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Iriki H, Umegaki-Arao N, Kakuta R, Fujita H, Aoki S, Amagai M, Sasaki T, Hamamoto Y, Nakayama R, Kubo A. Superimposition of checkerboard distribution of ephelides and neurofibromas in a segmental neurofibromatosis patient. JAAD Case Rep 2022; 25:89-92. [PMID: 35799684 PMCID: PMC9253525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2022.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Iriki
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Umegaki-Arao
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Kakuta
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- KOSÉ Endowed Program for Skin Care and Allergy Prevention, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satomi Aoki
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- KOSÉ Endowed Program for Skin Care and Allergy Prevention, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sasaki
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Hamamoto
- Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Nakayama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiharu Kubo
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Correspondence to: Akiharu Kubo, MD, PhD, Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
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2
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Pop S, Urtatiz O, Van Raamsdonk CD. Isolation of tdTomato Expressing Inter-follicular Epidermal Melanocytes or Keratinocytes from Mouse Tail Skin. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4398. [PMID: 35800096 PMCID: PMC9081482 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4398] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It is made up of mostly keratinocytes along with a small number of melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin, which is transferred to the keratinocytes, and protects these cells from damage from UV radiation, as well as generating hair and skin colours. In this important relationship, keratinocytes exert control over melanocytes. Many questions regarding keratinocyte-melanocyte interactions have yet to be answered, and would benefit from study in model systems, to address diseases such as vitiligo and cutaneous melanoma. Most of the mouse is covered in fur and these areas lack the skin pigmenting inter-follicular epidermal (IFE) melanocytes. However, the mouse tail is pigmented analogously to human skin. Here, we present a method for isolating IFE melanocytes or keratinocytes expressing the tdTomato marker from the mouse tail, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The method involves firstly separating the tail skin epidermis from the dermis, and then digesting the epidermis to produce dissociated cells, which can then be sorted. These isolated cell populations can be studied using RNAseq or cultured in vitro. This protocol isolates IFE melanocytes or keratinocytes and immediately provides reasonable yields of cells, without the need to stain the cells for cell specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pop
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver B.C., V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver B.C., V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Catherine D. Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver B.C., V6T 1Z3, Canada,
*For correspondence:
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3
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-Lopez GA, Méndez-Maldonado K, Velasco I, Aybar MJ. The crucial role of model systems in understanding the complexity of cell signaling in human neurocristopathies. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1537. [PMID: 35023327 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are useful to study the molecular, cellular, and morphogenetic mechanisms underlying normal and pathological development. Cell-based study models have emerged as an alternative approach to study many aspects of human embryonic development and disease. The neural crest (NC) is a transient, multipotent, and migratory embryonic cell population that generates a diverse group of cell types that arises during vertebrate development. The abnormal formation or development of the NC results in neurocristopathies (NCPs), which are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological alterations. The impaired molecular mechanisms that give rise to these multiphenotypic diseases are not entirely clear yet. This fact, added to the high incidence of these disorders in the newborn population, has led to the development of systematic approaches for their understanding. In this article, we have systematically reviewed the ways in which experimentation with different animal and cell model systems has improved our knowledge of NCPs, and how these advances might contribute to the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the treatment of these pathologies. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Guillermo A Vega-Lopez
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Karla Méndez-Maldonado
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular del Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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4
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Larribère L, Utikal J. NF1-Dependent Transcriptome Regulation in the Melanocyte Lineage and in Melanoma. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153350. [PMID: 34362135 PMCID: PMC8347768 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153350] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise role played by the tumor suppressor gene NF1 in melanocyte biology and during the transformation into melanoma is not completely understood. In particular, understanding the interaction during melanocyte development between NF1 and key signaling pathways, which are known to be reactivated in advanced melanoma, is still under investigation. Here, we used RNAseq datasets from either situation to better understand the transcriptomic regulation mediated by an NF1 partial loss of function. We found that NF1 mutations had a differential impact on pluripotency and on melanoblast differentiation. In addition, major signaling pathways such as VEGF, senescence/secretome, endothelin, and cAMP/PKA are likely to be upregulated upon NF1 loss of function in both melanoblasts and metastatic melanoma. In sum, these data bring new light on the transcriptome regulation of the NF1-mutated melanoma subgroup and will help improve the possibilities for specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Larribère
