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Huang H, Gao S, Bao M. Exploring Mechanical Forces Shaping Self-Organization and Morphogenesis During Early Embryo Development. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2024; 40:75-96. [PMID: 38608312 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-120123-105748] [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: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic development is a dynamic process orchestrated by a delicate interplay of biochemical and biophysical factors. While the role of genetics and biochemistry in embryogenesis has been extensively studied, recent research has highlighted the significance of mechanical regulation in shaping and guiding this intricate process. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the mechanical regulation of embryo development. We explore how mechanical forces generated by cells and tissues play a crucial role in driving the development of different stages. We examine key morphogenetic processes such as compaction, blastocyst formation, implantation, and egg cylinder formation, and discuss the mechanical mechanisms and cues involved. By synthesizing the current body of literature, we highlight the emerging concepts and open questions in the field of mechanical regulation. We aim to provide an overview of the field, inspiring future investigations and fostering a deeper understanding of the mechanical aspects of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Huang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China;
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China;
| | - Min Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China;
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2
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Pfeffer PL. The first lineage determination in mammals. Dev Biol 2024; 513:12-30. [PMID: 38761966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.011] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This review describes in detail the morphological, cytoskeletal and gene expression events leading to the gene regulatory network bifurcation point of trophoblast and inner cell mass cells in a variety of mammalian preimplantation embryos. The interrelated processes of compaction and polarity establishment are discussed in terms of how they affect YAP/WWTR activity and the location and fate of cells. Comparisons between mouse, human, cattle, pig and rabbit embryos suggest a conserved role for YAP/WWTR signalling in trophoblast induction in eutherian animals though the mechanisms for, and timing of, YAP/WWTR activation differs among species. Downstream targets show further differences, with the trophoblast marker GATA3 being a direct target in all examined mammals, while CDX2-positive and SOX2-negative regulation varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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3
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Skory RM. Revisiting trophectoderm-inner cell mass lineage segregation in the mammalian preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1889-1898. [PMID: 38926157 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae142] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the first days of life, cells of the mammalian embryo segregate into two distinct lineages, trophectoderm and inner cell mass. Unlike nonmammalian species, mammalian development does not proceed from predetermined factors in the oocyte. Rather, asymmetries arise de novo in the early embryo incorporating cues from cell position, contractility, polarity, and cell-cell contacts. Molecular heterogeneities, including transcripts and non-coding RNAs, have now been characterized as early as the 2-cell stage. However, it's debated whether these early heterogeneities bias cells toward one fate or the other or whether lineage identity arises stochastically at the 16-cell stage. This review summarizes what is known about early blastomere asymmetries and our understanding of lineage allocation in the context of historical models. Preimplantation development is reviewed coupled with what is known about changes in morphology, contractility, and transcription factor networks. The addition of single-cell atlases of human embryos has begun to reveal key differences between human and mouse, including the timing of events and core transcription factors. Furthermore, the recent generation of blastoid models will provide valuable tools to test and understand fate determinants. Lastly, new techniques are reviewed, which may better synthesize existing knowledge with emerging data sets and reconcile models with the regulative capacity unique to the mammalian embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Skory
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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4
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Wang Y, Yu FX. Angiomotin family proteins in the Hippo signaling pathway. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400076. [PMID: 38760875 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400076] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The Motin family proteins (Motins) are a class of scaffolding proteins consisting of Angiomotin (AMOT), AMOT-like protein 1 (AMOTL1), and AMOT-like protein 2 (AMOTL2). Motins play a pivotal role in angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and neurogenesis by modulating multiple cellular signaling pathways. Recent findings indicate that Motins are components of the Hippo pathway, a signaling cascade involved in development and cancer. This review discusses how Motins are integrated into the Hippo signaling network, as either upstream regulators or downstream effectors, to modulate cell proliferation and migration. The repression of YAP/TAZ by Motins contributes to growth inhibition, whereas subcellular localization of Motins and their interactions with actin fibers are critical in regulating cell migration. The net effect of Motins on cell proliferation and migration may contribute to their diverse biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fa-Xing Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Lee CJM, Autio MI, Zheng W, Song Y, Wang SC, Wong DCP, Xiao J, Zhu Y, Yusoff P, Yei X, Chock WK, Low BC, Sudol M, Foo RSY. Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen Identifies an NF2-Adherens Junction Mechanistic Dependency for Cardiac Lineage. Circulation 2024; 149:1960-1979. [PMID: 38752370 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiomyocyte differentiation involves a stepwise clearance of repressors and fate-restricting regulators through the modulation of BMP (bone morphogenic protein)/Wnt-signaling pathways. However, the mechanisms and how regulatory roadblocks are removed with specific developmental signaling pathways remain unclear. METHODS We conducted a genome-wide CRISPR screen to uncover essential regulators of cardiomyocyte specification in human embryonic stem cells using a myosin heavy chain 6 (MYH6)-GFP (green fluorescence protein) reporter system. After an independent secondary single guide ribonucleic acid validation of 25 candidates, we identified NF2 (neurofibromin 2), a moesin-ezrin-radixin like (MERLIN) tumor suppressor, as an upstream driver of early cardiomyocyte lineage specification. Independent monoclonal NF2 knockouts were generated using CRISPR-Cas9, and cell states were inferred through bulk RNA sequencing and protein expression analysis across differentiation time points. Terminal lineage differentiation was assessed by using an in vitro 2-dimensional-micropatterned gastruloid model, trilineage differentiation, and cardiomyocyte differentiation. Protein interaction and post-translation modification of NF2 with its interacting partners were assessed using site-directed mutagenesis, coimmunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assays. RESULTS Transcriptional regulation and trajectory inference from NF2-null cells reveal the loss of cardiomyocyte identity and the acquisition of nonmesodermal identity. Sustained elevation of early mesoderm lineage repressor SOX2 and upregulation of late anticardiac regulators CDX2 and MSX1 in NF2 knockout cells reflect a necessary role for NF2 in removing regulatory roadblocks. Furthermore, we found that NF2 and AMOT (angiomotin) cooperatively bind to YAP (yes-associated protein) during mesendoderm formation, thereby preventing YAP activation, independent of canonical MST (mammalian sterile 20-like serine-threonine protein kinase)-LATS (large tumor suppressor serine-threonine protein kinase) signaling. Mechanistically, cardiomyocyte lineage identity was rescued by wild-type and NF2 serine-518 phosphomutants, but not NF2 FERM (ezrin-radixin-meosin homology protein) domain blue-box mutants, demonstrating that the critical FERM domain-dependent formation of the AMOT-NF2-YAP scaffold complex at the adherens junction is required for early cardiomyocyte lineage differentiation. CONCLUSIONS These results provide mechanistic insight into the essential role of NF2 during early epithelial-mesenchymal transition by sequestering the repressive effect of YAP and relieving regulatory roadblocks en route to cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Jie Mick Lee
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore (C.J.M.L., Y.Z., R.S.-Y.F.)
| | | | - Wenhao Zheng
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
| | - Yoohyun Song
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W., D.C.P.W., J.X., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W.)
| | - Shyi Chyi Wang
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W., D.C.P.W., J.X., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W.)
| | - Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W., D.C.P.W., J.X., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences (D.C.P.W., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
| | - Jingwei Xiao
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W., D.C.P.W., J.X., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
| | - Yike Zhu
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore (C.J.M.L., Y.Z., R.S.-Y.F.)
| | - Permeen Yusoff
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
| | - Xi Yei
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
| | | | - Boon Chuan Low
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore (Y.S., S.C.W., D.C.P.W., J.X., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences (D.C.P.W., B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
- University Scholars Programme (B.C.L.), National University of Singapore
| | - Marius Sudol
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (M.S.)
| | - Roger S-Y Foo
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore (C.J.M.L., W.H.Z., Y.Z., P.Y., X.Y., R.S.-Y.F.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore (C.J.M.L., Y.Z., R.S.-Y.F.)
