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Koshy AM, Mendoza-Parra MA. Retinoids: Mechanisms of Action in Neuronal Cell Fate Acquisition. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2279. [PMID: 38137880 PMCID: PMC10744663 DOI: 10.3390/life13122279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation has been shown to be directed by retinoid action during embryo development and has been exploited in various in vitro cell differentiation systems. In this review, we summarize the role of retinoids through the activation of their specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors during embryo development and also in a variety of in vitro strategies for neuronal differentiation, including recent efforts in driving cell specialization towards a range of neuronal subtypes and glial cells. Finally, we highlight the role of retinoic acid in recent protocols recapitulating nervous tissue complexity (cerebral organoids). Overall, we expect that this effort might pave the way for exploring the usage of specific synthetic retinoids for directing complex nervous tissue differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Antonio Mendoza-Parra
- UMR 8030 Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, University of Evry-val-d’Essonne, University Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France;
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2
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Hawkins MR, Wingert RA. Zebrafish as a Model to Study Retinoic Acid Signaling in Development and Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041180. [PMID: 37189798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a metabolite of vitamin A (retinol) that plays various roles in development to influence differentiation, patterning, and organogenesis. RA also serves as a crucial homeostatic regulator in adult tissues. The role of RA and its associated pathways are well conserved from zebrafish to humans in both development and disease. This makes the zebrafish a natural model for further interrogation into the functions of RA and RA-associated maladies for the sake of basic research, as well as human health. In this review, we explore both foundational and recent studies using zebrafish as a translational model for investigating RA from the molecular to the organismal scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Hawkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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3
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McGarvey AC, Kopp W, Vučićević D, Mattonet K, Kempfer R, Hirsekorn A, Bilić I, Gil M, Trinks A, Merks AM, Panáková D, Pombo A, Akalin A, Junker JP, Stainier DY, Garfield D, Ohler U, Lacadie SA. Single-cell-resolved dynamics of chromatin architecture delineate cell and regulatory states in zebrafish embryos. CELL GENOMICS 2022; 2:100083. [PMID: 36777038 PMCID: PMC9903790 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2021.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DNA accessibility of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) dictates transcriptional activity and drives cell differentiation during development. While many genes regulating embryonic development have been identified, the underlying CRE dynamics controlling their expression remain largely uncharacterized. To address this, we produced a multimodal resource and genomic regulatory map for the zebrafish community, which integrates single-cell combinatorial indexing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (sci-ATAC-seq) with bulk histone PTMs and Hi-C data to achieve a genome-wide classification of the regulatory architecture determining transcriptional activity in the 24-h post-fertilization (hpf) embryo. We characterized the genome-wide chromatin architecture at bulk and single-cell resolution, applying sci-ATAC-seq on whole 24-hpf stage zebrafish embryos, generating accessibility profiles for ∼23,000 single nuclei. We developed a genome segmentation method, ScregSeg (single-cell regulatory landscape segmentation), for defining regulatory programs, and candidate CREs, specific to one or more cell types. We integrated the ScregSeg output with bulk measurements for histone post-translational modifications and 3D genome organization and identified new regulatory principles between chromatin modalities prevalent during zebrafish development. Sci-ATAC-seq profiling of npas4l/cloche mutant embryos identified novel cellular roles for this hematovascular transcriptional master regulator and suggests an intricate mechanism regulating its expression. Our work defines regulatory architecture and principles in the zebrafish embryo and establishes a resource of cell-type-specific genome-wide regulatory annotations and candidate CREs, providing a valuable open resource for genomics, developmental, molecular, and computational biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C. McGarvey
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany,Quantitative Developmental Biology, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kopp
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany,Bioinformatics and Omics Data Science Platform, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Dubravka Vučićević
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Kenny Mattonet
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany
| | - Rieke Kempfer
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,Institute for Biology, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Antje Hirsekorn
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Ilija Bilić
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Marine Gil
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Alexandra Trinks
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Anne Margarete Merks
- Electrochemical Signaling in Development and Disease, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Daniela Panáková
- Electrochemical Signaling in Development and Disease, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Ana Pombo
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,Institute for Biology, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Altuna Akalin
- Bioinformatics and Omics Data Science Platform, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Junker
- Quantitative Developmental Biology, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Didier Y.R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany
| | - David Garfield
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Uwe Ohler
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany,Institute for Biology, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany,Corresponding author
| | - Scott Allen Lacadie
- Computational Regulatory Genomics, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 10115, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 10178, Germany,Corresponding author
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4
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Crawford KA, Clark BW, Heiger-Bernays WJ, Karchner SI, Hahn ME, Nacci DE, Schlezinger JJ. Tributyltin disrupts fin development in Fundulus heteroclitus from both PCB-sensitive and resistant populations: Investigations of potential interactions between AHR and PPARγ. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 218:105334. [PMID: 31743820 PMCID: PMC6935467 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental contaminants that are highly toxic to fish and co-occur in New Bedford Harbor (NBH), an estuarine Superfund site located in Massachusetts, USA. Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) that reside in NBH (and other highly contaminated sites along the east coast of the United States) have developed resistance to activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway and the toxicity of dioxin-like chemicals, such as 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl, PCB126. In many biological systems, TBT disregulates adipose and bone development via the PPARγ-RXR pathway; AHR activation also disrupts adipose and bone homeostasis, potentially through molecular crosstalk between AHR and PPARγ. However, little is known about how co-exposure and the interaction of these pathways modulate the toxicological effects of these contaminants. Here, we tested the hypotheses that TBT would induce teratogenesis in killifish via activation of PPARγ and that PCB126 co-exposure would suppress PPARγ pathway activation in PCB-sensitive killifish from a reference site (Scorton Creek, SC, PCB-sensitive) but not in PCB-tolerant NBH killifish. Killifish embryos from both populations exposed to TBT (50 and 100 nM) displayed caudal fin deformities. TBT did not change the expression of pparg or its target genes related to adipogenesis (fabp11a and fabp1b) in either population. However, expression of osx/sp7, an osteoblast marker gene, and col2a1b, a chondroblast marker gene, was significantly suppressed by TBT only in SC killifish. An RXR-specific agonist, but not a PPARγ-specific agonist, induced caudal fin deformities like those observed in TBT-treated embryos. PCB126 did not induce caudal fin deformities and did not exacerbate TBT-induced fin deformities. Further, PCB126 increased expression of pparg in SC embryos and not NBH embryos, but did not change the expression of fabp1b. Taken together, these results suggest that in killifish embryos the PPARγ pathway is regulated in part by AHR, but is minimally active at least in this early life stage. In killifish, RXR activation, rather than PPARγ activation, appears to be the mechanism by which TBT induces caudal fin teratogenicity, which is not modulated by AHR responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Crawford
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - B W Clark
- Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - W J Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - S I Karchner
- Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - M E Hahn
- Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - D E Nacci
- Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - J J Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Superfund Research Program, Boston, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA.
