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Zhang S, Li X, Li X, Wang X, Ru S, Tian H. 17β-Trenbolone activates androgen receptor, upregulates transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways, and induces masculinization of caudal and anal fins in female guppies (Poecilia reticulata). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 263:106677. [PMID: 37677862 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexually mature female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (20, 200, and 2000 ng/L) of 17β-trenbolone for four weeks. As evidenced by the increased caudal fin index and anal fins developing into gonopodium-like structures, exposed females displayed masculinized secondary sexual characteristics. Differential gene expression and subsequent pathway analysis of mRNA sequencing data revealed that the transcription of transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were upregulated following 17β-trenbolone exposure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the bone morphogenetic protein 7 protein content was elevated after 17β-trenbolone exposure. Finally, real-time PCR revealed that 17β-trenbolone treatment significantly increased androgen receptor mRNA levels, and molecular docking showed potent interaction between 17β-trenbolone and guppy androgen receptor. Furthermore, 17β-trenbolone-induced masculinization of caudal and anal fins in female guppies, concomitant to the upregulated expression of differentially expressed genes involved in the above-mentioned two signaling pathways, was significantly inhibited by flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist). These findings demonstrated that 17β-trenbolone masculinized fins of female guppies by activating the androgen receptor. This study revealed that 17β-trenbolone could upregulate signaling pathways related to fin growth and differentiation, and eventually cause caudal and anal fin masculinization in female guppies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqiu Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Xuefu Li
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China; College of Life Science, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Hua Tian
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China.
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Seaver AW, Weaver NS, Iovine MK. Retinoic Acid Influences connexin43 Expression During Joint Formation in the Regenerating Zebrafish Fin. Bioelectricity 2023; 5:173-180. [PMID: 37746310 PMCID: PMC10516236 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2023.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The regenerating zebrafish fin skeleton is comprised of multiple bony fin rays, each made of alternating bony segments and fin ray joints. This pattern is regulated by the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43), which provides instructional cues to skeletal precursor cells (SPCs). Elevated Cx43 favors osteoblast differentiation and disfavors joint forming cell differentiation. The goal of this article is to test if retinoic acid (RA) contributes to the regulation of cx43 expression. Materials and Methods Functional studies inhibiting the RA-synthesizing enzyme Adh1a2 were evaluated using in situ hybridization to monitor gene expression and with measurements of the length of fin ray segments to monitor impacts on SPC differentiation and joint formation. Results Aldh1a2-knockdown leads to reduced expression of cx43 and increased expression of evx1, a gene required for joint formation. Additionally, inhibition of Aldh1a2 function leads to short fin ray segments. We also find evidence for synergy between aldh1a2 and cx43, suggesting that these genes function in a common molecular pathway to regulate joint formation. Conclusions The role of RA is to promote cx43 expression in the regenerating fin to regulate joint formation and the length of bony fin ray segments. We suggest that RA signaling must coordinate with additional pathways that also regulate cx43 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W. Seaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Noah S. Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - M. Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ahi EP, Richter F, Sefc KM. Gene expression patterns associated with caudal fin shape in the cichlid Lamprologus tigripictilis. HYDROBIOLOGIA 2022; 850:2257-2273. [PMID: 37325486 PMCID: PMC10261199 DOI: 10.1007/s10750-022-05068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Variation in fin shape is one of the most prominent features of morphological diversity among fish. Regulation of fin growth has mainly been studied in zebrafish, and it is not clear whether the molecular mechanisms underlying shape variation are equally diverse or rather conserved across species. In the present study, expression levels of 37 candidate genes were tested for association with fin shape in the cichlid fish Lamprologus tigripictilis. The tested genes included members of a fin shape-associated gene regulatory network identified in a previous study and novel candidates selected within this study. Using both intact and regenerating fin tissue, we tested for expression differences between the elongated and the short regions of the spade-shaped caudal fin and identified 20 genes and transcription factors (including angptl5, cd63, csrp1a, cx43, esco2, gbf1, and rbpj), whose expression patterns were consistent with a role in fin growth. Collated with available gene expression data of two other cichlid species, our study not only highlights several genes that were correlated with fin growth in all three species (e.g., angptl5, cd63, cx43, and mmp9), but also reveals species-specific gene expression and correlation patterns, which indicate considerable divergence in the regulatory mechanisms of fin growth across cichlids. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10750-022-05068-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Florian Richter
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kristina M. Sefc
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
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4
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Sanchez AC, Thren ED, Iovine MK, Skibbens RV. Esco2 and cohesin regulate CRL4 ubiquitin ligase ddb1 expression and thalidomide teratogenicity. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:501-513. [PMID: 34989322 PMCID: PMC8942496 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.2023304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) and Roberts syndrome (RBS) are severe developmental maladies that arise from mutation of cohesin (including SMC3, CdLS) and ESCO2 (RBS). Though ESCO2 activates cohesin, CdLS and RBS etiologies are currently considered non-synonymous and for which pharmacological treatments are unavailable. Here, we identify a unifying mechanism that integrates these genetic maladies to pharmacologically-induced teratogenicity via thalidomide. Our results reveal that Esco2 and cohesin co-regulate the transcription of a component of CRL4 ubiquitin ligase through which thalidomide exerts teratogenic effects. These findings are the first to link RBS and CdLS to thalidomide teratogenicity and offer new insights into treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie C. Sanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Elise D. Thren
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - M. Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Robert V. Skibbens
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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5