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Zhu M, Meglicki M, Lamba A, Wang P, Royer C, Turner K, Jauhar MA, Jones C, Child T, Coward K, Na J, Zernicka-Goetz M. Tead4 and Tfap2c generate bipotency and a bistable switch in totipotent embryos to promote robust lineage diversification. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:964-976. [PMID: 38789684 PMCID: PMC11189297 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The mouse and human embryo gradually loses totipotency before diversifying into the inner cell mass (ICM, future organism) and trophectoderm (TE, future placenta). The transcription factors TFAP2C and TEAD4 with activated RHOA accelerate embryo polarization. Here we show that these factors also accelerate the loss of totipotency. TFAP2C and TEAD4 paradoxically promote and inhibit Hippo signaling before lineage diversification: they drive expression of multiple Hippo regulators while also promoting apical domain formation, which inactivates Hippo. Each factor activates TE specifiers in bipotent cells, while TFAP2C also activates specifiers of the ICM fate. Asymmetric segregation of the apical domain reconciles the opposing regulation of Hippo signaling into Hippo OFF and the TE fate, or Hippo ON and the ICM fate. We propose that the bistable switch established by TFAP2C and TEAD4 is exploited to trigger robust lineage diversification in the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhu
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maciej Meglicki
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adiyant Lamba
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peizhe Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christophe Royer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karen Turner
- Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Muhammad Abdullah Jauhar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jie Na
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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7
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Zhao Y, Zhang M, Liu J, Hu X, Sun Y, Huang X, Li J, Lei L. Nr5a2 ensures inner cell mass formation in mouse blastocyst. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113840. [PMID: 38386558 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113840] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have elucidated Nr5a2's role in activating zygotic genes during early mouse embryonic development. Subsequent research, however, reveals that Nr5a2 is not critical for zygotic genome activation but is vital for the gene program between the 4- and 8-cell stages. A significant gap exists in experimental evidence regarding its function during the first lineage differentiation's pivotal period. In this study, we observed that approximately 20% of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage following Nr5a2 ablation. However, these blastocysts lacked inner cell mass (ICM), highlighting Nr5a2's importance in first lineage differentiation. Mechanistically, using RNA sequencing and CUT&Tag, we found that Nr5a2 transcriptionally regulates ICM-specific genes, such as Oct4, to establish the pluripotent network. Interference with or overexpression of Nr5a2 in single blastomeres of 2-cell embryos can alter the fate of daughter cells. Our results indicate that Nr5a2 works as a doorkeeper to ensure ICM formation in mouse blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Meiting Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jiqiang Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xinglin Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xingwei Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
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8
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Gao Y, Han W, Dong R, Wei S, Chen L, Gu Z, Liu Y, Guo W, Yan F. Efficient Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Trophoblast Stem-like Cells via Lats Kinase Inhibition. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:71. [PMID: 38392290 PMCID: PMC10886645 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Mouse zygotes undergo multiple rounds of cell division, resulting in the formation of preimplantation blastocysts comprising three lineages: trophectoderm (TE), epiblast (EPI), and primitive endoderm (PrE). Cell fate determination plays a crucial role in establishing a healthy pregnancy. The initial separation of lineages gives rise to TE and inner cell mass (ICM), from which trophoblast stem cells (TSC) and embryonic stem cells (ESC) can be derived in vitro. Studying lineage differentiation is greatly facilitated by the clear functional distinction between TSC and ESC. However, transitioning between these two types of cells naturally poses challenges. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibiting LATS kinase promotes the conversion of ICM to TE and also effectively reprograms ESC into stable, self-renewing TS-like cells (TSLC). Compared to TSC, TSLC exhibits similar molecular properties, including the high expression of marker genes such as Cdx2, Eomes, and Tfap2c, as well as hypomethylation of their promoters. Importantly, TSLC not only displays the ability to differentiate into mature trophoblast cells in vitro but also participates in placenta formation in vivo. These findings highlight the efficient reprogramming of ESCs into TSLCs using a small molecular inducer, which provides a new reference for understanding the regulatory network between ESCs and TSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yake Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Wuhan Women's and Children's Medical Care Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenrui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Rui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhaolei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
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9
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Bulos ML, Grzelak EM, Li-Ma C, Chen E, Hull M, Johnson KA, Bollong MJ. Pharmacological inhibition of CLK2 activates YAP by promoting alternative splicing of AMOTL2. eLife 2023; 12:RP88508. [PMID: 38126343 PMCID: PMC10735217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88508] [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: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP), the downstream effector of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway, promotes cellular proliferation and coordinates certain regenerative responses in mammals. Small molecule activators of YAP may, therefore, display therapeutic utility in treating disease states involving insufficient proliferative repair. From a high-throughput chemical screen of the comprehensive drug repurposing library ReFRAME, here we report the identification of SM04690, a clinical stage inhibitor of CLK2, as a potent activator of YAP-driven transcriptional activity in cells. CLK2 inhibition promotes alternative splicing of the Hippo pathway protein AMOTL2, producing an exon-skipped gene product that can no longer associate with membrane-bound proteins, resulting in decreased phosphorylation and membrane localization of YAP. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which pharmacological perturbation of alternative splicing inactivates the Hippo pathway and promotes YAP-dependent cellular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Bulos
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Edyta M Grzelak
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Chloris Li-Ma
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Emily Chen
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps ResearchLa JollaUnited States
| | - Mitchell Hull
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps ResearchLa JollaUnited States
| | | | - Michael J Bollong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
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10
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Pham PD, Lu H, Han H, Zhou JJ, Madan A, Wang W, Murre C, Cho KWY. Transcriptional network governing extraembryonic endoderm cell fate choice. Dev Biol 2023; 502:20-37. [PMID: 37423592 PMCID: PMC10550205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.07.002] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which transcription factor (TF) network instructs cell-type-specific transcriptional programs to drive primitive endoderm (PrE) progenitors to commit to parietal endoderm (PE) versus visceral endoderm (VE) cell fates remains poorly understood. To address the question, we analyzed the single-cell transcriptional signatures defining PrE, PE, and VE cell states during the onset of the PE-VE lineage bifurcation. By coupling with the epigenomic comparison of active enhancers unique to PE and VE cells, we identified GATA6, SOX17, and FOXA2 as central regulators for the lineage divergence. Transcriptomic analysis of cXEN cells, an in vitro model for PE cells, after the acute depletion of GATA6 or SOX17 demonstrated that these factors induce Mycn, imparting the self-renewal properties of PE cells. Concurrently, they suppress the VE gene program, including key genes like Hnf4a and Ttr, among others. We proceeded with RNA-seq analysis on cXEN cells with FOXA2 knockout, in conjunction with GATA6 or SOX17 depletion. We found FOXA2 acts as a potent suppressor of Mycn while simultaneously activating the VE gene program. The antagonistic gene regulatory activities of GATA6/SOX17 and FOXA2 in promoting alternative cell fates, and their physical co-bindings at the enhancers provide molecular insights to the plasticity of the PrE lineage. Finally, we show that the external cue, BMP signaling, promotes the VE cell fate by activation of VE TFs and repression of PE TFs including GATA6 and SOX17. These data reveal a putative core gene regulatory module that underpins PE and VE cell fate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duyen Pham
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hanbin Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Han Han
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jeff Jiajing Zhou
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Aarushi Madan
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Cornelis Murre
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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11
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Ju LF, Xu HJ, Yang YG, Yang Y. Omics Views of Mechanisms for Cell Fate Determination in Early Mammalian Development. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:950-961. [PMID: 37075831 PMCID: PMC10928378 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian preimplantation development, a totipotent zygote undergoes several cell cleavages and two rounds of cell fate determination, ultimately forming a mature blastocyst. Along with compaction, the establishment of apicobasal cell polarity breaks the symmetry of an embryo and guides subsequent cell fate choice. Although the lineage segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) is the first symbol of cell differentiation, several molecules have been shown to bias the early cell fate through their inter-cellular variations at much earlier stages, including the 2- and 4-cell stages. The underlying mechanisms of early cell fate determination have long been an important research topic. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during early embryogenesis, as well as the current understanding of their regulatory roles in cell fate decisions. Moreover, as powerful tools for early embryogenesis research, single-cell omics techniques have been applied to both mouse and human preimplantation embryos and have contributed to the discovery of cell fate regulators. Here, we summarize their applications in the research of preimplantation embryos, and provide new insights and perspectives on cell fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Fang Ju
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heng-Ji Xu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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12
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Denicol AC, Siqueira LGB. Maternal contributions to pregnancy success: from gamete quality to uterine environment. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230085. [PMID: 37720724 PMCID: PMC10503891 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy that goes to term is sine qua non for the long-term sustainability of dairy and beef cattle operations. The oocyte plays a critical role in providing the factors necessary for preimplantation embryonic development. Furthermore, the female, or maternal, environment where oocytes and embryos develop is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy to term. During folliculogenesis, the oocyte must sequentially acquire meiotic and developmental competence, which are the results of a series of molecular events preparing the highly specialized gamete to return to totipotency after fertilization. Given that folliculogenesis is a lengthy process in the cow, the occurrence of disease, metabolic imbalances, heat stress, or other adverse events can make it challenging to maintain oocyte quality. Following fertilization, the newly formed embryo must execute a tightly planned program that includes global DNA remodeling, activation of the embryonic genome, and cell fate decisions to form a blastocyst within a few days and cell divisions. The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies creates an additional layer of complexity to ensure the highest oocyte and embryo quality given that in vitro systems do not faithfully recreate the physiological maternal environment. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular factors and events known to be crucial for proper oocyte development and maturation, as well as adverse events that may negatively affect the oocyte; and the importance of the uterine environment, including signaling proteins in the maternal-embryonic interactions that ensure proper embryo development. We also discuss the impact of assisted reproductive technologies in oocyte and embryo quality and developmental potential, and considerations when looking into the prospects for developing systems that allow for in vitro gametogenesis as a tool for assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Denicol