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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5
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Deraredj Nadim W, Hassanaly S, Bénédetti H, Kieda C, Grillon C, Morisset-Lopez S. The GTPase-activating protein-related domain of neurofibromin interacts with MC1R and regulates pigmentation-mediated signaling in human melanocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 534:758-764. [PMID: 33187641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) which plays a major role in controlling melanogenesis. A large body of evidence indicates that GPCRs are part of large protein complexes that are critical for their signal transduction properties. Among proteins which may affect MC1R signaling, neurofibromin (Nf1), a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Ras, is of special interest as it regulates adenylyl cyclase activity and ERK signaling, two pathways involved in MC1R signaling. Moreover, mutations in this gene encoding Nf1 are responsible for neurofibromatosis type I, a disease inducing hyperpigmented flat skin lesions. Using co-immunoprecipitation and Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer experiments we demonstrated a physical interaction of Nf1 with MC1R. In particular, the GAP domain of Nf1 directly and constitutively interacts with MC1R in melanocytes. Pharmacologic and genetic approaches revealed that the GAP activity of Nf1 is important to regulate intracellular signaling pathways involved in melanogenesis and, consequently, melanogenic enzyme expression and melanin production. These finding shed new light on the understanding and cure of skin pigmentation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissem Deraredj Nadim
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - Shalina Hassanaly
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - Hélène Bénédetti
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - Catherine Grillon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - Severine Morisset-Lopez
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301 Affiliated to the University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France.
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6
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NF1-RAC1 axis regulates migration of the melanocytic lineage. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100858. [PMID: 32891903 PMCID: PMC7484592 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastases's spreading is the main cause of mortality for advanced stage cancer patients, including melanoma. The formation of metastases is favored by enhanced migratory and invasive capacities of tumor cells. Tumor suppressor gene NF1 is a negative regulator of RAS and its deregulation plays an important role in several aspects of melanoma transformation and progression. However, very little is described about the role of NF1 in cellular migration and invasion. In this study, our results show on the one hand, that the loss of NF1 expression delays migration of human melanoblasts via a RAC1-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, our data indicate that NF1 loss in melanoma cells is enhancing migration, intravasation and metastases formation in vivo. Moreover, not only this phenotype is associated with an upregulation of PREX1 but also patient-derived melanoma samples with low NF1 expression present increased levels of PREX1. In sum, our study brings new elements on the mechanism controlling cellular migration in the context of NF1 loss. These data are of prime interest to improve treatment strategies against all NF1-mutated tumors, including this subtype of melanoma.
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7
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Cui XW, Ren JY, Gu YH, Li QF, Wang ZC. NF1, Neurofibromin and Gene Therapy: Prospects of Next-Generation Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 20:100-108. [PMID: 32767931 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666200806111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1] is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting multiple organs. NF1 is well known for its various clinical manifestations, including café-au-late macules, Lisch nodules, bone deformity and neurofibromas. However, there is no effective therapy for NF1. Current therapies are aimed at alleviating NF1 clinical symptoms but not curing the disease. By altering pathogenic genes, gene therapy regulates cell activities at the nucleotide level. In this review, we described the structure and functions of neurofibromin domains, including GAP-related domain [GRD], cysteine-serine rich domain [CSRD], leucine-rich domain [LRD] and C-terminal domain [CTD], which respectively alter downstream pathways. By transfecting isolated sequences of these domains, researchers can partially restore normal cell functions in neurofibroma cell lines. Furthermore, recombinant transgene sequences may be designed to encode truncated proteins, which is functional and easy to be packaged into viral vectors. In addition, the treatment effect of gene therapy is also determined by various factors such as the vectors selection, transgene packaging strategies and drug administration. We summarized multiple NF1 gene therapy strategies and discussed their feasibility from multiple angles. Different protein domains alter the function and downstream pathways of neurofibromin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Wei Cui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jie-Yi Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yi-Hui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qing-Feng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
