1
|
Flach H, Brendler C, Schöpf M, Xu L, Schneider J, Dewald K, Dietmann P, Kühl M, Kühl SJ. Comparing the effects of three neonicotinoids on embryogenesis of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100169. [PMID: 38706785 PMCID: PMC11068530 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used insecticides that are ubiquitous in agricultural use. Since NEOs are found in natural waters as well as in tap water and human urine in regions where NEOs are widely used, NEOs pose a potential hazard to non-target organisms such as animals and humans. Some of the commonly detected NEOs are imidacloprid (IMD), thiamethoxam (TMX), and its metabolite clothianidin (CLO). Although previously published scientific information, including an assessment of the environmental risks, particularly for bees, had resulted in a ban on the outdoor use of these three NEOs in the EU - their use is now only permitted in closed greenhouses - these NEOs continue to be used in agriculture in many other parts of the world. Therefore, a detailed study and comparison of the effects of NEOs on the embryonic development of non-target organisms is needed to further define the risk profiles. Embryos of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, a well-established aquatic model, were exposed to different concentrations of IMD, TMX, or CLO (0.1-100 mg/L) to study and compare the possible effects of a single contaminant in natural water bodies on early embryogenesis. The results included a reduced body length, a smaller orbital space, impaired cranial cartilage and nerves, and an altered heart structure and function. At the molecular level, NEO exposure partially resulted in an altered expression of tissue-specific factors, which are involved in eye, cranial placode, and heart development. Our results suggest that the NEOs studied negatively affect the embryonic development of the non-target organism X. laevis. Since pesticides, especially NEOs, pollute the environment worldwide, it is suggested that they are strictly controlled and monitored in the areas where they are used. In addition, the question arises as to whether pesticide metabolites also pose a risk to the environment and need to be investigated further so that they can be taken into account when registering ingredients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Schöpf
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Lilly Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Julia Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Kathrin Dewald
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Petra Dietmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Michael Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Susanne J. Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chui MMC, Mak CCY, Yu MHC, Wong SYY, Lun KS, Yung TC, Kwong AKY, Chow PC, Chung BHY. Evaluating High-Confidence Genes in Conotruncal Cardiac Defects by Gene Burden Analyses. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028226. [PMID: 36789878 PMCID: PMC10111484 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Background In nonsyndromic conotruncal cardiac defects, the use of next-generation sequencing for clinical diagnosis is increasingly adopted, but gene-disease associations in research are only partially translated to diagnostic panels, suggesting a need for evidence-based consensus. Methods and Results In an exome data set of 245 patients with conotruncal cardiac defects, we performed burden analysis on a high-confidence congenital heart disease gene list (n=132) with rare (<0.01%) and ultrarare (absent in the Genome Aggregation Database) protein-altering variants. Overall, we confirmed an excess of rare variants compared with ethnicity-matched controls and identified 2 known genes (GATA6, NOTCH1) and 4 candidate genes supported by the literature (ANKRD11, DOCK6, NPHP4, and STRA6). Ultrarare variant analysis was performed in combination with 3 other published studies (n=1451) and identified 3 genes (FLT4, NOTCH1, TBX1) to be significant, whereas a subgroup analysis involving 391 Chinese subjects identified only GATA6 as significant. Conclusions We suggest that these significant genes in our rare and ultrarare burden analyses warrant prioritization for clinical testing implied for rare inherited and de novo variants. Additionally, associations on ClinVar for these genes were predominantly variants of uncertain significance. Therefore, a more stringent assessment of gene-disease associations in a larger and ethnically diverse cohort is required to be prudent for future curation of conotruncal cardiac defect genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin M C Chui
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Christopher C Y Mak
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Mullin H C Yu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Sandra Y Y Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Kin-Shing Lun
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China.,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine The Hong Kong Children's Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Tak-Cheung Yung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China.,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine The Hong Kong Children's Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Anna K Y Kwong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Pak-Cheong Chow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China.,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine The Hong Kong Children's Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Brian H Y Chung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China.,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine The Hong Kong Children's Hospital Hong Kong SAR China.,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Queen Mary Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Afouda BA. Towards Understanding the Gene-Specific Roles of GATA Factors in Heart Development: Does GATA4 Lead the Way? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095255. [PMID: 35563646 PMCID: PMC9099915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play crucial roles in the regulation of heart induction, formation, growth and morphogenesis. Zinc finger GATA transcription factors are among the critical regulators of these processes. GATA4, 5 and 6 genes are expressed in a partially overlapping manner in developing hearts, and GATA4 and 6 continue their expression in adult cardiac myocytes. Using different experimental models, GATA4, 5 and 6 were shown to work together not only to ensure specification of cardiac cells but also during subsequent heart development. The complex involvement of these related gene family members in those processes is demonstrated through the redundancy among them and crossregulation of each other. Our recent identification at the genome-wide level of genes specifically regulated by each of the three family members and our earlier discovery that gata4 and gata6 function upstream, while gata5 functions downstream of noncanonical Wnt signalling during cardiac differentiation, clearly demonstrate the functional differences among the cardiogenic GATA factors. Such suspected functional differences are worth exploring more widely. It appears that in the past few years, significant advances have indeed been made in providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which each of these molecules function during heart development. In this review, I will therefore discuss current evidence of the role of individual cardiogenic GATA factors in the process of heart development and emphasize the emerging central role of GATA4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boni A Afouda
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Health Campus, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song M, Yuan X, Racioppi C, Leslie M, Stutt N, Aleksandrova A, Christiaen L, Wilson MD, Scott IC. GATA4/5/6 family transcription factors are conserved determinants of cardiac versus pharyngeal mesoderm fate. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg0834. [PMID: 35275720 PMCID: PMC8916722 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg0834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
GATA4/5/6 transcription factors play essential, conserved roles in heart development. To understand how GATA4/5/6 modulates the mesoderm-to-cardiac fate transition, we labeled, isolated, and performed single-cell gene expression analysis on cells that express gata5 at precardiac time points spanning zebrafish gastrulation to somitogenesis. We found that most mesendoderm-derived lineages had dynamic gata5/6 expression. In the absence of Gata5/6, the population structure of mesendoderm-derived cells was substantially altered. In addition to the expected absence of cardiac mesoderm, we confirmed a concomitant expansion of cranial-pharyngeal mesoderm. Moreover, Gata5/6 loss led to extensive changes in chromatin accessibility near cardiac and pharyngeal genes. Functional analyses in zebrafish and the tunicate Ciona, which has a single GATA4/5/6 homolog, revealed that GATA4/5/6 acts upstream of tbx1 to exert essential and cell-autonomous roles in promoting cardiac and inhibiting pharyngeal mesoderm identity. Overall, cardiac and pharyngeal mesoderm fate choices are achieved through an evolutionarily conserved GATA4/5/6 regulatory network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Song
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xuefei Yuan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Claudia Racioppi
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meaghan Leslie
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nathan Stutt
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anastasiia Aleksandrova
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lionel Christiaen
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael D. Wilson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Corresponding author. (M.D.W.); (I.C.S.)