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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13
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Bulos ML, Grzelak EM, Li-Ma C, Chen E, Hull M, Johnson KA, Bollong MJ. Pharmacological inhibition of CLK2 activates YAP by promoting alternative splicing of AMOTL2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.19.537449. [PMID: 37131806 PMCID: PMC10153145 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP), the downstream effector of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway, promotes cellular proliferation and coordinates certain regenerative responses in mammals. Small molecule activators of YAP may therefore display therapeutic utility in treating disease states involving insufficient proliferative repair. From a high-throughput chemical screen of the comprehensive drug repurposing library ReFRAME, here we report the identification of SM04690, a clinical stage inhibitor of CLK2, as a potent activator of YAP driven transcriptional activity in cells. CLK2 inhibition promotes alternative splicing of the Hippo pathway protein AMOTL2, producing an exon-skipped gene product that can no longer associate with membrane-bound proteins, resulting in decreased phosphorylation and membrane localization of YAP. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which pharmacological perturbation of alternative splicing inactivates the Hippo pathway and promotes YAP dependent cellular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L. Bulos
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Edyta M. Grzelak
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Chloris Li-Ma
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Emily Chen
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mitchell Hull
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Michael J. Bollong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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14
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Gahurova L, Tomankova J, Cerna P, Bora P, Kubickova M, Virnicchi G, Kovacovicova K, Potesil D, Hruska P, Zdrahal Z, Anger M, Susor A, Bruce AW. Spatial positioning of preimplantation mouse embryo cells is regulated by mTORC1 and m 7G-cap-dependent translation at the 8- to 16-cell transition. Open Biol 2023; 13:230081. [PMID: 37553074 PMCID: PMC10409569 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230081] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation mouse embryo development involves temporal-spatial specification and segregation of three blastocyst cell lineages: trophectoderm, primitive endoderm and epiblast. Spatial separation of the outer-trophectoderm lineage from the two other inner-cell-mass (ICM) lineages starts with the 8- to 16-cell transition and concludes at the 32-cell stages. Accordingly, the ICM is derived from primary and secondary contributed cells; with debated relative EPI versus PrE potencies. We report generation of primary but not secondary ICM populations is highly dependent on temporal activation of mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) during 8-cell stage M-phase entry, mediated via regulation of the 7-methylguanosine-cap (m7G-cap)-binding initiation complex (EIF4F) and linked to translation of mRNAs containing 5' UTR terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP-) sequence motifs, as knockdown of identified TOP-like motif transcripts impairs generation of primary ICM founders. However, mTOR inhibition-induced ICM cell number deficits in early blastocysts can be compensated by the late blastocyst stage, after inhibitor withdrawal; compensation likely initiated at the 32-cell stage when supernumerary outer cells exhibit molecular characteristics of inner cells. These data identify a novel mechanism specifically governing initial spatial segregation of mouse embryo blastomeres, that is distinct from those directing subsequent inner cell formation, contributing to germane segregation of late blastocyst lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Gahurova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Tomankova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Cerna
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pablo Bora
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kubickova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Giorgio Virnicchi
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kovacovicova
- Laboratory of Cell Division Control, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Potesil
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hruska
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Zdrahal
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Anger
- Laboratory of Cell Division Control, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Susor
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander W Bruce
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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15
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Skory RM, Moverley AA, Ardestani G, Alvarez Y, Domingo-Muelas A, Pomp O, Hernandez B, Tetlak P, Bissiere S, Stern CD, Sakkas D, Plachta N. The nuclear lamina couples mechanical forces to cell fate in the preimplantation embryo via actin organization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3101. [PMID: 37248263 PMCID: PMC10226985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
During preimplantation development, contractile forces generated at the apical cortex segregate cells into inner and outer positions of the embryo, establishing the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm. To which extent these forces influence ICM-trophectoderm fate remains unresolved. Here, we found that the nuclear lamina is coupled to the cortex via an F-actin meshwork in mouse and human embryos. Actomyosin contractility increases during development, upregulating Lamin-A levels, but upon internalization cells lose their apical cortex and downregulate Lamin-A. Low Lamin-A shifts the localization of actin nucleators from nucleus to cytoplasm increasing cytoplasmic F-actin abundance. This results in stabilization of Amot, Yap phosphorylation and acquisition of ICM over trophectoderm fate. By contrast, in outer cells, Lamin-A levels increase with contractility. This prevents Yap phosphorylation enabling Cdx2 to specify the trophectoderm. Thus, forces transmitted to the nuclear lamina control actin organization to differentially regulate the factors specifying lineage identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Skory
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam A Moverley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University College London, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
| | | | - Yanina Alvarez
- Universidad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Domingo-Muelas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oz Pomp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Blake Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Piotr Tetlak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1015-1027. [PMID: 36933093 PMCID: PMC10024007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. METHODS A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation. RESULTS Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2- cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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17
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Romanowska J, Nustad HE, Page CM, Denault WRP, Lee Y, Magnus MC, Haftorn KL, Gjerdevik M, Novakovic B, Saffery R, Gjessing HK, Lyle R, Magnus P, Håberg SE, Jugessur A. The X-factor in ART: does the use of assisted reproductive technologies influence DNA methylation on the X chromosome? Hum Genomics 2023; 17:35. [PMID: 37085889 PMCID: PMC10122315 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00484-6] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may perturb DNA methylation (DNAm) in early embryonic development. Although a handful of epigenome-wide association studies of ART have been published, none have investigated CpGs on the X chromosome. To bridge this knowledge gap, we leveraged one of the largest collections of mother-father-newborn trios of ART and non-ART (natural) conceptions to date to investigate sex-specific DNAm differences on the X chromosome. The discovery cohort consisted of 982 ART and 963 non-ART trios from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). To verify our results from the MoBa cohort, we used an external cohort of 149 ART and 58 non-ART neonates from the Australian 'Clinical review of the Health of adults conceived following Assisted Reproductive Technologies' (CHART) study. The Illumina EPIC array was used to measure DNAm in both datasets. In the MoBa cohort, we performed a set of X-chromosome-wide association studies ('XWASs' hereafter) to search for sex-specific DNAm differences between ART and non-ART newborns. We tested several models to investigate the influence of various confounders, including parental DNAm. We also searched for differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and regions of co-methylation flanking the most significant CpGs. Additionally, we ran an analogous model to our main model on the external CHART dataset. RESULTS In the MoBa cohort, we found more differentially methylated CpGs and DMRs in girls than boys. Most of the associations persisted after controlling for parental DNAm and other confounders. Many of the significant CpGs and DMRs were in gene-promoter regions, and several of the genes linked to these CpGs are expressed in tissues relevant for both ART and sex (testis, placenta, and fallopian tube). We found no support for parental DNAm-dependent features as an explanation for the observed associations in the newborns. The most significant CpG in the boys-only analysis was in UBE2DNL, which is expressed in testes but with unknown function. The most significant CpGs in the girls-only analysis were in EIF2S3 and AMOT. These three loci also displayed differential DNAm in the CHART cohort. CONCLUSIONS Genes that co-localized with the significant CpGs and DMRs associated with ART are implicated in several key biological processes (e.g., neurodevelopment) and disorders (e.g., intellectual disability and autism). These connections are particularly compelling in light of previous findings indicating that neurodevelopmental outcomes differ in ART-conceived children compared to those naturally conceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Romanowska
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Haakon E Nustad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- DeepInsight, 0154, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - William R P Denault
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yunsung Lee
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria C Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine L Haftorn
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Gjerdevik
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Håkon K Gjessing
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert Lyle
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astanand Jugessur
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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18
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Gerri C, McCarthy A, Mei Scott G, Regin M, Stamatiadis P, Brumm S, Simon CS, Lee J, Montesinos C, Hassitt C, Hockenhull S, Hampshire D, Elder K, Snell P, Christie L, Fouladi-Nashta AA, Van de Velde H, Niakan KK. A conserved role of the Hippo signalling pathway in initiation of the first lineage specification event across mammals. Development 2023; 150:dev201112. [PMID: 36971487 PMCID: PMC10263151 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular events driving cell specification in early mammalian development relies mainly on mouse studies, and it remains unclear whether these mechanisms are conserved across mammals, including humans. We have shown that the establishment of cell polarity via aPKC is a conserved event in the initiation of the trophectoderm (TE) placental programme in mouse, cow and human embryos. However, the mechanisms transducing cell polarity into cell fate in cow and human embryos are unknown. Here, we have examined the evolutionary conservation of Hippo signalling, which is thought to function downstream of aPKC activity, in four different mammalian species: mouse, rat, cow and human. In all four species, inhibition of the Hippo pathway by targeting LATS kinases is sufficient to drive ectopic TE initiation and downregulation of SOX2. However, the timing and localisation of molecular markers differ across species, with rat embryos more closely recapitulating human and cow developmental dynamics, compared with the mouse. Our comparative embryology approach uncovered intriguing differences as well as similarities in a fundamental developmental process among mammals, reinforcing the importance of cross-species investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gerri
