1
|
Johnson HK, Wahl SE, Sesay F, Litovchick L, Dickinson AJ. Dyrk1a is required for craniofacial development in Xenopus laevis. Dev Biol 2024; 511:63-75. [PMID: 38621649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Loss of function variations in the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A (DYRK1A) gene are associated with craniofacial malformations in humans. Here we characterized the effects of deficient DYRK1A in craniofacial development using a developmental model, Xenopus laevis. Dyrk1a mRNA and protein were expressed throughout the developing head and both were enriched in the branchial arches which contribute to the face and jaw. Consistently, reduced Dyrk1a function, using dyrk1a morpholinos and pharmacological inhibitors, resulted in orofacial malformations including hypotelorism, altered mouth shape, slanted eyes, and narrower face accompanied by smaller jaw cartilage and muscle. Inhibition of Dyrk1a function resulted in misexpression of key craniofacial regulators including transcription factors and members of the retinoic acid signaling pathway. Two such regulators, sox9 and pax3 are required for neural crest development and their decreased expression corresponds with smaller neural crest domains within the branchial arches. Finally, we determined that the smaller size of the faces, jaw elements and neural crest domains in embryos deficient in Dyrk1a could be explained by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. This study is the first to provide insight into why craniofacial birth defects might arise in humans with variants of DYRK1A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey E Wahl
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Fatmata Sesay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Larisa Litovchick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Griffin C, Saint-Jeannet JP. Human stem cell model of neural crest cell differentiation reveals a requirement of SF3B4 in survival, maintenance, and differentiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.577202. [PMID: 38328054 PMCID: PMC10849718 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.577202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
In vitro modeling is a powerful approach to investigate the pathomechanisms driving human congenital conditions. Here we use human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to model Nager and Rodriguez syndromes, two craniofacial conditions characterized by hypoplastic neural crest-derived craniofacial bones, caused by pathogenic variants of SF3B4, a core component of the spliceosome. We observed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of SF3B4 interferes with the production of hESC-derived neural crest cells, as seen by a marked reduction in neural crest gene expression. This phenotype is associated with an increase in neural crest cell apoptosis and premature neuronal differentiation. Altogether these results point at a role of SF3B4 in neural crest cell survival, maintenance, and differentiation. We propose that the dysregulation of these processes may contribute to Nager/Rodriguez syndrome associated craniofacial defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey Griffin
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Willsey HR, Seaby EG, Godwin A, Ennis S, Guille M, Grainger RM. Modelling human genetic disorders in Xenopus tropicalis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050754. [PMID: 38832520 PMCID: PMC11179720 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in human disease genetics is leading to rapid advances in understanding pathobiological mechanisms. However, the sheer number of risk-conveying genetic variants being identified demands in vivo model systems that are amenable to functional analyses at scale. Here we provide a practical guide for using the diploid frog species Xenopus tropicalis to study many genes and variants to uncover conserved mechanisms of pathobiology relevant to human disease. We discuss key considerations in modelling human genetic disorders: genetic architecture, conservation, phenotyping strategy and rigour, as well as more complex topics, such as penetrance, expressivity, sex differences and current challenges in the field. As the patient-driven gene discovery field expands significantly, the cost-effective, rapid and higher throughput nature of Xenopus make it an essential member of the model organism armamentarium for understanding gene function in development and in relation to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94518, USA
| | - Eleanor G Seaby
- Genomic Informatics Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC), School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Sarah Ennis
- Genomic Informatics Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC), School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Robert M Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Griffin C, Coppenrath K, Khan D, Lin Z, Horb M, Saint-Jeannet JP. Sf3b4 mutation in Xenopus tropicalis causes RNA splicing defects followed by massive gene dysregulation that disrupt cranial neural crest development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578190. [PMID: 38352410 PMCID: PMC10862923 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Nager syndrome is a rare craniofacial and limb disorder characterized by midface retrusion, micrognathia, absent thumbs, and radial hypoplasia. This disorder results from haploinsufficiency of SF3B4 (splicing factor 3b, subunit 4) a component of the pre-mRNA spliceosomal machinery. The spliceosome is a complex of RNA and proteins that function together to remove introns and join exons from transcribed pre-mRNA. While the spliceosome is present and functions in all cells of the body, most spliceosomopathies - including Nager syndrome - are cell/tissue-specific in their pathology. In Nager syndrome patients, it is the neural crest (NC)-derived craniofacial skeletal structures that are primarily affected. To understand the pathomechanism underlying this condition, we generated a Xenopus tropicalis sf3b4 mutant line using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Here we describe the sf3b4 mutant phenotype at neurula, tail bud, and tadpole stages, and performed temporal RNA-sequencing analysis to characterize the splicing events and transcriptional changes underlying this phenotype. Our data show that while loss of one copy of sf3b4 is largely inconsequential in Xenopus tropicalis, homozygous deletion of sf3b4 causes major splicing defects and massive gene dysregulation, which disrupt cranial NC cell migration and survival, thereby pointing at an essential role of Sf3b4 in craniofacial development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey Griffin
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Kelsey Coppenrath
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doha Khan
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Ziyan Lin
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratory, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marko Horb
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Varineau JE, Calo E. A common cellular response to broad splicing perturbations is characterized by metabolic transcript downregulation driven by the Mdm2-p53 axis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050356. [PMID: 38426258 PMCID: PMC10924232 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruptions in core cellular processes elicit stress responses that drive cell-state changes leading to organismal phenotypes. Perturbations in the splicing machinery cause widespread mis-splicing, resulting in p53-dependent cell-state changes that give rise to cell-type-specific phenotypes and disease. However, a unified framework for how cells respond to splicing perturbations, and how this response manifests itself in nuanced disease phenotypes, has yet to be established. Here, we show that a p53-stabilizing Mdm2 alternative splicing event and the resulting widespread downregulation of metabolic transcripts are common events that arise in response to various splicing perturbations in both cellular and organismal models. Together, our results classify a common cellular response to splicing perturbations, put forth a new mechanism behind the cell-type-specific phenotypes that arise when splicing is broadly disrupted, and lend insight into the pleiotropic nature of the effects of p53 stabilization in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade E. Varineau
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eliezer Calo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson HK, Wahl SE, Sesay F, Litovchick L, Dickinson AJ. Dyrk1a is required for craniofacial development in Xenopus laevis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.13.575394. [PMID: 38260562 PMCID: PMC10802584 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.13.575394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Loss of function mutations in the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) gene are associated with craniofacial malformations in humans. Here we characterized the effects of deficient DYRK1A in craniofacial development using a developmental model, Xenopus laevis . Dyrk1a mRNA and protein was expressed throughout the developing head and was enriched in the branchial arches which contribute to the face and jaw. Consistently, reduced Dyrk1a function, using dyrk1a morpholinos and pharmacological inhibitors, resulted in orofacial malformations including hypotelorism, altered mouth shape, slanted eyes, and narrower face accompanied by smaller jaw cartilage and muscle. Inhibition of Dyrk1a function resulted in misexpression of key craniofacial regulators including transcription factors and members of the retinoic acid signaling pathway. Two such regulators, sox9 and pax3 are required for neural crest development and their decreased expression corresponds with smaller neural crest domains within the branchial arches. Finally, we determined that the smaller size of the faces, jaw elements and neural crest domains in embryos deficient in Dyrk1a could be explained by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. This study is the first to provide insight into why craniofacial birth defects might arise in humans with DYRK1A mutations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li M, Yu H, Zhou B, Gan L, Li S, Zhang C, Yu B. JANUS, a spliceosome-associated protein, promotes miRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:420-430. [PMID: 37994727 PMCID: PMC10783502 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of genes expression. Their levels are precisely controlled through modulating the activity of the microprocesser complex (MC). Here, we report that JANUS, a homology of the conserved U2 snRNP assembly factor in yeast and human, is required for miRNA accumulation. JANUS associates with MC components Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and SERRATE (SE) and directly binds the stem-loop of pri-miRNAs. In a hypomorphic janus mutant, the activity of DCL1, the numbers of MC, and the interaction of primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNAs) with MC are reduced. These data suggest that JANUS promotes the assembly and activity of MC through its interaction with MC and/or pri-miRNAs. In addition, JANUS modulates the transcription of some pri-miRNAs as it binds the promoter of pri-miRNAs and facilitates Pol II occupancy of at their promoters. Moreover, global splicing defects are detected in janus. Taken together, our study reveals a novel role of a conserved splicing factor in miRNA biogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mu Li