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8
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Jain F, Longakit A, Huang JLY, Van Raamsdonk CD. Endothelin signaling promotes melanoma tumorigenesis driven by constitutively active GNAQ. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:834-849. [PMID: 32453908 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled receptor, endothelin receptor B (EDNRB), is an important regulator of melanocyte survival and proliferation. It acts by stimulating downstream heterotrimeric G proteins, such as Gαq and Gα1 . Constitutively active, oncogenic versions of Gαq and Gα11 drive melanomagenesis, but the role of Ednrb in the context of these mutant G proteins has not been previously examined. In this paper, we used a knock-in mouse allele at the Rosa26 locus to force oncogenic GNAQQ209L expression in melanocytes in combination with Ednrb gene knockout. The resulting pathological analysis revealed that every aspect of melanomagenesis driven by GNAQQ209L was inhibited. We conclude that even in the presence of oncogenic Gαq , the Ednrb receptor activates normal Gαq and Gα11 proteins. This likely promotes tumorigenesis by activating phospholipase C-beta, the immediate effector of Gαq/11 . These findings suggest that it might be possible to target upstream receptors to offset the effects of hyperactive G proteins, recognized as the cause of a growing number of human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fagun Jain
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne Longakit
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenny Li-Ying Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine D Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Park Y, O'Rourke S, Taki FA, Alfhili MA, Lee MH. Dose-Dependent Effects of GLD-2 and GLD-1 on Germline Differentiation and Dedifferentiation in the Absence of PUF-8. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:5. [PMID: 32039211 PMCID: PMC6992537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00005] [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: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PUMILIO/FBF (PUF) proteins have a conserved function in stem cell regulation. Caenorhabditis elegans PUF-8 protein inhibits the translation of target mRNAs by interacting with PUF binding element (PBE) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). In this work, an in silico analysis has identified gld-2 [a poly(A) polymerase] as a putative PUF-8 target. Biochemical and reporter analyses showed that PUF-8 specifically binds to a PBE in gld-2 3′ UTR and represses a GFP reporter gene carrying gld-2 3′ UTR in the C. elegans mitotic germ cells. GLD-2 enhances meiotic entry at least in part by activating GLD-1 (a KH motif-containing RNA-binding protein). Our genetic analyses also demonstrated that heterozygous gld-2(+/−) gld-1(+/−) genes in the absence of PUF-8 are competent for meiotic entry (early differentiation), but haplo-insufficient for the meiotic division (terminal differentiation) of spermatocytes. Indeed, the arrested spermatocytes return to mitotic cells via dedifferentiation, which results in germline tumors. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we thus suggest that similar molecular mechanisms may control differentiation, dedifferentiation, and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Samuel O'Rourke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Faten A Taki
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohammad A Alfhili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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10
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-Lopez GA, Aybar MJ. The role of teratogens in neural crest development. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:584-632. [PMID: 31926062 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC), discovered by Wilhelm His 150 years ago, gives rise to a multipotent migratory embryonic cell population that generates a remarkably diverse and important array of cell types during the development of the vertebrate embryo. These cells originate in the neural plate border (NPB), which is the ectoderm between the neural plate and the epidermis. They give rise to the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, odontoblasts and neuroendocrine cells, among others. Neurocristopathies are a class of congenital diseases resulting from the abnormal induction, specification, migration, differentiation or death of NC cells (NCCs) during embryonic development and have an important medical and societal impact. In general, congenital defects affect an appreciable percentage of newborns worldwide. Some of these defects are caused by teratogens, which are agents that negatively impact the formation of tissues and organs during development. In this review, we will discuss the teratogens linked to the development of many birth defects, with a strong focus on those that specifically affect the development of the NC, thereby producing neurocristopathies. Although increasing attention is being paid to the effect of teratogens on embryonic development in general, there is a strong need to critically evaluate the specific role of these agents in NC development. Therefore, increased understanding of the role of these factors in NC development will contribute to the planning of strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of human neurocristopathies, whose etiology was previously not considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Guillermo A Vega-Lopez
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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11
