1
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van der Zanden LFM, Maj C, Borisov O, van Rooij IALM, Quaedackers JSLT, Steffens M, Schierbaum L, Schneider S, Waffenschmidt L, Kiemeney LALM, de Wall LLL, Heilmann S, Hofmann A, Gehlen J, Schumacher J, Szczepanska M, Taranta-Janusz K, Kroll P, Krzemien G, Szmigielska A, Schreuder MF, Weber S, Zaniew M, Roeleveld N, Reutter H, Feitz WFJ, Hilger AC. Genome-wide association study in patients with posterior urethral valves. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:988374. [PMID: 36238604 PMCID: PMC9552614 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.988374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital lower urinary tract obstructions (LUTO) are most often caused by posterior urethral valves (PUV), a male limited anatomical obstruction of the urethra affecting 1 in 4,000 male live births. Little is known about the genetic background of PUV. Here, we report the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) for PUV in 4 cohorts of patients and controls. The final meta-analysis included 756 patients and 4,823 ethnicity matched controls and comprised 5,754,208 variants that were genotyped or imputed and passed quality control in all 4 cohorts. No genome-wide significant locus was identified, but 33 variants showed suggestive significance (P < 1 × 10-5). When considering only loci with multiple variants residing within < 10 kB of each other showing suggestive significance and with the same effect direction in all 4 cohorts, 3 loci comprising a total of 9 variants remained. These loci resided on chromosomes 13, 16, and 20. The present GWAS and meta-analysis is the largest genetic study on PUV performed to date. The fact that no genome-wide significant locus was identified, can be explained by lack of power or may indicate that common variants do not play a major role in the etiology of PUV. Nevertheless, future studies are warranted to replicate and validate the 3 loci that yielded suggestive associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loes F. M. van der Zanden
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Carlo Maj
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oleg Borisov
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Iris A. L. M. van Rooij
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Luca Schierbaum
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophia Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lea Waffenschmidt
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lambertus A. L. M. Kiemeney
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth L. L. de Wall
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Heilmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Aybike Hofmann
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Clinic St. Hedwig, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Gehlen
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Maria Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | | | - Pawel Kroll
- Neurourology Unit, Pediatric Surgery and Urology Clinic, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grazyna Krzemien
- Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szmigielska
- Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michiel F. Schreuder
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Weber
- University Children Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marcin Zaniew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Nel Roeleveld
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Heiko Reutter
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wout F. J. Feitz
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alina C. Hilger
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Research Center on Rare Kidney Diseases, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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2
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Tarulli GA, Cripps SM, Pask AJ, Renfree MB. Spatiotemporal map of key signaling factors during early penis development. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:609-624. [PMID: 34697862 PMCID: PMC9539974 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the external genitalia is a highly complex developmental process, considering it involves a wide range of cell types and results in sexually dimorphic outcomes. Development is controlled by several secreted signalling factors produced in complex spatiotemporal patterns, including the hedgehog (HH), bone morphogenic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and WNT signalling families. Many of these factors act on or are influenced by the actions of the androgen receptor (AR) that is critical to masculinisation. This complexity of expression makes it difficult to conceptualise patterns of potential importance. Mapping expression during key stages of development is needed to develop a comprehensive model of how different cell types interact in formation of external genitalia, and the global regulatory networks at play. This is particularly true in light of the sensitivity of this process to environmental disruption during key stages of development. The goal of this review is to integrate all recent studies on gene expression in early penis development to create a comprehensive spatiotemporal map. This serves as a resource to aid in visualising potentially significant interactions involved in external genital development. Diagrams of published RNA and protein localisation data for key secreted signalling factors during early penis development. Unconventional expression patterns are identified that suggest novel signalling axes during development. Key research gaps and limitations are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Tarulli
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel M Cripps
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Chang J, Wang S, Zheng Z. Etiology of Hypospadias: A Comparative Review of Genetic Factors and Developmental Processes Between Human and Animal Models. Res Rep Urol 2021; 12:673-686. [PMID: 33381468 PMCID: PMC7769141 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s276141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the penis with an occurrence of approximately 1 in 200 boys, but the etiology of the majority of hypospadias has remained unknown. Numerous genes have been reported as having variants in hypospadias patients, and many studies on genetic deletion of key genes in mouse genital development have also been published. Until now, no comparative analysis in the genes related literature has been reported. The basic knowledge of penile development and hypospadias is mainly obtained from animal model studies. Understanding of the differences and similarities between human and animal models is crucial for studies of hypospadias. In this review, mutations and polymorphisms of hypospadias-related genes have been compared between humans and mice, and differential genotype–phenotype relationships of certain genes between humans and mice have been discussed using the data available in PubMed and MGI online databases, and our analysis only revealed mutations in seven out of 43 human hypospadias related genes which have been reported to show similar phenotypes in mutant mice. The differences and similarities in the processes of penile development and hypospadias malformation among human and commonly used animal models suggest that the guinea pig may be a good model to study the mechanism of human penile development and etiology of hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.,School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Zhengui Zheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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4
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Liu D, Qu Y, Cao ZN, Jia HM. Rno_circ_0005139 regulates apoptosis by targeting Wnt5a in rat anorectal malformations. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4272-4287. [PMID: 32848333 PMCID: PMC7422537 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i29.4272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms underlying anorectal malformations (ARM) are not fully established. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are new born non-coding RNAs, and their role in ARM is unclear. We assumed that rno_circ_0005139 influences apoptosis and proliferation by acting as a miR-324-3p sponge, and downregulating Wnt5a in ARM.
AIM To identify the differential expression of circRNAs and mRNAs in a rat ARM model.
METHODS Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: ARM group (2-imidazolidinethione-induced) and control groups. Embryos were harvested by cesarean delivery, and anorectal tissue was taken on embryonic days 16 (E16), 17 (E17), 19 (E19), and 21 (E21). RNA sequencing and gene microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs in the ARM in a rat model. We selected 6 circRNAs and 3 mRNAs in the Wnt signal pathway from the result of the RNA sequencing and gene microarray analysis, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate their tissue expression. According to bioinformatics prediction, rno_circ_0005139 acted as a miR-324-3p sponge to regulate the expression of Wnt5a. We chose rno_circ_0005139 and Wnt5a as the final candidates. We tested the function of rno_circ_0005139 and the binding sites between rno_circ_0005139 and miR-324-3p, miR-324-3p and Wnt5a by luciferase assays. Co-transfection of rno_circ_0005139 and miR-324-3p was to verify their functional consistency.
