, the tight control that Cerl2-mediates on Nodal signaling is equally important, and that generates a further regionalized LR genetic program in the proper time and space.
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39
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Rogers KW, Lord ND, Gagnon JA, Pauli A, Zimmerman S, Aksel DC, Reyon D, Tsai SQ, Joung JK, Schier AF. Nodal patterning without Lefty inhibitory feedback is functional but fragile. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 29215332 PMCID: PMC5720593 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental signaling pathways often activate their own inhibitors. Such inhibitory feedback has been suggested to restrict the spatial and temporal extent of signaling or mitigate signaling fluctuations, but these models are difficult to rigorously test. Here, we determine whether the ability of the mesendoderm inducer Nodal to activate its inhibitor Lefty is required for development. We find that zebrafish lefty mutants exhibit excess Nodal signaling and increased specification of mesendoderm, resulting in embryonic lethality. Strikingly, development can be fully restored without feedback: Lethal patterning defects in lefty mutants can be rescued by ectopic expression of lefty far from its normal expression domain or by spatially and temporally uniform exposure to a Nodal inhibitor drug. While drug-treated mutants are less tolerant of mild perturbations to Nodal signaling levels than wild type embryos, they can develop into healthy adults. These results indicate that patterning without inhibitory feedback is functional but fragile. During animal development, a single fertilized cell gives rise to different tissues and organs. This ‘patterning’ process depends on signaling molecules that instruct cells in different positions in the embryo to acquire different identities. To avoid mistakes during patterning, each cell must receive the correct amount of signal at the appropriate time. In a process called ‘inhibitory feedback’, a signaling molecule instructs cells to produce molecules that block its own signaling. Although inhibitory feedback is widely used during patterning in organisms ranging from sea urchins to mammals, its exact purpose is often not clear. In part this is because feedback is challenging to experimentally manipulate. Removing the inhibitor disrupts feedback, but also increases signaling. Since the effects of broken feedback and increased signaling are intertwined, any resulting developmental defects do not provide information about what feedback specifically does. In order to examine the role of feedback, it is therefore necessary to disconnect the production of the inhibitor from the signaling process. In developing embryos, a well-known signaling molecule called Nodal instructs cells to become specific types – for example, a heart or gut cell. Nodal also promotes the production of its inhibitor, Lefty. To understand how this feedback system works, Rogers, Lord et al. first removed Lefty from zebrafish embryos. These embryos had excessive levels of Nodal signaling, did not develop correctly, and could not survive. Bathing the embryos in a drug that inhibits Nodal reduced excess signaling and allowed them to develop successfully. In these drug-treated embryos, inhibitor production is disconnected from the signaling process, allowing the role of feedback to be examined. Drug-treated embryos were less able to tolerate fluctuations in Nodal signaling than normal zebrafish embryos, which could compensate for such disturbances by adjusting Lefty levels. Overall, it appears that inhibitory feedback in this patterning system is important to compensate for alterations in Nodal signaling, but is not essential for development. Understanding the role of inhibitory feedback will be useful for efforts to grow tissues and organs in the laboratory for clinical use. The results presented by Rogers, Lord et al. also suggest the possibility that drug treatments could be developed to help correct birth defects in the womb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Rogers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Nathan D Lord
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - James A Gagnon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Steven Zimmerman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Deniz C Aksel
- Program in Biophysics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Deepak Reyon
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States
| | - Shengdar Q Tsai
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States
| | - J Keith Joung
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, United States
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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40
