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Liu D, Fu Y, Wang X, Wang X, Fang X, Zhou Y, Wang R, Zhang P, Jiang M, Jia D, Wang J, Chen H, Guo G, Han X. Characterization of human pluripotent stem cell differentiation by single-cell dual-omics analyses. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2464-2481. [PMID: 37995704 PMCID: PMC10724075 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.018] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has unique advantages, such as multilineage differentiation, angiogenesis, and close cell-cell interactions. To systematically investigate multilineage differentiation mechanisms of hPSCs, we constructed the in vivo hPSC differentiation landscape containing 239,670 cells using teratoma models. We identified 43 cell types, inferred 18 cell differentiation trajectories, and characterized common and specific gene regulation patterns during hPSC differentiation at both transcriptional and epigenetic levels. Additionally, we developed the developmental single-cell Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (dscBLAST), an R-based cell identification tool, to simplify the identification processes of developmental cells. Using dscBLAST, we aligned cells in multiple differentiation models to normally developing cells to further understand their differentiation states. Overall, our study offers new insights into stem cell differentiation and human embryonic development; dscBLAST shows favorable cell identification performance, providing a powerful identification tool for developmental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyuan Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xueyi Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xing Fang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yincong Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Renying Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Peijing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Danmei Jia
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Haide Chen
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; M20 Genomics, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoji Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiaoping Han
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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Kuil LE, Kakiailatu NJ, Windster JD, Bindels E, Zink JT, van der Zee G, Hofstra RM, Shepherd IT, Melotte V, Alves MM. Unbiased characterization of the larval zebrafish enteric nervous system at a single cell transcriptomic level. iScience 2023; 26:107070. [PMID: 37426341 PMCID: PMC10329177 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates many gastrointestinal functions including peristalsis, immune regulation and uptake of nutrients. Defects in the ENS can lead to severe enteric neuropathies such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Zebrafish have proven to be fruitful in the identification of genes involved in ENS development and HSCR pathogenesis. However, composition and specification of enteric neurons and glial subtypes at larval stages, remains mainly unexplored. Here, we performed single cell RNA sequencing of zebrafish ENS at 5 days post-fertilization. We identified vagal neural crest progenitors, Schwann cell precursors, and four clusters of differentiated neurons. In addition, a previously unrecognized elavl3+/phox2bb-population of neurons and cx43+/phox2bb-enteric glia was found. Pseudotime analysis supported binary neurogenic branching of ENS differentiation, driven by a notch-responsive state. Taken together, we provide new insights on ENS development and specification, proving that the zebrafish is a valuable model for the study of congenital enteric neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Kuil
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Naomi J.M. Kakiailatu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan D. Windster
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Bindels
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joke T.M. Zink
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gaby van der Zee
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert M.W. Hofstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Veerle Melotte
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria M. Alves
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Ceccherini I, Kurek KC, Weese-Mayer DE. Developmental disorders affecting the respiratory system: CCHS and ROHHAD. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 189:53-91. [PMID: 36031316 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91532-8.00005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD) and Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) are ultra-rare distinct clinical disorders with overlapping symptoms including altered respiratory control and autonomic regulation. Although both disorders have been considered for decades to be on the same spectrum with necessity of artificial ventilation as life-support, recent acquisition of specific knowledge concerning the genetic basis of CCHS coupled with an elusive etiology for ROHHAD have definitely established that the two disorders are different. CCHS is an autosomal dominant neurocristopathy characterized by alveolar hypoventilation resulting in hypoxemia/hypercarbia and features of autonomic nervous system dysregulation (ANSD), with presentation typically in the newborn period. It is caused by paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) variants, with known genotype-phenotype correlation but pathogenic mechanism(s) are yet unknown. ROHHAD is characterized by rapid weight gain, followed by hypothalamic dysfunction, then hypoventilation followed by ANSD, in seemingly normal children ages 1.5-7 years. Postmortem neuroanatomical studies, thorough clinical characterization, pathophysiological assessment, and extensive genetic inquiry have failed to identify a cause attributable to a traditional genetic basis, somatic mosaicism, epigenetic mechanism, environmental trigger, or other. To find the key to the ROHHAD pathogenesis and to improve its clinical management, in the present chapter, we have carefully compared CCHS and ROHHAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Kyle C Kurek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Debra E Weese-Mayer
