1
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Krup AL, Winchester SAB, Ranade SS, Agrawal A, Devine WP, Sinha T, Choudhary K, Dominguez MH, Thomas R, Black BL, Srivastava D, Bruneau BG. A Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in transcriptional and epigenomic specification of early cardiac precursors. Development 2023; 150:dev201229. [PMID: 36994838 PMCID: PMC10259516 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional networks governing cardiac precursor cell (CPC) specification are incompletely understood owing, in part, to limitations in distinguishing CPCs from non-cardiac mesoderm in early gastrulation. We leveraged detection of early cardiac lineage transgenes within a granular single-cell transcriptomic time course of mouse embryos to identify emerging CPCs and describe their transcriptional profiles. Mesp1, a transiently expressed mesodermal transcription factor, is canonically described as an early regulator of cardiac specification. However, we observed perdurance of CPC transgene-expressing cells in Mesp1 mutants, albeit mislocalized, prompting us to investigate the scope of the role of Mesp1 in CPC emergence and differentiation. Mesp1 mutant CPCs failed to robustly activate markers of cardiomyocyte maturity and crucial cardiac transcription factors, yet they exhibited transcriptional profiles resembling cardiac mesoderm progressing towards cardiomyocyte fates. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis defined a Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in cardiac lineage progression at a shift from mesendoderm transcriptional networks to those necessary for cardiac patterning and morphogenesis. These results reveal Mesp1-independent aspects of early CPC specification and underscore a Mesp1-dependent regulatory landscape required for progression through cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Leigh Krup
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sarah A. B. Winchester
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sanjeev S. Ranade
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - W. Patrick Devine
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tanvi Sinha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Krishna Choudhary
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin H. Dominguez
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Benoit G. Bruneau
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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2
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Dong K, He X, Hu G, Yao Y, Zhou J. Coronary Artery Disease Risk Gene PRDM16 is Preferentially Expressed in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and a Potential Novel Regulator of Smooth Muscle Homeostasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535461. [PMID: 37066230 PMCID: PMC10104006 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the primary contractile component of blood vessels and can undergo phenotypic switching from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype in vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD). This process leads to decreased expression of SMC lineage genes and increased proliferative, migratory and secretory abilities that drive disease progression. Super-enhancers (SE) and occupied transcription factors are believed to drive expression of genes that maintain cell identify and homeostasis. The goal of this study is to identify novel regulator of VSMC homeostasis by screening for SE-regulated transcription factors in arterial tissues. Approach and Results We characterized human artery SEs by analyzing the enhancer histone mark H3K27ac ChIP-seq data of multiple arterial tissues. We unexpectedly discovered the transcription factor PRDM16, a GWAS identified CAD risk gene with previously well-documented roles in brown adipocytes but with an unknown function in vascular disease progression, is enriched with artery-specific SEs. Further analysis of public bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq datasets, as well as qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, demonstrated that PRDM16 is preferentially expressed in arterial tissues and in contractile VSMCs but not in visceral SMCs, and down-regulated in phenotypically modulated VSMCs. To explore the function of Prdm16 in vivo, we generated Prdm16 SMC-specific knockout mice and performed histological and bulk RNA-Seq analysis of aortic tissues. SMC-deficiency of Prdm16 does not affect the aortic morphology but significantly alters expression of many CAD risk genes and genes involved in VSMC phenotypic modulation. Specifically, Prdm16 negatively regulates the expression of Tgfb2 that encodes for an upstream ligand of TGF-β signaling pathway, potentially through binding to the promoter region of Tgfb2 . These transcriptomic changes likely disrupt VSMC homeostasis and predispose VSMCs to a disease state. Conclusions Our results suggest that the CAD risk gene PRDM16 is preferentially expressed in VSMCs and is a novel regulator of VSMC homeostasis. Future studies are warranted to investigate its role in VSMCs under pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis.
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3
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Okada H, Saga Y. Repurposing of the enhancer-promoter communication underlies the compensation of Mesp2 by Mesp1. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010000. [PMID: 35025872 PMCID: PMC8791502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms are inherently equipped with buffering systems against genetic perturbations. Genetic compensation, the compensatory response by upregulating another gene or genes, is one such buffering mechanism. Recently, a well-conserved compensatory mechanism was proposed: transcriptional adaptation of homologs under the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathways. However, this model cannot explain the onset of all compensatory events. We report a novel genetic compensation mechanism operating over the Mesp gene locus. Mesp1 and Mesp2 are paralogs located adjacently in the genome. Mesp2 loss is partially rescued by Mesp1 upregulation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Using a cultured PSM induction system, we reproduced the compensatory response in vitro and found that the Mesp2-enhancer is required to promote Mesp1. We revealed that the Mesp2-enhancer directly interacts with the Mesp1 promoter, thereby upregulating Mesp1 expression upon the loss of Mesp2. Of note, this interaction is established by genomic arrangement upon PSM development independently of Mesp2 disruption. We propose that the repurposing of this established enhancer-promoter communication is the mechanism underlying this compensatory response for the upregulation of the adjacent gene. Genetic compensation, the compensatory response by upregulating another gene or genes, is one of the inherent mechanisms against gene disruption to confer cellular fitness. However, the regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Nonsense-mediated mutant mRNA degradation was recently proposed as a conserved mechanism across species to upregulate homologous genes to compensate for a disrupted gene, but this cannot explain compensation events with no mutant mRNA. This study investigated the compensation mechanism operating over adjacent paralogs, Mesp1 and Mesp2, in the genome. Mesp genes encode essential transcription factors in the presomitic mesoderm for development. In general, an enhancer is considered to activate a target gene when it physically interacts with the target. The communication of the Mesp2-enhancer with the Mesp1 promoter is established upon differentiation of the presomitic mesoderm, but this communication activates Mesp1 only when Mesp2 is disrupted, leading to compensation. We revealed a novel compensation mechanism depending on the repurposing of this enhancer-promoter communication by gene disruption. Our study also provides new insight into transcriptional regulation by providing the concept that an enhancer changes its target even among its physically interacting genes in a context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Okada
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advised Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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4
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Lohoff T, Ghazanfar S, Missarova A, Koulena N, Pierson N, Griffiths JA, Bardot ES, Eng CHL, Tyser RCV, Argelaguet R, Guibentif C, Srinivas S, Briscoe J, Simons BD, Hadjantonakis AK, Göttgens B, Reik W, Nichols J, Cai L, Marioni JC. Integration of spatial and single-cell transcriptomic data elucidates mouse organogenesis. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:74-85. [PMID: 34489600 PMCID: PMC8763645 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular profiling of single cells has advanced our knowledge of the molecular basis of development. However, current approaches mostly rely on dissociating cells from tissues, thereby losing the crucial spatial context of regulatory processes. Here, we apply an image-based single-cell transcriptomics method, sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (seqFISH), to detect mRNAs for 387 target genes in tissue sections of mouse embryos at the 8-12 somite stage. By integrating spatial context and multiplexed transcriptional measurements with two single-cell transcriptome atlases, we characterize cell types across the embryo and demonstrate that spatially resolved expression of genes not profiled by seqFISH can be imputed. We use this high-resolution spatial map to characterize fundamental steps in the patterning of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and the developing gut tube. We uncover axes of cell differentiation that are not apparent from single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, such as early dorsal-ventral separation of esophageal and tracheal progenitor populations in the gut tube. Our method provides an approach for studying cell fate decisions in complex tissues and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lohoff
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - S Ghazanfar
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Missarova
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - N Koulena
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - N Pierson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - J A Griffiths
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Genomics Plc, Cambridge, UK
| | - E S Bardot
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C-H L Eng
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - R C V Tyser
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Argelaguet
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Guibentif
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Srinivas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Briscoe
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - B D Simons
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A-K Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - B Göttgens
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Reik
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - J Nichols
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - L Cai
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - J C Marioni
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Dissecting the Complexity of Early Heart Progenitor Cells. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 9:jcdd9010005. [PMID: 35050215 PMCID: PMC8779398 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early heart development depends on the coordinated participation of heterogeneous cell sources. As pioneer work from Adriana C. Gittenberger-de Groot demonstrated, characterizing these distinct cell sources helps us to understand congenital heart defects. Despite decades of research on the segregation of lineages that form the primitive heart tube, we are far from understanding its full complexity. Currently, single-cell approaches are providing an unprecedented level of detail on cellular heterogeneity, offering new opportunities to decipher its functional role. In this review, we will focus on three key aspects of early heart morphogenesis: First, the segregation of myocardial and endocardial lineages, which yields an early lineage diversification in cardiac development; second, the signaling cues driving differentiation in these progenitor cells; and third, the transcriptional heterogeneity of cardiomyocyte progenitors of the primitive heart tube. Finally, we discuss how single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, together with live imaging and functional analyses, will likely transform the way we delve into the complexity of cardiac development and its links with congenital defects.