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Burdine RD, Grimes DT. Antagonistic interactions in the zebrafish midline prior to the emergence of asymmetric gene expression are important for left-right patterning. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0402. [PMID: 27821532 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Left-right (L-R) asymmetry of the internal organs of vertebrates is presaged by domains of asymmetric gene expression in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) during somitogenesis. Ciliated L-R coordinators (LRCs) are critical for biasing the initiation of asymmetrically expressed genes, such as nodal and pitx2, to the left LPM. Other midline structures, including the notochord and floorplate, are then required to maintain these asymmetries. Here we report an unexpected role for the zebrafish EGF-CFC gene one-eyed pinhead (oep) in the midline to promote pitx2 expression in the LPM. Late zygotic oep (LZoep) mutants have strongly reduced or absent pitx2 expression in the LPM, but this expression can be rescued to strong levels by restoring oep in midline structures only. Furthermore, removing midline structures from LZoep embryos can rescue pitx2 expression in the LPM, suggesting the midline is a source of an LPM pitx2 repressor that is itself inhibited by oep Reducing lefty1 activity in LZoep embryos mimics removal of the midline, implicating lefty1 in the midline-derived repression. Together, this suggests a model where Oep in the midline functions to overcome a midline-derived repressor, involving lefty1, to allow for the expression of left side-specific genes in the LPM.This article is part of the themed issue 'Provocative questions in left-right asymmetry'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Daniel T Grimes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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McDowell G, Rajadurai S, Levin M. From cytoskeletal dynamics to organ asymmetry: a nonlinear, regulative pathway underlies left-right patterning. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0409. [PMID: 27821521 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent left-right (LR) asymmetry is a fundamental aspect of the bodyplan across phyla, and errors of laterality form an important class of human birth defects. Its molecular underpinning was first discovered as a sequential pathway of left- and right-sided gene expression that controlled positioning of the heart and visceral organs. Recent data have revised this picture in two important ways. First, the physical origin of chirality has been identified; cytoskeletal dynamics underlie the asymmetry of single-cell behaviour and patterning of the LR axis. Second, the pathway is not linear: early disruptions that alter the normal sidedness of upstream asymmetric genes do not necessarily induce defects in the laterality of the downstream genes or in organ situs Thus, the LR pathway is a unique example of two fascinating aspects of biology: the interplay of physics and genetics in establishing large-scale anatomy, and regulative (shape-homeostatic) pathways that correct molecular and anatomical errors over time. Here, we review aspects of asymmetry from its intracellular, cytoplasmic origins to the recently uncovered ability of the LR control circuitry to achieve correct gene expression and morphology despite reversals of key 'determinant' genes. We provide novel functional data, in Xenopus laevis, on conserved elements of the cytoskeleton that drive asymmetry, and comparatively analyse it together with previously published results in the field. Our new observations and meta-analysis demonstrate that despite aberrant expression of upstream regulatory genes, embryos can progressively normalize transcriptional cascades and anatomical outcomes. LR patterning can thus serve as a paradigm of how subcellular physics and gene expression cooperate to achieve developmental robustness of a body axis.This article is part of the themed issue 'Provocative questions in left-right asymmetry'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary McDowell
- Biology Department, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA.,Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA
| | - Suvithan Rajadurai
- Biology Department, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA.,Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Biology Department, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA .,Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, MA 02155-4243, USA
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Palmer AR. What determines direction of asymmetry: genes, environment or chance? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0417. [PMID: 27821528 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conspicuous asymmetries seen in many animals and plants offer diverse opportunities to test how the development of a similar morphological feature has evolved in wildly different types of organisms. One key question is: do common rules govern how direction of asymmetry is determined (symmetry is broken) during ontogeny to yield an asymmetrical individual? Examples from numerous organisms illustrate how diverse this process is. These examples also provide some surprising answers to related questions. Is direction of asymmetry in an individual determined by genes, environment or chance? Is direction of asymmetry determined locally (structure by structure) or globally (at the level of the whole body)? Does direction of asymmetry persist when an asymmetrical structure regenerates following autotomy? The answers vary greatly for asymmetries as diverse as gastropod coiling direction, flatfish eye side, crossbill finch bill crossing, asymmetrical claws in shrimp, lobsters and crabs, katydid sound-producing structures, earwig penises and various plant asymmetries. Several examples also reveal how stochastic asymmetry in mollusc and crustacean early cleavage, in Drosophila oogenesis, and in Caenorhabditis elegans epidermal blast cell movement, is a normal component of deterministic development. Collectively, these examples shed light on the role of genes as leaders or followers in evolution.This article is part of the themed issue 'Provocative questions in left-right asymmetry'.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Richard Palmer
