Eya1 and Six1 promote neurogenesis in the cranial placodes in a SoxB1-dependent fashion

Using Xenopus to discover new candidate genes involved in BOR and other congenital hearing loss syndromes

Hearing in infants is essential for brain development, acquisition of verbal language skills, and development of social interactions. Therefore, it is important to diagnose hearing loss soon after birth so that interventions can be provided as early as possible. Most newborns in the United States are screened for hearing deficits and commercially available next-generation sequencing hearing loss panels often can identify the causative gene, which may also identify congenital defects in other organs. One of the most prevalent autosomal dominant congenital hearing loss syndromes is branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR), which also presents with defects in craniofacial structures and the kidney. Currently, mutations in three genes, SIX1, SIX5, and EYA1, are known to be causative in about half of the BOR patients that have been tested. To uncover new candidate genes that could be added to congenital hearing loss genetic screens, we have combined the power of Drosophila mutants and protein biochemical assays with the embryological advantages of Xenopus, a key aquatic animal model with a high level of genomic similarity to human, to identify potential Six1 transcriptional targets and interacting proteins that play a role during otic development. We review our transcriptomic, yeast 2-hybrid, and proteomic approaches that have revealed a large number of new candidates. We also discuss how we have begun to identify how Six1 and co-factors interact to direct developmental events necessary for normal otic development.

Shared features in ear and kidney development - implications for oto-renal syndromes

The association between ear and kidney anomalies has long been recognized. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In the last two decades, embryonic development of the inner ear and kidney has been studied extensively. Here, we describe the developmental pathways shared between both organs with particular emphasis on the genes that regulate signalling cross talk and the specification of progenitor cells and specialised cell types. We relate this to the clinical features of oto-renal syndromes and explore links to developmental mechanisms.

Out of Line or Altered States? Neural Progenitors as a Target in a Polygenic Neurodevelopmental Disorder

The genesis of a mature complement of neurons is thought to require, at least in part, precursor cell lineages in which neural progenitors have distinct identities recognized by exclusive expression of one or a few molecular markers. Nevertheless, limited progenitor types distinguished by specific markers and lineal progression through such subclasses cannot easily yield the magnitude of neuronal diversity in most regions of the nervous system. The late Verne Caviness, to whom this edition of Developmental Neuroscience is dedicated, recognized this mismatch. In his pioneering work on the histogenesis of the cerebral cortex, he acknowledged the additional flexibility required to generate multiple classes of cortical projection and interneurons. This flexibility may be accomplished by establishing cell states in which levels rather than binary expression or repression of individual genes vary across each progenitor's shared transcriptome. Such states may reflect local, stochastic signaling via soluble factors or coincidence of cell surface ligand/receptor pairs in subsets of neighboring progenitors. This probabilistic, rather than determined, signaling could modify transcription levels via multiple pathways within an apparently uniform population of progenitors. Progenitor states, therefore, rather than lineal relationships between types may underlie the generation of neuronal diversity in most regions of the nervous system. Moreover, mechanisms that influence variation required for flexible progenitor states may be targets for pathological changes in a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those with polygenic origins.

Lactate promotes neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells by lactate-responsive gene sets through NDRG3-dependent and -independent manners

Lactate serves as the major glucose alternative to an energy substrate in the brain. Lactate level is increased in the fetal brain from the middle stage of gestation, indicating the involvement of lactate in brain development and neuronal differentiation. Recent reports show that lactate functions as a signaling molecule to regulate gene expression and protein stability. However, the roles of lactate signaling in neuronal cells remain unknown. Here, we showed that lactate promotes the all stages of neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y and Neuro2A, human and mouse neuroblastoma cell lines, characterized by increased neuronal marker expression and the rates of neurites extension. Transcriptomics revealed many lactate-responsive genes sets such as SPARCL1 in SH-SY5Y, Neuro2A, and primary embryonic mouse neuronal cells. The effects of lactate on neuronal function were mainly mediated through monocarboxylate transporters 1 (MCT1). We found that NDRG family member 3 (NDRG3), a lactate-binding protein, was highly expressed and stabilized by lactate treatment during neuronal differentiation. Combinative RNA-seq of SH-SY5Y with lactate treatment and NDRG3 knockdown shows that the promotive effects of lactate on neural differentiation are regulated through NDRG3-dependent and independent manners. Moreover, we identified TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1) and ETS-related transcription factor 4 (ELF4) are the specific transcription factors that are regulated by both lactate and NDRG3 in neuronal differentiation. TEAD1 and ELF4 differently affect the expression of neuronal marker genes in SH-SY5Y cells. These results highlight the biological roles of extracellular and intracellular lactate as a critical signaling molecule that modifies neuronal differentiation.

YTHDF1 phase separation triggers the fate transition of spermatogonial stem cells by activating the IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification controls cell fate determination. Here, we show that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1), a pivotal m6A "reader" protein, promotes the transdifferentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) into neural stem cell-like cells by activating the IκB-nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-CCND1 axis. The inhibition of IκBα/β mRNA translation mediated by YTHDF1 LLPS is the key to the activation of the IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis. Disrupting either YTHDF1 LLPS or NF-κB activation inhibits transdifferentiation efficiency. Moreover, overexpression of the YTH domain of YTHDF1 inhibits the activation of the IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis by promoting IκBα/β mRNA translation. Overexpression of the tau-YTH fusion protein reactivates IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis by inhibiting the translation of IκBα/β mRNAs, and tau LLPS is observed, which can restore transdifferentiation efficiency. Our findings demonstrate that the protein-RNA LLPS plays essential roles in cell fate transition and provide insights into translational medicine and the therapy of neurological diseases.

Tbx2 and Tbx3 regulate cell fate progression of the otic vesicle for inner ear development

The morphogenesis of the otic vesicle (OV) to form inner ear organs serves as an excellent model system to understand cell fate acquisition on a single cell level. Tbx2 and Tbx3 (Tbx2/3) encode closely related T-box transcription factors that are expressed widely in the mammalian OV. Inactivation of both genes in the OV (Tbx2/3cKO) results in failed morphogenesis into inner ear organs. To understand the basis of these defects, single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on the OV lineage, in controls versus Tbx2/3cKO embryos. We identified a multipotent population termed otic progenitors in controls that are marked by expression of the known otic placode markers Eya1, Sox2, and Sox3 as well as new markers Fgf18, Cxcl12, and Pou3f3. The otic progenitor population was increased three-fold in Tbx2/3cKO embryos, concomitant with dysregulation of genes in these cells as well as reduced progression to more differentiated states of prosensory and nonsensory cells. An ectopic neural population of cells was detected in the posterior OV of Tbx2/3cKO embryos but had reduced maturation to delaminated neural cells. As all three cell fates were affected in Tbx2/3cKO embryos, we suggest that Tbx2/3 promotes progression of multipotent otic progenitors to more differentiated cell types in the OV.

