1
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Zhao S, Wang C, Luo H, Li F, Wang Q, Xu J, Huang Z, Liu W, Zhang W. A role for Retinoblastoma 1 in hindbrain morphogenesis by regulating GBX family. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00061-4. [PMID: 38570112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The hindbrain, which develops from the anterior end of the neural tube expansion, can differentiate into the metencephalon and myelencephalon, with varying sizes and functions. The midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and hindbrain myelencephalon/ventral midline (HMVM) are known to be the source of the progenitors for the anterior hindbrain and myelencephalon, respectively. However, the molecular networks regulating hindbrain morphogenesis in these structures remain unclear. In this study, we show that retinoblastoma 1 (rb1) is highly expressed at the MHB and HMVM in zebrafish. Knocking out rb1 in mice and zebrafish results in an enlarged hindbrain due to hindbrain neuronal hyperproliferation. Further study reveals that Rb1 controls the hindbrain morphogenesis by suppressing the expression of Gbx1/Gbx2, essential transcription factors for hindbrain development, through its binding to E2f3/Hdac1, respectively. Interestingly, we find that Gbx1 and Gbx2 are expressed in different types of hindbrain neurons, suggesting distinct roles in hindbrain morphogenesis. In summary, our study clarifies the specific role of RB1 in hindbrain neural cell proliferation and morphogenesis by regulating the E2f3-Gbx1 axis and the Hdac1-Gbx2 axis. These findings provide a research paradigm for exploring the differential proliferation of neurons in various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhao
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Haiping Luo
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Feifei Li
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jin Xu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zhibin Huang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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2
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Shin U, Lee Y. Unraveling DNA Repair Processes In Vivo: Insights from Zebrafish Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13120. [PMID: 37685935 PMCID: PMC10487404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713120] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The critical role of the DNA repair system in preserving the health and survival of living organisms is widely recognized as dysfunction within this system can result in a broad range of severe conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, blood disorders, infertility, and cancer. Despite comprehensive research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of DNA repair pathways, there remains a significant knowledge gap concerning these processes at an organismal level. The teleost zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism for investigating these intricate DNA repair mechanisms. Their utility arises from a combination of their well-characterized genomic information, the ability to visualize specific phenotype outcomes in distinct cells and tissues, and the availability of diverse genetic experimental approaches. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of recent advancements in our understanding of the in vivo roles of DNA repair pathways. We cover a variety of critical biological processes including neurogenesis, hematopoiesis, germ cell development, tumorigenesis, and aging, with a specific emphasis on findings obtained from the use of zebrafish as a model system. Our comprehensive review highlights the importance of zebrafish in enhancing our understanding of the functions of DNA repair systems at the organismal level and paves the way for future investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unbeom Shin
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonsung Lee
- Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
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3
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Morris EK, Daignault-Mill S, Stehbens SJ, Genovesi LA, Lagendijk AK. Addressing blood-brain-tumor-barrier heterogeneity in pediatric brain tumors with innovative preclinical models. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1101522. [PMID: 36776301 PMCID: PMC9909546 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors represent the leading cause of disease-related mortality and morbidity in children, with effective treatments urgently required. One factor limiting the effectiveness of systemic therapy is the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which limits the brain penetration of many anticancer drugs. BBB integrity is often compromised in tumors, referred to as the blood-brain-tumor-barrier (BBTB), and the impact of a compromised BBTB on the therapeutic sensitivity of brain tumors has been clearly shown for a few selected agents. However, the heterogeneity of barrier alteration observed within a single tumor and across distinct pediatric tumor types represents an additional challenge. Herein, we discuss what is known regarding the heterogeneity of tumor-associated vasculature in pediatric brain tumors. We discuss innovative and complementary preclinical model systems that will facilitate real-time functional analyses of BBTB for all pediatric brain tumor types. We believe a broader use of these preclinical models will enable us to develop a greater understanding of the processes underlying tumor-associated vasculature formation and ultimately more efficacious treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysse K. Morris
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sheena Daignault-Mill
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Stehbens
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura A. Genovesi
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
| | - Anne K. Lagendijk
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
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4
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Fuochi S, Galligioni V. Disease Animal Models for Cancer Research. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2645:105-125. [PMID: 37202613 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3056-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite nonanimal methods (NAMs) are more and more exploited and new NAMs are developed and validated, animal models are still used in cancer research. Animals are used at multiple levels, from understanding molecular traits and pathways, to mimicking clinical aspects of tumor progression, to drug testing. In vivo approaches are not trivial and involve cross-disciplinary knowledge: animal biology and physiology, genetics, pathology, and animal welfare.The aim of this chapter is not to list and address all animal models used in cancer research. Instead, the authors would like to guide experimenters in the strategies to adopt in both planning and performing in vivo experimental procedures, including the choice of cancer animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fuochi
- Universität Bern, Experimental Animal Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Viola Galligioni
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Zebrafish Models of Paediatric Brain Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179920. [PMID: 36077320 PMCID: PMC9456103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric brain cancer is the second most common childhood cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite significant advancements in the treatment modalities and improvements in the 5-year survival rate, it leaves long-term therapy-associated side effects in paediatric patients. Addressing these impairments demands further understanding of the molecularity and heterogeneity of these brain tumours, which can be demonstrated using different animal models of paediatric brain cancer. Here we review the use of zebrafish as potential in vivo models for paediatric brain tumour modelling, as well as catalogue the currently available zebrafish models used to study paediatric brain cancer pathophysiology, and discuss key findings, the unique attributes that these models add, current challenges and therapeutic significance.