RESULTS We identified 38 upregulated and 42 downregulated circRNAs on E17 (P < 0.05), and 301 mRNAs were upregulated and 256 downregulated in the ARM on E17 (P < 0.05, fold-change > 2.0). We found that rno_circ_0006880 and rno_circ_0011386 were upregulated, whereas rno_circ_0000436, rno_circ_0005139, rno_circ_0009285, rno_circ_0014367, Wnt5a, Wnt10b, and Wnt2b were downregulated in ARM tissues. According to bioinformatics prediction, rno_circ_0005139 acted as a miR-324-3p sponge to regulate the expression of Wnt5a. We chose rno_circ_0005139 and Wnt5a as the final candidates. Because the role and molecular mechanism of rno_circ_0005139 are poorly understood, its effect on apoptosis and proliferation was investigated by in vitro plasmid transfection. A luciferase experiment showed that rno_circ_0005139 could bind with miR-324-3p, which negatively regulated Wnt5a expression. The expression of miR-324-3p was significantly higher in ARM anorectal tissues than that in control group on E17 and E19; Wnt5a expression showed the opposite trend. In addition, a miR-324-3p inhibitor attenuated the effects of rno_circ_0005139 knockdown on ARM development.
CONCLUSION Rno_circ_0005139 influences cell proliferation and apoptosis by acting as a miR-324-3p sponge, thereby downregulating Wnt5a in ARM. Accordingly, rno_circ_0005139, miR-324-3p, and Wnt5a could be targeted therapeutic factors for ARM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuan Qu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zheng-Nong Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
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5
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Mattiske D, Behringer RR, Overbeek PA, Pask AJ. A novel long non-coding RNA, Leat1, causes reduced anogenital distance and fertility in female mice. Differentiation 2019; 112:1-6. [PMID: 31830612 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Defective anorectal and urogenital malformations are some of the most severe congenital anomalies encountered in children. Only a few molecular cues have been identified in early formation of the female urogenital system. Here we describe a novel long non-coding RNA molecule known as Leat1 (long non-coding RNA, EphrinB2 associated transcript 1). This lncRNA is syntenic with EfnB2 (which encodes EphrinB2) and expressed during embryonic development of the genital tubercle. While lncRNAs have varied functions, many are known to regulate their neighbouring genes. Eph/Ephrin bidirectional signaling molecules mediate many patterning pathways in early embryonic development, including cloacal septation and urethral development. Here we investigate the role of Leat1 and its possible regulation of EphrinB2 during development of the female reproductive tract. We show that a loss of Leat1 leads to reduced EfnB2 expression in the developing female genital tubercle, reduced anogenital distance and decreased fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidre Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul A Overbeek
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Bouty A, Walton K, Listyasari NA, Robevska G, Van den Bergen J, Santosa A, Faradz SMH, Harrison C, Ayers KL, Sinclair AH. Functional Characterization of Two New Variants in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Prodomain in Two Pairs of Monozygotic Twins With Hypospadias. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:814-824. [PMID: 30963139 PMCID: PMC6446891 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Variants in bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) have been reported in patients with hypospadias. Here we report and analyze two variants in the BMP7 prodomain in monozygotic twins with hypospadias. Materials and Methods Patients with hypospadias were prospectively recruited. After informed consent was obtained, DNA was extracted from blood. The coding regions of 1034 genes [including 64 known diagnostic genes and candidate genes for disorder/difference of sex development (DSD)] were sequenced using a targeted capture approach (HaloPlex, Agilent, Santa Clara, CA), combined with massively parallel sequencing. The resulting variants were filtered for rarity in the general population (<1%) and in our screen. Quality, depth of the reads, and predicted pathogenicity were also considered. The consequences of the identified mutations on BMP7 expression was determined by Western blot analysis on culture media from transfected cells, and activity measured using a SMAD 1/5-responsiveness luciferase assay. Results We analyzed DNA from 46 patients with hypospadias. Two variants in BMP7 were identified in two pairs of monozygotic concordant twins exhibiting proximal hypospadias. Both variants are heterozygous, nonsynonymous, and affect highly conserved amino acids in the prodomain of BMP7 in regions predicted to be important for BMP7 assembly/folding. Functional analyses demonstrated that both variants disrupt BMP7 synthesis or secretion. Conclusion Through our targeted DSD panel we have identified two variants in the prodomain of BMP7 in hypospadias. By decreasing BMP7 synthesis, these variants are likely to limit BMP7 bioavailability during closure of the urethral plate.Further analysis of patients with hypospadias may uncover additional variants that cause this DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Bouty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Urology Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kelly Walton
- Department of Physiology, Growth Factor Therapeutics Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Ardy Santosa
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, Dr Kariadi General Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Sultana M H Faradz
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Growth Factor Therapeutics Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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7
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Chen Y, Kuroki Y, Shaw G, Pask AJ, Yu H, Toyoda A, Fujiyama A, Renfree MB. Androgen and Oestrogen Affect the Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs During Phallus Development in a Marsupial. Noncoding RNA 2018; 5:E3. [PMID: 30598023 PMCID: PMC6468475 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important for normal reproductive development, yet very few lncRNAs have been identified in phalluses so far. Unlike eutherians, phallus development in the marsupial tammar wallaby occurs post-natally, enabling manipulation not possible in eutherians in which differentiation occurs in utero. We treated with sex steroids to determine the effects of androgen and oestrogen on lncRNA expression during phallus development. Hormonal manipulations altered the coding and non-coding gene expression profile of phalluses. We identified several predicted co-regulatory lncRNAs that appear to be co-expressed with the hormone-responsive candidate genes regulating urethral closure and phallus growth, namely IGF1, AR and ESR1. Interestingly, more than 50% of AR-associated coding genes and lncRNAs were also associated with ESR1. In addition, we identified and validated three novel co-regulatory and hormone-responsive lncRNAs: lnc-BMP5, lnc-ZBTB16 and lncRSPO4. Lnc-BMP5 was detected in the urethral epithelium of male phalluses and was downregulated by oestrogen in males. Lnc-ZBTB16 was downregulated by oestrogen treatment in male phalluses at day 50 post-partum (pp). LncRSPO4 was downregulated by adiol treatment in female phalluses but increased in male phalluses after castration. Thus, the expression pattern and hormone responsiveness of these lncRNAs suggests a physiological role in the development of the phallus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia.
| | - Yoko Kuroki
- RIKEN, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia.
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia.
| | - Hongshi Yu
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia.
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Asao Fujiyama
- Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia.