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Dworschak GC, Punetha J, Kalanithy JC, Mingardo E, Erdem HB, Akdemir ZC, Karaca E, Mitani T, Marafi D, Fatih JM, Jhangiani SN, Hunter JV, Dakal TC, Dhabhai B, Dabbagh O, Alsaif HS, Alkuraya FS, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Efthymiou S, Dominik N, Salpietro V, Sultan T, Haider S, Bibi F, Thiele H, Hoefele J, Riedhammer KM, Wagner M, Guella I, Demos M, Keren B, Buratti J, Charles P, Nava C, Héron D, Heide S, Valkanas E, Waddell LB, Jones KJ, Oates EC, Cooper ST, MacArthur D, Syrbe S, Ziegler A, Platzer K, Okur V, Chung WK, O'Shea SA, Alcalay R, Fahn S, Mark PR, Guerrini R, Vetro A, Hudson B, Schnur RE, Hoganson GE, Burton JE, McEntagart M, Lindenberg T, Yilmaz Ö, Odermatt B, Pehlivan D, Posey JE, Lupski JR, Reutter H. Biallelic and monoallelic variants in PLXNA1 are implicated in a novel neurodevelopmental disorder with variable cerebral and eye anomalies. Genet Med 2021; 23:1715-1725. [PMID: 34054129 PMCID: PMC8460429 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of PLXNA1 variants on the phenotype of patients with autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance patterns and to functionally characterize the zebrafish homologs plxna1a and plxna1b during development. METHODS We assembled ten patients from seven families with biallelic or de novo PLXNA1 variants. We describe genotype-phenotype correlations, investigated the variants by structural modeling, and used Morpholino knockdown experiments in zebrafish to characterize the embryonic role of plxna1a and plxna1b. RESULTS Shared phenotypic features among patients include global developmental delay (9/10), brain anomalies (6/10), and eye anomalies (7/10). Notably, seizures were predominantly reported in patients with monoallelic variants. Structural modeling of missense variants in PLXNA1 suggests distortion in the native protein. Our zebrafish studies enforce an embryonic role of plxna1a and plxna1b in the development of the central nervous system and the eye. CONCLUSION We propose that different biallelic and monoallelic variants in PLXNA1 result in a novel neurodevelopmental syndrome mainly comprising developmental delay, brain, and eye anomalies. We hypothesize that biallelic variants in the extracellular Plexin-A1 domains lead to impaired dimerization or lack of receptor molecules, whereas monoallelic variants in the intracellular Plexin-A1 domains might impair downstream signaling through a dominant-negative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Dworschak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jaya Punetha
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeshurun C Kalanithy
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Enrico Mingardo
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Haktan B Erdem
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep C Akdemir
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ender Karaca
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tadahiro Mitani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dana Marafi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jawid M Fatih
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalini N Jhangiani
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jill V Hunter
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tikam Chand Dakal
- Genome and Computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhanupriya Dhabhai
- Genome and Computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Omar Dabbagh
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hessa S Alsaif
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Efthymiou
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Dominik
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tipu Sultan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Institute of Child Health, The Children's Hospital Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Haider
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Wah Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Farah Bibi
- University Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, PMAS - Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Hoefele
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Korbinian M Riedhammer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matias Wagner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ilaria Guella
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Applied Neurogenetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Demos
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Boris Keren
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Julien Buratti
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Charles
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nava
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Sorbonne Université, UMR S 1127, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Héron
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Solveig Heide
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Elise Valkanas
- Center for Mendelian Genomics, The Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leigh B Waddell
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristi J Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily C Oates
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandra T Cooper
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel MacArthur
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Centre for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konrad Platzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volkan Okur
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah A O'Shea
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roy Alcalay
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanley Fahn
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul R Mark
- Division of Medical Genetics, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Grand Rapids, New York, MI, USA
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annalisa Vetro
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - George E Hoganson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer E Burton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Meriel McEntagart
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Centre, St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Lindenberg
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Öznur Yilmaz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Odermatt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer E Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heiko Reutter
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Bhattacharya S, Hyland C, Falk MM, Iovine MK. Connexin 43 gap junctional intercellular communication inhibits evx1 expression and joint formation in regenerating fins. Development 2020; 147:dev.190512. [PMID: 32541014 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The gap junction protein Connexin 43 (Cx43) contributes to cell fate decisions that determine the location of fin ray joints during regeneration. Here, we provide insights into how Cx43, expressed medially, influences changes in gene expression in lateral skeletal precursor cells. Using the Gap27 peptide inhibitor specific to Cx43, we show that Cx43-gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) influences Cx43-dependent skeletal phenotypes, including segment length. We also demonstrate that Cx43-GJIC influences the expression of the Smp/β-catenin pathway in the lateral skeletal precursor cells, and does not influence the Sema3d pathway. Moreover, we show that the cx43lh10 allele, which has increased Cx43 protein levels, exhibits increased regenerate length and segment length. These phenotypes are rescued by Gap27, suggesting that increased Cx43 is responsible for the observed Cx43 phenotypes. Finally, our findings suggest that inhibition of Cx43 hemichannel activity does not influence Cx43-dependent skeletal phenotypes. These data provide evidence that Cx43-GJIC is responsible for regulating cell fate decisions associated with appropriate joint formation in the regenerating fin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Hyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18020, USA
| | - Matthias M Falk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18020, USA
| | - M Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18020, USA
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7
