1
|
Ko D, Mun S, Kim M, Nho YH, Lee DG, Kang S, Han K, Kim M. A Glance into the Destiny of Transcriptomic Activity, Embodied by the HOX Genes, in Neonatal and Aging Dermal Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300325. [PMID: 38342585 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Skin is an organ having a crucial role in the protection of muscle, bone, and internal organs and undergoing continuous self-renewal and aged. The growing interest in the prevention of skin aging and rejuvenation has sparked a surge of industrial and research studies focusing on the biological and transcriptional changes that occur during skin development and aging. In this study, the aim is to identify transcriptional differences between two main types of human skin cells: the human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and the human epidermis keratinocytes (HEKs) isolated from 30 neonatal and 30 adults (old) skin. Through differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiling using DEseq2, 604 up-, and 769 down-regulated genes are identified in the old group. A functional analysis using Metascape Gene Ontology and Reactome pathways revealed systematic transcriptomic shifts in key skin formation and maintenance markers, alongside a distinct difference in HOX gene families crucial for embryonic development and diverse biological processes. Among the 39 human HOX gene family, ten posterior HOX genes (HOXA10, 11, 13, HOXB13, HOXC11, and HOXD9-13) are significantly downregulated, and anterior 25 genes (HOXA2-7, HOXB1-9, HOXC4-6 and 8-9, and HOXD1,3,4 and 8) are upregulated, especially in the old HDFs. The study successfully demonstrates the correlation between HOX genes and the skin aging process, providing strong evidence that HOX genes are proposed as a new marker for skin aging assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doyeong Ko
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Dankook University, Jukjeon, 16890, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoung Mun
- College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bio-Medical Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan, 3116, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- COSMAX BTI R&I Center, 255 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Hwa Nho
- COSMAX BTI R&I Center, 255 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Geol Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- COSMAX BTI R&I Center, 255 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Kang
- COSMAX BTI R&I Center, 255 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyudong Han
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Dankook University, Jukjeon, 16890, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bio-Medical Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan, 3116, Republic of Korea
| | - Misun Kim
- COSMAX BTI R&I Center, 255 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13486, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bedois AMH, Parker HJ, Price AJ, Morrison JA, Bronner ME, Krumlauf R. Sea lamprey enlightens the origin of the coupling of retinoic acid signaling to vertebrate hindbrain segmentation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1538. [PMID: 38378737 PMCID: PMC10879103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in antero-posterior patterning of the chordate body axis and, in jawed vertebrates, has been shown to play a major role at multiple levels of the gene regulatory network (GRN) regulating hindbrain segmentation. Knowing when and how RA became coupled to the core hindbrain GRN is important for understanding how ancient signaling pathways and patterning genes can evolve and generate diversity. Hence, we investigated the link between RA signaling and hindbrain segmentation in the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, an important jawless vertebrate model providing clues to decipher ancestral vertebrate features. Combining genomics, gene expression, and functional analyses of major components involved in RA synthesis (Aldh1as) and degradation (Cyp26s), we demonstrate that RA signaling is coupled to hindbrain segmentation in lamprey. Thus, the link between RA signaling and hindbrain segmentation is a pan vertebrate feature of the hindbrain and likely evolved at the base of vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice M H Bedois
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Hugo J Parker
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Andrew J Price
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Jason A Morrison
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malaguti M, Lebek T, Blin G, Lowell S. Enabling neighbour labelling: using synthetic biology to explore how cells influence their neighbours. Development 2024; 151:dev201955. [PMID: 38165174 PMCID: PMC10820747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201955] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions are central to development, but exploring how a change in any given cell relates to changes in the neighbour of that cell can be technically challenging. Here, we review recent developments in synthetic biology and image analysis that are helping overcome this problem. We highlight the opportunities presented by these advances and discuss opportunities and limitations in applying them to developmental model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Malaguti
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Tamina Lebek
