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Gu J, Zhang W, Wang X, Zhou Q, Zhang J, Xie F, Xia R, Chen ZS, Wang H. Bridging cultures: Chinese elements in scientific illustrations. Chin Med 2024; 19:103. [PMID: 39049118 PMCID: PMC11267676 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of globalization, the integration of cultural elements into scientific research, particularly through the incorporation of traditional Chinese cultural motifs in scientific illustrations, represents a novel frontier in enhancing the universality and appeal of scientific discoveries. This paper explores the innovative practice of embedding traditional Chinese cultural elements into scientific paper illustrations, highlighting its significant role in augmenting the global appeal of research findings, promoting diversity and innovation in scientific inquiry, and facilitating cross-cultural understanding. Through a series of case studies, including symbolic representations of ancient myths and the use of traditional themes to elucidate complex scientific phenomena, we demonstrate how this cultural integration not only makes scientific content more accessible and engaging but also fosters a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage among international audiences. This approach not only bridges the gap between science and culture but also contributes to a more inclusive and interconnected global scientific community, underscoring the importance of cultural diversity in enriching scientific exploration and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyou Gu
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianxing Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Fuming Xie
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Renpei Xia
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, No.118, Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401147, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing, China.
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Zhang Z, Xu J, Liu J, Wang J, Lei L. SEC: A core hub during cell fate alteration. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23680. [PMID: 38758186 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400514r] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Pol II pause release is a rate-limiting step in gene transcription, influencing various cell fate alterations. Numerous proteins orchestrate Pol II pause release, thereby playing pivotal roles in the intricate process of cellular fate modulation. Super elongation complex (SEC), a large assembly comprising diverse protein components, has garnered attention due to its emerging significance in orchestrating physiological and pathological cellular identity changes by regulating the transcription of crucial genes. Consequently, SEC emerges as a noteworthy functional complex capable of modulating cell fate alterations. Therefore, a comprehensive review is warranted to systematically summarize the core roles of SEC in different types of cell fate alterations. This review focuses on elucidating the current understanding of the structural and functional basis of SEC. Additionally, we discuss the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing SEC in various models of cell fate alteration, encompassing both physiological and pathological contexts. Furthermore, leveraging the existing knowledge of SEC, we propose some insightful directions for future research, aiming to enhance our mechanistic and functional comprehension of SEC within the diverse landscape of cell fate alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jingyi Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jiqiang Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Long Q, Xiang M, Xiao L, Wang J, Guan X, Liu J, Liao C. The Biological Significance of AFF4: Promoting Transcription Elongation, Osteogenic Differentiation and Tumor Progression. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1403-1412. [PMID: 37815186 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073241079230920082056] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the AF4/FMR2 (AFF) family, AFF4 is a scaffold protein in the superelongation complex (SEC). In this mini-view, we discuss the role of AFF4 as a transcription elongation factor that mediates HIV activation and replication and stem cell osteogenic differentiation. AFF4 also promotes the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, leukemia, breast cancer, bladder cancer and other malignant tumors. The biological function of AFF4 is largely achieved through SEC assembly, regulates SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), MYC, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1), c-Jun and noncanonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription and combines with fusion in sarcoma (FUS), unique regulatory cyclins (CycT1), or mixed lineage leukemia (MLL). We explore the prospects of using AFF4 as a therapeutic in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and malignant tumors and its potential as a stemness regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
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Mo D, Liu C, Chen Y, Cheng X, Shen J, Zhao L, Zhang J. The mitochondrial ribosomal protein mRpL4 regulates Notch signaling. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55764. [PMID: 37009823 PMCID: PMC10240210 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) assemble as specialized ribosome to synthesize mtDNA-encoded proteins, which are essential for mitochondrial bioenergetic and metabolic processes. MRPs are required for fundamental cellular activities during animal development, but their roles beyond mitochondrial protein translation are poorly understood. Here, we report a conserved role of the mitochondrial ribosomal protein L4 (mRpL4) in Notch signaling. Genetic analyses demonstrate that mRpL4 is required in the Notch signal-receiving cells to permit target gene transcription during Drosophila wing development. We find that mRpL4 physically and genetically interacts with the WD40 repeat protein wap and activates the transcription of Notch signaling targets. We show that human mRpL4 is capable of replacing fly mRpL4 during wing development. Furthermore, knockout of mRpL4 in zebrafish leads to downregulated expression of Notch signaling components. Thus, we have discovered a previously unknown function of mRpL4 during animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Mo