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6
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Schultz‐Rogers LE, Thayer ML, Kambakam S, Wierson WA, Helmer JA, Wishman MD, Wall KA, Greig JL, Forsman JL, Puchhalapalli K, Nair S, Weiss TJ, Luiken JM, Blackburn PR, Ekker SC, Kool M, McGrail M. Rbbp4 loss disrupts neural progenitor cell cycle regulation independent of Rb and leads to Tp53 acetylation and apoptosis. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1267-1290. [PMID: 35266256 PMCID: PMC9356990 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoblastoma binding protein 4 (Rbbp4) is a component of transcription regulatory complexes that control cell cycle gene expression. Previous work indicated that Rbbp4 cooperates with the Rb tumor suppressor to block cell cycle entry. Here, we use genetic analysis to examine the interactions of Rbbp4, Rb, and Tp53 in zebrafish neural progenitor cell cycle regulation and survival. RESULTS Rbbp4 is upregulated across the spectrum of human embryonal and glial brain cancers. Transgenic rescue of rbbp4 mutant embryos shows Rbbp4 is essential for zebrafish neurogenesis. Rbbp4 loss leads to apoptosis and γ-H2AX in the developing brain that is suppressed by tp53 knockdown or maternal zygotic deletion. Mutant retinal neural precursors accumulate in M phase and fail to initiate G0 gene expression. rbbp4; rb1 mutants show an additive effect on the number of M phase cells. In rbbp4 mutants, Tp53 acetylation is detected; however, Rbbp4 overexpression did not rescue DNA damage-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION Rbbp4 is necessary for neural progenitor cell cycle progression and initiation of G0 independent of Rb. Tp53-dependent apoptosis in the absence of Rbpb4 correlates with Tp53 acetylation. Together these results suggest that Rbbp4 is required for cell cycle exit and contributes to neural progenitor survival through the regulation of Tp53 acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Schultz‐Rogers
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics and GenomicsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Pathology and Lab MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michelle L. Thayer
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Sekhar Kambakam
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Wesley A. Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Jordan A. Helmer
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Mark D. Wishman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Kristen A. Wall
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Jessica L. Greig
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Jaimie L. Forsman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Kavya Puchhalapalli
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Siddharth Nair
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Kinesiology and HealthIowa State UniversityAmesUSA
| | - Trevor J. Weiss
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Jon M. Luiken
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Patrick R. Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Present address:
Department of PathologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Stephen C. Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer (KiTZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Division of Pediatric Neuro‐oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics and GenomicsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- GeneticsIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Kinesiology and HealthIowa State UniversityAmesUSA
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7
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Liu F, Kambakam S, Almeida MP, Ming Z, Welker JM, Wierson WA, Schultz-Rogers LE, Ekker SC, Clark KJ, Essner JJ, McGrail M. Cre/ lox regulated conditional rescue and inactivation with zebrafish UFlip alleles generated by CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration. eLife 2022; 11:71478. [PMID: 35713402 PMCID: PMC9270027 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate gene activity spatially and temporally is essential to investigate cell type-specific gene function during development and in postembryonic processes and disease models. The Cre/lox system has been widely used for performing cell and tissue-specific conditional analysis of gene function in zebrafish. However, simple and efficient methods for isolation of stable, Cre/lox regulated zebrafish alleles are lacking. Here we applied our GeneWeld CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration strategy to generate floxed alleles that provide robust conditional inactivation and rescue. A universal targeting vector, UFlip, with sites for cloning short homology arms flanking a floxed 2A-mRFP gene trap, was integrated into an intron in rbbp4 and rb1. rbbp4off and rb1off integration alleles resulted in strong mRFP expression, >99% reduction of endogenous gene expression, and recapitulated known indel loss of function phenotypes. Introduction of Cre led to stable inversion of the floxed cassette, loss of mRFP expression, and phenotypic rescue. rbbp4on and rb1on integration alleles did not cause phenotypes in combination with a loss of function mutation. Addition of Cre led to conditional inactivation by stable inversion of the cassette, gene trapping and mRFP expression, and the expected mutant phenotype. Neural progenitor Cre drivers were used for conditional inactivation and phenotypic rescue to showcase how this approach can be used in specific cell populations. Together these results validate a simplified approach for efficient isolation of Cre/lox responsive conditional alleles in zebrafish. Our strategy provides a new toolkit for generating genetic mosaics and represents a significant advance in zebrafish genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Sekhar Kambakam
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Maira P Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Zhitao Ming
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Jordan M Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Wesley A Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Laura E Schultz-Rogers
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
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8
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Luo J, Junaid M, Hamid N, Duan JJ, Yang X, Pei DS. Current understanding of gliomagenesis: from model to mechanism. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:2071-2079. [PMID: 36483593 PMCID: PMC9724244 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.77287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma, a kind of central nervous system (CNS) tumor, is hard to cure and accounts for 32% of all CNS tumors. Establishing a stable glioma model is critically important to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Various core signaling pathways have been identified in gliomagenesis, such as RTK/RAS/PI3K, TP53, and RB1. Traditional methods of establishing glioma animal models have included chemical induction, xenotransplantation, and genetic modifications (RCAS/t-va system, Cre-loxP, and TALENs). Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as an efficient gene editing tool with high germline transmission and has extended the scope of stable and efficient glioma models that can be generated. Therefore, this review will highlight the documented evidence about the molecular characteristics, critical genetic markers, and signaling pathways responsible for gliomagenesis and progression. Moreover, methods of establishing glioma models using gene editing techniques and therapeutic aspects will be discussed. Finally, the prospect of applying gene editing in glioma by using CRISPR/Cas9 strategy and future research directions to establish a stable glioma model are also included in this review. In-depth knowledge of glioma signaling pathways and use of CRISPR/Cas9 can greatly assist in the development of a stable, efficient, and spontaneous glioma model, which can ultimately improve the effectiveness of therapeutic responses and cure glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Luo
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin-Jing Duan
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: De-Sheng Pei, E-mail: ; Xiaojun Yang, E-mail:
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: De-Sheng Pei, E-mail: ; Xiaojun Yang, E-mail:
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9
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An Overview of Zebrafish Modeling Methods in Drug Discovery and Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:145-169. [PMID: 34961915 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies are recognized as a significant step forward in the bridging between drug discovery and clinical applications. Animal models, due to their relative genetic, molecular, physiological, and even anatomical similarities to humans, can provide a suitable platform for unraveling the mechanisms underlying human diseases and discovering new therapeutic approaches as well. Recently, zebrafish has attracted attention as a valuable experimental and pharmacological model in drug discovery and development studies due to its prominent characteristics such as the high degree of genetic similarity with humans, genetic manipulability, and prominent clinical features. Since advancing a theory to a valid and reliable observation requires the manipulation of animals, it is, therefore, essential to use efficient modeling methods appropriate to the different aspects of experimental conditions. In this context, applying several various approaches such as using chemicals, pathogens, and genetic manipulation approaches allows zebrafish development into a preferable model that mimics some human disease pathophysiology. Thus, such modeling approaches not only can provide a framework for a comprehensive understanding of the human disease mechanisms that have a counterpart in zebrafish but also can pave the way for discovering new drugs that are accompanied by higher amelioration effects on different human diseases.