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| | - Huihui Yu
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| | - Bangjun Zhou
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| | - Lu Gan
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| | - Shengjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao New Energy Shangdong Laboratory, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| | - Bin Yu
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0666, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588–0118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Temaj G, Chichiarelli S, Saha S, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Nuhii N, Hadziselimovic R, Saso L. An intricate rewiring of cancer metabolism via alternative splicing. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115848. [PMID: 37813165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
All human genes undergo alternative splicing leading to the diversity of the proteins. However, in some cases, abnormal regulation of alternative splicing can result in diseases that trigger defects in metabolism, reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation, and progression in almost all tumor types. Metabolic dysregulations and immune dysfunctions are crucial factors in cancer. In this respect, alternative splicing in tumors could be a potential target for therapeutic cancer strategies. Dysregulation of alternative splicing during mRNA maturation promotes carcinogenesis and drug resistance in many cancer types. Alternative splicing (changing the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site) can result in a protein with altered drug affinity, ultimately leading to drug resistance.. Here, we will highlight the function of various alternative splicing factors, how it regulates the reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism, and their contribution to tumor initiation and proliferation. Also, we will discuss emerging therapeutics for treating tumors via abnormal alternative splicing. Finally, we will discuss the challenges associated with these therapeutic strategies for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gazmend Temaj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, College UBT, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura 00185, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Nexhibe Nuhii
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Tetovo, 1200 Tetovo, Macedonia
| | - Rifat Hadziselimovic
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Choi S, Cho N, Kim EM, Kim KK. The role of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:249. [PMID: 37875914 PMCID: PMC10594706 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a critical mechanism that generates multiple mRNA from a single gene, thereby increasing the diversity of the proteome. Recent research has highlighted the significance of specific splicing isoforms in cellular processes, particularly in regulating cell numbers. In this review, we examine the current understanding of the role of alternative splicing in controlling cancer cell growth and discuss specific splicing factors and isoforms and their molecular mechanisms in cancer progression. These isoforms have been found to intricately control signaling pathways crucial for cell cycle progression, proliferation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the characteristics and functional importance of splicing factors that influence cell numbers. Abnormal expression of oncogenic splicing isoforms and splicing factors, as well as disruptions in splicing caused by genetic mutations, have been implicated in the development and progression of tumors. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between alternative splicing and cell proliferation, thereby suggesting the potential of alternative splicing as a therapeutic target for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunkyung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjoon Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Mi Kim
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kee K Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Harms FL, Dingemans AJM, Hempel M, Pfundt R, Bierhals T, Casar C, Müller C, Niermeijer JMF, Fischer J, Jahn A, Hübner C, Majore S, Agolini E, Novelli A, van der Smagt J, Ernst R, van Binsbergen E, Mancini GMS, van Slegtenhorst M, Barakat TS, Wakeling EL, Kamath A, Downie L, Pais L, White SM, de Vries BBA, Kutsche K. De novo PHF5A variants are associated with craniofacial abnormalities, developmental delay, and hypospadias. Genet Med 2023; 25:100927. [PMID: 37422718 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The SF3B splicing complex is composed of SF3B1-6 and PHF5A. We report a developmental disorder caused by de novo variants in PHF5A. METHODS Clinical, genomic, and functional studies using subject-derived fibroblasts and a heterologous cellular system were performed. RESULTS We studied 9 subjects with congenital malformations, including preauricular tags and hypospadias, growth abnormalities, and developmental delay who had de novo heterozygous PHF5A variants, including 4 loss-of-function (LOF), 3 missense, 1 splice, and 1 start-loss variant. In subject-derived fibroblasts with PHF5A LOF variants, wild-type and variant PHF5A mRNAs had a 1:1 ratio, and PHF5A mRNA levels were normal. Transcriptome sequencing revealed alternative promoter use and downregulated genes involved in cell-cycle regulation. Subject and control fibroblasts had similar amounts of PHF5A with the predicted wild-type molecular weight and of SF3B1-3 and SF3B6. SF3B complex formation was unaffected in 2 subject cell lines. CONCLUSION Our data suggest the existence of feedback mechanisms in fibroblasts with PHF5A LOF variants to maintain normal levels of SF3B components. These compensatory mechanisms in subject fibroblasts with PHF5A or SF3B4 LOF variants suggest disturbed autoregulation of mutated splicing factor genes in specific cell types, that is, neural crest cells, during embryonic development rather than haploinsufficiency as pathomechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederike L Harms
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander J M Dingemans
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maja Hempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Casar
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Jan Fischer
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Jahn
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Hübner
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Majore
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Agolini
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jasper van der Smagt
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Ernst
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen van Binsbergen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Grazia M S Mancini
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon van Slegtenhorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Discovery Unit, Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma L Wakeling
- North East Thames Regional Genetic Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arveen Kamath
- All Wales Medical Genomics Service/ Pennaeth Labordy Genomeg Cymru Gyfan, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lilian Downie
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, VIC; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lynn Pais
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, VIC; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bert B A de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Kerstin Kutsche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gouignard N, Bibonne A, Mata JF, Bajanca F, Berki B, Barriga EH, Saint-Jeannet JP, Theveneau E. Paracrine regulation of neural crest EMT by placodal MMP28. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002261. [PMID: 37590318 PMCID: PMC10479893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an early event in cell dissemination from epithelial tissues. EMT endows cells with migratory, and sometimes invasive, capabilities and is thus a key process in embryo morphogenesis and cancer progression. So far, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have not been considered as key players in EMT but rather studied for their role in matrix remodelling in later events such as cell migration per se. Here, we used Xenopus neural crest cells to assess the role of MMP28 in EMT and migration in vivo. We show that a catalytically active MMP28, expressed by neighbouring placodal cells, is required for neural crest EMT and cell migration. We provide strong evidence indicating that MMP28 is imported in the nucleus of neural crest cells where it is required for normal Twist expression. Our data demonstrate that MMP28 can act as an upstream regulator of EMT in vivo raising the possibility that other MMPs might have similar early roles in various EMT-related contexts such as cancer, fibrosis, and wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Gouignard
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
- New York University, College of Dentistry, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anne Bibonne
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - João F. Mata
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Bajanca
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Bianka Berki
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Elias H. Barriga
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Lab, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- New York University, College of Dentistry, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eric Theveneau
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lansdon LA, Dickinson A, Arlis S, Liu H, Hlas A, Hahn A, Bonde G, Long A, Standley J, Tyryshkina A, Wehby G, Lee NR, Daack-Hirsch S, Mohlke K, Girirajan S, Darbro BW, Cornell RA, Houston DW, Murray JC, Manak JR. Genome-wide analysis of copy-number variation in humans with cleft lip and/or cleft palate identifies COBLL1, RIC1, and ARHGEF38 as clefting genes. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:71-91. [PMID: 36493769 PMCID: PMC9892779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a common birth defect with a complex, heterogeneous etiology. It is well established that common and rare sequence variants contribute to the formation of CL/P, but the contribution of copy-number variants (CNVs) to cleft formation remains relatively understudied. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale comparative analysis of genome-wide CNV profiles of 869 individuals from the Philippines and 233 individuals of European ancestry with CL/P with three primary goals: first, to evaluate whether differences in CNV number, amount of genomic content, or amount of coding genomic content existed within clefting subtypes; second, to assess whether CNVs in our cohort overlapped with known Mendelian clefting loci; and third, to identify unestablished Mendelian clefting genes. Significant differences in CNVs across cleft types or in individuals with non-syndromic versus syndromic clefts were not observed; however, several CNVs in our cohort overlapped with known syndromic and non-syndromic Mendelian clefting loci. Moreover, employing a filtering strategy relying on population genetics data that rare variants are on the whole more deleterious than common variants, we identify several CNV-associated gene losses likely driving non-syndromic clefting phenotypes. By prioritizing genes deleted at a rare frequency across multiple individuals with clefts yet enriched in our cohort of individuals with clefts compared to control subjects, we identify COBLL1, RIC1, and ARHGEF38 as clefting genes. CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of these genes in Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio yielded craniofacial dysmorphologies, including clefts analogous to those seen in human clefting disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Lansdon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | | | - Sydney Arlis