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Ahi EP, Richter F, Lecaudey LA, Sefc KM. Gene expression profiling suggests differences in molecular mechanisms of fin elongation between cichlid species. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9052. [PMID: 31227799 PMCID: PMC6588699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45599-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative analyses of gene regulation inform about the molecular basis of phenotypic trait evolution. Here, we address a fin shape phenotype that evolved multiple times independently across teleost fish, including several species within the family Cichlidae. In a previous study, we proposed a gene regulatory network (GRN) involved in the formation and regeneration of conspicuous filamentous elongations adorning the unpaired fins of the Neolamprologus brichardi. Here, we tested the members of this network in the blockhead cichlid, Steatocranus casuarius, which displays conspicuously elongated dorsal and moderately elongated anal fins. Our study provided evidence for differences in the anatomy of fin elongation and suggested gene regulatory divergence between the two cichlid species. Only a subset of the 20 genes tested in S. casuarius showed the qPCR expression patterns predicted from the GRN identified in N. brichardi, and several of the gene-by-gene expression correlations differed between the two cichlid species. In comparison to N. brichardi, gene expression patterns in S. casuarius were in better (but not full) agreement with gene regulatory interactions inferred in zebrafish. Within S. casuarius, the dorsoventral asymmetry in ornament expression was accompanied by differences in gene expression patterns, including potential regulatory differentiation, between the anal and dorsal fin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria. .,Department of Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75 236, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Florian Richter
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Kristina M Sefc
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
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8
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Schmidt JR, Geurtzen K, von Bergen M, Schubert K, Knopf F. Glucocorticoid Treatment Leads to Aberrant Ion and Macromolecular Transport in Regenerating Zebrafish Fins. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:674. [PMID: 31636606 PMCID: PMC6787175 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term glucocorticoid administration in patients undergoing immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory treatment is accompanied by impaired bone formation and increased fracture risk. Furthermore, glucocorticoid treatment can lead to impaired wound healing and altered cell metabolism. Recently, we showed that exposure of zebrafish to the glucocorticoid prednisolone during fin regeneration impacts negatively on the length, bone formation, and osteoblast function of the regenerate. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of impairment, however, remain incompletely understood. In order to further elucidate the anti-regenerative effects of continued glucocorticoid exposure on fin tissues, we performed proteome profiling of fin regenerates undergoing prednisolone treatment, in addition to profiling of homeostatic fin tissue and fins undergoing undisturbed regeneration. By using LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) we identified more than 6,000 proteins across all tissue samples. In agreement with previous reports, fin amputation induces changes in chromatin structure and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition within the tissue. Notably, prednisolone treatment leads to impaired expression of selected ECM components in the fin regenerate. Moreover, the function of ion transporting ATPases and other proteins involved in macromolecule and vesicular transport mechanisms of the cell appears to be altered by prednisolone treatment. In particular, acidification of membrane-enclosed organelles such as lysosomes is inhibited. Taken together, our data indicate that continued synthetic glucocorticoid exposure in zebrafish deteriorates cellular trafficking processes in the regenerating fin, which interferes with appropriate tissue restoration upon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes R. Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karina Geurtzen
- CRTD—Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Schubert
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kristin Schubert
| | - Franziska Knopf
- CRTD—Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Aging, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Franziska Knopf
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9
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Bhattacharya S, Gargiulo D, Iovine MK. Simplet-dependent regulation of β-catenin signaling influences skeletal patterning downstream of Cx43. Development 2018; 145:dev.166975. [PMID: 30377172 DOI: 10.1242/dev.166975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The correct positioning of joints in the vertebrate skeleton is not well understood. Mutations in connexin43 (cx43) cause the short segment phenotype of the zebrafish short fin (sofb123 ) mutant. We have shown that Cx43 suppresses evx1 expression, a transcription factor required for joint formation. Here, we provide novel insights into how Cx43 influences evx1 transcription. First, we find that Simplet (Smp) knockdown recapitulates the sofb123 phenotypes of reduced regenerate length and reduced segment length, and we find evidence for synergy between cx43 and smp Moreover, knockdown of Smp increases the evx1 expression, similar to cx43 knockdown. Previous studies have shown that Smp is required for the nuclear localization of β-catenin. Indeed, β-catenin activity is required for segment length, and is reduced in both sofb123 mutants and following Smp knockdown in regenerating fins. We further show that blocking canonical Wnt signaling results in a synergistic reduction in segment length in sofb123 /+ heterozygotes. Together, our findings suggest that both Smp and β-catenin function in a common molecular pathway with cx43 to influence both evx1 expression and joint location.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenic Gargiulo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - M Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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10
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Beamish IV, Hinck L, Kennedy TE. Making Connections: Guidance Cues and Receptors at Nonneural Cell-Cell Junctions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a029165. [PMID: 28847900 PMCID: PMC6211390 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The field of axon guidance was revolutionized over the past three decades by the identification of highly conserved families of guidance cues and receptors. These proteins are essential for normal neural development and function, directing cell and axon migration, neuron-glial interactions, and synapse formation and plasticity. Many of these genes are also expressed outside the nervous system in which they influence cell migration, adhesion and proliferation. Because the nervous system develops from neural epithelium, it is perhaps not surprising that these guidance cues have significant nonneural roles in governing the specialized junctional connections between cells in polarized epithelia. The following review addresses roles for ephrins, semaphorins, netrins, slits and their receptors in regulating adherens, tight, and gap junctions in nonneural epithelia and endothelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian V Beamish
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hinck
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Timothy E Kennedy
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
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11
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Finney AC, Orr AW. Guidance Molecules in Vascular Smooth Muscle. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1311. [PMID: 30283356 PMCID: PMC6157320 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several highly conserved families of guidance molecules, including ephrins, Semaphorins, Netrins, and Slits, play conserved and distinct roles in tissue remodeling during tissue patterning and disease pathogenesis. Primarily, these guidance molecules function as either secreted or surface-bound ligands that interact with their receptors to activate a variety of downstream effects, including cell contractility, migration, adhesion, proliferation, and inflammation. Vascular smooth muscle cells, contractile cells comprising the medial layer of the vessel wall and deriving from the mural population, regulate vascular tone and blood pressure. While capillaries lack a medial layer of vascular smooth muscle, mural-derived pericytes contribute similarly to capillary tone to regulate blood flow in various tissues. Furthermore, pericyte coverage is critical in vascular development, as perturbations disrupt vascular permeability and viability. During cardiovascular disease, smooth muscle cells play a more dynamic role in which suppression of contractile markers, enhanced proliferation, and migration lead to the progression of aberrant vascular remodeling. Since many types of guidance molecules are expressed in vascular smooth muscle and pericytes, these may contribute to blood vessel formation and aberrant remodeling during vascular disease. While vascular development is a large focus of the existing literature, studies emerged to address post-developmental roles for guidance molecules in pathology and are of interest as novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we will discuss the roles of guidance molecules in vascular smooth muscle and pericyte function in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Christine Finney