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10
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Welker JM, Wierson WA, Almeida MP, Mann CM, Torrie ME, Ming Z, Ekker SC, Clark KJ, Dobbs DL, Essner JJ, McGrail M. GeneWeld: Efficient Targeted Integration Directed by Short Homology in Zebrafish. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4100. [PMID: 34395736 PMCID: PMC8329467 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient precision genome engineering requires high frequency and specificity of integration at the genomic target site. Multiple design strategies for zebrafish gene targeting have previously been reported with widely varying frequencies for germline recovery of integration alleles. The GeneWeld protocol and pGTag (plasmids for Gene Tagging) vector series provide a set of resources to streamline precision gene targeting in zebrafish. Our approach uses short homology of 24-48 bp to drive targeted integration of DNA reporter cassettes by homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) at a CRISPR/Cas induced DNA double-strand break. The pGTag vectors contain reporters flanked by a universal CRISPR sgRNA sequence to liberate the targeting cassette in vivo and expose homology arms for homology-driven integration. Germline transmission rates for precision-targeted integration alleles range 22-100%. Our system provides a streamlined, straightforward, and cost-effective approach for high-efficiency gene targeting applications in zebrafish. Graphic abstract: GeneWeld method for CRISPR/Cas9 targeted integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Wesley A. Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Maira P. Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Carla M. Mann
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Melanie E. Torrie
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Zhitao Ming
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Stephen C. Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karl J. Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Drena L. Dobbs
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, IA, USA
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11
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Li RA, Talikka M, Gubian S, Vom Berg C, Martin F, Peitsch MC, Hoeng J, Zupanic A. Systems Toxicology Approach for Assessing Developmental Neurotoxicity in Larval Zebrafish. Front Genet 2021; 12:652632. [PMID: 34211495 PMCID: PMC8239408 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.652632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse outcomes that result from chemical toxicity are rarely caused by dysregulation of individual proteins; rather, they are often caused by system-level perturbations in networks of molecular events. To fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity, it is necessary to recognize the interactions of molecules, pathways, and biological processes within these networks. The developing brain is a prime example of an extremely complex network, which makes developmental neurotoxicity one of the most challenging areas in toxicology. We have developed a systems toxicology method that uses a computable biological network to represent molecular interactions in the developing brain of zebrafish larvae. The network is curated from scientific literature and describes interactions between biological processes, signaling pathways, and adverse outcomes associated with neurotoxicity. This allows us to identify important signaling hubs, pathway interactions, and emergent adverse outcomes, providing a more complete understanding of neurotoxicity. Here, we describe the construction of a zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity network and its validation by integration with publicly available neurotoxicity-related transcriptomic datasets. Our network analysis identified consistent regulation of tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) as well as the oncogene Krüppel-like factor (Klf8) in response to chemically induced developmental neurotoxicity. The developed network can be used to interpret transcriptomic data in a neurotoxicological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Li
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Marja Talikka
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Gubian
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Martin
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Sarver AL, Xie C, Riddle MJ, Forster CL, Wang X, Lu H, Wagner W, Tolar J, Hallstrom TC. Retinoblastoma tumor cell proliferation is negatively associated with an immune gene expression signature and increased immune cells. J Transl Med 2021; 101:701-718. [PMID: 33658609 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on gene expression differences between early retinal states that ultimately lead to normal development, late onset retinoblastoma, or rapid bilateral retinoblastoma tumors. The late-onset and early-onset retinoblastoma tumor cells are remarkably similar to normally proliferating retinal progenitor cells, but they fail to properly express differentiation markers associated with normal development. Further, early-onset retinoblastoma tumor cells express a robust immune gene expression signature followed by accumulation of dendritic, monocyte, macrophage, and T-lymphocyte cells in the retinoblastoma tumors. This characteristic was not shared by either normal retinae or late-onset retinoblastomas. Comparison of our data with other human and mouse retinoblastoma tumor gene expression significantly confirmed, that the immune signature is present in tumors from each species. Strikingly, we observed that the immune signature in both mouse and human tumors was most highly evident in those with the lowest proliferative capacity. We directly assessed this relationship in human retinoblastoma tumors by co-analyzing proliferation and immune cell recruitment by immunohistochemistry, uncovering a significant inverse relationship between increased immune-cell infiltration in tumors and reduced tumor cell proliferation. Directly inhibiting proliferation with a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor significantly increased the number of CD45+ immune cells in the retina. This work establishes an in vivo model for the rapid recruitment of immune cells to tumorigenic neural tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Sarver
- Institute for Health Informatics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chencheng Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Megan J Riddle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Colleen L Forster
- BioNet, Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Huarui Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wyatt Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Timothy C Hallstrom
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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13
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Luo J, Liu P, Lu C, Bian W, Su D, Zhu C, Xie S, Pan Y, Li N, Cui W, Pei DS, Yang X. Stepwise crosstalk between aberrant Nf1, Tp53 and Rb signalling pathways induces gliomagenesis in zebrafish. Brain 2021; 144:615-635. [PMID: 33279959 PMCID: PMC7940501 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of glioblastoma indicates that RTK/Ras/PI3K, RB and TP53 pathways are critical for human gliomagenesis. Here, several transgenic zebrafish lines with single or multiple deletions of nf1, tp53 and rb1 in astrocytes, were established to genetically induce gliomagenesis in zebrafish. In the mutant with a single deletion, we found only the nf1 mutation low-efficiently induced tumour incidence, suggesting that the Nf1 pathway is critical for the initiation of gliomagenesis in zebrafish. Combination of mutations, nf1;tp53 and rb1;tp53 combined knockout fish, showed much higher tumour incidences, high-grade histology, increased invasiveness, and shortened survival time. Further bioinformatics analyses demonstrated the alterations in RTK/Ras/PI3K, cell cycle, and focal adhesion pathways, induced by abrogated nf1, tp53, or rb1, were probably the critical stepwise biological events for the initiation and development of gliomagenesis in zebrafish. Gene expression profiling and histological analyses showed the tumours derived from zebrafish have significant similarities to the subgroups of human gliomas. Furthermore, temozolomide treatment effectively suppressed gliomagenesis in these glioma zebrafish models, and the histological responses in temozolomide-treated zebrafish were similar to those observed in clinically treated glioma patients. Thus, our findings will offer a potential tool for genetically investigating gliomagenesis and screening potential targeted anti-tumour compounds for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Luo