- Division of Autonomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
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4
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Ohara Y, Fujimura L, Sakamoto A, Teratake Y, Hiraoka S, Koseki H, Saito T, Terui K, Mitsunaga T, Nakata M, Yoshida H, Hatano M. Genetic background-dependent abnormalities of the enteric nervous system and intestinal function in Kif26a-deficient mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3191. [PMID: 33542431 PMCID: PMC7862435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kif26a protein-coding gene has been identified as a negative regulator of the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway in enteric neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic background on the phenotype of Kif26a-deficient (KO, -/-) mice. KO mice with both C57BL/6 and BALB/c genetic backgrounds were established. Survival rates and megacolon development were compared between these two strains of KO mice. Functional bowel assessments and enteric neuron histopathology were performed in the deficient mice. KO mice with the BALB/c genetic background survived more than 400 days without evidence of megacolon, while all C57BL/6 KO mice developed megacolon and died within 30 days. Local enteric neuron hyperplasia in the colon and functional bowel abnormalities were observed in BALB/c KO mice. These results indicated that megacolon and enteric neuron hyperplasia in KO mice are influenced by the genetic background. BALB/c KO mice may represent a viable model for functional gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic constipation, facilitating studies on the underlying mechanisms and providing a foundation for the development of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ohara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lisa Fujimura
- Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akemi Sakamoto
- Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuoku, Chiba City, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | | | - Shuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (RIKEN-IMS), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (RIKEN-IMS), Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chiba Children's Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keita Terui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsunaga
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chiba Children's Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mitsuyuki Nakata
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideo Yoshida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hatano
- Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan. .,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuoku, Chiba City, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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Di Lascio S, Benfante R, Cardani S, Fornasari D. Research Advances on Therapeutic Approaches to Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). Front Neurosci 2021; 14:615666. [PMID: 33510615 PMCID: PMC7835644 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.615666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a genetic disorder of neurodevelopment, with an autosomal dominant transmission, caused by heterozygous mutations in the PHOX2B gene. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by hypoventilation due to the failure of autonomic control of breathing. Until now no curative treatment has been found. PHOX2B is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the development (and maintenance) of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular the neuronal structures involved in respiratory reflexes. The underlying pathogenetic mechanism is still unclear, although studies in vivo and in CCHS patients indicate that some neuronal structures may be damaged. Moreover, in vitro experimental data suggest that transcriptional dysregulation and protein misfolding may be key pathogenic mechanisms. This review summarizes latest researches that improved the comprehension of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for CCHS and discusses the search for therapeutic intervention in light of the current knowledge about PHOX2B function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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Liu W, Zhou T, Tian J, Yu X, Ren C, Cao Z, Hou P, Zhang Q, Li A. Role of GDNF, GFRα1 and GFAP in a Bifidobacterium-Intervention Induced Mouse Model of Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:795678. [PMID: 35096711 PMCID: PMC8796853 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.795678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on colonic motility in a mouse model of intestinal