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Treccarichi S, Calì F, Vinci M, Ragalmuto A, Musumeci A, Federico C, Costanza C, Bottitta M, Greco D, Saccone S, Elia M. Implications of a De Novo Variant in the SOX12 Gene in a Patient with Generalized Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Childhood Emotional Behavioral Disorders. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6407-6422. [PMID: 39057025 PMCID: PMC11276073 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070383] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SRY-box transcription factor (SOX) genes, a recently discovered gene family, play crucial roles in the regulation of neuronal stem cell proliferation and glial differentiation during nervous system development and neurogenesis. Whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients presenting with generalized epilepsy, intellectual disability, and childhood emotional behavioral disorder, uncovered a de novo variation within SOX12 gene. Notably, this gene has never been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. No variants in known genes linked with the patient's symptoms have been detected by the WES Trio analysis. To date, any MIM phenotype number associated with intellectual developmental disorder has not been assigned for SOX12. In contrast, both SOX4 and SOX11 genes within the same C group (SoxC) of the Sox gene family have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The variant identified in the patient here described was situated within the critical high-mobility group (HMG) functional site of the SOX12 protein. This domain, in the Sox protein family, is essential for DNA binding and bending, as well as being responsible for transcriptional activation or repression during the early stages of gene expression. Sequence alignment within SoxC (SOX12, SOX4 and SOX11) revealed a high conservation rate of the HMG region. The in silico predictive analysis described this novel variant as likely pathogenic. Furthermore, the mutated protein structure predictions unveiled notable changes with potential deleterious effects on the protein structure. The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between the SOX12 gene and the symptoms diagnosed in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Treccarichi
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Francesco Calì
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Mirella Vinci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Alda Ragalmuto
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Antonino Musumeci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Carola Costanza
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Bottitta
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Donatella Greco
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (M.V.); (A.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (M.E.)
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2
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The Effects of Co-Culture of Embryonic Stem Cells with Neural Stem Cells on Differentiation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:6104-6116. [PMID: 36547077 PMCID: PMC9776753 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44120416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Researching the technology for in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neural lineages is very important in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Thus, studies on in vitro differentiation of ESCs into neural lineages by co-culture are expected to improve our understanding of this process. A co-culture system has long been used to study interactions between cell populations, improve culture efficiency, and establish synthetic interactions between populations. In this study, we investigated the effect of a co-culture of ESCs with neural stem cells (NSCs) in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions. Furthermore, we examined the effect of an NSC-derived conditioned medium (CM) on ESC differentiation. OG2-ESCs lost the specific morphology of colonies and Oct4-GFP when co-cultured with NSC. Additionally, real-time PCR analysis showed that ESCs co-cultured with NSCs expressed higher levels of ectoderm markers Pax6 and Sox1 under both co-culture conditions. However, the differentiation efficiency of CM was lower than that of the non-conditioned medium. Collectively, our results show that co-culture with NSCs promotes the differentiation of ESCs into the ectoderm.
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Stevanovic M, Drakulic D, Lazic A, Ninkovic DS, Schwirtlich M, Mojsin M. SOX Transcription Factors as Important Regulators of Neuronal and Glial Differentiation During Nervous System Development and Adult Neurogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:654031. [PMID: 33867936 PMCID: PMC8044450 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.654031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The SOX proteins belong to the superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that display properties of both classical TFs and architectural components of chromatin. Since the cloning of the Sox/SOX genes, remarkable progress has been made in illuminating their roles as key players in the regulation of multiple developmental and physiological processes. SOX TFs govern diverse cellular processes during development, such as maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells, cell proliferation, cell fate decisions/germ layer formation as well as terminal cell differentiation into tissues and organs. However, their roles are not limited to development since SOX proteins influence survival, regeneration, cell death and control homeostasis in adult tissues. This review summarized current knowledge of the roles of SOX proteins in control of central nervous system development. Some SOX TFs suspend neural progenitors in proliferative, stem-like state and prevent their differentiation. SOX proteins function as pioneer factors that occupy silenced target genes and keep them in a poised state for activation at subsequent stages of differentiation. At appropriate stage of development, SOX members that maintain stemness are down-regulated in cells that are competent to differentiate, while other SOX members take over their functions and govern the process of differentiation. Distinct SOX members determine down-stream processes of neuronal and glial differentiation. Thus, sequentially acting SOX TFs orchestrate neural lineage development defining neuronal and glial phenotypes. In line with their crucial roles in the nervous system development, deregulation of specific SOX proteins activities is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The overview of the current knowledge about the link between SOX gene variants and NDDs is presented. We outline the roles of SOX TFs in adult neurogenesis and brain homeostasis and discuss whether impaired adult neurogenesis, detected in neurodegenerative diseases, could be associated with deregulation of SOX proteins activities. We present the current data regarding the interaction between SOX proteins and signaling pathways and microRNAs that play roles in nervous system development. Finally, future research directions that will improve the knowledge about distinct and various roles of SOX TFs in health and diseases are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Drakulic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Schwirtlich
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mojsin
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Marshall GF, Gonzalez-Sulser A, Abbott CM. Modelling epilepsy in the mouse: challenges and solutions. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.047449. [PMID: 33619078 PMCID: PMC7938804 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In most mouse models of disease, the outward manifestation of a disorder can be measured easily, can be assessed with a trivial test such as hind limb clasping, or can even be observed simply by comparing the gross morphological characteristics of mutant and wild-type littermates. But what if we are trying to model a disorder with a phenotype that appears only sporadically and briefly, like epileptic seizures? The purpose of this Review is to highlight the challenges of modelling epilepsy, in which the most obvious manifestation of the disorder, seizures, occurs only intermittently, possibly very rarely and often at times when the mice are not under direct observation. Over time, researchers have developed a number of ways in which to overcome these challenges, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this Review, we describe the genetics of epilepsy and the ways in which genetically altered mouse models have been used. We also discuss the use of induced models in which seizures are brought about by artificial stimulation to the brain of wild-type animals, and conclude with the ways these different approaches could be used to develop a wider range of anti-seizure medications that could benefit larger patient populations. Summary: This Review discusses the challenges of modelling epilepsy in mice, a condition in which the outward manifestation of the disorder appears only sporadically, and reviews possible solutions encompassing both genetic and induced models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant F Marshall
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Catherine M Abbott
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK .,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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SOX1 Is a Backup Gene for Brain Neurons and Glioma Stem Cell Protection and Proliferation. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2634-2642. [PMID: 33481176 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Failed neuroprotection leads to the initiation of several diseases. SOX1 plays many roles in embryogenesis, oncogenesis, and male sex determination, and can promote glioma stem cell proliferation, invasion, and migration due to its high expression in glioblastoma cells. The functional versatility of the SOX1 gene in malignancy, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, as well as its adverse effects on dopaminergic neurons, makes it an interesting research focus. Hence, we collate the most important discoveries relating to the neuroprotective effects of SOX1 in brain cancer and propose hypothesis worthy of SOX1's role in the survival of senescent neuronal cells, its roles in fibroblast cell proliferation, and cell fat for neuroprotection, and the discharge of electrical impulses for homeostasis. Increase in electrical impulses transmitted by senescent cells affects the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which will modify the brain cell metabolism and microenvironment.
