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Towler OW, Shore EM, Kaplan FS. Molecular Developmental Biology of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Measuring the Giant by Its Toe. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1009. [PMID: 39199396 PMCID: PMC11353020 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
When a genetic disease is characterized by the abnormal activation of normal molecular pathways and cellular events, it is illuminating to critically examine the places and times of these activities both in health and disease. Therefore, because heterotopic ossification (HO) in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is by far the disease's most prominent symptom, attention is also directed toward the pathways and processes of bone formation during skeletal development. FOP is recognizable by effects of the causative mutation on skeletal development even before HO manifests, specifically in the malformation of the great toes. This signature skeletal phenotype is the most highly penetrant, but is only one among several skeletal abnormalities associated with FOP. Patients may present clinically with joint malformation and ankylosis, particularly in the cervical spine and costovertebral joints, as well as characteristic facial features and a litany of less common, non-skeletal symptoms, all stemming from missense mutations in the ACVR1 gene. In the same way that studying the genetic cause of HO advanced our understanding of HO initiation and progression, insight into the roles of ACVR1 signaling during tissue development, particularly in the musculoskeletal system, can be gained from examining altered skeletal development in individuals with FOP. This review will detail what is known about the molecular mechanisms of developmental phenotypes in FOP and the early role of ACVR1 in skeletal patterning and growth, as well as highlight how better understanding these processes may serve to advance patient care, assessments of patient outcomes, and the fields of bone and joint biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Will Towler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Eileen M. Shore
- Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frederick S. Kaplan
- Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Gavazzi LM, Nair M, Suydam R, Usip S, Thewissen JGM, Cooper LN. Protein signaling and morphological development of the tail fluke in the embryonic beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). Dev Dyn 2024. [PMID: 38494595 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the land-to-sea transition of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), the hindlimbs were lost and replaced by an elaborate tail fluke that evolved 32 Ma. All modern cetaceans utilize flukes for lift-based propulsion, and nothing is known of this organ's molecular origins during embryonic development. This study utilizes immunohistochemistry to identify the spatiotemporal location of protein signals known to drive appendage outgrowth in other vertebrates (e.g., Sonic Hedgehog [SHH], GREMLIN [GREM], wingless-type family member 7a [WNT], and fibroblast growth factors [FGFs]) and to test the hypothesis that signals associated with outgrowth and patterning of the tail fluke are similar to a tetrapod limb. Specifically, this study utilizes an embryo of a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) as a case study. RESULTS Results showed epidermal signals of WNT and FGFs, and mesenchymal/epidermal signals of SHH and GREM. These patterns are most consistent with vertebrate limb development. Overall, these data are most consistent with the hypothesis that outgrowth of tail flukes in cetaceans employs a signaling pattern that suggests genes essential for limb outgrowth and patterning shape this evolutionarily novel appendage. CONCLUSIONS While these data add insights into the molecular signals potentially driving the evolution and development of tail flukes in cetaceans, further exploration of the molecular drivers of fluke development is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Gavazzi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
| | - M Nair
- Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - R Suydam
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA
| | - S Usip
- Musculoskeletal Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
| | - J G M Thewissen
- Musculoskeletal Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
| | - L N Cooper
- Musculoskeletal Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
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Bardhan S, Bhargava N, Dighe S, Vats N, Naganathan SR. Emergence of a left-right symmetric body plan in vertebrate embryos. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 159:310-342. [PMID: 38729680 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
External bilateral symmetry is a prevalent feature in vertebrates, which emerges during early embryonic development. To begin with, vertebrate embryos are largely radially symmetric before transitioning to bilaterally symmetry, after which, morphogenesis of various bilateral tissues (e.g somites, otic vesicle, limb bud), and structures (e.g palate, jaw) ensue. While a significant amount of work has probed the mechanisms behind symmetry breaking in the left-right axis leading to asymmetric positioning of internal organs, little is known about how bilateral tissues emerge at the same time with the same shape and size and at the same position on the two sides of the embryo. By discussing emergence of symmetry in many bilateral tissues and structures across vertebrate model systems, we highlight that understanding symmetry establishment is largely an open field, which will provide deep insights into fundamental problems in developmental biology for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Bardhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Nandini Bhargava
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Swarali Dighe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Neha Vats
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Sundar Ram Naganathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India.
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Sedas Perez S, McQueen C, Stainton H, Pickering J, Chinnaiya K, Saiz-Lopez P, Placzek M, Ros MA, Towers M. Fgf signalling triggers an intrinsic mesodermal timer that determines the duration of limb patterning. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5841. [PMID: 37730682 PMCID: PMC10511490 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41457-6] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex signalling between the apical ectodermal ridge (AER - a thickening of the distal epithelium) and the mesoderm controls limb patterning along the proximo-distal axis (humerus to digits). However, the essential in vivo requirement for AER-Fgf signalling makes it difficult to understand the exact roles that it fulfils. To overcome this barrier, we developed an amenable ex vivo chick wing tissue explant system that faithfully replicates in vivo parameters. Using inhibition experiments and RNA-sequencing, we identify a transient role for Fgfs in triggering the distal patterning phase. Fgfs are then dispensable for the maintenance of an intrinsic mesodermal transcriptome, which controls proliferation/differentiation timing and the duration of patterning. We also uncover additional roles for Fgf signalling in maintaining AER-related gene expression and in suppressing myogenesis. We describe a simple logic for limb patterning duration, which is potentially applicable to other systems, including the main body axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Sedas Perez
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Caitlin McQueen
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Chester Medical School, Chester, CH2 1BR, UK
| | - Holly Stainton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Joseph Pickering
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Kavitha Chinnaiya
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Patricia Saiz-Lopez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Marysia Placzek
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Maria A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Matthew Towers
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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Liu Q, Liu X, Wang G, Wu F, Hou Y, Liu H. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of Astragalus and Danshen on the intervention of myofibroblast activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:325. [PMID: 37667288 PMCID: PMC10478235 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02601-6] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by continuous damage to alveolar epithelial cells, abnormal repair of alveolar tissue, and alveolar wall scar formation. Currently, the recommended treatment for IPF in Western medicine is relatively limited. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine and compound prescriptions show advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF, which can be attributed to their multi-channel and multi-target characteristics and minimal side-effects. The purpose of this study was to further corroborate the effectiveness and significance of the traditional Chinese medications Astragalus and Danshen in IPF treatment. METHODS We performed whole-genome methylation analysis on nine rat lung tissue samples to determine the epigenetic variation between IPF and non-fibrotic lungs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. RESULTS We identified differentially methylated regions and 105 associated key functional genes in samples related to IPF and Chinese medicine treatment. Based on the methylation levels and gene expression profiles between the Chinese medicine intervention and pulmonary fibrosis model groups, we speculated that Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza (traditionally known as Danshen) act on the Isl1, forkhead box O3, and Sonic hedgehog genes via regulation at transcriptional and epigenetic levels during IPF. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of IPF, indicate the effectiveness of Astragalus and Danshen in treating IPF, and suggest several promising therapeutic targets for preventing and treating IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyin Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, Daxue Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan City, 250355, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China
| | - Guoyu Wang
- Capital Medical University, No. 10, Xizhang Road, Youanmenwai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, Daxue Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan City, 250355, China
| | - Yuan Hou
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China
| | - Huaman Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China.