- Systematics and Evolution Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
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43
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Takaoka K, Nishimura H, Hamada H. Both Nodal signalling and stochasticity select for prospective distal visceral endoderm in mouse embryos. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1492. [PMID: 29138408 PMCID: PMC5686177 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior–posterior (A–P) polarity of mouse embryos is established by distal visceral endoderm (DVE) at embryonic day (E) 5.5. Lefty1 is expressed first at E3.5 in a subset of epiblast progenitor cells (L1epi cells) and then in a subset of primitive endoderm cells (L1dve cells) fated to become DVE. Here we studied how prospective DVE cells are selected. Lefty1 expression in L1epi and L1dve cells depends on Nodal signaling. A cell that experiences the highest level of Nodal signaling begins to express Lefty1 and becomes an L1epi cell. Deletion of Lefty1 alone or together with Lefty2 increased the number of prospective DVE cells. Ablation of L1epi or L1dve cells triggered Lefty1 expression in a subset of remaining cells. Our results suggest that selection of prospective DVE cells is both random and regulated, and that a fixed prepattern for the A–P axis does not exist before the blastocyst stage. In the mouse embryo, anterior-posterior polarity is established by distal visceral endoderm (DVE) at embryonic day 5.5 but how this arises is unclear. Here, the authors show that expression of Lefty1 earlier can define DVE, and that future DVE cells are selected by Nodal signalling and stochasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyoshi Takaoka
- Developmental Genetics Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan. .,Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Gottingen, Germany.
| | - Hiromi Nishimura
- Developmental Genetics Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamada
- Developmental Genetics Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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Schuler AL, Kasprian G, Schwartz E, Seidl R, Diogo MC, Mitter C, Langs G, Prayer D, Bartha-Doering L. Mens inversus in corpore inverso? Language lateralization in a boy with situs inversus totalis. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2017; 174:9-15. [PMID: 28709112 PMCID: PMC6192509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Situs inversus totalis is a rare condition where the visceral organs are organized as a mirror image of default organ position. In this study we picture the co-development between brain and visceral organs in a case of situs inversus totalis from a fetal stage to adolescence and compare our findings to an age-, gender-, and education-matched control with normal position of thoracic and abdominal organs. We show that in this case of situs inversus, functional and structural brain lateralization do not coincide with visceral organ situs. Furthermore, cognitive development in situs inversus is normal. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antenatal cerebral origins of structural and functional brain asymmetry in a case of situs inversus totalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lisa Schuler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ernst Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rainer Seidl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mariana C Diogo
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Mitter
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Georg Langs
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lisa Bartha-Doering
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Tavares B, Jacinto R, Sampaio P, Pestana S, Pinto A, Vaz A, Roxo-Rosa M, Gardner R, Lopes T, Schilling B, Henry I, Saúde L, Lopes SS. Notch/Her12 signalling modulates, motile/immotile cilia ratio downstream of Foxj1a in zebrafish left-right organizer. eLife 2017; 6:25165. [PMID: 28875937 PMCID: PMC5608511 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxj1a is necessary and sufficient to specify motile cilia. Using transcriptional studies and slow-scan two-photon live imaging capable of identifying the number of motile and immotile cilia, we now established that the final number of motile cilia depends on Notch signalling (NS). We found that despite all left-right organizer (LRO) cells express foxj1a and the ciliary axonemes of these cells have dynein arms, some cilia remain immotile. We identified that this decision is taken early in development in the Kupffer's Vesicle (KV) precursors the readout being her12 transcription. We demonstrate that overexpression of either her12 or Notch intracellular domain (NICD) increases the number of immotile cilia at the expense of motile cilia, and leads to an accumulation of immotile cilia at the anterior half of the KV. This disrupts the normal fluid flow intensity and pattern, with consequent impact on dand5 expression pattern and left-right (L-R) axis establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tavares
