1
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Kwon D, Ahn J, Kim H, Kim H, Kim J, Wy S, Ko Y, Kim J. Convergent dwarfism consequences of minipigs under independent artificial selections. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:761. [PMID: 39107730 PMCID: PMC11301983 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, diverse minipigs have acquired a common dwarfism phenotype through independent artificial selections. Characterizing the population and genetic diversity in minipigs is important to unveil genetic mechanisms regulating their body sizes and effects of independent artificial selections on those genetic mechanisms. However, full understanding for the genetic mechanisms and phenotypic consequences in minipigs still lag behind. RESULTS Here, using whole genome sequencing data of 41 pig breeds, including eight minipigs, we identified a large genomic diversity in a minipig population compared to other pig populations in terms of population structure, demographic signatures, and selective signatures. Selective signatures reveal diverse biological mechanisms related to body size in minipigs. We also found evidence for neural development mechanism as a minipig-specific body size regulator. Interestingly, selection signatures within those mechanisms containing neural development are also highly different among minipig breeds. Despite those large genetic variances, PLAG1, CHM, and ESR1 are candidate key genes regulating body size which experience different differentiation directions in different pig populations. CONCLUSIONS These findings present large variances of genetic structures, demographic signatures, and selective signatures in the minipig population. They also highlight how different artificial selections with large genomic diversity have shaped the convergent dwarfism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehong Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeong Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Wy
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Younhee Ko
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin, Gyeonggi-Do, 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaebum Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Wang YN, Ye Y, Zhou D, Guo ZW, Xiong Z, Gong XX, Jiang SW, Chen H. The Role of Syncytin in Placental Angiogenesis and Fetal Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852561. [PMID: 35493107 PMCID: PMC9039138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Syncytin, a retroviral envelope protein, is specifically expressed on trophoblast cells and mediates formation of the syncytiotrophoblast through fusogenic activity. Decreased expression of Syncytin was found in fetal growth restriction placentas. Results: By generating an inducible knockout of the syncytin-a gene in mice, we show a specific disruption of placental angiogenesis with abnormal formation of two syncytiotrophoblast layers. Consistent with the defects observed in vivo, conditioned medium collected from trophoblast cells, following Syncytin-1 knockdown, contains lower expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, and higher levels of soluble fms-like protein kinase-1 in BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo cells which related with suppressed PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and is reduced in ability to induce tube formation by HUVECs. Conclusion: Syncytin participates in angiogenesis during placental development was first identified both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we give a new sight on understanding syncytin and pathophysiology of placenta related disease such as fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yixin Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Da Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ze-Wen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Zhelei Xiong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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3
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Elmore SA, Cochran RZ, Bolon B, Lubeck B, Mahler B, Sabio D, Ward JM. Histology Atlas of the Developing Mouse Placenta. Toxicol Pathol 2021; 50:60-117. [PMID: 34872401 PMCID: PMC8678285 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211042270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of the mouse as a model organism is common in translational research. This mouse-human similarity holds true for placental development as well. Proper formation of the placenta is vital for development and survival of the maturing embryo. Placentation involves sequential steps with both embryonic and maternal cell lineages playing important roles. The first step in placental development is formation of the blastocyst wall (approximate embryonic days [E] 3.0-3.5). After implantation (∼E4.5), extraembryonic endoderm progressively lines the inner surface of the blastocyst wall (∼E4.5-5.0), forming the yolk sac that provides histiotrophic support to the embryo; subsequently, formation of the umbilical vessels (∼E8.5) supports transition to the chorioallantoic placenta and hemotrophic nutrition. The fully mature ("definitive") placenta is established by ∼E12.5. Abnormal placental development often leads to embryonic mortality, with the timing of death depending on when placental insufficiency takes place and which cells are involved. This comprehensive macroscopic and microscopic atlas highlights the key features of normal and abnormal mouse placental development from E4.5 to E18.5. This in-depth overview of a transient (and thus seldom-analyzed) developmental tissue should serve as a useful reference to aid researchers in identifying and describing mouse placental changes in engineered, induced, and spontaneous disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Elmore
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert Z Cochran
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Beth Lubeck
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Beth Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David Sabio
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jerrold M Ward
- Global Vet Pathology, Montgomery Village, MD, USA *Co-first authors
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4