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Zhu D, Zhao D, Wang N, Cai F, Jiang M, Zheng Z. Current status and prospects of GREM1 research in cancer (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2023; 19:69. [PMID: 37614374 PMCID: PMC10442762 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
GREM1 is a secreted protein that antagonizes bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and participates in critical biological processes, including embryonic development, organogenesis and tissue differentiation. Gremlin 1 (GREM1) is also an inhibitor of TGF-β and a ligand for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. In addition, GREM1 can induce cells, participate in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and then participate in tumor development. GREM1 has a variety of biological functions and can participate in the malignant progression of a variety of tumors through the BMP signaling pathway. GREM1 also can inhibit TGF-β in some tumors, thereby inhibiting tumors, and its involvement in tumor development varies in different types of cancer. The present review examines the role and function of GREM1 in tumors. GREM1 is expressed in a variety of tumor types. GREM1 expression can affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of tumor cells. GREM1 has been studied in breast and colon cancer, and its potential role is to promote cancer. However, in pancreatic cancer, which was found to act differently from other cancer types, overexpression of GREM1 inhibits tumor metastasis. The present review suggests that GREM1 can be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator. In future studies, the study of GREM1 based on single-cell sequencing technology will further clarify its role and function in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Naixue Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Jinzhou Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 121017, P.R. China
| | - Fei Cai
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhe Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Zhendong Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
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7
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Chen J, Xiao H, Xue R, Kumar V, Aslam R, Mehdi SF, Luo H, Malhotra A, Lan X, Singhal P. Nicotine exacerbates diabetic nephropathy through upregulation of Grem1 expression. Mol Med 2023; 29:92. [PMID: 37415117 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Clinical reports indicate that smoking is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease, and the tobacco epidemic exacerbates kidney damage in patients with DN. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. METHOD In the present study, we used a diabetic mouse model to investigate the molecular mechanisms for nicotine-exacerbated DN. Twelve-week-old female mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to establish a hyperglycemic diabetic model. After four months, the control and hyperglycemic diabetic mice were further divided into four groups (control, nicotine, diabetic mellitus, nicotine + diabetic mellitus) by intraperitoneal injection of nicotine or PBS. After two months, urine and blood were collected for kidney injury assay, and renal tissues were harvested for further molecular assays using RNA-seq analysis, real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. In vitro studies, we used siRNA to suppress Grem1 expression in human podocytes. Then we treated them with nicotine and high glucose to compare podocyte injury. RESULT Nicotine administration alone did not cause apparent kidney injury, but it significantly increased hyperglycemia-induced albuminuria, BUN, plasma creatinine, and the kidney tissue mRNA expression of KIM-1 and NGAL. Results from RNA-seq analysis, real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that, compared to hyperglycemia or nicotine alone, the combination of nicotine treatment and hyperglycemia significantly increased the expression of Grem1 and worsened DN. In vitro experiments, suppression of Grem1 expression attenuated nicotine-exacerbated podocyte injury. CONCLUSION Grem1 plays a vital role in nicotine-exacerbated DN. Grem1 may be a potential therapeutic target for chronic smokers with DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Chen
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiting Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Luzhou City for Aging Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Xue
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Rukhsana Aslam
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Syed Faizan Mehdi
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Huairong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Luzhou City for Aging Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Xiqian Lan
- Key Laboratory of Luzhou City for Aging Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Pravin Singhal
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
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8
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Tang C, Wang J, Yao M, Ji X, Shi W, Xu C, Zeng LH, Wu X. Hippo signaling activates hedgehog signaling by Taz-driven Gli3 processing. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36720733 PMCID: PMC9889595 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The overlapping roles of Hippo and Hedgehog signaling in biological functions and diseases prompt us to investigate their potential interactions. Activation of Hippo signaling enhances the transcriptional output of Hedgehog signaling, and the role of Hippo signaling in regulating Hedgehog signaling relies on the Hippo pathway key effector, Taz. Interestingly, Taz exhibits a gradient expression across the posterior-to-anterior of limb bud mesoderms, similar to Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Importantly, Taz drives PKA to phosphorylate Gli3, resulting in the Gli3 processing into its repressor and attenuation of Hedgehog signaling in the Shh-independent manner. Specifically, Taz deletion in mouse embryonic limb bud mesenchyme not only enhances the Hedgehog signaling but partially restores the phenotypes from Shh deletion in causing severe defects of anteroposterior patterning and digit number and identity. Together, these results uncover Taz-dependent Gli3 processing as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling Hedgehog signaling, highlighting its cross-regulation by Hippo signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XNational Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052 China
| | - Jirong Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Minli Yao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xing Ji
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Wei Shi
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Chengyun Xu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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9
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Genetic Predisposition to Colorectal Cancer: How Many and Which Genes to Test? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032137. [PMID: 36768460 PMCID: PMC9916931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common tumors, and genetic predisposition is one of the key risk factors in the development of this malignancy. Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis are the best-known genetic diseases associated with hereditary colorectal cancer. However, some other genetic disorders confer an increased risk of colorectal cancer, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene), MUTYH-associated polyposis (MUTYH gene), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (STK11 gene), Cowden syndrome (PTEN gene), and juvenile polyposis syndrome (BMPR1A and SMAD4 genes). Moreover, the recent advances in molecular techniques, in particular Next-Generation Sequencing, have led to the identification of many new genes involved in the predisposition to colorectal cancers, such as RPS20, POLE, POLD1, AXIN2, NTHL1, MSH3, RNF43 and GREM1. In this review, we summarized the past and more recent findings in the field of cancer predisposition genes, with insights into the role of the encoded proteins and into the associated genetic disorders. Furthermore, we discussed the possible clinical utility of genetic testing in terms of prevention protocols and therapeutic approaches.
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10
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Zhu M, Tabin CJ. The role of timing in the development and evolution of the limb. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1135519. [PMID: 37200627 PMCID: PMC10185760 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1135519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The term heterochrony was coined to describe changes in the timing of developmental processes relative to an ancestral state. Limb development is a well-suited system to address the contribution of heterochrony to morphological evolution. We illustrate how timing mechanisms have been used to establish the correct pattern of the limb and provide cases where natural variations in timing have led to changes in limb morphology.
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11
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Zhu J, Patel R, Trofka A, Harfe BD, Mackem S. Sonic hedgehog is not a limb morphogen but acts as a trigger to specify all digits in mice. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2048-2062.e4. [PMID: 35977544 PMCID: PMC9709693 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Limb patterning by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), via either graded spatial or temporal signal integration, is a paradigm for "morphogen" function, yet how Shh instructs distinct digit identities remains controversial. Here, we bypass the Shh requirement in cell survival during outgrowth and demonstrate that a transient, early Shh pulse is both necessary and sufficient for normal mouse limb development. Shh response is only short range and is limited to the Shh-expressing zone during this time window. Shh patterns digits 1-3, anterior to this zone, by an indirect mechanism rather than direct spatial or temporal signal integration. Using a genetic relay-signaling assay, we discover that Shh also specifies digit 1/thumb (thought to be exclusively Shh independent) indirectly, and this finding implicates Shh in a unique regulatory hierarchy for digit 1 evolutionary adaptations such as opposable thumbs. This study illuminates Shh as a trigger for an indirect downstream network that becomes rapidly self-sustaining, with mechanistic relevance for limb development, regeneration, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhu
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rashmi Patel
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Anna Trofka
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Harfe
- College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA.
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12
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Lancman JJ, Hasso SM, Suzuki T, Kherdjemil Y, Kmita M, Ferris A, Dong PDS, Ros MA, Fallon JF. Downregulation of Grem1 expression in the distal limb mesoderm is a necessary precondition for phalanx development. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1439-1455. [PMID: 34719843 PMCID: PMC9054941 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phalanges are the final skeletal elements to form in the vertebrate limb and their identity is regulated by signaling at the phalanx forming region (PFR) located at the tip of the developing digit ray. Here, we seek to explore the relationship between PFR activity and phalanx morphogenesis, which define the most distal limb skeletal elements, and signals associated with termination of limb outgrowth. RESULTS As Grem1 is extinguished in the distal chick limb mesoderm, the chondrogenesis marker Aggrecan is up-regulated in the metatarsals and phalanges. Fate mapping confirms that subridge mesoderm cells contribute to the metatarsal and phalanges when subridge Grem1 is down-regulated. Grem1 overexpression specifically blocks chick phalanx development by inhibiting PFR activity. PFR activity and digit development are also disrupted following overexpression of a Gli3 repressor, which results in Grem1 expression in the distal limb and downregulation of Bmpr1b. CONCLUSIONS Based on expression and fate mapping studies, we propose that downregulation of Grem1 in the distal limb marks the transition from metatarsal to phalanx development. This suggests that downregulation of Grem1 in the distal limb mesoderm is necessary for phalanx development. Grem1 downregulation allows for full PFR activity and phalanx progenitor cell commitment to digit fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Lancman
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sean M Hasso
- Heat Biologics, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yacine Kherdjemil
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Kmita
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrea Ferris
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - P Duc S Dong
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Marian A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria-Sociedad para al Desarrollo Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - John F Fallon
- Department of Anatomy, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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13
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The molecular genetics of human appendicular skeleton. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1195-1214. [PMID: 35907958 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Disorders that result from de-arrangement of growth, development and/or differentiation of the appendages (limbs and digit) are collectively called as inherited abnormalities of human appendicular skeleton. The bones of appendicular skeleton have central role in locomotion and movement. The different types of appendicular skeletal abnormalities are well described in the report of "Nosology and Classification of Genetic skeletal disorders: 2019 Revision". In the current article, we intend to present the embryology, developmental pathways, disorders and the molecular genetics of the appendicular skeletal malformations. We mainly focused on the polydactyly, syndactyly, brachydactyly, split-hand-foot malformation and clubfoot disorders. To our knowledge, only nine genes of polydactyly, five genes of split-hand-foot malformation, nine genes for syndactyly, eight genes for brachydactyly and only single gene for clubfoot have been identified to be involved in disease pathophysiology. The current molecular genetic data will help life sciences researchers working on the rare skeletal disorders. Moreover, the aim of present systematic review is to gather the published knowledge on molecular genetics of appendicular skeleton, which would help in genetic counseling and molecular diagnosis.