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant ProtectionChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chenglin Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine BiodiversityOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- College of FisheriesOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (OUC)Ministry of EducationQingdaoChina
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant ProtectionChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xinkai Cheng
- Institute of Evolution & Marine BiodiversityOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- College of FisheriesOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (OUC)Ministry of EducationQingdaoChina
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant ProtectionChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Long Zhao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine BiodiversityOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- College of FisheriesOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (OUC)Ministry of EducationQingdaoChina
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant ProtectionChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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Xu YN, Xu W, Zhang X, Wang DY, Zheng XR, Liu W, Chen JM, Chen GF, Liu CH, Liu P, Mu YP. BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb enhance the therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ductular reaction. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:45. [PMID: 36941658 PMCID: PMC10029310 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) is caused by inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic bile duct and abnormal proliferation of the small bile duct after cholestasis. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway is required for hepatic stem cells to differentiate into cholangiocytes during the pathogenesis of CLF. Our previous research found that the expression of the Numb protein, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, was significantly reduced in the livers of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and CLF rats. However, the relationship between the Numb gene and CLF is largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the Numb gene in the treatment of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced CLF. METHODS In vivo, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with Numb gene overexpression or knockdown obtained using lentivirus transfection were transplanted into the livers of rats with BDL-induced CLF. The effects of the Numb gene on stem cell differentiation and CLF were evaluated by performing histology, tests of liver function, and measurements of liver hydroxyproline, cytokine gene and protein levels. In vitro, the Numb gene was overexpressed or knocked down in the WB-F344 cell line by lentivirus transfection, Then, cells were subjected immunofluorescence staining and the detection of mRNA levels of related factors, which provided further evidence supporting the results from in vivo experiments. RESULTS BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb gene differentiated into hepatocytes, thereby inhibiting CLF progression. Conversely, BM-MSCs with Numb knockdown differentiated into biliary epithelial cells (BECs), thereby promoting the ductular reaction (DR) and the progression of CLF. In addition, we confirmed that knockdown of Numb in sodium butyrate-treated WB-F344 cells aggravated WB-F344 cell differentiation into BECs, while overexpression of Numb inhibited this process. CONCLUSIONS The transplantation of BM-MSCs overexpressing Numb may be a useful new treatment strategy for CLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Nan Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dan-Yang Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin-Rui Zheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Mei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Sharpe JL, Morgan J, Nisbet N, Campbell K, Casali A. Modelling Cancer Metastasis in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050677. [PMID: 36899813 PMCID: PMC10000390 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the process by which tumour cells spread throughout the body and form secondary tumours at distant sites, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The metastatic cascade is a highly complex process encompassing initial dissemination from the primary tumour, travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system, and the colonisation of distant organs. However, the factors enabling cells to survive this stressful process and adapt to new microenvironments are not fully characterised. Drosophila have proven a powerful system in which to study this process, despite important caveats such as their open circulatory system and lack of adaptive immune system. Historically, larvae have been used to model cancer due to the presence of pools of proliferating cells in which tumours can be induced, and transplanting these larval tumours into adult hosts has enabled tumour growth to be monitored over longer periods. More recently, thanks largely to the discovery that there are stem cells in the adult midgut, adult models have been developed. We focus this review on the development of different Drosophila models of metastasis and how they have contributed to our understanding of important factors determining metastatic potential, including signalling pathways, the immune system and the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L. Sharpe
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jason Morgan
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicholas Nisbet
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Kyra Campbell
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Andreu Casali
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida and IRBLleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (A.C.)