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Arman Hlas
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Alyssa Hahn
- Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Greg Bonde
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Abby Long
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jennifer Standley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - George Wehby
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | | | - Karen Mohlke
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | | | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Robert A Cornell
- Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - J Robert Manak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Genetics Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Olthof AM, White AK, Kanadia RN. The emerging significance of splicing in vertebrate development. Development 2022; 149:dev200373. [PMID: 36178052 PMCID: PMC9641660 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Splicing is a crucial regulatory node of gene expression that has been leveraged to expand the proteome from a limited number of genes. Indeed, the vast increase in intron number that accompanied vertebrate emergence might have aided the evolution of developmental and organismal complexity. Here, we review how animal models for core spliceosome components have provided insights into the role of splicing in vertebrate development, with a specific focus on neuronal, neural crest and skeletal development. To this end, we also discuss relevant spliceosomopathies, which are developmental disorders linked to mutations in spliceosome subunits. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms that could underlie the tissue-specific phenotypes often observed upon spliceosome inhibition and identify gaps in our knowledge that, we hope, will inspire further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M. Olthof
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Alisa K. White
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Rahul N. Kanadia
- Physiology and Neurobiology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The Core Splicing Factors EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A Are Essential for Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10030029. [PMID: 35893124 PMCID: PMC9326569 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD) is a human congenital disorder characterized by hypoplastic neural-crest-derived craniofacial bones often associated with outer and middle ear defects. There is growing evidence that mutations in components of the spliceosome are a major cause for MFD. Genetic variants affecting the function of several core splicing factors, namely SF3B4, SF3B2, EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A, are responsible for MFD in five related but distinct syndromes known as Nager and Rodriguez syndromes (NRS), craniofacial microsomia (CFM), mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM), cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome (CCMS) and Burn–McKeown syndrome (BMKS), respectively. Animal models of NRS and MFDM indicate that MFD results from an early depletion of neural crest progenitors through a mechanism that involves apoptosis. Here we characterize the knockdown phenotype of Eftud2, Snrpb and Txnl4a in Xenopus embryos at different stages of neural crest and craniofacial development. Our results point to defects in cranial neural crest cell formation as the likely culprit for MFD associated with EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A haploinsufficiency, and suggest a commonality in the etiology of these craniofacial spliceosomopathies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ulhaq ZS, Soraya GV, Istifiani LA, Pamungkas SA, Tse WKF. SF3B4 Frameshift Variants Represented a More Severe Clinical Manifestation in Nager Syndrome. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2022:10556656221089156. [PMID: 35331022 DOI: 10.1177/10556656221089156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nager syndrome (NS) is a rare disease marked with craniofacial and preaxial limb anomalies. In this report, we summarized the current evidence to determine a possible genotype-phenotype association among NS individuals. Twenty-four articles comprising of 84 NS (including 9 patients with a severe form of NS [Rodriguez syndrome]) patients were examined, of which 76% were caused by variants in SF3B4 (OMIM *605593, Splicing Factor 3B, Subunit 4). Within the SF3B4 gene, variants located in exon 3 commonly occurred (20%) from a total identified variant, while hotspot location was identified in exon 1 (12%), and primarily occurred as frameshift variants (64%). Thirty-five distinct pathogenic variants within SF3B4 gene were identified with two common sites, c.1A > G and c.1060dupC in exons 1 and 5, respectively. Although no significant genotype-phenotype association was found, it is notable that patients with frameshift SF3B4 variants and predicted to lead to nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) of the transcripts tended to have a more severe clinical manifestation. Additionally, patients harboring variants in exons 2 and 3 displayed a higher proportion of cardiac malformations. Taken together, this article summarizes the pathogenic variants observed in SF3B4 and provides a possible genotype-phenotype relationship in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq
- National Research and Innovation Agency, Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Gita Vita Soraya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Lola Ayu Istifiani
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | | | - William Ka Fai Tse
- Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Toxicology, Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Godden AM, Antonaci M, Ward NJ, van der Lee M, Abu-Daya A, Guille M, Wheeler GN. An efficient miRNA knockout approach using CRISPR-Cas9 in Xenopus. Dev Biol 2022; 483:66-75. [PMID: 34968443 PMCID: PMC8865746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts (KO) have become increasingly ultilised to study gene function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, 20-22 nucleotides long, which affect gene expression through post-transcriptional repression. We previously identified miRNAs-196a and -219 as implicated in the development of Xenopus neural crest (NC). The NC is a multipotent stem-cell population, specified during early neurulation. Following EMT, NC cells migrate to various points in the developing embryo where they give rise to a number of tissues including parts of the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells and craniofacial skeleton. Dysregulation of NC development results in many diseases grouped under the term neurocristopathies. As miRNAs are so small, it is difficult to design CRISPR sgRNAs that reproducibly lead to a KO. We have therefore designed a novel approach using two guide RNAs to effectively 'drop out' a miRNA. We have knocked out miR-196a and miR-219 and compared the results to morpholino knockdowns (KD) of the same miRNAs. Validation of efficient CRISPR miRNA KO and phenotype analysis included use of whole-mount in situ hybridization of key NC and neural plate border markers such as Pax3, Xhe2, Sox10 and Snail2, q-RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To show specificity we have also rescued the knockout phenotype using miRNA mimics. MiRNA-219 and miR-196a KO's both show loss of NC, altered neural plate and hatching gland phenotypes. Tadpoles show gross craniofacial and pigment phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Godden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Antonaci
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael van der Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Abu-Daya
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Guille
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cerrizuela S, Vega-Lopez GA, Méndez-Maldonado K, Velasco I, Aybar MJ. The crucial role of model systems in understanding the complexity of cell signaling in human neurocristopathies. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1537. [PMID: 35023327 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are useful to study the molecular, cellular, and morphogenetic mechanisms underlying normal and pathological development. Cell-based study models have emerged as an alternative approach to study many aspects of human embryonic development and disease. The neural crest (NC) is a transient, multipotent, and migratory embryonic cell population that generates a diverse group of cell types that arises during vertebrate development. The abnormal formation or development of the NC results in neurocristopathies (NCPs), which are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological alterations. The impaired molecular mechanisms that give rise to these multiphenotypic diseases are not entirely clear yet. This fact, added to the high incidence of these disorders in the newborn population, has led to the development of systematic approaches for their understanding. In this article, we have systematically reviewed the ways in which experimentation with different animal and cell model systems has improved our knowledge of NCPs, and how these advances might contribute to the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the treatment of these pathologies. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Guillermo A Vega-Lopez
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Karla Méndez-Maldonado
