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Eidi Z, Khorasani N, Sadeghi M. Correspondence between multiple signaling and developmental cellular patterns: a computational perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1310265. [PMID: 39139453 PMCID: PMC11319269 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1310265] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatial arrangement of variant phenotypes during stem cell division plays a crucial role in the self-organization of cell tissues. The patterns observed in these cellular assemblies, where multiple phenotypes vie for space and resources, are largely influenced by a mixture of different diffusible chemical signals. This complex process is carried out within a chronological framework of interplaying intracellular and intercellular events. This includes receiving external stimulants, whether secreted by other individuals or provided by the environment, interpreting these environmental signals, and incorporating the information to designate cell fate. Here, given two distinct signaling patterns generated by Turing systems, we investigated the spatial distribution of differentiating cells that use these signals as external cues for modifying the production rates. By proposing a computational map, we show that there is a correspondence between the multiple signaling and developmental cellular patterns. In other words, the model provides an appropriate prediction for the final structure of the differentiated cells in a multi-signal, multi-cell environment. Conversely, when a final snapshot of cellular patterns is given, our algorithm can partially identify the signaling patterns that influenced the formation of the cellular structure, provided that the governing dynamic of the signaling patterns is already known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Eidi
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Najme Khorasani
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sadeghi
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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2
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Yang Y, Li S, Luo L. Responses of organ precursors to correct and incorrect inductive signals. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:484-495. [PMID: 37739814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the inductive molecules produced by local origins normally arrive at their target tissues in a nondirectional, diffusion manner. The target organ precursor cells must correctly interpret these inductive signals to ensure proper specification/differentiation, which is dependent on two prerequisites: (i) obtaining cell-intrinsic competence; and (ii) receiving correct inductive signals while resisting incorrect ones. Gain of intrinsic competence could avoid a large number of misinductions because the incompetent cells are nonresponsive to inductive signals. However, in cases of different precursor cells with similar competence and located in close proximity, resistance to incorrect inductive signals is essential for accurate determination of cell fate. Here we outline the mechanisms of how organ precursors respond to correct and incorrect inductive signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Emig AA, Hansen M, Grimm S, Coarfa C, Lord ND, Williams MK. Temporal dynamics of BMP/Nodal ratio drive tissue-specific gastrulation morphogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579243. [PMID: 38370754 PMCID: PMC10871350 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Anteroposterior (AP) elongation of the vertebrate body plan is driven by convergence and extension (C&E) gastrulation movements in both the mesoderm and neuroectoderm, but how or whether molecular regulation of C&E differs between tissues remains an open question. Using a zebrafish explant model of AP axis extension, we show that C&E of the neuroectoderm and mesoderm can be uncoupled ex vivo, and that morphogenesis of individual tissues results from distinct morphogen signaling dynamics. Using precise temporal manipulation of BMP and Nodal signaling, we identify a critical developmental window during which high or low BMP/Nodal ratios induce neuroectoderm- or mesoderm-driven C&E, respectively. Increased BMP activity similarly enhances C&E specifically in the ectoderm of intact zebrafish gastrulae, highlighting the in vivo relevance of our findings. Together, these results demonstrate that temporal dynamics of BMP and Nodal morphogen signaling activate distinct morphogenetic programs governing C&E gastrulation movements within individual tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Emig
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Megan Hansen
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sandra Grimm
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Nathan D Lord
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Margot Kossmann Williams
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Previous address: Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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4
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Wilcockson SG, Guglielmi L, Araguas Rodriguez P, Amoyel M, Hill CS. An improved Erk biosensor detects oscillatory Erk dynamics driven by mitotic erasure during early development. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2802-2818.e5. [PMID: 37714159 PMCID: PMC7615346 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.021] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) signaling dynamics elicit distinct cellular responses in a variety of contexts. The early zebrafish embryo is an ideal model to explore the role of Erk signaling dynamics in vivo, as a gradient of activated diphosphorylated Erk (P-Erk) is induced by fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling at the blastula margin. Here, we describe an improved Erk-specific biosensor, which we term modified Erk kinase translocation reporter (modErk-KTR). We demonstrate the utility of this biosensor in vitro and in developing zebrafish and Drosophila embryos. Moreover, we show that Fgf/Erk signaling is dynamic and coupled to tissue growth during both early zebrafish and Drosophila development. Erk activity is rapidly extinguished just prior to mitosis, which we refer to as mitotic erasure, inducing periods of inactivity, thus providing a source of heterogeneity in an asynchronously dividing tissue. Our modified reporter and transgenic lines represent an important resource for interrogating the role of Erk signaling dynamics in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Wilcockson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Pablo Araguas Rodriguez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marc Amoyel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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5
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Richardson L, Wilcockson SG, Guglielmi L, Hill CS. Context-dependent TGFβ family signalling in cell fate regulation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:876-894. [PMID: 37596501 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family are a large group of evolutionarily conserved cytokines whose signalling modulates cell fate decision-making across varying cellular contexts at different stages of life. Here we discuss new findings in early embryos that reveal how, in contrast to our original understanding of morphogen interpretation, robust cell fate specification can originate from a noisy combination of signalling inputs and a broad range of signalling levels. We compare this evidence with novel findings on the roles of TGFβ family signalling in tissue maintenance and homeostasis during juvenile and adult life, spanning the skeletal, haemopoietic and immune systems. From these comparisons, it emerges that in contrast to robust developing systems, relatively small perturbations in TGFβ family signalling have detrimental effects at later stages in life, leading to aberrant cell fate specification and disease, for example in cancer or congenital disorders. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target and amend dysfunction in signalling and discuss how gleaning knowledge from different fields of biology can help in the development of therapeutics for aberrant TGFβ family signalling in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Richardson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Scott G Wilcockson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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6
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Harish RK, Gupta M, Zöller D, Hartmann H, Gheisari A, Machate A, Hans S, Brand M. Real-time monitoring of an endogenous Fgf8a gradient attests to its role as a morphogen during zebrafish gastrulation. Development 2023; 150:dev201559. [PMID: 37665167 PMCID: PMC10565248 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Morphogen gradients impart positional information to cells in a homogenous tissue field. Fgf8a, a highly conserved growth factor, has been proposed to act as a morphogen during zebrafish gastrulation. However, technical limitations have so far prevented direct visualization of the endogenous Fgf8a gradient and confirmation of its morphogenic activity. Here, we monitor Fgf8a propagation in the developing neural plate using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated EGFP knock-in at the endogenous fgf8a locus. By combining sensitive imaging with single-molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we demonstrate that Fgf8a, which is produced at the embryonic margin, propagates by diffusion through the extracellular space and forms a graded distribution towards the animal pole. Overlaying the Fgf8a gradient curve with expression profiles of its downstream targets determines the precise input-output relationship of Fgf8a-mediated patterning. Manipulation of the extracellular Fgf8a levels alters the signaling outcome, thus establishing Fgf8a as a bona fide morphogen during zebrafish gastrulation. Furthermore, by hindering Fgf8a diffusion, we demonstrate that extracellular diffusion of the protein from the source is crucial for it to achieve its morphogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Krishnan Harish