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6
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Liu X, Fang Z, Wen J, Tang F, Liao B, Jing N, Lai D, Jin Y. SOX1 Is Required for the Specification of Rostral Hindbrain Neural Progenitor Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. iScience 2020; 23:101475. [PMID: 32905879 PMCID: PMC7486433 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Region-specific neural progenitor cells (NPCs) can be generated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) by modulating signaling pathways. However, how intrinsic transcriptional factors contribute to the neural regionalization is not well characterized. Here, we generate region-specific NPCs from hESCs and find that SOX1 is highly expressed in NPCs with the rostral hindbrain identity. Moreover, we find that OTX2 inhibits SOX1 expression, displaying exclusive expression between the two factors. Furthermore, SOX1 knockout (KO) leads to the upregulation of midbrain genes and downregulation of rostral hindbrain genes, indicating that SOX1 is required for specification of rostral hindbrain NPCs. Our SOX1 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis reveals that SOX1 binds to the distal region of GBX2 to activate its expression. Overexpression of GBX2 largely abrogates SOX1-KO-induced aberrant gene expression. Taken together, this study uncovers previously unappreciated role of SOX1 in early neural regionalization and provides new information for the precise control of the OTX2/GBX2 interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhuoqing Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fan Tang
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bing Liao
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Basic Clinical Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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7
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Weisner PA, Chen CY, Sun Y, Yoo J, Kao WC, Zhang H, Baltz ET, Troy JM, Stubbs L. A Mouse Mutation That Dysregulates Neighboring Galnt17 and Auts2 Genes Is Associated with Phenotypes Related to the Human AUTS2 Syndrome. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3891-3906. [PMID: 31554716 PMCID: PMC6829118 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AUTS2 was originally discovered as the gene disrupted by a translocation in human twins with Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Since that initial finding, AUTS2-linked mutations and variants have been associated with a very broad array of neuropsychiatric disorders, sugg esting that AUTS2 is required for fundamental steps of neurodevelopment. However, genotype-phenotype correlations in this region are complicated, because most mutations could also involve neighboring genes. Of particular interest is the nearest downstream neighbor of AUTS2, GALNT17, which encodes a brain-expressed N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase of unknown brain function. Here we describe a mouse (Mus musculus) mutation, T(5G2;8A1)GSO (abbreviated 16Gso), a reciprocal translocation that breaks between Auts2 and Galnt17 and dysregulates both genes. Despite this complex regulatory effect, 16Gso homozygotes model certain human AUTS2-linked phenotypes very well. In addition to abnormalities in growth, craniofacial structure, learning and memory, and behavior, 16Gso homozygotes display distinct pathologies of the cerebellum and hippocampus that are similar to those associated with autism and other types of AUTS2-linked neurological disease. Analyzing mutant cerebellar and hippocampal transcriptomes to explain this pathology, we identified disturbances in pathways related to neuron and synapse maturation, neurotransmitter signaling, and cellular stress, suggesting possible cellular mechanisms. These pathways, coupled with the translocation's selective effects on Auts2 isoforms and coordinated dysregulation of Galnt17, suggest novel hypotheses regarding the etiology of the human "AUTS2 syndrome" and the wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders linked to variance in this genomic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Anne Weisner
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Neuroscience Program
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | - Younguk Sun
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M Troy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
| | - Lisa Stubbs
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology,
- Neuroscience Program
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
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8
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Lekk I, Duboc V, Faro A, Nicolaou S, Blader P, Wilson SW. Sox1a mediates the ability of the parapineal to impart habenular left-right asymmetry. eLife 2019; 8:47376. [PMID: 31373552 PMCID: PMC6677535 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Left-right asymmetries in the zebrafish habenular nuclei are dependent upon the formation of the parapineal, a unilateral group of neurons that arise from the medially positioned pineal complex. In this study, we show that both the left and right habenula are competent to adopt left-type molecular character and efferent connectivity upon the presence of only a few parapineal cells. This ability to impart left-sided character is lost in parapineal cells lacking Sox1a function, despite the normal specification of the parapineal itself. Precisely timed laser ablation experiments demonstrate that the parapineal influences neurogenesis in the left habenula at early developmental stages as well as neurotransmitter phenotype and efferent connectivity during subsequent stages of habenular differentiation. These results reveal a tight coordination between the formation of the unilateral parapineal nucleus and emergence of asymmetric habenulae, ensuring that appropriate lateralised character is propagated within left and right-sided circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lekk
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Véronique Duboc
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (FR 3743), Centre de Biologie du Développement (UMR5547), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, CHU, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | - Ana Faro
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanos Nicolaou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Blader
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (FR 3743), Centre de Biologie du Développement (UMR5547), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Stephen W Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Angelozzi M, Lefebvre V. SOXopathies: Growing Family of Developmental Disorders Due to SOX Mutations. Trends Genet 2019; 35:658-671. [PMID: 31288943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The SRY-related (SOX) transcription factor family pivotally contributes to determining cell fate and identity in many lineages. Since the original discovery that SRY deletions cause sex reversal, mutations in half of the 20 human SOX genes have been associated with rare congenital disorders, henceforward called SOXopathies. Mutations are generally de novo, heterozygous, and inactivating, revealing gene haploinsufficiency, but other types, including duplications, have been reported too. Missense variants primarily target the HMG domain, the SOX hallmark that mediates DNA binding and bending, nuclear trafficking, and protein-protein interactions. We here review key clinical and molecular features of SOXopathies and discuss the prospect that the disease family likely involves more SOX genes and larger clinical and genetic spectrums than currently appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Angelozzi
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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10
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Ross KG, Molinaro AM, Romero C, Dockter B, Cable KL, Gonzalez K, Zhang S, Collins EMS, Pearson BJ, Zayas RM. SoxB1 Activity Regulates Sensory Neuron Regeneration, Maintenance, and Function in Planarians. Dev Cell 2019; 47:331-347.e5. [PMID: 30399335 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
SoxB1 genes play fundamental roles in neurodevelopmental processes and maintaining stem cell multipotency, but little is known about their function in regeneration. We addressed this question by analyzing the activity of the SoxB1 homolog soxB1-2 in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. Expression and functional analysis revealed that soxB1-2 marks ectodermal-lineage progenitors, and its activity is required for differentiation of subsets of ciliated epidermal and neuronal cells. Moreover, we show that inhibiting soxB1-2 or its candidate target genes leads to abnormal sensory neuron regeneration that causes planarians to display seizure-like movements or phenotypes associated with the loss of sensory modalities. Our analyses highlight soxB1-2-regulated genes that are expressed in sensory neurons and are homologous to factors implicated in epileptic disorders in humans and animal models of epilepsy, indicating that planarians can serve as a complementary model to investigate genetic causes of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly G Ross
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa M Molinaro
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Celeste Romero
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brian Dockter
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Katrina L Cable
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karla Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eva-Maria S Collins
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bret J Pearson
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ricardo M Zayas
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Glioblastoma remains the most common and deadliest type of brain tumor and contains a population of self-renewing, highly tumorigenic glioma stem cells (GSCs), which contributes to tumor initiation and treatment resistance. Developmental programs participating in tissue development and homeostasis re-emerge in GSCs, supporting the development and progression of glioblastoma. SOX1 plays an important role in neural development and neural progenitor pool maintenance. Its impact on glioblastoma remains largely unknown. In this study, we have found that high levels of SOX1 observed in a subset of patients correlate with lower overall survival. At the cellular level, SOX1 expression is elevated in patient-derived GSCs and it is also higher in oncosphere culture compared to differentiation conditions in conventional glioblastoma cell lines. Moreover, genetic inhibition of SOX1 in patient-derived GSCs and conventional cell lines decreases self-renewal and proliferative capacity in vitro and tumor initiation and growth in vivo. Contrarily, SOX1 over-expression moderately promotes self-renewal and proliferation in GSCs. These functions seem to be independent of its activity as Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulator. In summary, these results identify a functional role for SOX1 in regulating glioma cell heterogeneity and plasticity, and suggest SOX1 as a potential target in the GSC population in glioblastoma.