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Guillaume Blin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rocha-Martins M. Cell behaviors that pattern developing tissues: the case of the vertebrate nervous system. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 159:30-58. [PMID: 38729679 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Morphogenesis from cells to tissue gives rise to the complex architectures that make our organs. How cells and their dynamic behavior are translated into functional spatial patterns is only starting to be understood. Recent advances in quantitative imaging revealed that, although highly heterogeneous, cellular behaviors make reproducible tissue patterns. Emerging evidence suggests that mechanisms of cellular coordination, intrinsic variability and plasticity are critical for robust pattern formation. While pattern development shows a high level of fidelity, tissue organization has undergone drastic changes throughout the course of evolution. In addition, alterations in cell behavior, if unregulated, can cause developmental malformations that disrupt function. Therefore, comparative studies of different species and of disease models offer a powerful approach for understanding how novel spatial configurations arise from variations in cell behavior and the fundamentals of successful pattern formation. In this chapter, I dive into the development of the vertebrate nervous system to explore efforts to dissect pattern formation beyond molecules, the emerging core principles and open questions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu J, Yang W, Wang D, Wang Z, Liu C, Li J. Methamphetamine Shows Different Joint Toxicity for Different Types of Microplastics on Zebrafish Larvae by Mediating Oxidative Stress. TOXICS 2023; 12:9. [PMID: 38250965 PMCID: PMC10819112 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The coexistence of polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PVC) microplastics (MPs) and methamphetamine (METH) in aquatic systems is evident. However, the joint toxicity is unclear. Here, zebrafish larvae were exposed to single PS and PVC MPs (20 mg L-1) and combined with METH (250 and 500 μg L-1) for 10 days. The results indicated that acute exposure to PS and PVC MPs induced lethal effects on zebrafish larvae (10-20%). Treatment with MPs markedly suppressed the locomotion of zebrafish, showing as the lengthy immobility (51-74%) and lower velocity (0.09-0.55 cm s-1) compared with the control (1.07 cm s-1). Meanwhile, histopathological analysis revealed pronounced depositions of MPs particles in fish's intestinal tract, triggering inflammatory responses (histological scores: 1.6-2.0). In the coexposure groups, obviously inflammatory responses were found. Furthermore, the up-regulations of the genes involved in the oxidative kinase gene and inflammation related genes implied that oxidative stress triggered by MPs on zebrafish larvae might be responsible for the mortality and locomotion retardant. The antagonistic and stimulatory effects of METH on the expression changes of genes found in PVC and PS groups implied the contrary combined toxicity of PS/PVC MPs and METH. This study for the first time estimated the different toxicity of PS and PVC MPs on fish and the joint effects with METH at high environmental levels. The results suggested PS showed stronger toxicity than PVC for fish larvae. The addition of METH stimulated the effects of PS but antagonized the effects of PVC, promoting control strategy development on MPs and METH in aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jindong Xu
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; (J.X.); (W.Y.); (D.W.); (C.L.)
| | - Wenqi Yang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; (J.X.); (W.Y.); (D.W.); (C.L.)
| | - Dongyi Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; (J.X.); (W.Y.); (D.W.); (C.L.)
| | - Zhenglu Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Chuang Liu
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; (J.X.); (W.Y.); (D.W.); (C.L.)
| | - Jiana Li
- Ningbo Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Ningbo 315000, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cano-Fernández H, Tissot T, Brun-Usan M, Salazar-Ciudad I. On the origins of developmental robustness: modeling buffering mechanisms against cell-level noise. Development 2023; 150:dev201911. [PMID: 38032004 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201911] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
During development, cells are subject to stochastic fluctuations in their positions (i.e. cell-level noise) that can potentially lead to morphological noise (i.e. stochastic differences between morphologies that are expected to be equal, e.g. the right and left sides of bilateral organisms). In this study, we explore new and existing hypotheses on buffering mechanisms against cell-level noise. Many of these hypotheses focus on how the boundaries between territories of gene expression remain regular and well defined, despite cell-level noise and division. We study these hypotheses and how irregular territory boundaries lead to morphological noise. To determine the consistency of the different hypotheses, we use a general computational model of development: EmbryoMaker. EmbryoMaker can implement arbitrary gene networks regulating basic cell behaviors (contraction, adhesion, etc.), signaling and tissue biomechanics. We found that buffering mechanisms based on the orientation of cell divisions cannot lead to regular boundaries but that other buffering mechanisms can (homotypic adhesion, planar contraction, non-dividing boundaries, constant signaling and majority rule hypotheses). We also explore the effects of the shape and size of the territories on morphological noise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Cano-Fernández
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Evolution group, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Tazzio Tissot
- Electronics and Computer Science Department, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Miguel Brun-Usan
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Isaac Salazar-Ciudad