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14
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Notch signaling leads to a slower progression of embryonic myogenic differentiation in Landrace than in Langtang pigs. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1122-1132. [PMID: 35866607 PMCID: PMC9827795 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Delving into porcine embryonic myogenesis is the key to elucidate the complex regulation of breed-specific differences in growth performance and meat production. Increasing evidence proves that pigs with less meat production show earlier embryonic myogenesis, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we examine the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) by immunohistochemistry and confirm that the differentiation of myogenic progenitors is increased ( P<0.05) in Lantang (LT, fatty) pigs compared with that in Landrace (LR, lean) pigs, which results in more ( P<0.001) differentiated myoblasts (Pax7 -/MyoD +) and less ( P<0.001) myogenic progenitors (Pax7 +/MyoD -) in LT pigs at 35 days post-conception (35dpc). Additionally, embryonic myogenic progenitors isolated from LT pigs show greater ( P<0.001) differentiation capacity with earlier expression of MyoD compared with those from LR pigs. Moreover, Notch signaling is more active ( P<0.05) in LR pig myogenic progenitors than in LT pig myogenic progenitors. Inhibition of Notch signaling in LR myogenic progenitors suppresses Pax7 expression and increases MyoD expression, thus promoting myogenic differentiation. Consistently, the process of myogenic progenitors differentiating into myoblasts in ex vivo embryo limbs is accelerated when Notch signaling is inhibited. These results indicate that Notch signaling facilitates the maintenance of myogenic progenitors and antagonizes myogenic differentiation by promoting Pax7 expression and preventing MyoD expression in LR pigs.
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15
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Humphreys PA, Mancini FE, Ferreira MJS, Woods S, Ogene L, Kimber SJ. Developmental principles informing human pluripotent stem cell differentiation to cartilage and bone. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 127:17-36. [PMID: 34949507 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type given appropriate signals and hence have been used to research early human development of many tissues and diseases. Here, we review the major biological factors that regulate cartilage and bone development through the three main routes of neural crest, lateral plate mesoderm and paraxial mesoderm. We examine how these routes have been used in differentiation protocols that replicate skeletal development using human pluripotent stem cells and how these methods have been refined and improved over time. Finally, we discuss how pluripotent stem cells can be employed to understand human skeletal genetic diseases with a developmental origin and phenotype, and how developmental protocols have been applied to gain a better understanding of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Humphreys
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Fabrizio E Mancini
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Miguel J S Ferreira
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Leona Ogene
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
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16
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Lovely AM, Duerr TJ, Qiu Q, Galvan S, Voss SR, Monaghan JR. Wnt Signaling Coordinates the Expression of Limb Patterning Genes During Axolotl Forelimb Development and Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814250. [PMID: 35531102 PMCID: PMC9068880 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After amputation, axolotl salamanders can regenerate their limbs, but the degree to which limb regeneration recapitulates limb development remains unclear. One limitation in answering this question is our lack of knowledge about salamander limb development. Here, we address this question by studying expression patterns of genes important for limb patterning during axolotl salamander limb development and regeneration. We focus on the Wnt signaling pathway because it regulates multiple functions during tetrapod limb development, including limb bud initiation, outgrowth, patterning, and skeletal differentiation. We use fluorescence in situ hybridization to show the expression of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, and limb patterning genes in developing and regenerating limbs. Inhibition of Wnt ligand secretion permanently blocks limb bud outgrowth when treated early in limb development. Inhibiting Wnt signaling during limb outgrowth decreases the expression of critical signaling genes, including Fgf10, Fgf8, and Shh, leading to the reduced outgrowth of the limb. Patterns of gene expression are similar between developing and regenerating limbs. Inhibition of Wnt signaling during regeneration impacted patterning gene expression similarly. Overall, our findings suggest that limb development and regeneration utilize Wnt signaling similarly. It also provides new insights into the interaction of Wnt signaling with other signaling pathways during salamander limb development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J. Duerr
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qingchao Qiu
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - James R. Monaghan
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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17
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Stainton H, Towers M. Retinoic acid influences the timing and scaling of avian wing development. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110288. [PMID: 35081337 PMCID: PMC8810399 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in biology is how embryonic development is timed between different species. To address this problem, we compared wing development in the quail and the larger chick. We reveal that pattern formation is faster in the quail as determined by the earlier activation of 5′Hox genes, termination of developmental organizers (Shh and Fgf8), and the laying down of the skeleton (Sox9). Using interspecies tissue grafts, we show that developmental timing can be reset during a critical window of retinoic acid signaling. Accordingly, extending the duration of retinoic acid signaling switches developmental timing between the quail and the chick and the chick and the larger turkey. However, the incremental growth rate is comparable between all three species, suggesting that the pace of development primarily governs differences in the expansion of the skeletal pattern. The widespread distribution of retinoic acid could coordinate developmental timing throughout the embryo. Quail wings develop faster than chick and turkey wings Retinoic acid can set the species timing of wing development Developmental timing is independent of growth and scales the skeletal pattern
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Stainton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Matthew Towers
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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18
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Gamart J, Barozzi I, Laurent F, Reinhardt R, Martins LR, Oberholzer T, Visel A, Zeller R, Zuniga A. SMAD4 target genes are part of a transcriptional network that integrates the response to BMP and SHH signaling during early limb bud patterning. Development 2021; 148:273522. [PMID: 34822715 PMCID: PMC8714076 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SMAD4 regulates gene expression in response to BMP and TGFβ signal transduction, and is required for diverse morphogenetic processes, but its target genes have remained largely elusive. Here, we identify the SMAD4 target genes in mouse limb buds using an epitope-tagged Smad4 allele for ChIP-seq analysis in combination with transcription profiling. This analysis shows that SMAD4 predominantly mediates BMP signal transduction during early limb bud development. Unexpectedly, the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes is precociously downregulated and intracellular cholesterol levels are reduced in Smad4-deficient limb bud mesenchymal progenitors. Most importantly, our analysis reveals a predominant function of SMAD4 in upregulating target genes in the anterior limb bud mesenchyme. Analysis of differentially expressed genes shared between Smad4- and Shh-deficient limb buds corroborates this function of SMAD4 and also reveals the repressive effect of SMAD4 on posterior genes that are upregulated in response to SHH signaling. This analysis uncovers opposing trans-regulatory inputs from SHH- and SMAD4-mediated BMP signal transduction on anterior and posterior gene expression during the digit patterning and outgrowth in early limb buds. Summary: The transcriptional targets of SMAD4 in early limb buds are identified and the largely opposing impact of BMP and SHH signaling on early digit patterning and outgrowth is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gamart
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Functional Genomics Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Frédéric Laurent
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Reinhardt
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurène Ramos Martins
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Oberholzer
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Visel
- Functional Genomics Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.,US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Huang BL, Mackem S. Rethinking positional information and digit identity: The role of late interdigit signaling. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:1414-1422. [PMID: 34811837 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal work from John Fallon's lab has illuminated how digit identity determination involves ongoing late regulation and occurs progressively during phalanx formation. Complementary genetic analyses in mice and several papers in this special issue have begun to flesh out how interdigit signaling accomplishes this, but major questions remain unaddressed, including how uncommitted progenitors from which phalanges arise are maintained, and what factors set limits on digit extension and phalanx number, particularly in mammals. This review summarizes what has been learned in the two decades since control of digit identity by late interdigit signals was first identified and what remains poorly understood, and will hopefully spark renewed interest in a process that is critical to evolutionary limb adaptations but nevertheless remains enigmatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bau-Lin Huang
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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20
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The Shh/ Gli3 gene regulatory network precedes the origin of paired fins and reveals the deep homology between distal fins and digits. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100575118. [PMID: 34750251 PMCID: PMC8673081 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100575118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we show that the inactivation of the gli3 gene in medaka fish results in the formation of larger dorsal and paired fins. These mutant fins display multiple radial bones and fin rays which resemble polydactyly in Gli3-deficient mice. Our molecular and genetic analyses indicate that the size of fish fins is controlled by an ancient mechanism mediated by SHH-GLI signaling that appeared prior to the evolutionary appearance of paired fins. We also show that the key regulatory networks that mediate the expansion of digit progenitor cells in tetrapods were already in place in the fins of the last common ancestor between ray and lobe-finned fishes, suggesting an ancient similarity between distal fins and digits. One of the central problems of vertebrate evolution is understanding the relationship among the distal portions of fins and limbs. Lacking comparable morphological markers of these regions in fish and tetrapods, these relationships have remained uncertain for the past century and a half. Here we show that Gli3 functions in controlling the proliferative expansion of distal progenitors are shared among dorsal and paired fins as well as tetrapod limbs. Mutant knockout gli3 fins in medaka (Oryzias latipes) form multiple radials and rays, in a pattern reminiscent of the polydactyly observed in Gli3-null mutant mice. In limbs, Gli3 controls both anterior–posterior patterning and cell proliferation, two processes that can be genetically uncoupled. In situ hybridization, quantification of proliferation markers, and analysis of regulatory regions reveal that in paired and dorsal fins, gli3 plays a main role in controlling proliferation but not in patterning. Moreover, gli3 down-regulation in shh mutant fins rescues fin loss in a manner similar to how Gli3 deficiency restores digits in the limbs of Shh mutant mouse embryos. We hypothesize that the Gli3/Shh gene pathway preceded the origin of paired appendages and was originally involved in modulating cell proliferation. Accordingly, the distal regions of dorsal fins, paired fins, and limbs retain a deep regulatory and functional homology that predates the origin of paired appendages.