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mansi Gupta
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Zöller
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Hella Hartmann
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- CMCB Technology Platform, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ali Gheisari
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- CMCB Technology Platform, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Machate
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Hans
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Brand
- CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- PoL – Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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7
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Ho EK, Oatman HR, McFann SE, Yang L, Johnson HE, Shvartsman SY, Toettcher JE. Dynamics of an incoherent feedforward loop drive ERK-dependent pattern formation in the early Drosophila embryo. Development 2023; 150:dev201818. [PMID: 37602510 PMCID: PMC10482391 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201818] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Positional information in development often manifests as stripes of gene expression, but how stripes form remains incompletely understood. Here, we use optogenetics and live-cell biosensors to investigate the posterior brachyenteron (byn) stripe in early Drosophila embryos. This stripe depends on interpretation of an upstream ERK activity gradient and the expression of two target genes, tailless (tll) and huckebein (hkb), that exert antagonistic control over byn. We find that high or low doses of ERK signaling produce transient or sustained byn expression, respectively. Although tll transcription is always rapidly induced, hkb converts graded ERK inputs into a variable time delay. Nuclei thus interpret ERK amplitude through the relative timing of tll and hkb transcription. Antagonistic regulatory paths acting on different timescales are hallmarks of an incoherent feedforward loop, which is sufficient to explain byn dynamics and adds temporal complexity to the steady-state model of byn stripe formation. We further show that 'blurring' of an all-or-none stimulus through intracellular diffusion non-locally produces a byn stripe. Overall, we provide a blueprint for using optogenetics to dissect developmental signal interpretation in space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Ho
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Harrison R. Oatman
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Sarah E. McFann
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Liu Yang
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Heath E. Johnson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Stanislav Y. Shvartsman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute - Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Jared E. Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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8
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Čapek D, Safroshkin M, Morales-Navarrete H, Toulany N, Arutyunov G, Kurzbach A, Bihler J, Hagauer J, Kick S, Jones F, Jordan B, Müller P. EmbryoNet: using deep learning to link embryonic phenotypes to signaling pathways. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-01873-4. [PMID: 37156842 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways are essential for early embryogenesis, and reducing or abolishing their activity leads to characteristic developmental defects. Classification of phenotypic defects can identify the underlying signaling mechanisms, but this requires expert knowledge and the classification schemes have not been standardized. Here we use a machine learning approach for automated phenotyping to train a deep convolutional neural network, EmbryoNet, to accurately identify zebrafish signaling mutants in an unbiased manner. Combined with a model of time-dependent developmental trajectories, this approach identifies and classifies with high precision phenotypic defects caused by loss of function of the seven major signaling pathways relevant for vertebrate development. Our classification algorithms have wide applications in developmental biology and robustly identify signaling defects in evolutionarily distant species. Furthermore, using automated phenotyping in high-throughput drug screens, we show that EmbryoNet can resolve the mechanism of action of pharmaceutical substances. As part of this work, we freely provide more than 2 million images that were used to train and test EmbryoNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Čapek
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Hernán Morales-Navarrete
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nikan Toulany
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Anica Kurzbach
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Johanna Bihler
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Hagauer
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kick
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felicity Jones
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ben Jordan
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany.
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany.
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9
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Cheng T, Xing YY, Liu C, Li YF, Huang Y, Liu X, Zhang YJ, Zhao GQ, Dong Y, Fu XX, Tian YM, Shu LP, Megason SG, Xu PF. Nodal coordinates the anterior-posterior patterning of germ layers and induces head formation in zebrafish explants. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112351. [PMID: 37018074 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Much progress has been made toward generating analogs of early embryos, such as gastruloids and embryoids, in vitro. However, methods for how to fully mimic the cell movements of gastrulation and coordinate germ-layer patterning to induce head formation are still lacking. Here, we show that a regional Nodal gradient applied to zebrafish animal pole explant can generate a structure that recapitulates the key cell movements of gastrulation. Using single-cell transcriptome and in situ hybridization analysis, we assess the dynamics of the cell fates and patterning of this structure. The mesendoderm differentiates into the anterior endoderm, prechordal plate, notochord, and tailbud-like cells along an anterior-posterior axis, and an anterior-posterior-patterned head-like structure (HLS) progressively forms during late gastrulation. Among 105 immediate Nodal targets, 14 genes contain axis-induction ability, and 5 of them induce a complete or partial head structure when overexpressed in the ventral side of zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cheng
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan-Yi Xing
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun-Fei Li
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Qin Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Xin Fu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Meng Tian
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Ping Shu
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Sean G Megason
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Alvarez-Rodrigo I, Willnow D, Vincent JP. The logistics of Wnt production and delivery. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:1-60. [PMID: 36967191 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Wnts are secreted proteins that control stem cell maintenance, cell fate decisions, and growth during development and adult homeostasis. Wnts carry a post-translational modification not seen in any other secreted protein: during biosynthesis, they are appended with a palmitoleoyl moiety that is required for signaling but also impairs solubility and hence diffusion in the extracellular space. In some contexts, Wnts act only in a juxtacrine manner but there are also instances of long range action. Several proteins and processes ensure that active Wnts reach the appropriate target cells. Some, like Porcupine, Wntless, and Notum are dedicated to Wnt function; we describe their activities in molecular detail. We also outline how the cell infrastructure (secretory, endocytic, and retromer pathways) contribute to the progression of Wnts from production to delivery. We then address how Wnts spread in the extracellular space and form a signaling gradient despite carrying a hydrophobic moiety. We highlight particularly the role of lipid-binding Wnt interactors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Finally, we briefly discuss how evolution might have led to the emergence of this unusual signaling pathway.