neuronal dysplasia by intervention with Bifidobacterium and to explore the influence of Bifidobacterium on enteric glial cells (EGCs). METHODS Western blotting and qRT-PCR were employed to detect the expression of GFRα1 and GFAP in colonic tissues of mice with or without Tlx2 mutations, and ELISA was used to detect the expression of GDNF in serum. IHC was used to detect the appearance of the ganglion cells. Subsequently, Tlx2 homozygous mutant (Tlx2-/-) mice were treated with Bifidobacterium. Colonic motility was measured before and after intervention by measuring the glass bead expelling time. The variations in abdominal circumference and GDNF, GFRα1, and GFAP expression were measured. In addition, 16SrRNA gene sequencing was performed to detect the abundance of the intestinal microbiota. RESULTS The mRNA and protein expression of GFRα1 and GFAP was decreased in the colonic tissues of Tlx2-/- mice and GDNF expression was decreased in serum compared with Tlx2+/- and WT mice. After confirming the colonization of Bifidobacterium by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the expelling time and abdominal distension were ameliorated, and the expression of GFAP, GDNF, and GFRα1 was increased. CONCLUSIONS The expression of GDNF, GFRα1, and GFAP is associated with colonic motility. The altered expression of EGC-related factors suggested that Bifidobacterium may be involved in the EGC activation process. The amelioration of IND symptoms after intervention with Bifidobacterium prompted the elicitation of adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinqiu Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuantao Ren
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dezhou People's Hospital, Dezhou, China
| | - Zengcai Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peimin Hou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiangye Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aiwu Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Effect of Neuroligin1 and Neurexin1 on the Colonic Motility in a Mouse Model of Neuronal Intestinal Dysplasia. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:9818652. [PMID: 32184818 PMCID: PMC7059090 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9818652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the expressions of neuroligin1 (NL1) and neurexin1 (NX1) in a mouse model of neuronal intestinal dysplasia (Tlx2−/− mice) and to explore their effects on colonic motility. Methods Immunohistochemistry staining was employed to explore the histological appearances of NL1, NX1, the presynaptic marker of glutamatergic synapses VGLUT1, and the subunit of NMDA receptors of NR1 in the colon of mice with or without Tlx2 mutation. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were performed to detect their relative expressions in the colon. Colonic motility was measured by a glass bead technique. Then, the Tlx2−/− mice were intervened by Huperzine A. Variations on expressions of NL1, NX1, VGLUT1, and NR1 and variations on colonic motility were measured. Additionally, serum concentrations of Glu were measured by ELISA. Results Immunohistochemistry staining reveals that NL1, NX1, VGLUT1, and NR1 were mainly concentrated in the myenteric plexus of ENS. Compared to those in WT and Tlx2+/- mice, expressions of NL1 and NX1 in colon of Tlx2−/− mice were upregulated with increased VGLUT1 and NR1 abundances and impaired colonic motility (P < 0.05). After intervention, the upregulated expressions of NL1 and NX1 were decreased with a correlated reduce of VGLUT1 and NR1 and a recovery of the impaired colonic motility (P < 0.05). After intervention, the upregulated expressions of NL1 and NX1 were decreased with a correlated reduce of VGLUT1 and NR1 and a recovery of the impaired colonic motility (P < 0.05). After intervention, the upregulated expressions of NL1 and NX1 were decreased with a correlated reduce of VGLUT1 and NR1 and a recovery of the impaired colonic motility ( Conclusion NL1 and NX1 are closely related to the colonic motility through their effects of targeting the formation of glutamatergic synapses and may be involved in the pathogenesis of NID. The variations of serum Glu seem to be a potential and less painful auxiliary measure for colonic motility and NID.
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Portrait of Tissue-Specific Coexpression Networks of Noncoding RNAs (miRNA and lncRNA) and mRNAs in Normal Tissues. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9029351. [PMID: 31565069 PMCID: PMC6745163 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9029351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genes that encode proteins playing a role in more than one biological process are frequently dependent on their tissue context, and human diseases result from the altered interplay of tissue- and cell-specific processes. In this work, we performed a computational approach that identifies tissue-specific co-expression networks by integrating miRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs, and mRNAs in more than eight thousands of human samples from thirty normal tissue types. Our analysis (1) shows that long-non coding RNAs and miRNAs have a high specificity, (2) confirms several known tissue-specific RNAs, and (3) identifies new tissue-specific co-expressed RNAs that are currently still not described in the literature. Some of these RNAs interact with known tissue-specific RNAs or are crucial in key cancer functions, suggesting that they are implicated in tissue specification or cell differentiation.