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Anthony Wayne Orr
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Translational Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
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12
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Ahi EP, Sefc KM. Towards a gene regulatory network shaping the fins of the Princess cichlid. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9602. [PMID: 29942008 PMCID: PMC6018552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in fin shape and size contributes to the outstanding morphological diversity of teleost fishes, but the regulation of fin growth has not yet been studied extensively outside the zebrafish model. A previous gene expression study addressing the ornamental elongations of unpaired fins in the African cichlid fish Neolamprologus brichardi identified three genes (cx43, mmp9 and sema3d) with strong and consistent expression differences between short and elongated fin regions. Remarkably, the expression patterns of these genes were not consistent with inferences on their regulatory interactions in zebrafish. Here, we identify a gene expression network (GRN) comprising cx43, mmp9, and possibly also sema3d by a stepwise approach of identifying co-expression modules and predicting their upstream regulators. Among the transcription factors (TFs) predicted as potential upstream regulators of 11 co-expressed genes, six TFs (foxc1, foxp1, foxd3, myc, egr2, irf8) showed expression patterns consistent with their cooperative transcriptional regulation of the gene network. Some of these TFs have already been implicated in teleost fish fin regeneration and formation. We particularly discuss the potential function of foxd3 as driver of the network and its role in the unexpected gene expression correlations observed in N. brichardi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Kristina M Sefc
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria
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13
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Chanson M, Watanabe M, O'Shaughnessy EM, Zoso A, Martin PE. Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051354. [PMID: 29751558 PMCID: PMC5983803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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14
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Jacob L, Sawma P, Garnier N, Meyer LAT, Fritz J, Hussenet T, Spenlé C, Goetz J, Vermot J, Fernandez A, Baumlin N, Aci-Sèche S, Orend G, Roussel G, Crémel G, Genest M, Hubert P, Bagnard D. Inhibition of PlexA1-mediated brain tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis using a transmembrane domain targeting peptide. Oncotarget 2018; 7:57851-57865. [PMID: 27506939 PMCID: PMC5295395 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropilin-plexin receptor complex regulates tumor cell migration and proliferation and thus is an interesting therapeutic target. High expression of neuropilin-1 is indeed associated with a bad prognosis in glioma patients. Q-RTPCR and tissue-array analyses showed here that Plexin-A1 is highly expressed in glioblastoma and that the highest level of expression correlates with the worse survival of patients. We next identified a developmental and tumor-associated pro-angiogenic role of Plexin-A1. Hence, by using molecular simulations and a two-hybrid like assay in parallel with biochemical and cellular assays we developed a specific Plexin-A1 peptidic antagonist disrupting transmembrane domain-mediated oligomerization of the receptor and subsequent signaling and functional activity. We found that this peptide exhibits anti-tumor activity in vivo on different human glioblastoma models including glioma cancer stem cells. Thus, screening Plexin-A1 expression and targeting Plexin-A1 in glioblastoma patients exhibit diagnostic and therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Jacob
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Paul Sawma
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), UMR 7255, CNRS-Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Norbert Garnier
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, CNRS, Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Lionel A T Meyer
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Justine Fritz
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas Hussenet
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Spenlé
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacky Goetz
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.,Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Julien Vermot
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Aurore Fernandez
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Nadège Baumlin
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Samia Aci-Sèche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, CNRS, Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Current address: Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique UMR, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Gertraud Orend
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Guy Roussel
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Gérard Crémel
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Genest
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, CNRS, Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Pierre Hubert
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), UMR 7255, CNRS-Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Bagnard
- MN3T Team, INSERM U1109, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
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15
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McLaughlin KA, Levin M. Bioelectric signaling in regeneration: Mechanisms of ionic controls of growth and form. Dev Biol 2018; 433:177-189. [PMID: 29291972 PMCID: PMC5753428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability to control pattern formation is critical for the both the embryonic development of complex structures as well as for the regeneration/repair of damaged or missing tissues and organs. In addition to chemical gradients and gene regulatory networks, endogenous ion flows are key regulators of cell behavior. Not only do bioelectric cues provide information needed for the initial development of structures, they also enable the robust restoration of normal pattern after injury. In order to expand our basic understanding of morphogenetic processes responsible for the repair of complex anatomy, we need to identify the roles of endogenous voltage gradients, ion flows, and electric fields. In complement to the current focus on molecular genetics, decoding the information transduced by bioelectric cues enhances our knowledge of the dynamic control of growth and pattern formation. Recent advances in science and technology place us in an exciting time to elucidate the interplay between molecular-genetic inputs and important biophysical cues that direct the creation of tissues and organs. Moving forward, these new insights enable additional approaches to direct cell behavior and may result in profound advances in augmentation of regenerative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A McLaughlin
- Allen Discovery Center, Department of Biology, Tufts University, 200 Boston Ave., Suite 4700, Medford, MA 02155, United States.