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Gwen Mei Scott
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Potters Bar AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Stamatiadis
- Department of Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Brumm
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Claire S. Simon
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Janet Lee
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | | | - Caroline Hassitt
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - Sarah Hockenhull
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - Daniel Hampshire
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Potters Bar AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | - Phil Snell
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | | | - Ali A. Fouladi-Nashta
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Potters Bar AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Department of Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, UZ-Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kathy K. Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
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19
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Zhuge R, Wang C, Wang J, Yu S, Liao L, Zheng X. hCINAP regulates the differentiation of embryonic stem cells by regulating NEDD4 liquid-liquid phase-separation-mediated YAP1 activation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111935. [PMID: 36640330 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
YAP1 functions in lineage differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs); however, the detailed mechanisms underlying the regulation of YAP1 activity during ESC differentiation remain elusive. Here, we report that hCINAP serves as a negative regulator of YAP1 during ESC fate decisions. The expression of mCINAP, the murine homolog of hCINAP, is downregulated during the differentiation process of murine ESC (mESC) ectoderm lineage, leading to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of NEDD4 and activation of YAP1. Mechanistically, hCINAP interacts with and prevents NEDD4 from forming cytoplasmic condensates that compartmentalize YAP1 and its kinase NLK, facilitating YAP1 phosphorylation at Ser128 and promoting YAP1 activation. mCINAP depletion leads to the formation of NEDD4 condensates and YAP1 activation, which impedes endoderm differentiation of mESCs. Our study shows that hCINAP is a vital regulator of YAP1 activity and is essential for stem cell fate decisions, which provides mechanistic insight into early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Zhuge
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuyu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Liming Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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20
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Dattani A, Huang T, Liddle C, Smith A, Guo G. Suppression of YAP safeguards human naïve pluripotency. Development 2022; 149:dev200988. [PMID: 36398796 PMCID: PMC9845734 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Propagation of human naïve pluripotent stem cells (nPSCs) relies on the inhibition of MEK/ERK signalling. However, MEK/ERK inhibition also promotes differentiation into trophectoderm (TE). Therefore, robust self-renewal requires suppression of TE fate. Tankyrase inhibition using XAV939 has been shown to stabilise human nPSCs and is implicated in TE suppression. Here, we dissect the mechanism of this effect. Tankyrase inhibition is known to block canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling. However, we show that nPSCs depleted of β-catenin remain dependent on XAV939. Rather than inhibiting Wnt, we found that XAV939 prevents TE induction by reducing activation of YAP, a co-factor of TE-inducing TEAD transcription factors. Tankyrase inhibition stabilises angiomotin, which limits nuclear accumulation of YAP. Upon deletion of angiomotin-family members AMOT and AMOTL2, nuclear YAP increases and XAV939 fails to prevent TE induction. Expression of constitutively active YAP similarly precipitates TE differentiation. Conversely, nPSCs lacking YAP1 or its paralog TAZ (WWTR1) resist TE differentiation and self-renewal efficiently without XAV939. These findings explain the distinct requirement for tankyrase inhibition in human but not in mouse nPSCs and highlight the pivotal role of YAP activity in human naïve pluripotency and TE differentiation. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Tao Huang
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Centre, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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21
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Guo CL. Self-Sustained Regulation or Self-Perpetuating Dysregulation: ROS-dependent HIF-YAP-Notch Signaling as a Double-Edged Sword on Stem Cell Physiology and Tumorigenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862791. [PMID: 35774228 PMCID: PMC9237464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ development, homeostasis, and repair often rely on bidirectional, self-organized cell-niche interactions, through which cells select cell fate, such as stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. The niche contains multiplexed chemical and mechanical factors. How cells interpret niche structural information such as the 3D topology of organs and integrate with multiplexed mechano-chemical signals is an open and active research field. Among all the niche factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have recently gained growing interest. Once considered harmful, ROS are now recognized as an important niche factor in the regulation of tissue mechanics and topology through, for example, the HIF-YAP-Notch signaling pathways. These pathways are not only involved in the regulation of stem cell physiology but also associated with inflammation, neurological disorder, aging, tumorigenesis, and the regulation of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. Positive feedback circuits have been identified in the interplay of ROS and HIF-YAP-Notch signaling, leading to the possibility that under aberrant conditions, self-organized, ROS-dependent physiological regulations can be switched to self-perpetuating dysregulation, making ROS a double-edged sword at the interface of stem cell physiology and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the recent findings on how ROS and tissue mechanics affect YAP-HIF-Notch-PD-L1 signaling, hoping that the knowledge can be used to design strategies for stem cell-based and ROS-targeting therapy and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Lin Guo
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Alvarez Y, Smutny M. Emerging Role of Mechanical Forces in Cell Fate Acquisition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864522. [PMID: 35676934 PMCID: PMC9168747 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces are now recognized as key cellular effectors that together with genetic and cellular signals physically shape and pattern tissues and organs during development. Increasing efforts are aimed toward understanding the less explored role of mechanical forces in controlling cell fate decisions in embryonic development. Here we discuss recent examples of how differential forces feedback into cell fate specification and tissue patterning. In particular, we focus on the role of actomyosin-contractile force generation and transduction in affecting tissue morphogenesis and cell fate regulation in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Alvarez
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Smutny
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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23
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Sharma J, Madan P. Differential regulation of Hippo signaling pathway components between 8-cell and blastocyst stages of bovine preimplantation embryogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:146-161. [PMID: 35243707 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is an important regulator of lineage segregation (trophectoderm and inner cell mass) during blastocyst formation in the mouse embryos. However, the role and regulation of Hippo signaling pathway components during bovine embryonic development is not completely understood. This study was thus designed to interpret the roles of Hippo cell signaling pathway components using two different yet specific chemical inhibitors (Cerivastatin and XMU-MP-1). A significant decrease in the blastocyst rates were observed on treatment with Cerivastatin and XMU-MP-1 inhibitors for the treatment groups, in comparison to the control groups. At the 8-cell stage, a significant decrease was observed in the gene expression and nuclear protein localization of YAP1 (Yes Associated Protein 1) and pYAP1 components of Hippo signaling pathway. However, no such effect of Cerivastatin treatment was observed on the localization of TAZ at this cell stage. On the contrary, during bovine blastocyst formation a significant decrease in the gene expression and nuclear localization of both YAP1 and TAZ suggest differences in the regulation of these components at 8-cell and blastocyst stages of embryonic development. Furthermore, XMU-MP-1 mediated chemical inhibition of Mst1 at the blastocyst stage also suggests differences in the regulation of Yap1 and Taz components of Hippo signaling pathway. Overall, this study indicates novel differences in the regulation of Hippo signaling transcript levels and protein localization between the 8-cell and blastocyst stages of bovine preimplantation embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Royer C, Sandham E, Slee E, Schneider F, Lagerholm CB, Godwin J, Veits N, Hathrell H, Zhou F, Leonavicius K, Garratt J, Narendra T, Vincent A, Jones C, Child T, Coward K, Graham C, Fritzsche M, Lu X, Srinivas S. ASPP2 maintains the integrity of mechanically stressed pseudostratified epithelia during morphogenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:941. [PMID: 35177595 PMCID: PMC8854694 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, pseudostratified epithelia undergo large scale morphogenetic events associated with increased mechanical stress. Using a variety of genetic and imaging approaches, we uncover that in the mouse E6.5 epiblast, where apical tension is highest, ASPP2 safeguards tissue integrity. It achieves this by preventing the most apical daughter cells from delaminating apically following division events. In this context, ASPP2 maintains the integrity and organisation of the filamentous actin cytoskeleton at apical junctions. ASPP2 is also essential during gastrulation in the primitive streak, in somites and in the head fold region, suggesting that it is required across a wide range of pseudostratified epithelia during morphogenetic events that are accompanied by intense tissue remodelling. Finally, our study also suggests that the interaction between ASPP2 and PP1 is essential to the tumour suppressor function of ASPP2, which may be particularly relevant in the context of tissues that are subject to increased mechanical stress. The early embryo maintains its structure in the face of large mechanical stresses during morphogenesis. Here they show that ASPP2 acts to preserve epithelial integrity in regions of high apical tension during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Royer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Sandham
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Elizabeth Slee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Falk Schneider
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Christoffer B Lagerholm
- Wolfson Imaging Centre Oxford, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan Godwin
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Nisha Veits
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Holly Hathrell
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Felix Zhou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Karolis Leonavicius
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.,Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jemma Garratt
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tanaya Narendra
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anna Vincent
- Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park North, Oxford, OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park North, Oxford, OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Chris Graham
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marco Fritzsche
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.,Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, OX11 0QS, UK
| | - Xin Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Shankar Srinivas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.
