Zebrafish maternal-effect mutations causing cytokinesis defect without affecting mitosis or equatorial vasa deposition

Deficiency of mastl, a mitotic regulator, results in cell detachment from developing tissues of zebrafish embryos

To form tissues with unique functions and structures, it is important that the cells that comprise them maintain physical contact. On the other hand, with each mitosis, drastic changes in cell shapes, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal architecture may cause such contacts to be temporarily weakened, risking improper development and maintenance of tissues. Despite such risks, tissues form properly during normal development. However, it is not well understood whether mitotic abnormalities affect tissue formation. Here, analysis of zebrafish embryos with aberrant mitosis shows that proper progression of mitosis is important to maintain cell contact in developing tissues. By screening mutants with abnormal trunk and tail development, we obtained a mutant with perturbed expression of some tissue-specific genes in embryonic caudal regions. The responsible gene is mastl/gwl, which is involved in progression of mitosis. Analysis focusing on the chordo-neural hinge (CNH), the primordium of axial tissues, shows that cell detachment from the CNH is increased in mastl mutant embryos. Time-lapse imaging reveals that this cell detachment occurs during mitosis. These results suggest that cells are unable to maintain contact due to abnormalities in progression of mitosis in mastl mutants.

Unidirectional hybridization between American paddlefish Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792) and sterlet Acipenser ruthenus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Interspecific hybridizations among sturgeon species are feasible and often bidirectional. The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) from Family Polyodontidae and sturgeon species from Family Acipenseridae were reported capable of hybridization, but viable hybrids have been described only in crosses with the American paddlefish as paternal parents. In the reciprocal cross, the hybrids were not viable however embryos start to develop and reach late gastrula and early neurula stages. The goal of this study was to examine the hybridization between the sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) and the American paddlefish. Hybrid and purebred crosses were produced by artificial fertilization. Viable hybrid offspring were harvested (three month old) and verified in the families produced by female sterlet crossing with male American paddlefish. In the reciprocal hybrid crosses with female American paddlefish and male sterlet, the embryos development did not pass over 120 h post fertilization, indicating the unidirectional hybridization between American paddlefish and sterlet. Chromosome counting showed for the same ploidy level of viable hybrid and parent species. Analysis of three microsatellite markers confirmed the unidirectional hybridization between the American paddlefish and the sterlet species. Overall, the inferred genetic cause suggests that unidirectional hybridization between American paddlefish and sterlet may be the case not only for these two species but likely also between American paddlefish and other sturgeon species.

Ripply suppresses Tbx6 to induce dynamic-to-static conversion in somite segmentation

The metameric pattern of somites is created based on oscillatory expression of clock genes in presomitic mesoderm. However, the mechanism for converting the dynamic oscillation to a static pattern of somites is still unclear. Here, we provide evidence that Ripply/Tbx6 machinery is a key regulator of this conversion. Ripply1/Ripply2-mediated removal of Tbx6 protein defines somite boundary and also leads to cessation of clock gene expression in zebrafish embryos. On the other hand, activation of ripply1/ripply2 mRNA and protein expression is periodically regulated by clock oscillation in conjunction with an Erk signaling gradient. Whereas Ripply protein decreases rapidly in embryos, Ripply-triggered Tbx6 suppression persists long enough to complete somite boundary formation. Mathematical modeling shows that a molecular network based on results of this study can reproduce dynamic-to-static conversion in somitogenesis. Furthermore, simulations with this model suggest that sustained suppression of Tbx6 caused by Ripply is crucial in this conversion.

The second pharyngeal pouch is generated by dynamic remodeling of endodermal epithelium in zebrafish

Pharyngeal arches (PAs) are segmented by endodermal outpocketings called pharyngeal pouches (PPs). Anterior and posterior PAs appear to be generated by different mechanisms, but it is unclear how the anterior and posterior PAs combine. Here, we addressed this issue with precise live imaging of PP development and cell tracing of pharyngeal endoderm in zebrafish embryos. We found that two endodermal bulges are initially generated in the future second PP (PP2) region, which separates anterior and posterior PAs. Subsequently, epithelial remodeling causes contact between these two bulges, resulting in the formation of mature PP2 with a bilayered morphology. The rostral and caudal bulges develop into the operculum and gill, respectively. Development of the caudal PP2 and more posterior PPs is affected by impaired retinoic acid signaling or pax1a/b dysfunction, suggesting that the rostral front of posterior PA development corresponds to the caudal PP2. Our study clarifies an aspect of PA development that is essential for generation of a seamless array of PAs in zebrafish.