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Gutkowska M, Kaus‐Drobek M, Hoffman‐Sommer M, Małgorzata Pamuła M, Daria Leja A, Perycz M, Lichocka M, Witek A, Wojtas M, Dadlez M, Swiezewska E, Surmacz L. Impact of C-terminal truncations in the Arabidopsis Rab escort protein (REP) on REP-Rab interaction and plant fertility. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 108:1400-1421. [PMID: 34592024 PMCID: PMC9293207 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid anchors are common post-translational modifications for proteins engaged in signaling and vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells. Rab proteins are geranylgeranylated at their C-termini, a modification which is important for their stable binding to lipid bilayers. The Rab escort protein (REP) is an accessory protein of the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGT) complex and it is obligatory for Rab prenylation. While REP-Rab interactions have been studied by biochemical, structural, and genetic methods in animals and yeast, data on the plant RGT complex are still limited. Here we use hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to describe the structural basis of plant REP-Rab binding. The obtained results show that the interaction of REP with Rabs is highly dynamic and involves specific structural changes in both partners. In some cases the Rab and REP regions involved in the interaction are molecule-specific, and in other cases they are common for a subset of Rabs. In particular, the C-terminus of REP is not involved in binding of unprenylated Rab proteins in plants, in contrast to mammalian REP. In line with this, a C-terminal REP truncation does not have pronounced phenotypic effects in planta. On the contrary, a complete lack of functional REP leads to male sterility in Arabidopsis: pollen grains develop in the anthers, but they do not germinate efficiently and hence are unable to transmit the mutated allele. The presented data show that the mechanism of action of REP in the process of Rab geranylgeranylation is different in plants than in animals or yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Gutkowska
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Magdalena Kaus‐Drobek
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
- Mossakowski Medical Research CentrePolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Marta Hoffman‐Sommer
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | | | - Anna Daria Leja
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Małgorzata Perycz
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
- Institute of Computer SciencePolish Academy of Sciencesul. Jana Kazimierza 501‐248WarsawPoland
| | - Małgorzata Lichocka
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Agnieszka Witek
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Magdalena Wojtas
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Michał Dadlez
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Ewa Swiezewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Liliana Surmacz
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawinskiego 5a, 02‐106WarsawPoland
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5
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Kalatzis V, Roux AF, Meunier I. Molecular Therapy for Choroideremia: Pre-clinical and Clinical Progress to Date. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:661-675. [PMID: 34661884 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Choroideremia is an inherited retinal disease characterised by a degeneration of the light-sensing photoreceptors, supporting retinal pigment epithelium and underlying choroid. Patients present with the same symptoms as those with classic rod-cone dystrophy: (1) night blindness early in life; (2) progressive peripheral visual field loss, and (3) central vision decline with a slow progression to legal blindness. Choroideremia is monogenic and caused by mutations in CHM. Eight clinical trials (three phase 1/2, four phase 2, and one phase 3) have started (four of which are already finished) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of gene supplementation mediated by subretinal delivery of an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2/2) vector expressing CHM. Furthermore, one phase 1 clinical trial has been initiated to evaluate the efficiency of a novel AAV variant to deliver CHM to the outer retina following intravitreal delivery. Lastly, a non-viral-mediated CHM replacement strategy is currently under development, which could lead to a future clinical trial. Here, we summarise the rationale behind these various studies, as well as any results published to date. The diversity of these trials currently places choroideremia at the forefront of the retinal gene therapy field. As a consequence, the trial outcomes, regardless of the results, have the potential to change the landscape of gene supplementation for inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.,Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Univ Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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6
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Abstract
Fundamental differences exist between males and females, encompassing anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and genetics. Such differences undoubtedly play a part in the well documented, yet poorly understood, disparity in disease susceptibility between the sexes. Although traditionally attributed to gonadal sex hormone effects, recent work has begun to shed more light on the contribution of genetics - and in particular the sex chromosomes - to these sexual dimorphisms. Here, we explore the accumulating evidence for a significant genetic component to mammalian sexual dimorphism through the paradigm of sex chromosome evolution. The differences between the extant X and Y chromosomes, at both a sequence and regulatory level, arose across 166 million years. A functional result of these differences is cell autonomous sexual dimorphism. By understanding the process that changed a pair of homologous ancestral autosomes into the extant mammalian X and Y, we believe it easier to consider the mechanisms that may contribute to hormone-independent male-female differences. We highlight key roles for genes with homologues present on both sex chromosomes, where the X-linked copy escapes X chromosome inactivation. Finally, we summarise current experimental paradigms and suggest areas for developments to further increase our understanding of cell autonomous sexual dimorphism in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Snell
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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7
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Abstract
Large-scale phenotyping efforts have demonstrated that approximately 25-30% of mouse gene knockouts cause intra-uterine lethality. Analysis of these mutants has largely focussed on the embryo but not the placenta, despite the critical role of this extra-embryonic organ for developmental progression. Here, we screened 103 embryonic lethal and subviable mouse knockout lines from the Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders programme (https://dmdd.org.uk) for placental phenotypes. 68% of lines that are lethal at or after mid-gestation exhibited placental dys-morphologies. Early lethality (E9.5-E14.5) is almost always associated with severe placental malformations. Placental defects strongly correlate with abnormal brain, heart and vascular development. Analysis of mutant trophoblast stem cells and conditional knockouts suggests primary gene function in trophoblast for a significant number of factors that cause embryonic lethality when ablated. Our data highlight the hugely under-appreciated importance of placental defects in contributing to abnormal embryo development and suggest key molecular nodes governing placentation.
