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Khan MF, Parveen S, Sultana M, Zhu P, Xu Y, Safdar A, Shafique L. Evolution and Comparative Genomics of the Transforming Growth Factor-β-Related Proteins in Nile Tilapia. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01263-x. [PMID: 39240458 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01263-x] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of cell signaling polypeptides have garnered a great deal of interest due to its capacity from nematodes to mammals to regulate cell-based activities which control the growth of embryos and sustain tissue homeostasis. The current study designed a computational analysis of the TGF-β protein family for understanding these proteins at the molecular level. This study determined the genomic structure of TGF-β gene family in Nile tilapia for the first time. We chose 33 TGF-β genes for identification and divided them into two subgroups, TGF-like and BMP-like. Moreover, the subcellular localization of the Nile tilapia TGF-β proteins have showed that majority of the members of TGF-β proteins family are present into extracellular matrix and plasma except BMP6, BMP7, and INHAC. All TGF-β proteins were thermostable excluding BMP1. Each protein exhibited basic nature, excluding of BMP1, BMP2, BMP7, BMP10, GDF2, GDF8, GDF11, AMH, INHA, INHBB, and NODAL M. All proteins gave impression of being unstable depending on the instability index, having values exceeding 40 excluding BMP1 and BMP2. Each TGF-β protein was found to be hydrophobic with lowered values of GRAVY. Moreover, every single one of the discovered TGF-β genes had a consistent evolutionary pattern. The TGF-β gene family had eight segmental duplications, and the Ka/Ks ratio demonstrated that purifying selection had an impact on the duplicated gene pairs which have experienced selection pressure. This study highlights important functionality of TGF-β and depicts the demand for further investigation to better understand the role and mechanism of transforming growth factor β in fishes and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farhan Khan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Shakeela Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Sultana
- Department of Zoology, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Peng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
| | - Youhou Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China
| | - Areeba Safdar
- Department of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Shafique
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi, 535011, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Guille M, Grainger R. Genetics and Gene Editing Methods in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:pdb.top107045. [PMID: 36283837 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of biological systems has for many years been heavily influenced by experimental approaches that exploit genetic methods. These include gain-of-function experiments that overexpress transgenes or ectopically express injected RNA and loss-of-function experiments that knock out genes or knock down RNAs. Here, we review how these methods have been applied in Xenopus frogs and introduce a variety of protocols for genetic manipulation of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
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3
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Gipson GR, Nolan K, Kattamuri C, Kenny AP, Agricola Z, Edwards NA, Zinski J, Czepnik M, Mullins MC, Zorn AM, Thompson TB. Formation and characterization of BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers. BMC Biol 2023; 21:16. [PMID: 36726183 PMCID: PMC9893541 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteins of the TGFβ family, which are largely studied as homodimers, are also known to form heterodimers with biological activity distinct from their component homodimers. For instance, heterodimers of bone morphogenetic proteins, including BMP2/BMP7, BMP2/BMP6, and BMP9/BMP10, among others, have illustrated the importance of these heterodimeric proteins within the context of TGFβ signaling. RESULTS In this study, we have determined that mature GDF5 can be combined with mature BMP2 or BMP4 to form BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimer. Intriguingly, this combination of a BMP2 or BMP4 monomer, which exhibit high affinity to heparan sulfate characteristic to the BMP class, with a GDF5 monomer with low heparan sulfate affinity produces a heterodimer with an intermediate affinity. Using heparin affinity chromatography to purify the heterodimeric proteins, we then determined that both the BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers consistently signaled potently across an array of cellular and in vivo systems, while the activities of their homodimeric counterparts were more context dependent. These differences were likely driven by an increase in the combined affinities for the type 1 receptors, Alk3 and Alk6. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal structure of BMP2/GDF5 heterodimer was determined, highlighting the formation of two asymmetric type 1 receptor binding sites that are both unique relative to the homodimers. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately, this method of heterodimer production yielded a signaling molecule with unique properties relative to the homodimeric ligands, including high affinity to multiple type 1 and moderate heparan binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Gipson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kristof Nolan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alan P Kenny
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zachary Agricola