Mcrs1 is required for branchial arch and cranial cartilage development

Mcrs1 is a multifunctional protein that is critical for many cellular processes in a wide range of cell types. Previously, we showed that Mcrs1 binds to the Six1 transcription factor and reduces the ability of the Six1-Eya1 complex to upregulate transcription, and that Mcrs1 loss-of-function leads to the expansion of several neural plate genes, reduction of neural border and pre-placodal ectoderm (PPR) genes, and pleiotropic effects on various neural crest (NC) genes. Because the affected embryonic structures give rise to several of the cranial tissues affected in Branchio-otic/Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, herein we tested whether these gene expression changes subsequently alter the development of the proximate precursors of BOR affected structures - the otic vesicles (OV) and branchial arches (BA). We found that Mcrs1 is required for the expression of several OV genes involved in inner ear formation, patterning and otic capsule cartilage formation. Mcrs1 knockdown also reduced the expression domains of many genes expressed in the larval BA, derived from either NC or PPR, except for emx2, which was expanded. Reduced Mcrs1 also diminished the length of the expression domain of tbx1 in BA1 and BA2 and interfered with cranial NC migration from the dorsal neural tube; this subsequently resulted in defects in the morphology of lower jaw cartilages derived from BA1 and BA2, including the infrarostral, Meckel's, and ceratohyal as well as the otic capsule. These results demonstrate that Mcrs1 plays an important role in processes that lead to the formation of craniofacial cartilages and its loss results in phenotypes consistent with reduced Six1 activity associated with BOR.

Collective durotaxis along a self-generated stiffness gradient in vivo

Collective cell migration underlies morphogenesis, wound healing and cancer invasion^1,2. Most directed migration in vivo has been attributed to chemotaxis, whereby cells follow a chemical gradient^3-5. Cells can also follow a stiffness gradient in vitro, a process called durotaxis^3,4,6-8, but evidence for durotaxis in vivo is lacking⁶. Here we show that in Xenopus laevis the neural crest-an embryonic cell population-self-generates a stiffness gradient in the adjacent placodal tissue, and follows this gradient by durotaxis. The gradient moves with the neural crest, which is continually pursuing a retreating region of high substrate stiffness. Mechanistically, the neural crest induces the gradient due to N-cadherin interactions with the placodes and senses the gradient through cell-matrix adhesions, resulting in polarized Rac activity and actomyosin contractility, which coordinates durotaxis. Durotaxis synergizes with chemotaxis, cooperatively polarizing actomyosin machinery of the cell group to prompt efficient directional collective cell migration in vivo. These results show that durotaxis and dynamic stiffness gradients exist in vivo, and gradients of chemical and mechanical signals cooperate to achieve efficient directional cell migration.

Generation of a new six1-null line in Xenopus tropicalis for study of development and congenital disease

The vertebrate Six (Sine oculis homeobox) family of homeodomain transcription factors plays critical roles in the development of several organs. Six1 plays a central role in cranial placode development, including the precursor tissues of the inner ear, as well as other cranial sensory organs and the kidney. In humans, mutations in SIX1 underlie some cases of Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, which is characterized by moderate-to-severe hearing loss. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a six1 mutant line in Xenopus tropicalis that is available to the research community. We demonstrate that at larval stages, the six1-null animals show severe disruptions in gene expression of putative Six1 target genes in the otic vesicle, cranial ganglia, branchial arch, and neural tube. At tadpole stages, six1-null animals display dysmorphic Meckel's, ceratohyal, and otic capsule cartilage morphology. This mutant line will be of value for the study of the development of several organs as well as congenital syndromes that involve these tissues.

Otic Neurogenesis in Xenopus laevis: Proliferation, Differentiation, and the Role of Eya1

Using immunostaining and confocal microscopy, we here provide the first detailed description of otic neurogenesis in Xenopus laevis. We show that the otic vesicle comprises a pseudostratified epithelium with apicobasal polarity (apical enrichment of Par3, aPKC, phosphorylated Myosin light chain, N-cadherin) and interkinetic nuclear migration (apical localization of mitotic, pH3-positive cells). A Sox3-immunopositive neurosensory area in the ventromedial otic vesicle gives rise to neuroblasts, which delaminate through breaches in the basal lamina between stages 26/27 and 39. Delaminated cells congregate to form the vestibulocochlear ganglion, whose peripheral cells continue to proliferate (as judged by EdU incorporation), while central cells differentiate into Islet1/2-immunopositive neurons from stage 29 on and send out neurites at stage 31. The central part of the neurosensory area retains Sox3 but stops proliferating from stage 33, forming the first sensory areas (utricular/saccular maculae). The phosphatase and transcriptional coactivator Eya1 has previously been shown to play a central role for otic neurogenesis but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Using an antibody specifically raised against Xenopus Eya1, we characterize the subcellular localization of Eya1 proteins, their levels of expression as well as their distribution in relation to progenitor and neuronal differentiation markers during otic neurogenesis. We show that Eya1 protein localizes to both nuclei and cytoplasm in the otic epithelium, with levels of nuclear Eya1 declining in differentiating (Islet1/2+) vestibulocochlear ganglion neurons and in the developing sensory areas. Morpholino-based knockdown of Eya1 leads to reduction of proliferating, Sox3- and Islet1/2-immunopositive cells, redistribution of cell polarity proteins and loss of N-cadherin suggesting that Eya1 is required for maintenance of epithelial cells with apicobasal polarity, progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation during otic neurogenesis.

Eya1 protein distribution during embryonic development of Xenopus laevis

Eya1 and other Eya proteins are important regulators of progenitor proliferation, cell differentiation and morphogenesis in all three germ layers. At present, most of our knowledge of Eya1 distribution is based on in situ hybridization for Eya1 mRNA. However, to begin to dissect the mechanisms underlying Eya1 functions, we need a better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of Eya1 proteins during embryonic development, their subcellular localization and their levels of expression in various tissues. Here we report the localization of Eya1 protein throughout embryonic development from neural plate stages to tadpole stages of Xenopus laevis using a specific antibody for Xenopus Eya1. Our study confirms the expression of Eya1 protein in cranial placodes, placodally derived sensory primordia (olfactory epithelium, otic vesicle, lateral line primordia) and cranial ganglia, as well as in somites, secondary heart field and pharyngeal endoderm. In addition, we report here a novel expression of Eya1 proteins in scattered epidermal cells in Xenopus. Our findings also reveal that, while being predominantly expressed in nuclei in most expression domains, Eya1 protein is also localized to the cytoplasm, in particular in the early preplacodal ectoderm, some placode-derived ganglia and a subset of epidermal cells. While some cytoplasmic roles of Eya1 have been previously described in other contexts, the functions of cytoplasmic Eya1 in the preplacodal ectoderm, cranial ganglia and epidermal cells remain to be investigated.

Sobp modulates the transcriptional activation of Six1 target genes and is required during craniofacial development

Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is a disorder characterized by hearing loss, and craniofacial and/or renal defects. Variants in the transcription factor Six1 and its co-factor Eya1, both of which are required for otic development, are linked to BOR. We previously identified Sobp as a potential Six1 co-factor, and SOBP variants in mouse and humans cause otic phenotypes; therefore, we asked whether Sobp interacts with Six1 and thereby may contribute to BOR. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments demonstrate that Sobp binds to and colocalizes with Six1 in the cell nucleus. Luciferase assays show that Sobp interferes with the transcriptional activation of Six1+Eya1 target genes. Experiments in Xenopus embryos that either knock down or increase expression of Sobp show that it is required for formation of ectodermal domains at neural plate stages. In addition, altering Sobp levels disrupts otic vesicle development and causes craniofacial cartilage defects. Expression of Xenopus Sobp containing the human variant disrupts the pre-placodal ectoderm similar to full-length Sobp, but other changes are distinct. These results indicate that Sobp modifies Six1 function and is required for vertebrate craniofacial development, and identify Sobp as a potential candidate gene for BOR.

