1
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Pyott SJ, Pavlinkova G, Yamoah EN, Fritzsch B. Harmony in the Molecular Orchestra of Hearing: Developmental Mechanisms from the Ear to the Brain. Annu Rev Neurosci 2024; 47:1-20. [PMID: 38360566 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-081423-093942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Auditory processing in mammals begins in the peripheral inner ear and extends to the auditory cortex. Sound is transduced from mechanical stimuli into electrochemical signals of hair cells, which relay auditory information via the primary auditory neurons to cochlear nuclei. Information is subsequently processed in the superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, and inferior colliculus and projects to the auditory cortex via the medial geniculate body in the thalamus. Recent advances have provided valuable insights into the development and functioning of auditory structures, complementing our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying auditory processing. This comprehensive review explores the genetic mechanisms required for auditory system development from the peripheral cochlea to the auditory cortex. We highlight transcription factors and other genes with key recurring and interacting roles in guiding auditory system development and organization. Understanding these gene regulatory networks holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for hearing disorders, benefiting millions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J Pyott
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ebenezer N Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA;
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2
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Butts JC, Wu SR, Durham MA, Dhindsa RS, Revelli JP, Ljungberg MC, Saulnier O, McLaren ME, Taylor MD, Zoghbi HY. A single-cell transcriptomic map of the developing Atoh1 lineage identifies neural fate decisions and neuronal diversity in the hindbrain. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00443-X. [PMID: 39106860 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.07.007] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Proneural transcription factors establish molecular cascades to orchestrate neuronal diversity. One such transcription factor, Atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1), gives rise to cerebellar excitatory neurons and over 30 distinct nuclei in the brainstem critical for hearing, breathing, and balance. Although Atoh1 lineage neurons have been qualitatively described, the transcriptional programs that drive their fate decisions and the full extent of their diversity remain unknown. Here, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing and ATOH1 DNA binding in Atoh1 lineage neurons of the developing mouse hindbrain. This high-resolution dataset identified markers for specific brainstem nuclei and demonstrated that transcriptionally heterogeneous progenitors require ATOH1 for proper migration. Moreover, we identified a sizable population of proliferating unipolar brush cell progenitors in the mouse Atoh1 lineage, previously described in humans as the origin of one medulloblastoma subtype. Collectively, our data provide insights into the developing mouse hindbrain and markers for functional assessment of understudied neuronal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Butts
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sih-Rong Wu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mark A Durham
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ryan S Dhindsa
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Revelli
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - M Cecilia Ljungberg
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Genomics and Development of Childhood Cancers, Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005 Paris, France; INSERM U830, Cancer Heterogeneity Instability and Plasticity, Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005 Paris, France; SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Madison E McLaren
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology and Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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3
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Casey MJ, Chan PP, Li Q, Zu JF, Jette CA, Kohler M, Myers BR, Stewart RA. A simple and scalable zebrafish model of Sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114559. [PMID: 39078737 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114559] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and is stratified into three major subgroups. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup represents ∼30% of all MB cases and has significant survival disparity depending upon TP53 status. Here, we describe a zebrafish model of SHH MB using CRISPR to create mutant ptch1, the primary genetic driver of human SHH MB. In these animals, tumors rapidly arise in the cerebellum and resemble human SHH MB by histology and comparative onco-genomics. Similar to human patients, MB tumors with loss of both ptch1 and tp53 have aggressive tumor histology and significantly worse survival outcomes. The simplicity and scalability of the ptch1-crispant MB model makes it highly amenable to CRISPR-based genome-editing screens to identify genes required for SHH MB tumor formation in vivo, and here we identify the gene encoding Grk3 kinase as one such target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattie J Casey
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Priya P Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Qing Li
- High-Throughput Genomics and Cancer Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ju-Fen Zu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cicely A Jette
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Missia Kohler
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Benjamin R Myers
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rodney A Stewart
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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4
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Krishnamurthy A, Lee AS, Bayin NS, Stephen DN, Nasef O, Lao Z, Joyner AL. Engrailed transcription factors direct excitatory cerebellar neuron diversity and survival. Development 2024; 151:dev202502. [PMID: 38912572 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The neurons of the three cerebellar nuclei (CN) are the primary output neurons of the cerebellum. The excitatory neurons (e) of the medial (m) CN (eCNm) were recently divided into molecularly defined subdomains in the adult; however, how they are established during development is not known. We define molecular subdomains of the mouse embryonic eCNm using single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial expression analysis, showing that they evolve during embryogenesis to prefigure the adult. Furthermore, eCNm are transcriptionally divergent from cells in the other nuclei by embryonic day 14.5. We previously showed that loss of the homeobox genes En1 and En2 leads to loss of approximately half of the embryonic eCNm. We demonstrate that mutation of En1/2 in the embryonic eCNm results in death of specific posterior eCNm molecular subdomains and downregulation of TBR2 (EOMES) in an anterior embryonic subdomain, as well as reduced synaptic gene expression. We further reveal a similar function for EN1/2 in mediating TBR2 expression, neuron differentiation and survival in the other excitatory neurons (granule and unipolar brush cells). Thus, our work defines embryonic eCNm molecular diversity and reveals conserved roles for EN1/2 in the cerebellar excitatory neuron lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Krishnamurthy
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew S Lee
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - N Sumru Bayin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Daniel N Stephen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Olivia Nasef
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhimin Lao
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Alexandra L Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
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5
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Casoni F, Croci L, Marroni F, Demenego G, Marullo C, Cremona O, Codazzi F, Consalez GG. A spatial-temporal map of glutamatergic neurogenesis in the murine embryonic cerebellar nuclei uncovers a high degree of cellular heterogeneity. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 38970393 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclei are the main output structures of the cerebellum. Each and every cerebellar cortical computation reaches several areas of the brain by means of cerebellar nuclei processing and integration. Nevertheless, our knowledge of these structures is still limited compared to the cerebellar cortex. Here, we present a mouse genetic inducible fate-mapping study characterizing rhombic lip-derived glutamatergic neurons of the nuclei, the most conspicuous family of long-range cerebellar efferent neurons. Glutamatergic neurons mainly occupy dorsal and lateral territories of the lateral and interposed nuclei, as well as the entire medial nucleus. In mice, they are born starting from about embryonic day 9.5, with a peak between 10.5 and 12.5, and invade the nuclei with a lateral-to-medial progression. While some markers label a heterogeneous population of neurons sharing a common location (BRN2), others appear to be lineage specific (TBR1, LMX1a, and MEIS2). A comparative analysis of TBR1 and LMX1a distributions reveals an incomplete overlap in their expression domains, in keeping with the existence of separate efferent subpopulations. Finally, some tagged glutamatergic progenitors are not labeled by any of the markers used in this study, disclosing further complexity. Taken together, our results obtained in late embryonic nuclei shed light on the heterogeneity of the excitatory neuron pool, underlying the diversity in connectivity and functions of this largely unexplored cerebellar territory. Our findings contribute to laying the groundwork for a comprehensive functional analysis of nuclear neuron subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Casoni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Croci
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Marroni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Demenego
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Marullo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavio Cremona
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Codazzi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G Giacomo Consalez
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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6
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Bou-Rouphael J, Doulazmi M, Eschstruth A, Abdou A, Durand BC. Cerebellar granular neuron progenitors exit their germinative niche via BarH-like1 activity mediated partly by inhibition of T-cell factor. Development 2024; 151:dev202234. [PMID: 38860486 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) originate from the upper rhombic lip (URL), a germinative niche in which developmental defects produce human diseases. T-cell factor (TCF) responsiveness and Notch dependence are hallmarks of self-renewal in neural stem cells. TCF activity, together with transcripts encoding proneural gene repressors hairy and enhancer of split (Hes/Hey), are detected in the URL; however, their functions and regulatory modes are undeciphered. Here, we established amphibian as a pertinent model for studying vertebrate URL development. The amphibian long-lived URL is TCF active, whereas the external granular layer (EGL) is non-proliferative and expresses hes4 and hes5 genes. Using functional and transcriptomic approaches, we show that TCF activity is necessary for URL emergence and maintenance. We establish that the transcription factor Barhl1 controls GNP exit from the URL, acting partly through direct TCF inhibition. Identification of Barhl1 target genes suggests that, besides TCF, Barhl1 inhibits transcription of hes5 genes independently of Notch signaling. Observations in amniotes suggest a conserved role for Barhl in maintenance of the URL and/or EGL via co-regulation of TCF, Hes and Hey genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Bou-Rouphael