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Department of Biology, Tufts University, 200 Boston Ave., Suite 4700, Medford, MA 02155, United States
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16
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Banerji R, Skibbens RV, Iovine MK. Cohesin mediates Esco2-dependent transcriptional regulation in a zebrafish regenerating fin model of Roberts Syndrome. Biol Open 2017; 6:1802-1813. [PMID: 29084713 PMCID: PMC5769645 DOI: 10.1242/bio.026013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Robert syndrome (RBS) and Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) are human developmental disorders characterized by craniofacial deformities, limb malformation and mental retardation. These birth defects are collectively termed cohesinopathies as both arise from mutations in cohesion genes. CdLS arises due to autosomal dominant mutations or haploinsufficiencies in cohesin subunits (SMC1A, SMC3 and RAD21) or cohesin auxiliary factors (NIPBL and HDAC8) that result in transcriptional dysregulation of developmental programs. RBS arises due to autosomal recessive mutations in cohesin auxiliary factor ESCO2, the gene that encodes an N-acetyltransferase which targets the SMC3 subunit of the cohesin complex. The mechanism that underlies RBS, however, remains unknown. A popular model states that RBS arises due to mitotic failure and loss of progenitor stem cells through apoptosis. Previous findings in the zebrafish regenerating fin, however, suggest that Esco2-knockdown results in transcription dysregulation, independent of apoptosis, similar to that observed in CdLS patients. Previously, we used the clinically relevant CX43 to demonstrate a transcriptional role for Esco2. CX43 is a gap junction gene conserved among all vertebrates that is required for direct cell-cell communication between adjacent cells such that cx43 mutations result in oculodentodigital dysplasia. Here, we show that morpholino-mediated knockdown of smc3 reduces cx43 expression and perturbs zebrafish bone and tissue regeneration similar to those previously reported for esco2 knockdown. Also similar to Esco2-dependent phenotypes, Smc3-dependent bone and tissue regeneration defects are rescued by transgenic Cx43 overexpression, suggesting that Smc3 and Esco2 cooperatively act to regulate cx43 transcription. In support of this model, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal that Smc3 binds to a discrete region of the cx43 promoter, suggesting that Esco2 exerts transcriptional regulation of cx43 through modification of Smc3 bound to the cx43 promoter. These findings have the potential to unify RBS and CdLS as transcription-based mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Banerji
- Department of Biological Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Robert V Skibbens
- Department of Biological Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - M Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
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17
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Ahi EP, Richter F, Sefc KM. A gene expression study of ornamental fin shape in Neolamprologus brichardi, an African cichlid species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17398. [PMID: 29234131 PMCID: PMC5727040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity of fin morphology within and across fish taxa offers great, but still largely unexplored, opportunities to investigate the proximate mechanisms underlying fin shape variation. Relying on available genetic knowledge brought forth mainly by the comprehensive study of the zebrafish caudal fin, we explored candidate molecular mechanisms for the maintenance and formation of the conspicuously elongated filaments adorning the unpaired fins of the East African "princess cichlid" Neolamprologus brichardi. Via qPCR assays, we detected expression differences of candidate genes between elongated and short regions of intact and regenerating fins. The identified genes include skeletogenic and growth factors (igf2b, fgf3, bmp2 and bmp4), components of the WNT pathway (lef1, wnt5b and wnt10) and a regulatory network determining fin ray segment size and junction (cx43, esco2 and sema3d), as well as other genes with different roles (mmp9, msxb and pea3). Interestingly, some of these genes showed fin specific expression differences which are often neglected in studies of model fish that focus on the caudal fin. Moreover, while the observed expression patterns were generally consistent with zebrafish results, we also detected deviating expression correlations and gene functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010, Graz, Austria.
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18
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Dardis G, Tryon R, Ton Q, Johnson SL, Iovine MK. Cx43 suppresses evx1 expression to regulate joint initiation in the regenerating fin. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:691-699. [PMID: 28577298 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How joints are correctly positioned in the vertebrate skeleton remains poorly understood. From our studies on the regenerating fin, we have evidence that the gap junction protein Cx43 suppresses joint formation by suppressing the expression of the evx1 transcription factor. Joint morphogenesis proceeds through at least two discrete stages. First, cells that will produce the joint condense in a single row on the bone matrix ("initiation"). Second, these cells separate coincident with articulation of the bone matrix. We propose that Cx43 activity is transiently reduced prior to joint initiation. RESULTS We first define the timing of joint initiation with respect to regeneration. We next correlate reduced cx43 expression and increased evx1 expression with initiation. Through manipulation of cx43 expression, we demonstrate that Cx43 negatively influences evx1 expression and joint formation. We further demonstrate that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts is required to rescue joint formation in the cx43 mutant, short finb123 . CONCLUSIONS We conclude that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts influences the expression of evx1, and therefore the differentiation of the precursor cells that give rise to the joint-forming osteoblasts. Developmental Dynamics 246:691-699, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Dardis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Tryon
- Genetics Department, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Quynh Ton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen L Johnson
- Genetics Department, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - M Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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19
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Mathews J, Levin M. Gap junctional signaling in pattern regulation: Physiological network connectivity instructs growth and form. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:643-673. [PMID: 27265625 PMCID: PMC10478170 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are aqueous channels that allow cells to communicate via physiological signals directly. The role of gap junctional connectivity in determining single-cell functions has long been recognized. However, GJs have another important role: the regulation of large-scale anatomical pattern. GJs are not only versatile computational elements that allow cells to control which small molecule signals they receive and emit, but also establish connectivity patterns within large groups of cells. By dynamically regulating the topology of bioelectric networks in vivo, GJs underlie the ability of many tissues to implement complex morphogenesis. Here, a review of recent data on patterning roles of GJs in growth of the zebrafish fin, the establishment of left-right patterning, the developmental dysregulation known as cancer, and the control of large-scale head-tail polarity, and head shape in planarian regeneration has been reported. A perspective in which GJs are not only molecular features functioning in single cells, but also enable global neural-like dynamics in non-neural somatic tissues has been proposed. This view suggests a rich program of future work which capitalizes on the rapid advances in the biophysics of GJs to exploit GJ-mediated global dynamics for applications in birth defects, regenerative medicine, and morphogenetic bioengineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 643-673, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita Mathews