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Wu X, Xie Y, Zhao K, Lu J. Targeting the super elongation complex for oncogenic transcription driven tumor malignancies: Progress in structure, mechanisms and small molecular inhibitor discovery. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:387-421. [PMID: 36990537 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic transcription activation is associated with tumor development and resistance derived from chemotherapy or target therapy. The super elongation complex (SEC) is an important complex regulating gene transcription and expression in metazoans closely related to physiological activities. In normal transcriptional regulation, SEC can trigger promoter escape, limit proteolytic degradation of transcription elongation factors and increase the synthesis of RNA polymerase II (POL II), and regulate many normal human genes to stimulate RNA elongation. Dysregulation of SEC accompanied by multiple transcription factors in cancer promotes rapid transcription of oncogenes and induce cancer development. In this review, we summarized recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of SEC in regulating normal transcription, and importantly its roles in cancer development. We also highlighted the discovery of SEC complex target related inhibitors and their potential applications in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Jing Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
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Chen Y, Li Q, Liu Y, Chen X, Jiang S, Lin W, Zhang Y, Liu R, Shao B, Chen C, Yuan Q, Zhou C. AFF4 regulates cellular adipogenic differentiation via targeting autophagy. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010425. [PMID: 36149892 PMCID: PMC9534390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional elongation is a universal and critical step during gene expression. The super elongation complex (SEC) regulates the rapid transcriptional induction by mobilizing paused RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Dysregulation of SEC is closely associated with human diseases. However, the physiological role of SEC during development and homeostasis remains largely unexplored. Here we studied the function of SEC in adipogenesis by manipulating an essential scaffold protein AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (AFF4), which assembles and stabilizes SEC. Knockdown of AFF4 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibits cellular adipogenic differentiation. Overexpression of AFF4 enhances adipogenesis and ectopic adipose tissue formation. We further generate Fabp4-cre driven adipose-specific Aff4 knockout mice and find that AFF4 deficiency impedes adipocyte development and white fat depot formation. Mechanistically, we discover AFF4 regulates autophagy during adipogenesis. AFF4 directly binds to autophagy-related protein ATG5 and ATG16L1, and promotes their transcription. Depleting ATG5 or ATG16L1 abrogates adipogenesis in AFF4-overepressing cells, while overexpression of ATG5 and ATG16L1 rescues the impaired adipogenesis in Aff4-knockout cells. Collectively, our results unveil the functional importance of AFF4 in regulating autophagy and adipogenic differentiation, which broaden our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis. Obesity is a major health problem jeopardizing millions of individuals worldwide. From a pathological perspective, obesity occurs in the process of white adipose tissue expanding its mass through the enlargement of adipocyte size or advanced differentiation of adipocyte precursors to mature adipocytes. Studies have documented the dysregulated adipocyte metabolism of adipose tissue and associated disorders. However, our understanding of adipocyte development in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) commit their fate and preadipocytes undergo differentiation and maturation is scarce. Here, we identify the super elongation complex (SEC) scaffold protein AFF4 as an essential regulator of adipogenesis. We reveal that AFF4 promotes adipocyte formation by regulating the cellular autophagic process. AFF4 directly regulates the transcription of the autophagy-related protein ATG5 and ATG16L1, which are essential for autophagosome formation. This finding further elucidates the physiological role of SEC during tissue development, besides its recognized role in cancer occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelan Chen
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: ;
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Eigenhuis KN, Somsen HB, van den Berg DLC. Transcription Pause and Escape in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:846272. [PMID: 35615272 PMCID: PMC9125161 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.846272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription pause-release is an important, highly regulated step in the control of gene expression. Modulated by various factors, it enables signal integration and fine-tuning of transcriptional responses. Mutations in regulators of pause-release have been identified in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that have several common features affecting multiple organ systems. This review summarizes current knowledge on this novel subclass of disorders, including an overview of clinical features, mechanistic details, and insight into the relevant neurodevelopmental processes.