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8
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Xu P, Wu Z, Yang W, Wang L. Dysregulation of DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes in mouse placentas of fetal growth restriction induced by maternal cadmium exposure. Toxicology 2017; 390:109-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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9
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Battu R, Jeyabalan N, Murthy P, Reddy KS, Schouten JS, Webers CA. Genetic analysis and clinical phenotype of two Indian families with X-linked choroideremia. Indian J Ophthalmol 2017; 64:924-929. [PMID: 28112135 PMCID: PMC5322709 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.198866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to describe the phenotype and genotype of two Indian families affected with X-linked choroideremia (CHM). Materials and Methods: In these two families, the affected individuals and unaffected family members underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinogram. Blood samples were collected from the families for genetic analysis. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was done using a panel of 184 genes, which covered previously associated genes with retinal dystrophies. Sequencing data were analyzed for the CHM, RPGR, and RP2 genes that have been implicated in CHM and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), respectively. The identified variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in available individuals and unrelated controls. Results: In two unrelated male patients, NGS analysis revealed a previously reported 3’-splice site change c.820-1G>C in the CHM gene in the first family and hemizygous mutation c.653G>C (p.Ser218X) in the second family. The asymptomatic family members were carriers for these mutations. Spectral domain-OCT showed loss of outer retina, preservation of the inner retina, and choroidal thinning in the affected males and retinal pigment epithelial changes in the asymptomatic carriers. The identified mutations were not present in 100 controls of Indian origin. There were no potential mutations found in XLRP-associated (RPGR and RP2) genes. Conclusion: This report describes the genotype and phenotype findings in patients with CHM from India. The identified genetic mutation leads to lack of Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1) or affects the production of a REP-1 protein that is likely to cause retinal abnormalities in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Battu
- Department of Vitreoretina, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Nallathambi Jeyabalan
- Department of Molecular Signaling and Gene Therapy, Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Murthy
- Department of Vitreoretina, Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavita S Reddy
- Department of Genetics, Strand Life Sciences Pvt. Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jan Sag Schouten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroll A Webers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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10
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Oncogenic role of rab escort protein 1 through EGFR and STAT3 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2621. [PMID: 28230863 PMCID: PMC5386492 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rab escort protein-1 (REP1) is linked to choroideremia (CHM), an X-linked degenerative disorder caused by mutations of the gene encoding REP1 (CHM). REP1 mutant zebrafish showed excessive cell death throughout the body, including the eyes, indicating that REP1 is critical for cell survival, a hallmark of cancer. In the present study, we found that REP1 is overexpressed in human tumor tissues from cervical, lung, and colorectal cancer patients, whereas it is expressed at relatively low levels in the normal tissue counterparts. REP1 expression was also elevated in A549 lung cancer cells and HT-29 colon cancer cells compared with BEAS-2B normal lung and CCD-18Co normal colon epithelial cells, respectively. Interestingly, short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated REP1 knockdown-induced growth inhibition of cancer cell lines via downregulation of EGFR and inactivation of STAT3, but had a negligible effect on normal cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of REP1 in BEAS-2B cells enhanced cell growth and anchorage-independent colony formation with little increase in EGFR level and STAT3 activation. Furthermore, REP1 knockdown effectively reduced tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model via EGFR downregulation and STAT3 inactivation in vivo. These data suggest that REP1 plays an oncogenic role, driving tumorigenicity via EGFR and STAT3 signaling, and is a potential therapeutic target to control cancers.
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11
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Song KH, Woo SR, Chung JY, Lee HJ, Oh SJ, Hong SO, Shim J, Kim YN, Rho SB, Hong SM, Cho H, Hibi M, Bae DJ, Kim SY, Kim MG, Kim TW, Bae YK. REP1 inhibits FOXO3-mediated apoptosis to promote cancer cell survival. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2536. [PMID: 28055019 PMCID: PMC5386371 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Rab escort protein 1 (REP1) is a component of Rab geranyl-geranyl transferase 2 complex. Mutations in REP1 cause a disease called choroideremia (CHM), which is an X-linked eye disease. Although it is postulated that REP1 has functions in cell survival or death of various tissues in addition to the eye, how REP1 functions in normal and cancer cells remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that REP1 is required for the survival of intestinal cells in addition to eyes or a variety of cells in zebrafish, and also has important roles in tumorigenesis. Notably, REP1 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and cell lines, and silencing of REP1 sensitizes colon cancer cells to serum starvation- and 5-FU-induced apoptosis. In an effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying REP1-mediated cell survival under those stress conditions, we identified FOXO3 as a binding partner of REP1 using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay system, and we demonstrated that REP1 blocked the nuclear trans-localization of FOXO3 through physically interacting with FOXO3, thereby suppressing FOXO3-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, the inhibition of REP1 combined with 5-FU treatment could lead to significant retarded tumor growth in a xenograft tumor model of human cancer cells. Thus, our results suggest that REP1 could be a new therapeutic target in combination treatment for colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwon-Ho Song
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Rang Woo
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Translational Research Institute for Incurable Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Chung
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Oh
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Oh Hong
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaegal Shim
- Comparative Biomedicine Research Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Nyun Kim
- Comparative Biomedicine Research Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Bae Rho
- Gynecologic Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbyoul Cho
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Dong-Jun Bae
- ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeob Kim
- ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Gyu Kim
- School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Woo Kim
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Translational Research Institute for Incurable Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ki Bae
- Comparative Biomedicine Research Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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12
