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Anand GM, Megale HC, Murphy SH, Weis T, Lin Z, He Y, Wang X, Liu J, Ramanathan S. Controlling organoid symmetry breaking uncovers an excitable system underlying human axial elongation. Cell 2023; 186:497-512.e23. [PMID: 36657443 PMCID: PMC10122509 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The human embryo breaks symmetry to form the anterior-posterior axis of the body. As the embryo elongates along this axis, progenitors in the tail bud give rise to tissues that generate spinal cord, skeleton, and musculature. This raises the question of how the embryo achieves axial elongation and patterning. While ethics necessitate in vitro studies, the variability of organoid systems has hindered mechanistic insights. Here, we developed a bioengineering and machine learning framework that optimizes organoid symmetry breaking by tuning their spatial coupling. This framework enabled reproducible generation of axially elongating organoids, each possessing a tail bud and neural tube. We discovered that an excitable system composed of WNT/FGF signaling drives elongation by inducing a neuromesodermal progenitor-like signaling center. We discovered that instabilities in the excitable system are suppressed by secreted WNT inhibitors. Absence of these inhibitors led to ectopic tail buds and branches. Our results identify mechanisms governing stable human axial elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giridhar M Anand
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Heitor C Megale
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sean H Murphy
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Theresa Weis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Zuwan Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yichun He
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sharad Ramanathan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Miyake Y, Lane GJ, Yamataka A. Embryology and anatomy of anorectal malformations. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151226. [PMID: 36417783 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of anorectal malformations (ARM) is complicated because of the spectrum of anomalies seen clinically, many of which are isolated and seemingly unique. Recent studies suggest that ARMs result from abnormal cloacal membrane (CM) development that contributes to disrupt normal local muscle and nerve development. If CM maldevelopment is severe, the rectal pouch lies above the pelvic floor, resulting in asymmetric and/or deviated musculature, so a midline incision is likely to cause trauma or be detrimental. Autonomic nerve plexuses can be associated with a fistula tract in ARMs and are also at risk for damage during surgery and contribute to genitourinary complications. Understanding the anatomy and development of the perineum is crucial for treating the broad spectrum of anomalies associated with ARMs and may assist in predicting/managing other related morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Miyake
- Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, Address: 2-1-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Geoffrey J Lane
- Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, Address: 2-1-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Atsuyuki Yamataka
- Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, Address: 2-1-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
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3
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Wnt5a plays a critical role in anal opening in mice at an early stage of embryonic development. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:743-747. [PMID: 35212778 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anorectal malformations are associated with other organ malformations. Proximodistal elongation of the cloacal plate and anal opening at its distal end are essential for anal development. However, the anal developmental stage in which Wnt5a is directly involved remains unelucidated. Here, we attempted to identify this developmental stage; since Wnt5a is expressed in the mesoderm, and the striated muscle complex (SMC) in mice develops from the mesoderm, we also examined Wnt5a contribution to SMC development. METHODS We established conditional knockout (CKO) mice in which Wnt5a could be knocked out using an appropriate tamoxifen dose. We evaluated the macroscopic appearance and histopathological features of Wnt5aCKO and wild-type mouse embryos. RESULTS Wnt5aCKO mice showed phenotypes typical of Wnt5a constitutional knockout mice when Wnt5a was knocked out at E8-E11. Furthermore, the anus failed to open when Wnt5a was knocked out at E8 but opened when it was knocked out at E9 or thereafter. The caudal end of the SMC was dysplastic in Wnt5aCKO mice induced at E8, but was unaffected when mice were induced at E9 or thereafter. CONCLUSION We suggest a critical role for Wnt5a in anal opening and SMC formation at a very early stage of embryonic development.
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Alcantara MC, Suzuki K, Acebedo AR, Sakamoto Y, Nishita M, Minami Y, Kikuchi A, Yamada G. Stage-dependent function of Wnt5a during male external genitalia development. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2021; 61:212-219. [PMID: 34255394 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development in mice involves multiple developmental processes under the regulation of various signaling pathways. Wnt5a, one of the major Wnt ligands, is a crucial developmental regulator of outgrowing organs such as the limb, the mandible, and the external genitalia. Defects in Wnt5a signaling have been linked to Robinow syndrome, a genetic disorder in which male patients manifest a micropenis and defective urethral tube formation. Whereas Wnt5a is required for cell proliferation during embryonic external genitalia outgrowth, its role for urethral tube formation has yet to be understood. Here, we show that Wnt5a contributes to urethral tube formation as well as external genitalia outgrowth. Wnt5a is expressed in the embryonic external genitalia mesenchyme, and mesenchymal-specific conditional Wnt5a knockout mice resulted in hypospadias-like urethral defects. Early deletion of Wnt5a at E10.5 showed severe defects in both external genitalia outgrowth and urethral tube formation, along with reduced cell proliferation. The severe urethral tube defect persisted during later timing deletion of Wnt5a (E13.5). Further analyses revealed that loss of Wnt5a disrupted cell polarity and led to a reduction of the phosphorylated myosin light chain and the focal adhesion protein, vinculin. Altogether, these results suggest that Wnt5a coordinates cell proliferation and directed cell migration in a stage-dependent manner during male external genitalia development. Furthermore, Wnt5a may regulate cell polarity, focal adhesion formation, and cell contractility, leading to directed cell migration during male-type urethral formation in a manner that has not been reported in other organ fusion events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellissa C Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Alvin R Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Minami
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Mark M, Teletin M, Wendling O, Vonesch JL, Féret B, Hérault Y, Ghyselinck NB. Pathogenesis of Anorectal Malformations in Retinoic Acid Receptor Knockout Mice Studied by HREM. Biomedicines 2021; 9:742. [PMID: 34203310 PMCID: PMC8301324 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070742] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are relatively common congenital abnormalities, but their pathogenesis is poorly understood. Previous gene knockout studies indicated that the signalling pathway mediated by the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) is instrumental to the formation of the anorectal canal and of various urogenital structures. Here, we show that simultaneous ablation of the three RARs in the mouse embryo results in a spectrum of malformations of the pelvic organs in which anorectal and urinary bladder ageneses are consistently associated. We found that these ageneses could be accounted for by defects in the processes of growth and migration of the cloaca, the embryonic structure from which the anorectal canal and urinary bladder originate. We further show that these defects are preceded by a failure of the lateral shift of the umbilical arteries and propose vascular abnormalities as a possible cause of ARM. Through the comparisons of these phenotypes with those of other mutant mice and of human patients, we would like to suggest that morphological data may provide a solid base to test molecular as well as clinical hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mark
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), 67300 Schiltigheim, France
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marius Teletin
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Olivia Wendling
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vonesch
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
| | - Betty Féret
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
| | - Yann Hérault
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (M.T.); (O.W.); (J.-L.V.); (B.F.); (Y.H.); (N.B.G.)