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Evolution group, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leino SA, Constable SCJ, Streit A, Wilkinson DG. Zbtb16 mediates a switch between Fgf signalling regimes in the developing hindbrain. Development 2023; 150:dev201319. [PMID: 37642135 PMCID: PMC10508701 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201319] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Developing tissues are sequentially patterned by extracellular signals that are turned on and off at specific times. In the zebrafish hindbrain, fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signalling has different roles at different developmental stages: in the early hindbrain, transient Fgf3 and Fgf8 signalling from rhombomere 4 is required for correct segmentation, whereas later, neuronal Fgf20 expression confines neurogenesis to specific spatial domains within each rhombomere. How the switch between these two signalling regimes is coordinated is not known. We present evidence that the Zbtb16 transcription factor is required for this transition to happen in an orderly fashion. Zbtb16 expression is high in the early anterior hindbrain, then gradually upregulated posteriorly and confined to neural progenitors. In mutants lacking functional Zbtb16, fgf3 expression fails to be downregulated and persists until a late stage, resulting in excess and more widespread Fgf signalling during neurogenesis. Accordingly, the spatial pattern of neurogenesis is disrupted in Zbtb16 mutants. Our results reveal how the distinct stage-specific roles of Fgf signalling are coordinated in the zebrafish hindbrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami A. Leino
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Sean C. J. Constable
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Andrea Streit
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - David G. Wilkinson
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bedois AMH, Parker HJ, Bronner ME, Krumlauf R. Sea lamprey enlightens the origin of the coupling of retinoic acid signaling to vertebrate hindbrain segmentation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548143. [PMID: 37461675 PMCID: PMC10350081 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in antero-posterior patterning of the chordate body axis and, in jawed vertebrates, has been shown to play a major role at multiple levels of the gene regulatory network (GRN) regulating hindbrain segmentation. Knowing when and how RA became coupled to the core hindbrain GRN is important for understanding how ancient signaling pathways and patterning genes can evolve and generate diversity. Hence, we investigated the link between RA signaling and hindbrain segmentation in the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, an important jawless vertebrate model providing clues to decipher ancestral vertebrate features. Combining genomics, gene expression, and functional analyses of major components involved in RA synthesis (Aldh1as) and degradation (Cyp26s), we demonstrate that RA signaling is coupled to hindbrain segmentation in lamprey. Thus, the link between RA signaling and hindbrain segmentation is a pan vertebrate feature of the hindbrain and likely evolved at the base of vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice M. H. Bedois
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
| | - Hugo J. Parker
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
| | - Marianne E. Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xia Y, Cui K, Alonso A, Lowenstein ED, Hernandez-Miranda LR. Transcription factors regulating the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1072475. [PMID: 36523603 PMCID: PMC9745097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1072475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breathing (or respiration) is an unconscious and complex motor behavior which neuronal drive emerges from the brainstem. In simplistic terms, respiratory motor activity comprises two phases, inspiration (uptake of oxygen, O2) and expiration (release of carbon dioxide, CO2). Breathing is not rigid, but instead highly adaptable to external and internal physiological demands of the organism. The neurons that generate, monitor, and adjust breathing patterns locate to two major brainstem structures, the pons and medulla oblongata. Extensive research over the last three decades has begun to identify the developmental origins of most brainstem neurons that control different aspects of breathing. This research has also elucidated the transcriptional control that secures the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons. In this review, we aim to summarize our current knowledge on the transcriptional regulation that operates during the specification of respiratory neurons, and we will highlight the cell lineages that contribute to the central respiratory circuit. Lastly, we will discuss on genetic disturbances altering transcription factor regulation and their impact in hypoventilation disorders in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Xia
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ke Cui
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Alonso
- Functional Genoarchitecture and Neurobiology Groups, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elijah D. Lowenstein
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R. Hernandez-Miranda
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wilkinson DG. Interplay of Eph-Ephrin Signalling and Cadherin Function in Cell Segregation and Boundary Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784039. [PMID: 34869386 PMCID: PMC8633894 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The segregation of distinct cell populations to form sharp boundaries is crucial for stabilising tissue organisation, for example during hindbrain segmentation in craniofacial development. Two types of mechanisms have been found to underlie cell segregation: differential adhesion mediated by cadherins, and Eph receptor and ephrin signalling at the heterotypic interface which regulates cell adhesion, cortical tension and repulsion. An interplay occurs between these mechanisms since cadherins have been found to contribute to Eph-ephrin-mediated cell segregation. This may reflect that Eph receptor activation acts through multiple pathways to decrease cadherin-mediated adhesion which can drive cell segregation. However, Eph receptors mainly drive cell segregation through increased heterotypic tension or repulsion. Cadherins contribute to cell segregation by antagonising homotypic tension within each cell population. This suppression of homotypic tension increases the difference with heterotypic tension triggered by Eph receptor activation, and it is this differential tension that drives cell segregation and border sharpening.