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5
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Cunha V, Santos MM, Moradas-Ferreira P, Castro LFC, Ferreira M. Simvastatin modulates gene expression of key receptors in zebrafish embryos. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:465-476. [PMID: 28682217 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1335258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NR) are involved in the regulation of several metabolic processes and it is well known that these constituents may be modulated by different chemicals classes, including pharmaceuticals that may activate or antagonize NR. In mammals, some pharmaceuticals modulate the transcription of pregnane X receptor, Pxr, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, Ppars, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Ahr, affecting mRNA expression of genes belonging to various regulatory pathways, including lipid metabolism and detoxification mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of simvastatin (SIM), an anticholesterolemic drug, on selected NR and AhR mRNA transcription levels during zebrafish early development. Embryos were collected at different development stages (0, 2, 6, 14, 24, 48, and 72 hr post fertilization (hpf)) and mRNA of all target NR was detected at all time points. Embryos (1 and 24 hpf) were exposed to different concentrations of SIM (5 or 50 μg/L) in two differing assays with varying exposure times (2 or 80 hr). The transcription levels of ahr2, raraa, rarab, rarga, pparαa, pparβ1, pparγ, pxr, rxraa, rxrab, rxrbb, rxrga, rxrgb, as well as levels of cholesterol (Chol) were measured after exposure. SIM exerted no marked effect on Chol levels, and depending upon exposure duration mRNA levels of NR and AhR either increased or decreased. After 2 hr SIM treatment in 24 hpf embryos, transcription of ppars, pxr, and ahr was up-regulated, while after 80 hr mRNA levels of pxr and ahr were decreased with no marked changes in ppars. Data demonstrate that SIM produced alterations in gene expression of NR which are involved in varying physiological functions and that may disturb regulation of different physiological processes which might impair fish survival and ecosystems regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cunha
- a CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n , Matosinhos , Portugal
- b ICBAS/UP-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - M M Santos
- a CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n , Matosinhos , Portugal
- c FCUP-Department of Biology , Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre , Porto , Portugal
| | - P Moradas-Ferreira
- b ICBAS/UP-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
- d I3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - L F C Castro
- a CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n , Matosinhos , Portugal
- c FCUP-Department of Biology , Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre , Porto , Portugal
| | - M Ferreira
- a CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n , Matosinhos , Portugal
- e School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science , Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Private mail box, Laucala Bay Road , Suva , Fiji Islands
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6
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Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) form a superfamily of transcription factors that can be activated by ligands and are involved in a wide range of physiological processes. NRs are well conserved between vertebrate species. The zebrafish, an increasingly popular animal model system, contains a total of 73 NR genes, and orthologues of almost all human NRs are present. In this review article, an overview is presented of NR research in which the zebrafish has been used as a model. Research is described on the three most studied zebrafish NRs: the estrogen receptors (ERs), retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The studies on these receptors illustrate the versatility of the zebrafish as a model for ecotoxicological, developmental and biomedical research. Although the use of the zebrafish in NR research is still relatively limited, it is expected that in the next decade the full potential of this animal model will be exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel J M Schaaf
- Institute of Biology (IBL)Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Wu Y, Su G, Tang S, Liu W, Ma Z, Zheng X, Liu H, Yu H. The combination of in silico and in vivo approaches for the investigation of disrupting effects of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) toward core receptors of zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 168:122-130. [PMID: 27776230 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), a substitute for brominated flame retardants (FRs) that have been phased out of use, is frequently detected in aqueous environments. However, previous studies on its endocrine disrupting effects have mainly focused on terrestrial mammals. Here, to comprehensively evaluate the potential adverse effects of TCEP on aquatic vertebrates, zebrafish was used as a model to examine developmental phenotypes. The underlying mechanisms of toxicity of TCEP were further explored using in silico and in vivo approaches. In vivo results demonstrated morphologic changes and mortalities of zebrafish when exposed to high concentrations (14,250 and 28,500 μg TCEP/L). In silico results showed that TCEP can bind to and interact with nuclear receptors with different patterns. The combination of in vivo and in silico analyses indicated that receptors can influence each other at the molecular level and that ER, ThR, RXR and RyR were the key receptors influencing the transcriptional pathways. Our results demonstrate that TCEP has adverse effects at relatively low concentrations by affecting key receptors and genes of vertebrates. These results exhibited the need for further studies to evaluate the potential health risks of TCEP to human infants/children due to its high concentration in Chinese rivers (up to 3700 ng/L) and potential for human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guanyong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Song Tang
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210036, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinmei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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8
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Metzler MA, Sandell LL. Enzymatic Metabolism of Vitamin A in Developing Vertebrate Embryos. Nutrients 2016; 8:E812. [PMID: 27983671 PMCID: PMC5188467 DOI: 10.3390/nu8120812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is orchestrated by a small number of signaling pathways, one of which is the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway. Vitamin A is essential for vertebrate embryonic development because it is the molecular precursor of the essential signaling molecule RA. The level and distribution of RA signaling within a developing embryo must be tightly regulated; too much, or too little, or abnormal distribution, all disrupt embryonic development. Precise regulation of RA signaling during embryogenesis is achieved by proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism, retinoid transport, nuclear signaling, and RA catabolism. The reversible first step in conversion of the precursor vitamin A to the active retinoid RA is mediated by retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) and dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR family) member 3 (DHRS3), two related membrane-bound proteins that functionally activate each other to mediate the interconversion of retinol and retinal. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes do not contribute to RA production under normal conditions during embryogenesis. Genes involved in vitamin A metabolism and RA catabolism are expressed in tissue-specific patterns and are subject to feedback regulation. Mutations in genes encoding these proteins disrupt morphogenesis of many systems in a developing embryo. Together these observations demonstrate the importance of vitamin A metabolism in regulating RA signaling during embryonic development in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Metzler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40201, USA.
| | - Lisa L Sandell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40201, USA.
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9
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Yang J, Zhu J, Chan KM. BDE-99, but not BDE-47, is a transient aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist in zebrafish liver cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 305:203-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Ouadah-Boussouf N, Babin PJ. Pharmacological evaluation of the mechanisms involved in increased adiposity in zebrafish triggered by the environmental contaminant tributyltin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 294:32-42. [PMID: 26812627 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One proposed contributing factor to the rise in overweight and obesity is exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Tributyltin chloride (TBT), an organotin, induces adipogenesis in cell culture models and may increases adipose mass in vivo in vertebrate model organisms. It has been hypothesized that TBT acts via the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ-dependent pathway. However, the mechanisms involved in the effects of TBT exposure on in vivo adipose tissue metabolism remain unexplored. Semitransparent zebrafish larvae, with their well-developed white adipose tissue, offer a unique opportunity for studying the effects of toxicant chemicals and pharmaceuticals on adipocyte biology and whole-organism adiposity in a vertebrate model. Within hours, zebrafish larvae, treated at environmentally-relevant nanomolar concentrations of TBT, exhibited a remarkable increase in adiposity linked to adipocyte hypertrophy. Under the experimental conditions used, we also demonstrated that zebrafish larvae adipose tissue proved to be highly responsive to selected human nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists. Retinoid X receptor (RXR) homodimers and RXR/liver X receptor heterodimers were suggested to be in vivo effectors of the obesogenic effect of TBT on zebrafish white adipose tissue. RXR/PPARγ heterodimers may be recruited to modulate adiposity in zebrafish but were not a necessary requirement for the short term in vivo TBT obesogenic effect. Together, the present results suggest that TBT may induce the promotion of triacylglycerol storage in adipocytes via RXR-dependent pathways without necessary using PPAR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafia Ouadah-Boussouf
- Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, U1211, F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, U1211, F-33615 Pessac, France.