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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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Mastelaro de Rezende M, Zenker Justo G, Julian Paredes-Gamero E, Gosens R. Wnt-5A/B Signaling in Hematopoiesis throughout Life. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081801. [PMID: 32751131 PMCID: PMC7465103 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is well-known to play major roles in the hematopoietic system, from embryogenesis to aging and disease. In addition to the main β-catenin-dependent pathway, it is now clear that Wnt5a and the structurally related Wnt5b are essential for hematopoiesis, bone marrow colonization and the final steps of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maturation via β-catenin-independent signaling. Wnt5a and Wnt5b ligands prevent hematopoietic exhaustion (by maintaining quiescent, long-term HSCs), induce the proliferation of progenitors, and guide myeloid development, in addition to being involved in the development of aging-related alterations. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on these roles of Wnt5a and Wn5b signaling in the hematopoietic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mastelaro de Rezende
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil; (M.M.d.R.); (G.Z.J.); (E.J.P.-G.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Giselle Zenker Justo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil; (M.M.d.R.); (G.Z.J.); (E.J.P.-G.)
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema 09913-030, Brazil
| | - Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil; (M.M.d.R.); (G.Z.J.); (E.J.P.-G.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-50363-8177
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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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Haller M, Ma L. Temporal, spatial, and genetic regulation of external genitalia development. Differentiation 2019; 110:1-7. [PMID: 31521888 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization requires the physical combination of gametes, and terrestrial mammals necessitated the evolution of genitalia capable of successfully completing the fertilization process in a non-aqueous environment. Thus, the male mammalian external genitalia evolved as an outgrowth from the body, an appendage sufficient to fertilize eggs housed deep inside the female. In this way, sexual dimorphism of mammalian genitalia became highly pronounced. This highly complex evolutionary divergence both from aqueous fertilization, as well as divergence between the sexes of terrestrial mammals, required exquisitely coordinated, novel patterns of gene expression to regulate the spatial and temporal events governing external genitalia development. Recent studies delineating the genetic regulation of external genitalia development, largely focusing on development of the murine genital tubercle, have vastly enlightened the field of reproductive developmental biology. Murine homologs of human genes have been selectively deleted in the mouse, either in the whole body or using tissue-specific and temporally-specific genetic drivers. The defects in outgrowth and urethral tubularization subsequent to the deletion of specific genes in the developing murine external genitalia delineates which genes are required in which compartments and at what times. This review details how these murine genetic models have created a somewhat modest but rapidly growing library of knowledge detailing the spatial-temporal genetic regulation of external genitalia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meade Haller
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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10
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Reynolds K, Kumari P, Sepulveda Rincon L, Gu R, Ji Y, Kumar S, Zhou CJ. Wnt signaling in orofacial clefts: crosstalk, pathogenesis and models. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/2/dmm037051. [PMID: 30760477 PMCID: PMC6398499 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.037051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse signaling cues and attendant proteins work together during organogenesis, including craniofacial development. Lip and palate formation starts as early as the fourth week of gestation in humans or embryonic day 9.5 in mice. Disruptions in these early events may cause serious consequences, such as orofacial clefts, mainly cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Morphogenetic Wnt signaling, along with other signaling pathways and transcription regulation mechanisms, plays crucial roles during embryonic development, yet the signaling mechanisms and interactions in lip and palate formation and fusion remain poorly understood. Various Wnt signaling and related genes have been associated with orofacial clefts. This Review discusses the role of Wnt signaling and its crosstalk with cell adhesion molecules, transcription factors, epigenetic regulators and other morphogenetic signaling pathways, including the Bmp, Fgf, Tgfβ, Shh and retinoic acid pathways, in orofacial clefts in humans and animal models, which may provide a better understanding of these disorders and could be applied towards prevention and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Reynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Priyanka Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Lessly Sepulveda Rincon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ran Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Yu Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Chengji J Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA .,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Qu Y, Liang X, Liu D, Jia H, Wang W. MSX2 and BCL2 expressions in the development of anorectal malformations in ethylenethiourea-induced rat embryos. Exp Mol Pathol 2018; 105:311-321. [PMID: 30268882 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine Msh homeobox 2 (MSX2) and B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) expression patterns during anorectal development in anorectal malformations (ARM) and normal rat embryos, with the goals of determining the role of MSX2 and BCL2 in ARM pathogenesis. METHODS ARM was induced in rat embryos with ethylenethiourea administered to dams on gestational day 10 (GD10). Embryos were harvested by cesarean deliveries from GD14 to GD16. MSX2 and BCL2 expression was evaluated via immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence, western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining of ARM embryos revealed that MSX2 was mainly expressed in the epithelium of the hindgut and urorectal septum (URS) on GD14. On GD15 and GD16, MSX2-immunolabeled cells were noted in the epithelium of the rectum, fistula and URS. However, in normal embryos, faint immunopositivity for MSX2 was demonstrated in the epithelium of the rectum and URS from GD14 to GD16. As for BCL2, in normal embryos, BCL2-immunopositive cells were extensively expressed in the epithelium of the hindgut and URS on GD14 and GD15. In ARM embryos, weak immunopositivity for BCL2 was detected in the epithelium of hindgut and URS on GD14 and GD15. Immunofluorescence revealed that MSX2 and BCL2 colocalized in the hindgut. In ARM embryos, we observed more MSX2-positive than BCL2-positive cells on GD14; the normal embryos had the opposite pattern. Analyses by western blot and qRT-PCR showed that MSX2 protein and mRNA expression was significantly increased in ARM embryos compared with the normal embryos on GD15 and GD16 (p < 0.05). However, BCL2 protein and mRNA expression was significantly decreased in ARM embryos compared with the normal embryos on GD14 (p < 0.05). The MSX2/BCL2 ratio of protein and mRNA expression level in the ARM group was the highest on GD15. CONCLUSION These results indicate that upregulation of MSX2 and downregulation of BCL2 during cloacal development into the rectum and urethra might be related to the ARM development, and MSX2 promoted apoptosis through reduction of BCL2 expression during the development of anorectal development in ARM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xingchi Liang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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12
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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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13
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Oppelt PG, Müller A, Stephan L, Dittrich R, Lermann J, Büttner C, Ekici AB, Conzelmann G, Seeger H, Schöller D, Rall K, Beckmann MW, Strissel PL, Brucker SY, Strick R. Hyperandrogenemia and high prolactin in congenital utero–vaginal aplasia patients. Reproduction 2017; 153:555-563. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Patients with the Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKH) have a congenital utero–vaginal cervical aplasia, but normal or hypoplastic adnexa and develop with normal female phenotype. Some reports mostly demonstrated regular steroid hormone levels in small MRKH cohorts including single MRKH patients with hyperandrogenemia and a clinical presentationof hirsutism and acne has also been shown. Genetically a correlation of WNT4 mutations with singular MRKH patients and hyperandrogenemia was noted. This study analyzed the hormone status of 215 MRKH patients by determining the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, 17-OH progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) and prolactin to determine the incidence of hyperandrogenemia and hyperprolactinemia in MRKH patients. Additional calculations and a ratio of free androgen index and biologically active testosterone revealed a hyperandrogenemia rate of 48.3%, hyperprolactinemia of 9.8% and combined hyperandrogenemia and hyperprolactinemia of 4.2% in MRKH patients. The rates of hirsutism, acne and especially polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were in the normal range of the population and showed no correlation with hyperandrogenemia. A weekly hormone assessment over 30 days comparing 5 controls and 7 MRKH patients revealed high androgen and prolactin, but lower LH/FSH and SHBG levels with MRKH patients. The sequencing of WNT4, WNT5A, WNT7A and WNT9B demonstrated no significant mutations correlating with hyperandrogenemia. Taken together, this study shows that over 52% of MRKH patients have hyperandrogenemia without clinical presentation and 14% hyperprolactinemia, which appeals for general hormone assessment and adjustments of MRKH patients.