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu Y, McCord RP. CoSTA: unsupervised convolutional neural network learning for spatial transcriptomics analysis. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:397. [PMID: 34372758 PMCID: PMC8351440 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rise of spatial transcriptomics technologies is leading to new insights about how gene regulation happens in a spatial context. Determining which genes are expressed in similar spatial patterns can reveal gene regulatory relationships across cell types in a tissue. However, many current analysis methods do not take full advantage of the spatial organization of the data, instead treating pixels as independent features. Here, we present CoSTA: a novel approach to learn spatial similarities between gene expression matrices via convolutional neural network (ConvNet) clustering. Results By analyzing simulated and previously published spatial transcriptomics data, we demonstrate that CoSTA learns spatial relationships between genes in a way that emphasizes broader spatial patterns rather than pixel-level correlation. CoSTA provides a quantitative measure of expression pattern similarity between each pair of genes rather than only classifying genes into categories. We find that CoSTA identifies narrower, but biologically relevant, sets of significantly related genes as compared to other approaches. Conclusions The deep learning CoSTA approach provides a different angle to spatial transcriptomics analysis by focusing on the shape of expression patterns, using more information about the positions of neighboring pixels than would an overlap or pixel correlation approach. CoSTA can be applied to any spatial transcriptomics data represented in matrix form and may have future applications to datasets such as histology in which images of different genes are from similar but not identical biological sections. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04314-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel Patton McCord
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
During early development, the hindbrain is sub-divided into rhombomeres that underlie the organisation of neurons and adjacent craniofacial tissues. A gene regulatory network of signals and transcription factors establish and pattern segments with a distinct anteroposterior identity. Initially, the borders of segmental gene expression are imprecise, but then become sharply defined, and specialised boundary cells form. In this Review, we summarise key aspects of the conserved regulatory cascade that underlies the formation of hindbrain segments. We describe how the pattern is sharpened and stabilised through the dynamic regulation of cell identity, acting in parallel with cell segregation. Finally, we discuss evidence that boundary cells have roles in local patterning, and act as a site of neurogenesis within the hindbrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.,Dept of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical School, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qiu Y, Fung L, Schilling TF, Nie Q. Multiple morphogens and rapid elongation promote segmental patterning during development. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009077. [PMID: 34161317 PMCID: PMC8259987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate hindbrain is segmented into rhombomeres (r) initially defined by distinct domains of gene expression. Previous studies have shown that noise-induced gene regulation and cell sorting are critical for the sharpening of rhombomere boundaries, which start out rough in the forming neural plate (NP) and sharpen over time. However, the mechanisms controlling simultaneous formation of multiple rhombomeres and accuracy in their sizes are unclear. We have developed a stochastic multiscale cell-based model that explicitly incorporates dynamic morphogenetic changes (i.e. convergent-extension of the NP), multiple morphogens, and gene regulatory networks to investigate the formation of rhombomeres and their corresponding boundaries in the zebrafish hindbrain. During pattern initiation, the short-range signal, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), works together with the longer-range morphogen, retinoic acid (RA), to specify all of these boundaries and maintain accurately sized segments with sharp boundaries. At later stages of patterning, we show a nonlinear change in the shape of rhombomeres with rapid left-right narrowing of the NP followed by slower dynamics. Rapid initial convergence improves boundary sharpness and segment size by regulating cell sorting and cell fate both independently and coordinately. Overall, multiple morphogens and tissue dynamics synergize to regulate the sizes and boundaries of multiple segments during development. In segmental pattern formation, chemical gradients control gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner to specify distinct gene expression domains. Despite the stochasticity inherent to such biological processes, precise and accurate borders form between segmental gene expression domains. Previous work has revealed synergy between gene regulation and cell sorting in sharpening borders that are initially rough. However, it is still poorly understood how size and boundary sharpness of multiple segments are regulated in a tissue that changes dramatically in its morphology as the embryo develops. Here we develop a stochastic multiscale cell-base model to investigate these questions. Two novel strategies synergize to promote accurate segment formation, a combination of long- and short-range morphogens plus rapid tissue convergence, with one responsible for pattern initiation and the other enabling pattern refinement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchi Qiu
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lianna Fung
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Schilling
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TFS); (QN)