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular del Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dickinson AJG, Turner SD, Wahl S, Kennedy AE, Wyatt BH, Howton DA. E-liquids and vanillin flavoring disrupts retinoic acid signaling and causes craniofacial defects in Xenopus embryos. Dev Biol 2022; 481:14-29. [PMID: 34543654 PMCID: PMC8665092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental teratogens such as smoking are known risk factors for developmental disorders such as cleft palate. While smoking rates have declined, a new type of smoking, called vaping is on the rise. Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes to vaporize and inhale an e-liquid containing nicotine and food-like flavors. There is the potential that, like smoking, vaping could also pose a danger to the developing human. Rather than waiting for epidemiological and mammalian studies, we have turned to an aquatic developmental model, Xenopus laevis, to more quickly assess whether e-liquids contain teratogens that could lead to craniofacial malformations. Xenopus, like zebrafish, has the benefit of being a well-established developmental model and has also been effective in predicting whether a chemical could be a teratogen. We have determined that embryonic exposure to dessert flavored e-liquids can cause craniofacial abnormalities, including an orofacial cleft in Xenopus. To better understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to these defects, transcriptomic analysis of the facial tissues of embryos exposed to a representative dessert flavored e-liquid vapor extract was performed. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in these embryos revealed several genes associated with retinoic acid metabolism or the signaling pathway. Consistently, retinoic acid receptor inhibition phenocopied the craniofacial defects as those embryos exposed to the vapor extract of the e-liquid. Such malformations also correlated with a group of common differentially expressed genes, two of which are associated with midface birth defects in humans. Further, e-liquid exposure sensitized embryos to forming craniofacial malformations when they already had depressed retinoic acid signaling. Moreover, 13-cis-retinoic acid treatment could significantly reduce the e-liquid induced malformation in the midface. Such results suggest the possibility of an interaction between retinoic acid signaling and e-liquid exposure. One of the most popular and concentrated flavoring chemicals in dessert flavored e-liquids is vanillin. Xenopus embryos exposed to this chemical closely resembled embryos exposed to dessert-like e-liquids and a retinoic acid receptor antagonist. In summary, we determined that e-liquid chemicals, in particular vanillin, can cause craniofacial defects potentially by dysregulating retinoic acid signaling. This work warrants the evaluation of vanillin and other such flavoring additives in e-liquids on mammalian development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen D Turner
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Signature Science LLC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stacey Wahl
- Research and Education Department, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Allyson E Kennedy
- Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Brent H Wyatt
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Deborah A Howton
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ihewulezi C, Saint-Jeannet JP. Function of chromatin modifier Hmgn1 during neural crest and craniofacial development. Genesis 2021; 59:e23447. [PMID: 34478234 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest is a dynamic embryonic structure that plays a major role in the formation of the vertebrate craniofacial skeleton. Neural crest formation is regulated by a complex sequence of events directed by a network of transcription factors working in concert with chromatin modifiers. The high mobility group nucleosome binding protein 1 (Hmgn1) is a nonhistone chromatin architectural protein, associated with transcriptionally active chromatin. Here we report the expression and function of Hmgn1 during Xenopus neural crest and craniofacial development. Hmgn1 is broadly expressed at the gastrula and neurula stages, and is enriched in the head region at the tailbud stage, especially in the eyes and the pharyngeal arches. Hmgn1 knockdown affected the expression of several neural crest specifiers, including sox8, sox10, foxd3, and twist1, while other genes (sox9 and snai2) were only marginally affected. The specificity of this phenotype was confirmed by rescue, where injection of Hmgn1 mRNA was able to restore sox10 expression in morphant embryos. The reduction in neural crest gene expression at the neurula stage in Hmgn1 morphant embryos correlated with a decreased number of sox10- and twist1-positive cells in the pharyngeal arches at the tailbud stage, and hypoplastic craniofacial cartilages at the tadpole stage. These results point to a novel role for Hmgn1 in the control of gene expression essential for neural crest and craniofacial development. Future work will investigate the precise mode of action of Hmgn1 in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ihewulezi
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Haploinsufficiency of SF3B2 causes craniofacial microsomia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4680. [PMID: 34344887 PMCID: PMC8333351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is the second most common congenital facial anomaly, yet its genetic etiology remains unknown. We perform whole-exome or genome sequencing of 146 kindreds with sporadic (n = 138) or familial (n = 8) CFM, identifying a highly significant burden of loss of function variants in SF3B2 (P = 3.8 × 10-10), a component of the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex, in probands. We describe twenty individuals from seven kindreds harboring de novo or transmitted haploinsufficient variants in SF3B2. Probands display mandibular hypoplasia, microtia, facial and preauricular tags, epibulbar dermoids, lateral oral clefts in addition to skeletal and cardiac abnormalities. Targeted morpholino knockdown of SF3B2 in Xenopus results in disruption of cranial neural crest precursor formation and subsequent craniofacial cartilage defects, supporting a link between spliceosome mutations and impaired neural crest development in congenital craniofacial disease. The results establish haploinsufficient variants in SF3B2 as the most prevalent genetic cause of CFM, explaining ~3% of sporadic and ~25% of familial cases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang H, Beutler B, Zhang D. Emerging roles of spliceosome in cancer and immunity. Protein Cell 2021; 13:559-579. [PMID: 34196950 PMCID: PMC9232692 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00856-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is catalyzed by an intricate ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. Although the spliceosome is considered to be general cell “housekeeping” machinery, mutations in core components of the spliceosome frequently correlate with cell- or tissue-specific phenotypes and diseases. In this review, we expound the links between spliceosome mutations, aberrant splicing, and human cancers. Remarkably, spliceosome-targeted therapies (STTs) have become efficient anti-cancer strategies for cancer patients with splicing defects. We also highlight the links between spliceosome and immune signaling. Recent studies have shown that some spliceosome gene mutations can result in immune dysregulation and notable phenotypes due to mis-splicing of immune-related genes. Furthermore, several core spliceosome components harbor splicing-independent immune functions within the cell, expanding the functional repertoire of these diverse proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Maharana SK, Saint-Jeannet JP. Molecular mechanisms of hearing loss in Nager syndrome. Dev Biol 2021; 476:200-208. [PMID: 33864777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nager syndrome is a rare human developmental disorder characterized by hypoplastic neural crest-derived craniofacial bones and limb defects. Mutations in SF3B4 gene, which encodes a component of the spliceosome, are a major cause for Nager. A review of the literature indicates that 45% of confirmed cases are also affected by conductive, sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is due to defective middle ear ossicles, which are neural crest derived, while sensorineural hearing loss typically results from defective inner ear or vestibulocochlear nerve, which are both derived from the otic placode. Animal model of Nager syndrome indicates that upon Sf3b4 knockdown cranial neural crest progenitors are depleted, which may account for the conductive hearing loss in these patients. To determine whether Sf3b4 plays a role in otic placode formation we analyzed the impact of Sf3b4 knockdown on otic development. Sf3b4-depleted Xenopus embryos exhibited reduced expression of several pan-placodal genes six1, dmrta1 and foxi4.1. We confirmed the dependence of placode genes expression on Sf3b4 function in animal cap explants expressing noggin, a BMP antagonist critical to induce placode fate in the ectoderm. Later in development, Sf3b4 morphant embryos had reduced expression of pax8, tbx2, otx2, bmp4 and wnt3a at the otic vesicle stage, and altered otic vesicle development. We propose that in addition to the neural crest, Sf3b4 is required for otic development, which may account for sensorineural hearing loss in Nager syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Maharana
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Trindade PAK, Bueno PM, Scomparin L, Marzano-Rodrigues MN, Trindade-Suedam IK. The role of double-step advancement genioplasty and bilateral coronoidectomy in Nager Syndrome: A case report. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2021; 41:512-518. [PMID: 33710648 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report the surgical management of bilateral mandibular coronoid processes hyperplasia and mandibular retrognathism associated with trismus and convex facial profile in an individual diagnosed with Nager syndrome (NS). CASE REPORT A 21 years old female was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, presenting limited mouth opening and an unpleasant convex facial profile. The tomography exhibited hyperplasia of mandibular coronoid processes with no evidence of intracapsular ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. The treatment objectives were to increase mouth opening through a bilateral coronoidectomy and gain chin projection using the double-step advancement genioplasty technique. The 9-month postoperative follow-up revealed a 22.22% (6 mm) gain in jaw opening, improved masticatory function, and facial profile. CONCLUSIONS The NS is a complex craniofacial anomaly due to its clinical heterogeneity. Thus, treatment planning must be done individually, considering the patients' main complaints and respecting the limitations regarding anatomy and availability of proper surgical materials. In the present case, a bilateral coronoidectomy associated with immediate physiotherapy improved the patient's mouth opening, and the double-step genioplasty promoted a much more significant chin advancement than would be obtained with the single-step traditional osteotomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Martins Bueno
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Scomparin
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ivy Kiemle Trindade-Suedam
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.,Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The endoderm is the innermost germ layer that forms the linings of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and their associated organs, during embryonic development. Xenopus embryology experiments have provided fundamental insights into how the endoderm develops in vertebrates, including the critical role of TGFβ-signaling in endoderm induction,elucidating the gene regulatory networks controlling germ layer development and the key molecular mechanisms regulating endoderm patterning and morphogenesis. With new genetic, genomic, and imaging approaches, Xenopus is now routinely used to model human disease, discover mechanisms underlying endoderm organogenesis, and inform differentiation protocols for pluripotent stem cell differentiation and regenerative medicine applications. In this chapter, we review historical and current discoveries of endoderm development in Xenopus, then provide examples of modeling human disease and congenital defects of endoderm-derived organs using Xenopus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Edwards