| | - Ian C. Scott
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Corresponding author. (M.D.W.); (I.C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stutt N, Song M, Wilson MD, Scott IC. Cardiac specification during gastrulation - The Yellow Brick Road leading to Tinman. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 127:46-58. [PMID: 34865988 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The question of how the heart develops, and the genetic networks governing this process have become intense areas of research over the past several decades. This research is propelled by classical developmental studies and potential clinical applications to understand and treat congenital conditions in which cardiac development is disrupted. Discovery of the tinman gene in Drosophila, and examination of its vertebrate homolog Nkx2.5, along with other core cardiac transcription factors has revealed how cardiac progenitor differentiation and maturation drives heart development. Careful observation of cardiac morphogenesis along with lineage tracing approaches indicated that cardiac progenitors can be divided into two broad classes of cells, namely the first and second heart fields, that contribute to the heart in two distinct waves of differentiation. Ample evidence suggests that the fate of individual cardiac progenitors is restricted to distinct cardiac structures quite early in development, well before the expression of canonical cardiac progenitor markers like Nkx2.5. Here we review the initial specification of cardiac progenitors, discuss evidence for the early patterning of cardiac progenitors during gastrulation, and consider how early gene expression programs and epigenetic patterns can direct their development. A complete understanding of when and how the developmental potential of cardiac progenitors is determined, and their potential plasticity, is of great interest developmentally and also has important implications for both the study of congenital heart disease and therapeutic approaches based on cardiac stem cell programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Stutt
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Mengyi Song
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Ian C Scott
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Perumal E, Eswaran S, Parvin R, Balasubramanian S. Mitigation of arsenic induced developmental cardiotoxicity by ferulic acid in zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 244:109021. [PMID: 33631344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether ferulic acid (FA), a nutraceutical could mitigate the arsenic (As) induced cardiotoxicity. Zebrafish larvae (60 and 72 h post-fertilization [hpf]) were used to study the effect of FA on As at different time points (24 and 48 h after exposure). The FA exposure was given as pre-treatment (60 hpf) and simultaneous treatment (72 hpf) to translate the results for As contaminated areas. To accomplish this, the lethality assay was done, and based on the results, the dosage for As (1 mM) and FA (30 μM) was fixed. The FA intervention (30 μM) as 12 h pre-treatment (60 hpf) and simultaneous treatment along with As (72 hpf) decreased the As content in zebrafish larvae as evidenced by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As exposure showed congenital deformities especially cardiac malformations in zebrafish larvae after 24 and 48 h. These teratogenic effects induced by As were reduced by FA supplementation in both groups. Also, o-dianisidine staining demonstrated that As treated larvae encountered abnormal cardiac function with reduced blood circulation, while FA supplementation reversed these effects. The acetylcholinesterase activity, a biomarker of As-induced cardiotoxicity was also found to be decreased in As group, which was rescued by FA. The modulation in the expression of the genes involved in cardiogenesis (nkx2.5, bmp2b, gata4, gata5, myh6, myl7, and tnnt2) further confirmed the ameliorative effect of FA on As induced malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India.
| | - Sangavi Eswaran
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Reshma Parvin
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rufaihah AJ, Chen CK, Yap CH, Mattar CNZ. Mending a broken heart: In vitro, in vivo and in silico models of congenital heart disease. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:14/3/dmm047522. [PMID: 33787508 PMCID: PMC8033415 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth defects contribute to ∼0.3% of global infant mortality in the first month of life, and congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect among newborns worldwide. Despite the significant impact on human health, most treatments available for this heterogenous group of disorders are palliative at best. For this reason, the complex process of cardiogenesis, governed by multiple interlinked and dose-dependent pathways, is well investigated. Tissue, animal and, more recently, computerized models of the developing heart have facilitated important discoveries that are helping us to understand the genetic, epigenetic and mechanobiological contributors to CHD aetiology. In this Review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different models of normal and abnormal cardiogenesis, ranging from single-cell systems and 3D cardiac organoids, to small and large animals and organ-level computational models. These investigative tools have revealed a diversity of pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to CHD, including genetic pathways, epigenetic regulators and shear wall stresses, paving the way for new strategies for screening and non-surgical treatment of CHD. As we discuss in this Review, one of the most-valuable advances in recent years has been the creation of highly personalized platforms with which to study individual diseases in clinically relevant settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Jalil Rufaihah
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Ching Kit Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat -National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Citra N Z Mattar
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228 .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carreras D, Martinez-Moreno R, Pinsach-Abuin M, Santafe MM, Gomà P, Brugada R, Scornik FS, Pérez GJ, Pagans S. Epigenetic Changes Governing Scn5a Expression in Denervated Skeletal Muscle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052755. [PMID: 33803193 PMCID: PMC7963191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SCN5A gene encodes the α-subunit of the voltage-gated cardiac sodium channel (NaV1.5), a key player in cardiac action potential depolarization. Genetic variants in protein-coding regions of the human SCN5A have been largely associated with inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Increasing evidence also suggests that aberrant expression of the SCN5A gene could increase susceptibility to arrhythmogenic diseases, but the mechanisms governing SCN5A expression are not yet well understood. To gain insights into the molecular basis of SCN5A gene regulation, we used rat gastrocnemius muscle four days following denervation, a process well known to stimulate Scn5a expression. Our results show that denervation of rat skeletal muscle induces the expression of the adult cardiac Scn5a isoform. RNA-seq experiments reveal that denervation leads to significant changes in the transcriptome, with Scn5a amongst the fifty top upregulated genes. Consistent with this increase in expression, ChIP-qPCR assays show enrichment of H3K27ac and H3K4me3 and binding of the transcription factor Gata4 near the Scn5a promoter region. Also, Gata4 mRNA levels are significantly induced upon denervation. Genome-wide analysis of H3K27ac by ChIP-seq suggest that a super enhancer recently described to regulate Scn5a in cardiac tissue is activated in response to denervation. Altogether, our experiments reveal that similar mechanisms regulate the expression of Scn5a in denervated muscle and cardiac tissue, suggesting a conserved pathway for SCN5A expression among striated muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Carreras
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Rebecca Martinez-Moreno
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Mel·lina Pinsach-Abuin
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Manel M. Santafe
- Unit of Histology and Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, 43003 Reus, Spain;
| | - Pol Gomà
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 21005 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Josep Trueta, 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Fabiana S. Scornik
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 21005 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.S.); (G.J.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Guillermo J. Pérez
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 21005 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.S.); (G.J.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Sara Pagans
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Biomedical Research Institute of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain; (D.C.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-A.); (P.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 21005 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.S.); (G.J.P.); (S.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Exploring the Expression of Cardiac Regulators in a Vertebrate Extremophile: The Cichlid Fish Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8040022. [PMID: 33020460 PMCID: PMC7712675 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although it is widely accepted that the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate cardiac development are evolutionarily conserved, this is on the basis of data from only a few model organisms suited to laboratory studies. Here, we investigate gene expression during cardiac development in the extremophile, non-model fish species, Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica. We first characterise the early development of O. alcalica and observe extensive vascularisation across the yolk prior to hatching. We further investigate heart development by identifying and cloning O. alcalica orthologues of conserved cardiac transcription factors gata4, tbx5, and mef2c for analysis by in situ hybridisation. Expression of these three key cardiac developmental regulators also reveals other aspects of O. alcalica development, as these genes are expressed in developing blood, limb, eyes, and muscle, as well as the heart. Our data support the notion that O. alcalica is a direct-developing vertebrate that shares the highly conserved molecular regulation of the vertebrate body plan. However, the expression of gata4 in O. alcalica reveals interesting differences in the development of the circulatory system distinct from that of the well-studied zebrafish. Understanding the development of O. alcalica embryos is an important step towards providing a model for future research into the adaptation to extreme conditions; this is particularly relevant given that anthropogenic-driven climate change will likely result in more freshwater organisms being exposed to less favourable conditions.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gu J, Wang H, Zhou L, Fan D, Shi L, Ji G, Gu A. Oxidative stress in bisphenol AF-induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish and the protective role of N-acetyl N-cysteine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 731:139190. [PMID: 32408210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that there is a relationship between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of bisphenol AF (BPAF), a main substitute for BPA, on heart development remains unclear. In this study, the cardiotoxicity of BPAF was evaluated in zebrafish in vivo and in human cardiac myocytes (HCMs) in vitro. Our results showed that BPAF at a concentration of 200 μg/L results in cardiotoxicity, including a reduced number of cardiomyocytes and endocardial cells in the heart, and reduced heart size in two transgenic zebrafish models (myl7:: dsred2-nuc and fli1a::nGFP). An increase in apoptosis was observed along with antioxidant enzyme inhibition and lipid peroxidation. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of several key genes involved in cardiac development were suppressed by BPAF treatment. In the HCM cell model, BPAF at 2 mg/L induced reactive oxygen species generation, antioxidant enzyme inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative DNA damage. These adverse outcomes can be attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), suggesting that oxidative stress is involved in BPAF-induced cardiotoxicity. These data indicated that BPAF exposure increased oxidative stress and apoptosis and that it suppressed the expression of genes involved in cardiac development, which may play crucial roles in the mechanisms of BPAF-induced cardiotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Hongye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Linjun Zhou