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8
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Zhu Z, Peng L, Chen G, Jiang W, Shen Z, Du C, Zang R, Su Y, Xie H, Li H, Xia Y, Tang W. Mutations of MYH14 are associated to anorectal malformations with recto-perineal fistulas in a small subset of Chinese population. Clin Genet 2017; 92:503-509. [PMID: 28191911 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the most commonly congenital abnormalities of distal hindgut development, ranging from anal stenosis to anal atresia with or without fistulas and persistent cloaca. The etiology remains elusive for most ARM cases and the majority of genetic studies on ARMs were based on a candidate gene approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all eight family members of a non-consanguineous Chinese family, we performed whole-exome sequencing. Subsequently, exome sequencing of MYH14 in 72 unrelated probands with ARMs was performed. The accurate distribution of non-muscle myosin II heavy chain (NMHC II) was investigated by immunohistochemistry in serial sagittal sections of E11.5-13.5 mouse cloacal regions. RESULTS A homozygous mutation in MYH14 was identified in the two siblings of family 1. Compound heterozygous MYH14 changes were identified in an unrelated individual. Immunohistochemical analysis suggest stronger NMHC IIC localization in the epithelium of the murine embryonic cloaca, urorectal septum and hindgut compared with another two NMHC II isoforms. CONCLUSION This is the first identification of mutations in MYH14 as a cause of ARMs. The stronger localization of NMHC IIC in E11.5-13.5 mouse cloacal regions further supports the role of MYH14 in anorectal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guanglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziyang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunxia Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rujin Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology (Nanjing Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology (Nanjing Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Weibing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Miyado M, Miyado K, Nakamura A, Fukami M, Yamada G, Oda SI. Expression patterns of Fgf8 and Shh in the developing external genitalia of Suncus murinus. Reproduction 2017; 153:187-195. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Reciprocal epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and several signalling pathways regulate the development of the genital tubercle (GT), an embryonic primordium of external genitalia. The morphology of the adult male external genitalia of the Asian house musk shrew Suncus murinus (hereafter, laboratory name: suncus) belonging to the order Eulipotyphla (the former order Insectivora or Soricomorpha) differs from those of mice and humans. However, the developmental process of the suncus GT and its regulatory genes are unknown. In the present study, we explored the morphological changes and gene expression patterns during the development of the suncus GT. Morphological observations suggested the presence of common (during the initial outgrowth) and species-specific (during the sexual differentiation of GT) developmental processes of the suncus GT. In gene expression analysis, fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) and sonic hedgehog (Shh), an indicator and regulator of GT development in mice respectively, were found to be expressed in the cloacal epithelium and the developing urethral epithelium of the suncus GT. This pattern of expression specifically in GT epithelium is similar to that observed in the developing mouse GT. Our results indicate that the mechanism of GT formation regulated by the FGF and SHH signalling pathways is widely conserved in mammals.
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10
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Gredler ML. Developmental and Evolutionary Origins of the Amniote Phallus. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:694-704. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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11
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Investigation of sexual dimorphisms through mouse models and hormone/hormone-disruptor treatments. Differentiation 2016; 91:78-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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12
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Abstract
During the fourth week of human embryo development, a transient common channel known as a cloaca is formed from which three cavities with three external orifices arises. Cloaca anomalies occur when there is failure of separation of the rectum, vagina, and urethra channel resulting in a single drain into the perineum. In our previous institutional studies, Runck et al. compared human and mouse cloaca development and found early mis-patterning of the embryonic cloaca deranged hedgehog and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) signaling. Also, our group reported the embryological correlation of the epithelial and stromal histology found in step sections of the common channel in 14 cloaca malformations in humans. In this review, we present the pathology of a 4-year-old female with a cloaca and VACTERL complex, and summarize our current knowledge of cloaca pathology. Furthermore, we suggest that careful pathological examination of cloaca specimens in conjunction with surgical orientation may result in a better understanding of the etiology of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Gupta
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 1035, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229.
| | - Andrea Bischoff
- International Center for Colorectal Care, Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 East 16th Avenue, Box 323, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
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Boghossian NS, Sicko RJ, Kay DM, Rigler SL, Caggana M, Tsai MY, Yeung EH, Pankratz N, Cole BR, Druschel CM, Romitti PA, Browne ML, Fan R, Liu A, Brody LC, Mills JL. Rare copy number variants implicated in posterior urethral valves. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:622-33. [PMID: 26663319 PMCID: PMC6205289 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The cause of posterior urethral valves (PUV) is unknown, but genetic factors are suspected given their familial occurrence. We examined cases of isolated PUV to identify novel copy number variants (CNVs). We identified 56 cases of isolated PUV from all live-births in New York State (1998-2005). Samples were genotyped using Illumina HumanOmni2.5 microarrays. Autosomal and sex-linked CNVs were identified using PennCNV and cnvPartition software. CNVs were prioritized for follow-up if they were absent from in-house controls, contained ≥ 10 consecutive probes, were ≥ 20 Kb in size, had ≤ 20% overlap with variants detected in other birth defect phenotypes screened in our lab, and were rare in population reference controls. We identified 47 rare candidate PUV-associated CNVs in 32 cases; one case had a 3.9 Mb deletion encompassing BMP7. Mutations in BMP7 have been associated with severe anomalies in the mouse urethra. Other interesting CNVs, each detected in a single PUV case included: a deletion of PIK3R3 and TSPAN1, duplication/triplication in FGF12, duplication of FAT1--a gene essential for normal growth and development, a large deletion (>2 Mb) on chromosome 17q that involves TBX2 and TBX4, and large duplications (>1 Mb) on chromosomes 3q and 6q. Our finding of previously unreported novel CNVs in PUV suggests that genetic factors may play a larger role than previously understood. Our data show a potential role of CNVs in up to 57% of cases examined. Investigation of genes in these CNVs may provide further insights into genetic variants that contribute to PUV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nansi S. Boghossian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robert J. Sicko
- Department of Health, Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York
| | - Denise M. Kay
- Department of Health, Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York
| | - Shannon L. Rigler
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michele Caggana
- Department of Health, Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York
| | - Michael Y. Tsai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Edwina H. Yeung
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nathan Pankratz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Benjamin R. Cole
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Charlotte M. Druschel
- Department of Health, Congenital Malformations Registry, Albany, New York
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Marilyn L. Browne
- Department of Health, Congenital Malformations Registry, Albany, New York
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Ruzong Fan
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lawrence C. Brody
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James L. Mills
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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14