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6
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Ajima R, Sakakibara Y, Sakurai-Yamatani N, Muraoka M, Saga Y. Formal proof of the requirement of MESP1 and MESP2 in mesoderm specification and their transcriptional control via specific enhancers in mice. Development 2021; 148:272544. [PMID: 34679163 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MESP1 and MESP2 are transcriptional factors involved in mesoderm specification, somite boundary formation and somite polarity regulation. However, Mesp quadruple mutant zebrafish displayed only abnormal somite polarity without mesoderm specification defects. In order to re-evaluate Mesp1/Mesp2 mutants in mice, Mesp1 and Mesp2 single knockouts (KOs), and a Mesp1/Mesp2 double KO were established using genome-editing techniques without introducing selection markers commonly used before. The Mesp1/Mesp2 double KO embryos exhibited markedly severe mesoderm formation defects that were similar to the previously reported Mesp1/Mesp2 double KO embryos, indicating species differences in the function of MESP family proteins. However, the Mesp1 KO did not display any phenotype, including heart formation defects, which have been reported previously. We noted upregulation of Mesp2 in the Mesp1 KO embryos, suggesting that MESP2 rescues the loss of MESP1 in mesoderm specification. We also found that Mesp1 and Mesp2 expression in the early mesoderm is regulated by the cooperation of two independent enhancers containing T-box- and TCF/Lef-binding sites. Deletion of both enhancers caused the downregulation of both genes, resulting in heart formation defects. This study suggests dose-dependent roles of MESP1 and MESP2 in early mesoderm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Ajima
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Division for Development of Genetic-engineered Mouse Resource, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yuko Sakakibara
- Division for Development of Genetic-engineered Mouse Resource, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Noriko Sakurai-Yamatani
- Division for Development of Genetic-engineered Mouse Resource, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muraoka
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Division for Development of Genetic-engineered Mouse Resource, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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7
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Zhang E, Yang J, Liu Y, Hong N, Xie H, Fu Q, Li F, Chen S, Yu Y, Sun K. MESP2 variants contribute to conotruncal heart defects by inhibiting cardiac neural crest cell proliferation. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1035-1048. [PMID: 32572506 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are closely related to defective outflow tract (OFT) development, in which cardiac neural crest cells (CNCCs) play an indispensable role. However, the genetic etiology of CTDs remains unclear. Mesoderm posterior 2 (MESP2) is an important transcription factor regulating early cardiogenesis. Nevertheless, MESP2 variants have not been reported in congenital heart defect (CHD) patients. We first identified four MESP2 variants in 601 sporadic nonsyndromic CTD patients that were not detected in 400 healthy controls using targeted sequencing. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays revealed MESP2 expression in the OFT of Carnegie stage (CS) 11, CS13, and CS15 human embryos and embryonic day (E) 8.5, E10, and E11.5 mouse embryos. Functional analyses in HEK 293T cells, HL-1 cells, JoMa1 cells, and primary mouse CNCCs revealed that MESP2 directly regulates the transcriptional activities of downstream CTD-related genes and promotes CNCC proliferation by regulating cell cycle factors. Three MESP2 variants, c.346G>C (p.G116R), c.921C>G (p.Y307X), and c.59A>T (p.Q20L), altered the transcriptional activities of MYOCD, GATA4, NKX2.5, and CFC1 and inhibited CNCC proliferation by upregulating p21cip1 or downregulating Cdk4. Based on our findings, MESP2 variants disrupted MESP2 function by interfering with CNCC proliferation during OFT development, which may contribute to CTDs. KEY MESSAGES: This study first analyzed MESP2 variants identified in sporadic nonsyndromic CTD patients. MESP2 is expressed in the OFT of different stages of human and mouse embryos. MESP2 regulates the transcriptional activities of downstream CTD-related genes and promotes CNCC proliferation by regulating cell cycle factor p21cip1 or Cdk4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erge Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Nanchao Hong
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huilin Xie
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qihua Fu
- Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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8
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Heude E, Tesarova M, Sefton EM, Jullian E, Adachi N, Grimaldi A, Zikmund T, Kaiser J, Kardon G, Kelly RG, Tajbakhsh S. Unique morphogenetic signatures define mammalian neck muscles and associated connective tissues. eLife 2018; 7:40179. [PMID: 30451684 PMCID: PMC6310459 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, head and trunk muscles develop from different mesodermal populations and are regulated by distinct genetic networks. Neck muscles at the head-trunk interface remain poorly defined due to their complex morphogenesis and dual mesodermal origins. Here, we use genetically modified mice to establish a 3D model that integrates regulatory genes, cell populations and morphogenetic events that define this transition zone. We show that the evolutionary conserved cucullaris-derived muscles originate from posterior cardiopharyngeal mesoderm, not lateral plate mesoderm, and we define new boundaries for neural crest and mesodermal contributions to neck connective tissue. Furthermore, lineage studies and functional analysis of Tbx1- and Pax3-null mice reveal a unique developmental program for somitic neck muscles that is distinct from that of somitic trunk muscles. Our findings unveil the embryological and developmental requirements underlying tetrapod neck myogenesis and provide a blueprint to investigate how muscle subsets are selectively affected in some human myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglantine Heude
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Marketa Tesarova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elizabeth M Sefton
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Estelle Jullian
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Noritaka Adachi
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Alexandre Grimaldi
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Tomas Zikmund
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Kaiser
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gabrielle Kardon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Robert G Kelly
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Shahragim Tajbakhsh
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3738, Paris, France
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9
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Guo X, Xu Y, Wang Z, Wu Y, Chen J, Wang G, Lu C, Jia W, Xi J, Zhu S, Jiapaer Z, Wan X, Liu Z, Gao S, Kang J. A Linc1405/Eomes Complex Promotes Cardiac Mesoderm Specification and Cardiogenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 22:893-908.e6. [PMID: 29754779 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) play widespread roles in epigenetic regulation during multiple differentiation processes, but little is known about their mode of action in cardiac differentiation. Here, we identified the key roles of a lincRNA, termed linc1405, in modulating the core network of cardiac differentiation by functionally interacting with Eomes. Chromatin- and RNA-immunoprecipitation assays showed that exon 2 of linc1405 physically mediates a complex consisting of Eomes, trithorax group (TrxG) subunit WDR5, and histone acetyltransferase GCN5 binding at the enhancer region of Mesp1 gene and activates its expression during cardiac mesoderm specification of embryonic stem cells. Importantly, linc1405 co-localizes with Eomes, WDR5, and GCN5 at the primitive streak, and linc1405 depletion impairs heart development and function in vivo. In summary, linc1405 mediates a Eomes/WDR5/GCN5 complex that contributes to cardiogenesis, highlighting the critical roles of lincRNA-based complexes in the epigenetic regulation of cardiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Regenerative Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yanxin Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zikang Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yukang Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guiying Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chenqi Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wenwen Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiajie Xi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Songcheng Zhu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zeyidan Jiapaer
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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10
