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Cao X, Scoffield J, Xie B, Morton DB, Wu H. Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1279380. [PMID: 38192401 PMCID: PMC10773677 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1279380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a valuable model for investigating human biology, including the role of the microbiome in health and disease. Historically, studies involving the infection of D. melanogaster with single microbial species have yielded critical insights into bacterial colonization and host innate immunity. However, recent evidence has underscored that multiple microbial species can interact in complex ways through physical connections, metabolic cross-feeding, or signaling exchanges, with significant implications for healthy homeostasis and the initiation, progression, and outcomes of disease. As a result, researchers have shifted their focus toward developing more robust and representative in vivo models of co-infection to probe the intricacies of polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pioneering work and recent advances in the field, highlighting the utility of Drosophila as an alternative model for studying the multifaceted microbial interactions that occur within the oral cavity and other body sites. We will discuss the factors and mechanisms that drive microbial community dynamics, as well as their impacts on host physiology and immune responses. Furthermore, this review will delve into the emerging evidence that connects oral microbes to systemic conditions in both health and disease. As our understanding of the microbiome continues to evolve, Drosophila offers a powerful and tractable model for unraveling the complex interplay between host and microbes including oral microbes, which has far-reaching implications for human health and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Cao
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jessica Scoffield
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Baotong Xie
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, OR, United States
| | - David B. Morton
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Cabana-Domínguez J, Antón-Galindo E, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Singgih EL, O'Leary A, Norton WH, Strekalova T, Schenck A, Reif A, Lesch KP, Slattery D, Cormand B. The translational genetics of ADHD and related phenotypes in model organisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104949. [PMID: 36368527 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104949] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. It is well known that ADHD co-occurs frequently with other psychiatric disorders due, in part, to shared genetics factors. Although many studies have contributed to delineate the genetic landscape of psychiatric disorders, their specific molecular underpinnings are still not fully understood. The use of animal models can help us to understand the role of specific genes and environmental stimuli-induced epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of ADHD and its comorbidities. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the functional work performed in rodents, zebrafish and fruit fly and highlight the generated insights into the biology of ADHD, with a special focus on genetics and epigenetics. We also describe the behavioral tests that are available to study ADHD-relevant phenotypes and comorbid traits in these models. Furthermore, we have searched for new models to study ADHD and its comorbidities, which can be useful to test potential pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Ester Antón-Galindo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Euginia L Singgih
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - William Hg Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
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Pir MS, Bilgin HI, Sayici A, Coşkun F, Torun FM, Zhao P, Kang Y, Cevik S, Kaplan O. ConVarT: a search engine for matching human genetic variants with variants from non-human species. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:D1172-D1178. [PMID: 34718716 PMCID: PMC8728286 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of genetic variants, together with phenotypic annotations from model organisms, facilitates comparing these variants with equivalent variants in humans. However, existing databases and search tools do not make it easy to scan for equivalent variants, namely 'matching variants' (MatchVars) between humans and other organisms. Therefore, we developed an integrated search engine called ConVarT (http://www.convart.org/) for matching variants between humans, mice, and Caenorhabditis elegans. ConVarT incorporates annotations (including phenotypic and pathogenic) into variants, and these previously unexploited phenotypic MatchVars from mice and C. elegans can give clues about the functional consequence of human genetic variants. Our analysis shows that many phenotypic variants in different genes from mice and C. elegans, so far, have no counterparts in humans, and thus, can be useful resources when evaluating a relationship between a new human mutation and a disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa S Pir
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Halil I Bilgin
- Department of Computer Engineering, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Sayici
- Department of Computer Engineering, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Fatih Coşkun
- Department of Computer Engineering, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Furkan M Torun
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Pei Zhao
- SunyBiotech Co., Ltd, Fuzhou 35000, China
| | | | - Sebiha Cevik
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
| | - Oktay I Kaplan
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38090, Turkey
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Madhu A, Cherian I, Gautam AK. Interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research: a panacea to efficient research output during the global pandemic. CORONAVIRUS DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9217733 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85156-5.00018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research is rapidly growing due to inventions and developments in science and technology. Several interdisciplinary fields should be combined to find the remedy of diseases including pandemics. To accomplish this, interdisciplinary research is a prerequisite. Using improved techniques in microscopy and genetic engineering, the systemic perspective of the human body and related diseases can be found. Recent genetic-based inheritance studies of diseases, understanding various omics, stem cell systems, and gene editing tools including CRISPR relevant to biomedical research require multidisciplinary approach. Improvements in the field of bioinformatics and efficient use of model organisms in clinical testing including drug assessment are important disciplines common in different researches. The merging of different closely related areas of medical research will produce suitable changes in diagnosis and treatment. In the present scenario of increased global pandemic hits like COVID-19, an understanding on the interdisciplinary approach is needed for controlling the spread and finding vaccines.