- Department of Biology, Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA
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20
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Wang Z, Ding M, Qian N, Song B, Yu J, Tang J, Wang J. Decreased expression of semaphorin 3D is associated with genesis and development in colorectal cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2017; 15:67. [PMID: 28320475 PMCID: PMC5359842 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-017-1128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Semaphorin 3D (SEMA3D) plays important roles in the genesis and progress of many cancers. However, the relationship between SEMA3D and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SEMA3D can be used as a predictive marker for the diagnosis, metastasis, and prognosis of CRC by assessing the expression of SEMA3D in the tissues and serum of CRC patients. Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the expression of SEMA3D mRNA in 100 CRC tissues and matched normal tissues. qPCR was also used to detect the expression of SEMA3D mRNA in the CRC cell line RKO. RKO cells were transfected with SEMA3D small-interring RNA (siRNA) to interfere with endogenous SEMA3D. The migratory ability of control and SEMA3D siRNA-transfected RKO cells was determined by transwell assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to detect the levels of SEMA3D in the serum of 80 CRC patients and 100 normal healthy controls. The expression of SEMA3D in 215 CRC tissues was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, statistical analyses were adopted to assess SEMA3D protein levels and clinical pathological characteristics. Results The mRNA expression of SEMA3D was significantly lower in CRC tissues than in paired normal tissues (t = 5.027, P < 0.0001). Compared with normal healthy controls, the serum levels of SEMA3D were decreased significantly in CRC patients (t = 3.656, P = 0.0003). The expression of SEMA3D protein was linked to lymph node metastasis, and low expression led to lymph node metastasis (χ2 = 8.415, P = 0.004). The expression of SEMA3D in CRC tissues was a favorable prognostic factor. Patients with a higher expression of SEMA3D experienced longer survival (P = 0.002, log-rank [Mantel-Cox]; Kaplan-Meier). In addition, multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard model revealed that SEMA3D is an independent prognostic marker (hazard ratio [HR] 1.818, 95% CI 1.063–3.110, P = 0.029). Moreover, transwell assays showed that knocking down SEMA3D significantly increased RKO cell migration (t = 9.268, P = 0.0008). Conclusions SEMA3D might function as a tumor suppressor during the formation and development of CRC. SEMA3D might become a predictive marker for the diagnosis, metastasis, and prognosis of CRC and provide a novel target for the prevention and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiman Ding
- The Criminal Investigation Detachment of Jiaxing Public Security Bureau, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Naiying Qian
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Beifeng Song
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayin Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Tang
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Barton R, Khakbaz P, Bera I, Klauda JB, Iovine MK, Berger BW. Interplay of Specific Trans- and Juxtamembrane Interfaces in Plexin A3 Dimerization and Signal Transduction. Biochemistry 2016; 55:4928-38. [PMID: 27508400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Plexins are transmembrane proteins that serve as guidance receptors during angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, neuronal development, and zebrafish fin regeneration, with a putative role in cancer metastasis. Receptor dimerization or clustering, induced by extracellular ligand binding but modulated in part by the plexin transmembrane (TM) and juxtamembrane (JM) domains, is thought to drive plexin activity. Previous studies indicate that isolated plexin TM domains interact through a conserved, small-x3-small packing motif, and the cytosolic JM region interacts through a hydrophobic heptad repeat; however, the roles and interplay of these regions in plexin signal transduction remain unclear. Using an integrated experimental and simulation approach, we find disruption of the small-x3-small motifs in the Danio rerio Plexin A3 TM domain enhances dimerization of the TM-JM domain by enhancing JM-mediated dimerization. Furthermore, mutations of the cytosolic JM heptad repeat that disrupt dimerization do so even in the presence of TM domain mutations. However, mutations to the small-x3-small TM interfaces also disrupt Plexin A3 signaling in a zebrafish axonal guidance assay, indicating the importance of this TM interface in signal transduction. Collectively, our experimental and simulation results demonstrate that multiple TM and JM interfaces exist in the Plexin A3 homodimer, and these interfaces independently regulate dimerization that is important in Plexin A3 signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Barton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Pouyan Khakbaz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Indrani Bera
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Jeffery B Klauda
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742, United States.,Biophysics Program, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742-2431, United States
| | - M Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States.,Program in Bioengineering, Lehigh University , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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Cx43-Dependent Skeletal Phenotypes Are Mediated by Interactions between the Hapln1a-ECM and Sema3d during Fin Regeneration. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148202. [PMID: 26828861 PMCID: PMC4734779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal development is a tightly regulated process and requires proper communication between the cells for efficient exchange of information. Analysis of fin length mutants has revealed that the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) coordinates cell proliferation (growth) and joint formation (patterning) during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration. Previous studies have shown that the extra cellular matrix (ECM) protein Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein1a (Hapln1a) is molecularly and functionally downstream of Cx43, and that hapln1a knockdown leads to reduction of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. Here we find that the proteoglycan aggrecan is similarly reduced following Hapln1a knockdown. Notably, we demonstrate that both hyaluronan and aggrecan are required for growth and patterning. Moreover, we provide evidence that the Hapln1a-ECM stabilizes the secreted growth factor Semaphorin3d (Sema3d), which has been independently shown to mediate Cx43 dependent phenotypes during regeneration. Double knockdown of hapln1a and sema3d reveal synergistic interactions. Further, hapln1a knockdown phenotypes were rescued by Sema3d overexpression. Therefore, Hapln1a maintains the composition of specific components of the ECM, which appears to be required for the stabilization of at least one growth factor, Sema3d. We propose that the Hapln1a dependent ECM provides the required conditions for Sema3d stabilization and function. Interactions between the ECM and signaling molecules are complex and our study demonstrates the requirement for components of the Hapln1a-ECM for Sema3d signal transduction.