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TFS); (QN)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li C, Liau ES, Lee Y, Huang Y, Liu Z, Willems A, Garside V, McGlinn E, Chen J, Hong T. MicroRNA governs bistable cell differentiation and lineage segregation via a noncanonical feedback. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e9945. [PMID: 33890404 PMCID: PMC8062999 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive feedback driven by transcriptional regulation has long been considered a key mechanism underlying cell lineage segregation during embryogenesis. Using the developing spinal cord as a paradigm, we found that canonical, transcription-driven feedback cannot explain robust lineage segregation of motor neuron subtypes marked by two cardinal factors, Hoxa5 and Hoxc8. We propose a feedback mechanism involving elementary microRNA-mRNA reaction circuits that differ from known feedback loop-like structures. Strikingly, we show that a wide range of biologically plausible post-transcriptional regulatory parameters are sufficient to generate bistable switches, a hallmark of positive feedback. Through mathematical analysis, we explain intuitively the hidden source of this feedback. Using embryonic stem cell differentiation and mouse genetics, we corroborate that microRNA-mRNA circuits govern tissue boundaries and hysteresis upon motor neuron differentiation with respect to transient morphogen signals. Our findings reveal a previously underappreciated feedback mechanism that may have widespread functions in cell fate decisions and tissue patterning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung‐Jung Li
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ee Shan Liau
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Han Lee
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yang‐Zhe Huang
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Genome Science and Technology ProgramThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Andrew Willems
- Genome Science and Technology ProgramThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Victoria Garside
- EMBL AustraliaAustralian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVicAustralia
| | - Edwina McGlinn
- EMBL AustraliaAustralian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVicAustralia
| | - Jun‐An Chen
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Neuroscience Program Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular BiologyThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological SynthesisKnoxvilleTNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Exelby K, Herrera-Delgado E, Perez LG, Perez-Carrasco R, Sagner A, Metzis V, Sollich P, Briscoe J. Precision of tissue patterning is controlled by dynamical properties of gene regulatory networks. Development 2021; 148:dev197566. [PMID: 33547135 PMCID: PMC7929933 DOI: 10.1242/dev.197566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
During development, gene regulatory networks allocate cell fates by partitioning tissues into spatially organised domains of gene expression. How the sharp boundaries that delineate these gene expression patterns arise, despite the stochasticity associated with gene regulation, is poorly understood. We show, in the vertebrate neural tube, using perturbations of coding and regulatory regions, that the structure of the regulatory network contributes to boundary precision. This is achieved, not by reducing noise in individual genes, but by the configuration of the network modulating the ability of stochastic fluctuations to initiate gene expression changes. We use a computational screen to identify network properties that influence boundary precision, revealing two dynamical mechanisms by which small gene circuits attenuate the effect of noise in order to increase patterning precision. These results highlight design principles of gene regulatory networks that produce precise patterns of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Exelby
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Edgar Herrera-Delgado
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Mathematics, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit, Institut Curie, 26 Rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Lorena Garcia Perez
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Andreas Sagner
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Vicki Metzis
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Peter Sollich
- Department of Mathematics, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Faculty of Physics, Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - James Briscoe
- Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Trapecar M, Wogram E, Svoboda D, Communal C, Omer A, Lungjangwa T, Sphabmixay P, Velazquez J, Schneider K, Wright CW, Mildrum S, Hendricks A, Levine S, Muffat J, Lee MJ, Lauffenburger DA, Trumper D, Jaenisch R, Griffith LG. Human physiomimetic model integrating microphysiological systems of the gut, liver, and brain for studies of neurodegenerative diseases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/5/eabd1707. [PMID: 33514545 PMCID: PMC7846169 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Slow progress in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) motivates an urgent need for highly controlled in vitro systems to investigate organ-organ- and organ-immune-specific interactions relevant for disease pathophysiology. Of particular interest is the gut/microbiome-liver-brain axis for parsing out how genetic and environmental factors contribute to NDs. We have developed a mesofluidic platform technology to study gut-liver-cerebral interactions in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). It connects microphysiological systems (MPSs) of the primary human gut and liver with a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebral MPS in a systemically circulated common culture medium containing CD4+ regulatory T and T helper 17 cells. We demonstrate this approach using a patient-derived cerebral MPS carrying the PD-causing A53T mutation, gaining two important findings: (i) that systemic interaction enhances features of in vivo-like behavior of cerebral MPSs, and (ii) that microbiome-associated short-chain fatty acids increase expression of pathology-associated pathways in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Trapecar