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Liu Y. Earlier and broader roles of Mesp1 in cardiovascular development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:1969-1983. [PMID: 28050627 PMCID: PMC11107530 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesoderm posterior 1 is one of earliest markers of the nascent mesoderm. Its best-known function is driving the onset of the cardiovascular system. In the past decade, new evidence supports that Mesp1 acts earlier with greater breadth in cell fate decisions, and through cell-autonomous and cell non-autonomous mechanisms. This review summarizes these new aspects, with an emphasis on the upstream and downstream regulation around Mesp1 and how they may guide cell fate reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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11
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Simon CS, Downes DJ, Gosden ME, Telenius J, Higgs DR, Hughes JR, Costello I, Bikoff EK, Robertson EJ. Functional characterisation of cis-regulatory elements governing dynamic Eomes expression in the early mouse embryo. Development 2017; 144:1249-1260. [PMID: 28174238 PMCID: PMC5399628 DOI: 10.1242/dev.147322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor (TF) Eomes is a key regulator of cell fate decisions during early mouse development. The cis-acting regulatory elements that direct expression in the anterior visceral endoderm (AVE), primitive streak (PS) and definitive endoderm (DE) have yet to be defined. Here, we identified three gene-proximal enhancer-like sequences (PSE_a, PSE_b and VPE) that faithfully activate tissue-specific expression in transgenic embryos. However, targeted deletion experiments demonstrate that PSE_a and PSE_b are dispensable, and only VPE is required for optimal Eomes expression in vivo. Embryos lacking this enhancer display variably penetrant defects in anterior-posterior axis orientation and DE formation. Chromosome conformation capture experiments reveal VPE-promoter interactions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), prior to gene activation. The locus resides in a large (500 kb) pre-formed compartment in ESCs and activation during DE differentiation occurs in the absence of 3D structural changes. ATAC-seq analysis reveals that VPE, PSE_a and four additional putative enhancers display increased chromatin accessibility in DE that is associated with Smad2/3 binding coincident with transcriptional activation. By contrast, activation of the Eomes target genes Foxa2 and Lhx1 is associated with higher order chromatin reorganisation. Thus, diverse regulatory mechanisms govern activation of lineage specifying TFs during early development. Summary: Expression of the mouse T-box factor Eomes is controlled by a key gene-proximal enhancer-like element, with changes in chromatin accessibility influencing its activity in definitive endoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire S Simon
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Damien J Downes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Matthew E Gosden
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Jelena Telenius
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Douglas R Higgs
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Jim R Hughes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Ita Costello
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Elizabeth K Bikoff
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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12
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Kotoku T, Kosaka K, Nishio M, Ishida Y, Kawaichi M, Matsuda E. CIBZ Regulates Mesodermal and Cardiac Differentiation of by Suppressing T and Mesp1 Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34188. [PMID: 27659197 PMCID: PMC5034229 DOI: 10.1038/srep34188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying mesodermal and cardiac specification from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not fully understood. Here, we showed that the BTB domain-containing zinc finger protein CIBZ is expressed in mouse ESCs but is dramatically downregulated during ESC differentiation. CIBZ deletion in ESCs induced specification toward mesoderm phenotypes and their differentiation into cardiomyocytes, whereas overexpression of CIBZ delayed these processes. During ESC differentiation, CIBZ loss-and-gain-of-function data indicate that CIBZ negatively regulates the expressions of Brachyury (T) and Mesp1, the key transcriptional factors responsible for the specification of mammalian mesoderm and cardiac progenitors, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that CIBZ binds to T and Mesp1 promoters in undifferentiated ESCs, and luciferase assays indicate that CIBZ suppresses T and Mesp1 promoters. These findings demonstrate that CIBZ is a novel regulator of mesodermal and cardiac differentiation of ESCs, and suggest that CIBZ-mediated cardiac differentiation depends on the regulation of these two genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Koji Kosaka
- Division of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Miki Nishio
- Functional Genomics and Medicine, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Ishida
- Functional Genomics and Medicine, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Masashi Kawaichi
- Division of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Eishou Matsuda
- Division of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan
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13
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Beketaev I, Zhang Y, Weng KC, Rhee S, Yu W, Liu Y, Mager J, Wang J. cis-regulatory control of Mesp1 expression by YY1 and SP1 during mouse embryogenesis. Dev Dyn 2015; 245:379-87. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ilimbek Beketaev
- Center for Stem Cell Engineering, Department of Basic Research Laboratories; Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital; Houston Texas USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- In Vitro Fertilization Center; Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University; Haikou Hainan People's Republic of China
| | - Kuo-Chan Weng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry; University of Houston; Houston Texas USA
| | - Siyeon Rhee
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences; University of Massachusetts; Amherst Massachusetts USA
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry; University of Houston; Houston Texas USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry; University of Houston; Houston Texas USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences; University of Massachusetts; Amherst Massachusetts USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Engineering, Department of Basic Research Laboratories; Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital; Houston Texas USA
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14
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Soibam B, Benham A, Kim J, Weng KC, Yang L, Xu X, Robertson M, Azares A, Cooney AJ, Schwartz RJ, Liu Y. Genome-Wide Identification of MESP1 Targets Demonstrates Primary Regulation Over Mesendoderm Gene Activity. Stem Cells 2015. [PMID: 26205879 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MESP1 is considered the first sign of the nascent cardiac mesoderm and plays a critical role in the appearance of cardiac progenitors, while exhibiting a transient expression in the developing embryo. We profiled the transcriptome of a pure population of differentiating MESP1-marked cells and found that they chiefly contribute to the mesendoderm lineage. High-throughput sequencing of endogenous MESP1-bound DNA revealed that MESP1 preferentially binds to two variants of E-box sequences and activates critical mesendoderm modulators, including Eomes, Gata4, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Mixl1, T, Gsc, and Wnt3. These mesendoderm markers were enriched in the MESP1 marked population before the appearance of cardiac progenitors and myocytes. Further, MESP1-binding is globally associated with H(3)K(27) acetylation, supporting a novel pivotal role of it in regulating target gene epigenetics. Therefore, MESP1, the pioneer cardiac factor, primarily directs the appearance of mesendoderm, the intermediary of the earliest progenitors of mesoderm and endoderm organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Soibam
- Texas Heart Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley Benham
- Texas Heart Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jong Kim
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kuo-Chan Weng
- The Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A & M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Litao Yang
- Texas Heart Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xueping Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Alon Azares
- Texas Heart Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Austin J Cooney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert J Schwartz