- Division of Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dubey A, Yu J, Liu T, Kane MA, Saint-Jeannet JP. Retinoic acid production, regulation and containment through Zic1, Pitx2c and Cyp26c1 control cranial placode specification. Development 2021; 148:dev193227. [PMID: 33531433 PMCID: PMC7903997 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
All paired sensory organs arise from a common precursor domain called the pre-placodal region (PPR). In Xenopus, Zic1 non-cell autonomously regulates PPR formation by activating retinoic acid (RA) production. Here, we have identified two Zic1 targets, the RA catabolizing enzyme Cyp26c1 and the transcription factor Pitx2c, expressed in the vicinity of the PPR as being crucially required for maintaining low RA levels in a spatially restricted, PPR-adjacent domain. Morpholino- or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Cyp26c1 knockdown abrogated PPR gene expression, yielding defective cranial placodes. Direct measurement of RA levels revealed that this is mediated by a mechanism involving excess RA accumulation. Furthermore, we show that pitx2c is activated by RA and required for Cyp26c1 expression in a domain-specific manner through induction of FGF8. We propose that Zic1 anteriorly establishes a program of RA containment and regulation through activation of Cyp26c1 and Pitx2c that cooperates to promote PPR specification in a spatially restricted domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Dubey
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Jianshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schwenty-Lara J, Pauli S, Borchers A. Using Xenopus to analyze neurocristopathies like Kabuki syndrome. Genesis 2020; 59:e23404. [PMID: 33351273 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neurocristopathies are human congenital syndromes that arise from defects in neural crest (NC) development and are typically associated with malformations of the craniofacial skeleton. Genetic analyses have been very successful in identifying pathogenic mutations, however, model organisms are required to characterize how these mutations affect embryonic development thereby leading to complex clinical conditions. The African clawed frog Xenopus laevis provides a broad range of in vivo and in vitro tools allowing for a detailed characterization of NC development. Due to the conserved nature of craniofacial morphogenesis in vertebrates, Xenopus is an efficient and versatile system to dissect the morphological and cellular phenotypes as well as the signaling events leading to NC defects. Here, we review a set of techniques and resources how Xenopus can be used as a disease model to investigate the pathogenesis of Kabuki syndrome and neurocristopathies in a wider sense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Schwenty-Lara
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Silke Pauli
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annette Borchers
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,DFG Research Training Group, Membrane Plasticity in Tissue Development and Remodeling, GRK 2213, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wood KA, Rowlands CF, Thomas HB, Woods S, O’Flaherty J, Douzgou S, Kimber SJ, Newman WG, O’Keefe RT. Modelling the developmental spliceosomal craniofacial disorder Burn-McKeown syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233582. [PMID: 32735620 PMCID: PMC7394406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The craniofacial developmental disorder Burn-McKeown Syndrome (BMKS) is caused by biallelic variants in the pre-messenger RNA splicing factor gene TXNL4A/DIB1. The majority of affected individuals with BMKS have a 34 base pair deletion in the promoter region of one allele of TXNL4A combined with a loss-of-function variant on the other allele, resulting in reduced TXNL4A expression. However, it is unclear how reduced expression of this ubiquitously expressed spliceosome protein results in craniofacial defects during development. Here we reprogrammed peripheral mononuclear blood cells from a BMKS patient and her unaffected mother into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated the iPSCs into induced neural crest cells (iNCCs), the key cell type required for correct craniofacial development. BMKS patient-derived iPSCs proliferated more slowly than both mother- and unrelated control-derived iPSCs, and RNA-Seq analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression and alternative splicing. Patient iPSCs displayed defective differentiation into iNCCs compared to maternal and unrelated control iPSCs, in particular a delay in undergoing an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RNA-Seq analysis of differentiated iNCCs revealed widespread gene expression changes and mis-splicing in genes relevant to craniofacial and embryonic development that highlight a dampened response to WNT signalling, the key pathway activated during iNCC differentiation. Furthermore, we identified the mis-splicing of TCF7L2 exon 4, a key gene in the WNT pathway, as a potential cause of the downregulated WNT response in patient cells. Additionally, mis-spliced genes shared common sequence properties such as length, branch point to 3’ splice site (BPS-3’SS) distance and splice site strengths, suggesting that splicing of particular subsets of genes is particularly sensitive to changes in TXNL4A expression. Together, these data provide the first insight into how reduced TXNL4A expression in BMKS patients might compromise splicing and NCC function, resulting in defective craniofacial development in the embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Wood
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie F. Rowlands
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Huw B. Thomas
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Julieta O’Flaherty
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Douzgou
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - William G. Newman
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond T. O’Keefe
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Griffin C, Saint-Jeannet JP. Spliceosomopathies: Diseases and mechanisms. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1038-1046. [PMID: 32506634 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spliceosome is a complex of RNA and proteins that function together to identify intron-exon junctions in precursor messenger-RNAs, splice out the introns, and join the flanking exons. Mutations in any one of the genes encoding the proteins that make up the spliceosome may result in diseases known as spliceosomopathies. While the spliceosome is active in all cell types, with the majority of the proteins presumably expressed ubiquitously, spliceosomopathies tend to be tissue-specific as a result of germ line or somatic mutations, with phenotypes affecting primarily the retina in retinitis pigmentosa, hematopoietic lineages in myelodysplastic syndromes, or the craniofacial skeleton in mandibulofacial dysostosis. Here we describe the major spliceosomopathies, review the proposed mechanisms underlying retinitis pigmentosa and myelodysplastic syndromes, and discuss how this knowledge may inform our understanding of craniofacial spliceosomopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey Griffin
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Greenberg RS, Long HK, Swigut T, Wysocka J. Single Amino Acid Change Underlies Distinct Roles of H2A.Z Subtypes in Human Syndrome. Cell 2020; 178:1421-1436.e24. [PMID: 31491386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The developmental disorder Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is caused by heterozygous truncating mutations in SRCAP, a gene encoding a chromatin remodeler mediating incorporation of histone variant H2A.Z. Here, we demonstrate that FHS-associated mutations result in loss of SRCAP nuclear localization, alter neural crest gene programs in human in vitro models and Xenopus embryos, and cause craniofacial defects. These defects are mediated by one of two H2A.Z subtypes, H2A.Z.2, whose knockdown mimics and whose overexpression rescues the FHS phenotype. Selective rescue by H2A.Z.2 is conferred by one of the three amino acid differences between the H2A.Z subtypes, S38/T38. We further show that H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 genomic occupancy patterns are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively distinct, and H2A.Z.2 incorporation at AT-rich enhancers and expression of their associated genes are both sensitized to SRCAP truncations. Altogether, our results illuminate the mechanism underlying a human syndrome and uncover selective functions of H2A.Z subtypes during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Greenberg
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hannah K Long
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tomek Swigut
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joanna Wysocka
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Beauchamp MC, Alam SS, Kumar S, Jerome-Majewska LA. Spliceosomopathies and neurocristopathies: Two sides of the same coin? Dev Dyn 2020; 249:924-945. [PMID: 32315467 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in core components of the spliceosome are responsible for a group of syndromes collectively known as spliceosomopathies. Patients exhibit microcephaly, micrognathia, malar hypoplasia, external ear anomalies, eye anomalies, psychomotor delay, intellectual disability, limb, and heart defects. Craniofacial malformations in these patients are predominantly found in neural crest cells-derived structures of the face and head. Mutations in eight genes SNRPB, RNU4ATAC, SF3B4, PUF60, EFTUD2, TXNL4, EIF4A3, and CWC27 are associated with craniofacial spliceosomopathies. In this review, we provide a brief description of the normal development of the head and the face and an overview of mutations identified in genes associated with craniofacial spliceosomopathies. We also describe a model to explain how and when these mutations are most likely to impact neural crest cells. We speculate that mutations in a subset of core splicing factors lead to disrupted splicing in neural crest cells because these cells have increased sensitivity to inefficient splicing. Hence, disruption in splicing likely activates a cellular stress response that includes increased skipping of regulatory exons in genes such as MDM2 and MDM4, key regulators of P53. This would result in P53-associated death of neural crest cells and consequently craniofacial malformations associated with spliceosomopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Beauchamp
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre at Glen Site, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sabrina Shameen Alam
- McGill University Health Centre at Glen Site, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shruti Kumar
- McGill University Health Centre at Glen Site, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Loydie Anne Jerome-Majewska