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Urtatiz O, Cook C, Huang JLY, Yeh I, Van Raamsdonk CD. GNAQ Q209L expression initiated in multipotent neural crest cells drives aggressive melanoma of the central nervous system. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 33:96-111. [PMID: 31680437 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic neoplasms represent a spectrum of rare tumors originating from melanocytes of the leptomeninges, which are the inner two membranes that protect the central nervous system. Like other non-epithelial melanocytic lesions, they bear frequent oncogenic mutations in the heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits, GNAQ or GNA11. In this study, we used Plp1-creERT to force the expression of oncogenic GNAQQ209L in the multipotent neural crest cells of the ventro-medial developmental pathway, beginning prior to melanocyte cell differentiation. We found that this produces leptomeningeal melanocytic neoplasms, including cranial melanocytomas, spinal melanocytomas, and spinal melanomas, in addition to blue nevus-like lesions in the dermis. GNAQQ209L drove different phenotypes depending upon when during embryogenesis (E9.5, E10.5, or E11.5) it was induced by tamoxifen and which Cre driver (Plp1-creERT, Tyr-creERT2 , or Mitf-cre) was used. Given these differences, we propose that melanocytes go through temporary phases where they become sensitive to the oncogenic effects of GNAQQ209L . R26-fs-GNAQQ209L ; Plp1-creERT mice will be useful for defining biomarkers for potentially aggressive leptomeningeal melanocytomas and for developing new therapeutics for advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Courtney Cook
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenny L-Y Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iwei Yeh
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine D Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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12
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Chohan H, Esfandiarei M, Arman D, Van Raamsdonk CD, van Breemen C, Friedman JM, Jett KA. Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency results in altered spermatogenesis in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208835. [PMID: 30571760 PMCID: PMC6301684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The fertility of men with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is reduced. Despite this observation, gonadal function has not been examined in patients with NF1. In order to assess the role of reduced neurofibromin in the testes, we examined testicular morphology and function in an Nf1+/- mouse model. We found that although Nf1+/- male mice are able to reproduce, they have significantly fewer pups per litter than Nf1+/+ control males. Reduced fertility in Nf1+/- male mice is associated with disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium, with exfoliation of germ cells and immature spermatids into the tubule lumen. Morphometric analysis shows that these alterations are associated with decreased Leydig cell numbers and increased spermatid cell numbers. We hypothesized that hyper-activation of Ras in Nf1+/- males affects ectoplasmic specialization, a Sertoli-spermatid adherens junction involved in spermiation. Consistent with this idea, we found increased expression of phosphorylated ERK, a downstream effector of Ras that has been shown to alter ectoplasmic specialization, in Nf1+/- males in comparison to control Nf1+/+ littermates. These data demonstrate that neurofibromin haploinsufficiency impairs spermatogenesis and fertility in a mouse model of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Chohan
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mitra Esfandiarei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Darian Arman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catherine D. Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cornelis van Breemen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jan M. Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kimberly A. Jett
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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13
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Chen Z, Mo J, Brosseau JP, Shipman T, Wang Y, Liao CP, Cooper JM, Allaway RJ, Gosline SJC, Guinney J, Carroll TJ, Le LQ. Spatiotemporal Loss of NF1 in Schwann Cell Lineage Leads to Different Types of Cutaneous Neurofibroma Susceptible to Modification by the Hippo Pathway. Cancer Discov 2018; 9:114-129. [PMID: 30348677 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a cancer predisposition disorder that results from inactivation of the tumor suppressor neurofibromin, a negative regulator of RAS signaling. Patients with NF1 present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, and the tumor with highest prevalence is cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF). Most patients harboring cNF suffer greatly from the burden of those tumors, which have no effective medical treatment. Ironically, none of the numerous NF1 mouse models developed so far recapitulate cNF. Here, we discovered that HOXB7 serves as a lineage marker to trace the developmental origin of cNF neoplastic cells. Ablating Nf1 in the HOXB7 lineage faithfully recapitulates both human cutaneous and plexiform neurofibroma. In addition, we discovered that modulation of the Hippo pathway acts as a "modifier" for neurofibroma tumorigenesis. This mouse model opens the doors for deciphering the evolution of cNF to identify effective therapies, where none exist today. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides insights into the developmental origin of cNF, the most common tumor in NF1, and generates the first mouse model that faithfully recapitulates both human cutaneous and plexiform neurofibroma. The study also demonstrates that the Hippo pathway can modify neurofibromagenesis, suggesting that dampening the Hippo pathway could be an attractive therapeutic target.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jean-Philippe Brosseau
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tracey Shipman
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chung-Ping Liao
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jonathan M Cooper