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25
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Pomp O, Lim HYG, Skory RM, Moverley AA, Tetlak P, Bissiere S, Plachta N. A monoastral mitotic spindle determines lineage fate and position in the mouse embryo. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:155-167. [PMID: 35102267 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00826-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During mammalian development, the first asymmetric cell divisions segregate cells into inner and outer positions of the embryo to establish the pluripotent and trophectoderm lineages. Typically, polarity components differentially regulate the mitotic spindle via astral microtubule arrays to trigger asymmetric division patterns. However, early mouse embryos lack centrosomes, the microtubule-organizing centres (MTOCs) that usually generate microtubule asters. Thus, it remains unknown whether spindle organization regulates lineage segregation. Here we find that heterogeneities in cell polarity in the early 8-cell-stage mouse embryo trigger the assembly of a highly asymmetric spindle organization. This spindle arises in an unusual modular manner, forming a single microtubule aster from an apically localized, non-centrosomal MTOC, before joining it to the rest of the spindle apparatus. When fully assembled, this 'monoastral' spindle triggers spatially asymmetric division patterns to segregate cells into inner and outer positions. Moreover, the asymmetric inheritance of spindle components causes differential cell polarization to determine pluripotent versus trophectoderm lineage fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oz Pomp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hui Yi Grace Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robin M Skory
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam A Moverley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Piotr Tetlak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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26
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Guo Q, Quan MY, Xu L, Cai Y, Cai JT, Li X, Feng G, Chen A, Yang W, Dhlamini Q, Jiang TF, Shen C, Chen C, Zhang JS. Enhanced nuclear localization of YAP1-2 contributes to EGF-induced EMT in NSCLC. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1013-1023. [PMID: 35014181 PMCID: PMC8831977 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
YAP1, a key mediator of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Alternative splicing of human YAP1 mRNA results in two major isoforms: YAP1‐1, which contains a single WW domain, and YAP1‐2, which contains two WW domains, respectively. We here investigated the functions and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the two YAP1 isoforms in the context of EGF‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Human NSCLC cell lines express both YAP1‐1 and YAP1‐2 isoforms—although when compared to YAP1‐1, YAP1‐2 mRNA levels are higher while its protein expression levels are lower. EGF treatment significantly promoted YAP1 expression as well as EMT process in NSCLCs, whereas EGF‐induced EMT phenotype was significantly alleviated upon YAP1 knockdown. Under normal culture condition, YAP1‐1 stable expression cells exhibited a stronger migration ability than YAP1‐2 expressing cells. However, upon EGF treatment, YAP1‐2 stable cells showed more robust migration than YAP1‐1 expressing cells. The protein stability and nuclear localization of YAP1‐2 were preferentially enhanced with EGF treatment. Moreover, EGF‐induced EMT and YAP1‐2 activity were suppressed by inhibitor of AKT. Our results suggest that YAP1‐2 is the main isoform that is functionally relevant in promoting EGF‐induced EMT and ultimately NSCLC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mei-Yu Quan
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Le Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Taizhou Enze Medical Center Enze Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaxin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jue-Ting Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guifeng Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aiping Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qhaweni Dhlamini
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian-Fang Jiang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengguo Shen
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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27
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Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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28
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Cell fate determination and Hippo signaling pathway in preimplantation mouse embryo. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:423-444. [PMID: 34586506 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
First cell fate determination plays crucial roles in cell specification during early phases of embryonic development. Three classical concepts have been proposed to explain the lineage specification mechanism of the preimplantation embryo: inside-outside, pre-patterning, and polarity models. Transcriptional effectors of the Hippo signal pathway are YAP and TAZ activators that can create a shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Despite different localizations of YAP in the cell, it determines the fate of ICM and TE. How the decisive cue driving factors that determine YAP localization are coordinated remains a central unanswered question. How can an embryonic cell find its position? The objective of this review is to summarize the molecular and mechanical aspects in cell fate decision during mouse preimplantation embryonic development. The findings will reveal the relationship between cell-cell adhesion, cell polarity, and determination of cell fate during early embryonic development in mice and elucidate the inducing/inhibiting mechanisms that are involved in cell specification following zygotic genome activation and compaction processes. With future studies, new biophysical and chemical cues in the cell fate determination will impart significant spatiotemporal effects on early embryonic development. The achieved knowledge will provide important information to the development of new approaches to be used in infertility treatment and increase the success of pregnancy.
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29
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes differentiation during mouse preimplantational embryo development. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2351-2363. [PMID: 34478649 PMCID: PMC8452532 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis is a complex process controlled by transcription factors that regulate the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG, both essential controllers of pluripotency, stemness and early embryo development. Molecular mechanisms controlling OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG during embryogenesis remain unidentified. We show that AhR regulates pluripotency factors and maintains the metabolic activity required for proper embryo differentiation. AhR-lacking embryos (AhR−/−) showed a pluripotent phenotype characterized by a delayed expression of trophectoderm differentiation markers. Accordingly, central pluripotency factors OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG were overexpressed in AhR−/− embryos at initial developmental stages. An altered intracellular localization of these factors was observed in the absence of AhR and, importantly, Oct4 had an opposite expression pattern with respect to AhR from the two-cell stage to blastocyst, suggesting a negative regulation of OCT4/POU5F by AhR. We propose that AhR is a regulator of pluripotency and differentiation in early mouse embryogenesis. AhR regulates pluripotency factors OCT4 and NANOG during early embryo differentiation AhR lacking embryos (AhR−/−) show a pluripotent phenotype Pluripotent phenotype of AhR−/− embryos show enhanced glycolytic metabolism
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30
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Engel-Pizcueta C, Pujades C. Interplay Between Notch and YAP/TAZ Pathways in the Regulation of Cell Fate During Embryo Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:711531. [PMID: 34490262 PMCID: PMC8417249 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.711531] [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] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in growing tissues receive both biochemical and physical cues from their microenvironment. Growing evidence has shown that mechanical signals are fundamental regulators of cell behavior. However, how physical properties of the microenvironment are transduced into critical cell behaviors, such as proliferation, progenitor maintenance, or differentiation during development, is still poorly understood. The transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus in response to multiple inputs and have emerged as important regulators of tissue growth and regeneration. YAP/TAZ sense and transduce physical cues, such as those from the extracellular matrix or the actomyosin cytoskeleton, to regulate gene expression, thus allowing them to function as gatekeepers of progenitor behavior in several developmental contexts. The Notch pathway is a key signaling pathway that controls binary cell fate decisions through cell-cell communication in a context-dependent manner. Recent reports now suggest that the crosstalk between these two pathways is critical for maintaining the balance between progenitor maintenance and cell differentiation in different tissues. How this crosstalk integrates with morphogenesis and changes in tissue architecture during development is still an open question. Here, we discuss how progenitor cell proliferation, specification, and differentiation are coordinated with morphogenesis to construct a functional organ. We will pay special attention to the interplay between YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling pathways in determining cell fate decisions and discuss whether this represents a general mechanism of regulating cell fate during development. We will focus on research carried out in vertebrate embryos that demonstrate the important roles of mechanical cues in stem cell biology and discuss future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Engel-Pizcueta
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Pujades
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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31
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Karasek C, Ashry M, Driscoll CS, Knott JG. A tale of two cell-fates: role of the Hippo signaling pathway and transcription factors in early lineage formation in mouse preimplantation embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:653-664. [PMID: 32647873 PMCID: PMC7473788 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the first cell-fate decision occurs during preimplantation embryo development when the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) lineages are established. The ICM develops into the embryo proper, while the TE lineage forms the placenta. The underlying molecular mechanisms that govern lineage formation involve cell-to-cell interactions, cell polarization, cell signaling and transcriptional regulation. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding regarding the cellular and molecular events that regulate lineage formation in mouse preimplantation embryos with an emphasis on cell polarity and the Hippo signaling pathway. Moreover, we will provide an overview on some of the molecular tools that are used to manipulate the Hippo pathway and study cell-fate decisions in early embryos. Lastly, we will provide exciting future perspectives on transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that modulate the activity of the Hippo pathway in preimplantation embryos to ensure robust lineage segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Challis Karasek
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mohamed Ashry
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chad S Driscoll
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jason G Knott
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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32
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Kameishi S, Barutello G, Zheng Y, Tobin NP, Nicosia J, Hennig K, Chiu DKC, Balland M, Barker TH, Cavallo F, Holmgren L. The Amot/integrin protein complex transmits mechanical forces required for vascular expansion. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109616. [PMID: 34433061 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular development is a complex multistep process involving the coordination of cellular functions such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation. How mechanical forces generated by cells and transmission of these physical forces control vascular development is poorly understood. Using an endothelial-specific genetic model in mice, we show that deletion of the scaffold protein Angiomotin (Amot) inhibits migration and expansion of the physiological and pathological vascular network. We further show that Amot is required for tip cell migration and the extension of cellular filopodia. Exploiting in vivo and in vitro molecular approaches, we show that Amot binds Talin and is essential for relaying forces between fibronectin and the cytoskeleton. Finally, we provide evidence that Amot is an important component of the endothelial integrin adhesome and propose that Amot integrates spatial cues from the extracellular matrix to form a functional vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - Sumako Kameishi
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Yujuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - Nicholas P Tobin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - John Nicosia
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Katharina Hennig
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble 1), Saint Martin d'Hères Cedex, 38402, France
| | - David Kung-Chun Chiu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden
| | - Martial Balland
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble 1), Saint Martin d'Hères Cedex, 38402, France
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Lars Holmgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17164, Sweden.