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chunjiao Lu
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wanping Bian
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Dongsheng Su
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Chenchen Zhu
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Shaolin Xie
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Yihang Pan
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ningning Li
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: De-Sheng Pei, PhD Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Chongqing 400714, China E-mail:
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence to: Xiaojun Yang, PhD Neuroscience Center, Shantou University Medical College Shantou 515041, China E-mail:
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14
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Raby L, Völkel P, Le Bourhis X, Angrand PO. Genetic Engineering of Zebrafish in Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082168. [PMID: 32759814 PMCID: PMC7464884 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model to study a wide diversity of human cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and reverse genetic toolbox allowing the generation of zebrafish lines that develop tumors. The large spectrum of genetic tools enables the engineering of zebrafish lines harboring precise genetic alterations found in human patients, the generation of zebrafish carrying somatic or germline inheritable mutations or zebrafish showing conditional expression of the oncogenic mutations. Comparative transcriptomics demonstrate that many of the zebrafish tumors share molecular signatures similar to those found in human cancers. Thus, zebrafish cancer models provide a unique in vivo platform to investigate cancer initiation and progression at the molecular and cellular levels, to identify novel genes involved in tumorigenesis as well as to contemplate new therapeutic strategies.
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15
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Wierson WA, Welker JM, Almeida MP, Mann CM, Webster DA, Torrie ME, Weiss TJ, Kambakam S, Vollbrecht MK, Lan M, McKeighan KC, Levey J, Ming Z, Wehmeier A, Mikelson CS, Haltom JA, Kwan KM, Chien CB, Balciunas D, Ekker SC, Clark KJ, Webber BR, Moriarity BS, Solin SL, Carlson DF, Dobbs DL, McGrail M, Essner J. Efficient targeted integration directed by short homology in zebrafish and mammalian cells. eLife 2020; 9:e53968. [PMID: 32412410 PMCID: PMC7228771 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient precision genome engineering requires high frequency and specificity of integration at the genomic target site. Here, we describe a set of resources to streamline reporter gene knock-ins in zebrafish and demonstrate the broader utility of the method in mammalian cells. Our approach uses short homology of 24-48 bp to drive targeted integration of DNA reporter cassettes by homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) at high frequency at a double strand break in the targeted gene. Our vector series, pGTag (plasmids for Gene Tagging), contains reporters flanked by a universal CRISPR sgRNA sequence which enables in vivo liberation of the homology arms. We observed high rates of germline transmission (22-100%) for targeted knock-ins at eight zebrafish loci and efficient integration at safe harbor loci in porcine and human cells. Our system provides a straightforward and cost-effective approach for high efficiency gene targeting applications in CRISPR and TALEN compatible systems.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics
- CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Genes, Reporter
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
- Recombinational DNA Repair
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Sus scrofa
- Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases/genetics
- Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases/metabolism
- Zebrafish/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Jordan M Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Maira P Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Carla M Mann
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | | | - Melanie E Torrie
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Trevor J Weiss
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Sekhar Kambakam
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | | | - Merrina Lan
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Kenna C McKeighan
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Jacklyn Levey
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Zhitao Ming
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Alec Wehmeier
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Christopher S Mikelson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Jeffrey A Haltom
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Kristen M Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Chi-Bin Chien
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Medical CenterSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Darius Balciunas
- Department of Biology, Temple UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | | | | | - Drena L Dobbs
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Jeffrey Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
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16
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Casey MJ, Stewart RA. Pediatric Cancer Models in Zebrafish. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:407-418. [PMID: 32348736 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric cancer is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. Improvements in pediatric cancer treatment that include the alleviation of long-term adverse effects require a deeper understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and developmental factors driving these cancers. Here, we review how the unique attributes of the zebrafish model system in embryology, imaging, and scalability have been used to identify new mechanisms of tumor initiation, progression, and relapse and for drug discovery. We focus on zebrafish models of leukemias, neural tumors and sarcomas - the most common and difficult childhood cancers to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattie J Casey
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rodney A Stewart
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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17