- Texas Heart Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Alexander JM, Hota SK, He D, Thomas S, Ho L, Pennacchio LA, Bruneau BG. Brg1 modulates enhancer activation in mesoderm lineage commitment. Development 2015; 142:1418-30. [PMID: 25813539 PMCID: PMC4392595 DOI: 10.1242/dev.109496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between different levels of gene regulation in modulating developmental transcriptional programs, such as histone modifications and chromatin remodeling, is not well understood. Here, we show that the chromatin remodeling factor Brg1 is required for enhancer activation in mesoderm induction. In an embryonic stem cell-based directed differentiation assay, the absence of Brg1 results in a failure of cardiomyocyte differentiation and broad deregulation of lineage-specific gene expression during mesoderm induction. We find that Brg1 co-localizes with H3K27ac at distal enhancers and is required for robust H3K27 acetylation at distal enhancers that are activated during mesoderm induction. Brg1 is also required to maintain Polycomb-mediated repression of non-mesodermal developmental regulators, suggesting cooperativity between Brg1 and Polycomb complexes. Thus, Brg1 is essential for modulating active and repressive chromatin states during mesoderm lineage commitment, in particular the activation of developmentally important enhancers. These findings demonstrate interplay between chromatin remodeling complexes and histone modifications that, together, ensure robust and broad gene regulation during crucial lineage commitment decisions. SUMMARY: The chromatin remodeling factor Brg1 is essential for mesoderm induction and, by modulating active and repressive chromatin states, is involved in promoting the activation of dynamic enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Alexander
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Swetansu K Hota
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Daniel He
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sean Thomas
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lena Ho
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138648
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA United States Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Benoit G Bruneau
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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16
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Early lineage restriction in temporally distinct populations of Mesp1 progenitors during mammalian heart development. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:829-40. [PMID: 25150979 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac development arises from two sources of mesoderm progenitors, the first heart field (FHF) and the second (SHF). Mesp1 has been proposed to mark the most primitive multipotent cardiac progenitors common for both heart fields. Here, using clonal analysis of the earliest prospective cardiovascular progenitors in a temporally controlled manner during early gastrulation, we found that Mesp1 progenitors consist of two temporally distinct pools of progenitors restricted to either the FHF or the SHF. FHF progenitors were unipotent, whereas SHF progenitors were either unipotent or bipotent. Microarray and single-cell PCR with reverse transcription analysis of Mesp1 progenitors revealed the existence of molecularly distinct populations of Mesp1 progenitors, consistent with their lineage and regional contribution. Together, these results provide evidence that heart development arises from distinct populations of unipotent and bipotent cardiac progenitors that independently express Mesp1 at different time points during their specification, revealing that the regional segregation and lineage restriction of cardiac progenitors occur very early during gastrulation.
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17
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Robertson EJ. Dose-dependent Nodal/Smad signals pattern the early mouse embryo. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 32:73-9. [PMID: 24704361 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nodal signals in the early post-implantation stage embryo are essential to establish initial proximal-distal (P-D) polarity and generate the final anterior-posterior (A-P) body axis. Nodal signaling in the epiblast results in the phosphorylation of Smad2 in the overlying visceral endoderm necessary to induce the AVE, in part via Smad2-dependent activation of the T-box gene Eomesodermin. Slightly later following mesoderm induction a continuum of dose-dependent Nodal signaling during the process of gastrulation underlies specification of mesodermal and definitive endoderm progenitors. Dynamic Nodal expression during the critical 72 h time window immediately following implantation, accomplished by a series of feed-back and feed-forward mechanisms serves to provide key positional cues required for establishment of the body plan and controls cell fate decisions in the early mammalian embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Robertson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
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18
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Williams DR, Shifley ET, Lather JD, Cole SE. Posterior skeletal development and the segmentation clock period are sensitive to Lfng dosage during somitogenesis. Dev Biol 2014; 388:159-69. [PMID: 24560643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The segmental structure of the axial skeleton is formed during somitogenesis. During this process, paired somites bud from the presomitic mesoderm (PSM), in a process regulated by a genetic clock called the segmentation clock. The Notch pathway and the Notch modulator Lunatic fringe (Lfng) play multiple roles during segmentation. Lfng oscillates in the posterior PSM as part of the segmentation clock, but is stably expressed in the anterior PSM during presomite patterning. We previously found that mice lacking overt oscillatory Lfng expression in the posterior PSM (Lfng(∆FCE)) exhibit abnormal anterior development but relatively normal posterior development. This suggests distinct requirements for segmentation clock activity during the formation of the anterior skeleton (primary body formation), compared to the posterior skeleton and tail (secondary body formation). To build on these findings, we created an allelic series that progressively lowers Lfng levels in the PSM. Interestingly, we find that further reduction of Lfng expression levels in the PSM does not increase disruption of anterior development. However tail development is increasingly compromised as Lfng levels are reduced, suggesting that primary body formation is more sensitive to Lfng dosage than is secondary body formation. Further, we find that while low levels of oscillatory Lfng in the posterior PSM are sufficient to support relatively normal posterior development, the period of the segmentation clock is increased when the amplitude of Lfng oscillations is low. These data support the hypothesis that there are differential requirements for oscillatory Lfng during primary and secondary body formation and that posterior development is less sensitive to overall Lfng levels. Further, they suggest that modulation of the Notch signaling by Lfng affects the clock period during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R Williams
- The Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 105 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Emily T Shifley
- The Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 105 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason D Lather
- The Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 105 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Susan E Cole
- The Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 105 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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19
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Liu Y, Schwartz RJ. Transient Mesp1 expression: a driver of cardiac cell fate determination. Transcription 2013; 4:92-6. [PMID: 23584093 DOI: 10.4161/trns.24588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesp1 sits on the tip of the cardiac regulatory hierarchy, recent evidences support that it is regulated by stem cell factor Oct4, early gastrulation signal canonical Wnts and a couple of T-box factors, T and Eomes. With other transcription factors, Mesp1 programs/reprograms human cells toward cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry; University of Houston; Houston, TX USA
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20
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David R, Schwarz F, Rimmbach C, Nathan P, Jung J, Brenner C, Jarsch V, Stieber J, Franz WM. Selection of a common multipotent cardiovascular stem cell using the 3.4-kb MesP1 promoter fragment. Basic Res Cardiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-012-0312-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Eomesodermin induces Mesp1 expression and cardiac differentiation from embryonic stem cells in the absence of Activin. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:355-62. [PMID: 22402664 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) is involved in early embryonic patterning, but the range of cell fates that it controls as well as its mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here we show that transient expression of Eomes promotes cardiovascular fate during embryonic stem cell differentiation. Eomes also rapidly induces the expression of Mesp1, a key regulator of cardiovascular differentiation, and directly binds to regulatory sequences of Mesp1. Eomes effects are strikingly modulated by Activin signalling: high levels of Activin inhibit the promotion of cardiac mesoderm by Eomes, while they enhance Eomes-dependent endodermal specification. These results place Eomes upstream of the Mesp1-dependent programme of cardiogenesis, and at the intersection of mesodermal and endodermal specification, depending on the levels of Activin/Nodal signalling.