PLK1- and PLK4-Mediated Asymmetric Mitotic Centrosome Size and Positioning in the Early Zebrafish Embryo

Factors that regulate mitotic spindle positioning remain unclear within the confines of extremely large embryonic cells, such as the early divisions of the vertebrate embryo, Danio rerio (zebrafish). We find that the mitotic centrosome, a structure that assembles the mitotic spindle [1], is notably large in the zebrafish embryo (246.44 ± 11.93 μm2 in a 126.86 ± 0.35 μm diameter cell) compared to a C. elegans embryo (5.78 ± 0.18 μm2 in a 55.83 ± 1.04 μm diameter cell). During embryonic cell divisions, cell size changes rapidly in both C. elegans and zebrafish [2, 3], where mitotic centrosome area scales more closely with changes in cell size compared to changes in spindle length. Embryonic zebrafish spindles contain asymmetrically sized mitotic centrosomes (2.14 ± 0.13-fold difference between the two), with the larger mitotic centrosome placed toward the embryo center in a polo-like kinase (PLK) 1- and PLK4-dependent manner. We propose a model in which uniquely large zebrafish embryonic centrosomes direct spindle placement within disproportionately large cells.

Kinesin-7 CENP-E regulates cell division, gastrulation and organogenesis in development

Kinesin-7 CENP-E motor protein is essential for chromosome alignment and kinetochore-microtubule attachment in cell division. Human CENP-E has recently identified to be linked with the microcephalic primordial dwarfism syndromes associated with a smaller head, brain malformations and a prominent nose. However, the roles of CENP-E in embryonic development remain largely unknown. In this study, we find that zebrafish CENP-E inhibition results in defects in early zygote cleavage, including asymmetric cell division, cell cycle arrest and the developmental abnormalities. We also demonstrate that CENP-E ablation in cultured cells leads to chromosome misalignment, spindle abnormalities and interruptions of the cell cycle. These observations suggest that CENP-E plays a key role in early cell division and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, we also find that CENP-E inhibition results in the defects in the epiboly, the developmental arrest, the smaller head and the abnormal embryo during zebrafish embryogenesis. Our data demonstrate new functions of CENP-E in development and provide insights into its essential roles in organogenesis.

Molecular genetics of maternally-controlled cell divisions

Forward genetic screens remain at the forefront of biology as an unbiased approach for discovering and elucidating gene function at the organismal and molecular level. Past mutagenesis screens targeting maternal-effect genes identified a broad spectrum of phenotypes ranging from defects in oocyte development to embryonic patterning. However, earlier vertebrate screens did not reach saturation, anticipated classes of phenotypes were not uncovered, and technological limitations made it difficult to pinpoint the causal gene. In this study, we performed a chemically-induced maternal-effect mutagenesis screen in zebrafish and identified eight distinct mutants specifically affecting the cleavage stage of development and one cleavage stage mutant that is also male sterile. The cleavage-stage phenotypes fell into three separate classes: developmental arrest proximal to the mid blastula transition (MBT), irregular cleavage, and cytokinesis mutants. We mapped each mutation to narrow genetic intervals and determined the molecular basis for two of the developmental arrest mutants, and a mutation causing male sterility and a maternal-effect mutant phenotype. One developmental arrest mutant gene encodes a maternal specific Stem Loop Binding Protein, which is required to maintain maternal histone levels. The other developmental arrest mutant encodes a maternal-specific subunit of the Minichromosome Maintenance Protein Complex, which is essential for maintaining normal chromosome integrity in the early blastomeres. Finally, we identify a hypomorphic allele of Polo-like kinase-1 (Plk-1), which results in a male sterile and maternal-effect phenotype. Collectively, these mutants expand our molecular-genetic understanding of the maternal regulation of early embryonic development in vertebrates.

Role of somite patterning in the formation of Weberian apparatus and pleural rib in zebrafish

In the vertebrate body, a metameric structure is present along the anterior-posterior axis. Zebrafish tbx6^-/- larvae, in which somite boundaries do not form during embryogenesis, were shown to exhibit abnormal skeletal morphology such as rib, neural arch and hemal arch. In this study, we investigated the role of somite patterning in the formation of anterior vertebrae and ribs in more detail. Using three-dimensional computed tomography scans, we found that anterior vertebrae including the Weberian apparatus were severely affected in tbx6^-/- larvae. In addition, pleural ribs of tbx6 mutants exhibited severe defects in the initial ossification, extension of ossification, and formation of parapophyses. Two-colour staining revealed that bifurcation of ribs was caused by fusion or branching of ribs in tbx6^-/- . The parapophyses in tbx6^-/- juvenile fish showed irregular positioning to centra and abnormal attachment to ribs. Furthermore, we found that the ossification of the distal portion of ribs proceeded along myotome boundaries even in irregularly positioned myotome boundaries. These results provide evidence of the contribution of somite patterning to the formation of the Weberian apparatus and rib in zebrafish.

Regulation of Translationally Repressed mRNAs in Zebrafish and Mouse Oocytes

From the beginning of oogenesis, oocytes accumulate tens of thousands of mRNAs for promoting oocyte growth and development. A large number of these mRNAs are translationally repressed and localized within the oocyte cytoplasm. Translational activation of these dormant mRNAs at specific sites and timings plays central roles in driving progression of the meiotic cell cycle, axis formation, mitotic cleavages, transcriptional initiation, and morphogenesis. Regulation of the localization and temporal translation of these mRNAs has been shown to rely on cis-acting elements in the mRNAs and trans-acting factors recognizing and binding to the elements. Recently, using model vertebrate zebrafish, localization itself and formation of physiological structures such as RNA granules have been shown to coordinate the accurate timings of translational activation of dormant mRNAs. This subcellular regulation of mRNAs is also utilized in other animals including mouse. In this chapter, we review fundamental roles of temporal regulation of mRNA translation in oogenesis and early development and then focus on the mechanisms of mRNA regulation in the oocyte cytoplasm by which the activation of dormant mRNAs at specific timings is achieved.