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Naert T, Dimitrakopoulou D, Tulkens D, Demuynck S, Carron M, Noelanders R, Eeckhout L, Van Isterdael G, Deforce D, Vanhove C, Van Dorpe J, Creytens D, Vleminckx K. RBL1 (p107) functions as tumor suppressor in glioblastoma and small-cell pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in Xenopus tropicalis. Oncogene 2020; 39:2692-2706. [PMID: 32001819 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the retinoblastoma and/or the p53 signaling network are associated with specific cancers such as high-grade astrocytoma/glioblastoma, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), choroid plexus tumors, and small-cell pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (SC-PaNEC). However, the intricate functional redundancy between RB1 and the related pocket proteins RBL1/p107 and RBL2/p130 in suppressing tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Here we performed lineage-restricted parallel inactivation of rb1 and rbl1 by multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in the true diploid Xenopus tropicalis to gain insight into this in vivo redundancy. We show that while rb1 inactivation is sufficient to induce choroid plexus papilloma, combined rb1 and rbl1 inactivation is required and sufficient to drive SC-PaNEC, retinoblastoma and astrocytoma. Further, using a novel Li-Fraumeni syndrome-mimicking tp53 mutant X. tropicalis line, we demonstrate increased malignancy of rb1/rbl1-mutant glioma towards glioblastoma upon concomitant inactivation of tp53. Interestingly, although clinical SC-PaNEC samples are characterized by abnormal p53 expression or localization, in the current experimental models, the tp53 status had little effect on the establishment and growth of SC-PaNEC, but may rather be essential for maintaining chromosomal stability. SCLC was only rarely observed in our experimental setup, indicating requirement of additional or alternative oncogenic insults. In conclusion, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to delineate the tumor suppressor properties of Rbl1, generating new insights in the functional redundancy within the retinoblastoma protein family in suppressing neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer and glioma/glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dionysia Dimitrakopoulou
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Tulkens
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzan Demuynck
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marjolein Carron
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rivka Noelanders
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liza Eeckhout
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Infinity lab, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Creytens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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18
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Li H, Yang Y, Hong W, Huang M, Wu M, Zhao X. Applications of genome editing technology in the targeted therapy of human diseases: mechanisms, advances and prospects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:1. [PMID: 32296011 PMCID: PMC6946647 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 880] [Impact Index Per Article: 220.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on engineered or bacterial nucleases, the development of genome editing technologies has opened up the possibility of directly targeting and modifying genomic sequences in almost all eukaryotic cells. Genome editing has extended our ability to elucidate the contribution of genetics to disease by promoting the creation of more accurate cellular and animal models of pathological processes and has begun to show extraordinary potential in a variety of fields, ranging from basic research to applied biotechnology and biomedical research. Recent progress in developing programmable nucleases, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas-associated nucleases, has greatly expedited the progress of gene editing from concept to clinical practice. Here, we review recent advances of the three major genome editing technologies (ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9) and discuss the applications of their derivative reagents as gene editing tools in various human diseases and potential future therapies, focusing on eukaryotic cells and animal models. Finally, we provide an overview of the clinical trials applying genome editing platforms for disease treatment and some of the challenges in the implementation of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Mengyuan Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
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19
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Yao Y, Wang L, Wang X. Modeling of Solid-Tumor Microenvironment in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Larvae. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1219:413-428. [PMID: 32130712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish larvae have emerged as a powerful model for studying tumorigenesis in vivo, with remarkable conservation with mammals in genetics, molecular and cell biology. Zebrafish tumor models bear the significant advantages of optical clarity in comparison to that in the mammalian models, allowing noninvasive investigation of the tumor cell and its microenvironment at single-cell resolution. Here we review recent progressions in the field of zebrafish models of solid tumor diseases in two main categories: the genetically engineered tumor models in which all cells in the tumor microenvironment are zebrafish cells, and xenograft tumor models in which the tumor microenvironment is composed of zebrafish cells and cells from other species. Notably, the zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models can be used for personalized drug assessment on primary tumor biopsies, including the pancreatic cancer. For the future studies, a series of high throughput drug screenings on the library of transgenic zebrafish models of solid tumor are expected to provide systematic database of oncogenic mutation, cell-of-origin, and leading compounds; and the humanization of zebrafish in genetics and cellular composition will make it more practical hosts for zPDX modeling. Together, zebrafish tumor model systems are unique and convenient in vivo platforms, with great potential to serve as valuable tools for cancer researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Yao
- Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Hason M, Bartůněk P. Zebrafish Models of Cancer-New Insights on Modeling Human Cancer in a Non-Mammalian Vertebrate. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110935. [PMID: 31731811 PMCID: PMC6896156 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a valuable non-mammalian vertebrate model widely used to study development and disease, including more recently cancer. The evolutionary conservation of cancer-related programs between human and zebrafish is striking and allows extrapolation of research outcomes obtained in fish back to humans. Zebrafish has gained attention as a robust model for cancer research mainly because of its high fecundity, cost-effective maintenance, dynamic visualization of tumor growth in vivo, and the possibility of chemical screening in large numbers of animals at reasonable costs. Novel approaches in modeling tumor growth, such as using transgene electroporation in adult zebrafish, could improve our knowledge about the spatial and temporal control of cancer formation and progression in vivo. Looking at genetic as well as epigenetic alterations could be important to explain the pathogenesis of a disease as complex as cancer. In this review, we highlight classic genetic and transplantation models of cancer in zebrafish as well as provide new insights on advances in cancer modeling. Recent progress in zebrafish xenotransplantation studies and drug screening has shown that zebrafish is a reliable model to study human cancer and could be suitable for evaluating patient-derived xenograft cell invasiveness. Rapid, large-scale evaluation of in vivo drug responses and kinetics in zebrafish could undoubtedly lead to new applications in personalized medicine and combination therapy. For all of the above-mentioned reasons, zebrafish is approaching a future of being a pre-clinical cancer model, alongside the mouse. However, the mouse will continue to be valuable in the last steps of pre-clinical drug screening, mostly because of the highly conserved mammalian genome and biological processes.