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22
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Iimura T, Nakane A, Sugiyama M, Sato H, Makino Y, Watanabe T, Takagi Y, Numano R, Yamaguchi A. A fluorescence spotlight on the clockwork development and metabolism of bone. J Bone Miner Metab 2012; 30:254-69. [PMID: 21766187 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-011-0295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Biological phenomena that exhibit periodic activity are often referred as biorhythms or biological clocks. Among these, circadian rhythms, cyclic patterns reflecting a 24-h cycle, are the most obvious in many physiological activities including bone growth and metabolism. In the late 1990s, several clock genes were isolated and their primary structures and functions were identified. The feedback loop model of transcriptional factors was proposed to work as a circadian core oscillator not only in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus, which is recognized as the mammalian central clock, but also in various peripheral tissues including cartilage and bone. Looking back to embryonic development, the fundamental architecture of skeletal patterning is regulated by ultradian clocks that are defined as biorhythms that cycle more than once every 24 h. As post-genomic approaches, transcriptome analysis by micro-array and bioimaging assays to detect luminescent and fluorescent signals have been exploited to uncover a more comprehensive set of genes and spatio-temporal regulation of the clockwork machinery in animal models. In this review paper, we provide an overview of topics related to these molecular clocks in skeletal biology and medicine, and discuss how fluorescence imaging approaches can contribute to widening our views of this realm of biomedical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Iimura
- Global Center of Excellence (GCOE) Program, International Research Center for Molecular Science in Tooth and Bone Diseases, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
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23
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The T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin acts upstream of Mesp1 to specify cardiac mesoderm during mouse gastrulation. Nat Cell Biol 2011; 13:1084-91. [PMID: 21822279 PMCID: PMC4531310 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Instructive programmes guiding cell-fate decisions in the developing mouse embryo are controlled by a few so-termed master regulators. Genetic studies demonstrate that the T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) is essential for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, mesoderm migration and specification of definitive endoderm during gastrulation. Here we report that Eomes expression within the primitive streak marks the earliest cardiac mesoderm and promotes formation of cardiovascular progenitors by directly activating the bHLH (basic-helix-loop-helix) transcription factor gene Mesp1 upstream of the core cardiac transcriptional machinery. In marked contrast to Eomes/Nodal signalling interactions that cooperatively regulate anterior-posterior axis patterning and allocation of the definitive endoderm cell lineage, formation of cardiac progenitors requires only low levels of Nodal activity accomplished through a Foxh1/Smad4-independent mechanism. Collectively, our experiments demonstrate that Eomes governs discrete context-dependent transcriptional programmes that sequentially specify cardiac and definitive endoderm progenitors during gastrulation.
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24
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Bondue A, Tännler S, Chiapparo G, Chabab S, Ramialison M, Paulissen C, Beck B, Harvey R, Blanpain C. Defining the earliest step of cardiovascular progenitor specification during embryonic stem cell differentiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 192:751-65. [PMID: 21383076 PMCID: PMC3051813 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201007063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mesp1, the earliest marker of cardiovascular development in vivo, is used to isolate and characterize multipotent cardiovascular progenitors during ESC differentiation. During embryonic development and embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, the different cell lineages of the mature heart arise from two types of multipotent cardiovascular progenitors (MCPs), the first and second heart fields. A key question is whether these two MCP populations arise from differentiation of a common progenitor. In this paper, we engineered Mesp1–green fluorescent protein (GFP) ESCs to isolate early MCPs during ESC differentiation. Mesp1-GFP cells are strongly enriched for MCPs, presenting the ability to differentiate into multiple cardiovascular lineages from both heart fields in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptional profiling of Mesp1-GFP cells uncovered cell surface markers expressed by MCPs allowing their prospective isolation. Mesp1 is required for MCP specification and the expression of key cardiovascular transcription factors. Isl1 is expressed in a subset of early Mesp1-expressing cells independently of Mesp1 and acts together with Mesp1 to promote cardiovascular differentiation. Our study identifies the early MCPs residing at the top of the cellular hierarchy of cardiovascular lineages during ESC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Bondue
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, B1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
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25
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Garnett AT, Han TM, Gilchrist MJ, Smith JC, Eisen MB, Wardle FC, Amacher SL. Identification of direct T-box target genes in the developing zebrafish mesoderm. Development 2009; 136:749-60. [PMID: 19158186 PMCID: PMC2685943 DOI: 10.1242/dev.024703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish genes spadetail (spt) and no tail (ntl) encode T-box transcription factors that are important for early mesoderm development. Although much has been done to characterize these genes, the identity and location of target regulatory elements remain largely unknown. Here, we survey the genome for downstream target genes of the Spt and Ntl T-box transcription factors. We find evidence for extensive additive interactions towards gene activation and limited evidence for combinatorial and antagonistic interactions between the two factors. Using in vitro binding selection assays to define Spt- and Ntl-binding motifs, we searched for target regulatory sequence via a combination of binding motif searches and comparative genomics. We identified regulatory elements for tbx6 and deltaD, and, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vitro DNA binding assays and transgenic methods, we provide evidence that both are directly regulated by T-box transcription factors. We also find that deltaD is directly activated by T-box factors in the tail bud, where it has been implicated in starting the segmentation clock, suggesting that spt and ntl act upstream of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Garnett
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Christiaen L, Stolfi A, Davidson B, Levine M. Spatio-temporal intersection of Lhx3 and Tbx6 defines the cardiac field through synergistic activation of Mesp. Dev Biol 2009; 328:552-60. [PMID: 19389354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2008] [Revised: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesp encodes a bHLH transcription factor required for specification of the cardiac mesoderm in Ciona embryos. The activities of Macho-1 and beta-catenin, two essential maternal determinants, are required for Mesp expression in the B7.5 blastomeres, which constitute the heart field. The T-box transcription factor Tbx6 functions downstream of Macho-1 as a direct activator of Mesp expression. However, Tbx6 cannot account for the restricted expression of Mesp in the B7.5 lineage since it is expressed throughout the presumptive tail muscles. Here we present evidence that the LIM-homeobox gene Lhx3, a direct target of beta-catenin, is essential for localized Mesp expression. Lhx3 is expressed throughout the presumptive endoderm and B7.5 blastomeres. Thus, the B7.5 blastomeres are the only cells to express sustained levels of the Tbx6 and Lhx3 activators. Like mammalian Lhx3 genes, Ci-Lhx3 encodes two isoforms with distinct N-terminal peptides. The Lhx3a isoform appears to be expressed both maternally and zygotically, while the Lhx3b isoform is exclusively zygotic. Misexpression of Lhx3b is sufficient to induce ectopic Mesp activation in cells expressing Tbx6b. Injection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides showed that the Lhx3b isoform is required for endogenous Mesp expression. Mutations in the Lhx3 half-site of Tbx6/Lhx3 composite elements strongly reduced the activity of a minimal Mesp enhancer. We discuss the delineation of the heart field by the synergistic action of muscle and gut determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Christiaen
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Division of Genetics, Genomics and Development, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA.