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Doulazmi
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8256, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alexis Eschstruth
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Asna Abdou
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Béatrice C Durand
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement, 75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8256, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS) - Laboratoire Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, 75005 Paris, France
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7
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Gupta I, Yeung J, Rahimi-Balaei M, Wu SR, Goldowitz D. Msx genes delineate a novel molecular map of the developing cerebellar neuroepithelium. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1356544. [PMID: 38742226 PMCID: PMC11089253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1356544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the early cerebellar primordium, there are two progenitor zones, the ventricular zone (VZ) residing atop the IVth ventricle and the rhombic lip (RL) at the lateral edges of the developing cerebellum. These zones give rise to the several cell types that form the GABAergic and glutamatergic populations of the adult cerebellum, respectively. Recently, an understanding of the molecular compartmentation of these zones has emerged. To add to this knowledge base, we report on the Msx genes, a family of three transcription factors, that are expressed downstream of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in these zones. Using fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization, we have characterized the Msx (Msh Homeobox) genes and demonstrated that their spatiotemporal pattern segregates specific regions within the progenitor zones. Msx1 and Msx2 are compartmentalized within the rhombic lip (RL), while Msx3 is localized within the ventricular zone (VZ). The relationship of the Msx genes with an early marker of the glutamatergic lineage, Atoh1, was examined in Atoh1-null mice and it was found that the expression of Msx genes persisted. Importantly, the spatial expression of Msx1 and Msx3 altered in response to the elimination of Atoh1. These results point to the Msx genes as novel early markers of cerebellar progenitor zones and more importantly to an updated view of the molecular parcellation of the RL with respect to the canonical marker of the RL, Atoh1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Gupta
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sih-Rong Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dan Goldowitz
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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8
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Kebschull JM, Casoni F, Consalez GG, Goldowitz D, Hawkes R, Ruigrok TJH, Schilling K, Wingate R, Wu J, Yeung J, Uusisaari MY. Cerebellum Lecture: the Cerebellar Nuclei-Core of the Cerebellum. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:620-677. [PMID: 36781689 PMCID: PMC10951048 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a key player in many brain functions and a major topic of neuroscience research. However, the cerebellar nuclei (CN), the main output structures of the cerebellum, are often overlooked. This neglect is because research on the cerebellum typically focuses on the cortex and tends to treat the CN as relatively simple output nuclei conveying an inverted signal from the cerebellar cortex to the rest of the brain. In this review, by adopting a nucleocentric perspective we aim to rectify this impression. First, we describe CN anatomy and modularity and comprehensively integrate CN architecture with its highly organized but complex afferent and efferent connectivity. This is followed by a novel classification of the specific neuronal classes the CN comprise and speculate on the implications of CN structure and physiology for our understanding of adult cerebellar function. Based on this thorough review of the adult literature we provide a comprehensive overview of CN embryonic development and, by comparing cerebellar structures in various chordate clades, propose an interpretation of CN evolution. Despite their critical importance in cerebellar function, from a clinical perspective intriguingly few, if any, neurological disorders appear to primarily affect the CN. To highlight this curious anomaly, and encourage future nucleocentric interpretations, we build on our review to provide a brief overview of the various syndromes in which the CN are currently implicated. Finally, we summarize the specific perspectives that a nucleocentric view of the cerebellum brings, move major outstanding issues in CN biology to the limelight, and provide a roadmap to the key questions that need to be answered in order to create a comprehensive integrated model of CN structure, function, development, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Kebschull
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Filippo Casoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G Giacomo Consalez
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Goldowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard Hawkes
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tom J H Ruigrok
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karl Schilling
- Department of Anatomy, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, 53115, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Richard Wingate
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marylka Yoe Uusisaari
- Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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9
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Itoh T, Uehara M, Yura S, Wang JC, Fujii Y, Nakanishi A, Shimizu T, Hibi M. Foxp and Skor family proteins control differentiation of Purkinje cells from Ptf1a- and Neurog1-expressing progenitors in zebrafish. Development 2024; 151:dev202546. [PMID: 38456494 PMCID: PMC11057878 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Cerebellar neurons, such as GABAergic Purkinje cells (PCs), interneurons (INs) and glutamatergic granule cells (GCs) are differentiated from neural progenitors expressing proneural genes, including ptf1a, neurog1 and atoh1a/b/c. Studies in mammals previously suggested that these genes determine cerebellar neuron cell fate. However, our studies on ptf1a;neurog1 zebrafish mutants and lineage tracing of ptf1a-expressing progenitors have revealed that the ptf1a/neurog1-expressing progenitors can generate diverse cerebellar neurons, including PCs, INs and a subset of GCs in zebrafish. The precise mechanisms of how each cerebellar neuron type is specified remains elusive. We found that genes encoding the transcriptional regulators Foxp1b, Foxp4, Skor1b and Skor2, which are reportedly expressed in PCs, were absent in ptf1a;neurog1 mutants. foxp1b;foxp4 mutants showed a strong reduction in PCs, whereas skor1b;skor2 mutants completely lacked PCs, and displayed an increase in immature GCs. Misexpression of skor2 in GC progenitors expressing atoh1c suppressed GC fate. These data indicate that Foxp1b/4 and Skor1b/2 function as key transcriptional regulators in the initial step of PC differentiation from ptf1a/neurog1-expressing neural progenitors, and that Skor1b and Skor2 control PC differentiation by suppressing their differentiation into GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Itoh
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Mari Uehara
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Yura
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Jui Chun Wang
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Yukimi Fujii
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakanishi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
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10
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Hutchings C, Nuriel Y, Lazar D, Kohl A, Muir E, Genin O, Cinnamon Y, Benyamini H, Nevo Y, Sela-Donenfeld D. Hindbrain boundaries as niches of neural progenitor and stem cells regulated by the extracellular matrix proteoglycan chondroitin sulphate. Development 2024; 151:dev201934. [PMID: 38251863 PMCID: PMC10911165 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between neural progenitors and stem cells (NPSCs), and their extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial regulatory mechanism that determines their behavior. Nonetheless, how the ECM dictates the state of NPSCs remains elusive. The hindbrain is valuable to examine this relationship, as cells in the ventricular surface of hindbrain boundaries (HBs), which arise between any two neighboring rhombomeres, express the NPSC marker Sox2, while being surrounded with the membrane-bound ECM molecule chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG), in chick and mouse embryos. CSPG expression was used to isolate HB Sox2+ cells for RNA-sequencing, revealing their distinguished molecular properties as typical NPSCs, which express known and newly identified genes relating to stem cells, cancer, the matrisome and cell cycle. In contrast, the CSPG- non-HB cells, displayed clear neural-differentiation transcriptome. To address whether CSPG is significant for hindbrain development, its expression was manipulated in vivo and in vitro. CSPG manipulations shifted the stem versus differentiation state of HB cells, evident by their behavior and altered gene expression. These results provide further understanding of the uniqueness of hindbrain boundaries as repetitive pools of NPSCs in-between the rapidly growing rhombomeres, which rely on their microenvironment to maintain their undifferentiated state during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Hutchings
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yarden Nuriel
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Daniel Lazar
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kohl
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Muir
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Olga Genin
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Rishon LeTsiyon 7505101, Israel
| | - Yuval Cinnamon
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Rishon LeTsiyon 7505101, Israel
| | - Hadar Benyamini
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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11
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Casey MJ, Chan PP, Li Q, Jette CA, Kohler M, Myers BR, Stewart RA. A Simple and Scalable Zebrafish Model of Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.03.577834. [PMID: 38370799 PMCID: PMC10871209 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.03.577834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and is stratified into three major subgroups. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup represents ~30% of all MB cases and has significant survival disparity depending upon TP53 status. Here, we describe the first zebrafish model of SHH MB using CRISPR to mutate ptch1, the primary genetic driver in human SHH MB. These tumors rapidly arise adjacent to the valvula cerebelli and resemble human SHH MB by histology and comparative genomics. In addition, ptch1-deficient MB tumors with loss of tp53 have aggressive tumor histology and significantly worse survival outcomes, comparable to human patients. The simplicity and scalability of the ptch1 MB model makes it highly amenable to CRISPR-based genome editing screens to identify genes required for SHH MB tumor formation in vivo, and here we identify the grk3 kinase as one such target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattie J. Casey
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Priya P. Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cicely A. Jette
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Missia Kohler
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Myers
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rodney A. Stewart
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Lead contact
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12