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Thomas J Carroll
- Department of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Neurofibromatosis Clinic, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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14
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Tharmarajah G, Eckhard U, Jain F, Marino G, Prudova A, Urtatiz O, Fuchs H, de Angelis MH, Overall CM, Van Raamsdonk CD. Melanocyte development in the mouse tail epidermis requires the Adamts9 metalloproteinase. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 31:693-707. [PMID: 29781574 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mouse tail has an important role in the study of melanogenesis, because mouse tail skin can be used to model human skin pigmentation. To better understand the development of melanocytes in the mouse tail, we cloned two dominant ENU-generated mutations of the Adamts9 gene, Und3 and Und4, which cause an unpigmented ring of epidermis in the middle of the tail, but do not alter pigmentation in the rest of the mouse. Adamts9 encodes a widely expressed zinc metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats with few known substrates. Melanocytes are lost in the Adamts9 mutant tail epidermis at a relatively late stage of development, around E18.5. Studies of our Adamts9 conditional allele suggest that there is a melanocyte cell-autonomous requirement for Adamts9. In addition, we used a proteomics approach, TAILS N-terminomics, to identify new Adamts9 candidate substrates in the extracellular matrix of the skin. The tail phenotype of Adamts9 mutants is strikingly similar to the unpigmented trunk belt in Adamts20 mutants, which suggests a particular requirement for Adamts family activity at certain positions along the anterior-posterior axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Tharmarajah
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ulrich Eckhard
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fagun Jain
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Giada Marino
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anna Prudova
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin H de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science, Weihenstephan Technische Universitat, Freising, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christopher M Overall
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine D Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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15
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Debbache J, Parfejevs V, Sommer L. Cre-driver lines used for genetic fate mapping of neural crest cells in the mouse: An overview. Genesis 2018; 56:e23105. [PMID: 29673028 PMCID: PMC6099459 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest is one of the embryonic structures with the broadest developmental potential in vertebrates. Morphologically, neural crest cells emerge during neurulation in the dorsal folds of the neural tube before undergoing an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), delaminating from the neural tube, and migrating to multiple sites in the growing embryo. Neural crest cells generate cell types as diverse as peripheral neurons and glia, melanocytes, and so‐called mesectodermal derivatives that include craniofacial bone and cartilage and smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular structures. In mice, the fate of neural crest cells has been determined mainly by means of transgenesis and genome editing technologies. The most frequently used method relies on the Cre‐loxP system, in which expression of Cre‐recombinase in neural crest cells or their derivatives genetically enables the expression of a Cre‐reporter allele, thus permanently marking neural crest‐derived cells. Here, we provide an overview of the Cre‐driver lines used in the field and discuss to what extent these lines allow precise neural crest stage and lineage‐specific fate mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Debbache
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Vadims Parfejevs
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Sommer
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
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16
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Glushkova M, Yordanova I, Todorov T, Bojinova V, Koleva M, Dimova P, Tournev I, Angelova L, Todorova A, Mitev V. Three Novel NF1 Gene Mutations in a Cohort of Bulgarian Neurofibromatoses Patients. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Urtatiz O, Samani AMV, Kopp JL, Van Raamsdonk CD. Rapid melanoma induction in mice expressing oncogenic Braf
V600
E
using Mitf-cre. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 31:541-544. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Atefeh M. V. Samani
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Janel L. Kopp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
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18
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The NF1 gene in tumor syndromes and melanoma. J Transl Med 2017; 97:146-157. [PMID: 28067895 PMCID: PMC5413358 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway is critical in melanoma. Melanoma can be grouped into four molecular subtypes based on their main genetic driver: BRAF-mutant, NRAS-mutant, NF1-mutant, and triple wild-type tumors. The NF1 protein, neurofibromin 1, negatively regulates RAS proteins through GTPase activity. Germline mutations in NF1 cause neurofibromatosis type I, a common genetic tumor syndrome caused by dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK pathway, ie, RASopathy. Melanomas with NF1 mutations typically occur on chronically sun-exposed skin or in older individuals, show a high mutation burden, and are wild-type for BRAF and NRAS. Additionally, NF1 mutations characterize certain clinicopathologic melanoma subtypes, specifically desmoplastic melanoma. This review discusses the current knowledge of the NF1 gene and neurofibromin 1 in neurofibromatosis type I and in melanoma.