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12
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Papale LA, Li S, Madrid A, Zhang Q, Chen L, Chopra P, Jin P, Keleş S, Alisch RS. Sex-specific hippocampal 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is disrupted in response to acute stress. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:54-66. [PMID: 27576189 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental stress is among the most important contributors to increased susceptibility to develop psychiatric disorders. While it is well known that acute environmental stress alters gene expression, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain largely unknown. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a novel environmentally sensitive epigenetic modification that is highly enriched in neurons and is associated with active neuronal transcription. Recently, we reported a genome-wide disruption of hippocampal 5hmC in male mice following acute stress that was correlated to altered transcript levels of genes in known stress related pathways. Since sex-specific endocrine mechanisms respond to environmental stimulus by altering the neuronal epigenome, we examined the genome-wide profile of hippocampal 5hmC in female mice following exposure to acute stress and identified 363 differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) linked to known (e.g., Nr3c1 and Ntrk2) and potentially novel genes associated with stress response and psychiatric disorders. Integration of hippocampal expression data from the same female mice found stress-related hydroxymethylation correlated to altered transcript levels. Finally, characterization of stress-induced sex-specific 5hmC profiles in the hippocampus revealed 778 sex-specific acute stress-induced DhMRs some of which were correlated to altered transcript levels that produce sex-specific isoforms in response to stress. Together, the alterations in 5hmC presented here provide a possible molecular mechanism for the adaptive sex-specific response to stress that may augment the design of novel therapeutic agents that will have optimal effectiveness in each sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia A Papale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sisi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andy Madrid
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pankaj Chopra
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sündüz Keleş
- Department of Statistics, Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Reid S Alisch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Telias M, Mayshar Y, Amit A, Ben-Yosef D. Molecular mechanisms regulating impaired neurogenesis of fragile X syndrome human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 24:2353-65. [PMID: 26393806 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited cognitive impairment. It is caused by developmental inactivation of the FMR1 gene and the absence of its encoded protein FMRP, which plays pivotal roles in brain development and function. In FXS embryos with full FMR1 mutation, FMRP is expressed during early embryogenesis and is gradually downregulated at the third trimester of pregnancy. FX-human embryonic stem cells (FX-hESCs), derived from FX human blastocysts, demonstrate the same pattern of developmentally regulated FMR1 inactivation when subjected to in vitro neural differentiation (IVND). In this study, we used this in vitro human platform to explore the molecular mechanisms downstream to FMRP in the context of early human embryonic neurogenesis. Our results show a novel role for the SOX superfamily of transcription factors, specifically for SOX2 and SOX9, which could explain the reduced and delayed neurogenesis observed in FX cells. In addition, we assess in this study the "GSK3β theory of FXS" for the first time in a human-based model. We found no evidence for a pathological increase in GSK3β protein levels upon cellular loss of FMRP, in contrast to what was found in the brain of Fmr1 knockout mice. Our study adds novel data on potential downstream targets of FMRP and highlights the importance of the FX-hESC IVND system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- 1 The Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center , Tel Aviv, Israel .,2 Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoav Mayshar
- 1 The Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center , Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ami Amit
- 1 The Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center , Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- 1 The Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center , Tel Aviv, Israel .,2 Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel
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Intermediate Progenitor Cohorts Differentially Generate Cortical Layers and Require Tbr2 for Timely Acquisition of Neuronal Subtype Identity. Cell Rep 2016; 16:92-105. [PMID: 27320921 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate progenitors (IPs) amplify the production of pyramidal neurons, but their role in selective genesis of cortical layers or neuronal subtypes remains unclear. Using genetic lineage tracing in mice, we find that IPs destined to produce upper cortical layers first appear early in corticogenesis, by embryonic day 11.5. During later corticogenesis, IP laminar fates are progressively limited to upper layers. We examined the role of Tbr2, an IP-specific transcription factor, in laminar fate regulation using Tbr2 conditional mutant mice. Upon Tbr2 inactivation, fewer neurons were produced by immediate differentiation and laminar fates were shifted upward. Genesis of subventricular mitoses was, however, not reduced in the context of a Tbr2-null cortex. Instead, neuronal and laminar differentiation were disrupted and delayed. Our findings indicate that upper-layer genesis depends on IPs from many stages of corticogenesis and that Tbr2 regulates the tempo of laminar fate implementation for all cortical layers.
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Yang P, Shen WB, Reece EA, Chen X, Yang P. High glucose suppresses embryonic stem cell differentiation into neural lineage cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 472:306-12. [PMID: 26940741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.02.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal neurogenesis occurs during embryonic development in human diabetic pregnancies and in animal models of diabetic embryopathy. Our previous studies in a mouse model of diabetic embryopathy have implicated that high glucose of maternal diabetes delays neurogenesis in the developing neuroepithelium leading to neural tube defects. However, the underlying process in high glucose-impaired neurogenesis is uncharacterized. Neurogenesis from embryonic stem (ES) cells provides a valuable model for understanding the abnormal neural lineage development under high glucose conditions. ES cells are commonly generated and maintained in high glucose (approximately 25 mM glucose). Here, the mouse ES cell line, E14, was gradually adapted to and maintained in low glucose (5 mM), and became a glucose responsive E14 (GR-E14) line. High glucose induced the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker, CHOP, in GR-E14 cells. Under low glucose conditions, the GR-E14 cells retained their pluripotency and capability to differentiate into neural lineage cells. GR-E14 cell differentiation into neural stem cells (Sox1 and nestin positive cells) was inhibited by high glucose. Neuron (Tuj1 positive cells) and glia (GFAP positive cells) differentiation from GR-E14 cells was also suppressed by high glucose. In addition, high glucose delayed GR-E14 differentiation into neural crest cells by decreasing neural crest markers, paired box 3 (Pax3) and paired box 7 (Pax7). Thus, high glucose impairs ES cell differentiation into neural lineage cells. The low glucose adapted and high glucose responsive GR-E14 cell line is a useful in vitro model for assessing the adverse effect of high glucose on the development of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Wei-bin Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - E Albert Reece
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Peixin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Miller-Delaney SFC, Bryan K, Das S, McKiernan RC, Bray IM, Reynolds JP, Gwinn R, Stallings RL, Henshall DC. Differential DNA methylation profiles of coding and non-coding genes define hippocampal sclerosis in human temporal lobe epilepsy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 138:616-31. [PMID: 25552301 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with large-scale, wide-ranging changes in gene expression in the hippocampus. Epigenetic changes to DNA are attractive mechanisms to explain the sustained hyperexcitability of chronic epilepsy. Here, through methylation analysis of all annotated C-phosphate-G islands and promoter regions in the human genome, we report a pilot study of the methylation profiles of temporal lobe epilepsy with or without hippocampal sclerosis. Furthermore, by comparative analysis of expression and promoter methylation, we identify methylation sensitive non-coding RNA in human temporal lobe epilepsy. A total of 146 protein-coding genes exhibited altered DNA methylation in temporal lobe epilepsy hippocampus (n = 9) when compared to control (n = 5), with 81.5% of the promoters of these genes displaying hypermethylation. Unique methylation profiles were evident in temporal lobe epilepsy with or without hippocampal sclerosis, in addition to a common methylation profile regardless of pathology grade. Gene ontology terms associated with development, neuron remodelling and neuron maturation were over-represented in the methylation profile of Watson Grade 1 samples (mild hippocampal sclerosis). In addition to genes associated with neuronal, neurotransmitter/synaptic transmission and cell death functions, differential hypermethylation of genes associated with transcriptional regulation was evident in temporal lobe epilepsy, but overall few genes previously associated with epilepsy were among the differentially methylated. Finally, a panel of 13, methylation-sensitive microRNA were identified in temporal lobe epilepsy including MIR27A, miR-193a-5p (MIR193A) and miR-876-3p (MIR876), and the differential methylation of long non-coding RNA documented for the first time. The present study therefore reports select, genome-wide DNA methylation changes in human temporal lobe epilepsy that may contribute to the molecular architecture of the epileptic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne F C Miller-Delaney
- 1 Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kenneth Bryan
- 2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sudipto Das
- 2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ross C McKiernan
- 1 Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Isabella M Bray
- 2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - James P Reynolds
- 1 Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ryder Gwinn
- 3 Centre for Neuromodulation and Functional Restoration, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, 550 17th Ave. Suite 540, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Raymond L Stallings
- 2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland 4 National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- 1 Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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17
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Wang D, Ren M, Guo J, Yang G, Long X, Hu R, Shen W, Wang X, Zeng K. The inhibitory effects of Npas4 on seizures in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115801. [PMID: 25536221 PMCID: PMC4275263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the effects of neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) on seizures in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, Npas4 expression was detected by double-label immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting in the brains of pilocarpine-induced epileptic model rats at 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 d, 14 d, 30 d, and 60 d after status epilepticus. Npas4 was localized primarily in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of neurons. The Npas4 protein levels increased in the acute phase of seizures (between 6 h and 72 h) and decreased in the chronic phases (between 7 d and 60 d) in the rat model. Npas4 expression was knocked down by specific siRNA interference. Then, the animals were treated with pilocarpine, and the effects on seizures were evaluated on the 7th day. The onset latencies of pilocarpine-induced seizures were decreased, while the seizure frequency, duration and attack rate increased in these rats. Our study indicates that Npas4 inhibits seizure attacks in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiamei Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianghua Long
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Shen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Kebin Zeng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Klaric TS, Thomas PQ, Dottori M, Leong WK, Koblar SA, Lewis MD. A reduction in Npas4 expression results in delayed neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2014; 5:64. [PMID: 24887558 PMCID: PMC4076635 DOI: 10.1186/scrt453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Npas4 is a calcium-dependent transcription factor expressed within neurons of the brain where it regulates the expression of several genes that are important for neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. It is known that in the adult brain Npas4 plays an important role in several key aspects of neurobiology including inhibitory synapse formation, neuroprotection and memory, yet very little is known about the role of Npas4 during neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to examine the expression and function of Npas4 during nervous system development by using a combination of in vivo experiments in the developing mouse embryo and neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as an in vitro model of the early stages of embryogenesis. METHODS Two different neural differentiation paradigms were used to investigate Npas4 expression during neurodevelopment in vitro; adherent monolayer differentiation of mouse ESCs in N2B27 medium and Noggin-induced differentiation of human ESCs. This work was complemented by direct analysis of Npas4 expression in the mouse embryo. The function of Npas4 in the context of neurodevelopment was investigated using loss-of-function experiments in vitro. We created several mouse ESC lines in which Npas4 expression was reduced during neural differentiation through RNA interference and we then analyzed the ability of these Npas4 knockdown mouse ESCs lines to undergo neural differentiation. RESULTS We found that while Npas4 is not expressed in undifferentiated ESCs, it becomes transiently up-regulated during neural differentiation of both mouse and human ESCs at a stage of differentiation that is characterized by proliferation of neural progenitor cells. This was corroborated by analysis of Npas4 expression in the mouse embryo where the Npas4 transcript was detected specifically in the developing forebrain beginning at embryonic day 9.5. Finally, knockdown of Npas4 expression in mouse ESCs undergoing neural differentiation affected their ability to differentiate appropriately, resulting in delayed neural differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Here we provide the first evidence that Npas4 is expressed during embryonic development and that it may have a developmental role that is unrelated to its function in the adult brain.