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Bachetti T, Ceccherini I. Causative and commonPHOX2Bvariants define a broad phenotypic spectrum. Clin Genet 2019; 97:103-113. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.13633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bachetti
- Laboratorio Neurobiologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV)Università di Genova Genova Italy
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Roy-Carson S, Natukunda K, Chou HC, Pal N, Farris C, Schneider SQ, Kuhlman JA. Defining the transcriptomic landscape of the developing enteric nervous system and its cellular environment. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:290. [PMID: 28403821 PMCID: PMC5389105 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motility and the coordination of moving food through the gastrointestinal tract rely on a complex network of neurons known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). Despite its critical function, many of the molecular mechanisms that direct the development of the ENS and the elaboration of neural network connections remain unknown. The goal of this study was to transcriptionally identify molecular pathways and candidate genes that drive specification, differentiation and the neural circuitry of specific neural progenitors, the phox2b expressing ENS cell lineage, during normal enteric nervous system development. Because ENS development is tightly linked to its environment, the transcriptional landscape of the cellular environment of the intestine was also analyzed. RESULTS Thousands of zebrafish intestines were manually dissected from a transgenic line expressing green fluorescent protein under the phox2b regulatory elements [Tg(phox2b:EGFP) w37 ]. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to separate GFP-positive phox2b expressing ENS progenitor and derivatives from GFP-negative intestinal cells. RNA-seq was performed to obtain accurate, reproducible transcriptional profiles and the unbiased detection of low level transcripts. Analysis revealed genes and pathways that may function in ENS cell determination, genes that may be identifiers of different ENS subtypes, and genes that define the non-neural cellular microenvironment of the ENS. Differential expression analysis between the two cell populations revealed the expected neuronal nature of the phox2b expressing lineage including the enrichment for genes required for neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and identified many novel genes not previously associated with ENS development. Pathway analysis pointed to a high level of G-protein coupled pathway activation, and identified novel roles for candidate pathways such as the Nogo/Reticulon axon guidance pathway in ENS development. CONCLUSION We report the comprehensive gene expression profiles of a lineage-specific population of enteric progenitors, their derivatives, and their microenvironment during normal enteric nervous system development. Our results confirm previously implicated genes and pathways required for ENS development, and also identify scores of novel candidate genes and pathways. Thus, our dataset suggests various potential mechanisms that drive ENS development facilitating characterization and discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to improve gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Roy-Carson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Kevin Natukunda
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present Address: National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Narinder Pal
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present address: North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, 1305 State Ave, Ames, IA, 50014, USA
| | - Caitlin Farris
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present address: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnson, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Stephan Q Schneider
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Julie A Kuhlman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,642 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) play important roles in developmental processes of the inner ear, including the ontogeny of the statoacoustic ganglia (SAG) and hair cells. However, the detailed genetic mechanism(s) underlying Fgf/Fgfr-dependent otic neural development remains elusive. Using conditional genetic approaches and inhibitory small molecules, we have revealed that Fgfr-PI3K/Akt signaling is mainly responsible for zebrafish SAG development and have determined that Sox9a and Atoh1a act downstream of Fgfr-Akt signaling to specify and/or maintain the otic neuron fate during the early segmentation stage. Sox9a and Atoh1a coregulate numerous downstream factors identified through our ChIP-seq analyses, including Tlx2 and Eya2. Fgfr-Erk1/2 signaling contributes to ultricular hair cell development during a critical period between 9 and 15 hours postfertilization. Our work reveals that a genetic network of the previously known sensory determinant Atoh1 and the neural crest determinant Sox9 plays critical roles in SAG development. These newly uncovered roles for Atoh1and Sox9 in zebrafish otic development may be relevant to study in other species.
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Pini Prato A, Rossi V, Fiore M, Avanzini S, Mattioli G, Sanfilippo F, Michelazzi A, Borghini S, Disma N, Montobbio G, Barabino A, Nozza P, Ceccherini I, Gimelli S, Jasonni V. Megacystis, megacolon, and malrotation: A new syndromic association? Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:1798-802. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Borghini S, Duca MD, Pini Prato A, Lerone M, Martucciello G, Jasonni V, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Search for pathogenetic variants of the SPRY2 gene in intestinal innervation defects. Intern Med J 2010; 39:335-7. [PMID: 19545245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.01907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SPRY2 is an inducible inhibitor of signalling mediated by tyrosine kinases receptors, whose targeting causes intestinal hyperganglionosis in mice. In this light, we have undertaken a mutational analysis of the SPRY2 gene in patients affected with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND), without detecting nucleotide changes in any of the 26 DNA samples analysed, with the exception of two already known polymorphic variants. A role of the SPRY2 gene in IND pathogenesis can be thus excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Borghini