Fishing forward and reverse: Advances in zebrafish phenomics

Understanding how the genome instructs the phenotypic characteristics of an organism is one of the major scientific endeavors of our time. Advances in genetics have progressively deciphered the inheritance, identity and biological relevance of genetically encoded information, contributing to the rise of several, complementary omic disciplines. One of them is phenomics, an emergent area of biology dedicated to the systematic multi-scale analysis of phenotypic traits. This discipline provides valuable gene function information to the rapidly evolving field of genetics. Current molecular tools enable genome-wide analyses that link gene sequence to function in multi-cellular organisms, illuminating the genome-phenome relationship. Among vertebrates, zebrafish has emerged as an outstanding model organism for high-throughput phenotyping and modeling of human disorders. Advances in both systematic mutagenesis and phenotypic analyses of embryonic and post-embryonic stages in zebrafish have revealed the function of a valuable collection of genes and the general structure of several complex traits. In this review, we summarize multiple large-scale genetic efforts addressing parental, embryonic, and adult phenotyping in the zebrafish. The genetic and quantitative tools available in the zebrafish model, coupled with the broad spectrum of phenotypes that can be assayed, make it a powerful model for phenomics, well suited for the dissection of genotype-phenotype associations in development, physiology, health and disease.

DNA interference-mediated screening of maternal factors in the chordate Oikopleura dioica

The maternal contribution to the oocyte cytoplasm plays an important role during embryogenesis because it is involved in early cell fate specification and embryonic axis establishment. However, screening projects targeting maternal factors have only been conducted in a limited number of animal models, such as nematodes, fruit flies, and zebrafish, while few maternal genes have been analysed because of difficulties encountered in inhibiting gene products already expressed in the ovaries. Therefore, simple and efficient methods for large-scale maternal screening are necessary. The appendicularian Oikopleura dioica is a planktonic tunicate member of the chordates. Gonadal microinjection and a novel gene knockdown method, DNA interference (DNAi), have been developed for use in this animal with the aim of inhibiting gene functions during oogenesis within the gonad. In this study, we adapted these methods for large-scale maternal factor screening, and observed malformation phenotypes related to some maternal factors. Approximately 2000 (56.9%) ovary-enriched gene products were screened, of which the knockdown of seven encoding genes resulted in various abnormalities during embryonic development. Most of these were related to microtubules and cell adhesion-related proteins. We conclude that DNAi is a potentially powerful screening tool for the identification of novel maternal factors in chordates.

RhoA/ROCK pathway activity is essential for the correct localization of the germ plasm mRNAs in zebrafish embryos

Zebrafish germ plasm is composed of mRNAs such as vasa and nanos and of proteins such as Bucky ball, all of which localize symmetrically in four aggregates at the distal region of the first two cleavage furrows. The coordination of actin microfilaments, microtubules and kinesin is essential for the correct localization of the germ plasm. Rho-GTPases, through their effectors, coordinate cytoskeletal dynamics. We address the participation of RhoA and its effector ROCK in germ plasm localization during the transition from two- to eight-cell embryos. We found that active RhoA is enriched along the cleavage furrow during the first two division cycles, whereas ROCK localizes at the distal region of the cleavage furrows in a similar pattern as the germ plasm mRNAs. Specific inhibition of RhoA and ROCK affected microtubules organization at the cleavage furrow; these caused the incorrect localization of the germ plasm mRNAs. The incorrect localization of the germ plasm led to a dramatic change in the number of germ cells during the blastula and 24hpf embryo stages without affecting any other developmental processes. We demonstrate that the Rho/ROCK pathway is intimately related to the determination of germ cells in zebrafish embryos.

Quadruple zebrafish mutant reveals different roles of Mesp genes in somite segmentation between mouse and zebrafish

The segmental pattern of somites is generated by sequential conversion of the temporal periodicity provided by the molecular clock. Whereas the basic structure of this clock is conserved among different species, diversity also exists, especially in terms of the molecular network. The temporal periodicity is subsequently converted into the spatial pattern of somites, and Mesp2 plays crucial roles in this conversion in the mouse. However, it remains unclear whether Mesp genes play similar roles in other vertebrates. In this study, we generated zebrafish mutants lacking all four zebrafish Mesp genes by using TALEN-mediated genome editing. Contrary to the situation in the mouse Mesp2 mutant, in the zebrafish Mesp quadruple mutant embryos the positions of somite boundaries were clearly determined and morphological boundaries were formed, although their formation was not completely normal. However, each somite was caudalized in a similar manner to the mouse Mesp2 mutant, and the superficial horizontal myoseptum and lateral line primordia were not properly formed in the quadruple mutants. These results clarify the conserved and species-specific roles of Mesp in the link between the molecular clock and somite morphogenesis.