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Minto M, Sotelo-Fonseca JE, Ramesh V, West AE. Genome binding properties of Zic transcription factors underlie their changing functions during neuronal maturation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.04.574185. [PMID: 38260638 PMCID: PMC10802290 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.04.574185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background The Zic family of transcription factors (TFs) promote both proliferation and maturation of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), raising the question of how a single, constitutively expressed TF family can support distinct developmental processes. Here we use an integrative experimental and bioinformatic approach to discover the regulatory relationship between Zic TF binding and changing programs of gene transcription during CGN differentiation. Results We first established a bioinformatic pipeline to integrate Zic ChIP-seq data from the developing mouse cerebellum with other genomic datasets from the same tissue. In newborn CGNs, Zic TF binding predominates at active enhancers that are co-bound by developmentally-regulated TFs including Atoh1, whereas in mature CGNs, Zic TF binding consolidates toward promoters where it co-localizes with activity-regulated TFs. We then performed CUT&RUN-seq in differentiating CGNs to define both the time course of developmental shifts in Zic TF binding and their relationship to gene expression. Mapping Zic TF binding sites to genes using chromatin looping, we identified the set of Zic target genes that have altered expression in RNA-seq from Zic1 or Zic2 knockdown CGNs. Conclusion Our data show that Zic TFs are required for both induction and repression of distinct, developmentally regulated target genes through a mechanism that is largely independent of changes in Zic TF binding. We suggest that the differential collaboration of Zic TFs with other TF families underlies the shift in their biological functions across CGN development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melyssa Minto
- Duke University, Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Durham, NC 27710
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | | | | | - Anne E. West
- Duke University, Department of Neurobiology, Durham, NC 27710
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13
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Atamian A, Birtele M, Hosseini N, Nguyen T, Seth A, Del Dosso A, Paul S, Tedeschi N, Taylor R, Coba MP, Samarasinghe R, Lois C, Quadrato G. Human cerebellar organoids with functional Purkinje cells. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:39-51.e6. [PMID: 38181749 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Research on human cerebellar development and disease has been hampered by the need for a human cell-based system that recapitulates the human cerebellum's cellular diversity and functional features. Here, we report a human organoid model (human cerebellar organoids [hCerOs]) capable of developing the complex cellular diversity of the fetal cerebellum, including a human-specific rhombic lip progenitor population that have never been generated in vitro prior to this study. 2-month-old hCerOs form distinct cytoarchitectural features, including laminar organized layering, and create functional connections between inhibitory and excitatory neurons that display coordinated network activity. Long-term culture of hCerOs allows healthy survival and maturation of Purkinje cells that display molecular and electrophysiological hallmarks of their in vivo counterparts, addressing a long-standing challenge in the field. This study therefore provides a physiologically relevant, all-human model system to elucidate the cell-type-specific mechanisms governing cerebellar development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Atamian
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Negar Hosseini
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Anoothi Seth
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ashley Del Dosso
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sandeep Paul
- Spatial Genomics, 145 Vista Avenue Suite 111, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| | - Neil Tedeschi
- Spatial Genomics, 145 Vista Avenue Suite 111, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| | - Ryan Taylor
- Spatial Genomics, 145 Vista Avenue Suite 111, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| | - Marcelo P Coba
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ranmal Samarasinghe
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Carlos Lois
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Giorgia Quadrato
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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14
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Sanlav G, Baran B, Kum Özşengezer S, Kizmazoğlu D, Altun Z, Aktaş S, Olgun N. S-100 and MATH-1 Protein Expressions Can Be Useful for the Prediction of Clinical Outcome in Neuroblastoma Patients. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 46:21-28. [PMID: 37943051 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent extracranial solid tumor of childhood, remarkable for its broad spectrum of clinical behavior. This diversity in behavior correlates closely with defined clinical and biological features and combinations of prognostic variables are used for risk-group assignment. S-100 proteins have roles in differentiation and were shown to be frequently dysregulated in NB. MATH-1 protein plays role in neuronal cell differentiation through development. However, up to date, there are no studies evaluating the relationship between MATH-1 and NB. Grb2-associated binding (Gab) proteins have roles in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Gab1 was reported to be related to poor survival of high-risk NB patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between differentiation-related S-100, MATH-1, and Gab1 proteins and risk group and/or stages of NB. A significant relation was found between S-100 and early stages of NB. This study also revealed a significant association between MATH-1 and low-risk groups. S-100 and MATH-1 were also shown to provide survival advantages among stages and risk groups. The findings of this study support the assumption that S-100 and MATH-1 can be potential prognostic biomarkers for staging and risk-group assignment of NB patients. These proteins can be useful tools for clinicians to guide through treatment options, especially for the evaluation of tumor differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Deniz Kizmazoğlu
- Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Nur Olgun
- Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
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15
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Krishnamurthy A, Lee AS, Bayin NS, Stephen DN, Nasef O, Lao Z, Joyner AL. Engrailed transcription factors direct excitatory cerebellar neuron diversity and survival. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569445. [PMID: 38077070 PMCID: PMC10705369 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The excitatory neurons of the three cerebellar nuclei (eCN) form the primary output for the cerebellar circuit. The medial eCN (eCNm) were recently divided into molecularly defined subdomains in the adult, however how they are established during development is not known. We define molecular subdomains of the eCNm using scRNA-seq and spatial expression analysis and show they evolve during embryogenesis to resemble the adult. Furthermore, the eCNm is transcriptionally divergent from the rest of the eCN by E14.5. We previously showed that loss of the homeobox genes En1 and En2 leads to death of a subset of embryonic eCNm. We demonstrate that mutation of En1/2 in embryonic eCNm results in cell death of specific posterior eCNm molecular subdomains and loss of TBR2 (EOMES) expression in an anterior subdomain, as well as reduced synaptic gene expression. We further reveal a similar function for EN1/2 in mediating TBR2 expression, neuron differentiation and survival in the two other cerebellar excitatory neuron types. Thus, our work defines embryonic eCNm molecular diversity and reveals conserved roles for EN1/2 in the cerebellar excitatory neuron lineage.
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16
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Wu SR, Zoghbi HY. The Atoh1-Cre Knock-In Allele Ectopically Labels a Subpopulation of Amacrine Cells and Bipolar Cells in Mouse Retina. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0307-23.2023. [PMID: 37923392 PMCID: PMC10626521 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0307-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina has diverse neuronal cell types derived from a common pool of retinal progenitors. Many molecular drivers, mostly transcription factors, have been identified to promote different cell fates. In Drosophila, atonal is required for specifying photoreceptors. In mice, there are two closely related atonal homologs, Atoh1 and Atoh7 While Atoh7 is known to promote the genesis of retinal ganglion cells, there is no study on the function of Atoh1 in retinal development. Here, we crossed Atoh1Cre/+ mice to mice carrying a Cre-dependent TdTomato reporter to track potential Atoh1-lineage neurons in retinas. We characterized a heterogeneous group of TdTomato+ retinal neurons that were detected at the postnatal stage, including glutamatergic amacrine cells, AII amacrine cells, and BC3b bipolar cells. Unexpectedly, we did not observe TdTomato+ retinal neurons in the mice with an Atoh1-FlpO knock-in allele and a Flp-dependent TdTomato reporter, suggesting Atoh1 is not expressed in the mouse retina. Consistent with these data, conditional removal of Atoh1 in the retina did not cause any observable phenotypes. Importantly, we did not detect Atoh1 expression in the retina at multiple ages using mice with Atoh1-GFP knock-in allele. Therefore, we conclude that Atoh1Cre/+ mice have ectopic Cre expression in the retina and that Atoh1 is not required for retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sih-Rong Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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17
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Slika H, Alimonti P, Raj D, Caraway C, Alomari S, Jackson EM, Tyler B. The Neurodevelopmental and Molecular Landscape of Medulloblastoma Subgroups: Current Targets and the Potential for Combined Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3889. [PMID: 37568705 PMCID: PMC10417410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153889] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Despite the use of multiple therapeutic approaches consisting of surgical resection, craniospinal irradiation, and multiagent chemotherapy, the prognosis of many patients with medulloblastoma remains dismal. Additionally, the high doses of radiation and the chemotherapeutic agents used are associated with significant short- and long-term complications and adverse effects, most notably neurocognitive delay. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development and clinical integration of targeted treatment regimens with greater efficacy and superior safety profiles. Since the adoption of the molecular-based classification of medulloblastoma into wingless (WNT) activated, sonic hedgehog (SHH) activated, group 3, and group 4, research efforts have been directed towards unraveling the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles of each subtype. This review aims to delineate the progress that has been made in characterizing the neurodevelopmental and molecular features of each medulloblastoma subtype. It further delves into the implications that these characteristics have on the development of subgroup-specific targeted therapeutic agents. Furthermore, it highlights potential future avenues for combining multiple agents or strategies in order to obtain augmented effects and evade the development of treatment resistance in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Divyaansh Raj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Chad Caraway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Eric M. Jackson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (D.R.); (C.C.); (S.A.); (E.M.J.)