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole A Edwards
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Zinski
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Magdalena Czepnik
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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4
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Boer EF, Maclary ET, Shapiro MD. Complex genetic architecture of three-dimensional craniofacial shape variation in domestic pigeons. Evol Dev 2021; 23:477-495. [PMID: 34914861 PMCID: PMC9119316 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the genetic basis of vertebrate craniofacial variation is a longstanding biological problem with broad implications in evolution, development, and human pathology. One of the most stunning examples of craniofacial diversification is the adaptive radiation of birds, in which the beak serves essential roles in virtually every aspect of their life histories. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia) provides an exceptional opportunity to study the genetic underpinnings of craniofacial variation because of its unique balance of experimental accessibility and extraordinary phenotypic diversity within a single species. We used traditional and geometric morphometrics to quantify craniofacial variation in an F2 laboratory cross derived from the straight-beaked Pomeranian Pouter and curved-beak Scandaroon pigeon breeds. Using a combination of genome-wide quantitative trait locus scans and multi-locus modeling, we identified a set of genetic loci associated with complex shape variation in the craniofacial skeleton, including beak shape, braincase shape, and mandible shape. Some of these loci control coordinated changes between different structures, while others explain variation in the size and shape of specific skull and jaw regions. We find that in domestic pigeons, a complex blend of both independent and coupled genetic effects underlie three-dimensional craniofacial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena F. Boer
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Emily T. Maclary
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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5
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Coppenrath K, Tavares ALP, Shaidani NI, Wlizla M, Moody SA, Horb M. Generation of a new six1-null line in Xenopus tropicalis for study of development and congenital disease. Genesis 2021; 59:e23453. [PMID: 34664392 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23453] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate Six (Sine oculis homeobox) family of homeodomain transcription factors plays critical roles in the development of several organs. Six1 plays a central role in cranial placode development, including the precursor tissues of the inner ear, as well as other cranial sensory organs and the kidney. In humans, mutations in SIX1 underlie some cases of Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, which is characterized by moderate-to-severe hearing loss. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a six1 mutant line in Xenopus tropicalis that is available to the research community. We demonstrate that at larval stages, the six1-null animals show severe disruptions in gene expression of putative Six1 target genes in the otic vesicle, cranial ganglia, branchial arch, and neural tube. At tadpole stages, six1-null animals display dysmorphic Meckel's, ceratohyal, and otic capsule cartilage morphology. This mutant line will be of value for the study of the development of several organs as well as congenital syndromes that involve these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Coppenrath
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andre L P Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nikko-Ideen Shaidani
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marcin Wlizla
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.,Embryology Department, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sally A Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Marko Horb
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering and National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Tavares ALP, Jourdeuil K, Neilson KM, Majumdar HD, Moody SA. Sobp modulates the transcriptional activation of Six1 target genes and is required during craniofacial development. Development 2021; 148:272053. [PMID: 34414417 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is a disorder characterized by hearing loss, and craniofacial and/or renal defects. Variants in the transcription factor Six1 and its co-factor Eya1, both of which are required for otic development, are linked to BOR. We previously identified Sobp as a potential Six1 co-factor, and SOBP variants in mouse and humans cause otic phenotypes; therefore, we asked whether Sobp interacts with Six1 and thereby may contribute to BOR. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments demonstrate that Sobp binds to and colocalizes with Six1 in the cell nucleus. Luciferase assays show that Sobp interferes with the transcriptional activation of Six1+Eya1 target genes. Experiments in Xenopus embryos that either knock down or increase expression of Sobp show that it is required for formation of ectodermal domains at neural plate stages. In addition, altering Sobp levels disrupts otic vesicle development and causes craniofacial cartilage defects. Expression of Xenopus Sobp containing the human variant disrupts the pre-placodal ectoderm similar to full-length Sobp, but other changes are distinct. These results indicate that Sobp modifies Six1 function and is required for vertebrate craniofacial development, and identify Sobp as a potential candidate gene for BOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre L P Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karen M Neilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Himani D Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Sally A Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