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11
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Pokhrel N, Genin O, Sela-Donenfeld D, Cinnamon Y. Storage temperature dictates the ability of chicken embryos to successfully resume development by regulating expression of blastulation and gastrulation genes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:960061. [PMID: 36589431 PMCID: PMC9800875 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.960061] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian embryo has a remarkable ability that allows it to suspend its development during blastulation for a long time at low temperatures, and to resume normal development when incubated. This ability is used by poultry hatcheries to store eggs prior to incubation. We have previously found that this ability correlates with the temperature during storage; embryos recover much better following prolonged storage at 12°C rather than at 18°C. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these differences are poorly understood. To successfully resume development following storage, the embryo has to shift from the blastulation phase to gastrulation. Several genes are known to partake in the blastulation-to-gastrulation transition under normal conditions, such as the pluripotency-related genes Inhibitor of DNA Binding 2 (ID2) and NANOG that are expressed during blastulation, and the gastrulation-regulating genes NODAL and Brachyury (TBXT). However, their expression and activity following storage is unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that initiate the ability to successfully transit from blastulation to gastrulation following storage, embryos were stored for 28 days at 12°C or 18°C, and were assessed either prior to incubation, 12, or 18 h of incubation at 37.8°C. Immediately following storage at 18°C group showed remarkable impaired morphology compared to the blastoderm of the 12°C group and of non-stored control embryos. Concurrently with these, expression of ID2 and NANOG was maintained following storage at 12°C similar to the control group, but was significantly reduced upon storage at 18°C. Nevertheless, when the 18°C-stored embryos were incubated, the morphology and the reduced genes were reverted to resemble those of the 12°C group. At variance, key gastrulation genes, NODAL and its downstream effector Brachyury (TBXT), which were similarly expressed in the control and the 12°C group, were not restored in the 18°C embryos following incubation. Notably, ectopic administration of Activin rescued NODAL and TBXT expression in the 18°C group, indicating that these embryos maintain the potential to initiate. Collectively, this study suggests a temperature-dependent mechanisms that direct the transition from blastulation to gastrulation. These mechanisms promote a successful developmental resumption following prolonged storage at low temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Pokhrel
- Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Center, Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel,Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Olga Genin
- Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Center, Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel,*Correspondence: Dalit Sela-Donenfeld, ; Yuval Cinnamon,
| | - Yuval Cinnamon
- Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Center, Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel,*Correspondence: Dalit Sela-Donenfeld, ; Yuval Cinnamon,
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12
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Economou AD, Guglielmi L, East P, Hill CS. Nodal signaling establishes a competency window for stochastic cell fate switching. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2604-2622.e5. [PMID: 36473458 PMCID: PMC7615190 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.11.008] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Specification of the germ layers by Nodal signaling has long been regarded as an archetype of how graded morphogens induce different cell fates. However, this deterministic model cannot explain why only a subset of cells at the early zebrafish embryo margin adopt the endodermal fate, whereas their immediate neighbours, experiencing a similar signaling environment, become mesoderm. Combining pharmacology, quantitative imaging and single cell transcriptomics, we demonstrate that sustained Nodal signaling establishes a bipotential progenitor state from which cells can switch to an endodermal fate or differentiate into mesoderm. Switching is a random event, the likelihood of which is modulated by Fgf signaling. This inherently imprecise mechanism nevertheless leads to robust endoderm formation because of buffering at later stages. Thus, in contrast to previous deterministic models of morphogen action, Nodal signaling establishes a temporal window when cells are competent to undergo a stochastic cell fate switch, rather than determining fate itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Economou
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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13
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Li YF, Cheng T, Zhang YJ, Fu XX, Mo J, Zhao GQ, Xue MG, Zhuo DH, Xing YY, Huang Y, Sun XZ, Wang D, Liu X, Dong Y, Zhu XS, He F, Ma J, Chen D, Jin X, Xu PF. Mycn regulates intestinal development through ribosomal biogenesis in a zebrafish model of Feingold syndrome 1. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001856. [PMID: 36318514 PMCID: PMC9624419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Feingold syndrome type 1, caused by loss-of-function of MYCN, is characterized by varied phenotypes including esophageal and duodenal atresia. However, no adequate model exists for studying the syndrome's pathological or molecular mechanisms, nor is there a treatment strategy. Here, we developed a zebrafish Feingold syndrome type 1 model with nonfunctional mycn, which had severe intestinal atresia. Single-cell RNA-seq identified a subcluster of intestinal cells that were highly sensitive to Mycn, and impaired cell proliferation decreased the overall number of intestinal cells in the mycn mutant fish. Bulk RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis showed that expression of ribosomal genes was down-regulated and that amino acid metabolism was abnormal. Northern blot and ribosomal profiling analysis showed abnormal rRNA processing and decreases in free 40S, 60S, and 80S ribosome particles, which led to impaired translation in the mutant. Besides, both Ribo-seq and western blot analysis showed that mTOR pathway was impaired in mycn mutant, and blocking mTOR pathway by rapamycin treatment can mimic the intestinal defect, and both L-leucine and Rheb, which can elevate translation via activating TOR pathway, could rescue the intestinal phenotype of mycn mutant. In summary, by this zebrafish Feingold syndrome type 1 model, we found that disturbance of ribosomal biogenesis and blockage of protein synthesis during development are primary causes of the intestinal defect in Feingold syndrome type 1. Importantly, our work suggests that leucine supplementation may be a feasible and easy treatment option for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Li
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Xin Fu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Mo
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo-Qin Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mao-Guang Xue
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ding-Hao Zhuo
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yi Xing
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Sun
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Zhu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng He
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (P-FX)
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (P-FX)
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14
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Kuhn T, Landge AN, Mörsdorf D, Coßmann J, Gerstenecker J, Čapek D, Müller P, Gebhardt JCM. Single-molecule tracking of Nodal and Lefty in live zebrafish embryos supports hindered diffusion model. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6101. [PMID: 36243734 PMCID: PMC9569377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hindered diffusion model postulates that the movement of a signaling molecule through an embryo is affected by tissue geometry and binding-mediated hindrance, but these effects have not been directly demonstrated in vivo. Here, we visualize extracellular movement and binding of individual molecules of the activator-inhibitor signaling pair Nodal and Lefty in live developing zebrafish embryos using reflected light-sheet microscopy. We observe that diffusion coefficients of molecules are high in extracellular cavities, whereas mobility is reduced and bound fractions are high within cell-cell interfaces. Counterintuitively, molecules nevertheless accumulate in cavities, which we attribute to the geometry of the extracellular space by agent-based simulations. We further find that Nodal has a larger bound fraction than Lefty and shows a binding time of tens of seconds. Together, our measurements and simulations provide direct support for the hindered diffusion model and yield insights into the nanometer-to-micrometer-scale mechanisms that lead to macroscopic signal dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Kuhn
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Amit N. Landge
- grid.9811.10000 0001 0658 7699University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - David Mörsdorf
- grid.418026.90000 0004 0492 0357Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Max-Planck-Ring 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ,grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424University of Vienna, Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Coßmann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johanna Gerstenecker
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Čapek
- grid.9811.10000 0001 0658 7699University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- grid.9811.10000 0001 0658 7699University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany ,grid.418026.90000 0004 0492 0357Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Max-Planck-Ring 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - J. Christof M. Gebhardt
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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15
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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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16
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Stock J, Kazmar T, Schlumm F, Hannezo E, Pauli A. A self-generated Toddler gradient guides mesodermal cell migration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd2488. [PMID: 36103529 PMCID: PMC9473572 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sculpting of germ layers during gastrulation relies on the coordinated migration of progenitor cells, yet the cues controlling these long-range directed movements remain largely unknown. While directional migration often relies on a chemokine gradient generated from a localized source, we find that zebrafish ventrolateral mesoderm is guided by a self-generated gradient of the initially uniformly expressed and secreted protein Toddler/ELABELA/Apela. We show that the Apelin receptor, which is specifically expressed in mesodermal cells, has a dual role during gastrulation, acting as a scavenger receptor to generate a Toddler gradient, and as a chemokine receptor to sense this guidance cue. Thus, we uncover a single receptor-based self-generated gradient as the enigmatic guidance cue that can robustly steer the directional migration of mesoderm through the complex and continuously changing environment of the gastrulating embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stock