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18
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Wu SR, Butts JC, Caudill MS, Revelli JP, Dhindsa RS, Durham MA, Zoghbi HY. Atoh1 drives the heterogeneity of the pontine nuclei neurons and promotes their differentiation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1671. [PMID: 37390208 PMCID: PMC10313176 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Pontine nuclei (PN) neurons mediate the communication between the cerebral cortex andthe cerebellum to refine skilled motor functions. Prior studies showed that PN neurons fall into two subtypes based on their anatomic location and region-specific connectivity, but the extent of their heterogeneity and its molecular drivers remain unknown. Atoh1 encodes a transcription factor that is expressed in the PN precursors. We previously showed that partial loss of Atoh1 function in mice results in delayed PN development and impaired motor learning. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing to elucidate the cell state-specific functions of Atoh1 during PN development and found that Atoh1 regulates cell cycle exit, differentiation, migration, and survival of PN neurons. Our data revealed six previously not known PN subtypes that are molecularly and spatially distinct. We found that the PN subtypes exhibit differential vulnerability to partial loss of Atoh1 function, providing insights into the prominence of PN phenotypes in patients with ATOH1 missense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sih-Rong Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica C. Butts
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew S. Caudill
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Revelli
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan S. Dhindsa
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark A. Durham
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Student Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huda Y. Zoghbi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Lowenstein ED, Cui K, Hernandez-Miranda LR. Regulation of early cerebellar development. FEBS J 2023; 290:2786-2804. [PMID: 35262281 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The study of cerebellar development has been at the forefront of neuroscience since the pioneering work of Wilhelm His Sr., Santiago Ramón y Cajal and many others since the 19th century. They laid the foundation to identify the circuitry of the cerebellum, already revealing its stereotypic three-layered cortex and discerning several of its neuronal components. Their work was fundamental in the acceptance of the neuron doctrine, which acknowledges the key role of individual neurons in forming the basic units of the nervous system. Increasing evidence shows that the cerebellum performs a variety of homeostatic and higher order neuronal functions beyond the mere control of motor behaviour. Over the last three decades, many studies have revealed the molecular machinery that regulates distinct aspects of cerebellar development, from the establishment of a cerebellar anlage in the posterior brain to the identification of cerebellar neuron diversity at the single cell level. In this review, we focus on summarizing our current knowledge on early cerebellar development with a particular emphasis on the molecular determinants that secure neuron specification and contribute to the diversity of cerebellar neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ke Cui
- Institut für Zell- and Neurobiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis Rodrigo Hernandez-Miranda
- Institut für Zell- and Neurobiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
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20
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Elliott KL, Iskusnykh IY, Chizhikov VV, Fritzsch B. Ptf1a expression is necessary for correct targeting of spiral ganglion neurons within the cochlear nuclei. Neurosci Lett 2023; 806:137244. [PMID: 37055006 PMCID: PMC10210513 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Two transcription factors, Atoh1 and Ptf1a, are essential for cochlear nuclei development. Atoh1 is needed to develop glutamatergic neurons, while Ptf1a is required to generate glycinergic and GABAergic neurons that migrate into the cochlear nucleus. While central projections of inner ear afferents are normal following loss of Atoh1, we wanted to know whether the loss of Ptf1a affects central projections. We found that in Ptf1a mutants, initially, afferents show a normal projection; however, a transient posterior expansion of projections to the dorsal cochlear nucleus occurs at a later stage. In addition, in older (E18.5) Ptf1a mutant mice, excessive neuronal branches form beyond the normal projection to the anterior and posterior ventral cochlear nuclei. Our results on Ptf1a null mice are comparable to that observed in loss of function Prickel1, Npr2, or Fzd3 mouse mutants. The disorganized tonotopic projections that we report in Ptf1a mutant embryos might be functionally relevant, but testing this hypothesis requires Ptf1a KO mice at postnatal stages that unfortunately cannot be performed due to their early death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
| | - Igor Y Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Victor V Chizhikov
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA.
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21
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Zanin JP, Pandya MA, Espinoza D, Friedman WJ, Shiflett MW. Excess cerebellar granule neurons induced by the absence of p75NTR during development elicit social behavior deficits in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1147597. [PMID: 37305555 PMCID: PMC10249730 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1147597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recently, the cerebellum has been implicated with non-motor functions, including cognitive and emotional behavior. Anatomical and functional studies demonstrate bidirectional cerebellar connections with brain regions involved in social cognition. Cerebellar developmental abnormalities and injury are often associated with several psychiatric and mental disorders including autism spectrum disorders and anxiety. The cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) are essential for cerebellar function since they provide sensorimotor, proprioceptive, and contextual information to Purkinje cells to modify behavior in different contexts. Therefore, alterations to the CGN population are likely to compromise cerebellar processing and function. Previously we demonstrated that the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) was fundamental for the development of the CGN. In the absence of p75NTR, we observed increased proliferation of the granule cell precursors (GCPs), followed by increased GCP migration toward the internal granule layer. The excess granule cells were incorporated into the cerebellar network, inducing alterations in cerebellar circuit processing. Methods In the present study, we used two conditional mouse lines to specifically delete the expression of p75NTR in CGN. In both mouse lines, deletion of the target gene was under the control of the transcription factor Atoh-1 promotor, however, one of the lines was also tamoxifen-inducible. Results We observed a loss of p75NTR expression from the GCPs in all cerebellar lobes. Compared to control animals, both mouse lines exhibited a reduced preference for social interactions when presented with a choice to interact with a mouse or an object. Open-field locomotor behavior and operant reward learning were unaffected in both lines. Lack of preference for social novelty and increased anxiety-related behavior was present in mice with constitutive p75NTR deletion; however, these effects were not present in the tamoxifen-inducible mice with p75NTR deletion that more specifically targeted the GCPs. Discussion Our findings demonstrate that alterations to CGN development by loss of p75NTR alter social behavior, and contribute to the increasing evidence that the cerebellum plays a role in non-motor-related behaviors, including social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Zanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mansi A. Pandya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Diego Espinoza
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Wilma J. Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Michael W. Shiflett
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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22
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Engert J, Spahn B, Bieniussa L, Hagen R, Rak K, Voelker J. Neurogenic Stem Cell Niche in the Auditory Thalamus: In Vitro Evidence of Neural Stem Cells in the Rat Medial Geniculate Body. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051188. [PMID: 37240833 DOI: 10.3390/life13051188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The medial geniculate body (MGB) is a nucleus of the diencephalon representing a relevant segment of the auditory pathway and is part of the metathalamus. It receives afferent information via the inferior brachium of the inferior colliculus and transmits efferent fibers via acoustic radiations to the auditory cortex. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been detected in certain areas along the auditory pathway. They are of great importance as the induction of an adult stem cell niche might open a regenerative approach to a causal treatment of hearing disorders. Up to now, the existence of NSCs in the MGB has not been determined. Therefore, this study investigated whether the MGB has a neural stem cell potential. For this purpose, cells were extracted from the MGB of PND 8 Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured in a free-floating cell culture assay, which showed mitotic activity and positive staining for stem cell and progenitor markers. In differentiation assays, the markers β-III-tubulin, GFAP, and MBP demonstrated the capacity of single cells to differentiate into neuronal and glial cells. In conclusion, cells from the MGB exhibited the cardinal features of NSCs: self-renewal, the formation of progenitor cells, and differentiation into all neuronal lineage cells. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the development of the auditory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Engert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Spahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Linda Bieniussa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hagen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kristen Rak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Voelker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
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23
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Zine A, Fritzsch B. Early Steps towards Hearing: Placodes and Sensory Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6994. [PMID: 37108158 PMCID: PMC10139157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory deficit in humans. Most cases of hearing loss are due to the degeneration of key structures of the sensory pathway in the cochlea, such as the sensory hair cells, the primary auditory neurons, and their synaptic connection to the hair cells. Different cell-based strategies to replace damaged inner ear neurosensory tissue aiming at the restoration of regeneration or functional recovery are currently the subject of intensive research. Most of these cell-based treatment approaches require experimental in vitro models that rely on a fine understanding of the earliest morphogenetic steps that underlie the in vivo development of the inner ear since its initial induction from a common otic-epibranchial territory. This knowledge will be applied to various proposed experimental cell replacement strategies to either address the feasibility or identify novel therapeutic options for sensorineural hearing loss. In this review, we describe how ear and epibranchial placode development can be recapitulated by focusing on the cellular transformations that occur as the inner ear is converted from a thickening of the surface ectoderm next to the hindbrain known as the otic placode to an otocyst embedded in the head mesenchyme. Finally, we will highlight otic and epibranchial placode development and morphogenetic events towards progenitors of the inner ear and their neurosensory cell derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azel Zine
- LBN, Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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24
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García-Guillén IM, Aroca P, Marín F. Molecular identity of the lateral lemniscus nuclei in the adult mouse brain. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1098352. [PMID: 36999169 PMCID: PMC10044012 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1098352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe dorsal (DLL), intermediate (ILL), and ventral (VLL) lateral lemniscus nuclei are relay centers in the central auditory pathway of the brainstem, commonly referred to as the lateral lemniscus nuclei (LLN). The LLN are situated in the prepontine and pontine hindbrain, from rhombomeres 1 to 4, extending from the more rostral DLL to the caudal VLL, with the ILL lying in between. These nuclei can be distinguished morphologically and by topological and connectivity criteria, and here, we set out to further characterize the molecular nature of each LLN.MethodsWe searched in situ hybridization studies in the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas for genes differentially expressed along the rostrocaudal axis of the brainstem, identifying 36 genes from diverse functional families expressed in the LLN.ResultsAvailable information in the databases indicated that 7 of these 36 genes are either associated with or potentially related to hearing disorders.DiscussionIn conclusion, the LLN are characterized by specific molecular profiles that reflect their rostrocaudal organization into the three constituent nuclei. This molecular regionalization may be involved in the etiology of some hearing disorders, in accordance with previous functional studies of these genes.