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21
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Somatic Mutations of lats2 Cause Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Zebrafish. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090972. [PMID: 31450674 PMCID: PMC6770745 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular signaling pathways underlying peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) formation are poorly understood. Hippo signaling has been recently implicated in the biology of various cancers, and is thought to function downstream of mutations in the known PNST driver, NF2. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, we targeted the canonical Hippo signaling kinase Lats2. We show that, while germline deletion leads to early lethality, targeted somatic mutations of zebrafish lats2 leads to peripheral nerve sheath tumor formation. These peripheral nerve sheath tumors exhibit high levels of Hippo effectors Yap and Taz, suggesting that dysregulation of these transcriptional co-factors drives PNST formation in this model. These data indicate that somatic lats2 deletion in zebrafish can serve as a powerful experimental platform to probe the mechanisms of PNST formation and progression.
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22
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Schultz LE, Haltom JA, Almeida MP, Wierson WA, Solin SL, Weiss TJ, Helmer JA, Sandquist EJ, Shive HR, McGrail M. Epigenetic regulators Rbbp4 and Hdac1 are overexpressed in a zebrafish model of RB1 embryonal brain tumor, and are required for neural progenitor survival and proliferation. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/6/dmm034124. [PMID: 29914980 PMCID: PMC6031359 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.034124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used comparative genomics and developmental genetics to identify epigenetic regulators driving oncogenesis in a zebrafish retinoblastoma 1 (rb1) somatic-targeting model of RB1 mutant embryonal brain tumors. Zebrafish rb1 brain tumors caused by TALEN or CRISPR targeting are histologically similar to human central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNETs). Like the human oligoneural OLIG2+/SOX10+ CNS-PNET subtype, zebrafish rb1 tumors show elevated expression of neural progenitor transcription factors olig2, sox10, sox8b and the receptor tyrosine kinase erbb3a oncogene. Comparison of rb1 tumor and rb1/rb1 germline mutant larval transcriptomes shows that the altered oligoneural precursor signature is specific to tumor tissue. More than 170 chromatin regulators were differentially expressed in rb1 tumors, including overexpression of chromatin remodeler components histone deacetylase 1 (hdac1) and retinoblastoma binding protein 4 (rbbp4). Germline mutant analysis confirms that zebrafish rb1, rbbp4 and hdac1 are required during brain development. rb1 is necessary for neural precursor cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation, rbbp4 is required for survival of postmitotic precursors, and hdac1 maintains proliferation of the neural stem cell/progenitor pool. We present an in vivo assay using somatic CRISPR targeting plus live imaging of histone-H2A.F/Z-GFP fusion protein in developing larval brain to rapidly test the role of chromatin remodelers in neural stem and progenitor cells. Our somatic assay recapitulates germline mutant phenotypes and reveals a dynamic view of their roles in neural cell populations. Our study provides new insight into the epigenetic processes that might drive pathogenesis in RB1 brain tumors, and identifies Rbbp4 and its associated chromatin remodeling complexes as potential target pathways to induce apoptosis in RB1 mutant brain cancer cells. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This study shows that chromatin remodelers that are overexpressed in a zebrafish model of RB1 mutant brain cancer are required for neural progenitor proliferation and survival, providing insight into potential mechanisms that drive tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Schultz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Haltom
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Maira P Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Wesley A Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Staci L Solin
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Trevor J Weiss
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jordan A Helmer
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Sandquist
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Heather R Shive
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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23
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Völkel P, Dupret B, Le Bourhis X, Angrand PO. [The zebrafish model in oncology]. Med Sci (Paris) 2018; 34:345-353. [PMID: 29658479 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20183404016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cell culture and mouse models will remain a cornerstone of cancer research, the unique capabilities of the zebrafish outline the potential of this model for shedding light on cancer biology in vivo. Zebrafish develops cancers spontaneously, after chemical mutagenesis or through genetic manipulations. Furthermore, zebrafish cancers are similar to human tumors at the histological and molecular levels allowing the study of tumor initiation, progression and heterogeneity. Xenotransplantation of human cancer cells in embryos or adult zebrafish presents the advantage of following cancer cell behavior in vivo. Finally, zebrafish embryos are used in molecule screens and contribute to the identification of novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Here, we review different involvements of the zebrafish model in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Völkel
- CNRS Lille, Inserm U908, Université de Lille, Bâtiment SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Babara Dupret
- Inserm U908, Université de Lille, Bâtiment SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Xuefen Le Bourhis
- Inserm U908, Université de Lille, Bâtiment SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Angrand
- Inserm U908, Université de Lille, Bâtiment SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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24
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Zhu B, Ge W. Genome editing in fishes and their applications. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:3-12. [PMID: 28919449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There have been revolutionary progresses in genome engineering in the past few years. The newly-emerged genome editing technologies including zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) have enabled biological scientists to perform efficient and precise targeted genome editing in different species. Fish represent the largest group of vertebrates with many species having values for both scientific research and aquaculture industry. Genome editing technologies have found extensive applications in different fish species for basic functional studies as well asapplied research in such fields as disease modeling and aquaculture. This mini-review focuses on recent advancements and applications of the new generation of genome editing technologies in fish species, with particular emphasis on their applications in understanding reproductive functions because the reproductive axis has been most systematically and best studied among others and its function has been difficult to address with reverse genetics approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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25