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21
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Swank S, Sanger TJ, Stuart YE. (Non)Parallel developmental mechanisms in vertebrate appendage reduction and loss. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15484-15497. [PMID: 34824770 PMCID: PMC8601893 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8226] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Appendages have been reduced or lost hundreds of times during vertebrate evolution. This phenotypic convergence may be underlain by shared or different molecular mechanisms in distantly related vertebrate clades. To investigate, we reviewed the developmental and evolutionary literature of appendage reduction and loss in more than a dozen vertebrate genera from fish to mammals. We found that appendage reduction and loss was nearly always driven by modified gene expression as opposed to changes in coding sequences. Moreover, expression of the same genes was repeatedly modified across vertebrate taxa. However, the specific mechanisms by which expression was modified were rarely shared. The multiple routes to appendage reduction and loss suggest that adaptive loss of function phenotypes might arise routinely through changes in expression of key developmental genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Swank
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Thomas J. Sanger
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yoel E. Stuart
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
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22
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Spatial regulation by multiple Gremlin1 enhancers provides digit development with cis-regulatory robustness and evolutionary plasticity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5557. [PMID: 34548488 PMCID: PMC8455560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25810-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise cis-regulatory control of gene expression is essential for normal embryogenesis and tissue development. The BMP antagonist Gremlin1 (Grem1) is a key node in the signalling system that coordinately controls limb bud development. Here, we use mouse reverse genetics to identify the enhancers in the Grem1 genomic landscape and the underlying cis-regulatory logics that orchestrate the spatio-temporal Grem1 expression dynamics during limb bud development. We establish that transcript levels are controlled in an additive manner while spatial regulation requires synergistic interactions among multiple enhancers. Disrupting these interactions shows that altered spatial regulation rather than reduced Grem1 transcript levels prefigures digit fusions and loss. Two of the enhancers are evolutionary ancient and highly conserved from basal fishes to mammals. Analysing these enhancers from different species reveal the substantial spatial plasticity in Grem1 regulation in tetrapods and basal fishes, which provides insights into the fin-to-limb transition and evolutionary diversification of pentadactyl limbs. The BMP antagonist Gremlin1 balances BMP and SHH signalling, endowing limb bud development with robustness. Here, the authors identify enhancers controlling Grem1 levels in an additive, and spatial regulation in a synergistic manner, providing digit patterning with cis-regulatory robustness and evolutionary plasticity.
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23
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Sader F, Roy S. Tgf-β superfamily and limb regeneration: Tgf-β to start and Bmp to end. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:973-987. [PMID: 34096672 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Axolotls represent a popular model to study how nature solved the problem of regenerating lost appendages in tetrapods. Our work over many years focused on trying to understand how these animals can achieve such a feat and not end up with a scarred up stump. The Tgf-β superfamily represents an interesting family to target since they are involved in wound healing in adults and pattern formation during development. This family is large and comprises Tgf-β, Bmps, activins and GDFs. In this review, we present work from us and others on Tgf-β & Bmps and highlight interesting observations between these two sub-families. Tgf-β is important for the preparation phase of regeneration and Bmps for the redevelopment phase and they do not overlap with one another. We present novel data showing that the Tgf-β non-canonical pathway is also not active during redevelopment. Finally, we propose a molecular model to explain how Tgf-β and Bmps maintain distinct windows of expression during regeneration in axolotls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Sader
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Roy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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24
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Tissières V, Geier F, Kessler B, Wolf E, Zeller R, Lopez-Rios J. Gene Regulatory and Expression Differences between Mouse and Pig Limb Buds Provide Insights into the Evolutionary Emergence of Artiodactyl Traits. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107490. [PMID: 32268095 PMCID: PMC7166081 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Digit loss/reductions are evolutionary adaptations in cursorial mammals such as pigs. To gain mechanistic insight into these processes, we performed a comparative molecular analysis of limb development in mouse and pig embryos, which revealed a loss of anterior-posterior polarity during distal progression of pig limb bud development. These alterations in pig limb buds are paralleled by changes in the mesenchymal response to Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, which is altered upstream of the reduction and loss of Fgf8 expression in the ectoderm that overlaps the reduced and vestigial digit rudiments of the pig handplate, respectively. Furthermore, genome-wide open chromatin profiling using equivalent developmental stages of mouse and pig limb buds reveals the functional divergence of about one-third of the regulatory genome. This study uncovers widespread alterations in the regulatory landscapes of genes essential for limb development that likely contributed to the morphological diversion of artiodactyl limbs from the pentadactyl archetype of tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Tissières
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Florian Geier
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital, 4053 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Javier Lopez-Rios
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain.