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Pezzulo G, Levin M. Re-membering the body: applications of computational neuroscience to the top-down control of regeneration of limbs and other complex organs. Integr Biol (Camb) 2015; 7:1487-517. [PMID: 26571046 DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00221d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A major goal of regenerative medicine and bioengineering is the regeneration of complex organs, such as limbs, and the capability to create artificial constructs (so-called biobots) with defined morphologies and robust self-repair capabilities. Developmental biology presents remarkable examples of systems that self-assemble and regenerate complex structures toward their correct shape despite significant perturbations. A fundamental challenge is to translate progress in molecular genetics into control of large-scale organismal anatomy, and the field is still searching for an appropriate theoretical paradigm for facilitating control of pattern homeostasis. However, computational neuroscience provides many examples in which cell networks - brains - store memories (e.g., of geometric configurations, rules, and patterns) and coordinate their activity towards proximal and distant goals. In this Perspective, we propose that programming large-scale morphogenesis requires exploiting the information processing by which cellular structures work toward specific shapes. In non-neural cells, as in the brain, bioelectric signaling implements information processing, decision-making, and memory in regulating pattern and its remodeling. Thus, approaches used in computational neuroscience to understand goal-seeking neural systems offer a toolbox of techniques to model and control regenerative pattern formation. Here, we review recent data on developmental bioelectricity as a regulator of patterning, and propose that target morphology could be encoded within tissues as a kind of memory, using the same molecular mechanisms and algorithms so successfully exploited by the brain. We highlight the next steps of an unconventional research program, which may allow top-down control of growth and form for numerous applications in regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pezzulo
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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24
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Bhadra J, Iovine MK. Hsp47 mediates Cx43-dependent skeletal growth and patterning in the regenerating fin. Mech Dev 2015; 138 Pt 3:364-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Pfefferli C, Jaźwińska A. The art of fin regeneration in zebrafish. REGENERATION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2015; 2:72-83. [PMID: 27499869 PMCID: PMC4895310 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish fin provides a valuable model to study the epimorphic type of regeneration, whereby the amputated part of the appendage is nearly perfectly replaced. To accomplish fin regeneration, two reciprocally interacting domains need to be established at the injury site, namely a wound epithelium and a blastema. The wound epithelium provides a supporting niche for the blastema, which contains mesenchyme-derived progenitor cells for the regenerate. The fate of blastemal daughter cells depends on their relative position with respect to the fin margin. The apical compartment of the outgrowth maintains its undifferentiated character, whereas the proximal descendants of the blastema progressively switch from the proliferation program to the morphogenesis program. A delicate balance between self-renewal and differentiation has to be continuously adjusted during the course of regeneration. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of blastema formation, and discusses several studies related to the regulation of growth and morphogenesis during fin regeneration. A wide range of canonical signaling pathways has been implicated during the establishment and maintenance of the blastema. Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the regulation of cellular plasticity during the transition between differentiation states. Ion fluxes, gap-junctional communication and protein phosphatase activity have been shown to coordinate proliferation and tissue patterning in the caudal fin. The identification of the downstream targets of the fin regeneration signals and the discovery of mechanisms integrating the variety of input pathways represent exciting future aims in this fascinating field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pfefferli
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FribourgCh. du Musée 101700FribourgSwitzerland
| | - Anna Jaźwińska
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FribourgCh. du Musée 101700FribourgSwitzerland
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26
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Barton R, Palacio D, Iovine MK, Berger BW. A cytosolic juxtamembrane interface modulates plexin A3 oligomerization and signal transduction. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116368. [PMID: 25565389 PMCID: PMC4286236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plexins (plxns) are transmembrane (TM) receptors involved in the guidance of vascular, lymphatic vessel, and neuron growth as well as cancer metastasis. Plxn signaling results in cytosolic GTPase-activating protein activity, and previous research implicates dimerization as important for activation of plxn signaling. Purified, soluble plxn extracellular and cytosolic domains exhibit only weak homomeric interactions, suggesting a role for the plxn TM and juxtamembrane regions in homooligomerization. In this study, we consider a heptad repeat in the Danio rerio PlxnA3 cytosolic juxtamembrane domain (JM) for its ability to influence PlxnA3 homooligomerization in TM-domain containing constructs. Site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with the AraTM assay and bioluminescent energy transfer (BRET²) suggest an interface involving a JM heptad repeat, in particular residue M1281, regulates PlxnA3 homomeric interactions when examined in constructs containing an ectodomain, TM and JM domain. In the presence of a neuropilin-2a co-receptor and semaphorin 3F ligand, disruption to PlxnA3 homodimerization caused by an M1281F mutation is eliminated, suggesting destabilization of the PlxnA3 homodimer in the JM is not sufficient to disrupt co-receptor complex formation. In contrast, enhanced homodimerization of PlxnA3 caused by mutation M1281L remains even in the presence of ligand semaphorin 3F and co-receptor neuropilin-2a. Consistent with this pattern of PlxnA3 dimerization in the presence of ligand and co-receptor, destabilizing mutations to PlxnA3 homodimerization (M1281F) are able to rescue motor patterning defects in sidetracked zebrafish embryos, whereas mutations that enhance PlxnA3 homodimerization (M1281L) are not. Collectively, our results indicate the JM heptad repeat, in particular residue M1281, forms a switchable interface that modulates both PlxnA3 homomeric interactions and signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Barton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Danica Palacio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - M. Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Bryan W. Berger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Program in Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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27