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deling Fan
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Guixiang Ji
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Aihua Gu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dobrzycki T, Lalwani M, Telfer C, Monteiro R, Patient R. The roles and controls of GATA factors in blood and cardiac development. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:39-44. [PMID: 31778014 PMCID: PMC6973044 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
GATA factors play central roles in the programming of blood and cardiac cells during embryonic development. Using the experimentally accessible Xenopus and zebrafish models, we report observations regarding the roles of GATA‐2 in the development of blood stem cells and GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 in cardiac development. We show that blood stem cells develop from the dorsal lateral plate mesoderm and GATA‐2 is required at multiple stages. Firstly, GATA‐2 is required to make the cells responsive to VEGF‐A signalling by driving the synthesis of its receptor, FLK‐1/KDR. This leads to differentiation into the endothelial cells that form the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 is again required for the endothelial‐to‐haematopoietic transition that takes place later in the floor of the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 expression is dependent on BMP signalling for each of these inputs into blood stem cell programming. GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 work together to ensure the specification of cardiac cells during development. We have demonstrated redundancy within the family and also some evolution of the functions of the different family members. Interestingly, one of the features that varies in evolution is the timing of expression relative to other key regulators such as Nkx2.5 and BMP. We show that the GATA factors, Nkx2.5 and BMP regulate each other and it would appear that what is critical is the mutually supportive network of expression rather than the order of expression of each of the component genes. In Xenopus and zebrafish, the cardiac mesoderm is adjacent to an anterior population of cells giving rise to blood and endothelium. This population is not present in mammals and we have shown that, like the cardiac population, the blood and endothelial precursors require GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 for their development. Later, blood‐specific or cardiac‐specific regulators determine the ultimate fate of the cells, and we show that these regulators act cross‐antagonistically. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling drives the cardiac fate, and we propose that the anterior extension of the FGF signalling field during evolution led to the recruitment of the blood and endothelial precursors into the heart field ultimately resulting in a larger four chambered heart. Zebrafish are able to successfully regenerate their hearts after injury. To understand the pathways involved, with a view to determining why humans cannot do this, we profiled gene expression in the cardiomyocytes before and after injury, and compared those proximal to the injury with those more distal. We were able to identify an enhancement of the expression of regulators of the canonical Wnt pathway proximal to the injury, suggesting that changes in Wnt signalling are responsible for the repair response to injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Dobrzycki
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mukesh Lalwani
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Telfer
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rui Monteiro
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, IBR West University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Roger Patient
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Välimäki MJ, Ruskoaho HJ. Targeting GATA4 for cardiac repair. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:68-79. [PMID: 31419020 PMCID: PMC6973159 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Various strategies have been applied to replace the loss of cardiomyocytes in order to restore reduced cardiac function and prevent the progression of heart disease. Intensive research efforts in the field of cellular reprogramming and cell transplantation may eventually lead to efficient in vivo applications for the treatment of cardiac injuries, representing a novel treatment strategy for regenerative medicine. Modulation of cardiac transcription factor (TF) networks by chemical entities represents another viable option for therapeutic interventions. Comprehensive screening projects have revealed a number of molecular entities acting on molecular pathways highly critical for cellular lineage commitment and differentiation, including compounds targeting Wnt- and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-signaling. Furthermore, previous studies have demonstrated that GATA4 and NKX2-5 are essential TFs in gene regulation of cardiac development and hypertrophy. For example, both of these TFs are required to fully activate mechanical stretch-responsive genes such as atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). We have previously reported that the compound 3i-1000 efficiently inhibited the synergy of the GATA4-NKX2-5 interaction. Cellular effects of 3i-1000 have been further characterized in a number of confirmatory in vitro bioassays, including rat cardiac myocytes and animal models of ischemic injury and angiotensin II-induced pressure overload, suggesting the potential for small molecule-induced cardioprotection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika J Välimäki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki J Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jia W, Liang D, Li N, Liu M, Dong Z, Li J, Dong X, Yue Y, Hu P, Yao J, Zhao Q. Zebrafish microRNA miR-210-5p inhibits primitive myelopoiesis by silencing foxj1b and slc3a2a mRNAs downstream of gata4/5/6 transcription factor genes. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:2732-2743. [PMID: 30593510 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish gata4/5/6 genes encode transcription factors that lie on the apex of the regulatory hierarchy in primitive myelopoiesis. However, little is known about the roles of microRNAs in gata4/5/6-regulated processes. Performing RNA-Seq deep sequencing analysis of the expression changes of microRNAs in gata4/5/6-knockdown embryos, we identified miR-210-5p as a regulator of zebrafish primitive myelopoiesis. Knocking down gata4/5/6 (generating gata5/6 morphants) significantly increased miR-210-5p expression, whereas gata4/5/6 overexpression greatly reduced its expression. Consistent with inhibited primitive myelopoiesis in the gata5/6 morphants, miR-210-5p overexpression repressed primitive myelopoiesis, indicated by reduced numbers of granulocytes and macrophages. Moreover, knocking out miR-210 partially rescued the defective primitive myelopoiesis in zebrafish gata4/5/6-knockdown embryos. Furthermore, we show that the restrictive role of miR-210-5p in zebrafish primitive myelopoiesis is due to impaired differentiation of hemangioblast into myeloid progenitor cells. By comparing the set of genes with reduced expression levels in the gata5/6 morphants to the predicted target genes of miR-210-5p, we found that foxj1b and slc3a2a, encoding a forkhead box transcription factor and a solute carrier family 3 protein, respectively, are two direct downstream targets of miR-210-5p that mediate its inhibitory roles in zebrafish primitive myelopoiesis. In summary, our results reveal that miR-210-5p has an important role in the genetic network controlling zebrafish primitive myelopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuang Jia
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Dong Liang
- the Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, and
| | - Nan Li
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Meijing Liu
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Zhangji Dong
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Jingyun Li
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Xiaohua Dong
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Yunyun Yue
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061
| | - Ping Hu
- the Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, and
| | - Jihua Yao
- the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qingshun Zhao
- From the MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dobrzycki T, Krecsmarik M, Bonkhofer F, Patient R, Monteiro R. An optimised pipeline for parallel image-based quantification of gene expression and genotyping after in situ hybridisation. Biol Open 2018. [PMID: 29535102 PMCID: PMC5936060 DOI: 10.1242/bio.031096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genome engineering have resulted in the generation of numerous zebrafish mutant lines. A commonly used method to assess gene expression in the mutants is in situ hybridisation (ISH). Because the embryos can be distinguished by genotype after ISH, comparing gene expression between wild-type and mutant siblings can be done blinded and in parallel. Such experimental design reduces the technical variation between samples and minimises the risk of bias. This approach, however, requires an efficient method of genomic DNA extraction from post-ISH fixed zebrafish samples to ascribe phenotype to genotype. Here we describe a method to obtain PCR-quality DNA from 95-100% of zebrafish embryos, suitable for genotyping after ISH. In addition, we provide an image analysis protocol for quantifying gene expression of ISH-probed embryos, adaptable for the analysis of different expression patterns. Finally, we show that intensity-based image analysis enables accurate representation of the variability of gene expression detected by ISH and that it can complement quantitative methods like qRT-PCR. By combining genotyping after ISH and computer-based image analysis, we have established a high-confidence, unbiased methodology to assign gene expression levels to specific genotypes, and applied it to the analysis of molecular phenotypes of newly generated lmo4a mutants. Summary: Our optimised protocol to genotype zebrafish mutant embryos after in situ hybridisation and digitally quantify the in situ signal will help to standardise existing experimental designs and methods of analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Dobrzycki