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Barnard AR, Groppe M, MacLaren RE. Gene therapy for choroideremia using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 5:a017293. [PMID: 25359548 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Choroideremia is an outer retinal degeneration with a characteristic clinical appearance that was first described in the nineteenth century. The disorder begins with reduction of night vision and gradually progresses to blindness by middle age. The appearance of the fundus in sufferers is recognizable by the characteristic pale color caused by the loss of the outer retina, retinal-pigmented epithelium, and choroidal vessels, leading to exposure of the underlying sclera. Choroideremia shows X-linked recessive inheritance and the choroideremia gene (CHM) was one of the first to be identified by positional cloning in 1990. Subsequent identification and characterization of the CHM gene, which encodes Rab escort protein 1 (REP1), has led to better comprehension of the disease and enabled advances in genetic diagnosis. Despite several decades of work to understand the exact pathogenesis, no established treatments currently exist to stop or even slow the progression of retinal degeneration in choroideremia. Encouragingly, several specific molecular and clinical features make choroideremia an ideal candidate for treatment with gene therapy. This work describes the considerations and challenges in the development of a new clinical trial using adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding the CHM gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Groppe
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom Moorfields Eye Hospital and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom Moorfields Eye Hospital and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
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Cereso N, Pequignot MO, Robert L, Becker F, De Luca V, Nabholz N, Rigau V, De Vos J, Hamel CP, Kalatzis V. Proof of concept for AAV2/5-mediated gene therapy in iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium of a choroideremia patient. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14011. [PMID: 26015956 PMCID: PMC4362346 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) comprise a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases that lead to progressive vision loss, for which a paucity of disease-mimicking animal models renders preclinical studies difficult. We sought to develop pertinent human cellular IRD models, beginning with choroideremia, caused by mutations in the CHM gene encoding Rab escort protein 1 (REP1). We reprogrammed REP1-deficient fibroblasts from a CHM-/y patient into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which we differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This iPSC-derived RPE is a polarized monolayer with a classic morphology, expresses characteristic markers, is functional for fluid transport and phagocytosis, and mimics the biochemical phenotype of patients. We assayed a panel of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector serotypes and showed that AAV2/5 is the most efficient at transducing the iPSC-derived RPE and that CHM gene transfer normalizes the biochemical phenotype. The high, and unmatched, in vitro transduction efficiency is likely aided by phagocytosis and mimics the scenario that an AAV vector encounters in vivo in the subretinal space. We demonstrate the superiority of AAV2/5 in the human RPE and address the potential of patient iPSC–derived RPE to provide a proof-of-concept model for gene replacement in the absence of an appropriate animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Cereso
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France
| | - Marie O Pequignot
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France
| | - Lorenne Robert
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France
| | - Fabienne Becker
- Inserm U1040, Institute for Research in Biotherapy , Montpellier, France
| | - Valerie De Luca
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Nabholz
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France ; Department of Ophthalmology, CHRU , Montpellier, France
| | - Valerie Rigau
- Department of Anatomy and Pathological Cytology, CHRU , Montpellier, France
| | - John De Vos
- University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France ; Inserm U1040, Institute for Research in Biotherapy , Montpellier, France ; Cellular Therapy Unit, CHRU , Montpellier, France
| | - Christian P Hamel
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France ; Department of Ophthalmology, CHRU , Montpellier, France ; Centre of Reference for Genetic Sensory Diseases, CHRU , Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 1 , Montpellier, France ; University of Montpellier 2 , Montpellier, France
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Roosing S, Collin RWJ, den Hollander AI, Cremers FPM, Siemiatkowska AM. Prenylation defects in inherited retinal diseases. J Med Genet 2014; 51:143-51. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2013-102138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Tunster SJ, Jensen AB, John RM. Imprinted genes in mouse placental development and the regulation of fetal energy stores. Reproduction 2013; 145:R117-37. [PMID: 23445556 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Imprinted genes, which are preferentially expressed from one or other parental chromosome as a consequence of epigenetic events in the germline, are known to functionally converge on biological processes that enable in utero development in mammals. Over 100 imprinted genes have been identified in the mouse, the majority of which are both expressed and imprinted in the placenta. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the current knowledge regarding imprinted gene function in the mouse placenta. Few imprinted genes have been assessed with respect to their dosage-related action in the placenta. Nonetheless, current data indicate that imprinted genes converge on two key functions of the placenta, nutrient transport and placental signalling. Murine studies may provide a greater understanding of certain human pathologies, including low birth weight and the programming of metabolic diseases in the adult, and complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, resulting from fetuses carrying abnormal imprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Tunster
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
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Ohhata T, Wutz A. Reactivation of the inactive X chromosome in development and reprogramming. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 70:2443-61. [PMID: 23052214 PMCID: PMC3689915 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, one of the two X chromosomes of female cells is inactivated for dosage compensation between the sexes. X chromosome inactivation is initiated in early embryos by the noncoding Xist RNA. Subsequent chromatin modifications on the inactive X chromosome (Xi) lead to a remarkable stability of gene repression in somatic cell lineages. In mice, reactivation of genes on the Xi accompanies the establishment of pluripotent cells of the female blastocyst and the development of primordial germ cells. Xi reactivation also occurs when pluripotency is established during the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells. The mechanism of Xi reactivation has attracted increasing interest for studying changes in epigenetic patterns and for improving methods of cell reprogramming. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of Xi reactivation during development and reprogramming and illustrate potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Ohhata
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Stem Cell Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR UK
- Present Address: Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192 Japan
| | - Anton Wutz
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Stem Cell Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR UK
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Gutkowska M, Swiezewska E. Structure, regulation and cellular functions of Rab geranylgeranyl transferase and its cellular partner Rab Escort Protein. Mol Membr Biol 2012; 29:243-56. [DOI: 10.3109/09687688.2012.693211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
Choroideremia (CHM) is an X-linked retinal dystrophy belonging to the family of blinding disorders. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of the choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. CHM is caused by mutations in the Rab Escort Protein 1 (REP-1) gene, which encodes a protein involved in vesicular trafficking. This paper gives an overview of the clinical features, visual function, biochemistry, histology, molecular genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CHM.