Genetic screens for mutations affecting adult traits and parental-effect genes

Forward genetics remains an important approach for the unbiased identification of factors involved in biological pathways. Forward genetic analysis in the zebrafish has until now largely been restricted to the developmental period from zygotic genome activation through the end of embryogenesis. However, the use of the zebrafish as a model system for the analysis of late larval, juvenile and adult traits, including fertility and maternal and paternal effects, continues to gain momentum. Here, we describe two approaches, based on an F3-extended family and gynogenetic methods, that allow genetic screening for, and recovery of mutations affecting post-embryonic stages, including adult traits, fertility, and parental effects. For each approach, we also describe strategies to maintain, map, and molecularly clone the identified mutations.

Methods to study maternal regulation of germ cell specification in zebrafish

The process by which the germ line is specified in the zebrafish embryo is under the control of maternal gene products that were produced during oogenesis. Zebrafish are highly amenable to microscopic observation of the processes governing maternal germ cell specification because early embryos are transparent, and the germ line is specified rapidly (within 4-5h post fertilization). Advantages of zebrafish over other models used to study vertebrate germ cell formation include their genetic tractability, the large numbers of progeny, and the easily manipulable genome, all of which make zebrafish an ideal system for studying the genetic regulators and cellular basis of germ cell formation and maintenance. Classical molecular biology techniques, including expression analysis through in situ hybridization and forward genetic screens, have laid the foundation for our understanding of germ cell development in zebrafish. In this chapter, we discuss some of these classic techniques, as well as recent cutting-edge methodologies that have improved our ability to visualize the process of germ cell specification and differentiation, and the tracking of specific molecules involved in these processes. Additionally, we discuss traditional and novel technologies for manipulating the zebrafish genome to identify new components through loss-of-function studies of putative germ cell regulators. Together with the numerous aforementioned advantages of zebrafish as a genetic model for studying development, we believe these new techniques will continue to advance zebrafish to the forefront for investigation of the molecular regulators of germ cell specification and germ line biology.

Tbx protein level critical for clock-mediated somite positioning is regulated through interaction between Tbx and Ripply

Somitogenesis in vertebrates is a complex and dynamic process involving many sequences of events generated from the segmentation clock. Previous studies with mouse embryos revealed that the presumptive somite boundary is periodically created at the anterior border of the expression domain of Tbx6 protein. Ripply1 and Ripply2 are required for the determination of the Tbx6 protein border, but the mechanism by which this Tbx6 domain is regulated remains unclear. Furthermore, since zebrafish and frog Ripplys are known to be able to suppress Tbx6 function at the transcription level, it is also unclear whether Ripply-mediated mechanism of Tbx6 regulation is conserved among different species. Here, we tested the generality of Tbx6 protein-mediated process in somite segmentation by using zebrafish and further examined the mechanism of regulation of Tbx6 protein. By utilizing an antibody against zebrafish Tbx6/Fss, previously referred to as Tbx24, we found that the anterior border of Tbx6 domain coincided with the presumptive intersomitic boundary even in the zebrafish and it shifted dynamically during 1 cycle of segmentation. Consistent with the findings in mice, the tbx6 mRNA domain was located far anterior to its protein domain, indicating the possibility of posttranscriptional regulation. When both ripply1/2 were knockdown, the Tbx6 domain was anteriorly expanded. We further directly demonstrated that Ripply could reduce the expression level of Tbx6 protein depending on physical interaction between Ripply and Tbx6. Moreover, the onset of ripply1 and ripply2 expression occurred after reduction of FGF signaling at the anterior PSM, but this expression initiated much earlier on treatment with SU5402, a chemical inhibitor of FGF signaling. These results strongly suggest that Ripply is a direct regulator of the Tbx6 protein level for the establishment of intersomitic boundaries and mediates a reduction in FGF signaling for the positioning of the presumptive intersomitic boundary in the PSM.

Biphasic assembly of the contractile apparatus during the first two cell division cycles in zebrafish embryos

The large and optically clear embryos of the zebrafish provide an excellent model system in which to study the dynamic assembly of the essential contractile band components, actin and myosin, via double fluorescent labelling in combination with confocal microscopy. We report the rapid appearance (i.e. within <2 min) of a restricted arc of F-actin patches along the prospective furrow plane in a central, apical region of the blastodisc cortex. These patches then fused with each other end-to-end forming multiple actin cables, which were subsequently bundled together forming an F-actin band. During this initial assembly phase, the F-actin-based structure did not elongate laterally, but was still restricted to an arc extending ~15° either side of the blastodisc apex. This initial assembly phase was then followed by an extension phase, where additional F-actin patches were added to each end of the original arc, thus extending it out to the edges of the blastodisc. The dynamics of phosphorylated myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) recruitment to this F-actin scaffold also reflect the two-phase nature of the contractile apparatus assembly. MLC2 was not associated with the initial F-actin arc, but MLC2 clusters were recruited and assembled into the extending ends of the band. We propose that the MLC2-free central region of the contractile apparatus acts to position and then extend the cleavage furrow in the correct plane, while the actomyosin ends alone generate the force required for furrow ingression. This biphasic assembly strategy may be required to successfully divide the early cells of large embryos.