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Kazmar
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Schlumm
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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17
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Brown W, Bardhan A, Darrah K, Tsang M, Deiters A. Optical Control of MicroRNA Function in Zebrafish Embryos. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:16819-16826. [PMID: 36073798 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs play crucial and dynamic roles in vertebrate development and diseases. Some, like miR-430, are highly expressed during early embryo development and regulate hundreds of transcripts, which can make it difficult to study their role in the timing and location of specific developmental processes using conventional morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) knockdown or genetic deletion approaches. We demonstrate that light-activated circular morpholino oligonucleotides (cMOs) can be applied to the conditional control of microRNA function. We targeted miR-430 in zebrafish embryos to study its role in the development of the embryo body and the heart. Using 405 nm irradiation, precise spatial and temporal control over miR-430 function was demonstrated, offering insight into the cell populations and developmental timepoints involved in each process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Anirban Bardhan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Kristie Darrah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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18
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Coda DM, Patel H, Gori I, Gaarenstroom TE, Song OR, Howell M, Hill CS. A network of transcription factors governs the dynamics of NODAL/Activin transcriptional responses. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259972. [PMID: 35302162 PMCID: PMC9080556 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD2, an effector of the NODAL/Activin signalling pathway, regulates developmental processes by sensing distinct chromatin states and interacting with different transcriptional partners. However, the network of factors that controls SMAD2 chromatin binding and shapes its transcriptional programme over time is poorly characterised. Here, we combine ATAC-seq with computational footprinting to identify temporal changes in chromatin accessibility and transcription factor activity upon NODAL/Activin signalling. We show that SMAD2 binding induces chromatin opening genome wide. We discover footprints for FOXI3, FOXO3 and ZIC3 at the SMAD2-bound enhancers of the early response genes, Pmepa1 and Wnt3, respectively, and demonstrate their functionality. Finally, we determine a mechanism by which NODAL/Activin signalling induces delayed gene expression, by uncovering a self-enabling transcriptional cascade whereby activated SMADs, together with ZIC3, induce the expression of Wnt3. The resultant activated WNT pathway then acts together with the NODAL/Activin pathway to regulate expression of delayed target genes in prolonged NODAL/Activin signalling conditions. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide M. Coda
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Harshil Patel
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ilaria Gori
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Tessa E. Gaarenstroom
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ok-Ryul Song
- High Throughput Screening Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael Howell
- High Throughput Screening Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Caroline S. Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
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19
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Hill CS. Establishment and interpretation of NODAL and BMP signaling gradients in early vertebrate development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 149:311-340. [PMID: 35606059 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands play crucial roles in orchestrating early embryonic development. Most significantly, two family members, NODAL and BMP form signaling gradients and indeed in fish, frogs and sea urchins these two opposing gradients are sufficient to organize a complete embryonic axis. This review focuses on how these gradients are established and interpreted during early vertebrate development. The review highlights key principles that are emerging, in particular the importance of signaling duration as well as ligand concentration in both gradient generation and their interpretation. Feedforward and feedback loops involving other signaling pathways are also essential for providing spatial and temporal information downstream of the NODAL and BMP signaling pathways. Finally, new data suggest the existence of buffering mechanisms, whereby early signaling defects can be readily corrected downstream later in development, suggesting that signaling gradients do not have to be as precise as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Liu L, Nemashkalo A, Rezende L, Jung JY, Chhabra S, Guerra MC, Heemskerk I, Warmflash A. Nodal is a short-range morphogen with activity that spreads through a relay mechanism in human gastruloids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:497. [PMID: 35079017 PMCID: PMC8789905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogens are signaling molecules that convey positional information and dictate cell fates during development. Although ectopic expression in model organisms suggests that morphogen gradients form through diffusion, little is known about how morphogen gradients are created and interpreted during mammalian embryogenesis due to the combined difficulties of measuring endogenous morphogen levels and observing development in utero. Here we take advantage of a human gastruloid model to visualize endogenous Nodal protein in living cells, during specification of germ layers. We show that Nodal is extremely short range so that Nodal protein is limited to the immediate neighborhood of source cells. Nodal activity spreads through a relay mechanism in which Nodal production induces neighboring cells to transcribe Nodal. We further show that the Nodal inhibitor Lefty, while biochemically capable of long-range diffusion, also acts locally to control the timing of Nodal spread and therefore of mesoderm differentiation during patterning. Our study establishes a paradigm for tissue patterning by an activator-inhibitor pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Liu
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Luisa Rezende
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ji Yoon Jung
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sapna Chhabra
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Developmental Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Idse Heemskerk
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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21
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Jones WD, Mullins MC. Cell signaling pathways controlling an axis organizing center in the zebrafish. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 150:149-209. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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22
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Guglielmi L, Heliot C, Kumar S, Alexandrov Y, Gori I, Papaleonidopoulou F, Barrington C, East P, Economou AD, French PMW, McGinty J, Hill CS. Smad4 controls signaling robustness and morphogenesis by differentially contributing to the Nodal and BMP pathways. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6374. [PMID: 34737283 PMCID: PMC8569018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26486-3] [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: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional effector SMAD4 is a core component of the TGF-β family signaling pathways. However, its role in vertebrate embryo development remains unresolved. To address this, we deleted Smad4 in zebrafish and investigated the consequences of this on signaling by the TGF-β family morphogens, BMPs and Nodal. We demonstrate that in the absence of Smad4, dorsal/ventral embryo patterning is disrupted due to the loss of BMP signaling. However, unexpectedly, Nodal signaling is maintained, but lacks robustness. This Smad4-independent Nodal signaling is sufficient for mesoderm specification, but not for optimal endoderm specification. Furthermore, using Optical Projection Tomography in combination with 3D embryo morphometry, we have generated a BMP morphospace and demonstrate that Smad4 mutants are morphologically indistinguishable from embryos in which BMP signaling has been genetically/pharmacologically perturbed. Smad4 is thus differentially required for signaling by different TGF-β family ligands, which has implications for diseases where Smad4 is mutated or deleted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Claire Heliot
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Advanced Light Microscopy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Yuriy Alexandrov
- Advanced Light Microscopy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ilaria Gori
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Christopher Barrington
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Andrew D Economou
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul M W French
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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23
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Abstract
Micropatterning encompasses a set of methods aimed at precisely controlling the spatial distribution of molecules onto the surface of materials. Biologists have borrowed the idea and adapted these methods, originally developed for electronics, to impose physical constraints on biological systems with the aim of addressing fundamental questions across biological scales from molecules to multicellular systems. Here, I approach this topic from a developmental biologist's perspective focusing specifically on how and why micropatterning has gained in popularity within the developmental biology community in recent years. Overall, this Primer provides a concise overview of how micropatterns are used to study developmental processes and emphasises how micropatterns are a useful addition to the developmental biologist's toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Blin
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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24