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Abstract
SoxB1 sub-family of transcriptional regulators are expressed in progenitor (NP) cells throughout the neuroaxis and are generally downregulated during neuronal differentiation. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicate that Sox1, Sox2 and Sox3 are key regulators of NP differentiation and that their roles in CNS development are largely redundant. Nevertheless, mutation of each SoxB1 individually results in a different array of CNS defects, raising the possibility that SoxB1 proteins have subtly different functions in NP cells. To explore the mechanism of SOXB1 functional redundancy, and to identify genes that are most sensitive to loss of the Sox3 gene, we performed genome wide expression profiling of Sox3 null NP cells. Nineteen genes with abnormal expression were identified, including the homeobox gene Dbx1. Analysis of Sox3 null embryos revealed that Dbx1 was significantly reduced in the neural tube and developing brain and that SOX3 bound directly to conserved elements associated with this gene in cultured NP cells and in vivo. These data define Dbx1 as a direct SOX3 target gene whose expression, intriguingly, is not fully rescued by other SOXB1 transcription factors, suggesting that there are inherent differences in SOXB1 protein activity.
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20
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Feng N, Han Q, Li J, Wang S, Li H, Yao X, Zhao RC. Generation of highly purified neural stem cells from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells by Sox1 activation. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:515-29. [PMID: 24138016 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are ideal candidates in stem cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is unfeasible to get enough quantity of NSCs for clinical application. Generation of NSCs from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) will provide a solution to this problem. Currently, the differentiation of hAD-MSCs into highly purified NSCs with biological functions is rarely reported. In our study, we established a three-step NSC-inducing protocol, in which hAD-MSCs were induced to generate NSCs with high purity after sequentially cultured in the pre-inducing medium (Step1), the N2B27 medium (Step2), and the N2B27 medium supplement with basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor (Step3). These hAD-MSC-derived NSCs (adNSCs) can form neurospheres and highly express Sox1, Pax6, Nestin, and Vimentin; the proportion was 96.1% ± 1.3%, 96.8% ± 1.7%, 96.2% ± 1.3%, and 97.2% ± 2.5%, respectively, as detected by flow cytometry. These adNSCs can further differentiate into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and functional neurons, which were able to generate tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium current. Additionally, we found that the neural differentiation of hAD-MSCs were significantly suppressed by Sox1 interference, and what's more, Step1 was a key step for the following induction, probably because it was associated with the initiation and nuclear translocation of Sox1, an important transcriptional factor for neural development. Finally, we observed that bone morphogenetic protein signal was inhibited, and Wnt/β-catenin signal was activated during inducing process, and both signals were related with Sox1 expression. In conclusion, we successfully established a three-step inducing protocol to derive NSCs from hAD-MSCs with high purity by Sox1 activation. These findings might enable to acquire enough autologous transplantable NSCs for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianhua Feng
- 1 Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine , Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Morales Torres C, Laugesen A, Helin K. Utx is required for proper induction of ectoderm and mesoderm during differentiation of embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60020. [PMID: 23573229 PMCID: PMC3616089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development requires chromatin remodeling for dynamic regulation of gene expression patterns to ensure silencing of pluripotent transcription factors and activation of developmental regulators. Demethylation of H3K27me3 by the histone demethylases Utx and Jmjd3 is important for the activation of lineage choice genes in response to developmental signals. To further understand the function of Utx in pluripotency and differentiation we generated Utx knockout embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Here we show that Utx is not required for the proliferation of ESCs, however, Utx contributes to the establishment of ectoderm and mesoderm in vitro. Interestingly, this contribution is independent of the catalytic activity of Utx. Furthermore, we provide data showing that the Utx homologue, Uty, which is devoid of detectable demethylase activity, and Jmjd3 partly compensate for the loss of Utx. Taken together our results show that Utx is required for proper formation of ectoderm and mesoderm in vitro, and that Utx, similar to its C.elegans homologue, has demethylase dependent and independent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Morales Torres
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Laugesen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Stem Cell Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Venere M, Han YG, Bell R, Song JS, Alvarez-Buylla A, Blelloch R. Sox1 marks an activated neural stem/progenitor cell in the hippocampus. Development 2012; 139:3938-49. [PMID: 22992951 DOI: 10.1242/dev.081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus continues generating new neurons throughout life. These neurons originate from radial astrocytes within the subgranular zone (SGZ). Here, we find that Sox1, a member of the SoxB1 family of transcription factors, is expressed in a subset of radial astrocytes. Lineage tracing using Sox1-tTA;tetO-Cre;Rosa26 reporter mice shows that the Sox1-expressing cells represent an activated neural stem/progenitor population that gives rise to most if not all newly born granular neurons, as well as a small number of mature hilar astrocytes. Furthermore, a subpopulation of Sox1-marked cells have long-term neurogenic potential, producing new neurons 3 months after inactivation of tetracycline transactivator. Remarkably, after 8 weeks of labeling and a 12-week chase, as much as 44% of all granular neurons in the dentate gyrus were derived from Sox1 lineage-traced adult neural stem/progenitor cells. The fraction of Sox1-positive cells within the radial astrocyte population decreases with age, correlating with a decrease in neurogenesis. However, expression profiling shows that these cells are transcriptionally stable throughout the lifespan of the mouse. These results demonstrate that Sox1 is expressed in an activated stem/progenitor population whose numbers decrease with age while maintaining a stable molecular program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Venere
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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SOX2 hypomorphism disrupts development of the prechordal floor and optic cup. Mech Dev 2012; 129:1-12. [PMID: 22522080 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency for the HMG-box transcription factor SOX2 results in abnormalities of the human ventral forebrain and its derivative structures. These defects include anophthalmia (absence of eye), microphthalmia (small eye) and hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), an overgrowth of the ventral hypothalamus. To determine how Sox2 deficiency affects the morphogenesis of the ventral diencephalon and eye, we generated a Sox2 allelic series (Sox2(IR), Sox2(LP), and Sox2(EGFP)), allowing for the generation of mice that express germline hypomorphic levels (<40%) of SOX2 protein and that faithfully recapitulate SOX2 haploinsufficient human phenotypes. We find that Sox2 hypomorphism significantly disrupts the development of the posterior hypothalamus, resulting in an ectopic protuberance of the prechordal floor, an upregulation of Shh signaling, and abnormal hypothalamic patterning. In the anterior diencephalon, both the optic stalks and optic cups (OC) of Sox2 hypomorphic (Sox2(HYP)) embryos are malformed. Furthermore, Sox2(HYP) eyes exhibit a loss of neural potential and coloboma, a common phenotype in SOX2 haploinsufficient humans that has not been described in a mouse model of SOX2 deficiency. These results establish for the first time that germline Sox2 hypomorphism disrupts the morphogenesis and patterning of the hypothalamus, optic stalk, and the early OC, establishing a model of the development of the abnormalities that are observed in SOX2 haploinsufficient humans.