Fixation/permeabilization: new alternative procedure for immunofluorescence and mRNA in situ hybridization of vertebrate and invertebrate embryos

A new procedure is described to visualize the spatial pattern of expression of proteins and mRNAs in cryosections or whole-mounted leech, Drosophila, zebrafish, and chick embryos. Our principal contribution is in the use of a nonconventional fixation/permeabilization procedure based on the use of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde combined with a short C-chain carboxylic acid. Detergents, methanol, and proteinases were omitted. Hybridization procedures were modified from those of routinely used protocols developed for the same embryos. Results showed that cytoskeletal and other cytoplasmic proteins, as well as different mRNAs, were clearly visualized in the expected regions of the embryos. Our procedure has several advantages over currently used protocols: is simpler, produces better general preservation of cells, yields reliable results, and can be used for embryos of different taxa at different developmental stages. It is hypothesized that short C-chain aliphatic carboxylic acids modulate the cross-linking effect of aldehyde fixatives on cell proteins.

Mesogenin causes embryonic mesoderm progenitors to differentiate during development of zebrafish tail somites

The molecular mechanism underlying somite development differs along the embryonic antero-posterior axis. In zebrafish, cell lineage tracing and genetic analysis have revealed a difference in somite development between the trunk and tail. For instance, spadetail/tbx16 (spt) mutant embryos lack trunk somites but not tail ones. Trunk and tail somites are developed from mesodermal progenitor cells (MPCs) located in the tailbud. While the undifferentiated state of MPCs is maintained by mutual activation between Wnt and Brachyury/Ntl, the mechanism by which the MPCs differentiate into presomitic mesoderm (PSM) cells remains largely unclear. Especially, the molecules that promote PSM differentiation during tail development should be clarified. Here, we show that zebrafish embryos defective in mesogenin1 (msgn1) and spt failed to differentiate into PSM cells in tail development and show increased expression of wnt8 and ntl. Msgn1 acted in a cell-autonomous manner and as a transcriptional activator in PSM differentiation. The expression of msgn1 initially overlapped with that of ntl in the ventral tailbud, as previously reported; and its mis-expression caused ectopic expression of tbx24, a PSM marker gene, only in the tailbud and posterior notochord, both of which expressed ntl in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, the PSM-inducing activity of misexpressed msgn1 was enhanced by co-expression with ntl. Thus, Msgn1 exercised its PSM-inducing activity in cells expressing ntl. Based on these results, we speculate that msgn1 expression in association with that of ntl may allow the differentiation of progenitor cells to proceed during development of somites in the tail.

Tumor suppressor Lzap regulates cell cycle progression, doming, and zebrafish epiboly

Initial stages of embryonic development rely on rapid, synchronized cell divisions of the fertilized egg followed by a set of morphogenetic movements collectively called epiboly and gastrulation. Lzap is a putative tumor suppressor whose expression is lost in 30% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Lzap activities include regulation of cell cycle progression and response to therapeutic agents. Here, we explore developmental roles of the lzap gene during zebrafish morphogenesis. Lzap is highly conserved among vertebrates and is maternally deposited. Expression is initially ubiquitous during gastrulation, and later becomes more prominent in the pharyngeal arches, digestive tract, and brain. Antisense morpholino-mediated depletion of Lzap resulted in delayed cell divisions and apoptosis during blastomere formation, resulting in fewer, larger cells. Cell cycle analysis suggested that Lzap loss in early embryonic cells resulted in a G2/M arrest. Furthermore, the Lzap-deficient embryos failed to initiate epiboly--the earliest morphogenetic movement in animal development--which has been shown to be dependent on cell adhesion and migration of epithelial sheets. Our results strongly implicate Lzap in regulation of cell cycle progression, adhesion and migratory activity of epithelial cell sheets during early development. These functions provide further insight into Lzap activity that may contribute not only to development, but also to tumor formation.

Vertebrate maternal-effect genes: Insights into fertilization, early cleavage divisions, and germ cell determinant localization from studies in the zebrafish

In the earliest stages of animal development prior to the commencement of zygotic transcription, all critical cellular processes are carried out by maternally-provided molecular products accumulated in the egg during oogenesis. Disruption of these maternal products can lead to defective embryogenesis. In this review, we focus on maternal genes with roles in the fundamental processes of fertilization, cell division, centrosome regulation, and germ cell development with emphasis on findings from the zebrafish, as this is a unique and valuable model system for vertebrate reproduction.