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14
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Tang XB, Zhang J, Wang WL, Yuan ZW, Bai YZ. The expression analysis of Bmpr1a and Bmp2 during hindgut development in rat embryos with anorectal malformations. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 101:143-9. [PMID: 27477499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine Bmpr1a and Bmp2 expression patterns during anorectal development in normal and anorectal malformation (ARM) embryos with a view to establishing the possible role of Bmpr1a and Bmp2 in ARM pathogenesis. ARM was induced with ethylenethiourea on the 10th gestational day (GD10) in rat embryos. The embryos were harvested by Cesarean deliveries. The expression of Bmpr1a and Bmp2 was evaluated in normal rat embryos (n=213) and ARM embryos (n=236) from GD14 to GD16. Immunohistochemical staining revealed, in normal embryos, that Bmpr1a and Bmp2 was mainly expressed on the epithelium of the urorectal septum (URS) and the cloacal membrane (CM) on GD14 and GD15. When the rectum separated from the urogenital sinus (UGS) on GD16, Bmpr1a- and Bmp2-immunolabeled cells were observed on the anorectal epithelium. In ARM embryos, the epithelium of the hindgut and URS demonstrated faint immunostaining for Bmpr1a and Bmp2. Analyses by Western blot and Real-time PCR revealed that Bmpr1a and Bmp2 protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased in the ARM hindgut compared with normal hindgut on GD14 and GD15 (P<0.05). In ARM embryos, an imbalance in the spatiotemporal expression of Bmpr1a and Bmp2 was noted during anorectal morphogenesis from GD14 to GD16. Therefore, downregulation of Bmpr1a and Bmp2 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)
- Xiao Bing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Qingdao City, Qingdao 266034, PR China
| | - Wei Lin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Zheng Wei Yuan
- The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Yu Zuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China.
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15
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Zhu YP, Li EH, Sun WL, Xu DL, Liu ZH, Zhao W, Wood K, Xia SJ, Jiang JT. Maternal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) induces combined anorectal and urogenital malformations in male rat offspring. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:169-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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16
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GAO HONG, WANG DAJIA, BAI YUZUO, ZHANG JUAN, WU MEI, MI JIE, JIA HUIMIN, WANG WEILIN. Hedgehog gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of Hirschsprung's disease and anorectal malformation in a Chinese population. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:4759-66. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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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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18
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Liu ZH, Li EH, Xu DL, Sun WL, Hong Y, Zhao W, Xia SJ, Jiang JT. Genetic research and structural dysplasia assessment of anorectal malformations in neonatal male rats induced by di(n-butyl) phthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:261-268. [PMID: 25213187 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was the first to investigate the genetic abnormalities and structural dysplasia of anorectal malformations (ARMs) in male rats induced by di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP). DBP was administered to timed-pregnant rats to establish the ARM rat model. The incidence of ARMs in male offspring was 39.5%. In neonatal period, decreased body weight and anogenital distance were observed. The general image and histological analysis of male offspring confirmed the presence of ARMs. Anatomical examination of the ARM male rats revealed the dysplasia in solid organs (heart-lung, liver, spleen, and kidney). The decreases of serum testosterone concentration and androgen receptor expression in terminal rectum were indicative of the antiandrogenic effects of DBP. Moreover, significant decreased mRNA expressions of these androgen-related genes such as sonic hedgehog, Gli2, Gli3, bone morphogenetic protein 4, Wnt5a, Hoxa13, Hoxd13, fibroblast growth factor 10, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 were found in terminal rectum of the ARM male pubs. These results demonstrated that development of ARM rats was impaired by maternal exposure to DBP. The antiandrogenic effects of DBP disturbing the androgen-related signaling networks might play an important role in the occurrence of ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - En-Hui Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Dong-Liang Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Wen-Lan Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shu-Jie Xia
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jun-Tao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
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19
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Wijers CHW, van Rooij IALM, Marcelis CLM, Brunner HG, de Blaauw I, Roeleveld N. Genetic and nongenetic etiology of nonsyndromic anorectal malformations: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 102:382-400. [PMID: 25546370 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the most frequently observed birth defects of the digestive system. However, their etiology remains elusive. Therefore, we aim to summarize and critically appraise all existing literature on the genetic and nongenetic etiology of nonsyndromic ARM and to conclude with unifying hypotheses and directions for future research. A structured literature search on English language human studies was conducted in PubMed and Embase up to October 1, 2013, resulting in 112 included articles. Research on the identification of genes underlying nonsyndromic ARM is remarkably scarce. Most studies were focused on screening of candidate genes for mutations or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which did not yield any substantial evidence. Nongenetic factors fairly consistently found to be associated with ARM are assisted reproductive techniques, multiple pregnancy, preterm delivery, low birth weight, maternal overweight or obesity, and preexisting diabetes. This review provides indications for the involvement of both genes and nongenetic risk factors in the etiology of ARM. In future studies, large cohorts of patients with ARM from national and international collaborations are needed to acquire new hypotheses and knowledge through hypothesis-generating approaches. Challenges for future studies may also lie in the investigation of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H W Wijers
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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Systematic stereoscopic analyses for cloacal development: The origin of anorectal malformations. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13943. [PMID: 26354024 PMCID: PMC4564729 DOI: 10.1038/srep13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The division of the embryonic cloaca is the most essential event for the formation of digestive and urinary tracts. The defective development of the cloaca results in anorectal malformations (ARMs; 2–5 per 10,000 live births). However, the developmental and pathogenic mechanisms of ARMs are unclear. In the current study, we visualized the epithelia in the developing cloaca and nephric ducts (NDs). Systemic stereoscopic analyses revealed that the ND-cloaca connection sites shifted from the lateral-middle to dorsal-anterior part of the cloaca during cloacal division from E10.5 to E11.5 in mouse embryos. Genetic cell labeling analyses revealed that the cells in the ventral cloacal epithelium in the early stages rarely contributed to the dorsal part. Moreover, we revealed the possible morphogenetic movement of endodermal cells within the anterior part of the urogenital sinus and hindgut. These results provide the basis for understanding both cloacal development and the ARM pathogenesis.