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7
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LaMantia AS. Why Does the Face Predict the Brain? Neural Crest Induction, Craniofacial Morphogenesis, and Neural Circuit Development. Front Physiol 2020; 11:610970. [PMID: 33362582 PMCID: PMC7759552 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.610970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchephalic and rhombencephalic neural crest cells generate the craniofacial skeleton, special sensory organs, and subsets of cranial sensory receptor neurons. They do so while preserving the anterior-posterior (A-P) identity of their neural tube origins. This organizational principle is paralleled by central nervous system circuits that receive and process information from facial structures whose A-P identity is in register with that in the brain. Prior to morphogenesis of the face and its circuits, however, neural crest cells act as "inductive ambassadors" from distinct regions of the neural tube to induce differentiation of target craniofacial domains and establish an initial interface between the brain and face. At every site of bilateral, non-axial secondary induction, neural crest constitutes all or some of the mesenchymal compartment for non-axial mesenchymal/epithelial (M/E) interactions. Thus, for epithelial domains in the craniofacial primordia, aortic arches, limbs, the spinal cord, and the forebrain (Fb), neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells establish local sources of inductive signaling molecules that drive morphogenesis and cellular differentiation. This common mechanism for building brains, faces, limbs, and hearts, A-P axis specified, neural crest-mediated M/E induction, coordinates differentiation of distal structures, peripheral neurons that provide their sensory or autonomic innervation in some cases, and central neural circuits that regulate their behavioral functions. The essential role of this neural crest-mediated mechanism identifies it as a prime target for pathogenesis in a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, the face and the brain "predict" one another, and this mutual developmental relationship provides a key target for disruption by developmental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony-Samuel LaMantia
- Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Genetics and Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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8
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Zinck NW, Jeradi S, Franz-Odendaal TA. Elucidating the early signaling cues involved in zebrafish chondrogenesis and cartilage morphology. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 336:18-31. [PMID: 33184938 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Across the teleost skeleton, cartilages are diverse in their composition suggesting subtle differences in their developmental mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs) during the morphogenesis of two cartilage elements in zebrafish: the scleral cartilage in the eye and the caudal fin endoskeleton. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to a BMP inhibitor (LDN193189) at a series of timepoints preceding the initial appearance of the scleral cartilage and caudal fin endoskeleton. Morphological assessments of the cartilages in later stages, revealed that BMP-inhibited fish harbored striking disruptions in caudal fin endoskeletal morphology, regardless of the age at which the inhibitor treatment was performed. In contrast, scleral cartilage morphology was unaffected in all age groups. Morphometric and principal component analysis, performed on the caudal fin endoskeleton, revealed differential clustering of principal components one and two in BMP-inhibited and control fish. Additionally, the expression of sox9a and sox9b were reduced in BMP-inhibited fish when compared to controls, indicating that LDN193189 acts via a Sox9-dependent pathway. Further examination of notochord flexion also revealed a disruptive effect of BMP inhibition on this process. This study provides a detailed characterization of the effects of BMP inhibition via LDN193189 on zebrafish cartilage morphogenesis and development. It highlights the specific, localized role of the BMP-signaling pathways during the development of different cartilage elements and sheds some light on the morphological characteristics of fossil teleosts that together suggest an uncoupling of the developmental processes between the upper and lower lobes of the caudal fin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Zinck
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shirine Jeradi
- Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tamara A Franz-Odendaal
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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9