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Tuazon FB, Wang X, Andrade JL, Umulis D, Mullins MC. Proteolytic Restriction of Chordin Range Underlies BMP Gradient Formation. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108039. [PMID: 32814043 PMCID: PMC7731995 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in developmental biology is how morphogens, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), form precise signaling gradients to impart positional and functional identity to the cells of the early embryo. We combine rigorous mutant analyses with quantitative immunofluorescence to determine that the proteases Bmp1a and Tolloid spatially restrict the BMP antagonist Chordin in dorsoventral (DV) axial patterning of the early zebrafish gastrula. We show that maternally deposited Bmp1a plays an unexpected and non-redundant role in establishing the BMP signaling gradient, while the Bmp1a/Tolloid antagonist Sizzled is surprisingly dispensable. Combining computational modeling and in vivo analyses with an immobile Chordin construct, we demonstrate that long-range Chordin diffusion is not necessary for BMP gradient formation and DV patterning. Our data do not support a counter-gradient of Chordin and instead favor a Chordin sink, established by Bmp1a and Tolloid, as the primary mechanism that drives BMP gradient formation. The BMP morphogen generates a precise signaling gradient during axial patterning. In the zebrafish embryo, Tuazon et al. find that proteases Bmp1a/Tolloid are key to this process, preventing the long-range diffusion of the BMP antagonist, Chordin. By regionally restricting Chordin, Bmp1a/Tolloid establish the signaling sink that drives BMP gradient formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca B Tuazon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee Andrade
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Umulis
- Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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25
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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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26
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Hayes K, Kim YK, Pera MF. A case for revisiting Nodal signaling in human pluripotent stem cells. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:1137-1144. [PMID: 33932319 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member that plays a number of critical roles in mammalian embryonic development. Nodal is essential for the support of the peri-implantation epiblast in the mouse embryo and subsequently acts to specify mesendodermal fate at the time of gastrulation and, later, left-right asymmetry. Maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro is dependent on Nodal signaling. Because it has proven difficult to prepare a biologically active form of recombinant Nodal protein, Activin or TGFB1 are widely used as surrogates for NODAL in hPSC culture. Nonetheless, the expression of the components of an endogenous Nodal signaling pathway in hPSC provides a potential autocrine pathway for the regulation of self-renewal in this system. Here we review recent studies that have clarified the role of Nodal signaling in pluripotent stem cell populations, highlighted spatial restrictions on Nodal signaling, and shown that Nodal functions in vivo as a heterodimer with GDF3, another TGF-β superfamily member expressed by hPSC. We discuss the role of this pathway in the maintenance of the epiblast and hPSC in light of these new advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hayes
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Yun-Kyo Kim
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
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27
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Liu L, Warmflash A. Self-organized signaling in stem cell models of embryos. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1065-1077. [PMID: 33979594 PMCID: PMC8185436 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryonic development is a complex process driven by self-organization. Understanding how a fertilized egg develops into an embryo composed of more than 200 cell types in precise spatial patterns remains one of the fundamental challenges in biology. Pluripotent stem cells have been used as in vitro models for investigating mammalian development, and represent promising building blocks for regenerative therapies. Recently, sophisticated stem cell-based models that recapitulate early embryonic fate patterning and morphogenesis have been developed. In this article, we review recent advances in stem cell models of embryos in particular focusing on signaling activities underpinning cell fate decisions in space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Liu
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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28
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Integration of Nodal and BMP Signaling by Mutual Signaling Effector Antagonism. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107487. [PMID: 32268105 PMCID: PMC7166084 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Opposing sources of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Nodal signaling molecules are sufficient to induce the formation of a full axis in zebrafish embryos. To address how these signals orchestrate patterning, we transplant sources of fluorescently tagged Nodal and BMP into zebrafish embryos, robustly inducing the formation of secondary axes. Nodal and BMP signal non-cell-autonomously and form similar protein gradients in this context, but the signaling range of Nodal (pSmad2) is shorter than the BMP range (pSmad5). This yields a localized region of pSmad2 activity around the Nodal source, overlapping with a broad domain of pSmad5 activity across the embryo. Cell fates induced in various regions stereotypically correlate with pSmad2-to-pSmad5 ratios and can even be induced BMP- and Nodal-independently with different ratios of constitutively active Smad2 and Smad5. Strikingly, we find that Smad2 and Smad5 antagonize each other for specific cell fates, providing a mechanism for how cells integrate and discriminate between overlapping signals during development. Nodal induces pSmad at a shorter range than BMP due to slower activation kinetics Different ratios of active Smad2 and Smad5 can induce different embryonic structures Smad2 and Smad5 inhibit each other or act synergistically to induce specific cell fates
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29
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Nasu M, Esumi S, Hatakeyama J, Tamamaki N, Shimamura K. Two-Phase Lineage Specification of Telencephalon Progenitors Generated From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:632381. [PMID: 33937233 PMCID: PMC8086603 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.632381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper brain development requires precisely controlled phases of stem cell proliferation, lineage specification, differentiation, and migration. Lineage specification depends partly on concentration gradients of chemical cues called morphogens. However, the rostral brain (telencephalon) expands prominently during embryonic development, dynamically altering local morphogen concentrations, and telencephalic subregional properties develop with a time lag. Here, we investigated how progenitor specification occurs under these spatiotemporally changing conditions using a three-dimensional in vitro differentiation model. We verified the critical contributions of three signaling factors for the lineage specification of subregional tissues in the telencephalon, ventralizing sonic hedgehog (Shh) and dorsalizing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and WNT proteins (WNTs). We observed that a short-lasting signal is sufficient to induce subregional progenitors and that the timing of signal exposure for efficient induction is specific to each lineage. Furthermore, early and late progenitors possess different Shh signal response capacities. This study reveals a novel developmental mechanism for telencephalon patterning that relies on the interplay of dose- and time-dependent signaling, including a time lag for specification and a temporal shift in cellular Shh sensitivity. This delayed fate choice through two-phase specification allows tissues with marked size expansion, such as the telencephalon, to compensate for the changing dynamics of morphogen signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Nasu
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Esumi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Hatakeyama
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Tamamaki
- Department of Morphological Neural Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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30
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Figiel DM, Elsayed R, Nelson AC. Investigating the molecular guts of endoderm formation using zebrafish. Brief Funct Genomics 2021:elab013. [PMID: 33754635 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate endoderm makes major contributions to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and all associated organs. Zebrafish and humans share a high degree of genetic homology and strikingly similar endodermal organ systems. Combined with a multitude of experimental advantages, zebrafish are an attractive model organism to study endoderm development and disease. Recent functional genomics studies have shed considerable light on the gene regulatory programs governing early zebrafish endoderm development, while advances in biological and technological approaches stand to further revolutionize our ability to investigate endoderm formation, function and disease. Here, we discuss the present understanding of endoderm specification in zebrafish compared to other vertebrates, how current and emerging methods will allow refined and enhanced analysis of endoderm formation, and how integration with human data will allow modeling of the link between non-coding sequence variants and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Figiel
- Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research at Warwick Medical School
| | - Randa Elsayed
- Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research at Warwick Medical School
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31
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Abstract
In eukaryotes, DNA is packed inside the cell nucleus in the form of chromatin, which consists of DNA, proteins such as histones, and RNA. Euchromatin, which is permissive for transcription, is spatially organized into transcriptionally inactive domains interspersed with pockets of transcriptional activity. While transcription and RNA have been implicated in euchromatin organization, it remains unclear how their interplay forms and maintains transcription pockets. Here we combine theory and experiment to analyze the dynamics of euchromatin organization as pluripotent zebrafish cells exit mitosis and begin transcription. We show that accumulation of RNA induces formation of transcription pockets which displace transcriptionally inactive chromatin. We propose that the accumulating RNA recruits RNA-binding proteins that together tend to separate from transcriptionally inactive euchromatin. Full phase separation is prevented because RNA remains tethered to transcribed euchromatin through RNA polymerases. Instead, smaller scale microphases emerge that do not grow further and form the typical pattern of euchromatin organization.