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25
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Huang D, Zhang R, Gasparini S, McDonough MC, Paradee WJ, Geerling JC. Neuropeptide S (NPS) neurons: Parabrachial identity and novel distributions. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:3157-3178. [PMID: 36036349 PMCID: PMC9588594 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) increases wakefulness. A small number of neurons in the brainstem express Nps. These neurons are located in or near the parabrachial nucleus (PB), but we know very little about their ontogeny, connectivity, and function. To identify Nps-expressing neurons within the molecular framework of the PB region, we used in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and Cre-reporter labeling in mice. The primary concentration of Nps-expressing neurons borders the lateral lemniscus at far-rostral levels of the lateral PB. Caudal to this main cluster, Nps-expressing neurons scatter through the PB and form a secondary concentration medial to the locus coeruleus (LC). Most Nps-expressing neurons in the PB region are Atoh1-derived, Foxp2-expressing, and mutually exclusive with neurons expressing Calca or Lmx1b. Among Foxp2-expressing PB neurons, those expressing Nps are distinct from intermingled subsets expressing Cck or Pdyn. Examining Nps Cre-reporter expression throughout the brain identified novel populations of neurons in the nucleus incertus, anterior hypothalamus, and lateral habenula. This information will help focus experimental questions about the connectivity and function of NPS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Huang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Richie Zhang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
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26
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Iskusnykh IY, Chizhikov VV. Cerebellar development after preterm birth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1068288. [PMID: 36523506 PMCID: PMC9744950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1068288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth and its complications and the associated adverse factors, including brain hemorrhage, inflammation, and the side effects of medical treatments, are the leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability. Growing evidence suggests that preterm birth affects the cerebellum, which is the brain region involved in motor coordination, cognition, learning, memory, and social communication. The cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of preterm birth because key cerebellar developmental processes, including the proliferation of neural progenitors, and differentiation and migration of neurons, occur in the third trimester of a human pregnancy. This review discusses the negative impacts of preterm birth and its associated factors on cerebellar development, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate cerebellar pathology. A better understanding of the cerebellar developmental mechanisms affected by preterm birth is necessary for developing novel treatment and neuroprotective strategies to ameliorate the cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficits experienced by preterm subjects.
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27
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Xia Y, Cui K, Alonso A, Lowenstein ED, Hernandez-Miranda LR. Transcription factors regulating the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1072475. [PMID: 36523603 PMCID: PMC9745097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1072475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breathing (or respiration) is an unconscious and complex motor behavior which neuronal drive emerges from the brainstem. In simplistic terms, respiratory motor activity comprises two phases, inspiration (uptake of oxygen, O2) and expiration (release of carbon dioxide, CO2). Breathing is not rigid, but instead highly adaptable to external and internal physiological demands of the organism. The neurons that generate, monitor, and adjust breathing patterns locate to two major brainstem structures, the pons and medulla oblongata. Extensive research over the last three decades has begun to identify the developmental origins of most brainstem neurons that control different aspects of breathing. This research has also elucidated the transcriptional control that secures the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons. In this review, we aim to summarize our current knowledge on the transcriptional regulation that operates during the specification of respiratory neurons, and we will highlight the cell lineages that contribute to the central respiratory circuit. Lastly, we will discuss on genetic disturbances altering transcription factor regulation and their impact in hypoventilation disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Xia
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ke Cui
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Alonso
- Functional Genoarchitecture and Neurobiology Groups, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elijah D. Lowenstein
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R. Hernandez-Miranda
- The Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Glover JC, Fritzsch B. Molecular mechanisms governing development of the hindbrain choroid plexus and auditory projection: A validation of the seminal observations of Wilhelm His. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:306-313. [PMID: 36247525 PMCID: PMC9561746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies by His from 1868 to 1904 delineated the critical role of the dorsal roof plate in the development of the hindbrain choroid plexus, and of the rhombic lips in the development of hindbrain auditory centers. Modern molecular studies have confirmed these observations and placed them in a mechanistic context. Expression of the transcription factor Lmx1a/b is crucial to the development of the hindbrain choroid plexus, and also regulates the expression of Atoh1, a transcription factor that is essential for the formation of the cochlear hair cells and auditory nuclei. By contrast, development of the vestibular hair cells, vestibular ganglion and vestibular nuclei does not depend on Lmx1a/b. These findings demonstrate a common dependence on a specific gene for the hindbrain choroid plexus and the primary auditory projection from hair cells to sensory neurons to hindbrain nuclei. Thus, His' conclusions regarding the origins of specific hindbrain structures are borne out by molecular genetic experiments conducted more than a hundred years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C. Glover
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Corresponding author at: Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
- Corresponding author.
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29
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Dalvand A, da Silva Rosa SC, Ghavami S, Marzban H. Potential role of TGFΒ and autophagy in early crebellum development. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 32:101358. [PMID: 36213145 PMCID: PMC9535406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, the interconnected generation of various neural cell types within the cerebellar primordium is essential. Over embryonic (E) days E9-E13, Purkinje cells (PCs), and cerebellar nuclei (CN) neurons are among the created primordial neurons. The molecular and cellular mechanisms fundamental for the early cerebellar neurogenesis, migration/differentiation, and connectivity are not clear yet. Autophagy has a vital role in controlling cellular phenotypes, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is the main player in pre-and postnatal development and controlling cellular morphological type via various mechanisms, such as autophagy. Thus, we hypothesized that TGF-β1 may regulate early cerebellar development by modifying the levels of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and consequently autophagy pathway in the mouse cerebellar primordium. We demonstrated the stimulation of the canonical TGF-β1 signaling pathway at the point that concurs with the generation of the nuclear transitory zone and PC plate in mice. Furthermore, our data show that the stimulated TGF-β1 signaling pathway progressively and chronologically could upregulate the expression of β-catenin (CTNNB1) and N-cadherin (CDH2) with the most expression at E11 and E12, leading to upregulation of chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CDH8) and neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) expression, at E12 and E13. Finally, we demonstrated that the stimulated TGF-β signaling pathway may impede the autophagic flux at E11/E12. Nevertheless, basal autophagy flux happens at earlier developmental phases from E9-E10. Our study determined potential role of the TGF-β signaling and its regulatory impacts on autophagic flux during cerebellar development and cadherin expression, which can facilitate the proliferation, migration/differentiation, and placement of PCs and the CN neurons in their designated areas.
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30
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Rahimi-Balaei M, Marzban H, Hawkes R. Early Cerebellar Development in Relation to the Trigeminal System. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:784-790. [PMID: 35237930 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01388-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the wealth of knowledge of adult cerebellar connectivity, little is known about the developmental mechanisms that underpin its development. Early connectivity is important because it is the foundation of the neural networks crucial for neuronal function and serves as a scaffold on which later tracts form. Conventionally, it is believed that afferents from the vestibular system are the first to invade the cerebellum, at embryonic days (E) 11-E12/13 in mice, where they target the new born Purkinje cells. However, we have demonstrated that pioneer axons that originate from the trigeminal ganglia are already present in the cerebellar primordium by E9, a stage at which afferents from the vestibular ganglia have not yet reached the brainstem, where they target neurons of the cerebellar nuclei. An early-born subset of cerebellar nuclei may be derived from the mesencephalon. These may be the target of the earliest pioneer axons. They form the early connectivity at the rostral end. This is consistent with the notion that the formation of the antero-posterior axis follows a rostro-caudal sequence. The finding that trigeminal ganglion-derived pioneer axons enter the cerebellar primordium before Purkinje cells are born and target the cerebellar nuclei, reveals a novel perspective on the development of early cerebellar connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm 129 BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm 129 BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Richard Hawkes
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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31
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Fritzsch B, Elliott KL, Yamoah EN. Neurosensory development of the four brainstem-projecting sensory systems and their integration in the telencephalon. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:913480. [PMID: 36213204 PMCID: PMC9539932 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.913480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory, taste, vestibular, and auditory information is first processed in the brainstem. From the brainstem, the respective information is relayed to specific regions within the cortex, where these inputs are further processed and integrated with other sensory systems to provide a comprehensive sensory experience. We provide the organization, genetics, and various neuronal connections of four sensory systems: trigeminal, taste, vestibular, and auditory systems. The development of trigeminal fibers is comparable to many sensory systems, for they project mostly contralaterally from the brainstem or spinal cord to the telencephalon. Taste bud information is primarily projected ipsilaterally through the thalamus to reach the insula. The vestibular fibers develop bilateral connections that eventually reach multiple areas of the cortex to provide a complex map. The auditory fibers project in a tonotopic contour to the auditory cortex. The spatial and tonotopic organization of trigeminal and auditory neuron projections are distinct from the taste and vestibular systems. The individual sensory projections within the cortex provide multi-sensory integration in the telencephalon that depends on context-dependent tertiary connections to integrate other cortical sensory systems across the four modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bernd Fritzsch,
| | - Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
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32
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Joyner AL, Bayin NS. Cerebellum lineage allocation, morphogenesis and repair: impact of interplay amongst cells. Development 2022; 149:dev185587. [PMID: 36172987 PMCID: PMC9641654 DOI: 10.1242/dev.185587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum has a simple cytoarchitecture consisting of a folded cortex with three cell layers that surrounds a nuclear structure housing the output neurons. The excitatory neurons are generated from a unique progenitor zone, the rhombic lip, whereas the inhibitory neurons and astrocytes are generated from the ventricular zone. The growth phase of the cerebellum is driven by lineage-restricted progenitor populations derived from each zone. Research during the past decade has uncovered the importance of cell-to-cell communication between the lineages through largely unknown signaling mechanisms for regulating the scaling of cell numbers and cell plasticity during mouse development and following injury in the neonatal (P0-P14) cerebellum. This Review focuses on how the interplay between cell types is key to morphogenesis, production of robust neural circuits and replenishment of cells after injury, and ends with a discussion of the implications of the greater complexity of the human cerebellar progenitor zones for development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - N. Sumru Bayin
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1NQ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
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33
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Bočkaj I, Martini TEI, Smit MJ, Armandari I, Bakker B, Wardenaar R, Meeuwsen-de Boer TGJ, Bakker PL, Spierings DCJ, Hoving EW, Guryev V, Foijer F, Bruggeman SWM. Chromosomal Instability Characterizes Pediatric Medulloblastoma but Is Not Tolerated in the Developing Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179852. [PMID: 36077248 PMCID: PMC9456393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a pediatric brain malignancy that consists of four transcriptional subgroups. Structural and numerical aneuploidy are common in all subgroups, although they are particularly profound in Group 3 and Group 4 medulloblastoma and in a subtype of SHH medulloblastoma termed SHHα. This suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN), the process leading to aneuploidy, is an important player in medulloblastoma pathophysiology. However, it is not known if there is ongoing CIN in medulloblastoma or if CIN affects the developing cerebellum and promotes tumor formation. To investigate this, we performed karyotyping of single medulloblastoma cells and demonstrated the presence of distinct tumor cell clones harboring unique copy number alterations, which is suggestive of ongoing CIN. We also found enrichment for processes related to DNA replication, repair, and mitosis in both SHH medulloblastoma and in the highly proliferative compartment of the presumed tumor cell lineage-of-origin, the latter also being sensitive to genotoxic stress. However, when challenging these tumor cells-of-origin with genetic lesions inducing CIN using transgenic mouse modeling, we found no evidence for large chromosomal aberrations in the cerebellum or for medulloblastoma formation. We therefore conclude that without a background of specific genetic mutations, CIN is not tolerated in the developing cerebellum in vivo and, thus, by itself is not sufficient to initiate medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Bočkaj
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tosca E. I. Martini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlinde J. Smit
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inna Armandari
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Bakker
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tiny G. J. Meeuwsen-de Boer
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra L. Bakker
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana C. J. Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco W. Hoving
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (S.W.M.B.)