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Abstract
Vertebrate embryonic stem (ES) cells give rise to many different cell types in multistep processes. These involve the establishment of a competent state, specification, differentiation, and maturation, and often involve Sox transcription factors. In this issue of Genes & Development, Bergsland and colleagues (pp. 2453-2464) determine the genome-wide binding profile of Sox2, Sox3, and Sox11 as ES cells become specified to neural precursors and differentiate into neurons. An ordered, sequential binding of these Sox proteins to a common set of gene enhancers was found to drive neurogenesis, as Sox proteins first help to preselect neural genes in ES cells and later ensure their proper activation in neural precursors or neurons.
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Uchikawa M, Yoshida M, Iwafuchi-Doi M, Matsuda K, Ishida Y, Takemoto T, Kondoh H. B1 and B2 Sox gene expression during neural plate development in chicken and mouse embryos: Universal versus species-dependent features. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:761-71. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2011.01286.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Remboutsika E, Elkouris M, Iulianella A, Andoniadou CL, Poulou M, Mitsiadis TA, Trainor PA, Lovell-Badge R. Flexibility of neural stem cells. Front Physiol 2011; 2:16. [PMID: 21516249 PMCID: PMC3079860 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2011.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic cortical neural stem cells are self-renewing progenitors that can differentiate into neurons and glia. We generated neurospheres from the developing cerebral cortex using a mouse genetic model that allows for lineage selection and found that the self-renewing neural stem cells are restricted to Sox2 expressing cells. Under normal conditions, embryonic cortical neurospheres are heterogeneous with regard to Sox2 expression and contain astrocytes, neural stem cells, and neural progenitor cells sufficiently plastic to give rise to neural crest cells when transplanted into the hindbrain of E1.5 chick and E8 mouse embryos. However, when neurospheres are maintained under lineage selection, such that all cells express Sox2, neural stem cells maintain their Pax6+ cortical radial glia identity and exhibit a more restricted fate in vitro and after transplantation. These data demonstrate that Sox2 preserves the cortical identity and regulates the plasticity of self-renewing Pax6+ radial glia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eumorphia Remboutsika
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming," Athens, Greece
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Elkouris M, Balaskas N, Poulou M, Politis PK, Panayiotou E, Malas S, Thomaidou D, Remboutsika E. Sox1 Maintains the Undifferentiated State of Cortical Neural Progenitor Cells via the Suppression of Prox1-Mediated Cell Cycle Exit and Neurogenesis. Stem Cells 2011; 29:89-98. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Archer TC, Jin J, Casey ES. Interaction of Sox1, Sox2, Sox3 and Oct4 during primary neurogenesis. Dev Biol 2010; 350:429-40. [PMID: 21147085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sox1, Sox2 and Sox3, the three members of the SoxB1 subgroup of transcription factors, have similar sequences, expression patterns and overexpression phenotypes. Thus, it has been suggested that they have redundant roles in the maintenance of neural stem cells in development. However, the long-term effect of overexpression or their function in combination with their putative co-factor Oct4 has not been tested. Here, we show that overexpression of sox1, sox2, sox3 or oct91, the Xenopus homologue of Oct4, results in the same phenotype: an expanded neural plate at the expense of epidermis and delayed neurogenesis. However, each of these proteins induced a unique profile of neural markers and the combination of Oct91 with each SoxB1 protein had different effects, as did continuous misexpression of the proteins. Overexpression studies indicate that Oct91 preferentially cooperates with Sox2 to maintain neural progenitor marker expression, while knockdown of Oct91 inhibits neural induction driven by either Sox2 or Sox3. Continuous expression of Sox1 and Sox2 in transgenic embryos represses neuron differentiation and inhibits anterior development while increasing cell proliferation. Constitutively active Sox3, however, leads to increased apoptosis suggesting that it functions as a tumor suppressor. While the SoxB1s have overlapping functions, they are not strictly redundant as they induce different sets of genes and are likely to partner with different proteins to maintain progenitor identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenley C Archer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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29
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Sox1 is required for the specification of a novel p2-derived interneuron subtype in the mouse ventral spinal cord. J Neurosci 2010; 30:12274-80. [PMID: 20844123 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2402-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During mouse development, the ventral spinal cord becomes organized into five progenitor domains that express different combinations of transcription factors and generate different subsets of neurons and glia. One of these domains, known as the p2 domain, generates two subtypes of interneurons, V2a and V2b. Here we have used genetic fate mapping and loss-of-function analysis to show that the transcription factor Sox1 is expressed in, and is required for, a third type of p2-derived interneuron, which we named V2c. These are close relatives of V2b interneurons, and, in the absence of Sox1, they switch to the V2b fate. In addition, we show that late-born V2a and V2b interneurons are heterogeneous, and subsets of these cells express the transcription factor Pax6. Our data demonstrate that interneuron diversification in the p2 domain is more complex than previously thought and directly implicate Sox1 in this process.
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30
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Abstract
In the cochlea, spiral ganglion neurons play a critical role in hearing as they form the relay between mechanosensory hair cells in the inner ear and cochlear nuclei in the brainstem. The proneural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors Neurogenin1 (Neurog1) and NeuroD1 have been shown to be essential for the development of otocyst-derived inner ear sensory neurons. Here, we show neural competence of nonsensory epithelial cells in the cochlea, as ectopic expression of either Neurog1 or NeuroD1 results in the formation of neuronal cells. Since the high-mobility-group type transcription factor Sox2, which is also known to play a role in neurogenesis, is expressed in otocyst-derived neural precursor cells and later in the spiral ganglion neurons along with Neurog1 and NeuroD1, we used both gain- and loss-of-function experiments to examine the role of Sox2 in spiral ganglion neuron formation. We demonstrate that overexpression of Sox2 results in the production of neurons, suggesting that Sox2 is sufficient for the induction of neuronal fate in nonsensory epithelial cells. Furthermore, spiral ganglion neurons are absent in cochleae from Sox2(Lcc/Lcc) mice, indicating that Sox2 is also required for neuronal formation in the cochlea. Our results indicate that Sox2, along with Neurog1 and NeuroD1, are sufficient to induce a neuronal fate in nonsensory regions of the cochlea. Finally, we demonstrate that nonsensory cells within the cochlea retain neural competence through at least the early postnatal period.
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SOX1 links the function of neural patterning and Notch signalling in the ventral spinal cord during the neuron-glial fate switch. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 390:1114-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.08.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Miyagi S, Kato H, Okuda A. Role of SoxB1 transcription factors in development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:3675-84. [PMID: 19633813 PMCID: PMC11115863 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Revised: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SoxB1 factors, which include Sox1, 2, and 3, share more than 90% amino acid identity in their DNA binding HMG box and participate in diverse developmental events. They are known to exert cell-type-specific functions in concert with other transcription factors on Sox factor-dependent regulatory enhancers. Due to the high degree of sequence similarity both within and outside the HMG box, SoxB1 members show almost identical biological activities. As a result, they exhibit strong functional redundancy in regions where SoxB1 members are coexpressed, such as neural stem/progenitor cells in the developing central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Miyagi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Kato
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1241 Japan
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1241 Japan
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Ahmed S, Gan HT, Lam CS, Poonepalli A, Ramasamy S, Tay Y, Tham M, Yu YH. Transcription factors and neural stem cell self-renewal, growth and differentiation. Cell Adh Migr 2009; 3:412-24. [PMID: 19535895 DOI: 10.4161/cam.3.4.8803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a large network of interconnecting and intercommunicating cells that form functional circuits. Disease and injury of the CNS are prominent features of the healthcare landscape. There is an urgent unmet need to generate therapeutic solutions for CNS disease/injury. To increase our understanding of the CNS we need to generate cellular models that are experimentally tractable. Neural stem cells (NSCs), cells that generate the CNS during embryonic development, have been identified and propagated in vitro. To develop NSCs as a cellular model for the CNS we need to understand more about their genetics and cell biology. In particular, we need to define the mechanisms of self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation--i.e. NSC behavior. The analysis of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through mapping regulatory networks of transcription factors has proven to be a powerful approach to understanding embryonic development. Here, we discuss the role of transcription factors in NSC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Ahmed
- Institute of Medical Biology, Immunos, Singapore.