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11
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Pan YX, Luo Z, Wu K, Zhang LH, Xu YH, Chen QL. Cloning, mRNA expression and transcriptional regulation of five retinoid X receptor subtypes in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco by insulin. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 225:133-141. [PMID: 26519760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily and mediate development, reproduction, homeostasis and cell differentiation processes in vertebrates. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of five rxr subtypes from yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were cloned. Their mRNA expression patterns in different tissues and transcriptional regulation by insulin were determined. Five P. fulvidraco rxr (Pf-rxr) subtypes differed in the length of cDNA sequence and the open reading frame, but shared the similar domain structures as in typical nuclear receptors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five Pf-rxr subtypes were paralogous genes, and that Pf-rxrβa and Pf-rxrβb had arisen during a teleost-specific genome duplication event. Five subtypes of Pf-rxr were detected in all the tested tissues. Overlapping and distinct expression patterns were found for different Pf-rxr subtypes, suggesting functional redundancy and divergence of these duplicates. Intraperitoneal insulin injection and incubation reduced the mRNA expression of Pf-rxrgb, but not other subtypes, in the liver and hepatocytes of P. fulvidraco, respectively, suggesting that Pf-rxrgb is the dominant rxr subtype involved in the insulin signaling pathway in P. fulvidraco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Kun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li-Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yi-Huan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qi-Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Centre of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
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12
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Lyssimachou A, Santos JG, André A, Soares J, Lima D, Guimarães L, Almeida CMR, Teixeira C, Castro LFC, Santos MM. The Mammalian "Obesogen" Tributyltin Targets Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation and the Transcriptional Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in the Liver and Brain of Zebrafish. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143911. [PMID: 26633012 PMCID: PMC4669123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that different Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) interfere with lipid metabolic pathways in mammals and promote fat accumulation, a previously unknown site of action for these compounds. The antifoulant and environmental pollutant tributyltin (TBT), which causes imposex in gastropod snails, induces an “obesogenic” phenotype in mammals, through the activation of the nuclear receptors retinoid X receptor (RXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In teleosts, the effects of TBT on the lipid metabolism are poorly understood, particularly following exposure to low, environmental concentrations. In this context, the present work shows that exposure of zebrafish to 10 and 50 ng/L of TBT (as Sn) from pre-hatch to 9 months of age alters the body weight, condition factor, hepatosomatic index and hepatic triglycerides in a gender and dose related manner. Furthermore, TBT modulated the transcription of key lipid regulating factors and enzymes involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, glucocorticoid metabolism, growth and development in the brain and liver of exposed fish, revealing sexual dimorphic effects in the latter. Overall, the present study shows that the model mammalian obesogen TBT interferes with triglyceride accumulation and the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism in zebrafish and indentifies the brain lipogenic transcription profile of fish as a new target of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Lyssimachou
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (AL); (LFCC); (MMS)
| | - Joana G. Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana André
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Soares
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Lima
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura Guimarães
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - C. Marisa R. Almeida
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
| | - L. Filipe C. Castro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (AL); (LFCC); (MMS)
| | - Miguel M. Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-AL, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050–123, Porto, Portugal
- FCUP–Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (AL); (LFCC); (MMS)
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Stenkamp DL. Development of the Vertebrate Eye and Retina. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:397-414. [PMID: 26310167 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The mature, functional, and healthy eye is generated by the coordinated regulatory interaction of numerous and diverse developing tissues. The neural retina of the eye must undergo the neurogenesis of multiple retinal cell types in the correct ratios and spatial patterns. This chapter provides an overview of retinal development, and includes a summary of the process of eye organogenesis, a discussion of major principles of retinal neurogenesis, and describes some of the key molecular factors critical for retinal development. Defects in many of these factors underlie diseases of the eye, and an understanding of the process of retinal development will be critical for successful future applications of regenerative therapies for eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Stenkamp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.
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14
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Fernández I, Tiago DM, Laizé V, Leonor Cancela M, Gisbert E. Retinoic acid differentially affects in vitro proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of two fish bone-derived cell lines: different gene expression of nuclear receptors and ECM proteins. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 140:34-43. [PMID: 24291400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), the main active metabolite of vitamin A, regulates vertebrate morphogenesis through signaling pathways not yet fully understood. Such process involves the specific activation of retinoic acid and retinoid X receptors (RARs and RXRs), which are nuclear receptors of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. Teleost fish are suitable models to study vertebrate development, such as skeletogenesis. Cell systems capable of in vitro mineralization have been developed for several fish species and may provide new insights into the specific cellular and molecular events related to vitamin A activity in bone, complementary to in vivo studies. This work aims at investigating the in vitro effects of RA (0.5 and 12.5 μM) on proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization of two gilthead seabream bone-derived cell lines (VSa13 and VSa16), and at identifying molecular targets of its action through gene expression analysis. RA induced phenotypic changes and cellular proliferation was inhibited in both cell lines in a cell type-dependent manner (36-59% in VSa13 and 17-46% in VSa16 cells). While RA stimulated mineral deposition in VSa13 cell cultures (50-62% stimulation), it inhibited the mineralization of extracellular matrix in VSa16 cells (11-57% inhibition). Expression of hormone receptor genes (rars and rxrs), and extracellular matrix-related genes such as matrix and bone Gla proteins (mgp and bglap), osteopontin (spp1) and type I collagen (col1a1) were differentially regulated upon exposure to RA in proliferating, differentiating and mineralizing cultures of VSa13 and VSa16 cells. Altogether, our results show: (i) RA affects proliferative and mineralogenic activities in two fish skeletal cell types and (ii) that during phenotype transitions, specific RA nuclear receptors and bone-related genes are differentially expressed in a cell type-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernández
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR/CIMAR-LA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; IRTA, Centre de Sant Carles de la Ràpita (IRTA-SCR), Unitat de Cultius Experimentals, Crta. del Poble Nou s/n, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain.