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Yasuhiko Y, Kitajima S, Takahashi Y, Oginuma M, Kagiwada H, Kanno J, Saga Y. Functional importance of evolutionally conserved Tbx6 binding sites in the presomitic mesoderm-specific enhancer of Mesp2. Development 2008; 135:3511-9. [PMID: 18849530 DOI: 10.1242/dev.027144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor Tbx6 controls the expression of Mesp2, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that has crucial roles in somitogenesis. In cultured cells, Tbx6 binding to the Mesp2 enhancer region is essential for the activation of Mesp2 by Notch signaling. However, it is not known whether this binding is required in vivo. Here we report that an Mesp2 enhancer knockout mouse bearing mutations in two crucial Tbx6 binding sites does not express Mesp2 in the presomitic mesoderm. This absence leads to impaired skeletal segmentation identical to that reported for Mesp2-null mice, indicating that these Tbx6 binding sites are indispensable for Mesp2 expression. T-box binding to the consensus sequences in the Mesp2 upstream region was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Further enhancer analyses indicated that the number and spatial organization of the T-box binding sites are critical for initiating Mesp2 transcription via Notch signaling. We also generated a knock-in mouse in which the endogenous Mesp2 enhancer was replaced by the core enhancer of medaka mespb, an ortholog of mouse Mesp2. The homozygous enhancer knock-in mouse was viable and showed normal skeletal segmentation, indicating that the medaka mespb enhancer functionally replaced the mouse Mesp2 enhancer. These results demonstrate that there is significant evolutionary conservation of Mesp regulatory mechanisms between fish and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukuto Yasuhiko
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.
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Turnpenny PD. Defective somitogenesis and abnormal vertebral segmentation in man. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 638:164-89. [PMID: 21038776 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09606-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
In recent years molecular genetics has revolutionized the study of somitogenesis in developmental biology and advances that have taken place in animal models have been applied successfully to human disease. Abnormal segmentation in man is a relatively common birth defect and advances in understanding have come through the study of cases clustered in families using DNA linkage analysis and candidate gene approaches, the latter stemming directly from knowledge gained through the study of animal models. Only a minority of abnormal segmentation phenotypes appear to follow Mendelian inheritance but three genes--DLL3, MESP2 and LNFG--have now been identified for spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD), a spinal malformation characterized by extensive hemivertebrae, trunkal shortening and abnormally aligned ribs with points of fusion. In affected families autosomal recessive inheritance is followed. These genes are all important components of the Notch signaling pathway. Other genes within the pathway cause diverse phenotypes such as Alagille syndrome (AGS) and CADASIL, conditions that may have their origin in defective vasculogenesis. This review deals mainly with SCD, with some consideration of AGS. Significant future challenges lie in identifying causes of the many abnormal segmentation phenotypes in man but it is hoped that combined approaches in collaboration with developmental biologists will reap rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Turnpenny
- Clinical Genetics Department, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Gladstone Road, Exeter EX1 2ED, United Kingdom.
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Oginuma M, Hirata T, Saga Y. Identification of presomitic mesoderm (PSM)-specific Mesp1 enhancer and generation of a PSM-specific Mesp1/Mesp2-null mouse using BAC-based rescue technology. Mech Dev 2008; 125:432-40. [PMID: 18328678 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2008.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) modification technology is a powerful method for the identification of enhancer sequences and genetic modifications. Using this method, we have analyzed the Mesp1 and/or Mesp2 enhancers and identified P1-PSME, a PSM-specific enhancer of Mesp1, which contains a T-box binding site similar to the previously identified P2-PSME. Hence, Mesp1 and Mesp2 use different enhancers for their PSM-specific expression. In addition, we find that these two genes also use distinct enhancers for their early mesodermal expression. Based on these results, we generated a PSM-specific Mesp1/Mesp2-null mouse by introducing a BAC clone, from which only early mesodermal Mesp1 expression is possible, into the Mesp1/Mesp2 double knockout (dKO) genetic background. This successfully rescued gastrulation defects due to the lack of the early mesoderm in the dKO mouse and we thereby obtained a PSM-specific Mesp1/Mesp2-null mouse showing a lack of segmented somites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Oginuma
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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Abstract
Somitogenesis is the process of division of the anterior-posterior vertebrate embryonic axis into similar morphological units known as somites. These segments generate the prepattern which guides formation of the vertebrae, ribs and other associated features of the body trunk. In this work, we review and discuss a series of mathematical models which account for different stages of somite formation. We begin by presenting current experimental information and mechanisms explaining somite formation, highlighting features which will be included in the models. For each model we outline the mathematical basis, show results of numerical simulations, discuss their successes and shortcomings and avenues for future exploration. We conclude with a brief discussion of the state of modeling in the field and current challenges which need to be overcome in order to further our understanding in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Baker
- Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, 24-29 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LB, United Kingdom
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Saga Y. Segmental border is defined by the key transcription factor Mesp2, by means of the suppression of Notch activity. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:1450-5. [PMID: 17394251 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Elaborate somite patterning is based upon dynamic gene regulation within the presomitic mesoderm (PSM), which is derived from the primitive streak and tail bud in the later stage mouse embryo. The Notch signaling pathway and its regulators are major components of most of the events required for temporally and spatially coordinated somite formation. The PSM can be subdivided into at least two domains, based upon transcriptional regulation and gene function. In the posterior PSM, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein Hes7 plays a central role in generating a traveling wave of gene expression by negatively regulating the transcription of its target genes. This in turn may define the somite spacing and future segmental units. In the anterior PSM, cells begin to form segmental patterning by acquiring rostral or caudal identities of somite primordia and by defining the segmental border, which must be coupled with the segmentation clock. The link between the clock and segmental border formation is of fundamental importance during somitogenesis. During this process, Mesp2, another basic HLH protein, plays a critical role in the anterior PSM. In this review, I further clarify the dynamic processes leading to segmental border formation in the developing mouse embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Saga
- Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Sokendai, Mishima, Japan.