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Tolmachova T, Wavre-Shapton ST, Barnard AR, MacLaren RE, Futter CE, Seabra MC. Retinal pigment epithelium defects accelerate photoreceptor degeneration in cell type-specific knockout mouse models of choroideremia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2010; 51:4913-20. [PMID: 20445111 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-4892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Choroideremia (CHM) is a progressive X-linked degeneration of three ocular layers (photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid), with a complex and still largely unclear pathogenesis. To investigate the pathophysiology of CHM, the authors engineered mice with a cell type-specific Chm/Rep1 knockout (KO). METHODS A mouse line carrying a conditional allele Chm(Flox) was crossed with the transgenic line IRBP-Cre to achieve Chm KO, specifically in the photoreceptor layer, and Tyr-Cre to produce Chm KO, specifically in the retinal pigment epithelial and other pigmented cells. Chm(Flox), Tyr-Cre+ and Chm(Flox), IRBP-Cre+ mice were mated to produce mice with Chm KO in both layers. All mouse lines were studied by histology, electron microscopy, electroretinography (ERG), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and biochemical METHODS RESULTS In Chm(Flox), IRBP-Cre+ mice the authors observed the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors in the presence of normal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Chm(Flox), Tyr-Cre+ mice exhibited coat color dilution and pigment abnormalities of the RPE in the presence of an intact outer nuclear layer. In 6- to 8-month-old Chm(Flox), Tyr-Cre+, IRBP-Cre+ mice, the degeneration of photoreceptors was accelerated compared with Chm(Flox), IRBP-Cre+ mice but became leveled with age, such that it was comparable at 12 to 14 months. Detailed ERG and SLO analysis supported the histopathologic findings. CONCLUSIONS Defects in photoreceptors and RPE can arise because of intrinsic defects caused cell autonomously by the Chm KO. However, when both photoreceptors and RPE are diseased, the dynamics of the degenerative process are altered. Photoreceptor functional deficit and cell death manifest much earlier, suggesting that the diseased RPE accelerates photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Tolmachova
- Molecular Medicine Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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20
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Strunnikova NV, Barb J, Sergeev YV, Thiagarajasubramanian A, Silvin C, Munson PJ, Macdonald IM. Loss-of-function mutations in Rab escort protein 1 (REP-1) affect intracellular transport in fibroblasts and monocytes of choroideremia patients. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8402. [PMID: 20027300 PMCID: PMC2793004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Choroideremia (CHM) is a progressive X-linked retinopathy caused by mutations in the CHM gene, which encodes Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1), an escort protein involved in the prenylation of Rabs. Under-prenylation of certain Rabs, as a result of loss of function mutations in REP-1, could affect vesicular trafficking, exocytosis and secretion in peripheral cells of CHM patients. Methodology/Principal Findings To evaluate this hypothesis, intracellular vesicle transport, lysosomal acidification and rates of proteolytic degradation were studied in monocytes (CD14+ fraction) and primary skin fibroblasts from the nine age-matched controls and thirteen CHM patients carrying 10 different loss-of-function mutations. With the use of pHrodo™ BioParticles® conjugated with E. coli, collagen I coated FluoSpheres beads and fluorescent DQ™ ovalbumin with BODYPY FL dye, we demonstrated for the first time that lysosomal pH was increased in monocytes of CHM patients and, as a consequence, the rates of proteolytic degradation were slowed. Microarray analysis of gene expression revealed that some genes involved in the immune response, small GTPase regulation, transcription, cell adhesion and the regulation of exocytosis were significantly up and down regulated in cells from CHM patients compared to controls. Finally, CHM fibroblasts secreted significantly lower levels of cytokine/growth factors such as macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), pigment epithelial derived factor (PEDF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) beta and interleukin (lL)-8. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrated for the first time that peripheral cells of CHM patients had increased pH levels in lysosomes, reduced rates of proteolytic degradation and altered secretion of cytokines. Peripheral cells from CHM patients expose characteristics that were not previously recognized and could used as an alternative models to study the effects of different mutations in the REP-1 gene on mechanism of CHM development in human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Strunnikova
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Miri K, Varmuza S. Chapter 5 Imprinting and Extraembryonic Tissues—Mom Takes Control. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 276:215-62. [DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(09)76005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Yu Y, Singh U, Shi W, Konno T, Soares MJ, Geyer R, Fundele R. Influence of murine maternal diabetes on placental morphology, gene expression, and function. Arch Physiol Biochem 2008; 114:99-110. [PMID: 18484278 DOI: 10.1080/13813450802033776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal diabetes causes placental and foetal abnormalities in both rat and humans; however, its effect is less well documented in the mouse. We used a standard approach to induce manifest diabetes in pregnant mice and assessed morphology, function and gene expression in the placentas isolated from these females. We found that diabetic placentas exhibit a consistent abnormal phenotype characterized by increased junctional zone cross sectional area. Lipid profiling of diabetic foetuses and placentas showed that the placental phenotypes do not compromise the lipid transport function of this organ. In a genome-wide survey of mRNA expression by using cDNA micro-arrays, we identified 118 ESTs, corresponding to 59 annotated genes, with differential expression in the diabetic placentas. A significant proportion of these known is involved in metabolism, immunity and defence, and signal transduction. In addition, we found two imprinted genes, Igf2 and Gatm, which exhibited altered expression. The expression of other imprinted genes, Peg1, Gtl2, Peg3, Igf2r and Grb10, was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. For all of these genes, slight changes in gene expression were observed between diabetic placentas and control placentas. Our study thus provides the basis for future work that will address gene action in the diabetic mouse placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Development and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hemberger M. IFPA Award in Placentology Lecture – Characteristics and Significance of Trophoblast Giant Cells. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl A:S4-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2007] [Revised: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Papadaki C, Alexiou M, Cecena G, Verykokakis M, Bilitou A, Cross JC, Oshima RG, Mavrothalassitis G. Transcriptional repressor erf determines extraembryonic ectoderm differentiation. Mol Cell Biol 2007; 27:5201-13. [PMID: 17502352 PMCID: PMC1951951 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.02237-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extraembryonic ectoderm differentiation and chorioallantoic attachment are fibroblast growth factor (FGF)- and transforming growth factor beta-regulated processes that are the first steps in the development of the placenta labyrinth and the establishment of the fetal-maternal circulation in the developing embryo. Only a small number of genes have been demonstrated to be important in trophoblast stem cell differentiation. Erf is a ubiquitously expressed Erk-regulated, ets domain transcriptional repressor expressed throughout embryonic development and adulthood. However, in the developing placenta, after 7.5 days postcoitum (dpc) its expression is restricted to the extraembryonic ectoderm, and its expression is restricted after 9.5 dpc in a subpopulation of labyrinth cells. Homozygous deletion of Erf in mice leads to a block of chorionic cell differentiation before chorioallantoic attachment, resulting in a persisting chorion layer, a persisting ectoplacental cone cavity, failure of chorioallantoic attachment, and absence of labyrinth. These defects result in embryo death by 10.5 dpc. Trophoblast stem cell lines derived from Erf(dl1/dl1) knockout blastocysts exhibit delayed differentiation and decreased expression of spongiotrophoblast markers, consistent with the persisting chorion layer, the expanded giant cell layer, and the diminished spongiotrophoblast layer observed in vivo. Our data suggest that attenuation of FGF/Erk signaling and consecutive Erf nuclear localization and function is required for extraembryonic ectoderm differentiation, ectoplacental cone cavity closure, and chorioallantoic attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chara Papadaki
- Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Crete 710 03, Greece
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Konno T, Rempel LA, Arroyo JA, Soares MJ. Pregnancy in the Brown Norway Rat: A Model for Investigating the Genetics of Placentation1. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:709-18. [PMID: 17202390 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.056481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients and wastes in an effort to promote fetal development. Disruptions in the establishment of the placenta and its interactions with the maternal uterus are potential causes of pregnancy failure. In this study we investigated the pregnancy phenotype of two inbred rat strains: the Dahl Salt Sensitive (DSS) strain and the Brown Norway (BN) strain. The DSS strain is reported to have large litters, whereas the BN strain has small litters. Pregnant female rats of each strain were killed on various days of gestation. At the time of killing, the number of viable versus dead and/or resorbing conceptuses was determined. Placental tissues from viable conceptuses were collected and processed for biochemical and histologic analyses. The number of viable conceptuses at Days 8.5 and 18.5 of gestation was significantly greater in DSS versus BN rats. Additionally, the number of resorbing and/or dying conceptuses was significantly greater in the BN strain than in the DSS strain. Maternal responses to pregnancy and elements of placental and fetal development in DSS and BN rats differed. Immunohistologic analysis of placentation and gene expression profiles revealed that trophoblast cell invasion into the uterine mesometrial compartment was significantly less in the BN strain versus the DSS strain. In contrast, the uterine natural killer cell population was reciprocally expanded in the BN strain. The impairment in trophoblast cell invasion in BN rats was associated with a smaller junctional zone compartment of the chorioallantoic placenta. Collectively, the data indicate that BN rats exhibit a unique form of placentation and may represent an excellent model for investigating the genetics of placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Konno
- Institute of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Division of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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Renner AB, Kellner U, Cropp E, Preising MN, MacDonald IM, van den Hurk JAJM, Cremers FPM, Foerster MH. Choroideremia: variability of clinical and electrophysiological characteristics and first report of a negative electroretinogram. Ophthalmology 2006; 113:2066.e1-10. [PMID: 16935340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2005] [Revised: 03/30/2006] [Accepted: 05/26/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the variability of clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in X-linked choroideremia and provide the first report of a negative electroretinogram in choroideremia. DESIGN Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS The records of 18 male patients with choroideremia and 8 female carriers were evaluated. METHODS The data were reviewed regarding visual acuity (VA), color vision, perimetry, fundus autofluorescence, and full-field electroretinography (according to standards of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Morphological and functional phenotype characteristics, fundus autofluorescence, electroretinography, and Rab escort protein 1 (REP-1) mutations. RESULTS Four unrelated families with choroideremia (9 affected males, 7 carriers) and 10 unrelated individuals (9 affected males, 1 carrier) were included. Mutational analysis, performed in 2 families and 3 individual males, revealed REP-1 mutations in all except 1 male. The age of the males ranged from 5.9 to 63.0 years (mean, 33.9), and VA ranged from hand movements to 1.0 (median, 0.7). Fundus autofluorescence (n = 7) showed defects in the retinal pigment epithelium in all males. Electroretinography (n = 13) was almost undetectable in 6 males and reduced in 6, indicating a rod-cone dystrophy. A further male showed a negative electroretinogram, with a b:a wave ratio of 0.5. Visual acuity of the 8 carriers (age, 4.8-56.8 years [mean, 24.0]) ranged from light perception to 1.2 (median, 1.0). Light perception was present in 1 carrier manifesting choroideremia with distinct chorioretinal atrophy. Pigmentary stippling, seen in the other carriers, was seen in fundus autofluorescence (n = 1) with a distinct speckled pattern. Electroretinograms were normal in 6 of 7 and reduced in the manifesting carrier. Defects in color vision and visual field were found in affected males and in the female carriers. CONCLUSIONS The phenotype of choroideremia presents with high variability. In addition to the previously reported findings, we observed a negative electroretinogram, indicating a postreceptoral retinal dysfunction, in 1 affected male; severe course of choroideremia with early blindness in 1 manifesting carrier; color vision deficits in the majority of affected males and carriers; and characteristic alterations in fundus autofluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes B Renner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