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Fernández N, Pérez J, Zarante I. Is hypospadias a spectrum of different diseases? MAMLD1 gen: A new candidate gene for hypospadias. Rev Urol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.uroco.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Fernández N, Pérez J, Zarante I. ¿Son las hipospadias la expresión de diferentes enfermedades? MAMLD1 : un nuevo gen candidato para hipospadias. UROLOGÍA COLOMBIANA 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.uroco.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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16
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Bouty A, Ayers KL, Pask A, Heloury Y, Sinclair AH. The Genetic and Environmental Factors Underlying Hypospadias. Sex Dev 2015; 9:239-259. [PMID: 26613581 DOI: 10.1159/000441988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias results from a failure of urethral closure in the male phallus and affects 1 in 200-300 boys. It is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The development of the penis progresses in 2 stages: an initial hormone-independent phase and a secondary hormone-dependent phase. Here, we review the molecular pathways that contribute to each of these stages, drawing on studies from both human and mouse models. Hypospadias can occur when normal development of the phallus is disrupted, and we provide evidence that mutations in genes underlying this developmental process are causative. Finally, we discuss the environmental factors that may contribute to hypospadias and their potential immediate and transgenerational epigenetic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Bouty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Andrew Pask
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Yves Heloury
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Zhang J, Tang XB, Wang WL, Yuan ZW, Bai YZ. Spatiotemporal expression of BMP7 in the development of anorectal malformations in fetal rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:3727-3734. [PMID: 26097554 PMCID: PMC4466941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the expression patterns of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) during anorectal development in normal rat embryos and in embryos with anorectal malformations (ARM), and to investigate the possible role of BMP7 in the pathogenesis of ARM. ARM was induced by treating rat embryos with ethylenethiourea on the 10th gestational day (GD10). Embryos were harvested by Cesarean delivery and the spatiotemporal expression of BMP7 was evaluated in normal (n=168) and ARM embryos (n=171) from GD13 to GD16 using immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining in normal embryos revealed that BMP7 was abundantly expressed on the epithelium of the urorectal septum (URS) and the hindgut on GD13, and BMP7-immunopositive cells were extensively detected in the URS, hindgut, and cloacal membrane by GD14. Increased positive tissue staining was noted on the fused tissue of the URS and the thin anal membrane on GD15. In ARM embryos, the epithelium of the cloaca, URS, and anorectum were negatively or only faintly immunostained for BMP7. BMP7 protein expression showed time-dependent changes in the developing hindgut according to western blotting, and reached a peak on GD15 during anus formation. BMP7 expression levels from GD14 to GD15 were significantly lower in the ARM group compared with the normal group (P<0.05). Spatiotemporal expression of BMP7 was disrupted in ARM embryos during anorectal morphogenesis from GD13 to GD16. These results suggest that downregulation of BMP7 at the time of cloacal separation into the primitive rectum and UGS might be related to the development of ARM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Xiao-Bing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Zheng-Wei Yuan
- The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital MalformationShenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Yu-Zuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, PR China
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18
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The Great Divide: Understanding Cloacal Septation, Malformation, and Implications for Surgeons. Pediatr Surg Int 2014; 30:1089-95. [PMID: 25217828 PMCID: PMC4302733 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-014-3593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The anorectal and urogenital systems arise from a common embryonic structure termed cloaca. Subsequent development leads to the division/septation of the cloaca into the urethra, urinary bladder, vagina, anal canal, and rectum. Defective cloacal development and the resulting anorectal and urogenital malformations are some of the most severe congenital anomalies encountered in children. In the most severe form in females, the rectum, vagina, and urethra fail to develop separately and drain via a single common channel known as a cloaca into the perineum. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of embryonic cloaca development and malformation, and compare them to what has already been described in the literature. We describe the use of mouse models of cloaca malformation to understand which signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms are involved in the process of normal cloaca development. We also discuss the embryological correlation of the epithelial and stromal histology found in step sections of the common channel in 14 human cloaca malformations. Finally, we highlight the significance of these findings, compare them to prior studies, and discuss their implications for the pediatric surgeons. Understanding and identifying the molecular basis for cloaca malformation could provide foundation for tissue engineering efforts that in the future would reflect better surgical reconstruction and improved quality of life for patients.
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19
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Xiao L, Kumazawa Y, Okamura H. Cell death, cavitation and spontaneous multi-differentiation of dental pulp stem cells-derived spheroidsin vitro: A journey to survival and organogenesis. Biol Cell 2014; 106:405-19. [DOI: 10.1111/boc.201400024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University; Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071 Japan
| | - Yasuo Kumazawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; The Nippon Dental University Hospital; Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071 Japan
| | - Hisashi Okamura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; The Nippon Dental University Hospital; Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071 Japan
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20
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21
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Harrison SM, Seideman C, Baker LA. DNA copy number variations in patients with persistent cloaca. J Urol 2014; 191:1543-6. [PMID: 24679878 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent cloaca is a devastating female anomaly associated with renal insufficiency/failure, urinary and fecal incontinence and müllerian dysfunction. Genetically engineered murine models of persistent cloaca suggest that this anomaly could have a genetic component in humans. Genomic copy number variations account for previously unexplained genetic diseases by identifying candidate genes in various disorders. We assessed whether novel copy number variations are present in patients with persistent cloaca. MATERIALS AND METHODS With institutional review board approval we performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with persistent cloaca. Lymphocyte DNA was prospectively tested by whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization. HHAT was Sanger sequenced from genomic DNA. RESULTS At study recruitment mean age was 12 years (range 0.5 to 23) in 17 females with cloaca. Seven females (41%) had a solitary functioning kidney and 2 each had renal insufficiency and renal replacement therapy. The common cloaca channel was 1.5 to 6 cm long in 6 newborns. Six patients (35%) had vaginal duplication and 4 had spinal anomalies. Array comparative genomic hybridization revealed copy number variations in 7 patients (41%), including 5 gains and 2 losses. Two copy number variations were novel, including a paternally inherited duplication on 16p13.2 and a de novo deletion on 1q32.1q32.3. Subsequent sequencing of the candidate gene HHAT identified no causal mutations. CONCLUSIONS Persistent cloaca is a rare but morbid birth defect. Copy number variations are common in these females but HHAT mutations are not common. Further investigation of these genomic rearrangements may lead to the identification of genetic causes of persistent cloaca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Harrison
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Casey Seideman
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Linda A Baker
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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22