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emile Wogram
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Devon Svoboda
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Communal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Attya Omer
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Pierre Sphabmixay
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Velazquez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kirsten Schneider
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles W Wright
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Mildrum
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- MIT BioMicro Center, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Austin Hendricks
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- MIT BioMicro Center, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stuart Levine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- MIT BioMicro Center, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julien Muffat
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Meelim Jasmine Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Trumper
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Linda G Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pujades C. The multiple functions of hindbrain boundary cells: Tinkering boundaries? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 107:179-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|
18
|
Abe K, Shimada A, Tayama S, Nishikawa H, Kaneko T, Tsuda S, Karaiwa A, Matsui T, Ishitani T, Takeda H. Horizontal Boundary Cells, a Special Group of Somitic Cells, Play Crucial Roles in the Formation of Dorsoventral Compartments in Teleost Somite. Cell Rep 2020; 27:928-939.e4. [PMID: 30995487 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of robust gene expression boundary is crucial for creating elaborate morphology during development. However, mechanisms underlying boundary formation have been extensively studied only in a few model systems. We examined the establishment of zic1/zic4-expression boundary demarcating dorsoventral boundary of the entire trunk of medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) and identified a subgroup of dermomyotomal cells called horizontal boundary cells (HBCs) as crucial players for the boundary formation. Embryological and genetic analyses demonstrated that HBCs play crucial roles in the two major events of the process, i.e., refinement and maintenance. In the refinement, HBCs could serve as a chemical barrier against Wnts from the neural tube by expressing Hhip. At later stages, HBCs participate in the maintenance of the boundary by differentiating into the horizontal myoseptum physically inhibiting cell mixing across the boundary. These findings reveal the mechanisms underlying the dorsoventral boundary in the teleost trunk by specialized boundary cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kota Abe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Atsuko Shimada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sayaka Tayama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hotaka Nishikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takuya Kaneko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tsuda
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; Saitama University Brain Science Institute, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; Research and Development Bureau, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Akari Karaiwa
- Gene Regulation Research, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Takaaki Matsui
- Gene Regulation Research, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Tohru Ishitani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kesavan G, Machate A, Hans S, Brand M. Cell-fate plasticity, adhesion and cell sorting complementarily establish a sharp midbrain-hindbrain boundary. Development 2020; 147:dev186882. [PMID: 32439756 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of sharp boundaries between groups of cells play a vital role during embryonic development as they serve to compartmentalize cells with similar fates. Some of these boundaries also act as organizers, with the ability to induce specific cell fates and morphogenesis in the surrounding cells. The midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) is such an organizer: it acts as a lineage restriction boundary to prevent the intermingling of cells with different developmental fates. However, the mechanisms underlying the lineage restriction process remain unclear. Here, using novel fluorescent knock-in reporters, live imaging, Cre/lox-mediated lineage tracing, atomic force microscopy-based cell adhesion assays and mutant analysis, we analyze the process of lineage restriction at the MHB and provide mechanistic details. Specifically, we show that lineage restriction occurs by the end of gastrulation, and that the subsequent formation of sharp gene expression boundaries in the developing MHB occur through complementary mechanisms, i.e. cell-fate plasticity and cell sorting. Furthermore, we show that cell sorting at the MHB involves differential adhesion among midbrain and hindbrain cells that is mediated by N-cadherin and Eph-ephrin signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Kesavan
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Machate
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Hans
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Brand