| | - Daniel M Tiago
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR/CIMAR-LA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Vincent Laizé
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR/CIMAR-LA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR/CIMAR-LA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine (DCBM), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Enric Gisbert
- IRTA, Centre de Sant Carles de la Ràpita (IRTA-SCR), Unitat de Cultius Experimentals, Crta. del Poble Nou s/n, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain
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15
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Oliveira E, Casado M, Raldúa D, Soares A, Barata C, Piña B. Retinoic acid receptors' expression and function during zebrafish early development. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 138:143-51. [PMID: 23619336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) regulates many developmental processes through its binding to two types of nuclear receptors, the retinoic acid receptor (RAR), and the retinoid-X receptor (RXR), which preferentially binds to the 9-cis isomer. Here we analyzed the RAR/RXR regulatory system during the first 5 days of development of zebrafish. Analysis of the relative transcript abundances for the four RAR and the six RXR zebrafish genes present in the zebrafish genome indicates a transition from maternal to embryonic transcripts during the first 24h post fertilization. These changes did not affect the response to exogenous RA of the known RAR-responsive genes cyp26a1, dhrs3a, hoxb1b, hoxb5a, and hoxb5b. At the transcriptomic level, RA treatment elicited a negative feedback of genes involved in the endogenous RA synthesis and reduced levels of transcripts related to organ and anatomic development. These effects occurred at concentrations at which no morphological changes were observed. Data analysis suggests that exposure to exogenous RA results in an advance of the developing program, activating genes that should remain silent until later developmental stages and inhibiting expression of development-related genes. We conclude that zebrafish embryos are particularly sensitive to potential disruptors of the RAR/RXR regulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Oliveira
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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16
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Higdon CW, Mitra RD, Johnson SL. Gene expression analysis of zebrafish melanocytes, iridophores, and retinal pigmented epithelium reveals indicators of biological function and developmental origin. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67801. [PMID: 23874447 PMCID: PMC3706446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to facilitate understanding of pigment cell biology, we developed a method to concomitantly purify melanocytes, iridophores, and retinal pigmented epithelium from zebrafish, and analyzed their transcriptomes. Comparing expression data from these cell types and whole embryos allowed us to reveal gene expression co-enrichment in melanocytes and retinal pigmented epithelium, as well as in melanocytes and iridophores. We found 214 genes co-enriched in melanocytes and retinal pigmented epithelium, indicating the shared functions of melanin-producing cells. We found 62 genes significantly co-enriched in melanocytes and iridophores, illustrative of their shared developmental origins from the neural crest. This is also the first analysis of the iridophore transcriptome. Gene expression analysis for iridophores revealed extensive enrichment of specific enzymes to coordinate production of their guanine-based reflective pigment. We speculate the coordinated upregulation of specific enzymes from several metabolic pathways recycles the rate-limiting substrate for purine synthesis, phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate, thus constituting a guanine cycle. The purification procedure and expression analysis described here, along with the accompanying transcriptome-wide expression data, provide the first mRNA sequencing data for multiple purified zebrafish pigment cell types, and will be a useful resource for further studies of pigment cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Higdon
- Department of Genetics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CWH); (SLJ)
| | - Robi D. Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stephen L. Johnson
- Department of Genetics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CWH); (SLJ)
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17
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Raingeard D, Bilbao E, Cancio I, Cajaraville MP. Retinoid X receptor (RXR), estrogen receptor (ER) and other nuclear receptors in tissues of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Cloning and transcription pattern. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2013; 165:178-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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18
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Maeng S, Kim GJ, Choi EJ, Yang HO, Lee DS, Sohn YC. 9-Cis-retinoic acid induces growth inhibition in retinoid-sensitive breast cancer and sea urchin embryonic cells via retinoid X receptor α and replication factor C3. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1821-35. [PMID: 22949521 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is widespread interest in defining factors and mechanisms that suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent suppressor of mammary cancer and developmental embryonic cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which 9-cis-RA signaling induces growth inhibition in RA-sensitive breast cancer and embryonic cells are not apparent. Here, we provide evidence that the inhibitory effect of 9-cis-RA on cell proliferation depends on 9-cis-RA-dependent interaction of retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) with replication factor C3 (RFC3), which is a subunit of the RFC heteropentamer that opens and closes the circular proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) clamp on DNA. An RFC3 ortholog in a sea urchin cDNA library was isolated by using the ligand-binding domain of RXRα as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screening. The interaction of RFC3 with RXRα depends on 9-cis-RA and bexarotene, but not on all-trans-RA or an RA receptor (RAR)-selective ligand. Truncation and mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that the C-terminal LXXLL motifs in both human and sea urchin RFC3 are critical for the interaction with RXRα. The transient interaction between 9-cis-RA-activated RXRα and RFC3 resulted in reconfiguration of the PCNA-RFC complex. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of RXRα or overexpression of RFC3 impairs the ability of 9-cis-RA to inhibit proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and sea urchin embryogenesis. Our results indicate that 9-cis-RA-activated RXRα suppresses the growth of RA-sensitive breast cancer and embryonic cells through RFC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sejung Maeng
- Department of Marine Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 210-702, Republic of Korea
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19
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Maeng S, Lee JH, Choi SC, Kim MA, Shin YK, Sohn YC. The retinoid X receptor in a marine invertebrate chordate: evolutionary insights from urochordates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 178:380-90. [PMID: 22732083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are highly conserved members of the nuclear hormone receptor family that mediate various physiological processes in vertebrates and invertebrates. We examined the expression patterns of RXR in the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi across a wide range of tissues and stages of embryo development, as well as the regulation of gene transcription by the ascidian RXR. H. roretzi RXR cDNA (HrRXR) was cloned from 64-cell stage embryos. The overall amino acid sequence of HrRXR showed high sequence identity with a urochordate Ciona intestinalis RXR (58%), but the ligand-binding domain of HrRXR was more similar to vertebrate orthologs than to those of invertebrate RXRs. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, HrRXR belongs to a group of urochordates that are separate from vertebrate RXRs, showing a clear evolutionary history. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and whole-mount in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the HrRXR mRNA is of maternal origin during embryogenesis, and in the examined adult tissues it is expressed in the muscles, gills, gonads, and the hepatopancreas. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that HrRXR is localized to the nucleus and highly expressed in the gills and hepatopancreas. Unlike human RXRα, HrRXR did not show 9-cis retinoic acid- and bexarotene (LGD1069)-dependent transactivation. While a synthetic ligand for farnesoid X receptor (FXR), GW4064, did not increase the transcriptional activation in HrRXR- or HrRXR/HrFXR-transfected HEK-293 cells, the ligand showed weak but significant activity for a single amino acid mutant of HrRXR ((Phe)231(Cys)) and HrFXR cotransfected cells. The present study suggests that the marine invertebrate chordate RXR may possess endogenous ligands that are different than vertebrate RXR ligands and which function during early embryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sejung Maeng