The mammalian genome contains multiple genetic factions with distinct interests in the outcomes of interactions among kin. In the context of an offspring's relations with its mother, these factions are proposed to align into two 'parties', one favoring increased demand by offspring and the other favoring reduced demand. A possible alignment has inhibitors of demand located on the X chromosome and enhancers of demand located on autosomes, because X-linked loci are maternally derived two-thirds of the time by contrast to autosomal loci which are maternally derived half of the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Garrick D, Sharpe JA, Arkell R, Dobbie L, Smith AJH, Wood WG, Higgs DR, Gibbons RJ. Loss of Atrx affects trophoblast development and the pattern of X-inactivation in extraembryonic tissues. PLoS Genet 2006; 2:e58. [PMID: 16628246 PMCID: PMC1440874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/03/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ATRX is an X-encoded member of the SNF2 family of ATPase/helicase proteins thought to regulate gene expression by modifying chromatin at target loci. Mutations in ATRX provided the first example of a human genetic disease associated with defects in such proteins. To better understand the role of ATRX in development and the associated abnormalities in the ATR-X (alpha thalassemia mental retardation, X-linked) syndrome, we conditionally inactivated the homolog in mice, Atrx, at the 8- to 16-cell stage of development. The protein, Atrx, was ubiquitously expressed, and male embryos null for Atrx implanted and gastrulated normally but did not survive beyond 9.5 days postcoitus due to a defect in formation of the extraembryonic trophoblast, one of the first terminally differentiated lineages in the developing embryo. Carrier female mice that inherit a maternal null allele should be affected, since the paternal X chromosome is normally inactivated in extraembryonic tissues. Surprisingly, however, some carrier females established a normal placenta and appeared to escape the usual pattern of imprinted X-inactivation in these tissues. Together these findings demonstrate an unexpected, specific, and essential role for Atrx in the development of the murine trophoblast and present an example of escape from imprinted X chromosome inactivation. ATRX belongs to a class of proteins that may modify how DNA is packaged into chromatin, altering the accessibility of other proteins in the nucleus to DNA. In this way, ATRX is thought to influence gene expression. Mutations in the ATRX gene, which is located on the female sex chromosome (X), provided the first example of a human disease (ATR-X syndrome) associated with defects in such proteins. Affected males (XMUTY) have multiple developmental abnormalities in a wide variety of systems. Currently, it is not understood how proteins like ATRX influence cell biology. To address this question, the authors deleted the version of the gene in mice, Atrx. Although affected male mice (XMUTY) started to develop normally, they died early in development because they failed to form a normal placenta. In the placenta, female mice normally inactivate the X chromosome that they inherit from their fathers (Xp), so if females inherit from their mother an X chromosome (Xm) that bears the abnormal copy of Atrx (XmMUTXp), one would predict that, like affected males, they would fail to form a normal placenta. The authors unexpectedly found this not to be so. They showed, instead, that in such females the normal, paternally derived Atrx gene is active. This study has therefore demonstrated an important facet of X-chromosome imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Garrick
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie A Sharpe
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Arkell
- MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Dobbie
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. H Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - William G Wood
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas R Higgs
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Gibbons
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Withington SL, Scott AN, Saunders DN, Lopes Floro K, Preis JI, Michalicek J, Maclean K, Sparrow DB, Barbera JPM, Dunwoodie SL. Loss of Cited2 affects trophoblast formation and vascularization of the mouse placenta. Dev Biol 2006; 294:67-82. [PMID: 16579983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cited2 is widely expressed in the developing embryo and in extraembryonic tissues including the placenta. Gene expression can be induced by a number of factors; most notably by the hypoxia inducible transcription factor, HIF1, under low oxygen conditions. Cited2 encodes for a transcriptional co-factor that in vitro can act as both a positive and negative regulator of transcription. This function is due to its interaction with CBP/p300 and appears to depend on whether Cited2 enables CBP/p300 to interact with the basic transcriptional machinery, or if its binding prevents such an interaction from occurring. Here, we report a novel function for Cited2 in placenta formation, following gene deletion in mouse. In the absence of Cited2 the placenta and embryo are significantly small from 12.5 and 14.5 dpc respectively, and death occurs in utero. Cited2 null placentas have fewer differentiated trophoblast cell types; specifically there is a reduction in trophoblast giant cells, spongiotrophoblasts and glycogen cells. In addition, the fetal vasculature of the placenta is disorganised and there are fewer anastomosing capillaries. Given that Cited2 is expressed in both trophoblasts and the fetal vasculature, the observed defects fit well with the sites of gene expression. We conclude that Cited2 is required for normal placental development and vascularisation, and hence for embryo viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Withington
- Developmental Biology Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
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Tolmachova T, Anders R, Abrink M, Bugeon L, Dallman MJ, Futter CE, Ramalho JS, Tonagel F, Tanimoto N, Seeliger MW, Huxley C, Seabra MC. Independent degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in conditional knockout mouse models of choroideremia. J Clin Invest 2006; 116:386-94. [PMID: 16410831 PMCID: PMC1326146 DOI: 10.1172/jci26617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 11/01/2005] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Choroideremia (CHM) is an X-linked degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptors, and choroid, caused by loss of function of the CHM/REP1 gene. REP1 is involved in lipid modification (prenylation) of Rab GTPases, key regulators of intracellular vesicular transport and organelle dynamics. To study the pathogenesis of CHM and to develop a model for assessing gene therapy, we have created a conditional mouse knockout of the Chm gene. Heterozygous-null females exhibit characteristic hallmarks of CHM: progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors, patchy depigmentation of the RPE, and Rab prenylation defects. Using tamoxifen-inducible and tissue-specific Cre expression in combination with floxed Chm alleles, we show that CHM pathogenesis involves independently triggered degeneration of photoreceptors and the RPE, associated with different subsets of defective Rabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Tolmachova