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Rogers C, Moody SA, Casey E. Neural induction and factors that stabilize a neural fate. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2009; 87:249-62. [PMID: 19750523 PMCID: PMC2756055 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The neural ectoderm of vertebrates forms when the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway is suppressed. Herein, we review the molecules that directly antagonize extracellular BMP and the signaling pathways that further contribute to reduce BMP activity in the neural ectoderm. Downstream of neural induction, a large number of "neural fate stabilizing" (NFS) transcription factors are expressed in the presumptive neural ectoderm, developing neural tube and ultimately in neural stem cells. Herein, we review what is known about their activities during normal development to maintain a neural fate and regulate neural differentiation. Further elucidation of how the NFS genes interact to regulate neural specification and differentiation should ultimately prove useful for regulating the expansion and differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, The George Washington University
| | - Elena Casey
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University
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Kamachi Y, Iwafuchi M, Okuda Y, Takemoto T, Uchikawa M, Kondoh H. Evolution of non-coding regulatory sequences involved in the developmental process: reflection of differential employment of paralogous genes as highlighted by Sox2 and group B1 Sox genes. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2009; 85:55-68. [PMID: 19212098 PMCID: PMC3524295 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.85.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In higher vertebrates, the expression of Sox2, a group B1 Sox gene, is the hallmark of neural primordial cell state during the developmental processes from embryo to adult. Sox2 is regulated by the combined action of many enhancers with distinct spatio-temporal specificities. DNA sequences for these enhancers are conserved in a wide range of vertebrate species, corresponding to a majority of highly conserved non-coding sequences surrounding the Sox2 gene, corroborating the notion that the conservation of non-coding sequences mirrors their functional importance. Among the Sox2 enhancers, N-1 and N-2 are activated the earliest in embryogenesis and regulate Sox2 in posterior and anterior neural plates, respectively. These enhancers differ in their evolutionary history: the sequence and activity of enhancer N-2 is conserved in all vertebrate species, while enhancer N-1 is fully conserved only in amniotes. In teleost embryos, Sox19a/b play the major pan-neural role among the group B1 Sox paralogues, while strong Sox2 expression is limited to the anterior neural plate, reflecting the absence of posterior CNS-dedicated enhancers, including N-1. In Xenopus, neurally expressed SoxD is the orthologue of Sox19, but Sox3 appears to dominate other B1 paralogues. In amniotes, however, Sox19 has lost its group B1 Sox function and transforms into group G Sox15 (neofunctionalization), and Sox2 assumes the dominant position by gaining enhancer N-1 and other enhancers for posterior CNS. Thus, the gain and loss of specific enhancer elements during the evolutionary process reflects the change in functional assignment of particular paralogous genes, while overall regulatory functions attributed to the gene family are maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kamachi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makiko Iwafuchi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Okuda
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takemoto
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanori Uchikawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisato Kondoh
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Michibata H, Okuno T, Konishi N, Wakimoto K, Kyono K, Aoki K, Kondo Y, Takata K, Kitamura Y, Taniguchi T. Inhibition of mouse GPM6A expression leads to decreased differentiation of neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2008; 17:641-51. [PMID: 18522499 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2008.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein M6A (GPM6A) is known as a transmembrane protein and an abundant cell surface protein on neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the function of GPM6A is still unknown in the differentiation of neurons derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells. To investigate the function of GPM6A, we generated knockdown mouse ES cell lines (D3m-shM6A) using a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector driven by the U6 small nuclear RNA promoter, which can significantly suppress the expression of mouse GPM6A mRNA. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and immunocytochemical analysis showed that expression of shRNA against GPM6A markedly reduced the expression of neuroectodermal-associated genes (OTX1, Lmx1b, En1, Pax2, Pax5, Sox1, Sox2, and Wnt1), and also the number of neural stem cells (NSC) derived from D3mshM6A cells compared to control vector-transfected mouse ES cells (D3m-Mock). Moreover, our results show a decrease in both the number of neuronal markers and the number of differentiating neuronal cells (cholinergic, catecholaminergic, and GABAergic neurons) from NSC in D3m-shM6A cells. Hence, our findings suggest that expression level of GPM6A is directly or indirectly associated with the differentiation of neurons derived from undifferentiated ES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Michibata
- Advanced Medical Research Laboratory, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 16-89 Kashima-3-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan
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37
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Rogers CD, Harafuji N, Archer T, Cunningham DD, Casey ES. Xenopus Sox3 activates sox2 and geminin and indirectly represses Xvent2 expression to induce neural progenitor formation at the expense of non-neural ectodermal derivatives. Mech Dev 2008; 126:42-55. [PMID: 18992330 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2008.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2008] [Revised: 09/01/2008] [Accepted: 10/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The SRY-related, HMG box SoxB1 transcription factors are highly homologous, evolutionarily conserved proteins that are expressed in neuroepithelial cells throughout neural development. SoxB1 genes are down-regulated as cells exit the cell-cycle to differentiate and are considered functionally redundant in maintaining neural precursor populations. However, little is known about Sox3 function and its mode of action during primary neurogenesis. Using gain and loss-of-function studies, we analyzed Sox3 function in detail in Xenopus early neural development and compared it to that of Sox2. Through these studies we identified the first targets of a SoxB1 protein during primary neurogenesis. Sox3 functions as an activator to induce expression of the early neural genes, sox2 and geminin in the absence of protein synthesis and to indirectly inhibit the Bmp target Xvent2. As a result, Sox3 increases cell proliferation, delays neurogenesis and inhibits epidermal and neural crest formation to expand the neural plate. Our studies indicate that Sox3 and 2 have many similar functions in this process including the ability to activate expression of geminin in naïve ectodermal explants. However, there are some differences; Sox3 activates the expression of sox2, while Sox2 does not activate expression of sox3 and sox3 is uniquely expressed throughout the ectoderm prior to neural induction suggesting a role in neural competence. With morpholino-mediated knockdown of Sox3, we demonstrate that it is required for induction of neural tissue by BMP inhibition. Together these data indicate that Sox3 has multiple roles in early neural development including as a factor required for nogginmediated neural induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal D Rogers
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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38
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Miyagi S, Masui S, Niwa H, Saito T, Shimazaki T, Okano H, Nishimoto M, Muramatsu M, Iwama A, Okuda A. Consequence of the loss of Sox2 in the developing brain of the mouse. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:2811-5. [PMID: 18638478 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Sox2 is expressed at high levels in neural stem and progenitor cells. Here, we inactivated Sox2 specifically in the developing brain by using Cre-loxP system. Although mutant animals did not survive after birth, analysis of late gestation embryos revealed that loss of Sox2 causes enlargement of the lateral ventricles and a decrease in the number of neurosphere-forming cells. However, although their neurogenic potential is attenuated, Sox2-deficient neural stem cells retain their multipotency and self-renewal capacity. We found that expression level of Sox3 is elevated in Sox2 null developing brain, probably mitigating the effects of loss of Sox2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Miyagi
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1241, Japan
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Kan L, Jalali A, Zhao LR, Zhou X, McGuire T, Kazanis I, Episkopou V, Bassuk AG, Kessler JA. Dual function of Sox1 in telencephalic progenitor cells. Dev Biol 2007; 310:85-98. [PMID: 17719572 PMCID: PMC3437622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2007] [Revised: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor, Sox1 has been implicated in the maintenance of neural progenitor cell status, but accumulating evidence suggests that this is only part of its function. This study examined the role of Sox1 expression in proliferation, lineage commitment, and differentiation by telencephalic neural progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo, and further clarified the pattern of Sox1 expression in postnatal and adult mouse brain. Telencephalic neural progenitor cells isolated from Sox1 null embryos formed neurospheres normally, but were specifically deficient in neuronal differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of Sox1 in the embryonic telencephalon in vivo both expanded the progenitor pool and biased neural progenitor cells towards neuronal lineage commitment. Sox1 mRNA and protein were found to be persistently expressed in the postnatal and adult brain in both differentiated and neurogenic regions. Importantly, in differentiated regions Sox1 co-labeled only with neuronal markers. These observations, coupled with previous studies, suggest that Sox1 expression by early embryonic progenitor cells initially helps to maintain the cells in cell cycle, but that continued expression subsequently promotes neuronal lineage commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Kan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Ward 10-233, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.