- Department of Marine Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 210-702, Republic of Korea
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20
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Philip S, Castro LFC, da Fonseca RR, Reis-Henriques MA, Vasconcelos V, Santos MM, Antunes A. Adaptive evolution of the Retinoid X receptor in vertebrates. Genomics 2012; 99:81-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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21
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Stevens CB, Cameron DA, Stenkamp DL. Plasticity of photoreceptor-generating retinal progenitors revealed by prolonged retinoic acid exposure. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:51. [PMID: 21878117 PMCID: PMC3189157 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-11-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Retinoic acid (RA) is important for vertebrate eye morphogenesis and is a regulator of photoreceptor development in the retina. In the zebrafish, RA treatment of postmitotic photoreceptor precursors has been shown to promote the differentiation of rods and red-sensitive cones while inhibiting the differentiation of blue- and UV-sensitive cones. The roles played by RA and its receptors in modifying photoreceptor fate remain to be determined. Results Treatment of zebrafish embryos with RA, beginning at the time of retinal progenitor cell proliferation and prior to photoreceptor terminal mitosis, resulted in a significant alteration of rod and cone mosaic patterns, suggesting an increase in the production of rods at the expense of red cones. Quantitative pattern analyses documented increased density of rod photoreceptors and reduced local spacing between rod cells, suggesting rods were appearing in locations normally occupied by cone photoreceptors. Cone densities were correspondingly reduced and cone photoreceptor mosaics displayed expanded and less regular spacing. These results were consistent with replacement of approximately 25% of positions normally occupied by red-sensitive cones, with additional rods. Analysis of embryos from a RA-signaling reporter line determined that multiple retinal cell types, including mitotic cells and differentiating rods and cones, are capable of directly responding to RA. The RA receptors RXRγ and RARαb are expressed in patterns consistent with mediating the effects of RA on photoreceptors. Selective knockdown of RARαb expression resulted in a reduction in endogenous RA signaling in the retina. Knockdown of RARαb also caused a reduced production of rods that was not restored by simultaneous treatments with RA. Conclusions These data suggest that developing retinal cells have a dynamic sensitivity to RA during retinal neurogenesis. In zebrafish RA may influence the rod vs. cone cell fate decision. The RARαb receptor mediates the effects of endogenous, as well as exogenous RA, on rod development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig B Stevens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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22
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Linney E, Donerly S, Mackey L, Dobbs-McAuliffe B. The negative side of retinoic acid receptors. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:631-40. [PMID: 21767634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This is a review of research that supports a hypothesis regarding early restriction of gene expression in the vertebrate embryo. We hypothesize that vertebrate retinoic acid receptors (RARs for several vertebrates but rars for zebrafish) are part of an embryonic, epigenetic switch whose default position, at the time of fertilization is "OFF". This is due to the assemblage of a rar-corepressor-histone deacetylase complex on retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) in regulatory regions of a subset of genes. In addition, selective and precise allocation of retinoic acid during early development through the interaction of Phase I enzymes throws the switch "ON" in a predictable, developmental manner. We are proposing that this is a basic, early embryonic switch that can cause the initiation of cascades of gene expression that are responsible for at least some early, diversification of cell phenotypes. Dehydrogenases and a subset of cytochrome p450 genes (cyp26a1, cyp26b1, and cyp26c1) play the major role in providing the retinoic acid and limiting its access. We also suggest that this mechanism may be playing a significant role in the repression of genes in undifferentiated stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elwood Linney
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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23
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Fernández I, Darias M, Andree KB, Mazurais D, Zambonino-Infante JL, Gisbert E. Coordinated gene expression during gilthead sea bream skeletogenesis and its disruption by nutritional hypervitaminosis A. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:7. [PMID: 21306609 PMCID: PMC3045981 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-11-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A (VA) has a key role in vertebrate morphogenesis, determining body patterning and growth through the control of cell proliferation and differentiation processes. VA regulates primary molecular pathways of those processes by the binding of its active metabolite (retinoic acid) to two types of specific nuclear receptors: retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), which promote transcription of downstream target genes. This process is well known in most of higher vertebrates; however, scarce information is available regarding fishes. Therefore, in order to gain further knowledge of fish larval development and its disruption by nutritional VA imbalance, the relative expression of some RARs and RXRs, as well as several genes involved in morpho- and skeletogenesis such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARA, PPARB and PPARG); retinol-binding protein (RBP); insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF1 and IGF2, respectively); bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2); transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFB1); and genes encoding different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as matrix Gla protein (mgp), osteocalcin (bglap), osteopontin (SPP1), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and type I collagen α1 chain (COL1A1) have been studied in gilthead sea bream. RESULTS During gilthead sea bream larval development, specific expression profiles for each gene were tightly regulated during fish morphogenesis and correlated with specific morphogenetic events and tissue development. Dietary hypervitaminosis A during early larval development disrupted the normal gene expression profile for genes involved in RA signalling (RARA), VA homeostasis (RBP) and several genes encoding ECM proteins that are linked to skeletogenesis, such as bglap and mgp. CONCLUSIONS Present data reflects the specific gene expression patterns of several genes involved in larval fish RA signalling and skeletogenesis; and how specific gene disruption induced by a nutritional VA imbalance underlie the skeletal deformities. Our results are of basic interest for fish VA signalling and point out some of the potential molecular players involved in fish skeletogenesis. Increased incidences of skeletal deformities in gilthead sea bream fed with hypervitaminosis A were the likely ultimate consequence of specific gene expression disruption at critical development stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernández
- Unitat de Cultius Experimentals, IRTA Centre de Sant Carles de la Ràpita (IRTA-SCR), Crta, del Poble Nou s/n, 43540 - Sant Carles de la Ràpita (Spain)
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24
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Ishioka A, Jindo T, Kawanabe T, Hatta K, Parvin MS, Nikaido M, Kuroyanagi Y, Takeda H, Yamasu K. Retinoic acid-dependent establishment of positional information in the hindbrain was conserved during vertebrate evolution. Dev Biol 2010; 350:154-68. [PMID: 20969843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish hoxb1b is expressed during epiboly in the posterior neural plate, with its anterior boundary at the prospective r4 region providing a positional cue for hindbrain formation. A similar function and expression is known for Hoxa1 in mice, suggesting a shared regulatory mechanism for hindbrain patterning in vertebrate embryos. To understand the evolution of the regulatory mechanisms of key genes in patterning of the central nervous system, we examined how hoxb1b transcription is regulated in zebrafish embryos and compared the regulatory mechanisms between mammals and teleosts that have undergone an additional genome duplication. By promoter analysis, we found that the expression of the reporter gene recapitulated hoxb1b expression when driven in transgenic embryos by a combination of the upstream 8.0-kb DNA and downstream 4.6-kb DNA. Furthermore, reporter expression expanded anteriorly when transgenic embryos were exposed to retinoic acid (RA) or LiCl, or injected with fgf3/8 mRNA, implicating the flanking DNA examined here in the responsiveness of hoxb1b to posteriorizing signals. We further identified at least two functional RA responsive elements in the downstream DNA that were shown to be major regulators of early hoxb1b expression during gastrulation, while the upstream DNA, which harbors repetitive sequences with apparent similarity to the autoregulatory sequence of mouse Hoxb1, contributed only to later hoxb1b expression, during somitogenesis. Possible implications in vertebrate evolution are discussed based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Ishioka