Transcriptional dysregulation in developing trigeminal sensory neurons in the LgDel mouse model of DiGeorge 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

LgDel mice, which model the heterozygous deletion of genes at human chromosome 22q11.2 associated with DiGeorge/22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), have cranial nerve and craniofacial dysfunction as well as disrupted suckling, feeding and swallowing, similar to key 22q11DS phenotypes. Divergent trigeminal nerve (CN V) differentiation and altered trigeminal ganglion (CNgV) cellular composition prefigure these disruptions in LgDel embryos. We therefore asked whether a distinct transcriptional state in a specific population of early differentiating LgDel cranial sensory neurons, those in CNgV, a major source of innervation for appropriate oropharyngeal function, underlies this departure from typical development. LgDel versus wild-type (WT) CNgV transcriptomes differ significantly at E10.5 just after the ganglion has coalesced. Some changes parallel altered proportions of cranial placode versus cranial neural crest-derived CNgV cells. Others are consistent with a shift in anterior-posterior patterning associated with divergent LgDel cranial nerve differentiation. The most robust quantitative distinction, however, is statistically verifiable increased variability of expression levels for most of the over 17 000 genes expressed in common in LgDel versus WT CNgV. Thus, quantitative expression changes of functionally relevant genes and increased stochastic variation across the entire CNgV transcriptome at the onset of CN V differentiation prefigure subsequent disruption of cranial nerve differentiation and oropharyngeal function in LgDel mice.

Mutations in SIX1 Associated with Branchio-oto-Renal Syndrome (BOR) Differentially Affect Otic Expression of Putative Target Genes

Several single-nucleotide mutations in SIX1 underlie branchio-otic/branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, but the clinical literature has not been able to correlate different variants with specific phenotypes. We previously assessed whether variants in either the cofactor binding domain (V17E, R110W) or the DNA binding domain (W122R, Y129C) might differentially affect early embryonic gene expression, and found that each variant had a different combination of effects on neural crest and placode gene expression. Since the otic vesicle gives rise to the inner ear, which is consistently affected in BOR, herein we focused on whether the variants differentially affected the otic expression of genes previously found to be likely Six1 targets. We found that V17E, which does not bind Eya cofactors, was as effective as wild-type Six1 in reducing most otic target genes, whereas R110W, W122R and Y129C, which bind Eya, were significantly less effective. Notably, V17E reduced the otic expression of prdm1, whereas R110W, W122R and Y129C expanded it. Since each mutant has defective transcriptional activity but differs in their ability to interact with Eya cofactors, we propose that altered cofactor interactions at the mutated sites differentially interfere with their ability to drive otic gene expression, and these differences may contribute to patient phenotype variability.

Sorting Sox: Diverse Roles for Sox Transcription Factors During Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development

Sox transcription factors play many diverse roles during development, including regulating stem cell states, directing differentiation, and influencing the local chromatin landscape. Of the twenty vertebrate Sox factors, several play critical roles in the development the neural crest, a key vertebrate innovation, and the subsequent formation of neural crest-derived structures, including the craniofacial complex. Herein, we review the specific roles for individual Sox factors during neural crest cell formation and discuss how some factors may have been essential for the evolution of the neural crest. Additionally, we describe how Sox factors direct neural crest cell differentiation into diverse lineages such as melanocytes, glia, and cartilage and detail their involvement in the development of specific craniofacial structures. Finally, we highlight several SOXopathies associated with craniofacial phenotypes.

Insights Into the Early Gene Regulatory Network Controlling Neural Crest and Placode Fate Choices at the Neural Border

The neural crest (NC) cells and cranial placodes are two ectoderm-derived innovations in vertebrates that led to the acquisition of a complex head structure required for a predatory lifestyle. They both originate from the neural border (NB), a portion of the ectoderm located between the neural plate (NP), and the lateral non-neural ectoderm. The NC gives rise to a vast array of tissues and cell types such as peripheral neurons and glial cells, melanocytes, secretory cells, and cranial skeletal and connective cells. Together with cells derived from the cranial placodes, which contribute to sensory organs in the head, the NC also forms the cranial sensory ganglia. Multiple in vivo studies in different model systems have uncovered the signaling pathways and genetic factors that govern the positioning, development, and differentiation of these tissues. In this literature review, we give an overview of NC and placode development, focusing on the early gene regulatory network that controls the formation of the NB during early embryonic stages, and later dictates the choice between the NC and placode progenitor fates.

Identifying Isl1 Genetic Lineage in the Developing Olfactory System and in GnRH-1 Neurons

During embryonic development, symmetric ectodermal thickenings [olfactory placodes (OP)] give rise to several cell types that comprise the olfactory system, such as those that form the terminal nerve ganglion (TN), gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 neurons (GnRH-1ns), and other migratory neurons in rodents. Even though the genetic heterogeneity among these cell types is documented, unidentified cell populations arising from the OP remain. One candidate to identify placodal derived neurons in the developing nasal area is the transcription factor Isl1, which was recently identified in GnRH-3 neurons of the terminal nerve in fish, as well as expression in neurons of the nasal migratory mass (MM). Here, we analyzed the Isl1 genetic lineage in chemosensory neuronal populations in the nasal area and migratory GnRH-1ns in mice using in situ hybridization, immunolabeling a Tamoxifen inducible Isl1Cre^ERT and a constitutive Isl1^Cre knock-in mouse lines. In addition, we also performed conditional Isl1 ablation in developing GnRH neurons. We found Isl1 lineage across non-sensory cells of the respiratory epithelium and sustentacular cells of OE and VNO. We identified a population of transient embryonic Isl1 + neurons in the olfactory epithelium and sparse Isl1 + neurons in postnatal VNO. Isl1 is expressed in almost all GnRH neurons and in approximately half of the other neuron populations in the MM. However, Isl1 conditional ablation alone does not significantly compromise GnRH-1 neuronal migration or GnRH-1 expression, suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Further studies will elucidate the functional and mechanistic role of Isl1 in development of migratory endocrine neurons.

Xenopus embryos show a compensatory response following perturbation of the Notch signaling pathway

As an essential feature of development, robustness ensures that embryos attain a consistent phenotype despite genetic and environmental variation. The growing number of examples demonstrating that embryos can mount a compensatory response to germline mutations in key developmental genes has heightened interest in the phenomenon of embryonic robustness. While considerable progress has been made in elucidating genetic compensation in response to germline mutations, the diversity, mechanisms, and limitations of embryonic robustness remain unclear. In this work, we have examined whether Xenopus laevis embryos are able to compensate for perturbations of the Notch signaling pathway induced by RNA injection constructs that either upregulate or inhibit this signaling pathway. Consistent with earlier studies, we found that at neurula stages, hyperactivation of the Notch pathway inhibited neural differentiation while inhibition of Notch signaling increases premature differentiation as assayed by neural beta tubulin expression. However, surprisingly, by hatching stages, embryos begin to compensate for these perturbations, and by swimming tadpole stages most embryos exhibited normal neuronal gene expression. Using cell proliferation and TUNEL assays, we show that the compensatory response is, in part, mediated by modulating levels of cell proliferation and apoptosis. This work provides an additional model for addressing the mechanisms of embryonic robustness and of genetic compensation.