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Shah AM, Krohn P, Baxi AB, Tavares ALP, Sullivan CH, Chillakuru YR, Majumdar HD, Neilson KM, Moody SA. Six1 proteins with human branchio-oto-renal mutations differentially affect cranial gene expression and otic development. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043489. [PMID: 31980437 PMCID: PMC7063838 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-nucleotide mutations in human SIX1 result in amino acid substitutions in either the protein-protein interaction domain or the homeodomain, and cause ∼4% of branchio-otic (BOS) and branchio-oto-renal (BOR) cases. The phenotypic variation between patients with the same mutation, even within affected members of the same family, make it difficult to functionally distinguish between the different SIX1 mutations. We made four of the BOS/BOR substitutions in the Xenopus Six1 protein (V17E, R110W, W122R, Y129C), which is 100% identical to human in both the protein-protein interaction domain and the homeodomain, and expressed them in embryos to determine whether they cause differential changes in early craniofacial gene expression, otic gene expression or otic morphology. We confirmed that, similar to the human mutants, all four mutant Xenopus Six1 proteins access the nucleus but are transcriptionally deficient. Analysis of craniofacial gene expression showed that each mutant causes specific, often different and highly variable disruptions in the size of the domains of neural border zone, neural crest and pre-placodal ectoderm genes. Each mutant also had differential effects on genes that pattern the otic vesicle. Assessment of the tadpole inner ear demonstrated that while the auditory and vestibular structures formed, the volume of the otic cartilaginous capsule, otoliths, lumen and a subset of the hair cell-containing sensory patches were reduced. This detailed description of the effects of BOS/BOR-associated SIX1 mutations in the embryo indicates that each causes subtle changes in gene expression in the embryonic ectoderm and otocyst, leading to inner ear morphological anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita M Shah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Patrick Krohn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70599, Germany
| | - Aparna B Baxi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Andre L P Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Charles H Sullivan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Department of Biology, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
| | - Yeshwant R Chillakuru
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Himani D Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karen M Neilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Sally A Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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10
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Gentsch GE, Spruce T, Owens NDL, Smith JC. Maternal pluripotency factors initiate extensive chromatin remodelling to predefine first response to inductive signals. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4269. [PMID: 31537794 PMCID: PMC6753111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development yields many different cell types in response to just a few families of inductive signals. The property of signal-receiving cells that determines how they respond to inductive signals is known as competence, and it differs in different cell types. Here, we explore the ways in which maternal factors modify chromatin to specify initial competence in the frog Xenopus tropicalis. We identify early-engaged regulatory DNA sequences, and infer from them critical activators of the zygotic genome. Of these, we show that the pioneering activity of the maternal pluripotency factors Pou5f3 and Sox3 determines competence for germ layer formation by extensively remodelling compacted chromatin before the onset of inductive signalling. This remodelling includes the opening and marking of thousands of regulatory elements, extensive chromatin looping, and the co-recruitment of signal-mediating transcription factors. Our work identifies significant developmental principles that inform our understanding of how pluripotent stem cells interpret inductive signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Gentsch
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Thomas Spruce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nick D L Owens
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Pasteur Institute, 75015, Paris, France
| | - James C Smith
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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11
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Gentsch GE, Owens NDL, Smith JC. The Spatiotemporal Control of Zygotic Genome Activation. iScience 2019; 16:485-498. [PMID: 31229896 PMCID: PMC6593175 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the earliest and most significant events in embryonic development is zygotic genome activation (ZGA). In several species, bulk transcription begins at the midblastula transition (MBT) when, after a certain number of cleavages, the embryo attains a particular nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, maternal repressors become sufficiently diluted, and the cell cycle slows down. Here we resolve the frog ZGA in time and space by profiling RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) engagement and its transcriptional readout. We detect a gradual increase in both the quantity and the length of RNAPII elongation before the MBT, revealing that >1,000 zygotic genes disregard the N/C timer for their activation and that the sizes of newly transcribed genes are not necessarily constrained by cell cycle duration. We also find that Wnt, Nodal, and BMP signaling together generate most of the spatiotemporal dynamics of regional ZGA, directing the formation of orthogonal body axes and proportionate germ layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Gentsch
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Nick D L Owens
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Pasteur Institute, Paris 75015, France
| | - James C Smith
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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