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25
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Lorda-Diez CI, Duarte-Olivenza C, Hurle JM, Montero JA. Transforming growth factor beta signaling: The master sculptor of fingers. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:125-136. [PMID: 33871876 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) constitutes a large and evolutionarily conserved superfamily of secreted factors that play essential roles in embryonic development, cancer, tissue regeneration, and human degenerative pathology. Studies of this signaling cascade in the regulation of cellular and tissue changes in the three-dimensional context of a developing embryo have notably advanced in the understanding of the action mechanism of these growth factors. In this review, we address the role of TGFβ signaling in the developing limb, focusing on its essential function in the morphogenesis of the autopod. As we discuss in this work, modern mouse genetic experiments together with more classical embryological approaches in chick embryos, provided very valuable information concerning the role of TGFβ and Activin family members in the morphogenesis of the digits of tetrapods, including the formation of phalanxes, digital tendons, and interphalangeal joints. We emphasize the importance of the Activin and TGFβ proteins as digit inducing factors and their critical interaction with the BMP signaling to sculpt the hand and foot morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos I Lorda-Diez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Cristina Duarte-Olivenza
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Juan M Hurle
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Juan A Montero
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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26
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Sharma D, Hilton MJ, Karner CM. Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization in Murine Tissues. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2230:367-376. [PMID: 33197026 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1028-2_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whole mount in situ hybridization is a sensitive method used to characterize the spatial and temporal expression of RNA transcripts throughout an entire tissue. This method is an excellent tool for studying gene expression during embryonic development. Here, we describe a procedure for digoxigenin labeled in situ hybridization on whole embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Sharma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Orthopaedic, Cellular, Developmental and Genome Laboratories, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew J Hilton
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology, Developmental, and Genome Laboratories, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Courtney M Karner
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Orthopaedic, Cellular, Developmental and Genome Laboratories, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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27
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Abstract
The vertebrate limb continues to serve as an influential model of growth, morphogenesis and pattern formation. With this Review, we aim to give an up-to-date picture of how a population of undifferentiated cells develops into the complex pattern of the limb. Focussing largely on mouse and chick studies, we concentrate on the positioning of the limbs, the formation of the limb bud, the establishment of the principal limb axes, the specification of pattern, the integration of pattern formation with growth and the determination of digit number. We also discuss the important, but little understood, topic of how gene expression is interpreted into morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Matthew Towers
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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28
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Cordeiro IR, Yu R, Tanaka M. Regulation of the limb shape during the development of the Chinese softshell turtles. Evol Dev 2020; 22:451-462. [PMID: 32906209 PMCID: PMC7757393 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interdigital cell death is an important mechanism employed by amniotes to shape their limbs; inhibiting this process leads to the formation of webbed fingers, as seen in bats and ducks. The Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae) has a distinctive limb morphology: the anterior side of the limbs has partially webbed fingers with claw‐like protrusions, while the posterior fingers are completely enclosed in webbings. Here, P. sinensis embryos were investigated to gain insights on the evolution of limb‐shaping mechanisms in amniotes. We found cell death and cell senescence in their interdigital webbings. Spatial or temporal modulation of these processes were correlated with the appearance of indentations in the webbings, but not a complete regression of this tissue. No differences in interdigital cell proliferation were found. In subsequent stages, differential growth of the finger cartilages led to a major difference in limb shape. While no asymmetry in bone morphogenetic protein signaling was evident during interdigital cell death stages, some components of this pathway were expressed exclusively in the clawed digit tips, which also had earlier ossification. In addition, a delay and/or truncation in the chondrogenesis of the posterior digits was found in comparison with the anterior digits of P. sinensis, and also when compared with the previously published pattern of digit skeletogenesis of turtles without posterior webbings. In conclusion, modulation of cell death, as well as a heterochrony in digit chondrogenesis, may contribute to the formation of the unique limbs of the Chinese softshell turtles. Cell death and senescence shape the interdigital webbings of Pelodiscus sinensis. Delayed chondrogenesis/ossification and truncated tips are found in posterior digits, as well as differential expression of bone morphogenetic proteins and Msh homeobox 1 transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid R Cordeiro
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Reiko Yu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tanaka
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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29
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Sakamoto S, Tateya T, Omori K, Kageyama R. Idgenes are required for morphogenesis and cellular patterning in the developing mammalian cochlea. Dev Biol 2020; 460:164-175. [PMID: 31843520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitor of differentiation and DNA-binding (Id) proteins, Id1 to Id4, function in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Id proteins have been shown to interact with bHLH proteins and other proteins involved in regulating cellular proliferation and differentiation, suggesting a widespread regulatory function. Id1-3 are known to be expressed in the prosensory domain of developing cochlea. However, the roles of Id genes in cochlear development are not fully elucidated. The deficiency of any of the Id1-3 genes individually has little effect on the cochlear development, and therefore the functional redundancy among these genes have been presumed to explain the absence of phenotype. Here, we show that conditional knockout of Id1/2/3 genes (Id TKO) causes major defects in morphogenesis and cellular patterning in the development of mammalian cochlea. Id TKO cochlea was 82% shorter than control, and both decreased proliferation and increased cell death caused the hypomorph. Sox2-positive prosensory domain was formed in Id TKO cochlea, but the formation of the medial-lateral (central-peripheral) axis was disturbed; the boundary between the medial and lateral compartments in the prosensory domain was partially doubled; the number of inner hair cells per unit length increased, and the number of outer hair cells decreased. Furthermore, the lateral non-sensory compartment expressing Bmp4 and Lmo3 was missing. Thus, the patterning of the lateral epithelium was more affected than the medial epithelium. These results suggested that Id genes are crucial for morphogenesis of the cochlea duct and patterning of the lateral epithelium in the developing cochlea. Further analyses by quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining using cochlear explants with a Bmp pathway inhibitor revealed that the Bmp-Id pathway originates from the lateral non-sensory compartment and promotes outer hair cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Sakamoto
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan; Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, 615-8577, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tateya
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan; Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, 615-8577, Japan; Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Koichi Omori
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryoichiro Kageyama
- Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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30
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Lézot F, Corre I, Morice S, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. SHH Signaling Pathway Drives Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Progression. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030536. [PMID: 32110934 PMCID: PMC7140443 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary bone tumors can be divided into two classes, benign and malignant. Among the latter group, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most prevalent malignant primary bone tumors in children and adolescents. Despite intensive efforts to improve treatments, almost 40% of patients succumb to the disease. Specifically, the clinical outcome for metastatic osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma remains poor; less than 30% of patients who present metastases will survive 5 years after initial diagnosis. One common and specific point of these bone tumors is their ability to deregulate bone homeostasis and remodeling and divert them to their benefit. Over the past years, considerable interest in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway has taken place within the cancer research community. The activation of this SHH cascade can be done through different ways and, schematically, two pathways can be described, the canonical and the non-canonical. This review discusses the current knowledge about the involvement of the SHH signaling pathway in skeletal development, pediatric bone sarcoma progression and the related therapeutic options that may be possible for these tumors.
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31
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Dynamic and self-regulatory interactions among gene regulatory networks control vertebrate limb bud morphogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 139:61-88. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Qin D, Jiang YR, Meng Z. Gremlin in the Vitreous of Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and the Downregulation of Gremlin in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. J Diabetes Res 2020; 2020:9238742. [PMID: 32377526 PMCID: PMC7180400 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9238742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Proliferative DR (PDR), an advanced stage of DR, is characterized by the formation of fibrotic membranes at the vitreoretinal interface. The proliferation, migration, and secretion of extracellular matrix molecules in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells contribute to the formation of fibrotic membranes in PDR. Gremlin has been reported to be upregulated in response to elevated glucose levels in the retina of diabetic rat and bovine pericytes. However, the role of gremlin in PDR remains unclear. In the present study, the vitreous concentrations of gremlin were significantly higher in the PDR (67.79 ± 33.96) group than in the control (45.31 ± 12.31) group, and high glucose levels induced the expression of gremlin in RPE cells. The elevated expression of extracellular matrix molecules, such as fibronectin and collagen IV, was significantly reduced by gremlin siRNA in human RPE cells under high-glucose conditions. Thus, gremlin may play a vital role in the development of PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Qin
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan-rong Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijun Meng
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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33