Six1 proteins with human branchio-oto-renal mutations differentially affect cranial gene expression and otic development

Single-nucleotide mutations in human SIX1 result in amino acid substitutions in either the protein-protein interaction domain or the homeodomain, and cause ∼4% of branchio-otic (BOS) and branchio-oto-renal (BOR) cases. The phenotypic variation between patients with the same mutation, even within affected members of the same family, make it difficult to functionally distinguish between the different SIX1 mutations. We made four of the BOS/BOR substitutions in the Xenopus Six1 protein (V17E, R110W, W122R, Y129C), which is 100% identical to human in both the protein-protein interaction domain and the homeodomain, and expressed them in embryos to determine whether they cause differential changes in early craniofacial gene expression, otic gene expression or otic morphology. We confirmed that, similar to the human mutants, all four mutant Xenopus Six1 proteins access the nucleus but are transcriptionally deficient. Analysis of craniofacial gene expression showed that each mutant causes specific, often different and highly variable disruptions in the size of the domains of neural border zone, neural crest and pre-placodal ectoderm genes. Each mutant also had differential effects on genes that pattern the otic vesicle. Assessment of the tadpole inner ear demonstrated that while the auditory and vestibular structures formed, the volume of the otic cartilaginous capsule, otoliths, lumen and a subset of the hair cell-containing sensory patches were reduced. This detailed description of the effects of BOS/BOR-associated SIX1 mutations in the embryo indicates that each causes subtle changes in gene expression in the embryonic ectoderm and otocyst, leading to inner ear morphological anomalies.

Preventing Ethanol-Induced Brain and Eye Morphology Defects Using Optogenetics

Background: Embryonic exposure to the teratogen ethanol leads to dysmorphias, including eye and brain morphology defects associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Exposure of Xenopus laevis embryos to ethanol leads to similar developmental defects, including brain and eye dysmorphism, confirming our work and the work of others showing Xenopus as a useful system for studies of the brain and eye birth defects associated with FASD. Several targets of ethanol action have been hypothesized, one being regulation of Kir2.1 potassium channel. Endogenous ion fluxes and membrane voltage variation (bioelectric signals) have been shown to be powerful regulators of embryonic cell behaviors that are required for correct brain and eye morphology. Disruptions to these voltage patterns lead to spatially correlated disruptions in gene expression patterns and corresponding morphology. Materials and Methods: Here, we use controlled membrane voltage modulation to determine when and where voltage modulation is sufficient to rescue ethanol-induced brain and eye defects in Xenopus embryos. Results: We found (1) that modulating membrane voltage using light activation of the channelrhodopsin-2 variant D156A rescues ethanol exposed embryos, resulting in normal brain and eye morphologies; (2) hyperpolarization is required for the full duration of ethanol exposure; (3) hyperpolarization of only superficial ectoderm is sufficient for this effect; and(4) the rescue effect acts at a distance. Conclusions: These results, particularly the last, raise the exciting possibility of using bioelectric modulation to treat ethanol-induced brain and eye birth defects, possibly with extant ion channel drugs already prescribed to pregnant women. This may prove to be a simple and cost-effective strategy for reducing the impact of FASD.

An overlooked placode: Recharacterizing the papillae in the embryonic eye of reptilia

The papillae in the chicken embryonic eye, described as scleral papillae in the well-known Hamburger and Hamilton (1951) staging table, are one of the key anatomical features used to stage reptilian (including bird) embryos from HH30-36. These papillae are epithelial thickenings of the conjunctiva and are situated above the mesenchymal sclera. Here, we present evidence that the conjunctival papillae, which are required for the induction and patterning of the underlying scleral ossicles, require epithelial pre-patterning and have a placodal stage similar to other placode systems. We also suggest modifications to the Hamburger Hamilton staging criteria that incorporate this change in terminology (from "scleral" to "conjunctival" papillae) and provide a more detailed description of this anatomical feature that includes its placode stage. This enables a more complete and accurate description of chick embryo staging. The acknowledgment of a placode phase, which shares molecular and morphological features with other cutaneous placodes, will direct future research into the early inductive events leading to scleral ossicle formation.

Znf703 is a novel RA target in the neural plate border

Znf703 is an RAR- and Wnt-inducible transcription factor that exhibits a complex expression pattern in the developing embryo: Znf703 mRNA is found in the early circumblastoporal ring, then later throughout the neural plate and its border, and subsequently in the mid/hindbrain and somites. We show that Znf703 has a different and separable function in early mesoderm versus neural crest and placode development. Independent of its early knockdown phenotype on Gdf3 and Wnt8, Znf703 disrupts patterning of distinct neural crest migratory streams normally delineated by Sox10, Twist, and Foxd3 and inhibits otocyst formation and otic expression of Sox10 and Eya1. Furthermore, Znf703 promotes massive overgrowth of SOX2+ cells, disrupting the SoxB1 balance at the neural plate border. Despite prominent expression in other neural plate border-derived cranial and sensory domains, Znf703 is selectively absent from the otocyst, suggesting that Znf703 must be specifically cleared or down-regulated for proper otic development. We show that mutation of the putative Groucho-repression domain does not ameliorate Znf703 effects on mesoderm, neural crest, and placodes. We instead provide evidence that Znf703 requires the Buttonhead domain for transcriptional repression.

Six1 and Irx1 have reciprocal interactions during cranial placode and otic vesicle formation

The specialized sensory organs of the vertebrate head are derived from thickened patches of cells in the ectoderm called cranial sensory placodes. The developmental program that generates these placodes and the genes that are expressed during the process have been studied extensively in a number of animals, yet very little is known about how these genes regulate one another. We previously found via a microarray screen that Six1, a known transcriptional regulator of cranial placode fate, up-regulates Irx1 in ectodermal explants. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional relationship between Six1 and Irx1 and found that they reciprocally regulate each other throughout cranial placode and otic vesicle formation. Although Irx1 expression precedes that of Six1 in the neural border zone, its continued and appropriately patterned expression in the pre-placodal region (PPR) and otic vesicle requires Six1. At early PPR stages, Six1 expands the Irx1 domain, but this activity subsides over time and changes to a predominantly repressive effect. Likewise, Irx1 initially expands Six1 expression in the PPR, but later represses it. We also found that Irx1 and Sox11, a known direct target of Six1, reciprocally affect each other. This work demonstrates that the interactions between Six1 and Irx1 are continuous during PPR and placode development and their transcriptional effects on one another change over developmental time.

A transition from SoxB1 to SoxE transcription factors is essential for progression from pluripotent blastula cells to neural crest cells

The neural crest is a stem cell population unique to vertebrate embryos that gives rise to derivatives from multiple embryonic germ layers. The molecular underpinnings of potency that govern neural crest potential are highly conserved with that of pluripotent blastula stem cells, suggesting that neural crest cells may have evolved through retention of aspects of the pluripotency gene regulatory network (GRN). A striking difference in the regulatory factors utilized in pluripotent blastula cells and neural crest cells is the deployment of different sub-families of Sox transcription factors; SoxB1 factors play central roles in the pluripotency of naïve blastula and ES cells, whereas neural crest cells require SoxE function. Here we explore the shared and distinct activities of these factors to shed light on the role that this molecular hand-off of Sox factor activity plays in the genesis of neural crest and the lineages derived from it. Our findings provide evidence that SoxB1 and SoxE factors have both overlapping and distinct activities in regulating pluripotency and lineage restriction in the embryo. We hypothesize that SoxE factors may transiently replace SoxB1 factors to control pluripotency in neural crest cells, and then poise these cells to contribute to glial, chondrogenic and melanocyte lineages at stages when SoxB1 factors promote neuronal progenitor formation.

A gene regulatory network underlying the formation of pre-placodal ectoderm in Xenopus laevis

BACKGROUND

The neural plate border ectoderm gives rise to key developmental structures during embryogenesis, including the neural crest and the preplacodal ectoderm. Many sensory organs and ganglia of vertebrates develop from cranial placodes, which themselves arise from preplacodal ectoderm, defined by expression of transcription factor Six1 and its coactivator Eya1. Here we elucidate the gene regulatory network underlying the specification of the preplacodal ectoderm in Xenopus, and the functional interactions among transcription factors that give rise to this structure.