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Turnpenny PD, Alman B, Cornier AS, Giampietro PF, Offiah A, Tassy O, Pourquié O, Kusumi K, Dunwoodie S. Abnormal vertebral segmentation and the notch signaling pathway in man. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:1456-74. [PMID: 17497699 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vertebral segmentation (AVS) in man is a relatively common congenital malformation but cannot be subjected to the scientific analysis that is applied in animal models. Nevertheless, some spectacular advances in the cell biology and molecular genetics of somitogenesis in animal models have proved to be directly relevant to human disease. Some advances in our understanding have come through DNA linkage analysis in families demonstrating a clustering of AVS cases, as well as adopting a candidate gene approach. Only rarely do AVS phenotypes follow clear Mendelian inheritance, but three genes-DLL3, MESP2, and LNFG-have now been identified for spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD). SCD is characterized by extensive hemivertebrae, trunkal shortening, and abnormally aligned ribs with points of fusion. In familial cases clearly following a Mendelian pattern, autosomal recessive inheritance is more common than autosomal dominant and the genes identified are functional within the Notch signaling pathway. Other genes within the pathway cause diverse phenotypes such as Alagille syndrome (AGS) and CADASIL, conditions that may have their origin in defective vasculogenesis. Here, we deal mainly with SCD and AGS, and present a new classification system for AVS phenotypes, for which, hitherto, the terminology has been inconsistent and confusing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Turnpenny
- Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, and Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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Morimoto M, Sasaki N, Oginuma M, Kiso M, Igarashi K, Aizaki KI, Kanno J, Saga Y. The negative regulation of Mesp2 by mouse Ripply2 is required to establish the rostro-caudal patterning within a somite. Development 2007; 134:1561-9. [PMID: 17360776 DOI: 10.1242/dev.000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Mesp2 transcription factor plays essential roles in segmental border formation and in the establishment of rostro-caudal patterning within a somite. A possible Mesp2 target gene, Ripply2, was identified by microarray as being downregulated in the Mesp2-null mouse. Ripply2 encodes a putative transcriptional co-repressor containing a WRPW motif. We find that Mesp2 binds to the Ripply2 gene enhancer,indicating that Ripply2 is a direct target of Mesp2. We then examined whether Ripply2 is responsible for the repression of genes under the control of Mesp2 by generating a Ripply2-knockout mouse. Unexpectedly, Ripply2-null embryos show a rostralized phenotype, in contrast to Mesp2-null mice. Gene expression studies together with genetic analyses further revealed that Ripply2 is a negative regulator of Mesp2 and that the loss of the Ripply2 gene results in the prolonged expression of Mesp2, leading to a rostralized phenotype via the suppression of Notch signaling. Our study demonstrates that a Ripply2-Mesp2 negative-feedback loop is essential for the periodic generation of the rostro-caudal polarity within a somite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Morimoto
- Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
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Terasaki H, Murakami R, Yasuhiko Y, Shin-I T, Kohara Y, Saga Y, Takeda H. Transgenic analysis of the medaka mesp-b enhancer in somitogenesis. Dev Growth Differ 2006; 48:153-68. [PMID: 16573733 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2006.00853.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Somitogenesis is a critical step during the formation of metameric structures in vertebrates. Recent studies in mouse, chick, zebrafish and Xenopus have revealed that several factors, such as T-box genes, Notch/Delta, Wnt, retinoic acid and FGF signaling, are involved in the specification of nascent somites. By interacting with these pathways, the Mesp2-like bHLH transcription factors are transiently expressed in the anterior presomitic mesoderm and play a crucial role in somite formation. The regulatory mechanisms of Mesp2 and its related genes during somitogenesis have been studied in mouse and Xenopus. However, the precise mechanism that regulates the transcriptional activity of Mesp2 has yet to be determined. In our current report, we identify the essential enhancer element of medaka mesp-b, an orthologue of mouse Mesp2, using transgenic techniques and embryo manipulation. Our results demonstrate that a region of approximately 2.8 kb, upstream of the mesp-b gene, is responsible for both the initiation and anterior localization of mesp-b transcription within a somite primordium. Furthermore, putative motifs for both T-box transcription factors and Notch/Delta signaling are present in this enhancer region and are essential for activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Terasaki
- Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Yasuhiko Y, Haraguchi S, Kitajima S, Takahashi Y, Kanno J, Saga Y. Tbx6-mediated Notch signaling controls somite-specific Mesp2 expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:3651-6. [PMID: 16505380 PMCID: PMC1450137 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0508238103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesp2 is a transcription factor that plays fundamental roles in somitogenesis, and its expression is strictly restricted to the anterior presomitic mesoderm just before segment border formation. The transcriptional on-off cycle is linked to the segmentation clock. In our current study, we show that a T-box transcription factor, Tbx6, is essential for Mesp2 expression. Tbx6 directly binds to the Mesp2 gene upstream region and mediates Notch signaling, and subsequent Mesp2 transcription, in the anterior presomitic mesoderm. Our data therefore reveal that a mechanism, via Tbx6-dependent Notch signaling, acts on the transcriptional regulation of Mesp2. This finding uncovers an additional component of the interacting network of various signaling pathways that are involved in somitogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukuto Yasuhiko
- *Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Division, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kamiyoga 1-18-1, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Seiki Haraguchi
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom; and
| | - Satoshi Kitajima
- *Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Division, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kamiyoga 1-18-1, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Yu Takahashi
- *Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Division, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kamiyoga 1-18-1, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Jun Kanno
- *Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Division, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kamiyoga 1-18-1, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Davidson B, Shi W, Levine M. Uncoupling heart cell specification and migration in the simple chordate Ciona intestinalis. Development 2005; 132:4811-8. [PMID: 16207759 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The bHLH transcription factor Mesp has an essential but ambiguous role in early chordate heart development. Here, we employ the genetic and morphological simplicity of the basal chordate Ciona intestinalis to elucidate Mesp regulation and function. Characterization of a minimal cardiac enhancer for the Ciona Mesp gene demonstrated direct activation by the T-box transcription factor Tbx6c. The Mespenhancer was fused to GFP, permitting high-resolution visualization of heart cells as they migrate and divide. The enhancer was also used to drive targeted expression of an activator form of Mesp, which induces heart formation without migration. We discuss the implications of Tbx6-Mespinteractions for the evolution of cardiac mesoderm in invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Davidson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Genetics and Development, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Haraguchi S, Saga Y, Naito K, Inoue H, Seto A. Specific gene silencing in the pre-implantation stage mouse embryo by an siRNA expression vector system. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 68:17-24. [PMID: 15039944 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recently, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have become a powerful and widely used tool for the analysis of gene function in mammalian cells. Here we report that the microinjection of an siRNA expression vector into the nucleus is an efficient and powerful method of specific gene silencing in pre-implantation mouse embryos. We used this method to examine the expression of two genes EGFP and Oct4. Vectors encoding siRNAs targeted against EGFP or Oct4 were injected into the pronucleus or nucleus of zygotes, which were then cultured until the blastocyst stage. When the effects of RNAi were examined in blastocyst stage eggs, there was robust inhibition of the gene product in a concentration-dependent manner at both the mRNA and the protein level. The expression of other endogenous genes was not affected, showing the specificity of the vector-mediated RNAi. In addition, this method was effective for inhibiting maternally expressed mRNA. To demonstrate that RNAi of Oct4 induced a similar phenotype to that of Oct4-null embryos, the blastocysts were further cultured in ES medium. After the fourth day of culture, the embryos either had outgrown only a layer of trophoblast cells or showed developmental arrest at the blastocyst stage (>90%). Moreover, concomitant with Oct4 suppression at the blastocyst stage, we observed inhibition of Fgf4, a gene that is known to be induced downstream of Oct4 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the use of siRNA expression vector is a powerful way to achieve gene silencing in the pre-implantation stage embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiki Haraguchi
- Department of Microbiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.