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Abstract
The cytoskeleton - comprising actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments - serves instructive roles in regulating cell function and behaviour during development. However, a key challenge in cell and developmental biology is to dissect how these different structures function and interact in vivo to build complex tissues, with the ultimate aim to understand these processes in a mammalian organism. The preimplantation mouse embryo has emerged as a primary model system for tackling this challenge. Not only does the mouse embryo share many morphological similarities with the human embryo during its initial stages of life, it also permits the combination of genetic manipulations with live-imaging approaches to study cytoskeletal dynamics directly within an intact embryonic system. These advantages have led to the discovery of novel cytoskeletal structures and mechanisms controlling lineage specification, cell-cell communication and the establishment of the first forms of tissue architecture during development. Here we highlight the diverse organization and functions of each of the three cytoskeletal filaments during the key events that shape the early mammalian embryo, and discuss how they work together to perform key developmental tasks, including cell fate specification and morphogenesis of the blastocyst. Collectively, these findings are unveiling a new picture of how cells in the early embryo dynamically remodel their cytoskeleton with unique spatial and temporal precision to drive developmental processes in the rapidly changing in vivo environment.
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34
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Gao C, Quan MY, Chen QJ, Yang R, Wu Y, Liu JY, Lin ZY, Li X, Cai JT, Jiang TF, Xu L, Mossahebi-Mohammadi M, Guo Q, Zhang JS. Yap1-2 Isoform Is the Primary Mediator in TGF-β1 Induced EMT in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:649290. [PMID: 34094936 PMCID: PMC8170464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.649290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive human malignancy and intrinsically resistant to conventional therapies. YAP1, as a key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumorigenesis including PDAC. Alternative mRNA splicing of YAP1 results in at least 8 protein isoforms, which are divided into two subgroups (YAP1-1 and YAP1-2) based on the presence of either a single or double WW domains. We investigated the functions and regulatory mechanisms of YAP1-1 and YAP1-2 in PDAC cells induced by TGF-β to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CRISPR-Cas9 and shRNA were used to silence YAP1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Re-constituted lentivirus mediated overexpression of each single YAP1 isoform was generated in the parental knockout L3.6 cells. EMT was induced by treatment with TGF-β, EGF and bFGF in parental and the constructed stable cell lines. Western blot and qPCR were used to detect the expression of EMT markers. Scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration. The stability and subcellular localization of YAP1 proteins were determined by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, as well as ubiquitination assays. We showed that TGF-β, EGF and bFGF all significantly promoted EMT in PDAC cells, which was inhibited by knockdown of YAP1 expression. Interestingly, YAP1-1 stable cells exhibited a stronger migratory ability than YAP1-2 cells under normal culture condition. However, upon TGF-β treatment, L3.6-YAP1-2 cells exhibited a stronger migratory ability than L3.6-YAP1-1 cells. Mechanistically, TGF-β treatment preferentially stabilizes YAP1-2 and enhances its nuclear localization. Furthermore, TGF-β-induced EMT and YAP1-2 activity were both blocked by inhibition of AKT signaling. Our results showed that both YAP1-1 and YAP1-2 isoforms are important mediators in the EMT process of pancreatic cancer. However, YAP1-2 is more important in mediating TGF-β-induced EMT, which requires AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mei-Yu Quan
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qian-Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Cangnan Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruo Yang
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jue-Ting Cai
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Le Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Taizhou Enze Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Majid Mossahebi-Mohammadi
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China.,International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Paonessa M, Borini A, Coticchio G. Genetic causes of preimplantation embryo developmental failure. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:338-348. [PMID: 33843124 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Embryo development requires orchestrated events, finely regulated at the molecular and cellular level by mechanisms which are progressively emerging from animal studies. With progress in genetic technologies-such as genome editing and single-cell RNA analysis-we can now assess embryo gene expression with increased precision and gain new insights into complex processes until recently difficult to explore. Multiple genes and regulative pathways have been identified for each developmental stage. We have learned that embryos with undisturbed and timely gene expression have higher chances of successful development. For example, selected genes are highly expressed during the first stages, being involved in cell adhesion, cell cycle, and regulation of transcription; other genes are instead crucial for lineage specification and therefore expressed at later stages. Due to ethical constraints, studies on human embryos remain scarce, mainly descriptive, and unable to provide functional evidence. This highlights the importance of animal studies as basic knowledge to test and appraise in a clinical context. In this review, we report on preimplantation development with a focus on genes whose impairment leads to developmental arrest. Preconceptional genetic screening could identify loss-of-function mutations of these genes; thereby, novel biomarkers of embryo quality could be adopted to improve diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Paonessa
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Bologna, Italy.,Casa di Cura Candela Spa, Palermo, Italy
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36
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37
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Feltri ML, Weaver MR, Belin S, Poitelon Y. The Hippo pathway: Horizons for innovative treatments of peripheral nerve diseases. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2021; 26:4-16. [PMID: 33449435 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Initially identified in Drosophila, the Hippo signaling pathway regulates how cells respond to their environment by controlling proliferation, migration and differentiation. Many recent studies have focused on characterizing Hippo pathway function and regulation in mammalian cells. Here, we present a brief overview of the major components of the Hippo pathway, as well as their regulation and function. We comprehensively review the studies that have contributed to our understanding of the Hippo pathway in the function of the peripheral nervous system and in peripheral nerve diseases. Finally, we discuss innovative approaches that aim to modulate Hippo pathway components in diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michael R Weaver
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Belin
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Yannick Poitelon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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38
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Matarrese P, Vona R, Ascione B, Paggi MG, Mileo AM. Physical Interaction between HPV16E7 and the Actin-Binding Protein Gelsolin Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via HIPPO-YAP Axis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020353. [PMID: 33477952 PMCID: PMC7836002 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) exhibits a strong oncogenic potential mainly in cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. The E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins, acting via specific interactions with host cellular targets, are required for cell transformation and maintenance of the transformed phenotype as well. We previously demonstrated that HPV16E7 interacts with the actin-binding protein gelsolin, involved in cytoskeletal F-actin dynamics. Herein, we provide evidence that the E7/gelsolin interaction promotes the cytoskeleton rearrangement leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition-linked morphological and transcriptional changes. E7-mediated cytoskeletal actin remodeling induces the HIPPO pathway by promoting the cytoplasmic retention of inactive P-YAP. These results suggest that YAP could play a role in the "de-differentiation" process underlying the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype in HPV16-transformed cells. A deeper comprehension of the multifaceted mechanisms elicited by the HPV infection is vital for providing novel strategies to block the biological and clinical features of virus-related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.M.); (R.V.); (B.A.)
| | - Rosa Vona
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.M.); (R.V.); (B.A.)