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40
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Sottile V, Li M, Scotting PJ. Stem cell marker expression in the Bergmann glia population of the adult mouse brain. Brain Res 2006; 1099:8-17. [PMID: 16797497 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.04.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2006] [Revised: 03/27/2006] [Accepted: 04/04/2006] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the postnatal cerebellum contains cells with characteristics of neural stem cells, which had so far only been identified in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and the subdentate gyrus of the hippocampus. In order to investigate the identity of these cells in the adult cerebellum, we have analyzed the expression of Sox1, a transcription factor from the SoxB1 subgroup and widely used marker of neural stem cells. In situ hybridization and the use of a transgenic mouse model show that, in the adult cerebellum, Sox 1 is only expressed in the Bergmann glia, a population of radial glia present in the Purkinje cell layer. Furthermore, another neural stem cell marker, Sox2 (also member of the SoxB1 subgroup), is also expressed in the Bergmann glia. We have previously shown that these same cells express Sox9, a member of the SoxE subgroup known for its role in glial development. Here we show that Sox9 is in fact also expressed in other regions harboring adult neural stem cells, suggesting that Sox9 represents a novel stem cell marker. Finally, using a Sox1-null mouse, we show that the formation of this Sox2/Sox9 positive Bergmann glia population does not require the presence of a functional Sox1. Our results identify these radial glia as a previously unreported Sox1/Sox2/Sox9 positive adult cell population, suggesting that these cells may represent the recently reported stem cells in the adult cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Sottile
- Institute of Genetics, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, UK.
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Okuda Y, Yoda H, Uchikawa M, Furutani-Seiki M, Takeda H, Kondoh H, Kamachi Y. Comparative genomic and expression analysis of group B1soxgenes in zebrafish indicates their diversification during vertebrate evolution. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:811-25. [PMID: 16408288 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B1 Sox genes encode HMG domain transcription factors that play major roles in neural development. We have identified six zebrafish B1 sox genes, which include pan-vertebrate sox1a/b, sox2, and sox3, and also fish-specific sox19a/b. SOX19A/B proteins show a transcriptional activation potential that is similar to other B1 SOX proteins. The expression of sox19a and sox3 begins at approximately the 1,000-cell stage during embryogenesis and becomes confined to the future ectoderm by the shield stage. This is reminiscent of the epiblastic expression of Sox2 and/or Sox3 in amniotes. As development progresses, these six B1 sox genes display unique expression patterns that overlap distinctly from one region to another. sox19a expression is widespread in the early neuroectoderm, resembling pan-neural Sox2 expression in amniotes, whereas zebrafish sox2 shows anterior-restricted expression. Comparative genomics suggests that sox19a/b and mammalian Sox15 (group G) have an orthologous relationship and that the B1/G Sox genes arose from a common ancestral gene through two rounds of genome duplication. It seems likely, therefore, that each B1/G Sox gene has gained a distinct expression profile and function during vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuich Okuda
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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42
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Beadles-Bohling AS, Wiren KM. Alteration of kappa-opioid receptor system expression in distinct brain regions of a genetic model of enhanced ethanol withdrawal severity. Brain Res 2005; 1046:77-89. [PMID: 15869750 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2004] [Revised: 03/15/2005] [Accepted: 03/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Abrupt withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure can produce convulsions that are likely due to ethanol (EtOH) neuroadaptations. While significant efforts have focused on elucidating dependence mechanisms, the alterations contributing to EtOH withdrawal severity are less well characterized. The present studies examined the kappa-opioid receptor (KOP-R) system in Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and Withdrawal Seizure-Resistant (WSR) mice, selected lines that display severe and mild convulsions upon removal from chronic EtOH exposure. Previous data demonstrated significant increases in whole brain prodynorphin (Pdyn) mRNA in WSP mice only during EtOH withdrawal. No significant effects of EtOH exposure or withdrawal were observed in WSR mice. The present study characterized Pdyn mRNA and the KOP-R in WSP and WSR mice during EtOH withdrawal using in situ hybridization (ISH) and KOP-R autoradiography. Analyses were performed in brain regions that express Pdyn mRNA and/or KOP-R and that might participate in seizure circuitry: the piriform cortex, olfactory tubercle, nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, claustrum, dorsal endopiriform nucleus, and cingulate cortex. ISH analyses confirmed previous findings; EtOH withdrawal increased Pdyn mRNA in multiple brain regions of WSP mice, but not WSR. Basal KOP-R binding was higher in WSR mice than in WSP mice, suggesting an anti-convulsant role for receptor activation. Finally, increased KOP-R density was present during EtOH withdrawal in WSP mice. These data suggest that differences in the KOP-R system among the lines might contribute to their selected difference in EtOH withdrawal severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Beadles-Bohling
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97239, USA.
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43
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Wegner M, Stolt CC. From stem cells to neurons and glia: a Soxist's view of neural development. Trends Neurosci 2005; 28:583-8. [PMID: 16139372 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2005.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2005] [Revised: 07/21/2005] [Accepted: 08/19/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
During nervous system development, neural stem cells give rise to many different types of neurons and glia over an extended period. Little is known about the intrinsic factors that regulate stem-cell maintenance, decide whether neurons or glia are generated, or control terminal differentiation. Transcription factors of the Sox family provide important clues about the control of these events. In the central nervous system (CNS), Sox1, Sox2 and Sox3 are required for stem-cell maintenance, and their effects are counteracted by Sox21. Sox9, by contrast, alters the potential of stem cells from neurogenic to gliogenic, whereas Sox10 is essential for terminal oligodendrocyte differentiation. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS) the same Sox proteins have different functions, uncovering important developmental differences between the CNS and PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wegner
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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44
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Abstract
Sox2 is expressed highly in the neuroepithelium of the developing CNS and has been shown to function in neural stem cells. Because Sox2-null mutant mice fail to develop beyond implantation, the role of SOX2 in the CNS has lacked validation. A new genetic model addresses the role of SOX2 in the adult brain and provides evidence that it is involved in the maintenance of neurons in specific regions, in the proliferation and/or maintenance of neural stem cells, and in neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasso Episkopou
- MRC, Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Ekonomou A, Kazanis I, Malas S, Wood H, Alifragis P, Denaxa M, Karagogeos D, Constanti A, Lovell-Badge R, Episkopou V. Neuronal migration and ventral subtype identity in the telencephalon depend on SOX1. PLoS Biol 2005; 3:e186. [PMID: 15882093 PMCID: PMC1110909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [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: 01/05/2005] [Accepted: 03/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular mechanisms and intrinsic factors that are responsible for the emergence of neuronal subtype identity. Several transcription factors that are expressed mainly in precursors of the ventral telencephalon have been shown to control neuronal specification, but it has been unclear whether subtype identity is also specified in these precursors, or if this happens in postmitotic neurons, and whether it involves the same or different factors. SOX1, an HMG box transcription factor, is expressed widely in neural precursors along with the two other SOXB1 subfamily members, SOX2 and SOX3, and all three have been implicated in neurogenesis. SOX1 is also uniquely expressed at a high level in the majority of telencephalic neurons that constitute the ventral striatum (VS). These neurons are missing in Sox1-null mutant mice. In the present study, we have addressed the requirement for SOX1 at a cellular level, revealing both the nature and timing of the defect. By generating a novel Sox1-null allele expressing beta-galactosidase, we found that the VS precursors and their early neuronal differentiation are unaffected in the absence of SOX1, but the prospective neurons fail to migrate to their appropriate position. Furthermore, the migration of non-Sox1-expressing VS neurons (such as those expressing Pax6) was also affected in the absence of SOX1, suggesting that Sox1-expressing neurons play a role in structuring the area of the VS. To test whether SOX1 is required in postmitotic cells for the emergence of VS neuronal identity, we generated mice in which Sox1 expression was directed to all ventral telencephalic precursors, but to only a very few VS neurons. These mice again lacked most of the VS, indicating that SOX1 expression in precursors is not sufficient for VS development. Conversely, the few neurons in which Sox1 expression was maintained were able to migrate to the VS. In conclusion, Sox1 expression in precursors is not sufficient for VS neuronal identity and migration, but this is accomplished in postmitotic cells, which require the continued presence of SOX1. Our data also suggest that other SOXB1 members showing expression in specific neuronal populations are likely to play continuous roles from the establishment of precursors to their final differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antigoni Ekonomou