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Modzelewska K, Boer EF, Mosbruger TL, Picard D, Anderson D, Miles RR, Kroll M, Oslund W, Pysher TJ, Schiffman JD, Jensen R, Jette CA, Huang A, Stewart RA. MEK Inhibitors Reverse Growth of Embryonal Brain Tumors Derived from Oligoneural Precursor Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 17:1255-1264. [PMID: 27783941 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the CNS (CNS-PNETs) are particularly aggressive embryonal tumors of unknown cellular origin. Recent genomic studies have classified CNS-PNETs into molecularly distinct subgroups that promise to improve diagnosis and treatment; however, the lack of cell- or animal-based models for these subgroups prevents testing of rationally designed therapies. Here, we show that a subset of CNS-PNETs co-express oligoneural precursor cell (OPC) markers OLIG2 and SOX10 with coincident activation of the RAS/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway. Modeling NRAS activation in embryonic OPCs generated malignant brain tumors in zebrafish that closely mimic the human oligoneural/NB-FOXR2 CNS-PNET subgroup by histology and comparative oncogenomics. The zebrafish CNS-PNET model was used to show that MEK inhibitors selectively eliminate Olig2+/Sox10+ CNS-PNET tumors in vivo without impacting normal brain development. Thus, MEK inhibitors represent a promising rationally designed therapy for children afflicted with oligoneural/NB-FOXR2 CNS-PNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Modzelewska
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Elena F Boer
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Timothy L Mosbruger
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Daniel Picard
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N1X8, Canada
| | - Daniela Anderson
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rodney R Miles
- Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Mitchell Kroll
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - William Oslund
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Theodore J Pysher
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Primary Children's Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randy Jensen
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cicely A Jette
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Annie Huang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N1X8, Canada
| | - Rodney A Stewart
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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26
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Stenfelt S, Blixt MKE, All-Ericsson C, Hallböök F, Boije H. Heterogeneity in retinoblastoma: a tale of molecules and models. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:42. [PMID: 29124525 PMCID: PMC5680409 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma, an intraocular pediatric cancer, develops in the embryonic retina following biallelic loss of RB1. However, there is a wide range of genetic and epigenetic changes that can affect RB1 resulting in different clinical outcomes. In addition, other transformations, such as MYCN amplification, generate particularly aggressive tumors, which may or may not be RB1 independent. Recognizing the cellular characteristics required for tumor development, by identifying the elusive cell-of-origin for retinoblastoma, would help us understand the development of these tumors. In this review we summarize the heterogeneity reported in retinoblastoma on a molecular, cellular and tissue level. We also discuss the challenging heterogeneity in current retinoblastoma models and suggest future platforms that could contribute to improved understanding of tumor initiation, progression and metastasis in retinoblastoma, which may ultimately lead to more patient-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Stenfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria K E Blixt
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Boije
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
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27
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Kirchberger S, Sturtzel C, Pascoal S, Distel M. Quo natas, Danio? -Recent Progress in Modeling Cancer in Zebrafish. Front Oncol 2017; 7:186. [PMID: 28894696 PMCID: PMC5581328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, zebrafish has proven to be a powerful model in cancer research. Zebrafish form tumors that histologically and genetically resemble human cancers. The live imaging and cost-effective compound screening possible with zebrafish especially complement classic mouse cancer models. Here, we report recent progress in the field, including genetically engineered zebrafish cancer models, xenotransplantation of human cancer cells into zebrafish, promising approaches toward live investigation of the tumor microenvironment, and identification of therapeutic strategies by performing compound screens on zebrafish cancer models. Given the recent advances in genome editing, personalized zebrafish cancer models are now a realistic possibility. In addition, ongoing automation will soon allow high-throughput compound screening using zebrafish cancer models to be part of preclinical precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kirchberger
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caterina Sturtzel
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susana Pascoal
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Distel
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
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28
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Development of zebrafish medulloblastoma-like PNET model by TALEN-mediated somatic gene inactivation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:55280-55297. [PMID: 28903419 PMCID: PMC5589658 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered animal tumor models have traditionally been generated by the gain of single or multiple oncogenes or the loss of tumor suppressor genes; however, the development of live animal models has been difficult given that cancer phenotypes are generally induced by somatic mutation rather than by germline genetic inactivation. In this study, we developed somatically mutated tumor models using TALEN-mediated somatic gene inactivation of cdkn2a/b or rb1 tumor suppressor genes in zebrafish. One-cell stage injection of cdkn2a/b-TALEN mRNA resulted in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with high frequency (about 39%) and early onset (about 35 weeks of age) in F0 tp53e7/e7 mutant zebrafish. Injection of rb1-TALEN mRNA also led to the formation of brain tumors at high frequency (58%, 31 weeks of age) in F0 tp53e7/e7 mutant zebrafish. Analysis of each tumor induced by somatic inactivation showed that the targeted genes had bi-allelic mutations. Tumors induced by rb1 somatic inactivation were characterized as medulloblastoma-like primitive neuroectodermal tumors based on incidence location, histopathological features, and immunohistochemical tests. In addition, 3' mRNA Quanti-Seq analysis showed differential activation of genes involved in cell cycle, DNA replication, and protein synthesis; especially, genes involved in neuronal development were up-regulated.