RESULTS

To elucidate the gene regulatory network upstream of preplacodal ectoderm formation, we use gain- and loss-of-function studies to explore the role of early ectodermal transcription factors for establishing the preplacodal ectoderm and adjacent ectodermal territories, and the role of Six1 and Eya1 in feedback regulation of these transcription factors. Our findings suggest that transcription factors with expression restricted to ventral (non-neural) ectoderm (AP2, Msx1, FoxI1, Vent2, Dlx3, GATA2) and those restricted to dorsal (neural) ectoderm (Pax3, Hairy2b, Zic1) are required for specification of both preplacodal ectoderm and neural crest in a context-dependent fashion and are cross-regulated by Eya1 and Six1.

CONCLUSION

These findings allow us to elucidate a detailed gene regulatory network at the neural plate border upstream of preplacodal ectoderm formation based on functional interactions between ectodermal transcription factors. We propose a new model to explain the formation of immediately juxtaposed preplacodal ectoderm and neural crest territories at the neural plate border, uniting previous models.

Identification of novel cis-regulatory elements of Eya1 in Xenopus laevis using BAC recombineering

The multifunctional Eya1 protein plays important roles during the development of cranial sensory organs and ganglia, kidneys, hypaxial muscles and several other organs in vertebrates. Eya1 is encoded by a complex locus with candidate cis-regulatory elements distributed over a 329 kbp wide genomic region in Xenopus. Consequently, very little is currently known about how expression of Eya1 is controlled by upstream regulators. Here we use a library of Xenopus tropicalis genomic sequences in bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) to analyze the genomic region surrounding the Eya1 locus for enhancer activity. We used BAC recombineering to first create GFP reporter constructs, which were analysed for enhancer activity by injection into Xenopus laevis embryos. We then used a second round of BAC recombineering to create deletion constructs of these BAC reporters to localize enhancer activity more precisely. This double recombineering approach allowed us to probe a large genomic region for enhancer activity without assumptions on sequence conservation. Using this approach we were able to identify two novel cis-regulatory regions, which direct Eya1 expression to the somites, pharyngeal pouches, the preplacodal ectoderm (the common precursor region of many cranial sensory organs and ganglia), and other ectodermal domains.

Six1 and Eya1 both promote and arrest neuronal differentiation by activating multiple Notch pathway genes

The transcription factor Six1 and its cofactor Eya1 are important regulators of neurogenesis in cranial placodes, activating genes promoting both a progenitor state, such as hes8, and neuronal differentiation, such as neurog1. Here, we use gain and loss of function studies in Xenopus laevis to elucidate how these genes function during placodal neurogenesis. We first establish that hes8 is activated by Notch signaling and represses neurog1 and neuronal differentiation, indicating that it mediates lateral inhibition. Using hes8 knockdown we demonstrate that hes8 is essential for limiting neuronal differentiation during normal placode development. We next show that Six1 and Eya1 cell autonomously activate both hes8 and neurog1 in a dose-dependent fashion, with increasing upregulation at higher doses, while neuronal differentiation is increasingly repressed. However, high doses of Six1 and Eya1 upregulate neurog1 only transiently, whereas low doses of Six1 and Eya1 ultimately promote both neurog1 expression and neuronal differentiation. Finally, we show that Six1 and Eya1 can activate hes8 and arrest neuronal differentiation even when Notch signaling is blocked. Our findings indicate that Six1 and Eya1 can both promote and arrest neuronal differentiation by activating the Notch pathway genes neurog1 and hes8, respectively, revealing a novel mechanism of Six1/Eya1 action during placodal neurogenesis.

Dynamic transcriptional signature and cell fate analysis reveals plasticity of individual neural plate border cells

The ‘neural plate border’ of vertebrate embryos contains precursors of neural crest and placode cells, both defining vertebrate characteristics. How these lineages segregate from neural and epidermal fates has been a matter of debate. We address this by performing a fine-scale quantitative temporal analysis of transcription factor expression in the neural plate border of chick embryos. The results reveal significant overlap of transcription factors characteristic of multiple lineages in individual border cells from gastrula through neurula stages. Cell fate analysis using a Sox2 (neural) enhancer reveals that cells that are initially Sox2+ cells can contribute not only to neural tube but also to neural crest and epidermis. Moreover, modulating levels of Sox2 or Pax7 alters the apportionment of neural tube versus neural crest fates. Our results resolve a long-standing question and suggest that many individual border cells maintain ability to contribute to multiple ectodermal lineages until or beyond neural tube closure.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21620.001

Pa2G4 is a novel Six1 co-factor that is required for neural crest and otic development

Mutations in SIX1 and in its co-factor, EYA1, underlie Branchiootorenal Spectrum disorder (BOS), which is characterized by variable branchial arch, otic and kidney malformations. However, mutations in these two genes are identified in only half of patients. We screened for other potential co-factors, and herein characterize one of them, Pa2G4 (aka Ebp1/Plfap). In human embryonic kidney cells, Pa2G4 binds to Six1 and interferes with the Six1-Eya1 complex. In Xenopus embryos, knock-down of Pa2G4 leads to down-regulation of neural border zone, neural crest and cranial placode genes, and concomitant expansion of neural plate genes. Gain-of-function leads to a broader neural border zone, expanded neural crest and altered cranial placode domains. In loss-of-function assays, the later developing otocyst is reduced in size, which impacts gene expression. In contrast, the size of the otocyst in gain-of-function assays is not changed but the expression domains of several otocyst genes are reduced. Together these findings establish an interaction between Pa2G4 and Six1, and demonstrate that it has an important role in the development of tissues affected in BOS. Thereby, we suggest that pa2g4 is a potential candidate gene for BOS.

Dissecting the pre-placodal transcriptome to reveal presumptive direct targets of Six1 and Eya1 in cranial placodes

The pre-placodal ectoderm, marked by the expression of the transcription factor Six1 and its co-activator Eya1, develops into placodes and ultimately into many cranial sensory organs and ganglia. Using RNA-Seq in Xenopus laevis we screened for presumptive direct placodal target genes of Six1 and Eya1 by overexpressing hormone-inducible constructs of Six1 and Eya1 in pre-placodal explants, and blocking protein synthesis before hormone-inducing nuclear translocation of Six1 or Eya1. Comparing the transcriptome of explants with non-induced controls, we identified hundreds of novel Six1/Eya1 target genes with potentially important roles for placode development. Loss-of-function studies confirmed that target genes encoding known transcriptional regulators of progenitor fates (e.g. Sox2, Hes8) and neuronal/sensory differentiation (e.g. Ngn1, Atoh1, Pou4f1, Gfi1) require Six1 and Eya1 for their placodal expression. Our findings provide insights into the gene regulatory network regulating placodal neurogenesis downstream of Six1 and Eya1 suggesting new avenues of research into placode development and disease.