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Jacinto
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Sampaio
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Pestana
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Pinto
- Laboratório de Histologia e Patologia Comparada, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Vaz
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica Roxo-Rosa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rui Gardner
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Telma Lopes
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Ian Henry
- MPI of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Leonor Saúde
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular e Instituto de Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Santos Lopes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Lin CY, Tsai MY, Liu YH, Lu YF, Chen YC, Lai YR, Liao HC, Lien HW, Yang CH, Huang CJ, Hwang SPL. Klf8 regulates left-right asymmetric patterning through modulation of Kupffer's vesicle morphogenesis and spaw expression. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:45. [PMID: 28716076 PMCID: PMC5513281 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-017-0351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although vertebrates are bilaterally symmetric organisms, their internal organs are distributed asymmetrically along a left-right axis. Disruption of left-right axis asymmetric patterning often occurs in human genetic disorders. In zebrafish embryos, Kupffer's vesicle, like the mouse node, breaks symmetry by inducing asymmetric expression of the Nodal-related gene, spaw, in the left lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). Spaw then stimulates transcription of itself and downstream genes, including lft1, lft2, and pitx2, specifically in the left side of the diencephalon, heart and LPM. This developmental step is essential to establish subsequent asymmetric organ positioning. In this study, we evaluated the role of krüppel-like factor 8 (klf8) in regulating left-right asymmetric patterning in zebrafish embryos. METHODS Zebrafish klf8 expression was disrupted by both morpholino antisense oligomer-mediated knockdown and a CRISPR-Cas9 system. Whole-mount in situ hybridization was conducted to evaluate gene expression patterns of Nodal signalling components and the positions of heart and visceral organs. Dorsal forerunner cell number was evaluated in Tg(sox17:gfp) embryos and the length and number of cilia in Kupffer's vesicle were analyzed by immunocytochemistry using an acetylated tubulin antibody. RESULTS Heart jogging, looping and visceral organ positioning were all defective in zebrafish klf8 morphants. At the 18-22 s stages, klf8 morphants showed reduced expression of genes encoding Nodal signalling components (spaw, lft1, lft2, and pitx2) in the left LPM, diencephalon, and heart. Co-injection of klf8 mRNA with klf8 morpholino partially rescued spaw expression. Furthermore, klf8 but not klf8△zf overexpressing embryos showed dysregulated bilateral expression of Nodal signalling components at late somite stages. At the 10s stage, klf8 morphants exhibited reductions in length and number of cilia in Kupffer's vesicle, while at 75% epiboly, fewer dorsal forerunner cells were observed. Interestingly, klf8 mutant embryos, generated by a CRISPR-Cas9 system, showed bilateral spaw expression in the LPM at late somite stages. This observation may be partly attributed to compensatory upregulation of klf12b, because klf12b knockdown reduced the percentage of klf8 mutants exhibiting bilateral spaw expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that zebrafish Klf8 regulates left-right asymmetric patterning by modulating both Kupffer's vesicle morphogenesis and spaw expression in the left LPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.,Present address: Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defence Medical Center, National Defence University, Neihu, Taipei, Taiwan.,Present address: Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fen Lu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ren Lai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chi Liao
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Wei Lien
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chang-Jen Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Ping L Hwang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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Ferreira RR, Vilfan A, Jülicher F, Supatto W, Vermot J. Physical limits of flow sensing in the left-right organizer. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28613157 PMCID: PMC5544429 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid flows generated by motile cilia are guiding the establishment of the left-right asymmetry of the body in the vertebrate left-right organizer. Competing hypotheses have been proposed: the direction of flow is sensed either through mechanosensation, or via the detection of chemical signals transported in the flow. We investigated the physical limits of flow detection to clarify which mechanisms could be reliably used for symmetry breaking. We integrated parameters describing cilia distribution and orientation obtained in vivo in zebrafish into a multiscale physical study of flow generation and detection. Our results show that the number of immotile cilia is too small to ensure robust left and right determination by mechanosensing, given the large spatial variability of the flow. However, motile cilia could sense their own motion by a yet unknown mechanism. Finally, transport of chemical signals by the flow can provide a simple and reliable mechanism of asymmetry establishment. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25078.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita R Ferreira