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32
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Rogers KW, ElGamacy M, Jordan BM, Müller P. Optogenetic investigation of BMP target gene expression diversity. eLife 2020; 9:58641. [PMID: 33174840 PMCID: PMC7728441 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling molecules activate distinct patterns of gene expression to coordinate embryogenesis, but how spatiotemporal expression diversity is generated is an open question. In zebrafish, a BMP signaling gradient patterns the dorsal-ventral axis. We systematically identified target genes responding to BMP and found that they have diverse spatiotemporal expression patterns. Transcriptional responses to optogenetically delivered high- and low-amplitude BMP signaling pulses indicate that spatiotemporal expression is not fully defined by different BMP signaling activation thresholds. Additionally, we observed negligible correlations between spatiotemporal expression and transcription kinetics for the majority of analyzed genes in response to BMP signaling pulses. In contrast, spatial differences between BMP target genes largely collapsed when FGF and Nodal signaling were inhibited. Our results suggest that, similar to other patterning systems, combinatorial signaling is likely to be a major driver of spatial diversity in BMP-dependent gene expression in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Rogers
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mohammad ElGamacy
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany.,Modeling Tumorigenesis Group, Translational Oncology Division, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Heliopolis Biotechnology Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M Jordan
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Patrick Müller
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany.,Modeling Tumorigenesis Group, Translational Oncology Division, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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33
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Kelly TJ, Brümmer A, Hooshdaran N, Tariveranmoshabad M, Zamudio JR. Temporal Control of the TGF-β Signaling Network by Mouse ESC MicroRNA Targets of Different Affinities. Cell Rep 2020; 29:2702-2717.e7. [PMID: 31775039 PMCID: PMC6939994 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although microRNAs (miRNAs) function in the control of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency, a systems-level understanding is still being developed. Through the analysis of progressive Argonaute (Ago)-miRNA depletion and rescue, including stable Ago knockout mouse ESCs, we uncover transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway activation as a direct and early response to ESC miRNA reduction. Mechanistically, we link the derepression of weaker miRNA targets, including TGF-β receptor 1 (Tgfbr1), to the sensitive TGF-β pathway activation. In contrast, stronger miRNA targets impart a more robust repression, which dampens concurrent transcriptional activation. We verify such dampened induction for TGF-β antagonist Lefty. We find that TGF-β pathway activation contributes to the G1 cell-cycle accumulation of miRNA-deficient ESCs. We propose that miRNA target affinity is a determinant of the temporal response to miRNA changes, which enables the coordination of gene network responses. Kelly et al. report the transcriptional and post-transcriptional dynamics that occur with loss of Argonaute proteins in embryonic stem cells. They find that Argonaute proteins are not required for ESC viability, function to control the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway, and mediate temporal responses during changes in miRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Kelly
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anneke Brümmer
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nima Hooshdaran
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mito Tariveranmoshabad
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jesse R Zamudio
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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34
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Allen RS, Tajer B, Shore EM, Mullins MC. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva mutant ACVR1 signals by multiple modalities in the developing zebrafish. eLife 2020; 9:53761. [PMID: 32897189 PMCID: PMC7478894 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare human genetic disorder characterized by altered skeletal development and extraskeletal ossification. All cases of FOP are caused by activating mutations in the type I BMP/TGFβ cell surface receptor ACVR1, which over-activates signaling through phospho-Smad1/5 (pSmad1/5). To investigate the mechanism by which FOP-ACVR1 enhances pSmad1/5 activation, we used zebrafish embryonic dorsoventral (DV) patterning as an assay for BMP signaling. We determined that the FOP mutants ACVR1-R206H and -G328R do not require their ligand binding domain to over-activate BMP signaling in DV patterning. However, intact ACVR1-R206H has the ability to respond to both Bmp7 and Activin A ligands. Additionally, BMPR1, a type I BMP receptor normally required for BMP-mediated patterning of the embryo, is dispensable for both ligand-independent signaling pathway activation and ligand-responsive signaling hyperactivation by ACVR1-R206H. These results demonstrate that FOP-ACVR1 is not constrained by the same receptor/ligand partner requirements as WT-ACVR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States.,Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Genetics University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Eileen M Shore
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Genetics University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States
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35
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Liu Y, Zhu Z, Ho IHT, Shi Y, Li J, Wang X, Chan MTV, Cheng CHK. Genetic Deletion of miR-430 Disrupts Maternal-Zygotic Transition and Embryonic Body Plan. Front Genet 2020; 11:853. [PMID: 32849832 PMCID: PMC7417628 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MiR-430 is considered an important regulator during embryonic development, but genetic loss-of-function study is still lacking. Here we demonstrated that genetic deletion of the miR-430 cluster resulted in developmental defects in cell movement, germ layer specification, axis patterning and organ progenitor formation in zebrafish. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the maternally provided transcripts were not properly degraded whereas the zygotic genome expressed genes were not fully activated in the miR-430 mutants. We further found that a reciprocal regulatory loop exists between miR-430 and maternally provided transcripts: the maternally provided transcripts (Nanog, Dicer1, Dgcr8, and AGOs) are required for miR-430 biogenesis and function, whereas miR-430 is required for the clearance of these maternally provided transcripts. These data provide the first genetic evidence that miR-430 is required for maternal-zygotic transition and subsequent establishment of embryonic body plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Zelong Biological Technology Limited Cooperation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zeyao Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Idy H T Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yujian Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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36