Retina-derived POU domain factor 1 coordinates expression of genes relevant to renal and neuronal development

Retina-derived POU domain Factor 1 (RPF-1), a member of POU transcription factor family, is encoded by POU6F2 gene, addressed by interstitial deletions at chromosome 7p14 in Wilms tumor (WT). Its expression has been detected in developing kidney and nervous system, suggesting an early role for this gene in regulating development of these organs. To investigate into its functions and determine its role in transcriptional regulation, we generated an inducible stable transfectant from HEK293 cells. RPF-1 showed nuclear localization, elevated stability, and transactivation of promoters featuring POU consensus sites, and led to reduced cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth. By addressing the whole transcriptome regulated by its induction, we could detect a gross alteration of gene expression that is consistent with promoter occupancy predicted by genome-wide Chip-chip analysis. Comparison of bound regulatory regions with differentially expressed genes allowed identification of 217 candidate targets. Enrichment of divergent octamers in predicted regulatory regions revealed promiscuous binding to bipartite POUS and POUH consensus half-sites with intervening spacers. Gel-shift competition assay confirmed the specificity of RPF-1 binding to consensus motifs, and demonstrated that the Ser-rich region upstream of the POU domain is indispensable to achieve DNA-binding. Promoter-reporter activity addressing a few target genes indicated a dependence by RPF-1 on transcriptional response. In agreement with its expression in developing kidney and nervous system, the induced transcriptome appears to indicate a function for this protein in early renal differentiation and neuronal cell fate, providing a resource for understanding its role in the processes thereby regulated.

Development of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Secreting Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons regulate human puberty and reproduction. Modeling their development and function in vitro would be of interest for both basic research and clinical translation. Here, we report a three-step protocol to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into GnRH-secreting neurons. Firstly, hPSCs were differentiated to FOXG1, EMX2, and PAX6 expressing anterior neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by dual SMAD inhibition. Secondly, NPCs were treated for 10 days with FGF8, which is a key ligand implicated in GnRH neuron ontogeny, and finally, the cells were matured with Notch inhibitor to bipolar TUJ1-positive neurons that robustly expressed GNRH1 and secreted GnRH decapeptide into the culture medium. The protocol was reproducible both in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and thus provides a translational tool for investigating the mechanisms of human puberty and its disorders.

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GnRH neurons regulate puberty and reproduction

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We generated GnRH-expressing and secreting neurons from hPSCs

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These neurons can be used to study diseases affecting the reproductive system

Using Xenopus to study genetic kidney diseases

Modern sequencing technology is revolutionizing our knowledge of inherited kidney disease. However, the molecular role of genes affected by the rapidly rising number of identified mutations is lagging behind. Xenopus is a highly useful, but underutilized model organism with unique properties excellently suited to decipher the molecular mechanisms of kidney development and disease. The embryonic kidney (pronephros) can be manipulated on only one side of the animal and its formation observed directly through the translucent skin. The moderate evolutionary distance between Xenopus and humans is a huge advantage for studying basic principles of kidney development, but still allows us to analyze the function of disease related genes. Optogenetic manipulations and genome editing by CRISPR/Cas are exciting additions to the toolbox for disease modelling and will facilitate the use of Xenopus in translational research. Therefore, the future of Xenopus in kidney research is bright.

Using Xenopus to discover new genes involved in branchiootorenal spectrum disorders

Congenital hearing loss is an important clinical problem because, without early intervention, affected children do not properly acquire language and consequently have difficulties developing social skills. Although most newborns in the US are screened for hearing deficits, even earlier diagnosis can be made with prenatal genetic screening. Genetic screening that identifies the relevant mutated gene can also warn about potential congenital defects in organs not related to hearing. We will discuss efforts to identify new candidate genes that underlie the Branchiootorenal spectrum disorders in which affected children have hearing deficits and are also at risk for kidney defects. Mutations in two genes, SIX1 and EYA1, have been identified in about half of the patients tested. To uncover new candidate genes, we have used the aquatic animal model, Xenopus laevis, to identify genes that are part of the developmental genetic pathway of Six1 during otic and kidney development. We have already identified a large number of potential Six1 transcriptional targets and candidate co-factor proteins that are expressed at the right time and in the correct tissues to interact with Six1 during development. We discuss the advantages of using this system for gene discovery in a human congenital hearing loss syndrome.

Activation of Six1 Expression in Vertebrate Sensory Neurons

SIX1 homeodomain protein is one of the essential key regulators of sensory organ development. Six1-deficient mice lack the olfactory epithelium, vomeronasal organs, cochlea, vestibule and vestibuloacoustic ganglion, and also show poor neural differentiation in the distal part of the cranial ganglia. Simultaneous loss of both Six1 and Six4 leads to additional abnormalities such as small trigeminal ganglion and abnormal dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The aim of this study was to understand the molecular mechanism that controls Six1 expression in sensory organs, particularly in the trigeminal ganglion and DRG. To this end, we focused on the sensory ganglia-specific Six1 enhancer (Six1-8) conserved between chick and mouse. In vivo reporter assays using both animals identified an important core region comprising binding consensus sequences for several transcription factors including nuclear hormone receptors, TCF/LEF, SMAD, POU homeodomain and basic-helix-loop-helix proteins. The results provided information on upstream factors and signals potentially relevant to Six1 regulation in sensory neurons. We also report the establishment of a new transgenic mouse line (mSix1-8-NLSCre) that expresses Cre recombinase under the control of mouse Six1-8. Cre-mediated recombination was detected specifically in ISL1/2-positive sensory neurons of Six1-positive cranial sensory ganglia and DRG. The unique features of the mSix1-8-NLSCre line are the absence of Cre-mediated recombination in SOX10-positive glial cells and central nervous system and ability to induce recombination in a subset of neurons derived from the olfactory placode/epithelium. This mouse model can be potentially used to advance research on sensory development.

SOX family transcription factors involved in diverse cellular events during development

In metazoa, SOX family transcription factors play many diverse roles. In vertebrate, they are well-known regulators of numerous developmental processes. Wide-ranging studies have demonstrated the co-expression of SOX proteins in various developing tissues and that they occur in an overlapping manner and show functional redundancy. In particular, studies focusing on the HMG box of SOX proteins have revealed that the HMG box regulates DNA-binding properties, and mediates both the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of SOX proteins and their physical interactions with partner proteins. Posttranslational modifications are further implicated in the regulation of the transcriptional activities of SOX proteins. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the SOX-partner factor interactions and the functional modes of SOX-partner complexes during development. We particularly emphasize the representative roles of the SOX group proteins in major tissues during developmental and physiological processes.

Cell traction in collective cell migration and morphogenesis: the chase and run mechanism

Directional collective cell migration plays an important role in development, physiology, and disease. An increasing number of studies revealed key aspects of how cells coordinate their movement through distances surpassing several cell diameters. While physical modeling and measurements of forces during collective cell movements helped to reveal key mechanisms, most of these studies focus on tightly connected epithelial cultures. Less is known about collective migration of mesenchymal cells. A typical example of such behavior is the migration of the neural crest cells, which migrate large distances as a group. A recent study revealed that this persistent migration is aided by the interaction between the neural crest and the neighboring placode cells, whereby neural crest chase the placodes via chemotaxis, but upon contact both populations undergo contact inhibition of locomotion and a rapid reorganization of cellular traction. The resulting asymmetric traction field of the placodes forces them to run away from the chasers. We argue that this chase and run interaction may not be specific only to the neural crest system, but could serve as the underlying mechanism for several morphogenetic processes involving collective cell migration.