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Borghini S, Bachetti T, Fava M, Duca MD, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Functional characterization of a minimal sequence essential for the expression of human TLX2 gene. BMB Rep 2009; 42:788-93. [PMID: 20044949 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2009.42.12.788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TLX2 is an orphan homeodomain transcription factor whose expression is mainly associated with tissues derived from neural crest cells. Recently, we have demonstrated that PHOX2A and PHOX2B are able to enhance the neural cell-type specific expression of human TLX2 by binding distally the 5'-flanking region. In the present work, to deepen into the TLX2 transcription regulation, we have focused on the proximal 5'- flanking region of the gene, mapping the transcription start site and identifying a minimal promoter necessary and sufficient for the basal transcription in cell lines from different origin. Site-directed mutagenesis has allowed to demonstrate that the integrity of this sequence is crucial for gene expression, while electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments have revealed that such an activity is dependent on the binding of a PBX factor. Consistent with these findings, such a basal promoter activity has resulted to be enhanced by the previously reported PHOX2-responding sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Borghini
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G Gaslini Universita di Genova, Italy
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rs224136 on chromosome 10q21.1 and variants in PHOX2B, NCF4, and FAM92B are not major genetic risk factors for susceptibility to Crohn's disease in the German population. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:665-72. [PMID: 19262523 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2008.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, a North American genome-wide association study identified three novel gene variants in PHOX2B, NCF4, and FAM92B as well as one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; rs224136) in the intergenic region on chromosome 10q21.1 as being associated with Crohn's disease (CD). However, their influence on European CD patients as well as ulcerative colitis (UC) is unknown. Therefore we aimed to replicate these novel CD susceptibility variants in a large European cohort with inflammatory bowel disease and analyzed potential gene-gene interactions with variants in the NOD2/CARD15, IL23R, and ATG16L1 genes. METHODS Genomic DNA from 2,833 Caucasian individuals including 854 patients with CD, 476 patients with UC, and 1,503 healthy unrelated controls was analyzed for SNPs in PHOX2B (rs16853571), NCF4 (rs4821544), and FAM92B (rs8050910), including rs224136 on chromosome 10q21.1. RESULTS In our study population, no association of PHOX2B (P=0.563), NCF4 (P=0.506), FAM92B (P=0.401), and rs224136 (P=0.363) with CD was found. Similarly, none of these SNPs was associated with UC. In contrast, all analyzed SNPs in NOD2/CARD15, IL23R, and ATG16L1 were strongly associated with CD with P values ranging from 5.0x10(-3) to 1.6x10(-22), but there was no epistasis with polymorphisms in PHOX2B, NCF4, FAM92B, and rs224136. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the North American population, PHOX2B, NCF4, FAM92B, and rs224136 are not associated with CD in the European population, whereas NOD2/CARD15, IL23R, and ATG16L1 are strongly associated with CD in both the North American and European populations, confirming these three genes as major CD susceptibility genes in Caucasian populations.
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Novel homeobox genes are differentially expressed in placental microvascular endothelial cells compared with macrovascular cells. Placenta 2008; 29:624-30. [PMID: 18514308 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is fundamental to normal placental development and aberrant angiogenesis contributes substantially to placental pathologies. The complex process of angiogenesis is regulated by transcription factors leading to the formation of endothelial cells that line the microvasculature. Homeobox genes are important transcription factors that regulate vascular development in embryonic and adult tissues. We have recently shown that placental homeobox genes HLX, DLX3, DLX4, MSX2 and GAX are expressed in placental endothelial cells. Hence, the novel homeobox genes TLX1, TLX2, TGIF, HEX, PHOX1, MEIS2, HOXB7, and LIM6 were detected that have not been reported in endothelial cells previously. Importantly, these homeobox genes have not been previously reported in placental endothelial cells and, with the exception of HEX, PHOX1 and HOXB7, have not been described in any other endothelial cell type. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed on cDNA from freshly isolated placental microvascular endothelial cells (PLEC), and the human placental microvascular endothelial cell line HPEC. cDNAs prepared from control term placentae, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and human umbilical vein macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used as controls. PCR analyses showed that all novel homeobox genes tested were expressed by all endothelial cells types. Furthermore, real-time PCR analyses revealed that homeobox genes TLX1, TLX2 and PHOX1 relative mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in HUVEC compared with microvascular endothelial cells, while the relative mRNA expression levels of MEIS2 and TGIF were significantly increased in macrovascular cells compared with microvascular endothelial cells. Thus we have identified novel homeobox genes in microvascular endothelial cells and have shown that homeobox genes are differentially expressed between micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells.
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