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21
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Abstract
Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a congenital anomaly commonly encountered in pediatric surgery practice. Although surgical procedures correct the anatomical anomalies, the post-operative bowel function is not universally satisfactory. The etiology of ARM remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of ARM, based on published animal models, human genetics and epidemiological researches. Appreciation of these factors may be helpful in the management of ARM in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No.2 Ya Bao Road, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
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22
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Ren X, Mi J, Jia H, Gao H, Bai Y, Wang W. Reduced Wnt3a expression correlates with poor development of the hindgut in rats with anorectal malformations. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:81-5. [PMID: 26024594 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Embryogenesis is orchestrated by the wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) signaling pathways, including Wnt3a. This study was performed to investigate the expression of Wnt3a in the terminal hindgut in ethylenethiourea (ETU)-exposed rat embryos with anorectal malformations (ARMs) and its potential association between Wnt3a and the maldevelopment of the terminal hindgut in ARMs. ARM rat embryos were induced by ethylenethiourea on embryonic day 10 (E10). The expression levels of protein and mRNA of Wnt3a were confirmed using immunohistochemistry staining, Western blotting analyses, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in normal rat and ARM embryos. Immunostaining revealed a variation in the expression of Wnt3a in the developing terminal hindgut of ARM embryos. The expression of Wnt3a in the terminal hindgut of ARM rat embryos decreased at both the mRNA level and protein level (P<0.05) compared with normal tissues. This study demonstrated that the expression of Wnt3a in the ARMs of ETU-exposed rat embryos was remarkably reduced, which indicated its potential role in the pathogenesis of the terminal hindgut maldevelopment in ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiantian Ren
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, PR China
| | - Jie Mi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, PR China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, PR China.
| | - Hong Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Yuzuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, PR China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, PR China
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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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24
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Celli J. Genetics of gastrointestinal atresias. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:424-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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25
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Li EH, Han BM, Sun WL, Liang SJ, Xia SJ, Jiang JT. Expression of Wnt5a during development of anorectal malformations in a rat model of prenatal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate. Toxicol Mech Methods 2014; 24:455-60. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2014.932037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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26
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Mi J, Chen D, Ren X, Jia H, Gao H, Wang W. Spatiotemporal expression of Wnt5a during the development of the striated muscle complex in rats with anorectal malformations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:1997-2005. [PMID: 24966909 PMCID: PMC4069947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fecal incontinence and constipation after procedures for anorectal malformations (ARMs) are closely related to the maldevelopment of the striated muscle complex (SMC). Previous studies have demonstrated that myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) play a significant role in muscle development. Wnt signal pathway is extremely important for MRFs regulation. This study was designed to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Wnt5a in SMC in ARMs rat embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS Anorectal malformation embryos were induced by ethylene thiourea on embryonic day 10 (E10). Expression levels of protein and mRNA of Wnt5a were confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) between normal rat embryos and embryos with ARMs. RESULTS Immunostaining revealed that, on embryonic day 17 (E17), the Wnt5a protein was initially expressed in the SMC in normal embryos. With the growth of pregnancy, the positive staining cells gradually increased. The same time-dependent changes of Wnt5a protein were detected in ARMs embryos. Besides, immunostaining showed that Wnt5a had a significant increase in normal embryos compared with ARMs embryos. Similarly, in Western blot and qRT-PCR, the higher expression of Wnt5a protein and mRNA were remarkable in normal embryos during the SMC development, relatively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that the downregulation of Wnt5a at the time of SMC development might partly be related to the dysplasia of SMC in ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityLiaoning, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityLiaoning, China
| | - Xiantan Ren
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityLiaoning, China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityLiaoning, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Congenital Malformations, Ministry of Public Health, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityLiaoning, China
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27
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Abstract
With the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, there is great interest in establishing in vitro models of human intestinal disease and in developing drug-screening platforms that more accurately represent the complex physiology of the intestine. We will review how recent advances in developmental and stem cell biology have made it possible to generate complex, three-dimensional, human intestinal tissues in vitro through directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. These are currently being used to study human development, genetic forms of disease, intestinal pathogens, metabolic disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Wells
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