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Axis Specification in Zebrafish Is Robust to Cell Mixing and Reveals a Regulation of Pattern Formation by Morphogenesis. Curr Biol 2020; 30:2984-2994.e3. [PMID: 32559447 PMCID: PMC7416079 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental question in developmental biology is how the early embryo establishes the spatial coordinate system that is later important for the organization of the embryonic body plan. Although we know a lot about the signaling and gene-regulatory networks required for this process, much less is understood about how these can operate to pattern tissues in the context of the extensive cell movements that drive gastrulation. In zebrafish, germ layer specification depends on the inheritance of maternal mRNAs [1, 2, 3], cortical rotation to generate a dorsal pole of β-catenin activity [4, 5, 6, 7, 8], and the release of Nodal signals from the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) [9, 10, 11, 12]. To determine whether germ layer specification is robust to altered cell-to-cell positioning, we separated embryonic cells from the yolk and allowed them to develop as spherical aggregates. These aggregates break symmetry autonomously to form elongated structures with an anterior-posterior pattern. Both forced reaggregation and endogenous cell mixing reveals how robust early axis specification is to spatial disruption of maternal pre-patterning. During these movements, a pole of Nodal signaling emerges that is required for explant elongation via the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Blocking of PCP-dependent elongation disrupts the shaping of opposing poles of BMP and Wnt/TCF activity and the anterior-posterior patterning of neural tissue. These results lead us to suggest that embryo elongation plays a causal role in timing the exposure of cells to changes in BMP and Wnt signal activity during zebrafish gastrulation. Video Abstract
Whole-zebrafish 256-cell stage embryo explants elongate Patterned germ layers are established Mesoderm formation is robust to extensive cell mixing Inhibition of morphogenesis blocks formation of signaling gradients
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37
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Williams ML, Solnica-Krezel L. Nodal and planar cell polarity signaling cooperate to regulate zebrafish convergence and extension gastrulation movements. eLife 2020; 9:54445. [PMID: 32319426 PMCID: PMC7250581 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate gastrulation, convergence and extension (C and E) of the primary anteroposterior (AP) embryonic axis is driven by polarized mediolateral (ML) cell intercalations and is influenced by AP axial patterning. Nodal signaling is essential for patterning of the AP axis while planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling polarizes cells with respect to this axis, but how these two signaling systems interact during C and E is unclear. We find that the neuroectoderm of Nodal-deficient zebrafish gastrulae exhibits reduced C and E cell behaviors, which require Nodal signaling in both cell- and non-autonomous fashions. PCP signaling is partially active in Nodal-deficient embryos and its inhibition exacerbates their C and E defects. Within otherwise naïve zebrafish blastoderm explants, however, Nodal induces C and E in a largely PCP-dependent manner, arguing that Nodal acts both upstream of and in parallel with PCP during gastrulation to regulate embryonic axis extension cooperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Lk Williams
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
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38
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Schauer A, Pinheiro D, Hauschild R, Heisenberg CP. Zebrafish embryonic explants undergo genetically encoded self-assembly. eLife 2020; 9:55190. [PMID: 32250246 PMCID: PMC7190352 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell cultures are thought to self-organize into embryoid bodies, able to undergo symmetry-breaking, germ layer specification and even morphogenesis. Yet, it is unclear how to reconcile this remarkable self-organization capacity with classical experiments demonstrating key roles for extrinsic biases by maternal factors and/or extraembryonic tissues in embryogenesis. Here, we show that zebrafish embryonic tissue explants, prepared prior to germ layer induction and lacking extraembryonic tissues, can specify all germ layers and form a seemingly complete mesendoderm anlage. Importantly, explant organization requires polarized inheritance of maternal factors from dorsal-marginal regions of the blastoderm. Moreover, induction of endoderm and head-mesoderm, which require peak Nodal-signaling levels, is highly variable in explants, reminiscent of embryos with reduced Nodal signals from the extraembryonic tissues. Together, these data suggest that zebrafish explants do not undergo bona fide self-organization, but rather display features of genetically encoded self-assembly, where intrinsic genetic programs control the emergence of order.
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39
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Yang F, Qi J. miR-430a regulates the development of left-right asymmetry by targeting sqt in the teleost. Gene 2020; 745:144628. [PMID: 32224271 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous non-coding RNAs that contain approximately 18-22 nucleotides. miRNAs are involved in gene regulation by recognizing and binding the 3'UTR of target gene. In our previous data, miR-430 family showed significant differential expression modes through metamorphosis in Japanese flounder. It was speculated that miR-430a plays a key role in left-right patterning. We predicted the targets of miR-430a and gene ontology (GO) was performed. We speculated miR-430a is involved in the basal molecular function and organ development. In Japanese flounder, sqt as a target of miR-430a was enriched into heart development term. Sqt has been reported to participate in mesendoderm formation and organ development. Cardiac morphogenesis is the first asymmetric development process, which breaks left-right symmetry in bilateria. It was used as a marker to detect L-R asymmetric effects of miR-430a. Overexpression and suppression of miR-430a resulted in abnormal KV (Kupffer's vesicles) development and disordered in nodal-related expression with consequent cardiac laterality. Squint mRNA of Japanese flounder (Posqt) as a target of miR-430a was overexpressed and caused similar phenotype with miR-430a suppression group, such as longer cilia in KV and high range of clmc2 and spaw ectopic expression. Moreover, rescue experiments were performed and suggested that cardiac and KV defections, induced by overexpressing miR-430a, could be rescued by injecting Posqt mRNA. These results suggested that miR-430a regulates the development of left-right asymmetry by targeting sqt in the teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jie Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.
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41
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Abstract
Spatially distributed signaling molecules, known as morphogens, provide spatial information during development. A host of different morphogens have now been identified, from subcellular gradients through to morphogens that act across a whole embryo. These gradients form over a wide-range of timescales, from seconds to hours, and their time windows for interpretation are also highly variable; the processes of morphogen gradient formation and interpretation are highly dynamic. The morphogen Bicoid (Bcd), present in the early Drosophila embryo, is essential for setting up the future Drosophila body segments. Due to its accessibility for both genetic perturbations and imaging, this system has provided key insights into how precise patterning can occur within a highly dynamic system. Here, we review the temporal scales of Bcd gradient formation and interpretation. In particular, we discuss the quantitative evidence for different models of Bcd gradient formation, outline the time windows for Bcd interpretation, and describe how Bcd temporally adapts its own ability to be interpreted. The utilization of temporal information in morphogen readout may provide crucial inputs to ensure precise spatial patterning, particularly in rapidly developing systems.