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Whittock NV, Sparrow DB, Wouters MA, Sillence D, Ellard S, Dunwoodie SL, Turnpenny PD. Mutated MESP2 causes spondylocostal dysostosis in humans. Am J Hum Genet 2004; 74:1249-54. [PMID: 15122512 PMCID: PMC1182088 DOI: 10.1086/421053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2004] [Accepted: 03/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD) is a term given to a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal vertebral segmentation (AVS). We have previously identified mutations in the Delta-like 3 (DLL3) gene as a major cause of autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis. DLL3 encodes a ligand for the Notch receptor and, when mutated, defective somitogenesis occurs resulting in a consistent and distinctive pattern of AVS affecting the entire spine. From our study cohort of cases of AVS, we have identified individuals and families with abnormal segmentation of the entire spine but no mutations in DLL3, and, in some of these, linkage to the DLL3 locus at 19q13.1 has been excluded. Within this group, the radiological phenotype differs mildly from that of DLL3 mutation-positive SCD and is variable, suggesting further heterogeneity. Using a genomewide scanning strategy in one consanguineous family with two affected children, we demonstrated linkage to 15q21.3-15q26.1 and furthermore identified a 4-bp duplication mutation in the human MESP2 gene that codes for a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. No MESP2 mutations were found in a further 7 patients with related radiological phenotypes in whom abnormal segmentation affected all vertebrae, nor in a further 12 patients with diverse phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil V. Whittock
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Duncan B. Sparrow
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Merridee A. Wouters
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - David Sillence
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Sian Ellard
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Sally L. Dunwoodie
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Peter D. Turnpenny
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom; Developmental Biology Program and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Australia; Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; St. Vincent’s Clinical School and Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
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Cordes R, Schuster-Gossler K, Serth K, Gossler A. Specification of vertebral identity is coupled to Notch signalling and the segmentation clock. Development 2004; 131:1221-33. [PMID: 14960495 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To further analyse requirements for Notch signalling in patterning the paraxial mesoderm, we generated transgenic mice that express in the paraxial mesoderm a dominant-negative version of Delta1. Transgenic mice with reduced Notch activity in the presomitic mesoderm as indicated by loss of Hes5 expression were viable and displayed defects in somites and vertebrae consistent with known roles of Notch signalling in somite compartmentalisation. In addition, these mice showed with variable expressivity and penetrance alterations of vertebral identities resembling homeotic transformations, and subtle changes of Hox gene expression in day 12.5 embryos. Mice that carried only one functional copy of the endogenous Delta1 gene also showed changes of vertebral identities in the lower cervical region, suggesting a previously unnoticed haploinsufficiency for Delta1. Likewise, in mice carrying a null allele of the oscillating Lfng gene, or in transgenic mice expressing Lfngconstitutively in the presomitic mesoderm, vertebral identities were changed and numbers of segments in the cervical and thoracic regions were reduced,suggesting anterior shifts of axial identity. Together, these results provide genetic evidence that precisely regulated levels of Notch activity as well as cyclic Lfng activity are critical for positional specification of the anteroposterior body axis in the paraxial mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Cordes
- Institut für Molekularbiologie OE5250, Medizinische Hochschule, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Nomura-Kitabayashi A, Takahashi Y, Kitajima S, Inoue T, Takeda H, Saga Y. Hypomorphic Mesp allele distinguishes establishment of rostrocaudal polarity and segment border formation in somitogenesis. Development 2002; 129:2473-81. [PMID: 11973278 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129.10.2473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A bHLH-type transcription factor, Mesp2, plays an essential role in somite segmentation in mice. Zebrafish mespb (mesp-b), a putative homologue of mouse Mesp2, is transiently expressed in the rostral presomitic mesoderm similarly to Mesp2. To determine whether zebrafish mespb is a functional homologue of mouse Mesp2, zebrafish mespb was introduced into the mouse Mesp2 locus by homologous recombination. Introduced mespb almost rescued the Mesp2 deficiency in the homozygous mespb knockin mouse, indicating that mespb is a functional homologue of mouse Mesp2. Segmented somites were clearly observed although the partial fusion of the vertebral columns still occurred. Interestingly, however, the nature and dosage of the mespb gene affected the rescue event. A mouse line, which has a hypomorphic Mesp2 allele generated by the introduction of neo-mespb, gave rise to an epithelial somite without normal rostrocaudal (RC) polarity. RC polarity was also lacking in the presomitic mesoderm. The defects in RC polarity were determined by the altered expressions of Uncx4.1 and Dll1 in the segmented somites and presomitic mesoderm, respectively. In contrast, the expression of EphA4 (Epha4), lunatic fringe or protocadherin, thought to be involved in segment border formation, was fairly normal in hypomorphic mutant embryos. These results suggest that the Mesp family of transcription factors is involved in both segment border formation and establishment of RC polarity through different genetic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Nomura-Kitabayashi
- Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Division, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyohga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
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