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
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25
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Miyasaka KY, Kida YS, Banjo T, Ueki Y, Nagayama K, Matsumoto T, Sato M, Ogura T. Heartbeat regulates cardiogenesis by suppressing retinoic acid signaling via expression of miR-143. Mech Dev 2010; 128:18-28. [PMID: 20869435 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cardiogenesis proceeds with concomitant changes in hemodynamics to accommodate the circulatory demands of developing organs and tissues. In adults, circulatory adaptation is critical for the homeostatic regulation of blood circulation. In these hemodynamics-dependent processes of morphogenesis and adaptation, a mechanotransduction pathway, which converts mechanical stimuli into biological outputs, plays an essential role, although its molecular nature is largely unknown. Here, we report that expression of zebrafish miR-143 is dependent on heartbeat. Knocking-down miR-143 results in de-repression of retinoic acid signaling, and produces abnormalities in the outflow tracts and ventricles. Our data uncover a novel epigenetic link between heartbeat and cardiac development, with miR-143 as an essential component of the mechanotransduction cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Y Miyasaka
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1, Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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26
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Zhao P, Liao QH, Ren CF, Wei J. Identification of ligand binding site on RXRγ using molecular docking and dynamics methods. J Mol Model 2010; 17:1259-65. [PMID: 20740296 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-010-0822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Retinoid X receptors (RXRα, β and γ) are recently known to be cancer chemotherapies targets. The ligand binding domains of RXRs have been crystallized, but the information of RXRγ ligand binding site is not yet available due to the lack of liganded complex. A thorough understanding of the ligand binding sites is essential to study RXRs and may result in cancer therapeutic breakthrough. Thus we aimed to study the RXRγ ligand binding site and find out the differences between the three subtypes. Alignment and molecular simulation were carried out for identifying the RXRγ ligand binding site, characterizing the RXRγ ligand binding mode and comparing the three RXRs. The result has indicated that the RXRγ ligand binding site is defined by helices H5, H10, β-sheet s1 and the end loop. Besides hydrophobic interactions, the ligand 9-cis retinoic acid interacts with RXRγ through a hydrogen bond with Ala106, a salt bridge with Arg95 and the π-π interactions with Phe217 and Phe218. The binding modes exhibit some similarities among RXRs, such as the interactions with Arg95 and Ala106. Nonetheless, owing to the absence of Ile47, Cys48, Ala50, Ala51 and residues 225∼237 in the active site, the binding pocket in RXRγ is two times larger than those of RXRα and RXRβ. Meanwhile, spatial effects of Trp84, Arg95, Ala106, Phe217 and Phe218 help to create a differently shaped binding pocket as compared to those of RXRα and RXRβ. Consequently, the ligand in RXRγ undergoes a "standing" posing which is distinct from the other two RXRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Nankai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Dhrs3a regulates retinoic acid biosynthesis through a feedback inhibition mechanism. Dev Biol 2009; 338:1-14. [PMID: 19874812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is an important developmental signaling molecule responsible for the patterning of multiple vertebrate tissues. RA is also a potent teratogen, causing multi-organ birth defects in humans. Endogenous RA levels must therefore be tightly controlled in the developing embryo. We used a microarray approach to identify genes that function as negative feedback regulators of retinoic acid signaling. We screened for genes expressed in early somite-stage embryos that respond oppositely to treatment with RA versus RA antagonists and validated them by RNA in situ hybridization. Focusing on genes known to be involved in RA metabolism, we determined that dhrs3a, which encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase protein family, is both RA dependent and strongly RA inducible. Dhrs3a is known to catalyze the reduction of the RA precursor all-trans retinaldehyde to vitamin A; however, a developmental function has not been demonstrated. Using morpholino knockdown and mRNA over-expression, we demonstrate that Dhrs3a is required to limit RA levels in the embryo, primarily within the central nervous system. Dhrs3a is thus an RA-induced feedback inhibitor of RA biosynthesis. We conclude that retinaldehyde availability is an important level at which RA biosynthesis is regulated in vertebrate embryos.
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28
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He C, Wang C, Li B, Xie F, Chen Y, Zuo Z. Tissue-specific and embryonic expression of the retinoid X receptors in Sebastiscus marmoratus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 154:221-8. [PMID: 19555773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are highly conserved members of the nuclear receptor family and mediate various physiological processes in vertebrates. Most studies on RXRs have concentrated on their structure and function in mammals and their characterization and developmental expression in Danio rerio. However, there is little information concerning the distribution of RXRs in teleost tissues. In the present study, we cloned partial sequences of three RXR subtypes (RXRa, -b, -g) from Sebastiscus marmoratus by RACE PCR and analyzed the phylogeny of the teleost and the tetrapod RXR genes, and identified some inconsistencies with previous studies. The tissue-specific and embryonic expression profiles of each RXR gene were explored using real time quantitative PCR. This analysis demonstrated that these RXRs were expressed in all test tissues indicating their participation in many physiological processes. However, we found a great difference in the distribution of RXRg between teleosts and mammals. Furthermore, we followed expression of the three subtypes through various embryo developmental stages and found that the RXRa orthologues of teleosts might be involved in the development of the anterior hindbrain, tailbud and neural crest and in the formation of the pharynx and fin, that RXRb played ubiquitous roles in fish early development, and that RXRg probably played a role in brain and nervous system development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyong He
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China
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29
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Dollé P. Developmental expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs). NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2009; 7:e006. [PMID: 19471585 PMCID: PMC2686085 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.07006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Here, I review the developmental expression features of genes encoding the retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and the 'retinoid X' or rexinoid receptors (RXRs). The first detailed expression studies were performed in the mouse over two decades ago, following the cloning of the murine Rar genes. These studies revealed complex expression features at all stages of post-implantation development, one receptor gene (Rara) showing widespread expression, the two others (Rarb and Rarg) with highly regionalized and/or cell type-specific expression in both neural and non-neural tissues. Rxr genes also have either widespread (Rxra, Rxrb), or highly-restricted (Rxrg) expression patterns. Studies performed in zebrafish and Xenopus demonstrated expression of Rar and Rxr genes (both maternal and zygotic), at early pre-gastrulation stages. The eventual characterization of specific enzymes involved in the synthesis of retinoic acid (retinol/retinaldehyde dehydrogenases), or the triggering of its catabolism (CYP26 cytochrome P450s), all of them showing differential expression patterns, led to a clearer understanding of the phenomenons regulated by retinoic acid signaling during development. Functional studies involving targeted gene disruptions in the mouse, and additional approaches such as dominant negative receptor expression in other models, have pinpointed the specific, versus partly redundant, roles of the RARs and RXRs in many developing organ systems. These pleiotropic roles are summarized hereafter in relationship to the receptors' expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Dollé
- IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), France.