Early zebrafish development: it's in the maternal genes

The earliest stages of embryonic development in all animals examined rely on maternal gene products that are generated during oogenesis and supplied to the egg. The period of maternal control of embryonic development varies among animals according to the onset of zygotic transcription and the persistence of maternal gene products. This maternal regulation has been little studied in vertebrates, owing to the difficulty in manipulating maternal gene function and lack of basic molecular information. However, recent maternal-effect screens in the zebrafish have generated more than 40 unique mutants that are providing new molecular entry points to the maternal control of early vertebrate development. Here we discuss recent studies of 12 zebrafish mutant genes that illuminate the maternal molecular controls on embryonic development, including advances in the regulation of animal-vegetal polarity, egg activation, cleavage development, body plan formation, tissue morphogenesis, microRNA function and germ cell development.

The maternal-effect gene cellular island encodes aurora B kinase and is essential for furrow formation in the early zebrafish embryo

Females homozygous for a mutation in cellular island (cei) produce embryos with defects in cytokinesis during early development. Analysis of the cytoskeletal events associated with furrow formation reveal that these defects include a general delay in furrow initiation as well as a complete failure to form furrow-associated structures in distal regions of the blastodisc. A linkage mapping-based candidate gene approach, including transgenic rescue, shows that cei encodes the zebrafish Aurora B kinase homologue. Genetic complementation analysis between the cei mutation and aurB zygotic lethal mutations corroborate gene assignment and reveal a complex nature of the maternal-effect cei allele, which appears to preferentially affect a function important for cytokinesis in the early blastomeres. Surprisingly, in cei mutant embryos a short yet otherwise normal furrow forms in the center of the blastodisc. Furrow formation is absent throughout the width of the blastodisc in cei mutant embryos additionally mutant for futile cycle, which lack a spindle apparatus, showing that the residual furrow signal present in cei mutants is derived from the mitotic spindle. Our analysis suggests that partially redundant signals derived from the spindle and astral apparatus mediate furrow formation in medial and distal regions of the early embryonic blastomeres, respectively, possibly as a spatial specialization to achieve furrow formation in these large cells. In addition, our data also suggest a role for Cei/AurB function in the reorganization of the furrow-associated microtubules in both early cleavage- and somite-stage embryos. In accordance with the requirement for cei/aurB in furrow induction in the early cleavage embryo, germ plasm recruitment to the forming furrow is also affected in embryos lacking normal cei/aurB function.

Activator-to-repressor conversion of T-box transcription factors by the Ripply family of Groucho/TLE-associated mediators

The T-box family of transcription factors, defined by a conserved DNA binding domain called the T-box, regulate various aspects of embryogenesis by activating and/or repressing downstream genes. In spite of the biological significance of the T-box proteins, how they regulate transcription remains to be elucidated. Here we show that the Groucho/TLE-associated protein Ripply converts T-box proteins from activators to repressors. In cultured cells, zebrafish Ripply1, an essential component in somite segmentation, and its structural relatives, Ripply2 and -3, suppress the transcriptional activation mediated by the T-box protein Tbx24, which is coexpressed with ripply1 during segmentation. Ripply1 associates with Tbx24 and converts it to a repressor. Ripply1 also antagonizes the transcriptional activation of another T-box protein, No tail (Ntl), the zebrafish ortholog of Brachyury. Furthermore, injection of a high dosage of ripply1 mRNA into zebrafish eggs causes defective development of the posterior trunk, similar to the phenotype observed in homozygous mutants of ntl. A mutant form of Ripply1 defective in association with Tbx24 also lacks activity in zebrafish embryos. These results indicate that the intrinsic transcriptional property of T-box proteins is controlled by Ripply family proteins, which act as specific adaptors that recruit the global corepressor Groucho/TLE to T-box proteins.

Misty somites, a maternal effect gene identified by transposon-mediated insertional mutagenesis in zebrafish that is essential for the somite boundary maintenance

Somite boundary formation is crucial for segmentation of vertebrate somites and vertebrae and skeletal muscle morphogenesis. Previously, we developed a Tol2 transposon-mediated gene trap method in zebrafish. In the present study, we aimed to isolate transposon insertions that trap maternally-expressed genes. We found that homozygous female fish carrying a transposon insertion within a maternally-expressed gene misty somites (mys) produced embryos that showed obscure somite boundaries at the early segmentation stage (12-13 hpf). The somite boundaries became clear and distinct after this period and the embryos survived to adulthood. This phenotype was rescued by expression of mys cDNA in the homozygous adults, confirming that it was caused by a decreased mys activity. We analyzed a role of the mys gene by using morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs). The MO-injected embryo exhibited severer phenotypes than the insertional mutant probably because the mys gene was partially active in the insertional mutant. The MO-injected embryo also showed the obscure somite boundary phenotype. Fibronectin and phosphorylated FAK at the intersomitic regions were accumulated at the boundaries at this stage, but, unlike wild type embryos, somitic cells adjacent to the boundaries did not undergo epithelialization, suggesting that Mys is required for epithelialization of the somitic cells. Then in the MO-injected embryos, the boundaries once became clear and distinct, but, in the subsequent stages, disappeared, resulting in abnormal muscle morphogenesis. Accumulation of Fibronectin and phosphorylated FAK observed in the initial stage also disappeared. Thus, Mys is crucial for maintenance of the somite boundaries formed at the initial stage. To analyze the mys defect at the cellular level, we placed cells dissociated from the MO-injected embryo on Fibronectin-coated glasses. By this cell spreading assay, we found that the mys-deficient cells reduced the activity to form lamellipodia on Fibronectin while FAK was activated in these cells. Thus, we demonstrate that a novel gene misty somites is essential for epithelialization of the somitic cells and maintenance of the somite boundary. Furthermore, Mys may play a role in a cellular pathway leading to lamellipodia formation in response to the Fibronectin signaling. We propose that the Tol2 transposon mediated gene trap method is powerful to identify a novel gene involved in vertebrate development.