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Miyagawa S, Harada M, Matsumaru D, Tanaka K, Inoue C, Nakahara C, Haraguchi R, Matsushita S, Suzuki K, Nakagata N, Ng RCL, Akita K, Lui VCH, Yamada G. Disruption of the temporally regulated cloaca endodermal β-catenin signaling causes anorectal malformations. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:990-7. [PMID: 24632946 PMCID: PMC4013517 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cloaca is temporally formed and eventually divided by the urorectal septum (URS) during urogenital and anorectal organ development. Although congenital malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARMs), are frequently observed during this process, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. β-Catenin is a critical component of canonical Wnt signaling and is essential for the regulation of cell differentiation and morphogenesis during embryogenesis. The expression of β-catenin is observed in endodermal epithelia, including URS epithelia. We modulated the β-catenin gene conditionally in endodermal epithelia by utilizing tamoxifen-inducible Cre driver line (ShhCreERT2). Both β-catenin loss- and gain-of-function (LOF and GOF) mutants displayed abnormal clefts in the perineal region and hypoplastic elongation of the URS. The mutants also displayed reduced cell proliferation in the URS mesenchyme. In addition, the β-catenin GOF mutants displayed reduced apoptosis and subsequently increased apoptosis in the URS epithelium. This instability possibly resulted in reduced expression levels of differentiation markers, such as keratin 1 and filaggrin, in the perineal epithelia. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) genes, such as Bmp4 and Bmp7, was also ectopically induced in the epithelia of the URS in the β-catenin GOF mutants. The expression of the Msx2 gene and phosphorylated-Smad1/5/8, possible readouts of Bmp signaling, was also increased in the mutants. Moreover, we introduced an additional mutation for a Bmp receptor gene: BmprIA. The ShhCreERT2/+; β-cateninflox(ex3)/+; BmprIAflox/− mutants displayed partial restoration of URS elongation compared with the β-catenin GOF mutants. These results indicate that some ARM phenotypes in the β-catenin GOF mutants were caused by abnormal Bmp signaling. The current analysis revealed the close relation of endodermal β-catenin signaling to the ARM phenotypes. These results are considered to shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms of human ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Miyagawa
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan [3] Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - M Harada
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan [3] Unit of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - D Matsumaru
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - K Tanaka
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - C Inoue
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - C Nakahara
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - R Haraguchi
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan [3] Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - S Matsushita
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - K Suzuki
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - N Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - R C-L Ng
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K Akita
- Unit of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - V C-H Lui
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - G Yamada
- 1] Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan [2] Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Fragoso AC, Martinez L, Estevão-Costa J, Tovar JA. Maternal hyperthyroidism increases the prevalence of foregut atresias in fetal rats exposed to adriamycin. Pediatr Surg Int 2014; 30:151-7. [PMID: 24363086 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-013-3445-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastrointestinal malformations such as esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) and duodenal atresia (DA) have been reported in infants born to hyperthyroid mothers or with congenital hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to test whether maternal thyroid status during embryonic foregut division has any influence on the prevalence of EA/TEF and DA in an accepted rat model of these malformations. METHODS Pregnant rats received either vehicle or 1.75 mg/kg i.p. adriamycin on gestational days 7, 8 and 9. Transient maternal hyper or hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of levothyroxine (LT4, 50 μg/kg/day) or propylthiouracil (PTU, 2 mg/kg/day), respectively, on days 7 to 12 of gestation. Plasma cholesterol, total T3, free T4 and TSH were measured at gestational days 7, 12, and 21. At the end of gestation, the mothers were sacrificed and embryo-fetal mortality was recorded. Fetuses were dissected to determine the prevalence of esophageal and intestinal atresias. RESULTS At gestational day 12, mothers treated with LT4 or PTU had hyper or hypothyroid status, respectively; plasma cholesterol levels were similar. In the adriamycin-exposed fetuses from hyperthyroid mothers, the embryonal resorption rate and the prevalence of both EA/TEF and DA were significantly higher than in the other groups; maternal hypothyroidism during the same period did not have significant effect on the prevalence of atresias. CONCLUSIONS Maternal hyperthyroidism during the embryonic window corresponding to foregut cleavage increased the prevalence of both EA/TEF and duodenal atresia in fetal rats exposed to adriamycin. This suggests that maternal thyroid hormone status might be involved in the pathogenesis of foregut atresias and invites further research on this likely clinically relevant issue in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Fragoso
- INGEMM and IdiPaz Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Gut commensal bacteria and regional Wnt gene expression in the proximal versus distal colon. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:592-9. [PMID: 24418259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Regional expression of Wingless/Int (Wnt) genes plays a central role in regulating intestinal development and homeostasis. However, our knowledge of such regional Wnt proteins in the colon remains limited. To understand further the effect of Wnt signaling components in controlling intestinal epithelial homeostasis, we investigated whether the physiological heterogeneity of the proximal and distal colon can be explained by differential Wnt signaling. With the use of a Wnt signaling-specific PCR array, expression of 84 Wnt-mediated signal transduction genes was analyzed, and a differential signature of Wnt-related genes in the proximal versus distal murine colon was identified. Several Wnt agonists (Wnt5a, Wnt8b, and Wnt11), the Wnt receptor frizzled family receptor 3, and the Wnt inhibitory factor 1 were differentially expressed along the colon length. These Wnt signatures were associated with differential epithelial cell proliferation and migration in the proximal versus distal colon. Furthermore, reduced Wnt/β-catenin activity and decreased Wnt5a and Wnt11 expression were observed in mice lacking commensal bacteria, an effect that was reversed by conventionalization of germ-free mice. Interestingly, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 knockout mice showed decreased Wnt5a levels, indicating a role for Toll-like receptor signaling in regulating Wnt5a expression. Our results suggest that the morphological and physiological heterogeneity within the colon is in part facilitated by the differential expression of Wnt signaling components and influenced by colonization with bacteria.