- Molecular and Cellular Medicine Section, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Shi W, Krella A, Orth A, Yu Y, Fundele R. Widespread disruption of genomic imprinting in adult interspecies mouse (Mus) hybrids. Genesis 2006; 43:100-8. [PMID: 16145677 DOI: 10.1002/gene.20161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian interspecies hybrids exhibit parent-of-origin effects in that offspring of reciprocal matings, even though genetically identical, frequently exhibit opposite phenotypes, especially in growth. This was also observed in hybridization with the genus Mus. These parent-of-origin effects suggested that imbalance in the expression of imprinted genes, which are expressed differentially, depending on their transmission through the maternal or paternal germline, and/or differential loss-of-imprinting (LOI) could underlie these opposite growth phenotypes in reciprocal mammalian hybrids. Here we report that tissue-specific LOI occurs in adult Mus hybrids. Contrary to expectations, LOI patterns were not consistent with a direct influence of altered expression levels of imprinted genes on growth. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that reactivation of maternal alleles of Peg3 and Snrpn in specific tissues was accompanied by partial demethylation at their potential imprinting control regions. We propose that abnormal reprogramming after fertilization and during preimplantation development is in part responsible for hybrid dysgenesis, for which a strong epigenetic basis has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Department of Development and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
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32
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Mackay GE, West JD. Fate of tetraploid cells in 4n<-->2n chimeric mouse blastocysts. Mech Dev 2005; 122:1266-81. [PMID: 16274964 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2005.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2005] [Revised: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that tetraploid (4n) cells rarely contribute to the derivatives of the epiblast lineage of mid-gestation 4n<-->2n mouse chimeras. The aim of the present study was to determine when and how 4n cells were excluded from the epiblast lineage of such chimeras. The contributions of GFP-positive cells to different tissues of 4n<-->2n chimeric blastocysts labelled with tauGFP were analysed at E3.5 and E4.5 using confocal microscopy. More advanced E5.5 and E7.5 chimeric blastocysts were analysed after a period of diapause to allow further growth without implantation. Tetraploid cells were not initially excluded from the epiblast in 4n<-->2n chimeric blastocysts and they contributed to all four blastocyst tissues at all of the blastocyst stages examined. Four steps affected the allocation and fate of 4n cells in chimeras, resulting in their exclusion from the epiblast lineage by mid-gestation. (1) Fewer 4n cells were allocated to the inner cell mass than trophectoderm. (2) The blastocyst cavity tended to form among the 4n cells, causing more 4n cells to be allocated to the hypoblast and mural trophectoderm than the epiblast and polar trophectoderm, respectively. (3) 4n cells were depleted from the hypoblast and mural trophectoderm, where initially they were relatively enriched. (4) After implantation 4n cells must be lost preferentially from the epiblast lineage. Relevance of these results to the aetiology of human confined placental mosaicism and possible implications for the interpretation of mouse tetraploid complementation studies of the site of gene action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E Mackay
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Genes and Development Group, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Simmons DG, Cross JC. Determinants of trophoblast lineage and cell subtype specification in the mouse placenta. Dev Biol 2005; 284:12-24. [PMID: 15963972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Revised: 05/04/2005] [Accepted: 05/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the trophoblast lineage make up the epithelial compartment of the placenta, and their rapid development is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. A diverse array of specialized trophoblast subtypes form throughout gestation and are responsible for mediating implantation, as well as promotion of blood to the implantation site, changes in maternal physiology, and nutrient and gas exchange between the fetal and maternal blood supplies. Within the last decade, targeted mutations in mice and the study of trophoblast stem cells in vitro have contributed greatly to our understanding of trophoblast lineage development. Here, we review recent insights into the molecular pathways regulating trophoblast lineage segregation, stem cell maintenance, and subtype differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Simmons
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, HSC Room 2279, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
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Watson ED, Cross JC. Development of structures and transport functions in the mouse placenta. Physiology (Bethesda) 2005; 20:180-93. [PMID: 15888575 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00001.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is essential for sustaining the growth of the fetus during gestation, and defects in its function result in fetal growth restriction or, if more severe, fetal death. Several molecular pathways have been identified that are essential for development of the placenta, and mouse mutants offer new insights into the cell biology of placental development and physiology of nutrient transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D Watson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
Recent studies have revealed mechanistic parallels between imprinted X-chromosome inactivation and autosomal imprinting. We suggest that neither mechanism was present in ancestral egg-laying mammals, and that both arose when the evolution of the placenta exerted selective pressure to imprint growth-related genes. We also propose that non-coding RNAs and histone modifications were adopted for the imprinting of growth suppressors on the X chromosome and on autosomes. This provides a unified hypothesis for the evolution of X-chromosome inactivation and imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf Reik
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics and Imprinting, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB2 4AT, United Kingdom.
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36
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Abstract
Imprinted genes are expressed monoallelically depending on their parental origin. High expression of the majority of imprinted genes tested to date has been demonstrated in extraembryonic tissues; placenta and yolk sac. Several mouse models where specific imprinted genes have been disrupted demonstrate that fetal and placental growth may be regulated by imprinted genes, in which paternally expressed genes enhance, and maternally expressed genes restrain, growth. We review the current information on, and suggest possible functional roles for, imprinted genes in placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Coan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
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