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10
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Hildebrandt K, Kübel S, Minet M, Fürst N, Klöppel C, Steinmetz E, Walldorf U. Enhancer analysis of the Drosophila zinc finger transcription factor Earmuff by gene targeting. Hereditas 2021; 158:41. [PMID: 34732265 PMCID: PMC8567707 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-021-00209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many transcription factors are involved in the formation of the brain during the development of Drosophila melanogaster. The transcription factor Earmuff (Erm), a member of the forebrain embryonic zinc finger family (Fezf), is one of these important factors for brain development. One major function of Earmuff is the regulation of proliferation within type II neuroblast lineages in the brain; here, Earmuff is expressed in intermediate neural progenitor cells (INPs) and balances neuronal differentiation versus stem cell maintenance. Erm expression during development is regulated by several enhancers. RESULTS In this work we show a functional analysis of erm and some of its enhancers. We generated a new erm mutant allele by gene targeting and reintegrated Gal4 to make an erm enhancer trap strain that could also be used on an erm mutant background. The deletion of three of the previously analysed enhancers showing the most prominent expression patterns of erm by gene targeting resulted in specific temporal and spatial defects in defined brain structures. These defects were already known but here could be assigned to specific enhancer regions. CONCLUSION This analysis is to our knowledge the first systematic analysis of several large enhancer deletions of a Drosophila gene by gene targeting and will enable deeper analysis of erm enhancer functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hildebrandt
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kübel
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Present address: Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie Minet
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Present address: Human Genetics, Saarland University, Building 60, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nora Fürst
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Present address: Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Building A2.4, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christine Klöppel
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Eva Steinmetz
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Present address: Zoology and Physiology, Saarland University, Building B2.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Uwe Walldorf
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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11
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Gong S, Zhang Y, Tian A, Deng W. Tumor models in various Drosophila tissues. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1525. [PMID: 34730289 PMCID: PMC8566734 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of cancer is a complex multistage process. Over the past few decades, the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has been crucial in identifying cancer-related genes and pathways and elucidating mechanisms underlying growth regulation in development. Investigations using Drosophila has yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we describe various tumor models that have been developed in recent years using different Drosophila tissues, such as the imaginal tissue, the neural tissue, the gut, the ovary, and hematopoietic cells. We discuss underlying genetic alterations, cancer-like characteristics, as well as similarities and key differences among these models. We also discuss how disruptions in stem cell division and differentiation result in tumor formation in diverse tissues, and highlight new concepts developed using the fly model to understand context-dependent tumorigenesis. We further discuss the progress made in Drosophila to explore tumor-host interactions that involve the innate immune response to tumor growth and the cachexia wasting phenotype. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Cancer > Stem Cells and Development Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyu Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Aiguo Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Wu‐Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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12
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Cakouros D, Gronthos S. The changing epigenetic landscape of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells during aging. Bone 2020; 137:115440. [PMID: 32445894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence in the literature that mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) like populations derived from different tissues, undergo epigenetic changes during aging, leading to compromised connective tissue integrity and function. This body of work has linked the biological aging of MSC to changes in their epigenetic signatures affecting growth, lifespan, self-renewal and multi-potential, due to deregulation of processes such as cellular senescence, oxidative stress, DNA damage, telomere shortening and DNA damage. This review addresses recent findings examining DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA changes in aging MSC populations. Moreover, we explore how epigenetic factors alter cellular pathways and associated biological networks, contributing to the MSC aging phenotype. Finally we discuss the crucial areas requiring a greater understanding of these processes, in order to piece together a global picture of the changing epigenetic landscape in MSC during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Cakouros
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stan Gronthos
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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13
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Ly PT, Wang H. Fzr/Cdh1 Promotes the Differentiation of Neural Stem Cell Lineages in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:60. [PMID: 32117986 PMCID: PMC7026481 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
How stem cells and progenitors balance between self-renewal and differentiation is a central issue of stem cell biology. Here, we describe a novel and essential function of Drosophila Fzr/Cdh1, an evolutionary conserved protein, during the differentiation of neural stem cell (NSC) lineages in the central nervous system. We show that Fzr, a known co-activator of Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase, promotes the production of neurons from neural progenitors called ganglion mother cells (GMCs). However, knockdown of APC/C subunit Ida or another APC/C co-activator CDC20 does not similarly impair GMC-neuron transition. We also observe a concomitant loss of differentiation factor Prospero expression and ectopic accumulation of mitotic kinase Polo in fzr mutant clones, strongly supporting the impairment of GMC to neuron differentiation. Besides functioning in GMCs, Fzr is also present in NSCs to facilitate the production of intermediate neural progenitors from NSCs. Taken together, Fzr plays a novel function in promoting differentiation programs during Drosophila NSC lineage development. Given that human Fzr is inactivated in multiple types of human cancers including brain tumors and that Fzr regulates neurotoxicity in various models of neurodegenerative diseases, our study on the role of Fzr in turning off proliferation in neuronal cells may provide insights into how Fzr deficits may contribute to human neurodegenerative diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Thao Ly
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Liu X, Shen J, Xie L, Wei Z, Wong C, Li Y, Zheng X, Li P, Song Y. Mitotic Implantation of the Transcription Factor Prospero via Phase Separation Drives Terminal Neuronal Differentiation. Dev Cell 2020; 52:277-293.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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O’Donnell MA. Yan Song: How time flies. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e201912056. [PMID: 31851328 PMCID: PMC7039194 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201912056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Song investigates the mechanisms that control stem cell fate in development and disease.