Gene Expression Data from the Moon Jelly, Aurelia, Provide Insights into the Evolution of the Combinatorial Code Controlling Animal Sense Organ Development

In Bilateria, Pax6, Six, Eya and Dach families of transcription factors underlie the development and evolution of morphologically and phyletically distinct eyes, including the compound eyes in Drosophila and the camera-type eyes in vertebrates, indicating that bilaterian eyes evolved under the strong influence of ancestral developmental gene regulation. However the conservation in eye developmental genetics deeper in the Eumetazoa, and the origin of the conserved gene regulatory apparatus controlling eye development remain unclear due to limited comparative developmental data from Cnidaria. Here we show in the eye-bearing scyphozoan cnidarian Aurelia that the ectodermal photosensory domain of the developing medusa sensory structure known as the rhopalium expresses sine oculis (so)/six1/2 and eyes absent/eya, but not optix/six3/6 or pax (A&B). In addition, the so and eya co-expression domain encompasses the region of active cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and mechanoreceptor development in rhopalia. Consistent with the role of so and eya in rhopalial development, developmental transcriptome data across Aurelia life cycle stages show upregulation of so and eya, but not optix or pax (A&B), during medusa formation. Moreover, pax6 and dach are absent in the Aurelia genome, and thus are not required for eye development in Aurelia. Our data are consistent with so and eya, but not optix, pax or dach, having conserved functions in sensory structure specification across Eumetazoa. The lability of developmental components including Pax genes relative to so-eya is consistent with a model of sense organ development and evolution that involved the lineage specific modification of a combinatorial code that specifies animal sense organs.

Transcriptional Hallmarks of Heterogeneous Neural Stem Cell Niches of the Subventricular Zone

Throughout postnatal life in mammals, neural stem cells (NSCs) are located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. The greatest diversity of neuronal and glial lineages they generate occurs during early postnatal life in a region-specific manner. In order to probe heterogeneity of the postnatal SVZ, we microdissected its dorsal and lateral walls at different postnatal ages and isolated NSCs and their immediate progeny based on their expression of Hes5-EGFP/Prominin1 and Ascl1-EGFP, respectively. Whole genome comparative transcriptome analysis revealed transcriptional regulators as major hallmarks that sustain postnatal SVZ regionalization. Manipulation of single genes encoding for locally enriched transcription factors (loss-of-function or ectopic gain-of-function in vivo) influenced NSC specification indicating that the fate of regionalized postnatal SVZ-NSCs can be readily modified. These findings reveal the pronounced transcriptional heterogeneity of the postnatal SVZ and provide targets to recruit region-specific lineages in regenerative contexts. Stem Cells 2015;33:2232-2242.

Transcriptional regulation of cranial sensory placode development

Cranial sensory placodes derive from discrete patches of the head ectoderm and give rise to numerous sensory structures. During gastrulation, a specialized "neural border zone" forms around the neural plate in response to interactions between the neural and nonneural ectoderm and signals from adjacent mesodermal and/or endodermal tissues. This zone subsequently gives rise to two distinct precursor populations of the peripheral nervous system: the neural crest and the preplacodal ectoderm (PPE). The PPE is a common field from which all cranial sensory placodes arise (adenohypophyseal, olfactory, lens, trigeminal, epibranchial, otic). Members of the Six family of transcription factors are major regulators of PPE specification, in partnership with cofactor proteins such as Eya. Six gene activity also maintains tissue boundaries between the PPE, neural crest, and epidermis by repressing genes that specify the fates of those adjacent ectodermally derived domains. As the embryo acquires anterior-posterior identity, the PPE becomes transcriptionally regionalized, and it subsequently becomes subdivided into specific placodes with distinct developmental fates in response to signaling from adjacent tissues. Each placode is characterized by a unique transcriptional program that leads to the differentiation of highly specialized cells, such as neurosecretory cells, sensory receptor cells, chemosensory neurons, peripheral glia, and supporting cells. In this review, we summarize the transcriptional and signaling factors that regulate key steps of placode development, influence subsequent sensory neuron specification, and discuss what is known about mutations in some of the essential PPE genes that underlie human congenital syndromes.

Vertebrate cranial placodes as evolutionary innovations--the ancestor's tale

Evolutionary innovations often arise by tinkering with preexisting components building new regulatory networks by the rewiring of old parts. The cranial placodes of vertebrates, ectodermal thickenings that give rise to many of the cranial sense organs (ear, nose, lateral line) and ganglia, originated as such novel structures, when vertebrate ancestors elaborated their head in support of a more active and exploratory life style. This review addresses the question of how cranial placodes evolved by tinkering with ectodermal patterning mechanisms and sensory and neurosecretory cell types that have their own evolutionary history. With phylogenetic relationships among the major branches of metazoans now relatively well established, a comparative approach is used to infer, which structures evolved in which lineages and allows us to trace the origin of placodes and their components back from ancestor to ancestor. Some of the core networks of ectodermal patterning and sensory and neurosecretory differentiation were already established in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians and were greatly elaborated in the bilaterian ancestor (with BMP- and Wnt-dependent patterning of dorsoventral and anteroposterior ectoderm and multiple neurosecretory and sensory cell types). Rostral and caudal protoplacodal domains, giving rise to some neurosecretory and sensory cells, were then established in the ectoderm of the chordate and tunicate-vertebrate ancestor, respectively. However, proper cranial placodes as clusters of proliferating progenitors producing high-density arrays of neurosecretory and sensory cells only evolved and diversified in the ancestors of vertebrates.

Microarray identification of novel genes downstream of Six1, a critical factor in cranial placode, somite, and kidney development

BACKGROUND

Six1 plays an important role in the development of several vertebrate organs, including cranial sensory placodes, somites, and kidney. Although Six1 mutations cause one form of branchio-otic syndrome (BOS), the responsible gene in many patients has not been identified; genes that act downstream of Six1 are potential BOS candidates.

RESULTS

We sought to identify novel genes expressed during placode, somite and kidney development by comparing gene expression between control and Six1-expressing ectodermal explants. The expression patterns of 19 of the significantly up-regulated and 11 of the significantly down-regulated genes were assayed from cleavage to larval stages. A total of 28/30 genes are expressed in the otocyst, a structure that is functionally disrupted in BOS, and 26/30 genes are expressed in the nephric mesoderm, a structure that is functionally disrupted in the related branchio-otic-renal (BOR) syndrome. We also identified the chick homologues of five genes and show that they have conserved expression patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 30 genes selected for expression analyses, all are expressed at many of the developmental times and appropriate tissues to be regulated by Six1. Many have the potential to play a role in the disruption of hearing and kidney function seen in BOS/BOR patients.

Early stages of induction of anterior head ectodermal properties in Xenopus embryos are mediated by transcriptional cofactor ldb1

BACKGROUND

Specific molecules involved in early inductive signaling from anterior neural tissue to the placodal ectoderm to establish a lens-forming bias, as well as their regulatory factors, remain largely unknown. In this study, we sought to identify and characterize these molecules.

RESULTS

Using an expression cloning strategy to isolate genes with lens-inducing activity, we identified the transcriptional cofactor ldb1. This, together with evidence for its nuclear dependence, suggests its role as a regulatory factor, not a direct signaling molecule. We propose that ldb1 mediates induction of early lens genes in our functional assay by transcriptional activation of lens-inducing signals. Gain-of-function assays demonstrate that the inductive activity of the anterior neural plate on head ectodermal structures can be augmented by ldb1. Loss-of-function assays show that knockdown of ldb1 leads to decreased expression of early lens and retinal markers and subsequently to defects in eye development.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional cloning, expression pattern, overexpression, and knockdown data show that an ldb1-regulated mechanism acts as an early signal for Xenopus lens induction.