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Frank Jülicher
- Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
| | - Willy Supatto
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR7645), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (U1182) and Paris Saclay University, Palaiseau, France
| | - Julien Vermot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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48
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Ferreira RR, Vermot J. The balancing roles of mechanical forces during left-right patterning and asymmetric morphogenesis. Mech Dev 2017; 144:71-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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49
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Mechanism for generation of left isomerism in Ccdc40 mutant embryos. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171180. [PMID: 28182636 PMCID: PMC5300185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leftward fluid flow in the mouse node is generated by cilia and is critical for initiating asymmetry of the left-right axis. Coiled-coil domain containing-40 (Ccdc40) plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the assembly of motile cilia and establishment of the left-right axis. Approximately one-third of Ccdc40lnks mutant embryos display situs defects and here we investigate the underlying mechanism. Ccdc40lnks mutants show delayed induction of markers of the left-lateral plate mesoderm (L-LPM) including Lefty1, Lefty2 and Nodal. Consistent with defective cilia motility compromising fluid flow across the node, initiation of asymmetric perinodal Cerberus like-2 (Cerl2) expression is delayed and then randomized. This is followed by delayed and then randomized asymmetric Nodal expression around the node. We propose a model to explain how left isomerism arises in a proportion of Ccdc40lnks mutants. We postulate that with defective motile cilia, Cerl2 expression remains symmetric and Nodal is antagonized equally on both sides of the node. This effectively reduces Nodal activation bilaterally, leading to reduced and delayed activation of Nodal and its antagonists in the LPM. This model is further supported by the failure to establish Nodal expression in the left-LPM with reduced Nodal gene dosage in Ccdc40lnks/lnks;NodalLacZ/+ mutants causing a predominance of right not left isomerism. Together these results suggest a model where cilia generated fluid flow in the node functions to ensure robust Nodal activation and a timely left-sided developmental program in the LPM.
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50
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Houston DW. Vertebrate Axial Patterning: From Egg to Asymmetry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:209-306. [PMID: 27975274 PMCID: PMC6550305 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the bilateral embryonic body axis from a symmetrical egg has been a long-standing question in developmental biology. Historical and modern experiments point to an initial symmetry-breaking event leading to localized Wnt and Nodal growth factor signaling and subsequent induction and formation of a self-regulating dorsal "organizer." This organizer forms at the site of notochord cell internalization and expresses primarily Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) growth factor antagonists that establish a spatiotemporal gradient of BMP signaling across the embryo, directing initial cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Although the basics of this model have been known for some time, many of the molecular and cellular details have only recently been elucidated and the extent that these events remain conserved throughout vertebrate evolution remains unclear. This chapter summarizes historical perspectives as well as recent molecular and genetic advances regarding: (1) the mechanisms that regulate symmetry-breaking in the vertebrate egg and early embryo, (2) the pathways that are activated by these events, in particular the Wnt pathway, and the role of these pathways in the formation and function of the organizer, and (3) how these pathways also mediate anteroposterior patterning and axial morphogenesis. Emphasis is placed on comparative aspects of the egg-to-embryo transition across vertebrates and their evolution. The future prospects for work regarding self-organization and gene regulatory networks in the context of early axis formation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 257 BB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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