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16
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Chen FX, Smith ER, Shilatifard A. Born to run: control of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 19:464-478. [PMID: 29740129 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is an integral part of the implementation of gene expression programmes during development. In most metazoans, the majority of transcribed genes exhibit transient pausing of Pol II at promoter-proximal regions, and the release of Pol II into gene bodies is controlled by many regulatory factors that respond to environmental and developmental cues. Misregulation of the elongation stage of transcription is implicated in cancer and other human diseases, suggesting that mechanistic understanding of transcription elongation control is therapeutically relevant. In this Review, we discuss the features, establishment and maintenance of Pol II pausing, the transition into productive elongation, the control of transcription elongation by enhancers and by factors of other cellular processes, such as topoisomerases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and the potential of therapeutic targeting of the elongation stage of transcription by Pol II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xavier Chen
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin R Smith
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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17
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Liu K, Xu K, Song Y. Faster, higher, stronger: timely and robust cell fate/identity commitment in stem cell lineages. Open Biol 2019; 9:180243. [PMID: 30958098 PMCID: PMC6395883 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise specification of cell fate or identity within stem cell lineages is critical for ensuring correct stem cell lineage progression and tissue homeostasis. Failure to specify cell fate or identity in a timely and robust manner can result in developmental abnormalities and diseases such as cancer. However, the molecular basis of timely cell fate/identity specification is only beginning to be understood. In this review, we discuss key regulatory strategies employed in cell fate specification and highlight recent results revealing how timely and robust cell fate/identity commitment is achieved through transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- 1 Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences , Beijing 100871 , People's Republic of China.,2 Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871 , People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- 1 Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences , Beijing 100871 , People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Song
- 1 Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences , Beijing 100871 , People's Republic of China.,2 Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871 , People's Republic of China
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18
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Zacharioudaki E, Falo Sanjuan J, Bray S. Mi-2/NuRD complex protects stem cell progeny from mitogenic Notch signaling. eLife 2019; 8:41637. [PMID: 30694174 PMCID: PMC6379090 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To progress towards differentiation, progeny of stem cells need to extinguish expression of stem-cell maintenance genes. Failures in such mechanisms can drive tumorigenesis. In Drosophila neural stem cell (NSC) lineages, excessive Notch signalling results in supernumerary NSCs causing hyperplasia. However, onset of hyperplasia is considerably delayed implying there are mechanisms that resist the mitogenic signal. Monitoring the live expression of a Notch target gene, E(spl)mγ, revealed that normal attenuation is still initiated in the presence of excess Notch activity so that re-emergence of NSC properties occurs only in older progeny. Screening for factors responsible, we found that depletion of Mi-2/NuRD ATP remodeling complex dramatically enhanced Notch-induced hyperplasia. Under these conditions, E(spl)mγ was no longer extinguished in NSC progeny. We propose that Mi-2 is required for decommissioning stem-cell enhancers in their progeny, enabling the switch towards more differentiated fates and rendering them insensitive to mitogenic factors such as Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Zacharioudaki
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Knigdom
| | - Julia Falo Sanjuan
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Knigdom
| | - Sarah Bray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Knigdom
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19
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Charnley M, Ludford-Menting M, Pham K, Russell SM. A new role for Notch in the control of polarity and asymmetric cell division of developing T cells. J Cell Sci 2019; 133:jcs.235358. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.235358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in biology is how single cells can reliably produce progeny of different cell types. Notch signalling frequently facilitates fate determination. Asymmetric cell division (ACD) often controls segregation of Notch signalling by imposing unequal inheritance of regulators of Notch. Here, we assessed the functional relationship between Notch and ACD in mouse T cell development. To attain immunological specificity, developing T cells must pass through a pivotal stage termed β-selection, which involves Notch signalling and ACD. We assessed functional interactions between Notch1 and ACD during β-selection using direct presentation of Notch ligands, DL1 and DL4, and pharmacological inhibition of Notch signalling. Contrary to prevailing models, we demonstrate that Notch controls the distribution of Notch1 itself and cell fate determinants, α-Adaptin and Numb. Further, Notch and CXCR4 signalling cooperated to drive polarity during division. Thus, Notch signalling directly orchestrates ACD, and Notch1 is differentially inherited by sibling cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirren Charnley