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Ng RCL, Matsumaru D, Ho ASH, Garcia-Barceló MM, Yuan ZW, Smith D, Kodjabachian L, Tam PKH, Yamada G, Lui VCH. Dysregulation of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) expression resulted in aberrant Wnt-β-catenin signaling and cell death of the cloaca endoderm, and anorectal malformations. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:978-89. [PMID: 24632949 PMCID: PMC4013516 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian urorectal development, the urorectal septum (urs) descends from the ventral body wall to the cloaca membrane (cm) to partition the cloaca into urogenital sinus and rectum. Defective urs growth results in human congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs), and their pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Recent studies only focused on the importance of urs mesenchyme proliferation, which is induced by endoderm-derived Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Here, we showed that the programmed cell death of the apical urs and proximal cm endoderm is particularly crucial for the growth of urs during septation. The apoptotic endoderm was closely associated with the tempo-spatial expression of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1), which is an inhibitor of Wnt-β-catenin signaling. In Wif1lacZ/lacZ mutant mice and cultured urorectum with exogenous Wif1, cloaca septation was defective with undescended urs and hypospadias-like phenotypes, and such septation defects were also observed in Shh−/− mutants and in endodermal β-catenin gain-of-function (GOF) mutants. In addition, Wif1 and Shh were expressed in a complementary manner in the cloaca endoderm, and Wif1 was ectopically expressed in the urs and cm associated with excessive endodermal apoptosis and septation defects in Shh−/− mutants. Furthermore, apoptotic cells were markedly reduced in the endodermal β-catenin GOF mutant embryos, which counteracted the inhibitory effects of Wif1. Taken altogether, these data suggest that regulated expression of Wif1 is critical for the growth of the urs during cloaca septation. Hence, Wif1 governs cell apoptosis of urs endoderm by repressing β-catenin signal, which may facilitate the protrusion of the underlying proliferating mesenchymal cells towards the cm for cloaca septation. Dysregulation of this endodermal Shh-Wif1-β-catenin signaling axis contributes to ARM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C-L Ng
- 1] Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China [2] Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - D Matsumaru
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - A S-H Ho
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M-M Garcia-Barceló
- 1] Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China [2] Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Z-W Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shengyang, China
| | - D Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L Kodjabachian
- Aix-Marseille Université CNRS UMR 7288, Institut de Biologie du Dévelopment de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - P K-H Tam
- 1] Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China [2] Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - G Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - V C-H Lui
- 1] Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China [2] Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Hong Kong SAR, China
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23
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Runck LA, Method A, Bischoff A, Levitt M, Peña A, Collins MH, Gupta A, Shanmukhappa S, Wells JM, Guasch G. Defining the molecular pathologies in cloaca malformation: similarities between mouse and human. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:483-93. [PMID: 24524909 PMCID: PMC3974458 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorectal malformations are congenital anomalies that form a spectrum of disorders, from the most benign type with excellent functional prognosis, to very complex, such as cloaca malformation in females in which the rectum, vagina and urethra fail to develop separately and instead drain via a single common channel into the perineum. The severity of this phenotype suggests that the defect occurs in the early stages of embryonic development of the organs derived from the cloaca. Owing to the inability to directly investigate human embryonic cloaca development, current research has relied on the use of mouse models of anorectal malformations. However, even studies of mouse embryos lack analysis of the earliest stages of cloaca patterning and morphogenesis. Here we compared human and mouse cloaca development and retrospectively identified that early mis-patterning of the embryonic cloaca might underlie the most severe forms of anorectal malformation in humans. In mouse, we identified that defective sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling results in early dorsal-ventral epithelial abnormalities prior to the reported defects in septation. This is manifested by the absence of Sox2 and aberrant expression of keratins in the embryonic cloaca of Shh knockout mice. Shh knockout embryos additionally develop a hypervascular stroma, which is defective in BMP signaling. These epithelial and stromal defects persist later, creating an indeterminate epithelium with molecular alterations in the common channel. We then used these animals to perform a broad comparison with patients with mild-to-severe forms of anorectal malformations including cloaca malformation. We found striking parallels with the Shh mouse model, including nearly identical defective molecular identity of the epithelium and surrounding stroma. Our work strongly suggests that early embryonic cloacal epithelial differentiation defects might be the underlying cause of severe forms of anorectal malformations in humans. Moreover, deranged Shh and BMP signaling is correlated with severe anorectal malformations in both mouse and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Runck
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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24
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Ipulan LA, Suzuki K, Matsushita S, Suzuki H, Okazawa M, Jacinto S, Hirai SI, Yamada G. Development of the external genitalia and their sexual dimorphic regulation in mice. Sex Dev 2014; 8:297-310. [PMID: 24503953 DOI: 10.1159/000357932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the external genitalia is divided into 2 developmental stages: the formation and growth of a bipotential genital tubercle (GT) and the sexual differentiation of the male and female GT. The sexually dimorphic processes, which occur during the second part of GT differentiation, are suggested to be governed by androgen signaling and more recently crosstalk with other signaling factors. The process of elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of hormone signaling towards other signaling networks in the GT is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, it is becoming a productive area of research. This review summarizes various studies on the development of the murine GT and the defining characteristics of a masculinized GT and presents the different signaling pathways possibly involved during masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerrie Ann Ipulan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
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25
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Gredler ML, Larkins CE, Leal F, Lewis AK, Herrera AM, Perriton CL, Sanger TJ, Cohn MJ. Evolution of External Genitalia: Insights from Reptilian Development. Sex Dev 2014; 8:311-26. [DOI: 10.1159/000365771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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26
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Ching ST, Cunha GR, Baskin LS, Basson MA, Klein OD. Coordinated activity of Spry1 and Spry2 is required for normal development of the external genitalia. Dev Biol 2013; 386:1-11. [PMID: 24361260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Development of the mammalian external genitalia is controlled by a network of signaling molecules and transcription factors. Because FGF signaling plays a central role in this complicated morphogenetic process, we investigated the role of Sprouty genes, which are important intracellular modulators of FGF signaling, during embryonic development of the external genitalia in mice. We found that Sprouty genes are expressed by the urethral epithelium during embryogenesis, and that they have a critical function during urethral canalization and fusion. Development of the genital tubercle (GT), the anlage of the prepuce and glans penis in males and glans clitoris in females, was severely affected in male embryos carrying null alleles of both Spry1 and Spry2. In Spry1(-/-);Spry2(-/-) embryos, the internal tubular urethra was absent, and urothelial morphology and organization was abnormal. These effects were due, in part, to elevated levels of epithelial cell proliferation in Spry1(-/-);Spry2(-/-) embryos. Despite changes in overall organization, terminal differentiation of the urothelium was not significantly affected. Characterization of the molecular pathways that regulate normal GT development confirmed that deletion of Sprouty genes leads to elevated FGF signaling, whereas levels of signaling in other cascades were largely preserved. Together, these results show that levels of FGF signaling must be tightly regulated during embryonic development of the external genitalia in mice, and that this regulation is mediated in part through the activity of Sprouty gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saunders T Ching
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - M Albert Basson
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College, London, UK
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Program in Craniofacial and Mesenchymal Biology, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States.