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre at Glen Site, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang Y, Li J, Wan QX, Zhao Q, Wang KX, Zha XF. Spliceosomal Protein Gene BmSPX Regulates Reproductive Organ Development in Bombyx mori. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072579. [PMID: 32276369 PMCID: PMC7177926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation are nearly universal to all eukaryotic organisms, encompassing diverse systems and mechanisms. Here, we identified a spliceosomal protein gene BmSPX involved in sex determination of the lepidopeteran insect, Bombyx mori. In a transgenic silkworm line that overexpressed the BmSPX gene, transgenic silkworm males exhibited differences in their external genitalia compared to wild-type males, but normal internal genitalia. Additionally, transgenic silkworm females exhibited a developmental disorder of the reproductive organs. Upregulation of BmSPX significantly increased the expression levels of sex-determining genes (BmMasc and BmIMP) and reduced the female-type splice isoform of Bmdsx, which is a key switch gene downstream of the sex-determination pathway. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed an interaction between the BmSPX protein and BmPSI, an upstream regulatory factor of Bmdsx. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that BmSPX over-expression upregulated the expression of the Hox gene abdominal-B (Adb-B), which is required for specification of the posterior abdomen, external genitalia, and gonads of insects, as well as the genes in the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested the involvement of BmSPX, identified as a novel regulatory factor, in the sex-determination pathway and regulation of reproductive organ development in silkworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Qiu-Xing Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Kai-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Xing-Fu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-23-68251573; Fax: +86-23-68251128
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sun C. The SF3b complex: splicing and beyond. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3583-3595. [PMID: 32140746 PMCID: PMC7452928 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03493-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SF3b complex is an intrinsic component of the functional U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP). As U2 snRNP enters nuclear pre-mRNA splicing, SF3b plays key roles in recognizing the branch point sequence (BPS) and facilitating spliceosome assembly and activation. Since the discovery of SF3b, substantial progress has been made in elucidating its molecular mechanism during splicing. In addition, numerous recent studies indicate that SF3b and its components are engaged in various molecular and cellular events that are beyond the canonical role in splicing. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the SF3b complex and highlights its multiple roles in splicing and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengfu Sun
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Xiong F, Li S. SF3b4: A Versatile Player in Eukaryotic Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:14. [PMID: 32083075 PMCID: PMC7002316 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spliceosomes are large protein-RNA complexes regulating pre-mRNA processing in eukaryotes. SF3b4 encodes a core subunit of the U2-type spliceosome, loss- or gain-of-function of which often associates with abnormal cell growth, leading to tumorigenesis. Homologs of SF3b4 in other phyla are also essential. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the function of SF3b4. Importantly, we highlight the versatile roles of SF3b4, not only as a component for pre-mRNA splicing, but also as a regulator for transcription, translation, and cell signaling. Recent studies of SF3b4 homologs in different species across evolution will facilitate a better understanding of human diseases caused by the malfunction of SF3b4, such as Nager syndrome (NS) and cancer, in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Sha Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yamada T, Takechi M, Yokoyama N, Hiraoka Y, Ishikubo H, Usami T, Furutera T, Taga Y, Hirate Y, Kanai-Azuma M, Yoda T, Ogawa-Goto K, Iseki S. Heterozygous mutation of the splicing factor Sf3b4 affects development of the axial skeleton and forebrain in mouse. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:622-635. [PMID: 31900962 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Splicing factor 3B subunit 4 (SF3B4) is a causative gene of an acrofacial dysostosis, Nager syndrome. Although in vitro analyses of SF3B4 have proposed multiple noncanonical functions unrelated to splicing, less information is available based on in vivo studies using model animals. RESULTS We performed expression and functional analyses of Sf3b4 in mice. The mouse Sf3b4 transcripts were found from two-cell stage, and were ubiquitously present during embryogenesis with high expression levels in several tissues such as forming craniofacial bones and brain. In contrast, expression of a pseudogene-like sequence of mouse Sf3b4 (Sf3b4_ps) found by in silico survey was not detected up to embryonic day 10. We generated a Sf3b4 knockout mouse using CRISPR-Cas9 system. The homozygous mutant mouse of Sf3b4 was embryonic lethal. The heterozygous mutant of Sf3b4 mouse (Sf3b4+/- ) exhibited smaller body size compared to the wild-type from postnatal to adult period, as well as homeotic posteriorization of the vertebral morphology and flattened calvaria. The flattened calvaria appears to be attributable to mild microcephaly due to a lower cell proliferation rate in the forebrain. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that Sf3b4 controls anterior-posterior patterning of the axial skeleton and guarantees cell proliferation for forebrain development in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Yamada
- Section of Molecular Craniofacial Embryology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Section of Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Takechi
- Section of Molecular Craniofacial Embryology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norisuke Yokoyama
- Section of Molecular Craniofacial Embryology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harumi Ishikubo
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Usami
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiko Furutera
- Section of Molecular Craniofacial Embryology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Taga
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirate
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yoda
- Section of Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Sachiko Iseki
- Section of Molecular Craniofacial Embryology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ibarra BA, Atit R. What Do Animal Models Teach Us About Congenital Craniofacial Defects? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1236:137-155. [PMID: 32304072 PMCID: PMC7394376 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-2389-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The formation of the head and face is a complex process which involves many different signaling cues regulating the migration, differentiation, and proliferation of the neural crest. This highly complex process is very error-prone, resulting in craniofacial defects in nearly 10,000 births in the United States annually. Due to the highly conserved mechanisms of craniofacial development, animal models are widely used to understand the pathogenesis of various human diseases and assist in the diagnosis and generation of preventative therapies and treatments. Here, we provide a brief background of craniofacial development and discuss several rare diseases affecting craniofacial bone development. We focus on rare congenital diseases of the cranial bone, facial jaw bones, and two classes of diseases, ciliopathies and RASopathies. Studying the animal models of these rare diseases sheds light not only on the etiology and pathology of each disease, but also provides meaningful insights towards the mechanisms which regulate normal development of the head and face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz A Ibarra
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Radhika Atit
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wood KA, Rowlands CF, Qureshi WMS, Thomas HB, Buczek WA, Briggs TA, Hubbard SJ, Hentges KE, Newman WG, O’Keefe RT. Disease modeling of core pre-mRNA splicing factor haploinsufficiency. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3704-3723. [PMID: 31304552 PMCID: PMC6935387 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The craniofacial disorder mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida type is caused by haploinsufficiency of the U5 snRNP gene EFTUD2/SNU114. However, it is unclear how reduced expression of this core pre-mRNA splicing factor leads to craniofacial defects. Here we use a CRISPR-Cas9 nickase strategy to generate a human EFTUD2-knockdown cell line and show that reduced expression of EFTUD2 leads to diminished proliferative ability of these cells, increased sensitivity to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the mis-expression of several genes involved in the ER stress response. RNA-Seq analysis of the EFTUD2-knockdown cell line revealed transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression, with an enrichment for genes associated with processes involved in craniofacial development. Additionally, our RNA-Seq data identified widespread mis-splicing in EFTUD2-knockdown cells. Analysis of the functional and physical characteristics of mis-spliced pre-mRNAs highlighted conserved properties, including length and splice site strengths, of retained introns and skipped exons in our disease model. We also identified enriched processes associated with the affected genes, including cell death, cell and organ morphology and embryonic development. Together, these data support a model in which EFTUD2 haploinsufficiency leads to the mis-splicing of a distinct subset of pre-mRNAs with a widespread effect on gene expression, including altering the expression of ER stress response genes and genes involved in the development of the craniofacial region. The increased burden of unfolded proteins in the ER resulting from mis-splicing would exceed the capacity of the defective ER stress response, inducing apoptosis in cranial neural crest cells that would result in craniofacial abnormalities during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Wood
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Charlie F Rowlands
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Wasay Mohiuddin Shaikh Qureshi
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| | - Huw B Thomas
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| | - Weronika A Buczek
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| | - Tracy A Briggs
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Simon J Hubbard
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| | - Kathryn E Hentges
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| | - William G Newman
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Raymond T O’Keefe