Early embryonic specification of vertebrate cranial placodes

Cranial placodes contribute to many sensory organs and ganglia of the vertebrate head. The olfactory, otic, and lateral line placodes form the sensory receptor cells and neurons of the nose, ear, and lateral line system; the lens placode develops into the lens of the eye; epibranchial, profundal, and trigeminal placodes contribute sensory neurons to cranial nerve ganglia; and the adenohypophyseal placode gives rise to the anterior pituitary, a major endocrine control organ. Despite these differences in fate, all placodes are now known to originate from a common precursor, the preplacodal ectoderm (PPE). The latter is a horseshoe-shaped domain of ectoderm surrounding the anterior neural plate and neural crest and is defined by expression of transcription factor Six1, its cofactor Eya1, and other members of the Six and Eya families. Studies in zebrafish, Xenopus, and chick reveal that the PPE is specified together with other ectodermal territories (epidermis, neural crest, and neural plate) during early embryogenesis. During gastrulation, domains of ventrally (e.g., Dlx3/Dlx5, GATA2/GATA3, AP2, Msx1, FoxI1, and Vent1/Vent2) and dorsally (e.g., Zic1, Sox3, and Geminin) restricted transcription factors are established in response to a gradient of BMP and help to define non-neural and neural competence territories, respectively. At neural plate stages, the PPE is then induced in the non-neural competence territory by signals from the adjacent neural plate and mesoderm including FGF, BMP inhibitors, and Wnt inhibitors. Subsequently, signals from more localized signaling centers induce restricted expression domains of various transcription factors within the PPE, which specify multiplacodal areas and ultimately individual placodes. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author has declared no conflicts of interest for this article.

Six1 is a key regulator of the developmental and evolutionary architecture of sensory neurons in craniates

BACKGROUND

Various senses and sensory nerve architectures of animals have evolved during adaptation to exploit diverse environments. In craniates, the trunk sensory system has evolved from simple mechanosensory neurons inside the spinal cord (intramedullary), called Rohon-Beard (RB) cells, to multimodal sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) outside the spinal cord (extramedullary). The fish and amphibian trunk sensory systems switch from RB cells to DRG during development, while amniotes rely exclusively on the DRG system. The mechanisms underlying the ontogenic switching and its link to phylogenetic transition remain unknown.

RESULTS

In Xenopus, Six1 overexpression promoted precocious apoptosis of RB cells and emergence of extramedullary sensory neurons, whereas Six1 knockdown delayed the reduction in RB cell number. Genetic ablation of Six1 and Six4 in mice led to the appearance of intramedullary sensory neuron-like cells as a result of medial migration of neural crest cells into the spinal cord and production of immature DRG neurons and fused DRG. Restoration of SIX1 expression in the neural crest-linage partially rescued the phenotype, indicating the cell autonomous requirements of SIX1 for normal extramedullary sensory neurogenesis. Mouse Six1 enhancer that mediates the expression in DRG neurons activated transcription in Xenopus RB cells earlier than endogenous six1 expression, suggesting earlier onset of mouse SIX1 expression than Xenopus during sensory development.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated the critical role of Six1 in transition of RB cells to DRG neurons during Xenopus development and establishment of exclusive DRG system of mice. The study provided evidence that early appearance of SIX1 expression, which correlated with mouse Six1 enhancer, is essential for the formation of DRG-dominant system in mice, suggesting that heterochronic changes in Six1 enhancer sequence play an important role in alteration of trunk sensory architecture and contribute to the evolution of the trunk sensory system.

The evolutionary history of vertebrate cranial placodes II. Evolution of ectodermal patterning

Cranial placodes are evolutionary innovations of vertebrates. However, they most likely evolved by redeployment, rewiring and diversification of preexisting cell types and patterning mechanisms. In the second part of this review we compare vertebrates with other animal groups to elucidate the evolutionary history of ectodermal patterning. We show that several transcription factors have ancient bilaterian roles in dorsoventral and anteroposterior regionalisation of the ectoderm. Evidence from amphioxus suggests that ancestral chordates then concentrated neurosecretory cells in the anteriormost non-neural ectoderm. This anterior proto-placodal domain subsequently gave rise to the oral siphon primordia in tunicates (with neurosecretory cells being lost) and anterior (adenohypophyseal, olfactory, and lens) placodes of vertebrates. Likewise, tunicate atrial siphon primordia and posterior (otic, lateral line, and epibranchial) placodes of vertebrates probably evolved from a posterior proto-placodal region in the tunicate-vertebrate ancestor. Since both siphon primordia in tunicates give rise to sparse populations of sensory cells, both proto-placodal domains probably also gave rise to some sensory receptors in the tunicate-vertebrate ancestor. However, proper cranial placodes, which give rise to high density arrays of specialised sensory receptors and neurons, evolved from these domains only in the vertebrate lineage. We propose that this may have involved rewiring of the regulatory network upstream and downstream of Six1/2 and Six4/5 transcription factors and their Eya family cofactors. These proteins, which play ancient roles in neuronal differentiation were first recruited to the dorsal non-neural ectoderm in the tunicate-vertebrate ancestor but subsequently probably acquired new target genes in the vertebrate lineage, allowing them to adopt new functions in regulating proliferation and patterning of neuronal progenitors.

Sox proteins: regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation

Sox transcription factors play widespread roles during development; however, their versatile funtions have a relatively simple basis: the binding of a Sox protein alone to DNA does not elicit transcriptional activation or repression, but requires binding of a partner transcription factor to an adjacent site on the DNA. Thus, the activity of a Sox protein is dependent upon the identity of its partner factor and the context of the DNA sequence to which it binds. In this Primer, we provide an mechanistic overview of how Sox family proteins function, as a paradigm for transcriptional regulation of development involving multi-transcription factor complexes, and we discuss how Sox factors can thus regulate diverse processes during development.

Abrogation of Eya1/Six1 disrupts the saccular phase of lung morphogenesis and causes remodeling

The Eya1 gene encodes a transcriptional co-activator that acts with Six1 to control the development of different organs. However, Six1-Eya1 interactions and functional roles in mesenchymal cell proliferation and differentiation as well as alveolarization during the saccular stage of lung development are still unknown. Herein, we provide the first evidence that Six1 and Eya1 act together to regulate mesenchymal development as well as alveolarization during the saccular phase of lung morphogenesis. Deletion of either or both Six1 and Eya1 genes results in a severe saccular phenotype, including defects of mesenchymal cell development and remodeling of the distal lung septae and arteries. Mutant lung histology at the saccular phase shows mesenchymal and saccular wall thickening, and abnormal proliferation of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, as well as increased mesenchymal/fibroblast cell differentiation, which become more sever when deleting both genes. Our study indicates that SHH but not TGF-β signaling pathway is a central mediator for the histologic alterations described in the saccular phenotype of Eya1(-/-) or Six1(-/-) lungs. Indeed, genetic reduction of SHH activity in vivo or inhibition of its activity in vitro substantially rescues lung mesenchymal and alveolar phenotype of mutant mice at the saccular phase. These findings uncover novel functions for Six1-Eya1-SHH pathway during the saccular phase of lung morphogenesis, providing a conceptual framework for future mechanistic and translational studies in this area.

Chase-and-run between adjacent cell populations promotes directional collective migration

Collective cell migration in morphogenesis and cancer progression often involves the coordination of multiple cell types. How reciprocal interactions between adjacent cell populations lead to new emergent behaviours remains unknown. Here we studied the interaction between Neural Crest (NC) cells, a highly migratory cell population, and placodal cells, an epithelial tissue that contributes to sensory organs. We found that NC cells “chase” placodal cells by chemotaxis, while placodal cells “run” when contacted by NC. Chemotaxis to Sdf1 underlies the chase, while repulsion involving PCP and N-Cadherin signalling is responsible for the run. This “chase-and-run” requires the generation of asymmetric forces, which depend on local inhibition of focal adhesions. The cell interactions described here are essential for correct NC migration and for segregation of placodes in vivo and are likely to represent a general mechanism of coordinated migration.