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31
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Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) represent a complex group of congenital anomalies resulting from abnormal development of the hindgut, allantois and Mullerian duct resulting in complete or partial urorectal septal malformations. There is a wide variety of phenotypic expression, ranging from mild anorectal to very complex severe ARM with >75 % having other associated malformations. 50 % of cases are syndromic although many may have other associated anomalies. This suggests a genetic link but the genetics of ARM are highly complex with a number of candidate genes being identified. Many can be classified as "field defects" as a result of a complex set of genetic interactions. Patients with associated malformations can be classified into those with multiple congenital anomalies (non-syndromic), those with chromosomal abnormalities and those with non-chromosomal syndromic associations, also, those with non-chromosomal syndromes and the influence of environmental factors (e.g. drugs in pregnancy). Although much is not known about the aetiology of ARM, the weight of evidence points to genetic factors as major causes for the condition. In this review, we look at the chromosomal and genetic associations and their underlying signalling pathways, to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in developing ARM. The spectrum of ARM phenotypic expression probably results from involvement and crosstalk between a number of critical signalling systems involved in development of this region. As a result, it may be expressed as a "field developmental defect" with many associated abnormalities. The role of environmental factors in the development of ARM is probably less.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam W Moore
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
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32
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Yin SJ, Tang XB, Li FF, Zhang T, Yuan ZW, Wang WL, Bai YZ. Spatiotemporal Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 in Human Hindgut and Anorectal Development. Cells Tissues Organs 2013; 198:28-34. [DOI: 10.1159/000351472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Zhang T, Tang XB, Wang LL, Bai YZ, Qiu GR, Yuan ZW, Wang WL. Mutations and down-regulation of CDX1 in children with anorectal malformations. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10:191-7. [PMID: 23329892 PMCID: PMC3547218 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.4929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorectal malformations (ARMs) represent a variety of congenital disorders that involve abnormal termination of the anorectum. This study was to reveal relation between CDX1 and human ARMs phenotypes. METHODS 108 Chinese patients and 120 Chinese controls were included in this study. We analyzed the relation between two by PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Four heterozygous mutations in CDX1 gene were identified in ARMs patients (3.7%, 4/108), no found in controls. CDX1 protein expression was significantly decreased in the ARMs compared with the control anorectum. All samples analyzed in ARMs group exhibited down-regulated CDX1 mRNA expression in comparison to matched normal group, demonstrated significant differences statistically. CONCLUSION The findings represented the relation between CDX1 mutations and CDX1 genotype. Furthermore, it was suggested that the downregulation of CDX1 might be related to the development of ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
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34
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Wong EHM, Cui L, Ng CL, Tang CSM, Liu XL, So MT, Yip BHK, Cheng G, Zhang R, Tang WK, Yang W, Lau YL, Baum L, Kwan P, Sun LD, Zuo XB, Ren YQ, Yin XY, Miao XP, Liu J, Lui VCH, Ngan ESW, Yuan ZW, Zhang SW, Xia J, Wang H, Sun XB, Wang R, Chang T, Chan IHY, Chung PHY, Zhang XJ, Wong KKY, Cherny SS, Sham PC, Tam PKH, Garcia-Barcelo MM. Genome-wide copy number variation study in anorectal malformations. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 22:621-31. [PMID: 23108157 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARMs, congenital obstruction of the anal opening) are among the most common birth defects requiring surgical treatment (2-5/10 000 live-births) and carry significant chronic morbidity. ARMs present either as isolated or as part of the phenotypic spectrum of some chromosomal abnormalities or monogenic syndromes. The etiology is unknown. To assess the genetic contribution to ARMs, we investigated single-nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations (CNVs) at genome-wide scale. A total of 363 Han Chinese sporadic ARM patients and 4006 Han Chinese controls were included. Overall, we detected a 1.3-fold significant excess of rare CNVs in patients. Stratification of patients by presence/absence of other congenital anomalies showed that while syndromic ARM patients carried significantly longer rare duplications than controls (P = 0.049), non-syndromic patients were enriched with both rare deletions and duplications when compared with controls (P = 0.00031). Twelve chromosomal aberrations and 114 rare CNVs were observed in patients but not in 868 controls nor 11 943 healthy individuals from the Database of Genomic Variants. Importantly, these aberrations were observed in isolated ARM patients. Gene-based analysis revealed 79 genes interfered by CNVs in patients only. In particular, we identified a de novo DKK4 duplication. DKK4 is a member of the WNT signaling pathway which is involved in the development of the anorectal region. In mice, Wnt disruption results in ARMs. Our data suggest a role for rare CNVs not only in syndromic but also in isolated ARM patients and provide a list of plausible candidate genes for the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H M Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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35
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Draaken M, Prins W, Zeidler C, Hilger A, Mughal SS, Latus J, Boemers TM, Schmidt D, Schmiedeke E, Spychalski N, Bartels E, Nöthen MM, Reutter H, Ludwig M. Involvement of the WNT and FGF signaling pathways in non-isolated anorectal malformations: sequencing analysis of WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT11, DACT1, FGF10, FGFR2 and the T gene. Int J Mol Med 2012; 30:1459-64. [PMID: 22961180 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) comprise a broad spectrum of anomalies, including anal atresia, congenital anal fistula and persistence of the cloaca. Research suggests that genetic factors play an important role in ARM development. However, few genetic variants have been identified. Embryogenesis is orchestrated by crosstalk of the wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways in a process that involves several intracellular cascades. Studies in mice have implicated several genes from these pathways in the etiology of ARMs. We performed sequencing analysis of seven of these previously reported genes in 78 patients with ARMs occurring within the context of at least one additional congenital anomaly. No associations were identified with variants in WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT11, DACT1, FGF10 or the T gene. In the FGFR2 gene, three novel heterozygous nucleotide substitutions were identified. Further investigations, including the study of family members, revealed that these variants were not causally related to the phenotype in the present ARM cohort. Mutations in the seven investigated genes may nonetheless be a cause of ARMs in rare cases. However, further studies should consider genes encoding other proteins in the WNT/FGF signaling pathways as possible candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Draaken
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
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van Amerongen R, Fuerer C, Mizutani M, Nusse R. Wnt5a can both activate and repress Wnt/β-catenin signaling during mouse embryonic development. Dev Biol 2012; 369:101-14. [PMID: 22771246 PMCID: PMC3435145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic development is controlled by a small set of signal transduction pathways, with vastly different phenotypic outcomes depending on the time and place of their recruitment. How the same molecular machinery can elicit such specific and distinct responses, remains one of the outstanding questions in developmental biology. Part of the answer may lie in the high inherent genetic complexity of these signaling cascades, as observed for the Wnt-pathway. The mammalian genome encodes multiple Wnt proteins and receptors, each of which show dynamic and tightly controlled expression patterns in the embryo. Yet how these components interact in the context of the whole organism remains unknown. Here we report the generation of a novel, inducible transgenic mouse model that allows spatiotemporal control over the expression of Wnt5a, a protein implicated in many developmental processes and multiple Wnt-signaling responses. We show that ectopic Wnt5a expression from E10.5 onwards results in a variety of developmental defects, including loss of hair follicles and reduced bone formation in the skull. Moreover, we find that Wnt5a can have dual signaling activities during mouse embryonic development. Specifically, Wnt5a is capable of both inducing and repressing β-catenin/TCF signaling in vivo, depending on the time and site of expression and the receptors expressed by receiving cells. These experiments show for the first time that a single mammalian Wnt protein can have multiple signaling activities in vivo, thereby furthering our understanding of how signaling specificity is achieved in a complex developmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée van Amerongen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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37
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Abstract