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tambalo M, Mitter R, Wilkinson DG. A single cell transcriptome atlas of the developing zebrafish hindbrain. Development 2020; 147:dev184143. [PMID: 32094115 PMCID: PMC7097387 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Segmentation of the vertebrate hindbrain leads to the formation of rhombomeres, each with a distinct anteroposterior identity. Specialised boundary cells form at segment borders that act as a source or regulator of neuronal differentiation. In zebrafish, there is spatial patterning of neurogenesis in which non-neurogenic zones form at boundaries and segment centres, in part mediated by Fgf20 signalling. To further understand the control of neurogenesis, we have carried out single cell RNA sequencing of the zebrafish hindbrain at three different stages of patterning. Analyses of the data reveal known and novel markers of distinct hindbrain segments, of cell types along the dorsoventral axis, and of the transition of progenitors to neuronal differentiation. We find major shifts in the transcriptome of progenitors and of differentiating cells between the different stages analysed. Supervised clustering with markers of boundary cells and segment centres, together with RNA-seq analysis of Fgf-regulated genes, has revealed new candidate regulators of cell differentiation in the hindbrain. These data provide a valuable resource for functional investigations of the patterning of neurogenesis and the transition of progenitors to neuronal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Tambalo
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David G Wilkinson
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Roberts C. Regulating Retinoic Acid Availability during Development and Regeneration: The Role of the CYP26 Enzymes. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8010006. [PMID: 32151018 PMCID: PMC7151129 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the role of the Cytochrome p450 subfamily 26 (CYP26) retinoic acid (RA) degrading enzymes during development and regeneration. Cyp26 enzymes, along with retinoic acid synthesising enzymes, are absolutely required for RA homeostasis in these processes by regulating availability of RA for receptor binding and signalling. Cyp26 enzymes are necessary to generate RA gradients and to protect specific tissues from RA signalling. Disruption of RA homeostasis leads to a wide variety of embryonic defects affecting many tissues. Here, the function of CYP26 enzymes is discussed in the context of the RA signalling pathway, enzymatic structure and biochemistry, human genetic disease, and function in development and regeneration as elucidated from animal model studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Roberts
- Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, UCL-GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford St, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Draut H, Liebenstein T, Begemann G. New Insights into the Control of Cell Fate Choices and Differentiation by Retinoic Acid in Cranial, Axial and Caudal Structures. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E860. [PMID: 31835881 PMCID: PMC6995509 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is an important regulator of chordate development. RA binds to nuclear RA receptors that control the transcriptional activity of target genes. Controlled local degradation of RA by enzymes of the Cyp26a gene family contributes to the establishment of transient RA signaling gradients that control patterning, cell fate decisions and differentiation. Several steps in the lineage leading to the induction and differentiation of neuromesodermal progenitors and bone-producing osteogenic cells are controlled by RA. Changes to RA signaling activity have effects on the formation of the bones of the skull, the vertebrae and the development of teeth and regeneration of fin rays in fish. This review focuses on recent advances in these areas, with predominant emphasis on zebrafish, and highlights previously unknown roles for RA signaling in developmental processes.
Collapse
|
23
|
Cayuso J, Xu Q, Addison M, Wilkinson DG. Actomyosin regulation by Eph receptor signaling couples boundary cell formation to border sharpness. eLife 2019; 8:49696. [PMID: 31502954 PMCID: PMC6739871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The segregation of cells with distinct regional identity underlies formation of a sharp border, which in some tissues serves to organise a boundary signaling centre. It is unclear whether or how border sharpness is coordinated with induction of boundary-specific gene expression. We show that forward signaling of EphA4 is required for border sharpening and induction of boundary cells in the zebrafish hindbrain, which we find both require kinase-dependent signaling, with a lesser input of PDZ domain-dependent signaling. We find that boundary-specific gene expression is regulated by myosin II phosphorylation, which increases actomyosin contraction downstream of EphA4 signaling. Myosin phosphorylation leads to nuclear translocation of Taz, which together with Tead1a is required for boundary marker expression. Since actomyosin contraction maintains sharp borders, there is direct coupling of border sharpness to boundary cell induction that ensures correct organisation of signaling centres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Cayuso
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Qiling Xu
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wu Z, Ashlin TG, Xu Q, Wilkinson DG. Role of forward and reverse signaling in Eph receptor and ephrin mediated cell segregation. Exp Cell Res 2019; 381:57-65. [PMID: 31075258 PMCID: PMC6546932 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptor and ephrin signaling has a major role in segregating distinct cell populations to form sharp borders. Expression of interacting Ephs and ephrins typically occurs in complementary regions, such that polarised activation of both components occurs at the interface. Forward signaling through Eph receptors can drive cell segregation, but it is unclear whether reverse signaling through ephrins can also contribute. We have tested the role of reverse signaling, and of polarised versus non-polarised activation, in assays in which contact repulsion drives cell segregation and border sharpening. We find that polarised forward signaling drives stronger segregation than polarised reverse signaling. Nevertheless, reverse signaling contributes since bidirectional Eph and ephrin activation drives stronger segregation than unidirectional forward signaling alone. In contrast, non-polarised Eph activation drives little segregation. We propose that although polarised forward signaling is the principal driver of segregation, reverse signaling enables bidirectional repulsion which prevents mingling of each population into the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Wu