| | - Sophia W. M. Bruggeman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (S.W.M.B.)
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34
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Molecular Organization and Patterning of the Medulla Oblongata in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169260. [PMID: 36012524 PMCID: PMC9409237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The medulla oblongata, located in the hindbrain between the pons and the spinal cord, is an important relay center for critical sensory, proprioceptive, and motoric information. It is an evolutionarily highly conserved brain region, both structural and functional, and consists of a multitude of nuclei all involved in different aspects of basic but vital functions. Understanding the functional anatomy and developmental program of this structure can help elucidate potential role(s) of the medulla in neurological disorders. Here, we have described the early molecular patterning of the medulla during murine development, from the fundamental units that structure the very early medullary region into 5 rhombomeres (r7–r11) and 13 different longitudinal progenitor domains, to the neuronal clusters derived from these progenitors that ultimately make-up the different medullary nuclei. By doing so, we developed a schematic overview that can be used to predict the cell-fate of a progenitor group, or pinpoint the progenitor domain of origin of medullary nuclei. This schematic overview can further be used to help in the explanation of medulla-related symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, e.g., congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, Wold–Hirschhorn syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Pitt–Hopkins syndrome. Based on the genetic defects seen in these syndromes, we can use our model to predict which medullary nuclei might be affected, which can be used to quickly direct the research into these diseases to the likely affected nuclei.
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Wu JPH, Yeung J, Rahimi-Balaei M, Wu SR, Zoghbi H, Goldowitz D. The Transcription Factor Pou3f1 Sheds Light on the Development and Molecular Diversity of Glutamatergic Cerebellar Nuclear Neurons in the Mouse. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:921901. [PMID: 35935334 PMCID: PMC9347289 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.921901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellar nuclear (CN) neurons are a molecularly heterogeneous population whose specification into the different cerebellar nuclei is defined by the expression of varying sets of transcription factors. Here, we present a novel molecular marker, Pou3f1, that delineates specific sets of glutamatergic CN neurons. The glutamatergic identity of Pou3f1+ cells was confirmed by: (1) the co-expression of vGluT2, a cell marker of glutamatergic neurons; (2) the lack of co-expression between Pou3f1 and GAD67, a marker of GABAergic neurons; (3) the co-expression of Atoh1, the master regulator required for the production of all cerebellar glutamatergic lineages; and (4) the absence of Pou3f1-expressing cells in the Atoh1-null cerebellum. Furthermore, the lack of Pax6 and Tbr1 expression in Pou3f1+ cells reveals that Pou3f1-expressing CN neurons specifically settle in the interposed and dentate nuclei. In addition, the Pou3f1-labeled glutamatergic CN neurons can be further classified by the expression of Brn2 and Irx3. The results of the present study align with previous findings highlighting that the survival of the interposed and dentate CN neurons is largely independent of Pax6. More importantly, the present study extends the field’s collective knowledge of the molecular diversity of cerebellar nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Po Han Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sih-Rong Wu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Huda Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dan Goldowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Dan Goldowitz
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36
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Smit MJ, Martini TEI, Armandari I, Bočkaj I, Zomerman WW, de Camargo Magalhães ES, Siragna Z, Meeuwsen TGJ, Scherpen FJG, Schoots MH, Ritsema M, den Dunnen WFA, Hoving EW, Paridaen JTML, de Haan G, Guryev V, Bruggeman SWM. The developmental stage of the medulloblastoma cell-of-origin restricts Hedgehog pathway usage and drug sensitivity. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275628. [PMID: 35535520 PMCID: PMC9234672 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma originates from the cerebellar granule neuron progenitor (CGNP) lineage, which depends on Hedgehog signaling for its perinatal expansion. Whereas SHH tumors exhibit overall deregulation of this pathway, they also show patient age-specific aberrations. To investigate whether the developmental stage of the CGNP can account for these age-specific lesions, we analyzed developing murine CGNP transcriptomes and observed highly dynamic gene expression as a function of age. Cross-species comparison with human SHH medulloblastoma showed partial maintenance of these expression patterns, and highlighted low primary cilium expression as hallmark of infant medulloblastoma and early embryonic CGNPs. This coincided with reduced responsiveness to upstream SHH pathway component Smoothened, whereas sensitivity to downstream components SUFU and GLI family proteins was retained. Together, these findings can explain the preference for SUFU mutations in infant medulloblastoma and suggest that drugs targeting the downstream SHH pathway will be most appropriate for infant patients. Summary: There is a relationship between the age of the medulloblastoma patient and the developmental age of the tumor cell-of-origin, and this influences the SHH pathway signaling route used by the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlinde J Smit
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tosca E I Martini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Inna Armandari
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irena Bočkaj
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Walderik W Zomerman
- Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo S de Camargo Magalhães
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-590, Brazil
| | - Zillah Siragna
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tiny G J Meeuwsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J G Scherpen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirthe H Schoots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martha Ritsema
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F A den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco W Hoving
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith T M L Paridaen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Present address: Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia W M Bruggeman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
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37
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Wang W, Shiraishi R, Kawauchi D. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cerebellar Development and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864035. [PMID: 35573667 PMCID: PMC9100414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway regulates the development of the central nervous system in vertebrates. Aberrant regulation of SHH signaling pathways often causes neurodevelopmental diseases and brain tumors. In the cerebellum, SHH secreted by Purkinje cells is a potent mitogen for granule cell progenitors, which are the most abundant cell type in the mature brain. While a reduction in SHH signaling induces cerebellar structural abnormalities, such as hypoplasia in various genetic disorders, the constitutive activation of SHH signaling often induces medulloblastoma (MB), one of the most common pediatric malignant brain tumors. Based on the existing literature on canonical and non-canonical SHH signaling pathways, emerging basic and clinical studies are exploring novel therapeutic approaches for MB by targeting SHH signaling at distinct molecular levels. In this review, we discuss the present consensus on SHH signaling mechanisms, their roles in cerebellar development and tumorigenesis, and the recent advances in clinical trials for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchen Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Shiraishi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of NCNP Brain Physiology and Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Daisuke Kawauchi,
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Liu Z, Jiang M, Liakath-Ali K, Sclip A, Ko J, Zhang RS, Südhof TC. Deletion of Calsyntenin-3, an atypical cadherin, suppresses inhibitory synapses but increases excitatory parallel-fiber synapses in cerebellum. eLife 2022; 11:e70664. [PMID: 35420982 PMCID: PMC9064300 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherins contribute to the organization of nearly all tissues, but the functions of several evolutionarily conserved cadherins, including those of calsyntenins, remain enigmatic. Puzzlingly, two distinct, non-overlapping functions for calsyntenins were proposed: As postsynaptic neurexin ligands in synapse formation, or as presynaptic kinesin adaptors in vesicular transport. Here, we show that, surprisingly, acute CRISPR-mediated deletion of calsyntenin-3 in mouse cerebellum in vivo causes a large decrease in inhibitory synapse, but a robust increase in excitatory parallel-fiber synapses in Purkinje cells. As a result, inhibitory synaptic transmission was suppressed, whereas parallel-fiber synaptic transmission was enhanced in Purkinje cells by the calsyntenin-3 deletion. No changes in the dendritic architecture of Purkinje cells or in climbing-fiber synapses were detected. Sparse selective deletion of calsyntenin-3 only in Purkinje cells recapitulated the synaptic phenotype, indicating that calsyntenin-3 acts by a cell-autonomous postsynaptic mechanism in cerebellum. Thus, by inhibiting formation of excitatory parallel-fiber synapses and promoting formation of inhibitory synapses in the same neuron, calsyntenin-3 functions as a postsynaptic adhesion molecule that regulates the excitatory/inhibitory balance in Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Kif Liakath-Ali
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Alessandra Sclip
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and TechnologyDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Roger Shen Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
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Khouri-Farah N, Guo Q, Morgan K, Shin J, Li JYH. Integrated single-cell transcriptomic and epigenetic study of cell state transition and lineage commitment in embryonic mouse cerebellum. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl9156. [PMID: 35363520 PMCID: PMC10938588 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl9156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies using single-cell RNA-sequencing have revealed cellular heterogeneity in the developing mammalian cerebellum, yet the regulatory logic underlying this cellular diversity remains to be elucidated. Using integrated single-cell RNA and ATAC analyses, we resolved developmental trajectories of cerebellar progenitors and identified putative trans- and cis-elements that control cell state transition. We reverse engineered gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of each cerebellar cell type. Through in silico simulations and in vivo experiments, we validated the efficacy of GRN analyses and uncovered the molecular control of a posterior transitory zone (PTZ), a distinct progenitor zone residing immediately anterior to the morphologically defined rhombic lip (RL). We showed that perturbing cell fate specification in the PTZ and RL causes posterior cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, the most common cerebellar birth defect in humans. Our study provides a foundation for comprehensive studies of developmental programs of the mammalian cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagham Khouri-Farah
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