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Kawahata K, Cordeiro IR, Ueda S, Sheng G, Moriyama Y, Nishimori C, Yu R, Koizumi M, Okabe M, Tanaka M. Evolution of the avian digital pattern. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8560. [PMID: 31189916 PMCID: PMC6561939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44913-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in digit number has occurred multiple times in the history of archosaur evolution. The five digits of dinosaur limbs were reduced to three in bird forelimbs, and were further reduced in the vestigial forelimbs of the emu. Regulation of digit number has been investigated previously by examining genes involved in anterior-posterior patterning in forelimb buds among emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). It was described that the expression of posterior genes are conserved among these three birds, whereas expression of anterior genes Gli3 and Alx4 varied significantly. Here we re-examined the expression pattern of Gli3 and Alx4 in the forelimb of emu, chicken and zebra finch. We found that Gli3 is expressed in the anterior region, although its range varied among species, and that the expression pattern of Alx4 in forelimb buds is broadly conserved in a stage-specific manner. We also found that the dynamic expression pattern of the BMP antagonist Gremlin1 (Grem1) in limb buds, which is critical for autopodial expansion, was consistent with the digital pattern of emu, chicken and zebra finch. Furthermore, in emu, variation among individuals was observed in the width of Grem1 expression in forelimb buds, as well as in the adult skeletal pattern. Our results support the view that the signalling system that regulates the dynamic expression of Grem1 in the limb bud contributes substantially to variations in avian digital patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Kawahata
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Shogo Ueda
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.,Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Guojun Sheng
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuuta Moriyama
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Physics and Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Chika Nishimori
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Reiko Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makoto Koizumi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Okabe
- Department of Anatomy, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tanaka
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
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34
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Reinhardt R, Gullotta F, Nusspaumer G, Ünal E, Ivanek R, Zuniga A, Zeller R. Molecular signatures identify immature mesenchymal progenitors in early mouse limb buds that respond differentially to morphogen signaling. Development 2019; 146:dev.173328. [PMID: 31076486 PMCID: PMC6550019 DOI: 10.1242/dev.173328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The key molecular interactions governing vertebrate limb bud development are a paradigm for studying the mechanisms controlling progenitor cell proliferation and specification during vertebrate organogenesis. However, little is known about the cellular heterogeneity of the mesenchymal progenitors in early limb buds that ultimately contribute to the chondrogenic condensations prefiguring the skeleton. We combined flow cytometric and transcriptome analyses to identify the molecular signatures of several distinct mesenchymal progenitor cell populations present in early mouse forelimb buds. In particular, jagged 1 (JAG1)-positive cells located in the posterior-distal mesenchyme were identified as the most immature limb bud mesenchymal progenitors (LMPs), which crucially depend on SHH and FGF signaling in culture. The analysis of gremlin 1 (Grem1)-deficient forelimb buds showed that JAG1-expressing LMPs are protected from apoptosis by GREM1-mediated BMP antagonism. At the same stage, the osteo-chondrogenic progenitors (OCPs) located in the core mesenchyme are already actively responding to BMP signaling. This analysis sheds light on the cellular heterogeneity of the early mouse limb bud mesenchyme and on the distinct response of LMPs and OCPs to morphogen signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Reinhardt
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabiana Gullotta
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gretel Nusspaumer
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Development and Evolution, Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Erkan Ünal
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ivanek
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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35
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Wen H, Kumar V, Mishra A, Song S, Aslam R, Hussain A, Wang H, Zhou X, He X, Wu G, Luo H, Lan X, Malhotra A, Singhal PC. Grem2 mediates podocyte apoptosis in high glucose milieu. Biochimie 2019; 160:113-121. [PMID: 30831151 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased DAN protein (Grem1, Grem2, Grem3, Cerberus, NBL1, SOST, and USAG1) levels are often associated with severe disease-states in adult kidneys. Grem1, SOST, and USAG1 have been demonstrated to be upregulated and play a critical role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the expression and the role of other DAN family members in DN have not been reported yet. In this study, we investigated the expression and the role of Grem2 in the development of renal lesions in mice with type 2 DN. METHODS Fourteen-week-old BTBRob/ob (a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus) and control (BTBR, wild type) mice were evaluated for renal functional and structural biomarkers. Urine was collected for protein content assay, and renal tissues were harvested for molecular analysis with real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. In vitro studies, human podocytes were transfected with Grem2 plasmid and were evaluated for apoptosis (morphologic assay and Western blotting). To evaluate the Grem2-mediated downstream signaling, the phosphorylation status of Smad2/3 and Smad1/5/8 was assessed. To establish a causal relationship, the effect of SIS3 (an inhibitor for Samd2/3) and BMP-7 (an agonist for Smad1/5/8) was evaluated on Germ2-induced podocyte apoptosis. RESULTS BTBRob/ob mice showed elevated urinary protein levels. Renal tissues of BTBRob/ob mice showed an increased expression of Grem2; both glomerular and tubular cells displayed enhanced Grem2 expression. In vitro studies, high glucose increased Grem2 expression in cultured human podocytes, whereas, Grem2 silencing partially protected podocyte from high glucose-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of Grem2 in podocytes not only increased Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio but also promoted podocyte apoptosis; moreover, an overexpression of Grem2 increased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and decreased the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8; furthermore, SIS3 and BMP-7 attenuated Grem2-induced podocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS High glucose increases Grem2 expression in kidney cells. Grem2 mediates podocyte apoptosis through Smads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiu Wen
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Abheepsa Mishra
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Su Song
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Rukhsana Aslam
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ali Hussain
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Haichao Wang
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Xiaogang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoming He
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Guisheng Wu
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Huairong Luo
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiqian Lan
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.
| | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.
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36
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Xu J, Liu H, Lan Y, Adam M, Clouthier DE, Potter S, Jiang R. Hedgehog signaling patterns the oral-aboral axis of the mandibular arch. eLife 2019; 8:40315. [PMID: 30638444 PMCID: PMC6347453 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of vertebrate jaws involves patterning neural crest-derived mesenchyme cells into distinct subpopulations along the proximal-distal and oral-aboral axes. Although the molecular mechanisms patterning the proximal-distal axis have been well studied, little is known regarding the mechanisms patterning the oral-aboral axis. Using unbiased single-cell RNA-seq analysis followed by in situ analysis of gene expression profiles, we show that Shh and Bmp4 signaling pathways are activated in a complementary pattern along the oral-aboral axis in mouse embryonic mandibular arch. Tissue-specific inactivation of hedgehog signaling in neural crest-derived mandibular mesenchyme led to expansion of BMP signaling activity to throughout the oral-aboral axis of the distal mandibular arch and subsequently duplication of dentary bone in the oral side of the mandible at the expense of tongue formation. Further studies indicate that hedgehog signaling acts through the Foxf1/2 transcription factors to specify the oral fate and pattern the oral-aboral axis of the mandibular mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Xu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Han Liu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Yu Lan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States.,Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - David E Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, United States
| | - Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Rulang Jiang
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States.,Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
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37
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Al-Qattan MM, Alkuraya FS. Cenani-Lenz syndrome and other related syndactyly disorders due to variants in LRP4, GREM1/FMN1, and APC: Insight into the pathogenesis and the relationship to polyposis through the WNT and BMP antagonistic pathways. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 179:266-279. [PMID: 30569497 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.60694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cenani-Lenz (C-L) syndrome is characterized by oligosyndactyly, metacarpal synostosis, phalangeal disorganization, and other variable facial and systemic features. Most cases are caused by homozygous and compound heterozygous missense and splice mutations of the LRP4 gene. Currently, the syndrome carries one OMIM number (212780). However, C-L syndrome-like phenotypes as well as other syndactyly disorders with or without metacarpal synostosis/phalangeal disorganization are also known to be associated with specific LRP4 mutations, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) truncating mutations, genomic rearrangements of the GREM1-FMN1 locus, as well as FMN1 mutations. Surprisingly, patients with C-L syndrome-like phenotype caused by APC truncating mutations have no polyposis despite the increased levels of β catenin. The LRP4 and APC proteins act on the WNT (wingless-type integration site family) canonical pathway, whereas the GREM-1 and FMN1 proteins act on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. In this review, we discuss the different mutations associated with C-L syndrome, classify its clinical features, review familial adenomatous polyposis caused by truncating APC mutations and compare these mutations to the splicing APC mutation associated with syndactyly, and finally, explore the pathophysiology through a review of the cross talks between the WNT canonical and the BMP antagonistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Al-Qattan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Plastic Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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38
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Spatial and Quantitative Detection of BMP Activity in Mouse Embryonic Limb Buds. Methods Mol Biol 2018. [PMID: 30414135 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8904-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Modulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activity is essential to the progression of limb development in the mouse embryo. Genetic disruption of BMP signaling at various stages of limb development causes defects ranging from complete limb agenesis to oligodactyly, polydactyly, webbing, and chondrodysplasia. To probe the state of BMP signaling in early limb buds, we designed two sets of primers to measure both spatially and quantitatively the transcription of nine key genes indicative of canonical BMP activity. One set is used to generate digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled antisense RNA probes for whole-mount mRNA in situ hybridization, while the second set is used for SYBR® Green-based quantitative PCR on limb bud cDNA. Here we describe step-by-step protocols for both methods around this specific set of genes.