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Cao KX, Ma ML, Wang CZ, Iqbal J, Si JJ, Xue YX, Yang JL. TMS-EEG: An emerging tool to study the neurophysiologic biomarkers of psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108574. [PMID: 33894219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of psychiatric disorders remains largely unknown. The exploration of the neurobiological mechanisms of mental illness helps improve diagnostic efficacy and develop new therapies. This review focuses on the application of concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) in various mental diseases, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, and insomnia. First, we summarize the commonly used protocols and output measures of TMS-EEG; then, we review the literature exploring the alterations in neural patterns, particularly cortical excitability, plasticity, and connectivity alterations, and studies that predict treatment responses and clinical states in mental disorders using TMS-EEG. Finally, we discuss the potential mechanisms underlying TMS-EEG in establishing biomarkers for psychiatric disorders and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Xin Cao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mao-Liang Ma
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Airport Site, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng-Zhan Wang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Javed Iqbal
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University and Key Laboratory for Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, China
| | - Ji-Jian Si
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of Ministry of Education and Neuroscience, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian-Li Yang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Grandon B, Rincheval-Arnold A, Jah N, Corsi JM, Araujo LM, Glatigny S, Prevost E, Roche D, Chiocchia G, Guénal I, Gaumer S, Breban M. HLA-B27 alters BMP/TGFβ signalling in Drosophila, revealing putative pathogenic mechanism for spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1653-1662. [PMID: 31563893 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 confers an increased risk of spondyloarthritis (SpA) by unknown mechanism. The objective of this work was to uncover HLA-B27 non-canonical properties that could explain its pathogenicity, using a new Drosophila model. METHODS We produced transgenic Drosophila expressing the SpA-associated HLA-B*27:04 or HLA-B*27:05 subtypes, or the non-associated HLA-B*07:02 allele, alone or in combination with human β2-microglobulin (hβ2m), under tissue-specific drivers. Consequences of transgenes expression in Drosophila were examined and affected pathways were investigated by the genetic interaction experiments. Predictions of the model were further tested in immune cells from patients with SpA. RESULTS Loss of crossveins in the wings and a reduced eye phenotype were observed after expression of HLA-B*27:04 or HLA-B*27:05 in Drosophila but not in fruit flies expressing the non-associated HLA-B*07:02 allele. These HLA-B27-induced phenotypes required the presence of hβ2m that allowed expression of well-folded HLA-B conformers at the cell surface. Loss of crossveins resulted from a dominant negative effect of HLA-B27 on the type I bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor saxophone (Sax) with which it interacted, resulting in elevated mothers against decapentaplegic (Mad, a Drosophila receptor-mediated Smad) phosphorylation. Likewise, in immune cells from patients with SpA, HLA-B27 specifically interacted with activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2), the mammalian Sax ortholog, at the cell surface and elevated Smad phosphorylation was observed in response to activin A and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). CONCLUSIONS Antagonistic interaction of HLA-B27 with ALK2, which exerts inhibitory functions on the TGFβ/BMP signalling pathway at the cross-road between inflammation and ossification, could adequately explain SpA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Grandon
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.,Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurore Rincheval-Arnold
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Nadège Jah
- Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Jean-Marc Corsi
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Luiza M Araujo
- Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Simon Glatigny
- Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Erwann Prevost
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.,Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Delphine Roche
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Gilles Chiocchia
- Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Isabelle Guénal
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Sébastien Gaumer
- LGBC, EA4589, UVSQ/Université Paris-Saclay, EPHE/PSL Research University, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Maxime Breban
- Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/ Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France .,Rheumatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulogne Billancourt, France
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Coll-Tané M, Krebbers A, Castells-Nobau A, Zweier C, Schenck A. Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders 'on the fly': insights from Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm039180. [PMID: 31088981 PMCID: PMC6550041 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are frequently co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders and affect 2-3% of the population. Rapid advances in exome and genome sequencing have increased the number of known implicated genes by threefold, to more than a thousand. The main challenges in the field are now to understand the various pathomechanisms associated with this bewildering number of genetic disorders, to identify new genes and to establish causality of variants in still-undiagnosed cases, and to work towards causal treatment options that so far are available only for a few metabolic conditions. To meet these challenges, the research community needs highly efficient model systems. With an increasing number of relevant assays and rapidly developing novel methodologies, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is ideally positioned to change gear in ID and ASD research. The aim of this Review is to summarize some of the exciting work that already has drawn attention to Drosophila as a model for these disorders. We highlight well-established ID- and ASD-relevant fly phenotypes at the (sub)cellular, brain and behavioral levels, and discuss strategies of how this extraordinarily efficient and versatile model can contribute to 'next generation' medical genomics and to a better understanding of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Coll-Tané