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ilias Kazanis
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stavros Malas
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Heather Wood
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Pavlos Alifragis
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Myrto Denaxa
- 2Medical School and Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Domna Karagogeos
- 2Medical School and Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Andrew Constanti
- 3Department of Pharmacology, The School of PharmacyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- 4Division of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Medical ResearchLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Vasso Episkopou
- 1Mammalian Neurogenesis Group, MRC Clinical Sciences CentreImperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, LondonUnited Kingdom
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Pau H, Fuchs H, de Angelis MH, Steel KP. Hush puppy: a new mouse mutant with pinna, ossicle, and inner ear defects. Laryngoscope 2005; 115:116-24. [PMID: 15630379 DOI: 10.1097/01.mlg.0000150693.31130.a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Deafness can be associated with abnormalities of the pinna, ossicles, and cochlea. The authors studied a newly generated mouse mutant with pinna defects and asked whether these defects are associated with peripheral auditory or facial skeletal abnormalities, or both. Furthermore, the authors investigated where the mutation responsible for these defects was located in the mouse genome. METHODS The hearing of hush puppy mutants was assessed by Preyer reflex and electrophysiological measurement. The morphological features of their middle and inner ears were investigated by microdissection, paint-filling of the labyrinth, and scanning electron microscopy. Skeletal staining of skulls was performed to assess the craniofacial dimensions. Genome scanning was performed using microsatellite markers to localize the mutation to a chromosomal region. RESULTS Some hush puppy mutants showed early onset of hearing impairment. They had small, bat-like pinnae and normal malleus but abnormal incus and stapes. Some mutants had asymmetrical defects and showed reduced penetrance of the ear abnormalities. Paint-filling of newborns' inner ears revealed no morphological abnormality, although half of the mice studied were expected to carry the mutation. Reduced numbers of outer hair cells were demonstrated in mutants' cochlea on scanning electron microscopy. Skeletal staining showed that the mutants have significantly shorter snouts and mandibles. Genome scan revealed that the mutation lies on chromosome 8 between markers D8Mit58 and D8Mit289. CONCLUSION The study results indicate developmental problems of the first and second branchial arches and otocyst as a result of a single gene mutation. Similar defects are found in humans, and hush puppy provides a mouse model for investigation of such defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Pau
- MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham, UK
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Zhao S, Nichols J, Smith AG, Li M. SoxB transcription factors specify neuroectodermal lineage choice in ES cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2005; 27:332-42. [PMID: 15519247 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2004.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2004] [Revised: 07/22/2004] [Accepted: 08/03/2004] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of lineage decision machinery in pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells may shed light on the process of germ layer segregation in the mammalian embryo and enable directed differentiation in vitro for biomedical applications. We have investigated the contribution of Class B1 Sox transcription factors to lineage choice during ES cell differentiation. We report that forced expression of Sox1 or Sox2 did not impair propagation of undifferentiated ES cells, but upon release from self-renewal promoted differentiation into neuroectoderm at the expense of mesoderm and endoderm. The efficient specification of a primary lineage by transcription factor manipulation provides a paradigm for instructing differentiation of ES cells for biopharmaceutical screening and cell therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suling Zhao
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JQ, United Kingdom
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De Sarro G, Ibbadu GF, Marra R, Rotiroti D, Loiacono A, Donato Di Paola E, Russo E. Seizure susceptibility to various convulsant stimuli in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Neurosci Res 2004; 50:37-44. [PMID: 15288497 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2004.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Accepted: 05/24/2004] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the susceptibility of the mdx mouse, a dystrophin-deficient genetic model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to various convulsant stimuli has been evaluated and compared to three related mice strains (C57BL/6J, C57BL/10 and DBA/2 mice). Animals were treated with chemical convulsants impairing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission [pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin, bicuculline, methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM)], enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission [N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) and kainic acid (KA)] or a K(+) channel blocker (4-aminopyridine). Occurrence of clonic and/or tonic seizures was evaluated to observe possible differences in seizure susceptibility. In addition, all strains of mice were repeatedly treated with a subconvulsant dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) for possible differences in kindling development. The mdx mice exhibited no difference in seizure susceptibility for all convulsant drugs with the exception of a significantly lower sensitivity to AMPA and KA than the other mice strains. This study demonstrates that mdx mice possess a decreased susceptibility to some convulsant stimuli. However, mdx mice showed an enhanced seizure severity and a shorter latency in the development of chemical kindling produced by administration of PTZ. The present data suggests that the dystrophin deficiency in mdx mice affects the pathophysiology and pharmacology of acute and chronic epileptic seizures in an opposite manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine "G. Salvatore", School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Policlinico Mater Domini, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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49
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Kan L, Israsena N, Zhang Z, Hu M, Zhao LR, Jalali A, Sahni V, Kessler JA. Sox1 acts through multiple independent pathways to promote neurogenesis. Dev Biol 2004; 269:580-94. [PMID: 15110721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2003] [Revised: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 02/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although Sox1, Sox2, and Sox3 are all part of the Sox-B1 group of transcriptional regulators, only Sox1 appears to play a direct role in neural cell fate determination and differentiation. We find that overexpression of Sox1 but not Sox2 or Sox3 in cultured neural progenitor cells is sufficient to induce neuronal lineage commitment. Sox1 binds directly to the Hes1 promoter and suppresses Hes1 transcription, thus attenuating Notch signaling. Sox1 also binds to beta-catenin and suppresses beta-catenin-mediated TCF/LEF signaling, thus potentially attenuating the wnt signaling pathway. The C-terminus of Sox1 is required for both of these interactions. Sox1 also promotes exit of cells from cell cycle and up-regulates transcription of the proneural bHLH transcription factor neurogenin 1 (ngn1). These observations suggest that Sox1 works through multiple independent pathways to promote neuronal cell fate determination and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Kan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.
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50
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De Luca G, Di Giorgio RM, Macaione S, Calpona PR, Costantino S, Di Paola ED, De Sarro A, Ciliberto G, De Sarro G. Susceptibility to audiogenic seizure and neurotransmitter amino acid levels in different brain areas of IL-6-deficient mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:75-81. [PMID: 15159136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2003] [Revised: 02/03/2004] [Accepted: 02/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6-deficient (IL-6(-/-)) mice and their normal littermate (WT) were studied to evaluate their susceptibility to seizures induced by electroshock and audiogenic stimuli at different ages. No significant changes in maximal electroshock susceptibility were evidenced between the two strains, while audiogenic seizures (AGS) can be induced only in IL-6(-/-) mice. The effects of age and genetic condition on AGSs were evaluated. The behavioural and electrocortical changes during audiogenic stimulus were observed. In addition, the levels of neurotransmitter amino acids in five brain areas (of both strains) were measured at 60 days of age. Aspartate level significantly increased in the brain stem (BS) and hippocampus (HI), while it decreased in the diencephalon (DE) of IL-6(-/-) mice. Glutamate content significantly decreased in the cerebellum (CB), DE and HI. GABA levels significantly decreased in all the areas studied. Glycine significantly decreased in the BS, CB and DE, while taurine decreased only in the DE. The levels of glutamine significantly decreased in all the areas examined, except in the cortex (CX). The changes of neuroactive amino acid levels, particularly in the BS, might explain the characteristic of high propensity to AGS of IL-6(-/-) mice. The present data support the validity of IL-6(-/-) mice as a novel epileptic model for the study of the pathophysiology and pharmacology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia De Luca
- Department of Biochemical, Physiological and Nutritional Sciences, AOU G. Martino via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
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