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29
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Casey MJ, Modzelewska K, Anderson D, Goodman J, Boer EF, Jimenez L, Grossman D, Stewart RA. Transplantation of Zebrafish Pediatric Brain Tumors into Immune-competent Hosts for Long-term Study of Tumor Cell Behavior and Drug Response. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28570545 PMCID: PMC5607995 DOI: 10.3791/55712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell transplantation is an important technique to define the mechanisms controlling cancer cell growth, migration, and host response, as well as to assess potential patient response to therapy. Current methods largely depend on using syngeneic or immune-compromised animals to avoid rejection of the tumor graft. Such methods require the use of specific genetic strains that often prevent the analysis of immune-tumor cell interactions and/or are limited to specific genetic backgrounds. An alternative method in zebrafish takes advantage of an incompletely developed immune system in the embryonic brain before 3 days, where tumor cells are transplanted for use in short-term assays (i.e., 3 to 10 days). However, these methods cause host lethality, which prevents the long-term study of tumor cell behavior and drug response. This protocol describes a simple and efficient method for the long-term orthotopic transplantation of zebrafish brain tumor tissue into the fourth ventricle of a 2-day-old immune-competent zebrafish. This method allows: 1) long-term study of tumor cell behaviors, such as invasion and dissemination; 2) durable tumor response to drugs; and 3) re-transplantation of tumors for the study of tumor evolution and/or the impact of different host genetic backgrounds. In summary, this technique allows cancer researchers to assess engraftment, invasion, and growth at distant sites, as well as to perform chemical screens and cell competition assays over many months. This protocol can be extended to studies of other tumor types and can be used to elucidate mechanisms of chemoresistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattie J Casey
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Katarzyna Modzelewska
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Daniela Anderson
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - James Goodman
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Elena F Boer
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Laura Jimenez
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Douglas Grossman
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine; Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City
| | - Rodney A Stewart
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine;
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30
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Mayrhofer M, Gourain V, Reischl M, Affaticati P, Jenett A, Joly JS, Benelli M, Demichelis F, Poliani PL, Sieger D, Mione M. A novel brain tumour model in zebrafish reveals the role of YAP activation in MAPK- and PI3K-induced malignant growth. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:15-28. [PMID: 27935819 PMCID: PMC5278524 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.026500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations activating MAPK and PI3K signalling play a pivotal role in both tumours and brain developmental disorders. We developed a zebrafish model of brain tumours based on somatic expression of oncogenes that activate MAPK and PI3K signalling in neural progenitor cells and found that HRASV12 was the most effective in inducing both heterotopia and invasive tumours. Tumours, but not heterotopias, require persistent activation of phospho (p)-ERK and express a gene signature similar to the mesenchymal glioblastoma subtype, with a strong YAP component. Application of an eight-gene signature to human brain tumours establishes that YAP activation distinguishes between mesenchymal glioblastoma and low grade glioma in a wide The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sample set including gliomas and glioblastomas (GBMs). This suggests that the activation of YAP might be an important event in brain tumour development, promoting malignant versus benign brain lesions. Indeed, co-expression of dominant-active YAP (YAPS5A) and HRASV12 abolishes the development of heterotopias and leads to the sole development of aggressive tumours. Thus, we have developed a model proving that neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumours might originate from the same activation of oncogenes through somatic mutations, and established that YAP activation is a hallmark of malignant brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mayrhofer
- Institute for Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Victor Gourain
- Institute for Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Markus Reischl
- Institute for Applied Informatics at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Pierre Affaticati
- Tefor Core Facility, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Ivette 91190, France
| | - Arnim Jenett
- Tefor Core Facility, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Ivette 91190, France
| | - Jean-Stephane Joly
- Tefor Core Facility, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Ivette 91190, France
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia School of Medicine, Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Dirk Sieger
- Centre for Neuroregeneration, The University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Marina Mione
- Institute for Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
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31
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Hang CY, Moriya S, Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Deep Brain Photoreceptor (val-opsin) Gene Knockout Using CRISPR/Cas Affects Chorion Formation and Embryonic Hatching in the Zebrafish. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165535. [PMID: 27792783 PMCID: PMC5085036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-rod non-cone photopigments in the eyes and the brain can directly mediate non-visual functions of light in non-mammals. This was supported by our recent findings on vertebrate ancient long (VAL)-opsin photopigments encoded by the val-opsinA (valopa) and val-opsinB (valopb) genes in zebrafish. However, the physiological functions of valop isoforms remain unknown. Here, we generated valop-mutant zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas genome editing, and examined the phenotypes of loss-of-function mutants. F0 mosaic mutations and germline transmission were confirmed via targeted insertions and/or deletions in the valopa or valopb gene in F1 mutants. Based on in silico analysis, frameshift mutations converted VAL-opsin proteins to non-functional truncated forms with pre-mature stop codons. Most F1 eggs or embryos from F0 female valopa/b mutants showed either no or only partial chorion elevation, and the eggs or embryos died within 26 hour-post-fertilization. However, most F1 embryos from F0 male valopa mutant developed but hatched late compared to wild-type embryos, which hatched at 4 day-post-fertilization. Late-hatched F1 offspring included wild-type and mutants, indicating the parental effects of valop knockout. This study shows valop gene knockout affects chorion formation and embryonic hatching in the zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yee Hang
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shogo Moriya
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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