- Centre for Micro-Photonics, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Biointerface Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Immune Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Mandy Ludford-Menting
- Immune Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Kim Pham
- Centre for Micro-Photonics, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Immune Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah M. Russell
- Centre for Micro-Photonics, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Immune Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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20
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Cheng Y, Chen D. Fruit fly research in China. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:583-592. [PMID: 30455037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Served as a model organism over a century, fruit fly has significantly pushed forward the development of global scientific research, including in China. The high similarity in genomic features between fruit fly and human enables this tiny insect to benefit the biomedical studies of human diseases. In the past decades, Chinese biologists have used fruit fly to make numerous achievements on understanding the fundamental questions in many diverse areas of biology. Here, we review some of the recent fruit fly studies in China, and mainly focus on those studies in the fields of stem cell biology, cancer therapy and regeneration medicine, neurological disorders and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dahua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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21
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Harding K, White K. Drosophila as a Model for Developmental Biology: Stem Cell-Fate Decisions in the Developing Nervous System. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:E25. [PMID: 30347666 PMCID: PMC6315890 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells face a diversity of choices throughout their lives. At specific times, they may decide to initiate cell division, terminal differentiation, or apoptosis, or they may enter a quiescent non-proliferative state. Neural stem cells in the Drosophila central nervous system do all of these, at stereotypical times and anatomical positions during development. Distinct populations of neural stem cells offer a unique system to investigate the regulation of a particular stem cell behavior, while comparisons between populations can lead us to a broader understanding of stem cell identity. Drosophila is a well-described and genetically tractable model for studying fundamental stem cell behavior and the mechanisms that underlie cell-fate decisions. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the factors that contribute to distinct stem cell-fate decisions within the context of the Drosophila nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Harding
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kristin White
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is critical for RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation, elongation, and termination in several key biological processes including development, differentiation, and cell fate responses. A broad range of diseases are characterized by CDK9 malfunction, illustrating its importance in maintaining transcriptional homeostasis in basal- and signal-regulated conditions. Here we provide a historical recount of CDK9 discovery and the current models suggesting CDK9 is a central hub necessary for proper execution of different steps in the transcription cycle. Finally, we discuss the current therapeutic strategies to treat CDK9 malfunction in several disease states. Abbreviations: CDK: Cyclin-dependent kinase; Pol II: RNA Polymerase II; PIC: Pre-initiation Complex; TFIIH: Transcription Factor-II H; snoRNA: small nucleolar RNA; CycT: CyclinT1/T2; P-TEFb: Positive Transcription Elongation Factor Complex; snRNP: small nuclear ribonucleo-protein; HEXIM: Hexamethylene Bis-acetamide-inducible Protein 1/2; LARP7: La-related Protein 7; MePCE: Methylphosphate Capping Enzyme; HIV: human immunodeficiency virus; TAT: trans-activator of transcription; TAR: Trans-activation response element; Hsp70: Heat Shock Protein 70; Hsp90/Cdc37: Hsp90- Hsp90 co-chaperone Cdc37; DSIF: DRB Sensitivity Inducing Factor; NELF: Negative Elongation Factor; CPSF: cleavage and polyadenylation-specific factor; CSTF: cleavage-stimulatory factor; eRNA: enhancer RNA; BRD4: Bromodomain-containing protein 4; JMJD6: Jumonji C-domain-containing protein 6; SEC: Super Elongation Complex; ELL: eleven-nineteen Lys-rich leukemia; ENL: eleven-nineteen leukemia; MLL: mixed lineage leukemia; BEC: BRD4-containing Elongation Complex; SEC-L2/L3: SEC-like complexes; KAP1: Kruppel-associated box-protein 1; KEC: KAP1-7SK Elongation Complex; DRB: Dichloro-1-ß-D-Ribofuranosylbenzimidazole; H2Bub1: H2B mono-ubiquitination; KM: KM05382; PP1: Protein Phosphatase 1; CDK9i: CDK9 inhibitor; SHAPE: Selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension; TE: Typical enhancer; SE : Super enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis W Bacon
- a Biological Chemistry Graduate Program , The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, TX , USA
| | - Iván D'Orso
- b Department of Microbiology , The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
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23