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19
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Larribère L, Utikal J. Multiple roles of NF1 in the melanocyte lineage. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:417-25. [PMID: 27155159 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
NF1 is a tumour suppressor gene, germline mutations of which lead to neurofibromatosis type 1 syndrome. Patients develop benign tumours from several types of cells including neural crest-derived cells. NF1 somatic mutations also occur in 15% of sporadic melanoma, a cancer originating from melanocytes. Evidence now suggests the involvement of NF1 mutations in melanoma resistance to targeted therapies. Although NF1 is ubiquitously expressed, genetic links between NF1 and genes involved in melanocyte biology have been described, implying the lineage-specific mechanisms. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest advances related to the roles of NF1 in melanocyte biology and in cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Larribère
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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20
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Urtatiz O, Van Raamsdonk CD. Gnaq and Gna11 in the Endothelin Signaling Pathway and Melanoma. Front Genet 2016; 7:59. [PMID: 27148356 PMCID: PMC4837292 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we first briefly outline the function of G protein coupled receptors in cancer, and then specifically examine the roles of the seven transmembrane G protein coupled Endothelin B receptor (Ednrb) and the G proteins, GNAQ and GNA11, in both melanocyte development and melanoma. Ednrb plays an essential role in melanocyte development. GNAQ and GNA11 are oncogenes when mutated in certain types of melanocytic lesions, being extremely frequent in uveal melanoma, which forms from melanocytes located in the eye. Previously, we reported that in mice, Schwann cell precursor derived melanocytes colonize the dermis and hair follicles, while the inter-follicular epidermis is populated by other melanocytes. A pattern has emerged whereby melanocytes whose activities are affected by gain-of-function mutations of the Endothelin 3 ligand and Gαq/11 are the same subset that arise from Schwann cell precursors. Furthermore, the forced expression of the constitutively active human GNAQQ209L oncogene in mouse melanocytes only causes hyper-proliferation in the subset that arise from Schwann cell precursors. This has led us to hypothesize that in Schwann cell precursor derived melanocytes, Ednrb signals through Gαq/11. Ednrb is promiscuous and may signal through other G protein alpha subunits in melanomas located in the inter-follicular epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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In vitro modeling of hyperpigmentation associated to neurofibromatosis type 1 using melanocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:9034-9. [PMID: 26150484 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1501032112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
"Café-au-lait" macules (CALMs) and overall skin hyperpigmentation are early hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). One of the most frequent monogenic diseases, NF1 has subsequently been characterized with numerous benign Schwann cell-derived tumors. It is well established that neurofibromin, the NF1 gene product, is an antioncogene that down-regulates the RAS oncogene. In contrast, the molecular mechanisms associated with alteration of skin pigmentation have remained elusive. We have reassessed this issue by differentiating human embryonic stem cells into melanocytes. In the present study, we demonstrate that NF1 melanocytes reproduce the hyperpigmentation phenotype in vitro, and further characterize the link between loss of heterozygosity and the typical CALMs that appear over the general hyperpigmentation. Molecular mechanisms associated with these pathological phenotypes correlate with an increased activity of cAMP-mediated PKA and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, leading to overexpression of the transcription factor MITF and of the melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase and dopachrome tautomerase, all major players in melanogenesis. Finally, the hyperpigmentation phenotype can be rescued using specific inhibitors of these signaling pathways. These results open avenues for deciphering the pathological mechanisms involved in pigmentation diseases, and provide a robust assay for the development of new strategies for treating these diseases.