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27
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Wang C, Wang J, Borer JG, Li X. Embryonic origin and remodeling of the urinary and digestive outlets. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55587. [PMID: 23390542 PMCID: PMC3563631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Separating digestive and urinary outlets is a critical step during mammalian embryogenesis. However, the natural history of these structures is poorly studied, and little is known about their embryonic origin. Here, we show that peri-cloacal mesenchymal (PCM) progenitors are the major source of these structures. Surprisingly, PCM progenitors also contribute to perineum, a structural barrier separating the urinary and digestive tracts, suggesting a potential role of PCM progenitors in establishing independent urinary and digestive outlets. We demonstrate that Six1 and Six2 are complementarily but asymmetrically expressed in the PCM progenitors. Deletion of these genes results in decreased cell survival and proliferation, and consequently in agenesis of the perineum and severe hypoplasia of the genital tubercle. Together, these findings suggest that PCM progenitors are the unexpected source of perineum and genital tubercle, and establish a basic framework for investigating normal and abnormal development of anorectal and genitourinary structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - JingYing Wang
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph G. Borer
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Su P, Yuan Y, Huang Y, Wang W, Zhang Z. Anorectal malformation associated with a mutation in the P63 gene in a family with split hand-foot malformation. Int J Colorectal Dis 2013; 28:1621-7. [PMID: 23736768 PMCID: PMC3898126 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-013-1725-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to identify the mutation gene of a Chinese family with anorectal malformation (ARM) associated with split hand-foot malformation and to determine the spatiotemporal expression of the mutated gene during hindgut and anorectum development in human embryos. METHOD A Chinese family with intrafamilial clinically variable manifestation was analyzed and primers were designed for exons 3-14 of P63, DLX5, DLX6, DAC, and HOXD13 as candidate genes and direct sequence analysis of the exons was performed. Immunohistochemical study of mutated gene in the hindgut and anorectum of human embryos of 4th-10th weeks was performed. RESULT Affected individuals were found to have an Arg227Gln P63 gene mutation. From the 4th-10th weeks of gestation of the human embryo, the P63-positive cells were mainly located on the epithelium of the apical urorectal septum, hindgut, and cloacal membrane. After the anorectum ruptured during the 8th week, the P63 remained strongly immunoreactive on the epithelium of the anal canal and urethra, but the mucous membrane of the rectum exhibited no reaction. CONCLUSIONS The mutation identified strongly suggests a causal relationship between the ARM phenotype and P63. The expression of P63 was persistently active during the dynamic and incessant septation of the cloaca and hindgut, suggesting that P63 may play a pivotal role in the morphogenesis of the hindgut and anorectum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjun Su
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110004 China
| | - Yuhang Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110004 China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110004 China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110004 China
| | - Zhibo Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110004 China
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Garrido-Allepuz C, González-Lamuño D, Ros MA. Sirenomelia phenotype in bmp7;shh compound mutants: a novel experimental model for studies of caudal body malformations. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44962. [PMID: 23028704 PMCID: PMC3444499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirenomelia is a severe congenital malformation of the lower body characterized by the fusion of the legs into a single lower limb. This striking external phenotype consistently associates severe visceral abnormalities, most commonly of the kidneys, intestine, and genitalia that generally make the condition lethal. Although the causes of sirenomelia remain unknown, clinical studies have yielded two major hypotheses: i) a primary defect in the generation of caudal mesoderm, ii) a primary vascular defect that leaves the caudal part of the embryo hypoperfused. Interestingly, Sirenomelia has been shown to have a genetic basis in mice, and although it has been considered a sporadic condition in humans, recently some possible familial cases have been reported. Here, we report that the removal of one or both functional alleles of Shh from the Bmp7-null background leads to a sirenomelia phenotype that faithfully replicates the constellation of external and internal malformations, typical of the human condition. These mutants represent an invaluable model in which we have analyzed the pathogenesis of sirenomelia. We show that the signaling defect predominantly impacts the morphogenesis of the hindgut and the development of the caudal end of the dorsal aortas. The deficient formation of ventral midline structures, including the interlimb mesoderm caudal to the umbilicus, leads to the approximation and merging of the hindlimb fields. Our study provides new insights for the understanding of the mechanisms resulting in caudal body malformations, including sirenomelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Garrido-Allepuz
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-SODERCAN-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Domingo González-Lamuño
- Instituto de Formación e Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IFIMAV) and División de Pediatría, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Maria A. Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-SODERCAN-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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Eng D, Ma HY, Xu J, Shih HP, Gross MK, Kiouss C. Loss of abdominal muscle in Pitx2 mutants associated with altered axial specification of lateral plate mesoderm. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42228. [PMID: 22860089 PMCID: PMC3409154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence specific transcription factors (SSTFs) combinatorially define cell types during development by forming recursively linked network kernels. Pitx2 expression begins during gastrulation, together with Hox genes, and becomes localized to the abdominal lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) before the onset of myogenesis in somites. The somatopleure of Pitx2 null embryos begins to grow abnormally outward before muscle regulatory factors (MRFs) or Pitx2 begin expression in the dermomyotome/myotome. Abdominal somites become deformed and stunted as they elongate into the mutant body wall, but maintain normal MRF expression domains. Subsequent loss of abdominal muscles is therefore not due to defects in specification, determination, or commitment of the myogenic lineage. Microarray analysis was used to identify SSTF families whose expression levels change in E10.5 interlimb body wall biopsies. All Hox9-11 paralogs had lower RNA levels in mutants, whereas genes expressed selectively in the hypaxial dermomyotome/myotome and sclerotome had higher RNA levels in mutants. In situ hybridization analyses indicate that Hox gene expression was reduced in parts of the LPM and intermediate mesoderm of mutants. Chromatin occupancy studies conducted on E10.5 interlimb body wall biopsies showed that Pitx2 protein occupied chromatin sites containing conserved bicoid core motifs in the vicinity of Hox 9-11 and MRF genes. Taken together, the data indicate that Pitx2 protein in LPM cells acts, presumably in combination with other SSTFs, to repress gene expression, that are normally expressed in physically adjoining cell types. Pitx2 thereby prevents cells in the interlimb LPM from adopting the stable network kernels that define sclerotomal, dermomyotomal, or myotomal mesenchymal cell types. This mechanism may be viewed either as lineage restriction or specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Eng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hung-Ping Shih
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Gross
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Chrissa Kiouss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
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31
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Blaschko SD, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. Molecular mechanisms of external genitalia development. Differentiation 2012; 84:261-8. [PMID: 22790208 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development occurs through a combination of hormone independent, hormone dependent, and endocrine pathways. Perturbation of these pathways can lead to abnormal external genitalia development. We review human and animal mechanisms of normal and abnormal external genitalia development, and we evaluate abnormal mechanisms that lead to hypospadias. We also discuss recent laboratory findings that further our understanding of animal models of hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Blaschko
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Urology, 400 Parnassus Avenue, A610, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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32