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39
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Yu Y, Cheng L, Yan B, Zhou C, Qian W, Xiao Y, Qin T, Cao J, Han L, Ma Q, Ma J. Overexpression of Gremlin 1 by sonic hedgehog signaling promotes pancreatic cancer progression. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2445-2457. [PMID: 30272371 PMCID: PMC6203161 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is an important promotor of desmoplasia, a critical feature in pancreatic cancer stromal reactions involving the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Gremlin 1 is widely overexpressed in cancer-associated stromal cells, including activated PSCs. In embryonic development, SHH is a potent regulator of Gremlin 1 through an interaction network. This subtle mechanism in the cancer microenvironment remains to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the association between Gremlin 1 and SHH, and the effect of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer. The expression of Gremlin 1 in different specimens was measured using immunohistochemistry. The correlations among clinico-pathological features and levels of Gremlin 1 were evaluated. Primary human PSCs and pancreatic cancer cell lines were exposed to SHH, cyclopamine, GLI family zinc finger-1 (Gli-1) small interfering RNA (siRNA), and Gremlin 1 siRNA to examine their associations and effects using an MTT assay, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis, and migration or invasion assays. The results revealed the overexpression of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer tissues, mainly in the stroma. The levels of Gremlin 1 were significantly correlated with survival rate and pT status. In addition, following activation of the PSCs, the expression levels of Gremlin 1 increased substantially. SHH acts as a potent promoter of the expression of Gremlin 1, and cyclopamine and Gli-1 siRNA modulated this effect. In a screen of pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells expressed high levels of Gremlin 1, but only AsPC-1 cells exhibited a high expression level of SHH. The results of the indirect co-culture experiment suggested that paracrine SHH from the AsPC-1 cells induced the expression of Gremlin 1 in the PSCs. Furthermore, Gremlin 1 siRNA negatively regulated the proliferation and migration of PSCs, and the proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Based on the data from the present study, it was concluded that an abnormal expression level of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer was induced by SHH signaling, and that the overexpression of Gremlin 1 enabled pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtian Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Cancan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jiguang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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40
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Pickering J, Rich CA, Stainton H, Aceituno C, Chinnaiya K, Saiz-Lopez P, Ros MA, Towers M. An intrinsic cell cycle timer terminates limb bud outgrowth. eLife 2018; 7:37429. [PMID: 30175958 PMCID: PMC6143340 DOI: 10.7554/elife.37429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The longstanding view of how proliferative outgrowth terminates following the patterning phase of limb development involves the breakdown of reciprocal extrinsic signalling between the distal mesenchyme and the overlying epithelium (e-m signalling). However, by grafting distal mesenchyme cells from late stage chick wing buds to the epithelial environment of younger wing buds, we show that this mechanism is not required. RNA sequencing reveals that distal mesenchyme cells complete proliferative outgrowth by an intrinsic cell cycle timer in the presence of e-m signalling. In this process, e-m signalling is required permissively to allow the intrinsic cell cycle timer to run its course. We provide evidence that a temporal switch from BMP antagonism to BMP signalling controls the intrinsic cell cycle timer during limb outgrowth. Our findings have general implications for other patterning systems in which extrinsic signals and intrinsic timers are integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Pickering
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Constance A Rich
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Stainton
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Aceituno
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Kavitha Chinnaiya
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Saiz-Lopez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Marian A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Matthew Towers
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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41
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Zhang M, Chen Y, Xu H, Yang L, Yuan F, Li L, Xu Y, Chen Y, Zhang C, Lin G. Melanocortin Receptor 4 Signaling Regulates Vertebrate Limb Regeneration. Dev Cell 2018; 46:397-409.e5. [PMID: 30130530 PMCID: PMC6107305 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) plays a crucial role in the central control of energy homeostasis, but its role in peripheral organs has not been fully explored. We have investigated the roles of hypothalamus-mediated energy metabolism during Xenopus limb regeneration. We report that hypothalamus injury inhibits Xenopus tadpole limb regeneration. By loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, we show that Mc4r signaling is required for limb regeneration in regeneration-competent tadpoles and stimulates limb regeneration in later-stage regeneration-defective tadpoles. It regulates limb regeneration through modulating energy homeostasis and ROS production. Even more interestingly, our results demonstrate that Mc4r signaling is regulated by innervation and α-MSH substitutes for the effect of nerves in limb regeneration. Mc4r signaling is also required for mouse digit regeneration. Thus, our findings link vertebrate limb regeneration with Mc4r-mediated energy homeostasis and provide a new avenue for understanding Mc4r signaling in the peripheral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Youwei Chen
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Hanqian Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China; Stem Cell Institute, Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Li Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Lei Li
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Chao Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Gufa Lin
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China; Stem Cell Institute, Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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42
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Liu CF, Angelozzi M, Haseeb A, Lefebvre V. SOX9 is dispensable for the initiation of epigenetic remodeling and the activation of marker genes at the onset of chondrogenesis. Development 2018; 145:dev164459. [PMID: 30021842 PMCID: PMC6078338 DOI: 10.1242/dev.164459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SOX9 controls cell lineage fate and differentiation in major biological processes. It is known as a potent transcriptional activator of differentiation-specific genes, but its earliest targets and its contribution to priming chromatin for gene activation remain unknown. Here, we address this knowledge gap using chondrogenesis as a model system. By profiling the whole transcriptome and the whole epigenome of wild-type and Sox9-deficient mouse embryo limb buds, we uncover multiple structural and regulatory genes, including Fam101a, Myh14, Sema3c and Sema3d, as specific markers of precartilaginous condensation, and we provide evidence of their direct transactivation by SOX9. Intriguingly, we find that SOX9 helps remove epigenetic signatures of transcriptional repression and establish active-promoter and active-enhancer marks at precartilage- and cartilage-specific loci, but is not absolutely required to initiate these changes and activate transcription. Altogether, these findings widen our current knowledge of SOX9 targets in early chondrogenesis and call for new studies to identify the pioneer and transactivating factors that act upstream of or along with SOX9 to prompt chromatin remodeling and specific gene activation at the onset of chondrogenesis and other processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Feng Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Marco Angelozzi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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43
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Watson BA, Feenstra JM, Van Arsdale JM, Rai-Bhatti KS, Kim DJH, Coggins AS, Mattison GL, Yoo S, Steinman ED, Pira CU, Gongol BR, Oberg KC. LHX2 Mediates the FGF-to-SHH Regulatory Loop during Limb Development. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:E13. [PMID: 29914077 PMCID: PMC6027391 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During limb development, fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) govern proximal⁻distal outgrowth and patterning. FGFs also synchronize developmental patterning between the proximal⁻distal and anterior⁻posterior axes by maintaining Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in cells of the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) in the distal posterior mesoderm. Shh, in turn, maintains Fgfs in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) that caps the distal tip of the limb bud. Crosstalk between Fgf and Shh signaling is critical for patterned limb development, but the mechanisms underlying this feedback loop are not well-characterized. Implantation of Fgf beads in the proximal posterior limb bud can maintain SHH expression in the former ZPA domain (evident 3 h after application), while prolonged exposure (24 h) can induce SHH outside of this domain. Although temporally and spatially disparate, comparative analysis of transcriptome data from these different populations accentuated genes involved in SHH regulation. Comparative analysis identified 25 candidates common to both treatments, with eight linked to SHH expression or function. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LHX2, a LIM Homeodomain transcription factor, is an intermediate in the FGF-mediated regulation of SHH. Our data suggest that LHX2 acts as a competency factor maintaining distal posterior SHH expression subjacent to the AER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy A Watson
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Feenstra
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Van Arsdale
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Karndeep S Rai-Bhatti
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Diana J H Kim
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Ashley S Coggins
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Gennaya L Mattison
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Stephen Yoo
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Eric D Steinman
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Charmaine U Pira
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Brendan R Gongol
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Kerby C Oberg
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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44
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Bickelmann C, Frota-Lima GN, Triepel SK, Kawaguchi A, Schneider I, Fröbisch NB. Noncanonical Hox, Etv4, and Gli3 gene activities give insight into unique limb patterning in salamanders. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2018; 330:138-147. [PMID: 29602205 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Limb development in salamanders is unique among tetrapods in significant ways. Not only can salamanders regenerate lost limbs repeatedly and throughout their lives, but also the preaxial zeugopodial element and digits form before the postaxial ones and, hence, with a reversed polarity compared to all other tetrapods. Moreover, in salamanders with free-swimming larval stages, as exemplified by the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), each digit buds independently, instead of undergoing a paddle stage. Here, we report gene expression patterns of Hoxa and d clusters, and other crucial transcription factors during axolotl limb development. During early phases of limb development, expression patterns are mostly similar to those reported for amniotes and frogs. Likewise, Hoxd and Shh regulatory landscapes are largely conserved. However, during late digit-budding phases, remarkable differences are present: (i) the Hoxd13 expression domain excludes developing digits I and IV, (ii) we expand upon previous observation that Hoxa11 expression, which traditionally marks the zeugopodium, extends distally into the developing digits, and (iii) Gli3 and Etv4 show prolonged expression in developing digits. Our findings identify derived patterns in the expression of key transcription factors during late phases of salamander limb development, and provide the basis for a better understanding of the unique patterning of salamander limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Bickelmann