| | - Qiuxia Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
| | - Kerry Morgan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
| | - Jihye Shin
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
| | - James Y. H. Li
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
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40
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Elliott KL, Fritzsch B, Yamoah EN, Zine A. Age-Related Hearing Loss: Sensory and Neural Etiology and Their Interdependence. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:814528. [PMID: 35250542 PMCID: PMC8891613 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.814528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common, increasing problem for older adults, affecting about 1 billion people by 2050. We aim to correlate the different reductions of hearing from cochlear hair cells (HCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), cochlear nuclei (CN), and superior olivary complex (SOC) with the analysis of various reasons for each one on the sensory deficit profiles. Outer HCs show a progressive loss in a basal-to-apical gradient, and inner HCs show a loss in a apex-to-base progression that results in ARHL at high frequencies after 70 years of age. In early neonates, SGNs innervation of cochlear HCs is maintained. Loss of SGNs results in a considerable decrease (~50% or more) of cochlear nuclei in neonates, though the loss is milder in older mice and humans. The dorsal cochlear nuclei (fusiform neurons) project directly to the inferior colliculi while most anterior cochlear nuclei reach the SOC. Reducing the number of neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) affects the interactions with the lateral superior olive to fine-tune ipsi- and contralateral projections that may remain normal in mice, possibly humans. The inferior colliculi receive direct cochlear fibers and second-order fibers from the superior olivary complex. Loss of the second-order fibers leads to hearing loss in mice and humans. Although ARHL may arise from many complex causes, HC degeneration remains the more significant problem of hearing restoration that would replace the cochlear implant. The review presents recent findings of older humans and mice with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bernd Fritzsch
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Azel Zine
- LBN, Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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41
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Karthik S, Huang D, Delgado Y, Laing JJ, Peltekian L, Iverson GN, Grady F, Miller RL, McCann CM, Fritzsch B, Iskusnykh IY, Chizhikov VV, Geerling JC. Molecular ontology of the parabrachial nucleus. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:1658-1699. [PMID: 35134251 PMCID: PMC9119955 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This article has been removed because of a technical problem in the rendering of the PDF. 11 February 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dake Huang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | | | | | - Lila Peltekian
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | | | - Fillan Grady
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Rebecca L. Miller
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyWashington University School of MedicineSaint LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Corey M. McCann
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyWashington University School of MedicineSaint LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteIowa CityIowaUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Igor Y. Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyUniversity of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Victor V. Chizhikov
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyUniversity of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Joel C. Geerling
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteIowa CityIowaUSA
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42
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Stoner ZA, Ketchum EM, Sheltz-Kempf S, Blinkiewicz PV, Elliott KL, Duncan JS. Fzd3 Expression Within Inner Ear Afferent Neurons Is Necessary for Central Pathfinding. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:779871. [PMID: 35153658 PMCID: PMC8828977 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.779871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During development the afferent neurons of the inner ear make precise wiring decisions in the hindbrain reflective of their topographic distribution in the periphery. This is critical for the formation of sensory maps capable of faithfully processing both auditory and vestibular input. Disorganized central projections of inner ear afferents in Fzd3 null mice indicate Wnt/PCP signaling is involved in this process and ear transplantation in Xenopus indicates that Fzd3 is necessary in the ear but not the hindbrain for proper afferent navigation. However, it remains unclear in which cell type of the inner ear Fzd3 expression is influencing the guidance of inner ear afferents to their proper synaptic targets in the hindbrain. We utilized Atoh1-cre and Neurod1-cre mouse lines to conditionally knockout Fzd3 within the mechanosensory hair cells of the organ of Corti and within the inner ear afferents, respectively. Following conditional deletion of Fzd3 within the hair cells, the central topographic distribution of inner ear afferents was maintained with no gross morphological defects. In contrast, conditional deletion of Fzd3 within inner ear afferents leads to central pathfinding defects of both cochlear and vestibular afferents. Here, we show that Fzd3 is acting in a cell autonomous manner within inner ear afferents to regulate central pathfinding within the hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Stoner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Ketchum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Sydney Sheltz-Kempf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Paige V. Blinkiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Karen L. Elliott,
| | - Jeremy S. Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
- Jeremy S. Duncan,
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43
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Hirsch D, Kohl A, Wang Y, Sela-Donenfeld D. Axonal Projection Patterns of the Dorsal Interneuron Populations in the Embryonic Hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2022; 15:793161. [PMID: 35002640 PMCID: PMC8738170 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.793161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the inner workings of neural circuits entails understanding the cellular origin and axonal pathfinding of various neuronal groups during development. In the embryonic hindbrain, different subtypes of dorsal interneurons (dINs) evolve along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of rhombomeres and are imperative for the assembly of central brainstem circuits. dINs are divided into two classes, class A and class B, each containing four neuronal subgroups (dA1-4 and dB1-4) that are born in well-defined DV positions. While all interneurons belonging to class A express the transcription factor Olig3 and become excitatory, all class B interneurons express the transcription factor Lbx1 but are diverse in their excitatory or inhibitory fate. Moreover, within every class, each interneuron subtype displays its own specification genes and axonal projection patterns which are required to govern the stage-by-stage assembly of their connectivity toward their target sites. Remarkably, despite the similar genetic landmark of each dINs subgroup along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the hindbrain, genetic fate maps of some dA/dB neuronal subtypes uncovered their contribution to different nuclei centers in relation to their rhombomeric origin. Thus, DV and AP positional information has to be orchestrated in each dA/dB subpopulation to form distinct neuronal circuits in the hindbrain. Over the span of several decades, different axonal routes have been well-documented to dynamically emerge and grow throughout the hindbrain DV and AP positions. Yet, the genetic link between these distinct axonal bundles and their neuronal origin is not fully clear. In this study, we reviewed the available data regarding the association between the specification of early-born dorsal interneuron subpopulations in the hindbrain and their axonal circuitry development and fate, as well as the present existing knowledge on molecular effectors underlying the process of axonal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Hirsch
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kohl
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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44
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Abstract
Breathing (or respiration) is a complex motor behavior that originates in the brainstem. In minimalistic terms, breathing can be divided into two phases: inspiration (uptake of oxygen, O2) and expiration (release of carbon dioxide, CO2). The neurons that discharge in synchrony with these phases are arranged in three major groups along the brainstem: (i) pontine, (ii) dorsal medullary, and (iii) ventral medullary. These groups are formed by diverse neuron types that coalesce into heterogeneous nuclei or complexes, among which the preBötzinger complex in the ventral medullary group contains cells that generate the respiratory rhythm (Chapter 1). The respiratory rhythm is not rigid, but instead highly adaptable to the physic demands of the organism. In order to generate the appropriate respiratory rhythm, the preBötzinger complex receives direct and indirect chemosensory information from other brainstem respiratory nuclei (Chapter 2) and peripheral organs (Chapter 3). Even though breathing is a hard-wired unconscious behavior, it can be temporarily altered at will by other higher-order brain structures (Chapter 6), and by emotional states (Chapter 7). In this chapter, we focus on the development of brainstem respiratory groups and highlight the cell lineages that contribute to central and peripheral chemoreflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eser Göksu Isik
- Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R Hernandez-Miranda
- Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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45
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Restoring Shank3 in the rostral brainstem of shank3ab-/- zebrafish autism models rescues sensory deficits. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1411. [PMID: 34921227 PMCID: PMC8683502 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, caused by mutations in the SHANK3 gene, commonly exhibit reduced responses to sensory stimuli; yet the changes in brain-wide activity that link these symptoms to mutations in the shank3 gene remain unknown. Here we quantify movement in response to sudden darkness in larvae of two shank3 zebrafish mutant models and show that both models exhibit dampened responses to this stimulus. Using brain-wide activity mapping, we find that shank3−/− light-sensing brain regions show normal levels of activity while sensorimotor integration and motor regions are less active. Specifically restoring Shank3 function in a sensorimotor nucleus of the rostral brainstem enables the shank3−/− model to respond like wild-type. In sum, we find that reduced sensory responsiveness in shank3−/− models is associated with reduced activity in sensory processing brain regions and can be rescued by restoring Shank3 function in the rostral brainstem. These studies highlight the importance of Shank3 function in the rostral brainstem for integrating sensory inputs to generate behavioral adaptations to changing sensory stimuli. Robert Kozol et al. developed two zebrafish Shank3 models to characterize the basis of sensorimotor deficits, which are a consistent feature in SHANK3-deficient human patients (Phelan-McDermid Syndrome). Their results suggest that hindbrain regions require Shank3 for normal responses to light, and provide further insight toward the biology of sensory deficits in Shank3 mutants.