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30
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Raingeard D, Cancio I, Cajaraville MP. Cloning and expression pattern of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, estrogen receptor alpha and retinoid X receptor alpha in the thicklip grey mullet Chelon labrosus. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:26-35. [PMID: 18619562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic organisms are exposed to diverse xenobiotics that cause peroxisome proliferation and/or endocrine disruption, both modulated in vertebrates by transcription factors of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. Peroxisome proliferators are agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) that heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). Many xenoestrogens activate the estrogen receptor (ER). Here, 1090 bp of PPARalpha, 1255 bp of PPARgamma, 278 bp of RXRalpha, and 578 bp of ERalpha of thicklip grey mullet Chelon labrosus were cloned. Sequences were highly conserved, although relevant changes with respect to mammalian homologs were identified in PPARgamma and ERalpha. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine if these NRs were expressed in different tissues of male, female and undifferentiated mullets captured in January and June. Expression of PPARs was highest in liver and lowest in muscle. RXRalpha expression was homogeneous excepting a low expression in male and female gill in January and brain and heart of undifferentiated fish in January and June. ERalpha expression predominated in liver and female gonad in June. The expression level of PPARs and ERalpha was significantly higher in liver in January than in gills in January or June. The present results show tissue-dependent modulation of expression of NRs in mullets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Raingeard
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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31
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White RJ, Schilling TF. How degrading: Cyp26s in hindbrain development. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:2775-90. [PMID: 18816852 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The vitamin A derivative retinoic acid performs many functions in vertebrate development and is thought to act as a diffusible morphogen that patterns the anterior-posterior axis of the hindbrain. Recent work in several systems has led to insights into how the spatial distribution of retinoic acid is regulated. These have shown local control of synthesis and degradation, and computational models suggest that degradation by the Cyp26 enzymes plays a critical role in the formation of a morphogen gradient as well as its ability to compensate for fluctuations in RA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J White
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Parvin MS, Okuyama N, Inoue F, Islam ME, Kawakami A, Takeda H, Yamasu K. Autoregulatory loop and retinoic acid repression regulate pou2/pou5f1 gene expression in the zebrafish embryonic brain. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:1373-88. [PMID: 18407549 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish pou5f1, also known as pou2, encodes a POU-family transcription factor that is transiently expressed in the prospective midbrain and anterior hindbrain during gastrulation, governing brain development. In the present study, we found that the main regulatory elements reside in the proximal upstream DNA sequence from -2.2 to -0.12 kb (the -2.2/-0.1 region). The electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed four functional octamer sequences that can associate with zebrafish Pou2/Pou5f1. The expression of mutated reporter constructs, as well as EMSA, suggested that these four octamer sequences operate in a cooperative manner to drive expression in the mid/hindbrain. We also identified a retinoic acid (RA)-responsive element in this proximal region, which was required to repress transcription in the posterior part of the embryo. These data provide a scheme wherein pou2/pou5f1 expression in zebrafish embryos is regulated by both an autoregulatory loop and repression by RA emanating from the posterior mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst Shahnaj Parvin
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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33
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Combinatorial roles for zebrafish retinoic acid receptors in the hindbrain, limbs and pharyngeal arches. Dev Biol 2008; 325:60-70. [PMID: 18929555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling regulates multiple aspects of vertebrate embryonic development and tissue patterning, in part through the local availability of nuclear hormone receptors called retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid receptors (RXRs). RAR/RXR heterodimers transduce the RA signal, and loss-of-function studies in mice have demonstrated requirements for distinct receptor combinations at different stages of embryogenesis. However, the tissue-specific functions of each receptor and their individual contributions to RA signaling in vivo are only partially understood. Here we use morpholino oligonucleotides to deplete the four known zebrafish RARs (raraa, rarab, rarga, and rargb). We show that while all four are required for anterior-posterior patterning of rhombomeres in the hindbrain, there are unique requirements for rarga in the cranial mesoderm for hindbrain patterning, and rarab in lateral plate mesoderm for specification of the pectoral fins. In addition, the alpha subclass (raraa, rarab) is RA inducible, and of these only raraa expression is RA-dependent, suggesting that these receptors establish a region of particularly high RA signaling through positive-feedback. These studies reveal novel tissue-specific roles for RARs in controlling the competence and sensitivity of cells to respond to RA.
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Archer A, Lauter G, Hauptmann G, Mode A, Gustafsson JÅ. Transcriptional activity and developmental expression of liver X receptor (lxr) in Zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:1090-8. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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35
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Alsop D, Matsumoto J, Brown S, Van Der Kraak G. Retinoid requirements in the reproduction of zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 156:51-62. [PMID: 18158153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 11/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study examines whether retinoids are essential in the reproduction of zebrafish. Using RT-PCR, it was shown that the ovaries and testes express enzymes that synthesize and metabolize the hormone retinoic acid (RA) (raldh2 and cyp26a, respectively), and RA receptors (raraa, rarga, rxrba, rxrbb, rxrga but not rxrab). Three new isoforms of rxrba were also observed in a variety of tissues. In other experiments, zebrafish were exposed for 11 d to diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB), an inhibitor of RA synthesis, or fed a retinoid deficient diet for 130 d in order to evaluate the functional requirements of retinoids in reproduction. DEAB altered cyp26a transcript numbers in the gonads, suggesting an impact on RA, and decreased the number of spawned eggs by 95%. The retinoid deficient diet decreased whole body retinoids (retinol and retinal) by 68% in females and 33% in males. Females fed the retinoid deficient diet also produced 73% fewer eggs that contained 78% less retinal than controls. Fertilization rates were not affected. These studies have shown that the RA receptors are expressed in zebrafish gonads, and RA is required for the spawning of eggs. Dietary retinoid content influences reproduction, while retinyl ester storage levels appear to be of little significance. Females were more susceptible to retinoid perturbation than males, likely due to the cost of retinal deposition in the eggs. Overall, these studies have shown retinoids play a fundamental role in the reproduction of zebrafish, and the lack of retinyl ester stores in controls that successfully spawned illustrates that we have only a limited understanding of the retinoid physiology and requirements of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Alsop
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ont., Canada.