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Neiva Frota-Lima
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Sandra Karla Triepel
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Akane Kawaguchi
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Campus Vienna Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Schneider
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nadia Belinda Fröbisch
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany.,Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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45
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Tulenko FJ, Massey JL, Holmquist E, Kigundu G, Thomas S, Smith SME, Mazan S, Davis MC. Fin-fold development in paddlefish and catshark and implications for the evolution of the autopod. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2780. [PMID: 28539509 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary origin of the autopod involved a loss of the fin-fold and associated dermal skeleton with a concomitant elaboration of the distal endoskeleton to form a wrist and digits. Developmental studies, primarily from teleosts and amniotes, suggest a model for appendage evolution in which a delay in the AER-to-fin-fold conversion fuelled endoskeletal expansion by prolonging the function of AER-mediated regulatory networks. Here, we characterize aspects of paired fin development in the paddlefish Polyodon spathula (a non-teleost actinopterygian) and catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (chondrichthyan) to explore aspects of this model in a broader phylogenetic context. Our data demonstrate that in basal gnathostomes, the autopod marker HoxA13 co-localizes with the dermoskeleton component And1 to mark the position of the fin-fold, supporting recent work demonstrating a role for HoxA13 in zebrafish fin ray development. Additionally, we show that in paddlefish, the proximal fin and fin-fold mesenchyme share a common mesodermal origin, and that components of the Shh/LIM/Gremlin/Fgf transcriptional network critical to limb bud outgrowth and patterning are expressed in the fin-fold with a profile similar to that of tetrapods. Together these data draw contrast with hypotheses of AER heterochrony and suggest that limb-specific morphologies arose through evolutionary changes in the differentiation outcome of conserved early distal patterning compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Tulenko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - James L Massey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Elishka Holmquist
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA
| | - Gabriel Kigundu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA
| | - Sarah Thomas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA
| | - Susan M E Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA
| | - Sylvie Mazan
- CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR7232, Observatoire Océanologique, F-66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Marcus C Davis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, GA 30144, USA
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46
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Towers M. Evolution of antero-posterior patterning of the limb: Insights from the chick. Genesis 2018; 56:e23047. [PMID: 28734068 PMCID: PMC5811799 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The developing limbs of chicken embryos have served as pioneering models for understanding pattern formation for over a century. The ease with which chick wing and leg buds can be experimentally manipulated, while the embryo is still in the egg, has resulted in the discovery of important developmental organisers, and subsequently, the signals that they produce. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is produced by mesenchyme cells of the polarizing region at the posterior margin of the limb bud and specifies positional values across the antero-posterior axis (the axis running from the thumb to the little finger). Detailed experimental embryology has revealed the fundamental parameters required to specify antero-posterior positional values in response to Shh signaling in chick wing and leg buds. In this review, the evolution of the avian wing and leg will be discussed in the broad context of tetrapod paleontology, and more specifically, ancestral theropod dinosaur paleontology. How the parameters that dictate antero-posterior patterning could have been modulated to produce the avian wing and leg digit patterns will be considered. Finally, broader speculations will be made regarding what the antero-posterior patterning of chick limbs can tell us about the evolution of other digit patterns, including those that were found in the limbs of the earliest tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Towers
- Department of Biomedical ScienceThe Bateson Centre, University of SheffieldWestern BankSheffieldS10 2TNUnited Kingdom
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47
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Enhancer adoption caused by genomic insertion elicits interdigital Shh expression and syndactyly in mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 115:1021-1026. [PMID: 29255029 PMCID: PMC5798340 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713339115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we reexamined an old mouse mutant named Hammer toe (Hm), which arose spontaneously almost a half century ago and exhibits a limb phenotype with webbing. We revealed that a 150-kb noncoding genomic fragment that was originally located in chromosome 14 has been inserted into a genomic region proximal to Sonic hedgehog (Shh), located in chromosome 5. This inserted fragment possesses enhancer activity to induce Shh expression in the interdigital regions in Hm, which in turn down-regulates bone morphogenetic protein signaling and eventually results in syndactyly and web formation. Since the donor fragment residing in chromosome 14 has enhancer activity to induce interdigital gene expression, the Hm mutation appears to be an archetypal case of enhancer adoption. Acquisition of new cis-regulatory elements (CREs) can cause alteration of developmental gene regulation and may introduce morphological novelty in evolution. Although structural variation in the genome generated by chromosomal rearrangement is one possible source of new CREs, only a few examples are known, except for cases of retrotransposition. In this study, we show the acquisition of novel regulatory sequences as a result of large genomic insertion in the spontaneous mouse mutation Hammer toe (Hm). Hm mice exhibit syndactyly with webbing, due to suppression of interdigital cell death in limb development. We reveal that, in the Hm genome, a 150-kb noncoding DNA fragment from chromosome 14 is inserted into the region upstream of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) promoter in chromosome 5. Phenotyping of mouse embryos with a series of CRISPR/Cas9-aided partial deletion of the 150-kb insert clearly indicated that two different regions are necessary for the syndactyly phenotype of Hm. We found that each of the two regions contains at least one enhancer for interdigital regulation. These results show that a set of enhancers brought by the large genomic insertion elicits the interdigital Shh expression and the Hm phenotype. Transcriptome analysis indicates that ectopic expression of Shh up-regulates Chordin (Chrd) that antagonizes bone morphogenetic protein signaling in the interdigital region. Indeed, Chrd-overexpressing transgenic mice recapitulated syndactyly with webbing. Thus, the Hm mutation provides an insight into enhancer acquisition as a source of creation of novel gene regulation.
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48
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Leal F, Cohn MJ. Developmental, genetic, and genomic insights into the evolutionary loss of limbs in snakes. Genesis 2017; 56. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Leal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610
- Department of Biology; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610
| | - Martin J. Cohn
- Department of Biology; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610
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49
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Wu C, Li J, Peterson A, Tao K, Wang B. Loss of dynein-2 intermediate chain Wdr34 results in defects in retrograde ciliary protein trafficking and Hedgehog signaling in the mouse. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:2386-2397. [PMID: 28379358 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wdr34 gene encodes an intermediate chain of cytoplasmic dynein 2, the motor for retrograde intraflagellar transport (IFT) in primary cilia. Although mutations in human WDR34 have recently been reported, the association of WDR34 function with Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has not been established, and actual cilia defects in the WDR34 mutant cells have also not been completely characterized. In the present study, we show that Wdr34 mutant mice die in midgestation and exhibit open brain and polydactyly phenotypes. Several Hh-dependent ventral neural cell types are not specified in the mutant neural tube. The expression of the direct Hh targets, Gli1 and Patched 1, is inhibited, while the expression of limb patterning genes that are normally inhibited by the Gli3 repressor is anteriorly expanded in mutant limbs. Comparison of cilia phenotype and function among wild type, Dnchc2 (dynein 2 heavy chain), and Wdr34 mutant cells demonstrates that cilia in both Dnchc2 and Wdr34 mutant cells are stumpy. Several ciliary proteins examined abnormally accumulate in the cilia of both mutant cells. Consistent with its function, overexpressed Wdr34 is occasionally localized to cilia, and Wdr34 is required for the ciliary localization of dynein 2 light intermediate chain Lic3. More interestingly, we show that both Dnchc2 and Wdr34 act between Smo and Gli2/Gli3 in the Hh pathway. Therefore, like Dnchc2, Wdr34 is required for ciliogenesis, retrograde ciliary protein trafficking, and the regulation of Gli2/Gli3 activators and repressors. Furthermore, both Wdr34 and Dnchc2 promote microtubule growth, a novel dynein 2 function in a non-cilia structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, W404, New York, NY 10065,USA
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, W404, New York, NY 10065,USA.,Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Andrew Peterson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Baolin Wang
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, W404, New York, NY 10065,USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, W404, New York, NY 10065, USA
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50
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Zhu J, Mackem S. John Saunders' ZPA, Sonic hedgehog and digit identity - How does it really all work? Dev Biol 2017; 429:391-400. [PMID: 28161524 PMCID: PMC5540801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Among John Saunders' many seminal contributions to developmental biology, his discovery of the limb 'zone of polarizing activity' (ZPA) is arguably one of the most memorable and ground-breaking. This discovery introduced the limb as a premier model for understanding developmental patterning and promoted the concept of patterning by a morphogen gradient. In the 50 years since the discovery of the ZPA, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has been identified as the ZPA factor and the basic components of the signaling pathway and many aspects of its regulation have been elucidated. Although much has also been learned about how it regulates growth, the mechanism by which Shh patterns the limb, how it acts to instruct digit 'identity', nevertheless remains an enigma. This review focuses on what has been learned about Shh function in the limb and the outstanding puzzles that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhu
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, United States.
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