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Xu K, Wu X, Shapiro E, Huang H, Zhang L, Hickling D, Deng Y, Lee P, Li J, Lepor H, Grishina I. Bmp7 functions via a polarity mechanism to promote cloacal septation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29372. [PMID: 22253716 PMCID: PMC3258230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During normal development in human and other placental mammals, the embryonic cloacal cavity separates along the axial longitudinal plane to give rise to the urethral system, ventrally, and the rectum, dorsally. Defects in cloacal development are very common and present clinically as a rectourethral fistula in about 1 in 5,000 live human births. Yet, the cellular mechanisms of cloacal septation remain poorly understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We previously detected Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (Bmp7) expression in the urorectal mesenchyme (URM), and have shown that loss of Bmp7 function results in the arrest of cloacal septation. Here, we present evidence that cloacal partitioning is driven by Bmp7 signaling in the cloacal endoderm. We performed TUNEL and immunofluorescent analysis on cloacal sections from Bmp7 null and control littermate embryos. We found that loss of Bmp7 results in a dramatic decrease in the endoderm survival and a delay in differentiation. We used immunological methods to show that Bmp7 functions by activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. We carried out confocal and 3D imaging analysis of mitotic chromosome bundles to show that during normal septation cells in the cloacal endoderm divide predominantly in the apical-basal direction. Loss of Bmp7/JNK signaling results in randomization of mitotic angles in the cloacal endoderm. We also conducted immunohistochemical analysis of human fetal sections to show that BMP/phospho-SMAD and JNK pathways function in the human cloacal region similar as in the mouse. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our results strongly indicate that Bmp7/JNK signaling regulates remodeling of the cloacal endoderm resulting in a topological separation of the urinary and digestive systems. Our study points to the importance of Bmp and JNK signaling in cloacal development and rectourethral malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xu
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Toxicology, Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ellen Shapiro
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Honging Huang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Duane Hickling
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yan Deng
- Microscopy Core, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Peng Lee
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Toxicology, Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Herbert Lepor
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Irina Grishina
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Tetralogy of Fallot Associated with Dysplastic Kidneys, Cloacal Anomalies, and Female Pseudohermaphroditism: A Systemic Anomaly of Septation? Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2012; 2012:502919. [PMID: 22811944 PMCID: PMC3395183 DOI: 10.1155/2012/502919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 20-week fetus was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot and multicystic kidneys. The postmortem study showed missing müllerian structures with small streak ovaries, external male genitalia, and an abnormal cloacal septation (imperforate anus with a sigmoid colon opening in the bladder). As the observed anomalies were related with septation, a mechanism related with the activation of specific growth factors, we discuss the possibility of a disorder in the function of the bone morphogenetic proteins as a common cause for the widespread anomalies found in this fetus.
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34
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Liu L, Suzuki K, Nakagata N, Mihara K, Matsumaru D, Ogino Y, Yashiro K, Hamada H, Liu Z, Evans SM, Mendelsohn C, Yamada G. Retinoic acid signaling regulates sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein signalings during genital tubercle development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 95:79-88. [PMID: 22127979 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) plays pivotal roles in organogenesis, and both excessive and reduced amounts of RA cause developmental abnormalities. Reproductive organs are susceptible to teratogen toxigenicity, and the genital tubercle (GT) is one such representative organ. The physiological function of endogenous RA signaling and the mechanisms of RA-induced teratogenicity are poorly understood during the GT development. The objective of this study is to understand the developmental and teratogenic roles of RA during GT development by analyzing genetically modified mouse models. We found dynamic patterns of gene expression for the RA-synthesizing enzyme, Raldh2, and for the RA-catabolizing enzyme, Cyp26b1, during GT development. Rarb, an indicator gene for RA signaling, starts its expression in the prospective corpus cavernosum penis and in the urethral plate epithelium (UE), which plays central roles during GT development. Excessive RA signaling in Cyp26b1(-/-) mutants leads to abnormal extents of cell proliferation and differentiation during GT development, and also upregulates expression of growth factor signalings. They include Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling, which are expressed in the UE and its bilateral mesenchyme. RA signaling positively regulatesShh and Bmp4 expression during GT development as testified also by the experiment of RA administration and analyses of loss-of-function of RA signaling mutants. Thus, RA signaling is involved in the developmental cascade necessary for UE formation and GT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Liu
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Wang C, Gargollo P, Guo C, Tang T, Mingin G, Sun Y, Li X. Six1 and Eya1 are critical regulators of peri-cloacal mesenchymal progenitors during genitourinary tract development. Dev Biol 2011; 360:186-94. [PMID: 21968101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Six1-Eya1 transcription complex is central to mammalian organogenesis, and deletion of these genes in mice results in developmental anomalies of multiple organs that recapitulate human branchio-oto-renal (BOR) and DiGeorge syndromes. Here, we report that both Six1 and Eya1 are strongly expressed in the peri-cloacal mesenchyme (PCM) surrounding the cloaca, the terminal end of hindgut dilation. Six1 and Eya1 are absent from the intra-cloacal mesenchyme (ICM), a cell mass that divides the cloaca into dorsal hindgut and ventral urogenital sinus. Deletion of either or both Six1 and Eya1 genes results in a spectrum of genitourinary tract defects including persistent cloaca - hypoplastic perineum tissue between external urogenital and anorectal tracts; hypospadias - ectopic ventral positioning of the urethral orifice; and hypoplastic genitalia. Analyses of critical signaling molecules indicate normal expression of Shh in the cloaca and cloaca-derived endodermal epithelia. Using a Cre/loxP genetic fate mapping strategy, we demonstrate that Six1-positive PCM progenitors give rise to the most caudal structures of the body plan including the urogenital and anorectal complex, and the perineum region. Thus, Six1 and Eya1 are key regulators of both upper and lower urinary tract morphogenesis. Results from this study uncover essential roles of the PCM progenitors during genitourinary tract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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36
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Differentiation of the ductal epithelium and smooth muscle in the prostate gland are regulated by the Notch/PTEN-dependent mechanism. Dev Biol 2011; 356:337-49. [PMID: 21624358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.05.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have shown previously that during branching morphogenesis of the mouse prostate gland, Bone morphogenetic protein 7 functions to restrict Notch1-positive progenitor cells to the tips of the prostate buds. Here, we employed prostate-specific murine bi-genic systems to investigate the effects of gain and loss of Notch function during prostate development. We show that Nkx3.1(Cre) and Probasin(Cre) alleles drive expression of Cre recombinase to the prostate epithelium and periepithelial stroma. We investigated the effects of gain of Notch function using the Rosa(NI1C) conditional allele, which carries a constitutively active intracellular domain of Notch1 receptor. We carried out the analysis of loss of Notch function in Nkx3.1(Cre/+);RBP-J(flox/flox) prostates, where RBP-J is a ubiquitous transcriptional mediator of Notch signaling. We found that gain of Notch function resulted in inhibition of the tumor suppressor PTEN, and increase in cell proliferation and progenitor cells in the basal epithelium and smooth muscle compartments. In turn, loss of Notch/RBP-J function resulted in decreased cell proliferation and loss of epithelial and smooth muscle progenitors. Gain of Notch function resulted in an early onset of benign prostate hyperplasia by three months of age. Loss of Notch function also resulted in abnormal differentiation of the prostate epithelium and stroma. In particular, loss of Notch signaling and increase in PTEN promoted a switch from myoblast to fibroblast lineage, and a loss of smooth muscle. In summary, we show that Notch signaling is necessary for terminal differentiation of the prostate epithelium and smooth muscle, and that during normal prostate development Notch/PTEN pathway functions to maintain patterned progenitors in the epithelial and smooth muscle compartments. In addition, we found that both positive and negative modulation of Notch signaling results in abnormal organization of the prostate tissue, and can contribute to prostate disease in the adult organ.