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Li B, Wong C, Gao SM, Zhang R, Sun R, Li Y, Song Y. The retromer complex safeguards against neural progenitor-derived tumorigenesis by regulating Notch receptor trafficking. eLife 2018; 7:38181. [PMID: 30176986 PMCID: PMC6140715 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The correct establishment and maintenance of unidirectional Notch signaling are critical for the homeostasis of various stem cell lineages. However, the molecular mechanisms that prevent cell-autonomous ectopic Notch signaling activation and deleterious cell fate decisions remain unclear. Here we show that the retromer complex directly and specifically regulates Notch receptor retrograde trafficking in Drosophila neuroblast lineages to ensure the unidirectional Notch signaling from neural progenitors to neuroblasts. Notch polyubiquitination mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch/Su(dx) is inherently inefficient within neural progenitors, relying on retromer-mediated trafficking to avoid aberrant endosomal accumulation of Notch and cell-autonomous signaling activation. Upon retromer dysfunction, hypo-ubiquitinated Notch accumulates in Rab7+ enlarged endosomes, where it is ectopically processed and activated in a ligand-dependent manner, causing progenitor-originated tumorigenesis. Our results therefore unveil a safeguard mechanism whereby retromer retrieves potentially harmful Notch receptors in a timely manner to prevent aberrant Notch activation-induced neural progenitor dedifferentiation and brain tumor formation. Most cells in the animal body are tailored to perform particular tasks, but stem cells have not yet made their choice. Instead, they have unlimited capacity to divide and, with the right signals, they can start to specialize to become a given type of cells. In the brain, this process starts with a stem cell dividing. One of the daughters will remain a stem cell, while the other, the neural progenitor, will differentiate to form a mature cell such as a neuron. Keeping this tight balance is crucial for the health of the organ: if the progenitor reverts back to being a stem cell, there will be a surplus of undifferentiated cells that can lead to a tumor. A one-way signal driven by the protein Notch partly controls the distinct fates of the two daughter cells. While the neural progenitor carries Notch at its surface, its neural stem cell sister has a Notch receptor on its membrane instead. This ensures that the Notch signaling goes in one direction, from the cell with Notch to the one sporting the receptor. When a stem cell divides, one daughter gets more of a protein called Numb than the other. Numb pulls Notch receptors away from the external membrane and into internal capsules called endosomes. This guarantees that only one of the siblings will be carrying the receptors at its surface. Yet, sometimes the Notch receptors can get activated in the endosomes, which may make neural progenitors revert to being stem cells. It is still unclear what tools the cells have to stop this abnormal activation. Here, Li et al. screened brain cells from fruit fly larvae to find out the genes that might play a role in suppressing the inappropriate Notch signaling. This highlighted a protein complex known as the retromer, which normally helps to transport proteins in the cell. Experiments showed that, in progenitors, the retromer physically interacts with Notch receptors and retrieves them from the endosomes back to the cell surface. If the retromer is inactive, the Notch receptors accumulate in the endosomes, where they can be switched on. It seems that, in fruit flies, the retromer acts as a bomb squad that recognizes and retrieves potentially harmful Notch receptors, thereby preventing brain tumor formation. Several retromer components are less present in patients with various cancers, including glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The results by Li et al. may therefore shed light on the link between the protein complex and the emergence of the disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chouin Wong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shihong Max Gao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rulan Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongbo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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24
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Xu K, Liu X, Wang Y, Wong C, Song Y. Temporospatial induction of homeodomain gene cut dictates natural lineage reprogramming. eLife 2018; 7:33934. [PMID: 29714689 PMCID: PMC5986271 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cellular identity naturally interconverts with high efficiency and temporospatial precision is crucial for regenerative medicine. Here, we revealed a natural midgut-to-renal lineage conversion event during Drosophila metamorphosis and identified the evolutionarily-conserved homeodomain protein Cut as a master switch in this process. A steep Wnt/Wingless morphogen gradient intersects with a pulse of steroid hormone ecdysone to induce cut expression in a subset of midgut progenitors and reprogram them into renal progenitors. Molecularly, ecdysone-induced temporal factor Broad physically interacts with cut enhancer-bound Wnt pathway effector TCF/β-catenin and likely bridges the distant enhancer and promoter region of cut through its self-association. Such long-range enhancer-promoter looping could subsequently trigger timely cut transcription. Our results therefore led us to propose an unexpected poising-and-bridging mechanism whereby spatial and temporal cues intersect, likely via chromatin looping, to turn on a master transcription factor and dictate efficient and precise lineage reprogramming. As an embryo develops, an organism transforms from a single cell into an organized collection of different cells, tissues and organs. Regulated by genes and messenger molecules, non-specialized cells known as precursor cells, move, divide and adapt to produce the different cells in the adult body. However, sometimes already-specialized adult cells can acquire a new role in a process known as lineage reprogramming. Finding ways to artificially induce and control lineage reprogramming could be useful in regenerative medicine. This