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.M.); (R.V.); (B.A.)
| | - Marco G. Paggi
- Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, Proteomics Unit, IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.P.); (A.M.M.); Tel.: +39-0652662550 (M.G.P. & A.M.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Mileo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.P.); (A.M.M.); Tel.: +39-0652662550 (M.G.P. & A.M.M.)
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39
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Basak T, Dey AK, Banerjee R, Paul S, Maiti TK, Ain R. Sequestration of eIF4A by angiomotin: A novel mechanism to restrict global protein synthesis in trophoblast cells. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2020; 39:210-226. [PMID: 33237582 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Enrichment of angiomotin (AMOT) in the ectoplacental cone of E7.5 murine placenta prompted our investigation on the role of AMOT in trophoblast differentiation. We show here that AMOT levels increased in mouse placenta during gestation and also upon induction of differentiation in trophoblast stem cell ex vivo. Proteomic data unravelling AMOT-interactome in trophoblast cells indicated a majority of AMOT interactors to be involved in protein translation. In-depth analysis of AMOT-interactome led to identification of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) as the most plausible AMOT interactor. Loss of function of AMOT enhanced, whereas, gain in function resulted in decline of global protein synthesis in trophoblast cells. Bioinformatics analysis evaluating the potential energy of AMOT-eIF4A binding suggested a strong AMOT-eIF4A interaction using a distinct groove encompassing amino acid residue positions 238 to 255 of AMOT. Co-immunoprecipitation of AMOT with eIF4A reaffirmed AMOT-eIF4A association in trophoblast cells. Deletion of 238 to 255 amino acids of AMOT resulted in abrogation of AMOT-eIF4A interaction. In addition, 238 to 255 amino acid deletion of AMOT was ineffective in eliciting AMOT's function in reducing global protein synthesis. Interestingly, AMOT-dependent sequestration of eIF4A dampened its loading to the m7 -GTP cap and hindered its interaction with eIF4G. Furthermore, enhanced AMOT expression in placenta was associated with intrauterine growth restriction in both rats and humans. These results not only highlight a hitherto unknown novel function of AMOT in trophoblast cells but also have broad biological implications as AMOT might be an inbuilt switch to check protein synthesis in developmentally indispensable trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trishita Basak
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Rachana Banerjee
- Division of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Division of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Rupasri Ain
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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40
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Wigerius M, Quinn D, Fawcett JP. Emerging roles for angiomotin in the nervous system. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/655/eabc0635. [PMID: 33109746 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abc0635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiomotins are a family of molecular scaffolding proteins that function to organize contact points (called tight junctions in vertebrates) between adjacent cells. Some angiomotin isoforms bind to the actin cytoskeleton and are part of signaling pathways that influence cell morphology and migration. Others cooperate with components of the Hippo signaling pathway and the associated networks to control organ growth. The 130-kDa isoform, AMOT-p130, has critical roles in neural stem cell differentiation, dendritic patterning, and synaptic maturation-attributes that are essential for normal brain development and are consistent with its association with autism. Here, we review and discuss the evidence that supports a role for AMOT-p130 in neuronal development in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wigerius
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Dylan Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - James P Fawcett
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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41
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Saiz N, Hadjantonakis AK. Coordination between patterning and morphogenesis ensures robustness during mouse development. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190562. [PMID: 32829684 PMCID: PMC7482220 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian preimplantation embryo is a highly tractable, self-organizing developmental system in which three cell types are consistently specified without the need for maternal factors or external signals. Studies in the mouse over the past decades have greatly improved our understanding of the cues that trigger symmetry breaking in the embryo, the transcription factors that control lineage specification and commitment, and the mechanical forces that drive morphogenesis and inform cell fate decisions. These studies have also uncovered how these multiple inputs are integrated to allocate the right number of cells to each lineage despite inherent biological noise, and as a response to perturbations. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how these processes are coordinated to ensure a robust and precise developmental outcome during early mouse development. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Contemporary morphogenesis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Saiz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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42
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Yamamura S, Goda N, Akizawa H, Kohri N, Balboula AZ, Kobayashi K, Bai H, Takahashi M, Kawahara M. Yes-associated protein 1 translocation through actin cytoskeleton organization in trophectoderm cells. Dev Biol 2020; 468:14-25. [PMID: 32946790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A mammalian embryo experiences the first cell segregation at the blastocyst stage, in which cells giving form to the embryo are sorted into two lineages; trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM). This first cell segregation process is governed by cell position-dependent Hippo signaling, which is a phosphorylation cascade determining whether Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), one of the key components of the Hippo signaling pathway, localizes within the nucleus or cytoplasm. YAP1 localization determines the transcriptional on/off switch of a key gene, Cdx2, required for TE differentiation. However, the control mechanisms involved in YAP1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling post blastocyst formation remain unknown. This study focused on the mechanisms involved in YAP1 release from TE nuclei after blastocoel contraction in bovine blastocysts. The blastocysts contracted by blastocoel fluid aspiration showed that the YAP1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm in the TE cells was concomitant with the protruded actin cytoskeleton. This YAP1 release from TE nuclei in the contracted blastocysts was prevented by actin disruption and stabilization. In contrast, Y27632, which is a potent inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1/2 (ROCK) activity, was found to promote YAP1 nuclear localization in the TE cells of contracted blastocysts. Meanwhile, lambda protein phosphatase (LPP) treatment inducing protein dephosphorylation could not prevent YAP1 release from TE nuclei in the contracted blastocysts, indicating that YAP1 release from TE nuclei does not depend on the Hippo signaling pathway. These results suggested that blastocyst contraction causes YAP1 release from TE nuclei through actin cytoskeleton remodeling in a Hippo signaling-independent manner. Thus, the present study raised the possibility that YAP1 subcellular localization is controlled by actin cytoskeletal organization after the blastocyst formation. Our results demonstrate diverse regulatory mechanisms for YAP1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in TE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Yamamura
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Nanami Goda
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hiroki Akizawa
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Nanami Kohri
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Ahmed Z Balboula
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ken Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan.
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43
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Tocci A. The unknown human trophectoderm: implication for biopsy at the blastocyst stage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2699-2711. [PMID: 32892265 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophectoderm biopsy is increasingly performed for pre-implantation genetic testing of aneuploidies and considered a safe procedure on short-term clinical outcome, without strong assessment of long-term consequences. Poor biological information on human trophectoderm is available due to ethical restrictions. Therefore, most studies have been conducted in vitro (choriocarcinoma cell lines, embryonic and pluripotent stem cells) and on murine models that nevertheless poorly reflect the human counterpart. Polarization, compaction, and blastomere differentiation (e.g., the basis to ascertain trophectoderm origin) are poorly known in humans. In addition, the trophectoderm function is poorly known from a biological point of view, although a panoply of questionable and controversial microarray studies suggest that important genes overexpressed in trophectoderm are involved in pluripotency, metabolism, cell cycle, endocrine function, and implantation. The intercellular communication system between the trophectoderm cells and the inner cell mass, modulated by cell junctions and filopodia in the murine model, is obscure in humans. For the purpose of this paper, data mainly on primary cells from human and murine embryos has been reviewed. This review suggests that the trophectoderm origin and functions have been insufficiently ascertained in humans so far. Therefore, trophectoderm biopsy should be considered an experimental procedure to be undertaken only under approved rigorous experimental protocols in academic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gruppo Donnamed, Via Giuseppe Silla 12, Rome, Italy.
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44
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Lim HYG, Alvarez YD, Gasnier M, Wang Y, Tetlak P, Bissiere S, Wang H, Biro M, Plachta N. Keratins are asymmetrically inherited fate determinants in the mammalian embryo. Nature 2020; 585:404-409. [PMID: 32848249 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2647-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To implant in the uterus, the mammalian embryo first specifies two cell lineages: the pluripotent inner cell mass that forms the fetus, and the outer trophectoderm layer that forms the placenta1. In many organisms, asymmetrically inherited fate determinants drive lineage specification2, but this is not thought to be the case during early mammalian development. Here we show that intermediate filaments assembled by keratins function as asymmetrically inherited fate determinants in the mammalian embryo. Unlike F-actin or microtubules, keratins are the first major components of the cytoskeleton that display prominent cell-to-cell variability, triggered by heterogeneities in the BAF chromatin-remodelling complex. Live-embryo imaging shows that keratins become asymmetrically inherited by outer daughter cells during cell division, where they stabilize the cortex to promote apical polarization and YAP-dependent expression of CDX2, thereby specifying the first trophectoderm cells of the embryo. Together, our data reveal a mechanism by which cell-to-cell heterogeneities that appear before the segregation of the trophectoderm and the inner cell mass influence lineage fate, via differential keratin regulation, and identify an early function for intermediate filaments in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yi Grace Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanina D Alvarez
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maxime Gasnier
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Piotr Tetlak
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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45
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Zhu T, Ma Z, Wang H, Jia X, Wu Y, Fu L, Li Z, Zhang C, Yu G. YAP/TAZ affects the development of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating multiple signaling pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 475:137-149. [PMID: 32813142 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
YAP and TAZ are important co-activators of various biological processes in human body. YAP/TAZ plays a vital role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Dysregulation of the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway is one of the most important causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, considering its crucial role, summary of the signal mechanism of YAP/TAZ is of certain guiding significance for the research of YAP/TAZ as a therapeutic target. The present review provided a detailed introduction to various YAP/TAZ-related signaling pathways and clarified the specific role of YAP/TAZ in these pathways. In the meantime, we summarized and evaluated possible applications of YAP/TAZ in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Overall, our study is of guiding significance for future research on the functional mechanism of YAP/TAZ underlying lung diseases as well as for identification of novel therapeutic targets specific to pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Zhifeng Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Jia
- Department of Pathology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Yuanlin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Linhai Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Zhupeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Chu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China.
| | - Guangmao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, 312000, China.