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alina Krebbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Howe DG, Blake JA, Bradford YM, Bult CJ, Calvi BR, Engel SR, Kadin JA, Kaufman TC, Kishore R, Laulederkind SJF, Lewis SE, Moxon SAT, Richardson JE, Smith C. Model organism data evolving in support of translational medicine. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 47:277-289. [PMID: 30224793 PMCID: PMC6322546 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-018-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Model organism databases (MODs) have been collecting and integrating biomedical research data for 30 years and were designed to meet specific needs of each model organism research community. The contributions of model organism research to understanding biological systems would be hard to overstate. Modern molecular biology methods and cost reductions in nucleotide sequencing have opened avenues for direct application of model organism research to elucidating mechanisms of human diseases. Thus, the mandate for model organism research and databases has now grown to include facilitating use of these data in translational applications. Challenges in meeting this opportunity include the distribution of research data across many databases and websites, a lack of data format standards for some data types, and sustainability of scale and cost for genomic database resources like MODs. The issues of widely distributed data and application of data standards are some of the challenges addressed by FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable) data principles. The Alliance of Genome Resources is now moving to address these challenges by bringing together expertly curated research data from fly, mouse, rat, worm, yeast, zebrafish, and the Gene Ontology consortium. Centralized multi-species data access, integration, and format standardization will lower the data utilization barrier in comparative genomics and translational applications and will provide a framework in which sustainable scale and cost can be addressed. This article presents a brief historical perspective on how the Alliance model organisms are complementary and how they have already contributed to understanding the etiology of human diseases. In addition, we discuss four challenges for using data from MODs in translational applications and how the Alliance is working to address them, in part by applying FAIR data principles. Ultimately, combined data from these animal models are more powerful than the sum of the parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Howe
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | | | - Yvonne M Bradford
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | - Brian R Calvi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Stacia R Engel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ranjana Kishore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Stanley J F Laulederkind
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Suzanna E Lewis
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sierra A T Moxon
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Drummond BE, Wingert RA. Scaling up to study brca2: the zeppelin zebrafish mutant reveals a role for brca2 in embryonic development of kidney mesoderm. CANCER CELL & MICROENVIRONMENT 2018; 5:e1630. [PMID: 29707605 PMCID: PMC5922780 DOI: 10.14800/ccm.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Specialized renal epithelial cells known as podocytes are essential components of the filtering structures within the kidney that coordinate the process of removing waste from the bloodstream. Podocyte loss initiates many human kidney diseases as it triggers subsequent damage to the kidney, leading to progressive loss of function that culminates with end stage renal failure. Podocyte morphology, function and gene expression profiles are well conserved between zebrafish and humans, making the former a relevant model to study podocyte development and model kidney diseases. Recently, we reported that whole genome sequencing of the zeppelin (zep) zebrafish mutant, which exhibits podocyte abrogation, revealed that the causative lesion for this defect was a splicing mutation in the breast cancer 2, early onset (brca2) gene. This was a surprising and novel discovery, as previous research on brca2/BRCA2 in a number of vertebrate animal models had not implicated an explicit role for this gene in kidney mesoderm development. Interestingly, the abrogation of the podocyte lineage in zep mutants was also accompanied by the formation of a larger interrenal (IR) gland, which is analogous to the adrenal gland in mammals, and suggested a fate switch between the renal and inter renal mesodermal derivatives. Mirroring these findings, knockdown of brca2 also recapitulated the loss of podocytes and increased IR population. In addition, brca2 overexpression was sufficient to partially rescue podocytes in zep mutants, and induced ectopic podocyte formation in wild-type embryos. Interestingly, immunofluorescence studies indicated that zep mutants had elevated P-h2A.X levels, suggesting that DNA repair is dysfunctional in these animals and contributes to the zep phenotype. Moving forward, this unique zebrafish mutant provides a new model to further explore how brca2 contributes to the development of tissues including the kidney mesoderm-roles which may have implications for renal diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette E Drummond