would allow cells to be reprogrammed to replace those that are lost or damaged. So far, scientists have been unable to develop a clear view of how lineage reprogramming happens naturally. Here, Xu et al. identified a cell-conversion event in the developing fruit fly. As the fly larva develops into an adult, a group of cells in the midgut reprogramme to become renal cells – the equivalent to human kidney cells. The experiments revealed that a combination of signals from a cell messenger system important for cell specialization (called Wnt) and the hormone that controls molting in insects, activate a gene called cut, which controls the midgut-to-renal lineage reprogramming. Together, Wnt and the hormone ensure that cut is activated only in a small, specific group of midgut precursor cells at a precise time. The reprogrammed cells then move into the excretory organs, the renal tubes, where they give rise to renal cells. Midgut precursor cells in which cut had been experimentally removed, still traveled into the renal tubes. However, they failed to switch their identity and gave rise to midgut cells instead. Further examination revealed that both Wnt and the ecdysone hormone are needed to activate the cut gene. This is probably achieved by creating loops in the DNA to bring together the two distantly located key regulatory elements of cut gene expression. If this mechanism can be seen in other contexts it may be possible to adapt it for medical purposes. The ability to reprogramme groups of cells with high specificity could transform medicine. It would make it easier for our bodies to regenerate and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchun Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chouin Wong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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25
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Bray SJ, Gomez-Lamarca M. Notch after cleavage. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 51:103-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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26
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MiR200 and miR302: Two Big Families Influencing Stem Cell Behavior. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020282. [PMID: 29385685 PMCID: PMC6017081 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we described different factors that modulate pluripotency in stem cells, in particular we aimed at following the steps of two large families of miRNAs: the miR-200 family and the miR-302 family. We analyzed some factors tuning stem cells behavior as TGF-β, which plays a pivotal role in pluripotency inhibition together with specific miRNAs, reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also hypoxia, and physical stimuli, such as ad hoc conveyed electromagnetic fields. TGF-β plays a crucial role in the suppression of pluripotency thus influencing the achievement of a specific phenotype. ROS concentration can modulate TGF-β activation that in turns down regulates miR-200 and miR-302. These two miRNAs are usually requested to maintain pluripotency, while they are down-regulated during the acquirement of a specific cellular phenotype. Moreover, also physical stimuli, such as extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields or high-frequency electromagnetic fields conveyed with a radioelectric asymmetric conveyer (REAC), and hypoxia can deeply influence stem cell behavior by inducing the appearance of specific phenotypes, as well as a direct reprogramming of somatic cells. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex interplay between externally applied stimuli and epigenetic events could disclose novel target molecules to commit stem cell fate.
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Dynamic Change of Transcription Pausing through Modulating NELF Protein Stability Regulates Granulocytic Differentiation. Blood Adv 2017; 1:1358-1367. [PMID: 28868519 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017008383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The NELF complex is a metazoan-specific factor essential for establishing transcription pausing. Although NELF has been implicated in cell fate regulation, the cellular regulation of NELF and its intrinsic role in specific lineage differentiation remains largely unknown. Using mammalian hematopoietic differentiation as a model system, here we identified a dynamic change of NELF-mediated transcription pausing as a novel mechanism regulating hematopoietic differentiation. We found a sharp decrease of NELF protein abundance upon granulocytic differentiation and a subsequent genome-wide reduction of transcription pausing. This loss of pausing coincides with activation of granulocyte-affiliated genes and diminished expression of progenitor markers. Functional studies revealed that sustained expression of NELF inhibits granulocytic differentiation, whereas NELF depletion in progenitor cells leads to premature differentiation towards the granulocytic lineage. Our results thus uncover a previously unrecognized regulation of transcription pausing by modulating NELF protein abundance to control cellular differentiation.
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28
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Abstract
Stem cells self-renew and produce progenitors with limited proliferative potential. Reporting in Developmental Cell, Liu et al. (2017) demonstrate that in some neural stem cells, Notch activity is asymmetrically amplified by a positive feedback loop with the super elongation complex (SEC) to quickly differentiate between stem cells and progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Rossi
- Department of Biology, New York University, 1009 Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Claude Desplan
- Department of Biology, New York University, 1009 Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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