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lasser M, Pratt B, Monahan C, Kim SW, Lowery LA. The Many Faces of Xenopus: Xenopus laevis as a Model System to Study Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Front Physiol 2019; 10:817. [PMID: 31297068 PMCID: PMC6607408 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a rare developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and various physical malformations including craniofacial, skeletal, and cardiac defects. These phenotypes, as they involve structures that are derived from the cranial neural crest, suggest that WHS may be associated with abnormalities in neural crest cell (NCC) migration. This syndrome is linked with assorted mutations on the short arm of chromosome 4, most notably the microdeletion of a critical genomic region containing several candidate genes. However, the function of these genes during embryonic development, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disorder, are still unknown. The model organism Xenopus laevis offers a number of advantages for studying WHS. With the Xenopus genome sequenced, genetic manipulation strategies can be readily designed in order to alter the dosage of the WHS candidate genes. Moreover, a variety of assays are available for use in Xenopus to examine how manipulation of WHS genes leads to changes in the development of tissue and organ systems affected in WHS. In this review article, we highlight the benefits of using X. laevis as a model system for studying human genetic disorders of development, with a focus on WHS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Lasser
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin Pratt
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Connor Monahan
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Laura Anne Lowery
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mills A, Bearce E, Cella R, Kim SW, Selig M, Lee S, Lowery LA. Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome-Associated Genes Are Enriched in Motile Neural Crest Cells and Affect Craniofacial Development in Xenopus laevis. Front Physiol 2019; 10:431. [PMID: 31031646 PMCID: PMC6474402 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a human developmental disorder arising from a hemizygous perturbation, typically a microdeletion, on the short arm of chromosome four. In addition to pronounced intellectual disability, seizures, and delayed growth, WHS presents with a characteristic facial dysmorphism and varying prevalence of microcephaly, micrognathia, cartilage malformation in the ear and nose, and facial asymmetries. These affected craniofacial tissues all derive from a shared embryonic precursor, the cranial neural crest (CNC), inviting the hypothesis that one or more WHS-affected genes may be critical regulators of neural crest development or migration. To explore this, we characterized expression of multiple genes within or immediately proximal to defined WHS critical regions, across the span of craniofacial development in the vertebrate model system Xenopus laevis. This subset of genes, whsc1, whsc2, letm1, and tacc3, are diverse in their currently-elucidated cellular functions; yet we find that their expression demonstrates shared tissue-specific enrichment within the anterior neural tube, migratory neural crest, and later craniofacial structures. We examine the ramifications of this by characterizing craniofacial development and neural crest migration following individual gene depletion. We observe that several WHS-associated genes significantly impact facial patterning, cartilage formation, neural crest motility in vivo and in vitro, and can separately contribute to forebrain scaling. Thus, we have determined that numerous genes within and surrounding the defined WHS critical regions potently impact craniofacial patterning, suggesting their role in WHS presentation may stem from essential functions during neural crest-derived tissue formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mills
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Bearce
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Rachael Cella
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Megan Selig
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Sangmook Lee
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Laura Anne Lowery
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nenni MJ, Fisher ME, James-Zorn C, Pells TJ, Ponferrada V, Chu S, Fortriede JD, Burns KA, Wang Y, Lotay VS, Wang DZ, Segerdell E, Chaturvedi P, Karimi K, Vize PD, Zorn AM. Xenbase: Facilitating the Use of Xenopus to Model Human Disease. Front Physiol 2019; 10:154. [PMID: 30863320 PMCID: PMC6399412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
At a fundamental level most genes, signaling pathways, biological functions and organ systems are highly conserved between man and all vertebrate species. Leveraging this conservation, researchers are increasingly using the experimental advantages of the amphibian Xenopus to model human disease. The online Xenopus resource, Xenbase, enables human disease modeling by curating the Xenopus literature published in PubMed and integrating these Xenopus data with orthologous human genes, anatomy, and more recently with links to the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man resource (OMIM) and the Human Disease Ontology (DO). Here we review how Xenbase supports disease modeling and report on a meta-analysis of the published Xenopus research providing an overview of the different types of diseases being modeled in Xenopus and the variety of experimental approaches being used. Text mining of over 50,000 Xenopus research articles imported into Xenbase from PubMed identified approximately 1,000 putative disease- modeling articles. These articles were manually assessed and annotated with disease ontologies, which were then used to classify papers based on disease type. We found that Xenopus is being used to study a diverse array of disease with three main experimental approaches: cell-free egg extracts to study fundamental aspects of cellular and molecular biology, oocytes to study ion transport and channel physiology and embryo experiments focused on congenital diseases. We integrated these data into Xenbase Disease Pages to allow easy navigation to disease information on external databases. Results of this analysis will equip Xenopus researchers with a suite of experimental approaches available to model or dissect a pathological process. Ideally clinicians and basic researchers will use this information to foster collaborations necessary to interrogate the development and treatment of human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mardi J Nenni
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Malcolm E Fisher
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christina James-Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Troy J Pells
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Virgilio Ponferrada
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Stanley Chu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joshua D Fortriede
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kevin A Burns
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vaneet S Lotay
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dong Zhou Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Erik Segerdell
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Praneet Chaturvedi
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kamran Karimi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter D Vize
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Merkuri F, Fish JL. Developmental processes regulate craniofacial variation in disease and evolution. Genesis 2018; 57:e23249. [PMID: 30207415 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Variation in development mediates phenotypic differences observed in evolution and disease. Although the mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation are still largely unknown, recent research suggests that variation in developmental processes may play a key role. Developmental processes mediate genotype-phenotype relationships and consequently play an important role regulating phenotypes. In this review, we provide an example of how shared and interacting developmental processes may explain convergence of phenotypes in spliceosomopathies and ribosomopathies. These data also suggest a shared pathway to disease treatment. We then discuss three major mechanisms that contribute to variation in developmental processes: genetic background (gene-gene interactions), gene-environment interactions, and developmental stochasticity. Finally, we comment on evolutionary alterations to developmental processes, and the evolution of disease buffering mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fjodor Merkuri
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Fish
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Devotta A, Hong CS, Saint-Jeannet JP. Dkk2 promotes neural crest specification by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a GSK3β independent manner. eLife 2018; 7:34404. [PMID: 30035713 PMCID: PMC6056231 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest progenitors are specified through the modulation of several signaling pathways, among which the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Wnt8 is especially critical. Glycoproteins of the Dickkopf (Dkk) family are important modulators of Wnt signaling acting primarily as Wnt antagonists. Here we report that Dkk2 is required for neural crest specification functioning as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dkk2 depletion in Xenopus embryos causes a loss of neural crest progenitors, a phenotype that is rescued by expression of Lrp6 or β-catenin. Dkk2 overexpression expands the neural crest territory in a pattern reminiscent of Wnt8, Lrp6 and β-catenin gain-of-function phenotypes. Mechanistically, we show that Dkk2 mediates its neural crest-inducing activity through Lrp6 and β-catenin, however unlike Wnt8, in a GSK3β independent manner. These findings suggest that Wnt8 and Dkk2 converge on β-catenin using distinct transduction pathways both independently required to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induce neural crest cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Devotta
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, United States
| | - Chang-Soo Hong
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet
- Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Liu
- King's College London, Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Neurocristopathies: New insights 150 years after the neural crest discovery. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S110-S143. [PMID: 29802835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a transient, multipotent and migratory cell population that generates an astonishingly diverse array of cell types during vertebrate development. These cells, which originate from the ectoderm in a region lateral to the neural plate in the neural fold, give rise to neurons, glia, melanocytes, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, odontoblasts and neuroendocrine cells, among others. Neurocristopathies (NCP) are a class of pathologies occurring in vertebrates, especially in humans that result from the abnormal specification, migration, differentiation or death of neural crest cells during embryonic development. Various pigment, skin, thyroid and hearing disorders, craniofacial and heart abnormalities, malfunctions of the digestive tract and tumors can also be considered as neurocristopathies. In this review we revisit the current classification and propose a new way to classify NCP based on the embryonic origin of the affected tissues, on recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms that drive NC formation, and on the increased complexity of current molecular embryology techniques.