This article reviews the current status of anorectal malformations in the neonate. It begins by discussing the history, epidemiology, and embryology, followed by a discussion of the genetic process causing these diseases. Diagnosis and workup is then discussed, followed by specific details of the surgical treatment of these malformations. The article concludes with a brief review of the complications and long-term outcomes in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Herman
- Section of Pediatric Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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The Expression Analysis of Notch-1 and Jagged-2 During the Development of the Hindgut in Rat Embryos with Ethylenethiourea Induced Anorectal Malformations. J Surg Res 2012; 172:131-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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39
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van de Ven C, Bialecka M, Neijts R, Young T, Rowland JE, Stringer EJ, Van Rooijen C, Meijlink F, Nóvoa A, Freund JN, Mallo M, Beck F, Deschamps J. Concerted involvement of Cdx/Hox genes and Wnt signaling in morphogenesis of the caudal neural tube and cloacal derivatives from the posterior growth zone. Development 2011; 138:3451-62. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.066118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Decrease in Cdx dosage in an allelic series of mouse Cdx mutants leads to progressively more severe posterior vertebral defects. These defects are corrected by posterior gain of function of the Wnt effector Lef1. Precocious expression of Hox paralogous 13 genes also induces vertebral axis truncation by antagonizing Cdx function. We report here that the phenotypic similarity also applies to patterning of the caudal neural tube and uro-rectal tracts in Cdx and Wnt3a mutants, and in embryos precociously expressing Hox13 genes. Cdx2 inactivation after placentation leads to posterior defects, including incomplete uro-rectal septation. Compound mutants carrying one active Cdx2 allele in the Cdx4-null background (Cdx2/4), transgenic embryos precociously expressing Hox13 genes and a novel Wnt3a hypomorph mutant all manifest a comparable phenotype with similar uro-rectal defects. Phenotype and transcriptome analysis in early Cdx mutants, genetic rescue experiments and gene expression studies lead us to propose that Cdx transcription factors act via Wnt signaling during the laying down of uro-rectal mesoderm, and that they are operative in an early phase of these events, at the site of tissue progenitors in the posterior growth zone of the embryo. Cdx and Wnt mutations and premature Hox13 expression also cause similar neural dysmorphology, including ectopic neural structures that sometimes lead to neural tube splitting at caudal axial levels. These findings involve the Cdx genes, canonical Wnt signaling and the temporal control of posterior Hox gene expression in posterior morphogenesis in the different embryonic germ layers. They shed a new light on the etiology of the caudal dysplasia or caudal regression range of human congenital defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesca van de Ven
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Bialecka
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Neijts
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Teddy Young
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Emma J. Stringer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Carina Van Rooijen
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frits Meijlink
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Nóvoa
- Insituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Jean-Noel Freund
- INSERM, U682, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, F-67200, France
| | - Moises Mallo
- Insituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1600 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Felix Beck
- Biochemistry Department, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jacqueline Deschamps
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Spatiotemporal expression of Wnt5a during the development of the hindgut and anorectum in human embryos. Int J Colorectal Dis 2011; 26:983-8. [PMID: 21431850 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-011-1191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine the spatiotemporal expression of Wnt5a during hindgut and anorectum development in human embryos and to explore the possible role of Wnt5a during the morphogenesis of the human hindgut and anorectum. MATERIALS AND METHODS The embryos (n = 107) were sectioned serially and sagittally, using Wnt5a immunohistochemical staining on the caudal midline from the 4th-9th weeks of gestation. RESULTS From the 4th-7th week of gestation, the Wnt5a-positive cells were mainly located on the epithelium of the apical urorectal septum, hindgut, and cloacal membrane. After the anorectum and the urogenital sinus (UGS) opened to the amniotic cavity during the 7th week, the Wnt5a-positive cells disappeared and remained negative up to the 9th week on the epithelium of the anal canal. CONCLUSIONS The expression of Wnt5a was constantly active during human hindgut and anorectum development and disappeared after the anus formed, suggesting that Wnt5a plays an important role in human hindgut and anorectal morphogenesis.
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KOCH STEFAN, NAVA PORFIRIO, ADDIS CAROLINE, KIM WOOKI, DENNING TIMOTHYL, LI LINHENG, PARKOS CHARLESA, NUSRAT ASMA. The Wnt antagonist Dkk1 regulates intestinal epithelial homeostasis and wound repair. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:259-68, 268.e1-8. [PMID: 21440550 PMCID: PMC3551610 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Dkk1 is a secreted antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It is induced by inflammatory cytokines during colitis and exacerbates tissue damage by promoting apoptosis of epithelial cells. However, little is known about the physiologic role of Dkk1 in normal intestinal homeostasis and during wound repair following mucosal injury. We investigated whether inhibition of Dkk1 affects the morphology and function of the adult intestine. METHODS We used doubleridge mice (Dkk1d/d), which have reduced expression of Dkk1, and an inhibitory Dkk1 antibody to modulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the intestine. Intestinal inflammation was induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), followed by a recovery period in which mice were given regular drinking water. Animals were killed before, during, or after DSS administration; epithelial homeostasis and the activity of major signaling pathways were investigated by morphometric analysis, bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, and immunostaining. RESULTS Reduced expression of Dkk1 increased proliferation of epithelial cells and lengthened crypts in the large intestine, which was associated with increased transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Crypt extension was particularly striking when Dkk1 was inhibited during acute colitis. Dkk1d/d mice recovered significantly faster from intestinal inflammation but exhibited crypt architectural irregularities and epithelial hyperproliferation compared with wild-type mice. Survival signaling pathways were concurrently up-regulated in Dkk1d/d mice, including the AKT/β-catenin, ERK/Elk-1, and c-Jun pathways. CONCLUSIONS Dkk1, an antagonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, regulates intestinal epithelial homeostasis under physiologic conditions and during inflammation. Depletion of Dkk1 induces a strong proliferative response that promotes wound repair after colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- STEFAN KOCH
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - PORFIRIO NAVA
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - CAROLINE ADDIS
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - WOOKI KIM
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - TIMOTHY L. DENNING
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - LINHENG LI
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - CHARLES A. PARKOS
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - ASMA NUSRAT
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Wnt5a expression in the hindgut of fetal rats with chemically induced anorectal malformations--studies in the ETU rat model. Int J Colorectal Dis 2011; 26:493-9. [PMID: 21212964 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-010-1125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wnt5a is involved in the initiating and patterning morphological adaptations of gut. However, its role remained unknown during terminal hindgut development in the normal and anorectal malformation (ARM) rat embryos. This study was designed to investigate the expression pattern of Wnt5a in the terminal hindgut in ARM rat embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethylenethiourea-induced ARM model was introduced to investigate the expression pattern of Wnt5a during terminal hindgut development using immunohistochemical staining, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Immunostaining revealed that Wnt5a expression showed space-dependent changes in the developing terminal hindgut. On embryonic day 17 (E17) in normal embryos, the Wnt5a protein was initially expressed in the mesenchyme of the terminal hindgut. From E18 to 19, the positive staining cells gradually increased. The expression was detected mainly in the circular muscle and myenteric plexus of hindgut. In the ARM embryos, on E17, the Wnt5a protein was also expressed in the hindgut. However, from E18 to 19, the positive staining cells in the middle hindgut gradually increased but in the terminal hindgut decreased. In Western blot and RT-PCR, time-dependent changes of Wnt5a protein and mRNA expression were remarkable during the terminal hindgut development in normal and ARM embryos. CONCLUSION These data implied that the downregulation of Wnt5a at the time of hindgut neuromuscular development might partly be related to the maldevelopment of terminal hindgut in ARM.