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Cohn MJ. Development of the external genitalia: conserved and divergent mechanisms of appendage patterning. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:1108-15. [PMID: 21465625 PMCID: PMC4761266 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the genetics of external genital development have begun to be understood. Male and female external genitalia develop from the genital tubercle. The early tubercle has a superficial resemblance to the limb bud, but an important distinction is that the limb consists of only mesoderm and ectoderm, whereas the genital tubercle also has an endodermal component, the urethral epithelium. Urethral epithelium, which expresses Sonic hedgehog, acts as a signaling region that controls outgrowth and pattern formation, and ultimately differentiates into the urethral tube. While there are intriguing parallels between limb and genital development, recent studies have identified some key differences, including the role of Fgf signaling. Our understanding of the mechanisms of genital development still lags far behind the limb, and major questions remain to be answered, including the molecular nature of the signals that initiate genital budding, sustain outgrowth, induce tissue polarity and orchestrate urethral tubulogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Cohn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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Seifert AW, Zheng Z, Ormerod BK, Cohn MJ. Sonic hedgehog controls growth of external genitalia by regulating cell cycle kinetics. Nat Commun 2010; 1:23. [PMID: 20975695 PMCID: PMC2964453 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The faithful positioning and growth of cells during
embryonic development is essential. In this study Seifert et al. demonstrate that
inactivation of Sonic Hedgehog during development of the genital tubercle results in a
prolonged G1 phase and a slower rate of growth. During embryonic development, cells are instructed which position to occupy, they interpret
these cues as differentiation programmes, and expand these patterns by growth. Sonic
hedgehog (Shh) specifies positional identity in many organs; however, its role in growth is
not well understood. In this study, we show that inactivation of Shh in external
genitalia extends the cell cycle from 8.5 to 14.4 h, and genital growth is reduced by ∼75%.
Transient Shh signalling establishes pattern in the genital tubercle; however,
transcriptional levels of G1 cell cycle regulators are reduced. Consequently, G1 length is
extended, leading to fewer progenitor cells entering S-phase. Cell cycle genes responded
similarly to Shh inactivation in genitalia and limbs, suggesting that Shh may regulate
growth by similar mechanisms in different organ systems. The finding that Shh regulates cell
number by controlling the length of specific cell cycle phases identifies a novel mechanism
by which Shh elaborates pattern during appendage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley W Seifert
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Yi T, Tan K, Cho SG, Wang Y, Luo J, Zhang W, Li D, Liu M. Regulation of embryonic kidney branching morphogenesis and glomerular development by KISS1 receptor (Gpr54) through NFAT2- and Sp1-mediated Bmp7 expression. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:17811-20. [PMID: 20375015 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.130740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor 54 (Gpr54, KISS1 receptor) plays critical roles in puberty regulation, tumor metastasis suppression, and vasoconstriction. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (Bmp7) is required for kidney organogenesis. However, whether Gpr54 is involved in embryonic kidney development and how Bmp7 expression is regulated in the kidney are largely unknown. Here we report that Gpr54 deletion leads to kidney branching morphogenesis and glomerular development retardation in embryonic kidneys in vivo and in explanted kidneys in vitro. Gpr54 inactivation results in a high risk of low glomerular number in adult kidneys. Gpr54 is expressed in condensed mesenchyme at E12.5 and epithelial cells of proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts at E17.5 and P0 mouse kidney. Deletion of Gpr54 decreases Bmp7 expression and Smad1 phosphorylation in the developing kidney. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we demonstrate that Gpr54 regulates NFAT2- and Sp1-mediated Bmp7 transcription. Furthermore, we show that NFAT2 cooperates with Sp1 to promote Bmp7 transcription activation. Together, these data suggest that Gpr54 regulates Bmp7 expression through NFAT2 and Sp1 and plays an important role in embryonic kidney branching morphogenesis and glomerular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingfang Yi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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New horizons at the caudal embryos: coordinated urogenital/reproductive organ formation by growth factor signaling. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2009; 19:491-6. [PMID: 19765973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The cloaca/urogenital sinus and its adjacent region differentiate into the urogenital/reproductive organs. Caudal regression syndrome (CRS; including mermaid syndrome), a type of severe cloacal malformation displays hindlimb fusion and urogenital organ defects, thus suggesting that such defects are caused by several morphogenetic alterations during early development. The attenuation of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling at the posterior primitive streak of embryos leads to the caudal dysmorphogenesis including the cloaca and fusion of both hindlimbs. Genetic tissue lineage studies indicate the presence of coordinated organogenesis. Hedgehog (HH)-responding cells derived from peri-cloacal mesenchyme (PCM) contribute to the urogenital/reproductive organs. These findings indicate the existence of developmental programs for the coordinated organogenesis of urogenital/reproductive tissues based on growth factor function and crosstalk.
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