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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Narciso C, Zartman J. Reverse-engineering organogenesis through feedback loops between model systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 52:1-8. [PMID: 29275226 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biological complexity and ethical limitations necessitate models of human development. Traditionally, genetic model systems have provided inexpensive routes to define mechanisms governing organ development. Recent progress has led to 3D human organoid models of development and disease. However, robust methods to control the size and morphology of organoids for high throughput studies need to be developed. Additionally, insights from multiple developmental contexts are required to reveal conserved genes and processes regulating organ growth and development. Positive feedback between quantitative studies using mammalian organoids and insect micro-organs enable identification of underlying principles for organ size and shape control. Advances in the field of multicellular systems engineering are enabling unprecedented high-content studies in developmental biology and disease modeling. These will lead to fundamental advances in regenerative medicine and tissue-engineered soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Narciso
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Jeremiah Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.
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The droso4schools project: Long-term scientist-teacher collaborations to promote science communication and education in schools. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 70:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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12
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Patel S, Prokop A. The Manchester Fly Facility: Implementing an objective-driven long-term science communication initiative. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Chao HT, Posey JE, Westerfield M, Postlethwait J, Hieter P, Boycott KM, Campeau PM, Bellen HJ. Model Organisms Facilitate Rare Disease Diagnosis and Therapeutic Research. Genetics 2017; 207:9-27. [PMID: 28874452 PMCID: PMC5586389 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.203067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to identify the genetic underpinnings of rare undiagnosed diseases increasingly involve the use of next-generation sequencing and comparative genomic hybridization methods. These efforts are limited by a lack of knowledge regarding gene function, and an inability to predict the impact of genetic variation on the encoded protein function. Diagnostic challenges posed by undiagnosed diseases have solutions in model organism research, which provides a wealth of detailed biological information. Model organism geneticists are by necessity experts in particular genes, gene families, specific organs, and biological functions. Here, we review the current state of research into undiagnosed diseases, highlighting large efforts in North America and internationally, including the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) (Supplemental Material, File S1) and UDN International (UDNI), the Centers for Mendelian Genomics (CMG), and the Canadian Rare Diseases Models and Mechanisms Network (RDMM). We discuss how merging human genetics with model organism research guides experimental studies to solve these medical mysteries, gain new insights into disease pathogenesis, and uncover new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hsiao-Tuan Chao
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Child Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jennifer E Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Monte Westerfield
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - John Postlethwait
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Philip Hieter
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4C, Canada
| | - Kym M Boycott
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Philippe M Campeau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas 77030
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Abstract
The aim of this special issue on science communication is to inspire and help scientists who are taking part or want to take part in science communication and engage with the wider public, clinicians, other scientists or policy makers. For this, some articles provide concise and accessible advice to individual scientists, science networks, or learned societies on how to communicate effectively; others share rationales, objectives and aims, experiences, implementation strategies and resources derived from existing long-term science communication initiatives. Although this issue is primarily addressing scientists working in the field of biomedical research, much of it similarly applies to scientists from other disciplines. Furthermore, we hope that this issue will also be used as a helpful resource by academic science communicators and social scientists, as a collection that highlights some of the major communication challenges that the biomedical sciences face, and which provides interesting case studies of initiatives that use a breadth of strategies to address these challenges. In this editorial, we first discuss why we should communicate our science and contemplate some of the different approaches, aspirations and definitions of science communication. We then address the specific challenges that researchers in the biomedical sciences are faced with when engaging with wider audiences. Finally, we explain the rationales and contents of the different articles in this issue and the various science communication initiatives and strategies discussed in each of them, whilst also providing some information on the wide range of further science communication activities in the biomedical sciences that could not all be covered here.
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