Collapse
|
44
|
snRNP proteins in health and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 79:92-102. [PMID: 29037818 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Split gene architecture of most human genes requires removal of intervening sequences by mRNA splicing that occurs on large multiprotein complexes called spliceosomes. Mutations compromising several spliceosomal components have been recorded in degenerative syndromes and haematological neoplasia, thereby highlighting the importance of accurate splicing execution in homeostasis of assorted adult tissues. Moreover, insufficient splicing underlies defective development of craniofacial skeleton and upper extremities. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of splicing factor function deduced from cryo-EM structures. We combine these data with the characterization of splicing factors implicated in hereditary or somatic disorders, with a focus on potential functional consequences the mutations may elicit in spliceosome assembly and/or performance. Given aberrant splicing or perturbations in splicing efficiency substantially underpin disease pathogenesis, profound understanding of the mis-splicing principles may open new therapeutic vistas. In three major sections dedicated to retinal dystrophies, hereditary acrofacial syndromes, and haematological malignancies, we delineate the noticeable variety of conditions associated with dysfunctional splicing and accentuate recurrent patterns in splicing defects.
Collapse
|
45
|
Miller EE, Kobayashi GS, Musso CM, Allen M, Ishiy FAA, de Caires LC, Goulart E, Griesi-Oliveira K, Zechi-Ceide RM, Richieri-Costa A, Bertola DR, Passos-Bueno MR, Silver DL. EIF4A3 deficient human iPSCs and mouse models demonstrate neural crest defects that underlie Richieri-Costa-Pereira syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:2177-2191. [PMID: 28334780 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the RNA-binding protein EIF4A3 cause Richieri-Costa-Pereira syndrome (RCPS), an autosomal recessive condition mainly characterized by craniofacial and limb malformations. However, the pathogenic cellular mechanisms responsible for this syndrome are entirely unknown. Here, we used two complementary approaches, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and conditional Eif4a3 mouse models, to demonstrate that defective neural crest cell (NCC) development explains RCPS craniofacial abnormalities. RCPS iNCCs have decreased migratory capacity, a distinct phenotype relative to other craniofacial disorders. Eif4a3 haploinsufficient embryos presented altered mandibular process fusion and micrognathia, thus recapitulating the most penetrant phenotypes of the syndrome. These defects were evident in either ubiquitous or NCC-specific Eif4a3 haploinsufficient animals, demonstrating an autonomous requirement of Eif4a3 in NCCs. Notably, RCPS NCC-derived mesenchymal stem-like cells (nMSCs) showed premature bone differentiation, a phenotype paralleled by premature clavicle ossification in Eif4a3 haploinsufficient embryos. Likewise, nMSCs presented compromised in vitro chondrogenesis, and Meckel's cartilage was underdeveloped in vivo. These findings indicate novel and essential requirements of EIF4A3 for NCC migration and osteochondrogenic differentiation during craniofacial development. Altogether, complementary use of iPSCs and mouse models pinpoint unique cellular mechanisms by which EIF4A3 mutation causes RCPS, and provide a paradigm to study craniofacial disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Miller
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gerson S Kobayashi
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila M Musso
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miranda Allen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Felipe A A Ishiy
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos de Caires
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Goulart
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina Griesi-Oliveira
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roseli M Zechi-Ceide
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRCA), University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Antonio Richieri-Costa
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRCA), University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Debora R Bertola
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debra L Silver
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurobiology.,Department of Cell Biology.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kennedy AE, Kandalam S, Olivares-Navarrete R, Dickinson AJG. E-cigarette aerosol exposure can cause craniofacial defects in Xenopus laevis embryos and mammalian neural crest cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185729. [PMID: 28957438 PMCID: PMC5619826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since electronic cigarette (ECIG) introduction to American markets in 2007, vaping has surged in popularity. Many, including women of reproductive age, also believe that ECIG use is safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes and is not hazardous when pregnant. However, there are few studies investigating the effects of ECIG exposure on the developing embryo and nothing is known about potential effects on craniofacial development. Therefore, we have tested the effects of several aerosolized e-cigarette liquids (e-cigAM) in an in vivo craniofacial model, Xenopus laevis, as well as a mammalian neural crest cell line. Results demonstrate that e-cigAM exposure during embryonic development induces a variety of defects, including median facial clefts and midface hypoplasia in two of e-cigAMs tested e-cigAMs. Detailed quantitative analyses of the facial morphology revealed that nicotine is not the main factor in inducing craniofacial defects, but can exacerbate the effects of the other e-liquid components. Additionally, while two different e-cigAMs can have very similar consequences on facial appearances, there are subtle differences that could be due to the differences in e-cigAM components. Further assessment of embryos exposed to these particular e-cigAMs revealed cranial cartilage and muscle defects and a reduction in the blood supply to the face. Finally, the expression of markers for vascular and cartilage differentiation was reduced in a mammalian neural crest cell line corroborating the in vivo effects. Our work is the first to show that ECIG use could pose a potential hazard to the developing embryo and cause craniofacial birth defects. This emphasizes the need for more testing and regulation of this new popular product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson E. Kennedy
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biology, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Suraj Kandalam
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rene Olivares-Navarrete
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Amanda J. G. Dickinson
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biology, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nager acrofacial dysostosis with a novel mutation in SF3B4 and developmental retardation in an Egyptian child. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/01.mxe.0000521018.95032.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
48
|
Terrazas K, Dixon J, Trainor PA, Dixon MJ. Rare syndromes of the head and face: mandibulofacial and acrofacial dysostoses. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6:10.1002/wdev.263. [PMID: 28186364 PMCID: PMC5400673 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial anomalies account for approximately one-third of all congenital birth defects reflecting the complexity of head and facial development. Craniofacial development is dependent upon a multipotent, migratory population of neural crest cells, which generate most of the bone and cartilage of the head and face. In this review, we discuss advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of a specific array of craniofacial anomalies, termed facial dysostoses, which can be subdivided into mandibulofacial dysostosis, which present with craniofacial defects only, and acrofacial dysostosis, which encompasses both craniofacial and limb anomalies. In particular, we focus on Treacher Collins syndrome, Acrofacial Dysostosis-Cincinnati Type as well as Nager and Miller syndromes, and animal models that provide new insights into the molecular and cellular basis of these congenital syndromes. We emphasize the etiologic and pathogenetic similarities between these birth defects, specifically their unique deficiencies in global processes including ribosome biogenesis, DNA damage repair, and pre-mRNA splicing, all of which affect neural crest cell development and result in similar tissue-specific defects. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e263. doi: 10.1002/wdev.263 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Terrazas
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Jill Dixon
- Division of Dentistry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J Dixon
- Division of Dentistry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Craniofacial disorders are among the most common human birth defects and present an enormous health care and social burden. The development of animal models has been instrumental to investigate fundamental questions in craniofacial biology and this knowledge is critical to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of these disorders. RECENT FINDINGS The vast majority of craniofacial disorders arise from abnormal development of the neural crest, a multipotent and migratory cell population. Therefore, defining the pathogenesis of these conditions starts with a deep understanding of the mechanisms that preside over neural crest formation and its role in craniofacial development. SUMMARY This review discusses several studies using Xenopus embryos to model human craniofacial conditions, and emphasizes the strength of this system to inform important biological processes as they relate to human craniofacial development and disease.
Collapse
|
50
|
Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer in a Patient With Nager Syndrome. Clin Breast Cancer 2017; 17:e151-e153. [PMID: 28139434 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|