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22
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Huang JLY, Urtatiz O, Van Raamsdonk CD. Oncogenic G Protein GNAQ Induces Uveal Melanoma and Intravasation in Mice. Cancer Res 2015; 75:3384-97. [PMID: 26113083 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-3229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GNAQ and GNA11 are heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits, which are mutated in a mutually exclusive pattern in most cases of uveal melanoma, one of the most aggressive cancers. Here we introduce the first transgenic mouse model of uveal melanoma, which develops cancers induced by expression of oncogenic GNAQ(Q209L) under control of the Rosa26 promoter. Disease penetrance is 100% by 3 months of age, with 94% of mice also developing lung tumors. In this model, the Yap protein of the Hippo pathway is activated in the eyes, and blood vessels near the lesions in the head and lungs exhibit melanocytic invasion. While full transcription levels are not necessary for GNAQ(Q209L) to transform mouse melanocytes, we obtained suggestive evidence of a selective advantage for increased GNAQ(Q209L) expression in human tumors. Intriguingly, enforced expression of GNAQ(Q209L) progressively eliminated melanocytes from the interfollicular epidermis in adults, possibly explaining the near absence of GNAQ(Q209) mutations in human epithelial melanomas. The mouse model also exhibited dermal nevi and melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system, accompanied by impaired hearing and balance, identifying a novel role for GNAQ in melanocyte-like cells of the inner ear. Overall, this model offers a new tool to dissect signaling by oncogenic GNAQ and to test potential therapeutics in an in vivo setting where GNAQ(Q209L) mutations contribute to both the initiation and metastatic progression of uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Li-Ying Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine D Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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23
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Larribere L, Wu H, Novak D, Galach M, Bernhardt M, Orouji E, Weina K, Knappe N, Sachpekidis C, Umansky L, Beckhove P, Umansky V, De Schepper S, Kaufmann D, Ballotti R, Bertolotto C, Utikal J. NF1 loss induces senescence during human melanocyte differentiation in an iPSC-based model. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2015; 28:407-16. [PMID: 25824590 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a frequent genetic disease leading to the development of Schwann cell-derived neurofibromas or melanocytic lesions called café-au-lait macules (CALMs). The molecular mechanisms involved in CALMs formation remain largely unknown. In this report, we show for the first time pathophysiological mechanisms of abnormal melanocyte differentiation in a human NF1(+/-) -induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model. We demonstrate that NF1 patient-derived fibroblasts can be successfully reprogrammed in NF1(+/-) iPSCs with active RAS signaling and that NF1 loss induces senescence during melanocyte differentiation as well as in patient's-derived CALMs, revealing a new role for NF1 in the melanocyte lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Larribere
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Huizi Wu
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Novak
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marta Galach
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias Bernhardt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elias Orouji
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kasia Weina
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathalie Knappe
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christos Sachpekidis
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludmila Umansky
- Division of Translational Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Division of Translational Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sofie De Schepper
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Kaufmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Robert Ballotti
- INSERM U1065 (Team 1), C3M, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Nice, France
| | - Corine Bertolotto
- INSERM U1065 (Team 1), C3M, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Nice, France
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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24
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Speeckaert R, Van Gele M, Speeckaert MM, Lambert J, van Geel N. The biology of hyperpigmentation syndromes. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:512-24. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jo Lambert
- Department of Dermatology; Ghent University Hospital; Gent Belgium
| | - Nanja van Geel
- Department of Dermatology; Ghent University Hospital; Gent Belgium
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25
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Van Raamsdonk CD, Deo M. Links between Schwann cells and melanocytes in development and disease. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 26:634-45. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mugdha Deo
- Department of Medical Genetics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; BC; Canada
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26
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Deo M, Huang JLY, Van Raamsdonk CD. Genetic interactions between neurofibromin and endothelin receptor B in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59931. [PMID: 23555837 PMCID: PMC3610757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
When mutations in two different genes produce the same mutant phenotype, it suggests that the encoded proteins either interact with each other, or act in parallel to fulfill a similar purpose. Haploinsufficiency of Neurofibromin and over-expression of Endothelin 3 both cause increased numbers of melanocytes to populate the dermis during mouse development, and thus we are interested in how these two signaling pathways might intersect. Neurofibromin is mutated in the human genetic disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, which is characterized by the development of Schwann cell based tumors and skin hyper-pigmentation. Neurofibromin is a GTPase activating protein, while the Endothelin 3 ligand activates Endothelin receptor B, a G protein coupled receptor. In order to study the genetic interactions between endothelin and neurofibromin, we defined the deletion breakpoints of the classical Ednrb piebald lethal allele (Ednrb(s-l) ) and crossed these mice to mice with a loss-of-function mutation in neurofibromin, Dark skin 9 (Dsk9). We found that Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency requires Endothelin receptor B to darken the tail dermis. In contrast, Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency increases the area of the coat that is pigmented in Endothelin receptor B null mice. We also found an oncogenic mutation in the G protein alpha subunit, GNAQ, which couples to Endothelin receptor B, in a uveal melanoma from a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. Thus, this data suggests that there is a complex relationship between Neurofibromin and Endothelin receptor B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha Deo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jenny Li-Ying Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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