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Govindan J, Iovine MK. Hapln1a is required for connexin43-dependent growth and patterning in the regenerating fin skeleton. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88574. [PMID: 24533114 PMCID: PMC3922931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell communication, facilitating the exchange of small metabolites, ions and second messengers, takes place via aqueous proteinaceous channels called gap junctions. Connexins (cx) are the subunits of a gap junction channel. Mutations in zebrafish cx43 produces the short fin (sof b123) phenotype and is characterized by short fins due to reduced segment length of the bony fin rays and reduced cell proliferation. Previously established results from our lab demonstrate that Cx43 plays a dual role regulating both cell proliferation (growth) and joint formation (patterning) during the process of skeletal morphogenesis. In this study, we show that Hapln1a (Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1a) functions downstream of cx43. Hapln1a belongs to the family of link proteins that play an important role in stabilizing the ECM by linking the aggregates of hyaluronan and proteoglycans. We validated that hapln1a is expressed downstream of cx43 by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR methods. Moreover, in situ hybridization at different time points revealed that hapln1a expression peaks at 3 days post amputation. Expression of hapln1a is located in the medial mesenchyme and the in the lateral skeletal precursor cells. Furthermore, morpholino mediated knock-down of hapln1a resulted in reduced fin regenerate length, reduced bony segment length and reduced cell proliferation, recapitulating all the phenotypes of cx43 knock-down. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) levels are dramatically reduced in hapln1a knock-down fins, attesting the importance of Hapln1a in stabilizing the ECM. Attempts to place hapln1a in our previously defined cx43–sema3d pathway suggest that hapln1a functions in a parallel genetic pathway. Collectively, our data suggest that Cx43 mediates independent Sema3d and Hapln1a pathways in order to coordinate skeletal growth and patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayalakshmi Govindan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - M. Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Buo AM, Stains JP. Gap junctional regulation of signal transduction in bone cells. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1315-21. [PMID: 24486014 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of gap junctions, particularly that of connexin43 (Cx43), has become an area of increasing interest in bone physiology. An abundance of studies have shown that Cx43 influences the function of osteoblasts and osteocytes, which ultimately impacts bone mass acquisition and skeletal homeostasis. However, the molecular details underlying how Cx43 regulates bone are only coming into focus and have proven to be more complex than originally thought. In this review, we focus on the diverse molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 gap junctions and hemichannels regulate cell signaling pathways, gene expression, mechanotransduction and cell survival in bone cells. This review will highlight key signaling factors that have been identified as downstream effectors of Cx43 and the impact of these pathways on distinct osteoblast and osteocyte functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atum M Buo
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph P Stains
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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29
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Stains JP, Watkins MP, Grimston SK, Hebert C, Civitelli R. Molecular mechanisms of osteoblast/osteocyte regulation by connexin43. Calcif Tissue Int 2014; 94:55-67. [PMID: 23754488 PMCID: PMC3815501 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-013-9742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoprogenitor cells are interconnected into a functional network by gap junctions formed primarily by connexin43 (Cx43). Over the past two decades, it has become clear that Cx43 is important for the function of osteoblasts and osteocytes. This connexin contributes to the acquisition of peak bone mass and is a major modulator of cortical modeling. We review key data from human and mouse genetics on the skeletal consequences of ablation or mutation of the Cx43 gene (Gja1) and the molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 regulates the differentiation, function, and survival of osteogenic lineage cells. We also discuss putative second messengers that are communicated by Cx43 gap junctions, the role of hemichannels, and the function of Cx43 as a scaffold for signaling molecules. Current knowledge demonstrates that Cx43 is more than a passive channel; rather, it actively participates in the generation and modulation of cellular signals that drive skeletal development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Stains
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 100 Penn Street, Allied Health Building, Room 540E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA,
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30
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Ton QV, Iovine MK. Identification of an evx1-dependent joint-formation pathway during FIN regeneration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81240. [PMID: 24278401 PMCID: PMC3835681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Joints are essential for skeletal flexibly and form, yet the process underlying joint morphogenesis is poorly understood. Zebrafish caudal fins are comprised of numerous segmented bony fin rays, where growth occurs by the sequential addition of new segments and new joints. Here, we evaluate joint gene expression during fin regeneration. First, we identify three genes that influence joint formation, evx1, dlx5a, and mmp9. We place these genes in a common molecular pathway by evaluating both their expression patterns along the distal-proximal axis (i.e. where the youngest tissue is always the most distal), and by evaluating changes in gene expression following gene knockdown. Prior studies from our lab indicate that the gap junction protein Cx43 suppresses joint formation. Remarkably, changes in Cx43 activity alter the expression of joint markers. For example, the reduced levels of Cx43 in the sof b123 mutant causes short fin ray segments/premature joints. We also find that the expression of evx1-dlx5a-mmp9 is shifted distally in sof b123, consistent with premature expression of these genes. In contrast, increased Cx43 in the alf dty86 mutant leads to stochastic joint failure and stochastic loss of evx1 expression. Indeed, reducing the level of Cx43 in alf dty86 rescues both the evx1 expression and joint formation. These results suggest that Cx43 influences the pattern of joint formation by influencing the timing of evx1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh V Ton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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31
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Abstract
Domestication of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and subsequent selection have resulted in dramatic phenotypic changes in domestic pigs for a number of traits, including behavior, body composition, reproduction, and coat color. Here we have used whole-genome resequencing to reveal some of the loci that underlie phenotypic evolution in European domestic pigs. Selective sweep analyses revealed strong signatures of selection at three loci harboring quantitative trait loci that explain a considerable part of one of the most characteristic morphological changes in the domestic pig--the elongation of the back and an increased number of vertebrae. The three loci were associated with the NR6A1, PLAG1, and LCORL genes. The latter two have repeatedly been associated with loci controlling stature in other domestic animals and in humans. Most European domestic pigs are homozygous for the same haplotype at these three loci. We found an excess of derived nonsynonymous substitutions in domestic pigs, most likely reflecting both positive selection and relaxed purifying selection after domestication. Our analysis of structural variation revealed four duplications at the KIT locus that were exclusively present in white or white-spotted pigs, carrying the Dominant white, Patch, or Belt alleles. This discovery illustrates how structural changes have contributed to rapid phenotypic evolution in domestic animals and how alleles in domestic animals may evolve by the accumulation of multiple causative mutations as a response to strong directional selection.
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Ton QV, Iovine MK. Determining how defects in connexin43 cause skeletal disease. Genesis 2012; 51:75-82. [PMID: 23019186 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction channels mediate direct cell-cell communication via the exchange of second messengers, ions, and metabolites from one cell to another. Mutations in several human connexin (cx) genes, the subunits of gap junction channels, disturb the development and function of multiple tissues/organs. In particular, appropriate function of Cx43 is required for skeletal development in all vertebrate model organisms. Importantly, it remains largely unclear how disruption of gap junctional intercellular communication causes developmental defects. Two groups have taken distinct approaches toward defining the tangible molecular changes occurring downstream of Cx43-based gap junctional communication. Here, these strategies for determining how Cx43 modulates downstream events relevant to skeletal morphogenesis were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh V Ton
- Department of Biological Sciences, 111 Research Drive, Iacocca B217, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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