The zebrafish maternal-effect gene cellular atoll encodes the centriolar component sas-6 and defects in its paternal function promote whole genome duplication

A female-sterile zebrafish maternal-effect mutation in cellular atoll (cea) results in defects in the initiation of cell division starting at the second cell division cycle. This phenomenon is caused by defects in centrosome duplication, which in turn affect the formation of a bipolar spindle. We show that cea encodes the centriolar coiled-coil protein Sas-6, and that zebrafish Cea/Sas-6 protein localizes to centrosomes. cea also has a genetic paternal contribution, which when mutated results in an arrested first cell division followed by normal cleavage. Our data supports the idea that, in zebrafish, paternally inherited centrosomes are required for the first cell division while maternally derived factors are required for centrosomal duplication and cell divisions in subsequent cell cycles. DNA synthesis ensues in the absence of centrosome duplication, and the one-cycle delay in the first cell division caused by cea mutant sperm leads to whole genome duplication. We discuss the potential implications of these findings with regards to the origin of polyploidization in animal species. In addition, the uncoupling of developmental time and cell division count caused by the cea mutation suggests the presence of a time window, normally corresponding to the first two cell cycles, which is permissive for germ plasm recruitment.

Paf1 complex homologues are required for Notch-regulated transcription during somite segmentation

Members of the yeast polymerase-associated factor 1 (Paf1) complex, which is composed of at least five components (Paf1, Rtf1, Cdc73, Leo1 and Ctr9), are conserved from yeast to humans. Although these proteins have been implicated in RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription, their roles in vertebrate development have not been explained. Here, we show that a zebrafish mutant with a somite segmentation defect is deficient in rtf1. In addition, embryos deficient in rtf1 or ctr9 show abnormal development of the heart, ears and neural crest cells. rtf1 is required for correct RNA levels of the Notch-regulated genes her1, her7 and deltaC, and also for Notch-induced her1 expression in the presomitic mesoderm. Furthermore, the phenotype observed in rtf1-deficient mutants is enhanced by an additional deficiency in mind bomb, which encodes an effector of Notch signalling. Therefore, zebrafish homologues of the yeast Paf1 complex seem to preferentially affect a subset of genes, including Notch-regulated genes, during embryogenesis.

A role for non-muscle myosin II function in furrow maturation in the early zebrafish embryo

Cytokinesis in early zebrafish embryos involves coordinated changes in the f-actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeleton, and the recruitment of adhesion junction components to the furrow. We show that exposure to inhibitors of non-muscle myosin II function does not affect furrow ingression during the early cleavage cycles but interferes with the recruitment of pericleavage f-actin and cortical beta-catenin aggregates to the furrow, as well as the remodeling of the furrow microtubule array. This remodeling is in turn required for the distal aggregation of the zebrafish germ plasm. Embryos with reduced myosin activity also exhibit at late stages of cytokinesis a stabilized contractile ring apparatus that appears as a ladder-like pattern of short f-actin cables, supporting a role for myosin function in the disassembly of the contractile ring after furrow formation. Our studies support a role for myosin function in furrow maturation that is independent of furrow ingression and which is essential for the recruitment of furrow components and the remodeling of the cytoskeleton during cytokinesis.

The anaphase-promoting complex is required in both dividing and quiescent cells during zebrafish development

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) regulates multiple stages of the cell cycle, most prominently mitosis. We describe zebrafish with mutations in two APC/C subunits, Cdc16 and Cdc26, whose phenotypes reveal a multifaceted set of defects resulting from the gradual depletion of the APC/C. First, loss of the APC/C in dividing cells results in mitotic arrest, followed by apoptosis. This defect becomes detectable in different organs at different larval ages, because the subunits of the APC/C are maternally deposited, are unusually stable, and are depleted at uneven rates in different tissues. Second, loss of the APC/C in quiescent or differentiated cells results in improper re-entry into the cell cycle, again in an apparently tissue-specific manner. This study is the first demonstration of both functions of the APC/C in a vertebrate organism and also provides an illustration of the surprisingly complex effects that essential, maternally supplied factors can have on the growing animal over a period of 10 days or longer.