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42
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Rogers KW, Müller P. Optogenetic approaches to investigate spatiotemporal signaling during development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 137:37-77. [PMID: 32143750 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Embryogenesis is coordinated by signaling pathways that pattern the developing organism. Many aspects of this process are not fully understood, including how signaling molecules spread through embryonic tissues, how signaling amplitude and dynamics are decoded, and how multiple signaling pathways cooperate to pattern the body plan. Optogenetic approaches can be used to address these questions by providing precise experimental control over a variety of biological processes. Here, we review how these strategies have provided new insights into developmental signaling and discuss how they could contribute to future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Rogers
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany; Modeling Tumorigenesis Group, Translational Oncology Division, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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43
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Ferro E, Enrico Bena C, Grigolon S, Bosia C. From Endogenous to Synthetic microRNA-Mediated Regulatory Circuits: An Overview. Cells 2019; 8:E1540. [PMID: 31795372 PMCID: PMC6952906 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that are evolutionarily conserved and are pivotal post-transcriptional mediators of gene regulation. Together with transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, they form a highly interconnected network whose building blocks can be classified depending on the number of molecular species involved and the type of interactions amongst them. Depending on their topology, these molecular circuits may carry out specific functions that years of studies have related to the processing of gene expression noise. In this review, we first present the different over-represented network motifs involving microRNAs and their specific role in implementing relevant biological functions, reviewing both theoretical and experimental studies. We then illustrate the recent advances in synthetic biology, such as the construction of artificially synthesised circuits, which provide a controlled tool to test experimentally the possible microRNA regulatory tasks and constitute a starting point for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsi Ferro
- IIGM—Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Chiara Enrico Bena
- IIGM—Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Silvia Grigolon
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Carla Bosia
- IIGM—Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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44
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Economou AD, Hill CS. Temporal dynamics in the formation and interpretation of Nodal and BMP morphogen gradients. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 137:363-389. [PMID: 32143749 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
One of the most powerful ideas in developmental biology has been that of the morphogen gradient. In the classical view, a signaling molecule is produced at a local source from where it diffuses, resulting in graded levels across the tissue. This gradient provides positional information, with thresholds in the level of the morphogen determining the position of different cell fates. While experimental studies have uncovered numerous potential morphogens in biological systems, it is becoming increasingly apparent that one important feature, not captured in the simple model, is the role of time in both the formation and interpretation of morphogen gradients. We will focus on two members of the transforming growth factor-β family that are known to play a vital role as morphogens in early vertebrate development: the Nodals and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Primarily drawing on the early zebrafish embryo, we will show how recent studies have demonstrated the importance of feedback and other interactions that evolve through time, in shaping morphogen gradients. We will further show how rather than simply reading out levels of a morphogen, the duration of ligand exposure can be a crucial determinant of how cells interpret morphogens, in particular through the unfolding of downstream transcriptional events and in their interactions with other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Economou
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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45
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Fischer P, Chen H, Pacho F, Rieder D, Kimmel RA, Meyer D. FoxH1 represses miR-430 during early embryonic development of zebrafish via non-canonical regulation. BMC Biol 2019; 17:61. [PMID: 31362746 PMCID: PMC6664792 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0683-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FoxH1 is a forkhead transcription factor with conserved key functions in vertebrate mesoderm induction and left-right patterning downstream of the TGF-beta/Nodal signaling pathway. Binding of the forkhead domain (FHD) of FoxH1 to a highly conserved proximal sequence motif was shown to regulate target gene expression. Results We identify the conserved microRNA-430 family (miR-430) as a novel target of FoxH1. miR-430 levels are increased in foxH1 mutants, resulting in a reduced expression of transcripts that are targeted by miR-430 for degradation. To determine the underlying mechanism of miR-430 repression, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation studies and overexpression experiments with mutant as well as constitutive active and repressive forms of FoxH1. Our studies reveal a molecular interaction of FoxH1 with miR-430 loci independent of the FHD. Furthermore, we show that previously described mutant forms of FoxH1 that disrupt DNA binding or that lack the C-terminal Smad Interaction Domain (SID) dominantly interfere with miR-430 repression, but not with the regulation of previously described FoxH1 targets. Conclusions We were able to identify the distinct roles of protein domains of FoxH1 in the regulation process of miR-430. We provide evidence that the indirect repression of miR-430 loci depends on the connection to a distal repressive chromosome environment via a non-canonical mode. The widespread distribution of such non-canonical binding sites of FoxH1, found not only in our study, argues against a function restricted to regulating miR-430 and for a more global role of FoxH1 in chromatin folding. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-019-0683-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fischer
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frederic Pacho
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dietmar Rieder
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innrain 80, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robin A Kimmel
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dirk Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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46
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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Miller DSJ, Schmierer B, Hill CS. TGF-β family ligands exhibit distinct signalling dynamics that are driven by receptor localisation. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs234039. [PMID: 31217285 PMCID: PMC6679586 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.234039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factor-induced signal transduction pathways are tightly regulated at multiple points intracellularly, but how cells monitor levels of extracellular ligand and translate this information into appropriate downstream responses remains unclear. Understanding signalling dynamics is thus a key challenge in determining how cells respond to external cues. Here, we demonstrate that different TGF-β family ligands, namely activin A and BMP4, signal with distinct dynamics, which differ profoundly from those of TGF-β itself. The signalling dynamics are driven by differences in the localisation and internalisation of receptors for each ligand, which in turn determine the capability of cells to monitor levels of extracellular ligand. By using mathematical modelling, we demonstrate that the distinct receptor behaviours and signalling dynamics observed may be primarily driven by differences in ligand-receptor affinity. Furthermore, our results provide a clear rationale for the different mechanisms of pathway regulation found in vivo for each of these growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S J Miller
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Bernhard Schmierer
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics and SciLifeLab Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, SE-171 65 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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48
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Heemskerk I, Burt K, Miller M, Chhabra S, Guerra MC, Liu L, Warmflash A. Rapid changes in morphogen concentration control self-organized patterning in human embryonic stem cells. eLife 2019; 8:e40526. [PMID: 30829572 PMCID: PMC6398983 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, diffusible signaling molecules called morphogens are thought to determine cell fates in a concentration-dependent way. Yet, in mammalian embryos, concentrations change rapidly compared to the time for making cell fate decisions. Here, we use human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to address how changing morphogen levels influence differentiation, focusing on how BMP4 and Nodal signaling govern the cell-fate decisions associated with gastrulation. We show that BMP4 response is concentration dependent, but that expression of many Nodal targets depends on rate of concentration change. Moreover, in a self-organized stem cell model for human gastrulation, expression of these genes follows rapid changes in endogenous Nodal signaling. Our study shows a striking contrast between the specific ways ligand dynamics are interpreted by two closely related signaling pathways, highlighting both the subtlety and importance of morphogen dynamics for understanding mammalian embryogenesis and designing optimized protocols for directed stem cell differentiation. Editorial note This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
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Affiliation(s)
- Idse Heemskerk
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
| | - Kari Burt
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
| | - Matthew Miller
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
| | - Sapna Chhabra
- Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology ProgramRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
| | | | - Lizhong Liu
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
- Department of BioengineeringRice UniversityHoustonUnited States
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49
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Gordo G, Rodriguez-Laguna L, Agra N, Mendez P, Feito M, Lapunzina P, Lopez-Gutierrez JC, Martinez-Glez V. Constitutional mosaicism in RASA1
-related capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation. Clin Genet 2019; 95:516-519. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gema Gordo
- Vascular Malformations Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
| | - Lara Rodriguez-Laguna
- Vascular Malformations Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
| | - Noelia Agra
- Vascular Malformations Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
| | - Pilar Mendez
- Unidad de Genética, Servicio de Inmunología y Genética; Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Badajoz; Badajoz Spain
| | - Marta Feito
- Department of Dermatology; Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Clinical Genetics Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER); ISCIII; Madrid Spain
| | | | - Victor Martinez-Glez
- Vascular Malformations Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
- Clinical Genetics Section; Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz; Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER); ISCIII; Madrid Spain
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50
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Mörsdorf D, Müller P. Tuning Protein Diffusivity with Membrane Tethers. Biochemistry 2019; 58:177-181. [PMID: 30562001 PMCID: PMC6344912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion is essential for biochemical processes because it dominates molecular movement on small scales. Enzymatic reactions, for example, require fast exchange of substrate and product molecules in the local environment of the enzyme to ensure efficient turnover. On larger spatial scales, diffusion of secreted signaling proteins is thought to limit the spatial extent of tissue differentiation during embryonic development. While it is possible to measure diffusion in vivo, specifically interfering with diffusion processes and testing diffusion models directly remains challenging. The development of genetically encoded nanobodies that bind specific proteins has provided the opportunity to alter protein localization and reduce protein mobility. Here, we extend the nanobody toolbox with a membrane-tethered low-affinity diffusion regulator that can be used to tune the effective diffusivity of extracellular molecules over an order of magnitude in living embryos. This opens new avenues for future applications to functionally interfere with diffusion-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mörsdorf
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the
Max Planck Society, Max-Planck-Ring 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the
Max Planck Society, Max-Planck-Ring 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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