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Whittaker DE, Oleari R, Gregory LC, Le Quesne-Stabej P, Williams HJ, Torpiano JG, Formosa N, Cachia MJ, Field D, Lettieri A, Ocaka LA, Paganoni AJ, Rajabali SH, Riegman KL, De Martini LB, Chaya T, Robinson IC, Furukawa T, Cariboni A, Basson MA, Dattani MT. A recessive PRDM13 mutation results in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cerebellar hypoplasia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e141587. [PMID: 34730112 PMCID: PMC8670848 DOI: 10.1172/jci141587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive regulatory (PR) domain containing 13 (PRDM13) putative chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator functions downstream of the transcription factor PTF1A, which controls GABAergic fate in the spinal cord and neurogenesis in the hypothalamus. Here, we report a recessive syndrome associated with PRDM13 mutation. Patients exhibited intellectual disability, ataxia with cerebellar hypoplasia, scoliosis, and delayed puberty with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Expression studies revealed Prdm13/PRDM13 transcripts in the developing hypothalamus and cerebellum in mouse and human. An analysis of hypothalamus and cerebellum development in mice homozygous for a Prdm13 mutant allele revealed a significant reduction in the number of Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons in the hypothalamus and PAX2+ progenitors emerging from the cerebellar ventricular zone. The latter was accompanied by ectopic expression of the glutamatergic lineage marker TLX3. Prdm13-deficient mice displayed cerebellar hypoplasia and normal gonadal structure, but delayed pubertal onset. Together, these findings identify PRDM13 as a critical regulator of GABAergic cell fate in the cerebellum and of hypothalamic kisspeptin neuron development, providing a mechanistic explanation for the cooccurrence of CHH and cerebellar hypoplasia in this syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence linking disrupted PRDM13-mediated regulation of Kiss1 neurons to CHH in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Whittaker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise C. Gregory
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Polona Le Quesne-Stabej
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hywel J. Williams
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - GOSgene
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- GOSgene is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - John G. Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics and
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Mario J. Cachia
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Field
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise A. Ocaka
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa J.J. Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sakina H. Rajabali
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley L.H. Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa B. De Martini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Taro Chaya
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul T. Dattani
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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47
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Bayin NS, Mizrak D, Stephen DN, Lao Z, Sims PA, Joyner AL. Injury-induced ASCL1 expression orchestrates a transitory cell state required for repair of the neonatal cerebellum. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1598. [PMID: 34878841 PMCID: PMC8654303 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
To understand repair processes, it is critical to identify the molecular foundations underlying progenitor diversity and plasticity. Upon injury to the neonatal cerebellum, a normally gliogenic nestin-expressing progenitor (NEP) in the Bergmann glia layer (BgL) undergoes adaptive reprograming to restore granule cell production. However, the cellular states and genes regulating the NEP fate switch are unknown. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and fate mapping, we defined molecular subtypes of NEPs and their lineages under homeostasis and repair. NEPs contain two major subtypes: Hopx+ astrogliogenic and Ascl1+ neurogenic NEPs that are further subdivided based on their location, lineage, and differentiation status. Upon injury, an Ascl1+ transitory cellular state arises from Hopx+ BgL-NEPs. Furthermore, mutational analysis revealed that induction of Ascl1 is required for adaptive reprogramming by orchestrating a glial-to-neural switch in vivo following injury. Thus, we provide molecular and cellular insights into context-dependent progenitor plasticity and repair mechanisms in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Sumru Bayin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dogukan Mizrak
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel N. Stephen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhimin Lao
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter A. Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra L. Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
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48
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Cortical responses to touch reflect subcortical integration of LTMR signals. Nature 2021; 600:680-685. [PMID: 34789880 PMCID: PMC9289451 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04094-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Current models to explain how signals emanating from cutaneous mechanoreceptors generate representations of touch are based on comparisons of the tactile responses of mechanoreceptor subtypes and neurons in somatosensory cortex1-8. Here we used mouse genetic manipulations to investigate the contributions of peripheral mechanoreceptor subtypes to cortical responses to touch. Cortical neurons exhibited remarkably homogeneous and transient responses to skin indentation that resembled rapidly adapting (RA) low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) responses. Concurrent disruption of signals from both Aβ RA-LTMRs and Aβ slowly adapting (SA)-LTMRs eliminated cortical responses to light indentation forces. However, disruption of either LTMR subtype alone caused opposite shifts in cortical sensitivity but otherwise largely unaltered tactile responses, indicating that both subtypes contribute to normal cortical responses. Selective optogenetic activation of single action potentials in Aβ RA-LTMRs or Aβ SA-LTMRs drove low-latency responses in most mechanically sensitive cortical neurons. Similarly, most somatosensory thalamic neurons were also driven by activation of Aβ RA-LTMRs or Aβ SA-LTMRs. These findings support a model in which signals from physiologically distinct mechanoreceptor subtypes are extensively integrated and transformed within the subcortical somatosensory system to generate cortical representations of touch.
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49
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Ikenaga T, Shimomai R, Hagio H, Kimura S, Matsumoto K, Kato DI, Uesugi K, Takeuchi A, Yamamoto N, Hibi M. Morphological analysis of the cerebellum and its efferent system in a basal actinopterygian fish, Polypterus senegalus. J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:1231-1246. [PMID: 34729771 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although all vertebrate cerebella contain granule cells, Purkinje cells, and efferent neurons, the cellular arrangement and neural circuitry are highly diverse. In amniotes, cerebellar efferent neurons form clusters, deep cerebellar nuclei, lie deep in the cerebellum, and receive synaptic inputs from Purkinje cells but not granule cells. However, in the cerebellum of teleosts, the efferent neurons, called eurydendroid cells, lie near the cell bodies of Purkinje cells and receive inputs both from axons of Purkinje cells and granule cell parallel fibers. It is largely unknown how the cerebellar structure evolved in ray-finned fish (actinopterygians). To address this issue, we analyzed the cerebellum of a bichir Polypterus senegalus, one of the most basal actinopterygians. We found that the cell bodies of Purkinje cells are not aligned in a layer; incoming climbing fibers terminate mainly on the basal portion of Purkinje cells, revealing that the Polypterus cerebellum has unique features among vertebrate cerebella. Retrograde labeling and marker analyses of the efferent neurons revealed that their cell bodies lie in restricted granular areas but not as deep cerebellar nuclei in the cerebellar white matter. The efferent neurons have long dendrites like eurydendroid cells, although they do not reach the molecular layer. Our findings suggest that the efferent system of the bichir cerebellum has intermediate features between teleosts and amniote vertebrates, and provides a model to understand the basis generating diversity in actinopterygian cerebella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Ikenaga
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Rinko Shimomai
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hanako Hagio
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Laboratory of Fish Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoru Kimura
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Matsumoto
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Dai-Ichiro Kato
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Uesugi
- Research and Utilization Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takeuchi
- Research and Utilization Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Fish Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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50
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Disordered breathing in a Pitt-Hopkins syndrome model involves Phox2b-expressing parafacial neurons and aberrant Nav1.8 expression. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5962. [PMID: 34645823 PMCID: PMC8514575 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare autism spectrum-like disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delays, and breathing problems involving episodes of hyperventilation followed by apnea. PTHS is caused by functional haploinsufficiency of the gene encoding transcription factor 4 (Tcf4). Despite the severity of this disease, mechanisms contributing to PTHS behavioral abnormalities are not well understood. Here, we show that a Tcf4 truncation (Tcf4tr/+) mouse model of PTHS exhibits breathing problems similar to PTHS patients. This behavioral deficit is associated with selective loss of putative expiratory parafacial neurons and compromised function of neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus that regulate breathing in response to tissue CO2/H+. We also show that central Nav1.8 channels can be targeted pharmacologically to improve respiratory function at the cellular and behavioral levels in Tcf4tr/+ mice, thus establishing Nav1.8 as a high priority target with therapeutic potential in PTHS. Disordered breathing is a hallmark of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), yet little is known regarding how loss of Tcf4 (gene associated with PTHS) affects development and function of respiratory neurons. Here, the authors show that parafacial respiratory neurons are selectively disrupted in a mouse model of PTHS, and central Nav1.8 channels can be targeted to improve PTHS-associated behavior abnormalities.
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