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Abstract
Gene regulatory networks and tissue morphogenetic events drive the emergence of shape and function: the pillars of embryo development. Although model systems offer a window into the molecular biology of cell fate and tissue shape, mechanistic studies of our own development have so far been technically and ethically challenging. However, recent technical developments provide the tools to describe, manipulate and mimic human embryos in a dish, thus opening a new avenue to exploring human development. Here, I discuss the evidence that supports a role for the crosstalk between cell fate and tissue shape during early human embryogenesis. This is a critical developmental period, when the body plan is laid out and many pregnancies fail. Dissecting the basic mechanisms that coordinate cell fate and tissue shape will generate an integrated understanding of early embryogenesis and new strategies for therapeutic intervention in early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta N Shahbazi
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
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47
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Coticchio G, Lagalla C, Sturmey R, Pennetta F, Borini A. The enigmatic morula: mechanisms of development, cell fate determination, self-correction and implications for ART. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:422-438. [PMID: 30855681 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproduction technology offers the opportunity to observe the very early stages of human development. However, due to practical constraints, for decades morphological examination of embryo development has been undertaken at a few isolated time points at the stages of fertilisation (Day 1), cleavage (Day 2-3) and blastocyst (Day 5-6). Rather surprisingly, the morula stage (Day 3-4) has been so far neglected, despite its involvement in crucial cellular processes and developmental decisions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to collate novel and unsuspected insights into developmental processes occurring during formation of the morula, highlighting the key importance of this stage for a better understanding of preimplantation development and an improvement of ART. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed English-language original articles and reviews concerning the morula stage in mammals. Searches were performed by adopting 'embryo', 'morula', 'compaction', 'cell fate' and 'IVF/assisted reproduction' as main terms, in association with other keywords expressing concepts relevant to the subject (e.g. cell polarity). The most relevant publications, i.e. those concerning major phenomena occurring during formation of the morula in established experimental models and the human species, were assessed and discussed critically. OUTCOMES Novel live cell imaging technologies and cell biology studies have extended our understanding of morula formation as a key stage for the development of the blastocyst and determination of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE). Cellular processes, such as dynamic formation of filopodia and cytoskeleton-mediated zippering cell-to-cell interactions, intervene to allow cell compaction (a geometrical requisite essential for development) and formation of the blastocoel, respectively. At the same time, differential orientation of cleavage planes, cell polarity and cortical tensile forces interact and cooperate to position blastomeres either internally or externally, thereby influencing their cellular fate. Recent time lapse microscopy (TLM) observations also suggest that in the human the process of compaction may represent an important checkpoint for embryo viability, through which chromosomally abnormal blastomeres are sensed and eliminated by the embryo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In clinical embryology, the morula stage has been always perceived as a 'black box' in the continuum of preimplantation development. This has dictated its virtual exclusion from mainstream ART procedures. Recent findings described in this review indicate that the morula, and the associated process of compaction, as a crucial stage not only for the formation of the blastocyst, but also for the health of the conceptus. This understanding may open new avenues for innovative approaches to embryo manipulation, assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Lagalla
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Borini
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
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48
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Cao X, Wang C, Liu J, Zhao B. Regulation and functions of the Hippo pathway in stemness and differentiation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:736-748. [DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays important roles in organ development, tissue regeneration, and human diseases, such as cancer. In the canonical Hippo pathway, the MST1/2-LATS1/2 kinase cascade phosphorylates and inhibits transcription coactivators Yes-associated protein and transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif and thus regulates transcription of genes important for cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, recent studies have depicted a much more complicate picture of the Hippo pathway with many new components and regulatory stimuli involving both chemical and mechanical signals. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that the Hippo pathway also plays important roles in the determination of cell fates, such as self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we review regulations of the Hippo pathway and its functions in stemness and differentiation emphasizing recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Cao
- MOE key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China, and
| | - Chenliang Wang
- MOE key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China, and
| | - Jiyang Liu
- MOE key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China, and
| | - Bin Zhao
- MOE key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China, and
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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49
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White MD, Plachta N. Specification of the First Mammalian Cell Lineages In Vivo and In Vitro. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035634. [PMID: 31615786 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how the first mammalian cell lineages arise has been shaped largely by studies of the preimplantation mouse embryo. Painstaking work over many decades has begun to reveal how a single totipotent cell is transformed into a multilayered structure representing the foundations of the body plan. Here, we review how the first lineage decision is initiated by epigenetic regulation but consolidated by the integration of morphological features and transcription factor activity. The establishment of pluripotent and multipotent stem cell lines has enabled deeper analysis of molecular and epigenetic regulation of cell fate decisions. The capability to assemble these stem cells into artificial embryos is an exciting new avenue of research that offers a long-awaited window into cell fate specification in the human embryo. Together, these approaches are poised to profoundly increase our understanding of how the first lineage decisions are made during mammalian embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D White
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673
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50
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Guo Q, Quan M, Dong J, Bai J, Wang J, Han R, Wang W, Cai Y, Lv YQ, Chen Q, Xu H, Lyu HD, Deng L, Zhou D, Xiao X, De Langhe S, Billadeau DD, Lou Z, Zhang JS. The WW domains dictate isoform-specific regulation of YAP1 stability and pancreatic cancer cell malignancy. Theranostics 2020; 10:4422-4436. [PMID: 32292505 PMCID: PMC7150473 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
YAP1 is a key mediator of the Hippo pathway capable of exerting a profound effect on organ size as well as tumorigenesis. Alternative mRNA splicing of human YAP1 results in at least 8 protein isoforms that differ within the 2nd WW motif and the transcriptional activation domain. Methods: To investigate the isoform-specific differences in their mRNA expression, transcriptional activity and tumor-promoting function, we cloned cDNA encoding all of the eight YAP1 protein isoforms. Then, we examined their mRNA expression, subcellular localization, transcriptional regulation properties, interactions with key regulatory partners, and protein stability in response to changes in cell density, as well as their effects on pancreatic cancer cell malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Multiple YAP1 mRNA isoforms are expressed in commonly used pancreatic cancer lines as well as human pancreatic cancer PDX lines. Based on the analysis of heterologous reporter and endogenous target genes, all YAP1 isoforms are capable of activating transcription, albeit to a different extent. Importantly, we unveiled a marked discrepancy between the mRNA and protein expression levels of the YAP1-1 and YAP1-2 isoforms. We further discovered that the YAP1-2 isoform, which contains two tandem WW motifs, is less stable at the protein level, particularly at high cell densities. Mechanistically, we found that the presence of the 2nd WW motif in YAP1-2 facilitates the de novo formation of the YAP1-2/AMOT/LATS1 complex and contributes to a stronger binding of YAP1-2 to LATS1 and subsequently increased YAP1-2 ubiquitination and degradation by β-TRCP. Conclusion: Our data reveals a potent effect of YAP1-1 on pancreatic cancer malignancy in vitro and in vivo and provides novel mechanistic insight into isoform-specific and cell density-dependent regulation of YAP1 stability, as well as its impact on cancer malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Meiyu Quan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jinglai Dong
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jing Bai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Rui Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yaxin Cai
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yu-Qing Lv
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Qianjie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Huijing Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Han-Deng Lyu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Liancheng Deng
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Depu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xueyuan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Stijn De Langhe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, 35294-2182 AL, USA
| | - Daniel D. Billadeau
- Division of Oncology Research, and Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhenkun Lou
- Division of Oncology Research, and Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Division of Oncology Research, and Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
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