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Monika Krecsmarik
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.,BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Florian Bonkhofer
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Roger Patient
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.,BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rui Monteiro
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK .,BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Afouda BA, Lynch AT, de Paiva Alves E, Hoppler S. Genome-wide transcriptomics analysis identifies sox7 and sox18 as specifically regulated by gata4 in cardiomyogenesis. Dev Biol 2017; 434:108-120. [PMID: 29229250 PMCID: PMC5814753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factors GATA4, GATA5 and GATA6 are important regulators of heart muscle differentiation (cardiomyogenesis), which function in a partially redundant manner. We identified genes specifically regulated by individual cardiogenic GATA factors in a genome-wide transcriptomics analysis. The genes regulated by gata4 are particularly interesting because GATA4 is able to induce differentiation of beating cardiomyocytes in Xenopus and in mammalian systems. Among the specifically gata4-regulated transcripts we identified two SoxF family members, sox7 and sox18. Experimental reinstatement of gata4 restores sox7 and sox18 expression, and loss of cardiomyocyte differentiation due to gata4 knockdown is partially restored by reinstating sox7 or sox18 expression, while (as previously reported) knockdown of sox7 or sox18 interferes with heart muscle formation. In order to test for conservation in mammalian cardiomyogenesis, we confirmed in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) undergoing cardiomyogenesis that knockdown of Gata4 leads to reduced Sox7 (and Sox18) expression and that Gata4 is also uniquely capable of promptly inducing Sox7 expression. Taken together, we identify an important and conserved gene regulatory axis from gata4 to the SoxF paralogs sox7 and sox18 and further to heart muscle cell differentiation. Gata 4, 5 and 6 have redundant and non-redundant functions in heart development. RNA-seq analysis of Gata4, 5 and 6 knockdown experiments was carried out. Genes specifically regulated by Gata4, 5 and 6 were identified. The SoxF genes sox7 and sox18 were identified as specifically regulated by Gata4. Epistasis demonstrates a regulatory axis from Gata4 to Sox7/18 to cardiomyogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boni A Afouda
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Health Campus, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Adam T Lynch
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Health Campus, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Eduardo de Paiva Alves
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, King's College Campus, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Stefan Hoppler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill Health Campus, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Home P, Kumar RP, Ganguly A, Saha B, Milano-Foster J, Bhattacharya B, Ray S, Gunewardena S, Paul A, Camper SA, Fields PE, Paul S. Genetic redundancy of GATA factors in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage ensures the progression of preimplantation and postimplantation mammalian development. Development 2017; 144:876-888. [PMID: 28232602 PMCID: PMC5374352 DOI: 10.1242/dev.145318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors are implicated in establishing cell fate during mammalian development. In early mammalian embryos, GATA3 is selectively expressed in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage and regulates gene expression to promote trophoblast fate. However, trophoblast-specific GATA3 function is dispensable for early mammalian development. Here, using dual conditional knockout mice, we show that genetic redundancy of Gata3 with paralog Gata2 in trophoblast progenitors ensures the successful progression of both pre- and postimplantation mammalian development. Stage-specific gene deletion in trophoblasts reveals that loss of both GATA genes, but not either alone, leads to embryonic lethality prior to the onset of their expression within the embryo proper. Using ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses, we define the global targets of GATA2/GATA3 and show that they directly regulate a large number of common genes to orchestrate stem versus differentiated trophoblast fate. In trophoblast progenitors, GATA factors directly regulate BMP4, Nodal and Wnt signaling components that promote embryonic-extraembryonic signaling cross-talk, which is essential for the development of the embryo proper. Our study provides genetic evidence that impairment of trophoblast-specific GATA2/GATA3 function could lead to early pregnancy failure. Summary: During trophoblast development in mice, GATA2 and GATA3 act synergistically by directly regulating a large number of common genes, and together are important to ensure trophoblast lineage progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Home
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ram Parikshan Kumar
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Biswarup Saha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Jessica Milano-Foster
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Arindam Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Patrick E Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fisher JB, Pulakanti K, Rao S, Duncan SA. GATA6 is essential for endoderm formation from human pluripotent stem cells. Biol Open 2017; 6:1084-1095. [PMID: 28606935 PMCID: PMC5550920 DOI: 10.1242/bio.026120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocols have been established that direct differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into a variety of cell types, including the endoderm and its derivatives. This model of differentiation has been useful for investigating the molecular mechanisms that guide human developmental processes. Using a directed differentiation protocol combined with shRNA depletion we sought to understand the role of GATA6 in regulating the earliest switch from pluripotency to definitive endoderm. We reveal that GATA6 depletion during endoderm formation results in apoptosis of nascent endoderm cells, concomitant with a loss of endoderm gene expression. We show by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing that GATA6 directly binds to several genes encoding transcription factors that are necessary for endoderm differentiation. Our data support the view that GATA6 is a central regulator of the formation of human definitive endoderm from pluripotent stem cells by directly controlling endoderm gene expression. Summary: Using the differentiation of huESCs as a model for endoderm formation, we reveal that the transcription factor GATA6 regulates the onset of endoderm gene expression and is required for its viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Fisher
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - K Pulakanti
- Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - S Rao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - S A Duncan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA .,Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mespaa can potently induce cardiac fates in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2016; 418:17-27. [PMID: 27554166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The Mesp family of transcription factors have been implicated in the early formation and migration of the cardiac lineage, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown. In this study we examine the function of Mesp family members in zebrafish cardiac development and find that Mespaa is remarkably efficient at promoting cardiac fates in normally non-cardiogenic cells. However, Mespaa is dispensable for normal cardiac formation. Despite no overt defects in cardiovascular specification, we find a consistent defect in cardiac laterality in mespaa null embryos. This is further exacerbated by the depletion of other mesp paralogues, highlighting a conserved role for the mesp family in left-right asymmetry, distinct from a function in cardiac specification. Despite an early requirement for mespaa to promote cardiogenesis, cells over-expressing mespaa are found to both exhibit unique cellular behaviors and activate the transcription of gata5 only after the completion of gastrulation. We propose that while mespaa remains capable of driving cardiac progenitor formation in zebrafish, it may not play an essential role in the cardiac regulatory network. Furthermore, the late activation of migration and cardiac gene transcription in mespaa over-expressing cells challenges previous studies on the timing of these events and provides intriguing questions for future study.
Collapse
|
19
|
Bloomekatz J, Galvez-Santisteban M, Chi NC. Myocardial plasticity: cardiac development, regeneration and disease. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2016; 40:120-130. [PMID: 27498024 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart is unable to recover from myocardial cell loss due to cardiac ischemia and infarction because terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes proliferate at a low rate. However, cardiomyocytes in other vertebrate animal models such as zebrafish, axolotls, newts and mammalian mouse neonates are capable of de-differentiating in order to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and subsequent cardiac regeneration after injury. Although de-differentiation may occur in adult mammalian cardiomyocytes, it is typically associated with diseased hearts and pathologic remodeling rather than repair and regeneration. Here, we review recent studies of cardiac development, regeneration and disease that highlight how changes in myocardial identity (plasticity) is regulated and impacts adaptive and maladaptive cardiac responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Bloomekatz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manuel Galvez-Santisteban
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Neil C Chi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A Matter of the Heart: The African Clawed Frog Xenopus as a Model for Studying Vertebrate Cardiogenesis and Congenital Heart Defects. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2016; 3:jcdd3020021. [PMID: 29367567 PMCID: PMC5715680 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd3020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus, is a valuable non-mammalian model organism to investigate vertebrate heart development and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of human congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this review, we outline the similarities between Xenopus and mammalian cardiogenesis, and provide an overview of well-studied cardiac genes in Xenopus, which have been associated with congenital heart conditions. Additionally, we highlight advantages of modeling candidate genes derived from genome wide association studies (GWAS) in Xenopus and discuss commonly used techniques.