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The Skt gene, required for anorectal development, is a candidate for a molecular marker of the cloacal plate. Pediatr Surg Int 2011; 27:269-73. [PMID: 21069351 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-010-2785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It has been reported that a dorsal cloacal plate defect is associated with anorectal malformations (ARMs); however, there has been very little information reported about the developmental mechanisms involved with cloacal plate formation. Danforth's short tail (Sd) mutant mice show ARMs. In our previous study, the co-presence of Skt ( Gt ) mutation, in which Skt gene is disrupted by the gene-trap vector (p-U8), increased the incidence of ARMs in Sd mutant to 100%. Our aims in this study are determining the Skt expression around the cloaca during the anorectal development and demonstrating the role of Skt gene in ARMs. METHODS Embryos, normal controls [+Skt ( Gt )/+Skt ( Gt )] and ARMs models [Sd Skt ( Gt )/+Skt ( Gt )], from embryonic day (E) 9.5 to E12.5, were evaluated with X-gal staining. RESULTS In control embryos, Skt expression was detected both in the endoderm and ectoderm of the cloacal plate from E9.5 onward. At E12.5, Skt expression was also detected in the mesenchyme neighboring the dorsal cloacal plates. In [Sd Skt ( Gt )/+Skt ( Gt )] mutant embryos, the cloacal plates failed to extend proximodistally and, consequently, the dorsal part of cloacal plate was defective at E11.5. Skt expressing cells were detected in the shortened cloacal plate and in the thickened mesenchyme dorsal to it. CONCLUSIONS We showed the spatial and temporal expression of Skt gene in the cloacal plate formation. This gene could be a marker for the cloacal plate during the anorectal development. Furthermore, Skt was considered to be associated with the embryogenesis of ARMs.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present analysis is to examine the morphological changes, the spatiotemporal distribution of apoptosis/proliferation in the human embryonic anorectum, to reveal the normal development of human anorectum, and investigate the possible roles of apoptosis/proliferation during anorectal development. MATERIALS AND METHODS The embryos were sectioned serially and sagittally, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) between the third and eighth week of gestation, TdT-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and proliferative cell-specific nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining from the sixth to the eighth week. RESULTS From the fourth to the seventh week, with the growth of the mesenchyme around the cloaca, the cloaca was remolded, subsequently, the cloacal membrane (CM) moved perpendicularly then horizontally. The dorsal cloaca gradually descended to the tail groove, the urorectal septum (URS) and the CM approximated; however, the fusion of URS with the dorsal CM was never observed. During the eighth week, the URS shifted ventrally and finally fused with the ventral CM. Moreover, from the sixth to the eighth week, the apoptotic cells were concentrated in the CM, the mesenchyme of terminal rectum, and the dorsal rectum. Meanwhile, the proliferative cells could be observed in the ventral mesenchyme around the cloaca, the CM, the fused tissue between the URS, and the ventral CM. CONCLUSIONS During the development of human anorectum, it was intriguing to reveal that the URS never fused with the dorsal CM before dorsal CM disintegration, the normal anorectal development may depend on the dorsal cloaca and the dorsal CM; furthermore, the distribution of apoptosis and proliferation in the anorectum and ventral cloacal mesenchyme played a pivotal role in the formation of the anorectum.
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Rehimi R, Khalida N, Yusuf F, Morosan-Puopolo G, Brand-Saberi B. A novel role of CXCR4 and SDF-1 during migration of cloacal muscle precursors. Dev Dyn 2010; 239:1622-31. [PMID: 20503359 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The cloaca acts as a common chamber into which gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts converge in lower vertebrates. The distal end of the cloaca is guarded by a ring of cloacal muscles or sphincters, the equivalent of perineal muscles in mammals. It has recently been shown that the development of the cloacal musculature depends on hindlimb muscle formation. The signaling molecules responsible for the outward migration of hindlimb myogenic precursors are not known. Based on the expression studies for CXCR4 and SDF-1, we hypothesized a role of this signaling pair during cloacal muscle precursor migration. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 during cloacal muscle precursor migration in the chicken embryos. We show that SDF-1 is expressed in the cloacal region, and by experimentally manipulating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling, we can show that SDF-1 guides the migration of CXCR4-expressing cloacal muscle precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Rehimi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Yu S, Poe B, Schwarz M, Elliot SA, Albertine KH, Fenton S, Garg V, Moon AM. Fetal and postnatal lung defects reveal a novel and required role for Fgf8 in lung development. Dev Biol 2010; 347:92-108. [PMID: 20727874 PMCID: PMC5133699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor, FGF8, has been shown to be essential for vertebrate cardiovascular, craniofacial, brain and limb development. Here we report that Fgf8 function is required for normal progression through the late fetal stages of lung development that culminate in alveolar formation. Budding, lobation and branching morphogenesis are unaffected in early stage Fgf8 hypomorphic and conditional mutant lungs. Excess proliferation during fetal development disrupts distal airspace formation, mesenchymal and vascular remodeling, and Type I epithelial cell differentiation resulting in postnatal respiratory failure and death. Our findings reveal a previously unknown, critical role for Fgf8 function in fetal lung development and suggest that this factor may also contribute to postnatal alveologenesis. Given the high number of premature infants with alveolar dysgenesis and lung dysplasia, and the accumulating evidence that short-term benefits of available therapies may be outweighed by long-term detrimental effects on postnatal alveologenesis, the therapeutic implications of identifying a factor or pathway that can be targeted to stimulate normal alveolar development are profound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibin Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HD) and anorectal malformations (ARMs) result from alterations in hindgut development. It has long been recognized that both recur in families and thus result, at least in part, from genetic factors. Progress in the understanding of the genetic basis of HD has been made by the application of findings from genetic animal models of altered enteric nervous system development to human beings. Several genes have been shown to be important for human enteric nervous system development, and current work is progressing to identify genetic interactions that may explain the variable phenotype of HD. By contrast, understanding of the genetic factors underlying ARMs is much less developed. We and others have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of ARMs, and many mouse genetic models suggest molecular pathways that may be altered in ARMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Mundt
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Heath JK. Transcriptional Networks and Signaling Pathways that Govern Vertebrate Intestinal Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2010; 90:159-92. [DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(10)90004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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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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