Separate pathways of RNA recruitment lead to the compartmentalization of the zebrafish germ plasm

The maternal RNAs vasa, dead end, nanos1, and daz-like all become localized to the peripheral ends of the first and second cleavage furrows, where they form part of the zebrafish germ plasm. We show that aggregates of a first class of germ plasm components, which include dead end, nanos1, and vasa RNAs, are initially present in a wide cortical band at the animal pole. Aggregates containing these three RNAs appear to be associated with f-actin, which during the first cell cycle undergoes a microtubule-dependent movement towards the periphery as well as circumferential alignment. These cytoskeletal rearrangements lead to the further aggregation of particles containing these RNAs and their concomitant recruitment to the forming furrow. Aggregates containing a second class of germ plasm RNA components, which include the transcript for daz-like, translocate along the plane of the cortex towards the animal pole, where they are recruited to the germ plasm. After recruitment to the furrow, these two classes of RNAs occupy overlapping yet distinct regions of the germ plasm, and this arrangement is maintained during the early cleavage stages. Our observations suggest that separate pathways of RNA recruitment facilitate the compartmentalization of the zebrafish germ plasm.

Groucho-Associated Transcriptional Repressor Ripply1 Is Required for Proper Transition from the Presomitic Mesoderm to Somites

Concomitant with the transition from the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) to somites, the periodical gene expression characteristic of the PSM is drastically changed and translated into the segmental structure. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this transition has remained obscure. Here, we show that ripply1, encoding a nuclear protein associated with the transcriptional corepressor Groucho, is required for this transition. Zebrafish ripply1 is expressed in the anterior PSM and in several newly formed somites. Ripply1 represses mesp-b expression in the PSM through a Groucho-interacting motif. In ripply1-deficient embryos, somite boundaries do not form, the characteristic gene expression in the PSM is not properly terminated, and the initially established rostrocaudal polarity in the segmental unit is not maintained, whereas paraxial mesoderm cells become differentiated. Thus, ripply1 plays dual roles in the transition from the PSM to somites: termination of the segmentation program in the PSM and maintenance of the rostrocaudal polarity.

Integrinalpha5-dependent fibronectin accumulation for maintenance of somite boundaries in zebrafish embryos

Boundary formation and epithelialization are crucial processes in the morphological segmentation of vertebrate somites. By a genetic screening procedure with zebrafish, we identified two genes, integrinalpha5 (itga5) and fibronectin (fn), required for these processes. Fibronectin proteins accumulate at somite boundaries in accordance with epithelialization of the somites. Both Fibronectin accumulation and the epithelialization are dependent on itga5, which is expressed in the most medial part of somites. Although somite boundaries are initially formed, but not maintained, in the anterior trunk of the mutant embryos deficient in either gene, their maintenance is defective at all axial levels of embryos deficient for both of these genes. Therefore, Integrinalpha5-directed assembly of Fibronectin appears critical for epithelialization and boundary maintenance of somites. Furthermore, with an additional deficiency in ephrin-B2a, the segmental defect in itga5 or fn mutant embryos is expanded posteriorly, indicating that both Integrin-Fibronectin and Eph-Ephrin systems function cooperatively in maintaining somite boundaries.

Zebrafish hairy/enhancer of split protein links FGF signaling to cyclic gene expression in the periodic segmentation of somites

Notch and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways have been implicated in the establishment of proper periodicity of vertebrate somites. Here, we show evidence that a Hes6-related hairy/Enhancer of split-related gene, her13.2, links FGF signaling to the Notch-regulated oscillation machinery in zebrafish. Expression of her13.2 is induced by FGF-soaked beads and decreased by an FGF signaling inhibitor. her13.2 is required for periodic repression of the Notch-regulated genes her1 and her7, and for proper somite segmentation. Furthermore, Her13.2 augments autorepression of her1 in association with Her1 protein. Therefore, FGF signaling appears to maintain the oscillation machinery by supplying a binding partner, Her13.2, for Her1.

Regulation of cleavage by protein kinase C inChaetopterus

We report that protein kinase C (PKC) plays a regulatory role in early cleavage in Chaetopterus eggs. Using Western blotting, we assayed the expression patterns of conventional PKCs (cPKC), novel PKCs (nPKC), and atypical PKCs (aPKC). During early development after fertilization, PKC protein levels varied independently by isoform. PKC protein expression during differentiation, without cleavage and after parthenogenetic activation, was very similar to that during normal development indicating that PKC gene expression does not require cellularization. Since PKC has been shown to regulate meiosis in this organism, we also assayed the membrane association of these isoforms as an indicator of their activation during meiosis and early cleavage. PKC-gamma transiently associated with membranes and therefore became activated before meiotic division and cleavage, whereas PKC-alpha and -beta transiently dissociated from membranes and therefore became inactivated at these times. Inhibition of these PKC isoforms by bisindolylmaleimide I had no effect on cleavage or early development to the trochophore larva, indicating that PKC-gamma activation is not essential for cleavage or early development. However, their persistent activation by thymeleatoxin blocked cleavage. The results indicate that the dissociation of PKC-alpha and/or -beta from the membrane fraction, and therefore their inactivation, is essential for normal cleavage. Elevated PKC activity is essential for nuclear envelope breakdown and spindle formation at meiosis I. By contrast, down-regulation of this activity is essential for cleavage after fertilization.