Collapse
|
21
|
Miyagi H, Nag K, Sultana N, Munakata K, Hirose S, Nakamura N. Characterization of the zebrafish cx36.7 gene promoter: Its regulation of cardiac-specific expression and skeletal muscle-specific repression. Gene 2016; 577:265-74. [PMID: 26692140 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.013] [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: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish connexin 36.7 (cx36.7/ecx) has been identified as a key molecule in the early stages of heart development in this species. A defect in cx36.7 causes severe heart malformation due to the downregulation of nkx2.5 expression, a result which resembles congenital heart disease in humans. It has been shown that cx36.7 is expressed specifically in early developing heart cardiomyocytes. However, the regulatory mechanism for the cardiac-restricted expression of cx36.7 remains to be elucidated. In this study we isolated the 5'-flanking promoter region of the cx36.7 gene and characterized its promoter activity in zebrafish embryos. Deletion analysis showed that a 316-bp upstream region is essential for cardiac-restricted expression. This region contains four GATA elements, the proximal two of which are responsible for promoter activation in the embryonic heart and serve as binding sites for gata4. When gata4, gata5 and gata6 were simultaneously knocked down, the promoter activity was significantly decreased. Moreover, the deletion of the region between -316 and -133bp led to EGFP expression in the embryonic trunk muscle. The distal two GATA and A/T-rich elements in this region act as repressors of promoter activity in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that cx36.7 expression is directed by cardiac promoter activation via the two proximal GATA elements as well as by skeletal muscle-specific promoter repression via the two distal GATA elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisako Miyagi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Kakon Nag
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Naznin Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Keijiro Munakata
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Shigehisa Hirose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-B13 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Block DH, Shapira M. GATA transcription factors as tissue-specific master regulators for induced responses. WORM 2015; 4:e1118607. [PMID: 27123374 PMCID: PMC4826149 DOI: 10.1080/21624054.2015.1118607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors play important roles in directing developmental genetic programs and cell differentiation, and are conserved in animals, plants and fungi. C. elegans has 11 GATA-type transcription factors that orchestrate development of the gut, epidermis and vulva. However, the expression of certain GATA proteins persists into adulthood, where their function is less understood. Accumulating evidence demonstrates contributions of 2 terminal differentiation GATA transcription factors, ELT-2 and ELT-3, to epithelial immune responses in the adult intestine and epidermis (hypodermis), respectively. Involvement in other stress responses has also been documented. We recently showed that ELT-2 acted as a tissue-specific master regulator, cooperating with 2 transcription factors activated by the p38 pathway, ATF-7 and SKN-1, to control immune responses in the adult C. elegans intestine. Here, we discuss the broader implications of these findings for understanding the involvement of GATA transcription factors in adult stress responses, and draw parallels between ELT-2 and ELT-3 to speculate that the latter may fulfill similar tissue-specific functions in the epidermis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dena Hs Block
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of California ; Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Michael Shapira
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of California; Berkeley, CA USA; Graduate Group in Microbiology; University of California; Berkeley, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Keßler M, Rottbauer W, Just S. Recent progress in the use of zebrafish for novel cardiac drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:1231-41. [PMID: 26294375 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1078788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
24
|
GATA-dependent transcriptional and epigenetic control of cardiac lineage specification and differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3871-81. [PMID: 26126786 PMCID: PMC4575685 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heart progenitor cells differentiate into various cell types including pacemaker and working cardiomyocytes. Cell-type specific gene expression is achieved by combinatorial interactions between tissue-specific transcription factors (TFs), co-factors, and chromatin remodelers and DNA binding elements in regulatory regions. Dysfunction of these transcriptional networks may result in congenital heart defects. Functional analysis of the regulatory DNA sequences has contributed substantially to the identification of the transcriptional network components and combinatorial interactions regulating the tissue-specific gene programs. GATA TFs have been identified as central players in these networks. In particular, GATA binding elements have emerged as a platform to recruit broadly active histone modification enzymes and cell-type-specific co-factors to drive cell-type-specific gene programs. Here, we discuss the role of GATA factors in cell fate decisions and differentiation in the developing heart.
Collapse
|
25
|
Regulation and evolution of cardiopharyngeal cell identity and behavior: insights from simple chordates. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 32:119-28. [PMID: 25819888 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate heart arises from distinct first and second heart fields. The latter also share a common origin with branchiomeric muscles in the pharyngeal mesoderm and transcription regulators, such as Nkx2-5, Tbx1 and Islet1. Despite significant progress, the complexity of vertebrate embryos has hindered the identification of multipotent cardiopharyngeal progenitors. Here, we summarize recent insights in cardiopharyngeal development gained from ascidian models, among the closest relatives to vertebrates. In a simplified cellular context, progressive fate specification of the ascidian cardiopharyngeal precursors presents striking similarities with their vertebrate counterparts. Multipotent cardiopharyngeal progenitors are primed to activate both the early cardiac and pharyngeal muscles programs, which segregate following asymmetric cells divisions as a result of regulatory cross-antagonisms involving Tbx1 and Nkx2-5 homologs. Activation of Ebf in pharyngeal muscle founder cells triggers both Myogenic Regulatory Factor-associated differentiation and Notch-mediated maintenance of an undifferentiated state in distinct precursors. Cross-species comparisons revealed the deep conservation of the cardiopharyngeal developmental sequence in spite of extreme genome sequence divergence, gene network rewiring and specific morphogenetic differences. Finally, analyses are beginning to uncover the influence of surrounding tissues in determining cardiopharyngeal cell identity and behavior. Thus, ascidian embryos offer a unique opportunity to study gene regulation and cell behaviors at the cellular level throughout cardiopharyngeal morphogenesis and evolution.
Collapse
|
26
|
Han Y, Zhang JP, Qian JQ, Hu CQ. Cardiotoxicity evaluation of anthracyclines in zebrafish (Danio rerio). J Appl Toxicol 2014; 35:241-52. [PMID: 24853142 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a leading factor for drug withdrawals, and limits drug efficacy and clinical use. Therefore, new alternative animal models and methods for drug safety evaluation have been given great attention. Anthracyclines (ANTs) are widely prescribed anticancer agents that have a cumulative dose relationship with cardiotoxicity. We performed experiments to study the toxicity of ANTs in early developing zebrafish embryos, especially their effects on the heart. LC50 values for daunorubicin, pirarubicin, doxorubicin (DOX), epirubicin and DOX-liposome at 72 h post-fertilization were 122.7 μM, 111.9 μM, 31.2 μM, 108.3 μM and 55.8 μM, respectively. At the same time, zebrafish embryos were exposed to ANTs in three exposure stages and induced incomplete looping of the heart tube, pericardia edema and bradycardia in a dose-dependent manner, eventually leading to death. DOX caused the greatest heart defects in the treatment stages and its liposome reduced the effects on the heart, while daunorubicin produced the least toxicity. Genes and proteins related to heart development were also identified to be sensitive to ANT exposure and downregulated by ANTs. It revealed ANTs could disturb the heart formation and development. ANTs induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish has similar effects in mammalian models, indicating that zebrafish may have a potential value for assessment of drug-induced developmental cardiotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Han
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
GATA-dependent regulatory switches establish atrioventricular canal specificity during heart development. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3680. [PMID: 24770533 PMCID: PMC4015328 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryonic vertebrate heart tube develops an atrioventricular canal that divides the atrial and ventricular chambers, forms atrioventricular conduction tissue and organizes valve development. Here we assess the transcriptional mechanism underlying this localized differentiation process. We show that atrioventricular canal-specific enhancers are GATA-binding site-dependent and act as switches that repress gene activity in the chambers. We find that atrioventricular canal-specific gene loci are enriched in H3K27ac, a marker of active enhancers, in atrioventricular canal tissue and depleted in H3K27ac in chamber tissue. In the atrioventricular canal, Gata4 activates the enhancers in synergy with Bmp2/Smad signalling, leading to H3K27 acetylation. In contrast, in chambers, Gata4 cooperates with pan-cardiac Hdac1 and Hdac2 and chamber-specific Hey1 and Hey2, leading to H3K27 deacetylation and repression. We conclude that atrioventricular canal-specific enhancers are platforms integrating cardiac transcription factors, broadly active histone modification enzymes and localized co-factors to drive atrioventricular canal-specific gene activity. The atrioventricular canal partitions the developing vertebrate heart. Here, the authors show that the cardiac transcription factor Gata4 together with histone modification enzymes and localized co-factors binds atrioventricular canal-specific enhancers, thereby repressing gene activity in the cardiac chambers.