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36
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Huang JC. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the development and physiology of gametes and preimplantation embryos. PPAR Res 2008; 2008:732303. [PMID: 18354728 PMCID: PMC2266973 DOI: 10.1155/2008/732303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In several species, a family of nuclear receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) composed of three isotypes, is expressed in somatic cells and germ cells of the ovary as well as the testis. Invalidation of these receptors in mice or stimulation of these receptors in vivo or in vitro showed that each receptor has physiological roles in the gamete maturation or the embryo development. In addition, synthetic PPAR gamma ligands are recently used to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary disease. These results reveal the positive actions of PPAR in reproduction. On the other hand, xenobiotics molecules (in herbicides, plasticizers, or components of personal care products), capable of activating PPAR, may disrupt normal PPAR functions in the ovary or the testis and have consequences on the quality of the gametes and the embryos. Despite the recent data obtained on the biological actions of PPARs in reproduction, relatively little is known about PPARs in gametes and embryos. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the expression and the function of PPARs as well as their partners, retinoid X receptors (RXRs), in germ cells and preimplantation embryos. The effects of natural and synthetic PPAR ligands will also be discussed from the perspectives of reproductive toxicology and assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaou-Chen Huang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences,
University of Texas Medical School at Houston,
6431 Fannin Street,
Houston, TX 77030,
USA
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37
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Gongal PA, Waskiewicz AJ. Zebrafish model of holoprosencephaly demonstrates a key role for TGIF in regulating retinoic acid metabolism. Hum Mol Genet 2007; 17:525-38. [PMID: 17998248 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddm328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is the most common human congenital forebrain defect, affecting specification of forebrain tissue and subsequent division of the cerebral hemispheres. The causes of HPE are multivariate and heterogeneous, and include exposure to teratogens, such as retinoic acid (RA), and mutations in forebrain patterning genes. Many of the defects in HPE patients resemble animal models with aberrant RA levels, which also show severe forebrain abnormalities. RA plays an important role in early neural patterning of the vertebrate embryo: expression of RA-synthesizing enzymes initiates high RA levels in the trunk, which are required for proper anterior-posterior patterning of the hindbrain and spinal cord. In the forebrain and midbrain, RA-degrading enzymes are expressed, protecting these regions from the effects of RA. However, the mechanisms that regulate RA-synthesizing and RA-degrading enzymes are poorly understood. Mutations in the gene TGIF are associated with incidence of HPE. We demonstrate in zebrafish that Tgif plays a key role in regulating RA signaling, and is essential to properly pattern the forebrain. Tgif is necessary for normal initiation of genes that control RA synthesis and degradation, resulting in defects in RA-dependent central nervous system patterning in Tgif-depleted embryos. The loss of the forebrain-specific RA-degrading enzyme cyp26a1 causes a forebrain phenotype that mimics tgif morphants. We propose a model in which Tgif controls forebrain patterning by regulating RA degradation. The consequences of abnormal RA levels for forebrain patterning are profound, and imply that in human patients with TGIF deficiencies, increased forebrain RA levels contribute to the development of HPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Gongal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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38
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Cañestro C, Postlethwait JH. Development of a chordate anterior–posterior axis without classical retinoic acid signaling. Dev Biol 2007; 305:522-38. [PMID: 17397819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2006] [Revised: 02/18/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Developmental signaling by retinoic acid (RA) is thought to be an innovation essential for the origin of the chordate body plan. The larvacean urochordate Oikopleura dioica maintains a chordate body plan throughout life, and yet its genome appears to lack genes for RA synthesis, degradation, and reception. This suggests the hypothesis that the RA-machinery was lost during larvacean evolution, and predicts that Oikopleura development has become independent of RA-signaling. This prediction raises the problem that the anterior-posterior organization of a chordate body plan can be developed without the classical morphogenetic role of RA. To address this problem, we performed pharmacological treatments and analyses of developmental molecular markers to investigate whether RA acts in anterior-posterior axial patterning in Oikopleura embryos. Results revealed that RA does not cause homeotic posteriorization in Oikopleura as it does in vertebrates and cephalochordates, and showed that a chordate can develop the phylotypic body plan in the absence of the classical morphogenetic role of RA. A comparison of Oikopleura and ascidian evidence suggests that the lack of RA-induced homeotic posteriorization is a shared derived feature of urochordates. We discuss possible relationships of altered roles of RA in urochordate development to genomic events, such as rupture of the Hox-cluster, in the context of a new understanding of chordate phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Cañestro
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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39
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Waxman JS, Yelon D. Comparison of the expression patterns of newly identified zebrafish retinoic acid and retinoid X receptors. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:587-95. [PMID: 17195188 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is important for multiple aspects of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Heterodimers of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) transduce RA signaling. It is not yet clear how the diversity of receptor combinations relates to the diversity of functions for RA. The expression patterns of three zebrafish RARs and four RXRs were reported recently. Here, we identify an additional RAR, a zebrafish RARgamma paralog, and two additional RXRs, duplicates of the previously identified RXRalpha and RXRgamma. Thus, the zebrafish genome contains duplicates of each RAR and RXR gene. All zebrafish RAR and RXR paralogs have overlapping and distinct areas of expression, as might be expected for duplicate genes in the process of diverging in function. By representing what is potentially the complete set of zebrafish RARs and RXRs, this study provides a valuable reference for future functional studies of the individual zebrafish RARs and RXRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Waxman
- Developmental Genetics Program and Department of Cell Biology, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
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40
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Hernandez RE, Putzke AP, Myers JP, Margaretha L, Moens CB. Cyp26 enzymes generate the retinoic acid response pattern necessary for hindbrain development. Development 2007; 134:177-87. [PMID: 17164423 PMCID: PMC1765950 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is essential for normal vertebrate development, including the patterning of the central nervous system. During early embryogenesis, RA is produced in the trunk mesoderm through the metabolism of vitamin A derived from the maternal diet and behaves as a morphogen in the developing hindbrain where it specifies nested domains of Hox gene expression. The loss of endogenous sources of RA can be rescued by treatment with a uniform concentration of exogenous RA, indicating that domains of RA responsiveness can be shaped by mechanisms other than the simple diffusion of RA from a localized posterior source. Here, we show that the cytochrome p450 enzymes of the Cyp26 class, which metabolize RA into polar derivatives, function redundantly to shape RA-dependent gene-expression domains during hindbrain development. In zebrafish embryos depleted of the orthologs of the three mammalian CYP26 genes CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1, the entire hindbrain expresses RA-responsive genes that are normally restricted to nested domains in the posterior hindbrain. Furthermore, we show that Cyp26 enzymes are essential for exogenous RA to rescue hindbrain patterning in RA-depleted embryos. We present a ;gradient-free' model for hindbrain patterning in which differential RA responsiveness along the hindbrain anterior-posterior axis is shaped primarily by the dynamic expression of RA-degrading enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael E Hernandez
- HHMI and Division of Basic Science, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
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41
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Abstract
The retinas of teleost fish have long been of interest to developmental neurobiologists for their persistent plasticity during growth, life history changes, and response to injury. Because the vertebrate retina is a highly conserved tissue, the study of persistent plasticity in teleosts has provided insights into mechanisms for postembryonic retinal neurogenesis in mammals. In addition, in the past 10 years there has been an explosion in the use of teleost fish-zebrafish (Danio rerio) in particular-to understand the mechanisms of embryonic retinal neurogenesis in a model vertebrate with genetic resources. This review summarizes the key features of teleost retinal neurogenesis that make it a productive and interesting experimental system, and focuses on the contributions to our knowledge of retinal neurogenesis that uniquely required or significantly benefited from the use of a fish model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Stenkamp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
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