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Tim G Ashlin
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Qiling Xu
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Frank D, Sela-Donenfeld D. Hindbrain induction and patterning during early vertebrate development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:941-960. [PMID: 30519881 PMCID: PMC11105337 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The hindbrain is a key relay hub of the central nervous system (CNS), linking the bilaterally symmetric half-sides of lower and upper CNS centers via an extensive network of neural pathways. Dedicated neural assemblies within the hindbrain control many physiological processes, including respiration, blood pressure, motor coordination and different sensations. During early development, the hindbrain forms metameric segmented units known as rhombomeres along the antero-posterior (AP) axis of the nervous system. These compartmentalized units are highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and act as the template for adult brainstem structure and function. TALE and HOX homeodomain family transcription factors play a key role in the initial induction of the hindbrain and its specification into rhombomeric cell fate identities along the AP axis. Signaling pathways, such as canonical-Wnt, FGF and retinoic acid, play multiple roles to initially induce the hindbrain and regulate Hox gene-family expression to control rhombomeric identity. Additional transcription factors including Krox20, Kreisler and others act both upstream and downstream to Hox genes, modulating their expression and protein activity. In this review, we will examine the earliest embryonic signaling pathways that induce the hindbrain and subsequent rhombomeric segmentation via Hox and other gene expression. We will examine how these signaling pathways and transcription factors interact to activate downstream targets that organize the segmented AP pattern of the embryonic vertebrate hindbrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dale Frank
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 31096, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kindberg AA, Bush JO. Cellular organization and boundary formation in craniofacial development. Genesis 2019; 57:e23271. [PMID: 30548771 PMCID: PMC6503678 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial morphogenesis is a highly dynamic process that requires changes in the behaviors and physical properties of cells in order to achieve the proper organization of different craniofacial structures. Boundary formation is a critical process in cellular organization, patterning, and ultimately tissue separation. There are several recurring cellular mechanisms through which boundary formation and cellular organization occur including, transcriptional patterning, cell segregation, cell adhesion and migratory guidance. Disruption of normal boundary formation has dramatic morphological consequences, and can result in human craniofacial congenital anomalies. In this review we discuss boundary formation during craniofacial development, specifically focusing on the cellular behaviors and mechanisms underlying the self-organizing properties that are critical for craniofacial morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A. Kindberg
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Program in Craniofacial Biology, and Institute of Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey O. Bush
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Program in Craniofacial Biology, and Institute of Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Studies of the vertebrate hindbrain have revealed parallel mechanisms that establish sharp segments with a distinct and homogeneous regional identity. Recent work has revealed roles of cell identity regulation and its relationships with cell segregation. At early stages, there is overlapping expression at segment borders of the Egr2 and Hoxb1 transcription factors that specify distinct identities, which is resolved by reciprocal repression. Computer simulations show that this dynamic regulation of cell identity synergises with cell segregation to generate sharp borders. Some intermingling between segments occurs at early stages, and ectopic egr2-expressing cells switch identity to match their new neighbours. This switching is mediated by coupling between egr2 expression and the level of retinoic acid signalling, which acts in a community effect to maintain homogeneous segmental identity. These findings reveal an interplay between cell segregation and the dynamic regulation of cell identity in the formation of sharp patterns in the hindbrain and raise the question of whether similar mechanisms occur in other tissues.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
During early hindbrain development, single neuroepithelial progenitors cross into neighboring rhombomere compartments and switch their molecular identity to match their new position. In this issue of Developmental Cell,Addison et al. (2018) show that this identity switch is mediated by non-cell-autonomous retinoid signaling that ensures a homogeneous segment identity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kitazawa
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filippo M Rijli
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|