Collapse
|
28
|
Wilkinson RN, Jopling C, van Eeden FJM. Zebrafish as a model of cardiac disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 124:65-91. [PMID: 24751427 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386930-2.00004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish has been rapidly adopted as a model for cardiac development and disease. The transparency of the embryo, its limited requirement for active oxygen delivery, and ease of use in genetic manipulations and chemical exposure have made it a powerful alternative to rodents. Novel technologies like TALEN/CRISPR-mediated genome engineering and advanced imaging methods will only accelerate its use. Here, we give an overview of heart development and function in the fish and highlight a number of areas where it is most actively contributing to the understanding of cardiac development and disease. We also review the current state of research on a feature that we only could wish to be conserved between fish and human; cardiac regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert N Wilkinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Jopling
- CNRS, UMR-5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Département de Physiologie, Labex Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France; INSERM, U661, Montpellier, France; Universités de Montpellier 1&2, UMR-5203, Montpellier, France
| | - Fredericus J M van Eeden
- MRC Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee JH, Hong KS, Mantel C, Broxmeyer HE, Lee MR, Kim KS. Spontaneously differentiated GATA6-positive human embryonic stem cells represent an important cellular step in human embryonic development; they are not just an artifact of in vitro culture. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:2706-13. [PMID: 23746070 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we isolated and characterized spontaneously differentiated human embryonic stem cells (SD-hESCs) found in hESC colonies in comparison to the morphologically premature ESCs in the colonies to investigate the potential role of SD-hESCs in embryogenesis. SD-hESCs were distinguished from undifferentiated hESCs by their higher expression of GATA6, a marker for primitive endoderm and transthyretin, a marker visceral endoderm in embryoid bodies (EBs). SD-hESCs expressed OCT4 and NANOG, markers for pluripotent stem cells, at significantly lower levels than undifferentiated hESCs. EBs derived from isolated SD-hESCs were morphologically distinct from cells directly derived from the undifferentiated hESCs; they contained higher number of cysts compared to EBs from undifferentiated hESC-derived EBs (42% vs. 20%). Furthermore, the extracellular signal molecule, BMP2/4, induced a higher GATA4/6 expression and cystic EB formation than control and noggin-treated EBs. Since cystic formation in EBs play a role in primitive endoderm formation during embryogenesis, the SD-hESC may be a relevant cell type equipped to differentiate into primitive endoderm. Our results suggest that SD-ESCs generated during routine hESC culture are not just an artifact of in vitro culture and these cells could serve as a useful model to study the process of embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Lee
- 1 Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University , Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gibb N, Lavery DL, Hoppler S. sfrp1 promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation in Xenopus via negative-feedback regulation of Wnt signalling. Development 2013; 140:1537-49. [PMID: 23482489 PMCID: PMC4074298 DOI: 10.1242/dev.088047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signalling is a key regulator of vertebrate heart development, yet it is unclear which specific Wnt signalling components are required to regulate which aspect of cardiogenesis. Previously, we identified Wnt6 as an endogenous Wnt ligand required for controlling heart muscle differentiation via canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Here we show for the first time a requirement for an endogenous Wnt signalling inhibitor for normal heart muscle differentiation. Expression of sfrp1 is strongly induced in differentiating heart muscle. We show that sfrp1 is not only able to promote heart muscle differentiation but is also required for the formation of normal size heart muscle in the embryo. sfrp1 is functionally able to inhibit Wnt6 signalling and its requirement during heart development relates to relieving the cardiogenesis-restricting function of endogenous wnt6. In turn, we discover that sfrp1 expression in the heart is regulated by Wnt6 signalling, which for the first time indicates that sfrp genes can function as part of a Wnt negative-feedback regulatory loop. Our experiments indicate that sfrp1 controls the size of the differentiating heart muscle primarily by regulating cell fate within the cardiac mesoderm between muscular and non-muscular cell lineages. The cardiac mesoderm is therefore not passively patterned by signals from the surrounding tissue, but regulates its differentiation into muscular and non-muscular tissue using positional information from the surrounding tissue. This regulatory network might ensure that Wnt activation enables expansion and migration of cardiac progenitors, followed by Wnt inhibition permitting cardiomyocyte differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gibb
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Stefan Hoppler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Staudt D, Stainier D. Uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms of heart development using the zebrafish. Annu Rev Genet 2012; 46:397-418. [PMID: 22974299 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-110711-155646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism for studying cardiac development. Its ability to survive without an active circulation and amenability to forward genetics has led to the identification of numerous mutants whose study has helped elucidate new mechanisms in cardiac development. Furthermore, its transparent, externally developing embryos have allowed detailed cellular analyses of heart development. In this review, we discuss the molecular and cellular processes involved in zebrafish heart development from progenitor specification to development of the valve and the conduction system. We focus on imaging studies that have uncovered the cellular bases of heart development and on zebrafish mutants with cardiac abnormalities whose study has revealed novel molecular pathways in cardiac cell specification and tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Staudt
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zebrafish Mef2ca and Mef2cb are essential for both first and second heart field cardiomyocyte differentiation. Dev Biol 2012; 369:199-210. [PMID: 22750409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Mef2 transcription factors have been strongly linked with early heart development. D-mef2 is required for heart formation in Drosophila, but whether Mef2 is essential for vertebrate cardiomyocyte (CM) differentiation is unclear. In mice, although Mef2c is expressed in all CMs, targeted deletion of Mef2c causes lethal loss of second heart field (SHF) derivatives and failure of cardiac looping, but first heart field CMs can differentiate. Here we examine Mef2 function in early heart development in zebrafish. Two Mef2c genes exist in zebrafish, mef2ca and mef2cb. Both are expressed similarly in the bilateral heart fields but mef2cb is strongly expressed in the heart poles at the primitive heart tube stage. By using fish mutants for mef2ca and mef2cb and antisense morpholinos to knock down either or both Mef2cs, we show that Mef2ca and Mef2cb have essential but redundant roles in myocardial differentiation. Loss of both Mef2ca and Mef2cb function does not interfere with early cardiogenic markers such as nkx2.5, gata4 and hand2 but results in a dramatic loss of expression of sarcomeric genes and myocardial markers such as bmp4, nppa, smyd1b and late nkx2.5 mRNA. Rare residual CMs observed in mef2ca;mef2cb double mutants are ablated by a morpholino capable of knocking down other Mef2s. Mef2cb over-expression activates bmp4 within the cardiogenic region, but no ectopic CMs are formed. Surprisingly, anterior mesoderm and other tissues become skeletal muscle. Mef2ca single mutants have delayed heart development, but form an apparently normal heart. Mef2cb single mutants have a functional heart and are viable adults. Our results show that the key role of Mef2c in myocardial differentiation is conserved throughout the vertebrate heart.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tu S, Chi NC. Zebrafish models in cardiac development and congenital heart birth defects. Differentiation 2012; 84:4-16. [PMID: 22704690 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish has become an ideal vertebrate animal system for investigating cardiac development due to its genetic tractability, external fertilization, early optical clarity and ability to survive without a functional cardiovascular system during development. In particular, recent advances in imaging techniques and the creation of zebrafish transgenics now permit the in vivo analysis of the dynamic cellular events that transpire during cardiac morphogenesis. As a result, the combination of these salient features provides detailed insight as to how specific genes may influence cardiac development at the cellular level. In this review, we will highlight how the zebrafish has been utilized to elucidate not only the underlying mechanisms of cardiac development and human congenital heart diseases (CHDs), but also potential pathways that may modulate cardiac regeneration. Thus, we have organized this review based on the major categories of CHDs-structural heart, functional heart, and vascular/great vessel defects, and will conclude with how the zebrafish may be further used to contribute to our understanding of specific human CHDs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Tu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093-0613J, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xu C, Fan ZP, Müller P, Fogley R, DiBiase A, Trompouki E, Unternaehrer J, Xiong F, Torregroza I, Evans T, Megason SG, Daley GQ, Schier AF, Young RA, Zon LI. Nanog-like regulates endoderm formation through the Mxtx2-Nodal pathway. Dev Cell 2012; 22:625-38. [PMID: 22421047 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian embryonic stem cells, the acquisition of pluripotency is dependent on Nanog, but the in vivo analysis of Nanog has been hampered by its requirement for early mouse development. In an effort to examine the role of Nanog in vivo, we identified a zebrafish Nanog ortholog and found that its knockdown impaired endoderm formation. Genome-wide transcription analysis revealed that nanog-like morphants fail to develop the extraembryonic yolk syncytial layer (YSL), which produces Nodal, required for endoderm induction. We examined the genes that were regulated by Nanog-like and identified the homeobox gene mxtx2, which is both necessary and sufficient for YSL induction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and genetic studies indicated that Nanog-like directly activates mxtx2, which, in turn, specifies the YSL lineage by directly activating YSL genes. Our study identifies a Nanog-like-Mxtx2-Nodal pathway and establishes a role for Nanog-like in regulating the formation of the extraembryonic tissue required for endoderm induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Backer CB, Gutzman JH, Pearson CG, Cheeseman IM. CSAP localizes to polyglutamylated microtubules and promotes proper cilia function and zebrafish development. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:2122-30. [PMID: 22493317 PMCID: PMC3364176 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-11-0931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Subsets of microtubules are modified by polyglutamylation, but the precise function of this modification is unknown. A microtubule-binding protein, CSAP, is identified that colocalizes with polyglutamylated tubulin. In zebrafish, CSAP is required for normal brain development and proper left–right asymmetry. The diverse populations of microtubule polymers in cells are functionally distinguished by different posttranslational modifications, including polyglutamylation. Polyglutamylation is enriched on subsets of microtubules including those found in the centrioles, mitotic spindle, and cilia. However, whether this modification alters intrinsic microtubule dynamics or affects extrinsic associations with specific interacting partners remains to be determined. Here we identify the microtubule-binding protein centriole and spindle–associated protein (CSAP), which colocalizes with polyglutamylated tubulin to centrioles, spindle microtubules, and cilia in human tissue culture cells. Reducing tubulin polyglutamylation prevents CSAP localization to both spindle and cilia microtubules. In zebrafish, CSAP is required for normal brain development and proper left–right asymmetry, defects that are qualitatively similar to those reported previously for depletion of polyglutamylation-conjugating enzymes. We also find that CSAP is required for proper cilia beating. Our work supports a model in which polyglutamylation can target selected microtubule-associated proteins, such as CSAP, to microtubule subpopulations, providing specific functional capabilities to these populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea B Backer
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Coon BG, Hernandez V, Madhivanan K, Mukherjee D, Hanna CB, Barinaga-Rementeria Ramirez I, Lowe M, Beales PL, Aguilar RC. The Lowe syndrome protein OCRL1 is involved in primary cilia assembly. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:1835-47. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
37
|
|
38
|
Yao CX, Xiong CJ, Wang WP, Yang F, Zhang SF, Wang TQ, Wang SL, Yu HL, Wei ZR, Zang MX. Transcription Factor GATA-6 Recruits PPARα to Cooperatively Activate Glut4 Gene Expression. J Mol Biol 2012; 415:143-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
39
|
Deletion of exon 20 of the Familial Dysautonomia gene Ikbkap in mice causes developmental delay, cardiovascular defects, and early embryonic lethality. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27015. [PMID: 22046433 PMCID: PMC3203942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects 1/3,600 live births in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, and leads to death before the age of 40. The disease is characterized by abnormal development and progressive degeneration of the sensory and autonomic nervous system. A single base pair substitution in intron 20 of the Ikbkap gene accounts for 98% of FD cases, and results in the expression of low levels of the full-length mRNA with simultaneous expression of an aberrantly spliced mRNA in which exon 20 is missing. To date, there is no animal model for the disease, and the essential cellular functions of IKAP - the protein encoded by Ikbkap - remain unknown. To better understand the normal function of IKAP and in an effort to generate a mouse model for FD, we have targeted the mouse Ikbkap gene by homologous recombination. We created two distinct alleles that result in either loss of Ikbkap expression, or expression of an mRNA lacking only exon 20. Homozygosity for either mutation leads to developmental delay, cardiovascular and brain malformations, accompanied with early embryonic lethality. Our analyses indicate that IKAP is essential for expression of specific genes involved in cardiac morphogenesis, and that cardiac failure is the likely cause of abnormal vascular development and embryonic lethality. Our results also indicate that deletion of exon 20 abolishes gene function. This implies that the truncated IKAP protein expressed in FD patients does not retain any significant biological function.
Collapse
|
40
|
Lou X, Deshwar AR, Crump JG, Scott IC. Smarcd3b and Gata5 promote a cardiac progenitor fate in the zebrafish embryo. Development 2011; 138:3113-23. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.064279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Development of the heart requires recruitment of cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) to the future heart-forming region. CPCs are the building blocks of the heart, and have the potential to form all the major cardiac lineages. However, little is known regarding what regulates CPC fate and behavior. Activity of GATA4, SMARCD3 and TBX5 – the `cardiac BAF' (cBAF) complex, can promote myocardial differentiation in embryonic mouse mesoderm. Here, we exploit the advantages of the zebrafish embryo to gain mechanistic understanding of cBAF activity. Overexpression of smarcd3b and gata5 in zebrafish results in an enlarged heart, whereas combinatorial loss of cBAF components inhibits cardiac differentiation. In transplantation experiments, cBAF acts cell autonomously to promote cardiac fate. Remarkably, cells overexpressing cBAF migrate to the developing heart and differentiate as cardiomyocytes, endocardium and smooth muscle. This is observed even in host embryos that lack endoderm or cardiac mesoderm. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved role for cBAF activity in cardiac differentiation. Importantly, they demonstrate that Smarcd3b and Gata5 can induce a primitive, CPC-like state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lou
- Program in Development and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ashish R. Deshwar
- Program in Development and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - J. Gage Crump
- Broad CIRM Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ian C. Scott
- Program in Development and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tseng WF, Jang TH, Huang CB, Yuh CH. An evolutionarily conserved kernel of gata5, gata6, otx2 and prdm1a operates in the formation of endoderm in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2011; 357:541-57. [PMID: 21756893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
An evolutionarily conserved subcircuit (kernel) dedicated to a specific developmental function is found at the top of the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) hierarchy. Here we comprehensively demonstrate that a pan-deuterostome endoderm specification kernel exists in zebrafish. We analyzed interactions among gata5, gata6, otx2 and prdm1a using specific morpholino knockdowns and measured the gene expression profiles by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The mRNA rescue experiment validated the specificity of the morpholino knockdown. We found that the interactions among gata5, gata6, otx2 and prdm1a determine the initial specification of the zebrafish endoderm. Although otx2 can activate both gata5 and gata6, and the prdm1a/krox homologue also activates some endoderm transcription factors, a feedback loop from Gata to otx2 and prdm1a is missing. Furthermore, we found the positive regulation between gata5 and gata6 to further lock-on the mesendoderm specification by the Gata family. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to further validate the recruitment of Otx2 to the gata5 and gata6 loci. Functional assays revealed that module B of gata6 and the basal promoter of gata5 drive the gene at the mesendoderm, and mutational analysis demonstrated that Otx2 and Gata5/6 contribute to reporter gene activation. This is the first direct evidence for evolutionarily conserved endoderm specification across echinoderms and vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fang Tseng
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huang S, Ma J, Liu X, Zhang Y, Luo L. Retinoic acid signaling sequentially controls visceral and heart laterality in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:28533-43. [PMID: 21669875 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.244327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During zebrafish development, the left-right (LR) asymmetric signals are first established around the Kupffer vesicle (KV), a ciliated organ generating directional fluid flow. Then, LR asymmetry is conveyed and stabilized in the lateral plate mesoderm. Although numerous molecules and signaling pathways are involved in controlling LR asymmetry, mechanistic difference and concordance between different organs during LR patterning are poorly understood. Here we show that RA signaling regulates laterality decisions at two stages in zebrafish. Before the 2-somite stage (2So), inhibition of RA signaling leads to randomized visceral laterality through bilateral expression of nodal/spaw in the lateral plate mesoderm, which is mediated by increases in cilia length and defective directional fluid flow in KV. Fgf8 is required for the regulation of cilia length by RA signaling. Blockage of RA signaling before 2So also leads to mild defects of heart laterality, which become much more severe through perturbation of cardiac bmp4 asymmetry when RA signaling is blocked after 2So. At this stage, visceral laterality and the left-sided Nodal remain unaffected. These findings suggest that RA signaling controls visceral laterality through the left-sided Nodal signal before 2So, and regulates heart laterality through cardiac bmp4 mainly after 2So, first identifying sequential control and concordance of visceral and heart laterality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sizhou Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Waits ER, Nebert DW. Genetic architecture of susceptibility to PCB126-induced developmental cardiotoxicity in zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2011; 122:466-75. [PMID: 21613231 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variability in risk of developmental defects caused by dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) has been demonstrated within and among several vertebrate species. Beyond our knowledge of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its role in mediating toxicity for this class of compounds, little else is known concerning precise downstream targets influencing this vulnerability. In the present study, zebrafish with divergent genetic backgrounds were screened for susceptibility to developmental cardiotoxicity caused by the prototypical DLC, 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126); a range up to ∼40-fold differences was observed. Differentially sensitive zebrafish were chosen for a genetic cross, and the recombinant generation was used for genome-wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Multiple QTLs were identified--several acting alone, one additively, and two others via epistatic interaction. Together, these QTLs account for 24% of the phenotypic variance observed in cardioteratogenicity resulting from PCB126 exposure (logarithm of the odds = 13.55, p = 1.89 × 10⁻¹⁰). Candidate genes in these QTL regions include the following: ahr2, bcor, and capn1 (Chr 22); e2f1 and pdyn (Chr 23); ctnnt2, plcg1, eno3, tgm1, and tgm2 (interacting on Chr 23); and vezf1 (Chr 15). These data demonstrate that DLC-induced cardiac teratogenicity is a multifactorial complex trait influenced by gene × gene and gene × environment interactions. The identified QTLs harbor many DLC-responsive genes critical to cardiovascular development and provide insight into the genetic basis of susceptibility to AHR-mediated developmental toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Waits
- Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Ecological Exposure Research Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kaltenbrun E, Tandon P, Amin NM, Waldron L, Showell C, Conlon FL. Xenopus: An emerging model for studying congenital heart disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:495-510. [PMID: 21538812 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of all newborns and are a significant cause of infant death. Clinical studies have identified a number of congenital heart syndromes associated with mutations in genes that are involved in the complex process of cardiogenesis. The African clawed frog, Xenopus, has been instrumental in studies of vertebrate heart development and provides a valuable tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying human congenital heart diseases. In this review, we discuss the methodologies that make Xenopus an ideal model system to investigate heart development and disease. We also outline congenital heart conditions linked to cardiac genes that have been well studied in Xenopus and describe some emerging technologies that will further aid in the study of these complex syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kaltenbrun
- University of North Carolina McAllister Heart Institute, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Langenbacher AD, Nguyen CT, Cavanaugh AM, Huang J, Lu F, Chen JN. The PAF1 complex differentially regulates cardiomyocyte specification. Dev Biol 2011; 353:19-28. [PMID: 21338598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The specification of an appropriate number of cardiomyocytes from the lateral plate mesoderm requires a careful balance of both positive and negative regulatory signals. To identify new regulators of cardiac specification, we performed a phenotype-driven ENU mutagenesis forward genetic screen in zebrafish. In our genetic screen we identified a zebrafish ctr9 mutant with a dramatic reduction in myocardial cell number as well as later defects in primitive heart tube elongation and atrioventricular boundary patterning. Ctr9, together with Paf1, Cdc73, Rtf1 and Leo1, constitute the RNA polymerase II associated protein complex, PAF1. We demonstrate that the PAF1 complex (PAF1C) is structurally conserved among zebrafish and other metazoans and that loss of any one of the components of the PAF1C results in abnormal development of the atrioventricular boundary of the heart. However, Ctr9, Cdc73, Paf1 and Rtf1, but not Leo1, are required for the specification of an appropriate number of cardiomyocytes and elongation of the heart tube. Interestingly, loss of Rtf1 function produced the most severe defects, resulting in a nearly complete absence of cardiac precursors. Based on gene expression analyses and transplantation studies, we found that the PAF1C regulates the developmental potential of the lateral plate mesoderm and is required cell autonomously for the specification of cardiac precursors. Our findings demonstrate critical but differential requirements for PAF1C components in zebrafish cardiac specification and heart morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Langenbacher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Afouda BA, Hoppler S. Different requirements for GATA factors in cardiogenesis are mediated by non-canonical Wnt signaling. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:649-62. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
|
47
|
A single GATA factor plays discrete, lineage specific roles in ascidian heart development. Dev Biol 2011; 352:154-63. [PMID: 21238449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
GATA family transcription factors are core components of the vertebrate heart gene network. GATA factors also contribute to heart formation indirectly through regulation of endoderm morphogenesis. However, the precise impact of GATA factors on vertebrate cardiogenesis is masked by functional redundancy within multiple lineages. Early heart specification in the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis is similar to that of vertebrates but only one GATA factor, Ci-GATAa, is expressed in the heart progenitor cells and adjacent endoderm. Here we delineate precise, tissue specific contributions of GATAa to heart formation. Targeted repression of GATAa activity in the heart progenitors perturbs their transcriptional identity. Targeted repression of endodermal GATAa function disrupts endoderm morphogenesis. Subsequently, the bilateral heart progenitors fail to fuse at the ventral midline. The resulting phenotype is strikingly similar to cardia bifida, as observed in vertebrate embryos when endoderm morphogenesis is disturbed. These findings indicate that GATAa recapitulates cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous roles performed by multiple, redundant GATA factors in vertebrate cardiogenesis.
Collapse
|
48
|
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Noseda
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (M.N., M.D.S.), National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London; and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (T.P., F.C.S., R.P.), University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa Peterkin
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (M.N., M.D.S.), National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London; and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (T.P., F.C.S., R.P.), University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Filipa C. Simões
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (M.N., M.D.S.), National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London; and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (T.P., F.C.S., R.P.), University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Patient
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (M.N., M.D.S.), National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London; and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (T.P., F.C.S., R.P.), University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Schneider
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (M.N., M.D.S.), National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London; and the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (T.P., F.C.S., R.P.), University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tang W, Wei Y, Le K, Li Z, Bao Y, Gao J, Zhang F, Cheng S, Liu P. Mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK 1/2- and p38-GATA4 pathways mediate the Ang II-induced activation of FGF2 gene in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 81:518-25. [PMID: 21108934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Several genes, including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), are up-regulated in the hypertrophic heart. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced activation of FGF2 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the signaling cascades underlying the Ang II-induced transcriptional activation of FGF2 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot showed that Ang II upregulates FGF2 expression and that these effects were attenuated by U0126 or SB203580, but not by SP600125. Deletion analyses revealed that the region between -845 and -666 is essential for Ang II-induced FGF2 promoter activity. The existence of an atypical GATA4-binding motif, located at position -752, was identified using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Using both EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses, we also showed that Ang II increases binding of GATA4 to DNA, and that this effect is attenuated in the presence of U0126 or SB203580, but not in the presence of SP600125. GATA4 siRNA significantly reduced Ang II-induced FGF2 mRNA levels. Together, these results indicate that binding of GATA4 to DNA is increased by Ang II via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and p38 kinase, which increases FGF2 gene expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Tang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Barallobre-Barreiro J, de Ilárduya OM, Moscoso I, Calviño-Santos R, Aldama G, Centeno A, López-Pelaez E, Doménech N. Gene expression profiles following intracoronary injection of mesenchymal stromal cells using a porcine model of chronic myocardial infarction. Cytotherapy 2010; 13:407-18. [PMID: 21077732 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2010.529892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS We evaluated the therapeutic potential of injection of in vitro differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) using a swine model. METHODS AND RESULTS Myocardial infarction was induced by coronary occlusion. Three groups (n = 5 each) were analyzed: one group received an injection of 17.8 ± 9.3 × 10(6) 5-azacytidine-treated allogeneic MSC 1 month after infarction; a placebo group received an injection of medium; and controls were kept untreated. After 4 weeks, heart samples were taken from three infarcted areas, interventricular septa, ventricles and atria. Gene expression profiles of genes related to contractility (Serca2a), fibrosis (Col1a1), cardiomyogenesis (Mef2c, Gata4 and Nkx2.5) and mobilization of stem cells (Sdf1, Cxcr4 and c-kit) were compared by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene expression profiles varied in different heart areas. Thus Serca2a expression was reduced in infarcted groups in all heart regions except for the left ventricles, where Col1a1 was overexpressed. The expression of genes related to cardiomyogenesis decreased in the infarcted zones and left atria compared with healthy hearts. Interestingly, increased expression of Cxcr4 was detected in infarcted regions of MSC-treated pigs compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Infarction induced changes in expression of genes involved in various biologic processes. Genes involved in cardiomyogenesis were downregulated in the left atrium. The intracoronary injection of MSC resulted in localized changes in the expression of Cxcr4.
Collapse
|