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Gerdol M, Greco S, Marino R, Locascio A, Plateroti M, Sirakov M. Conserved Signaling Pathways in the Ciona robusta Gut. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7846. [PMID: 39063090 PMCID: PMC11277035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The urochordate Ciona robusta exhibits numerous functional and morphogenetic traits that are shared with vertebrate models. While prior investigations have identified several analogies between the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., gut) of Ciona and mice, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these similarities remain poorly understood. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by investigating the transcriptional landscape of the adult stage gut. Through comparative genomics analyses, we identified several evolutionarily conserved components of signaling pathways of pivotal importance for gut development (such as WNT, Notch, and TGFβ-BMP) and further evaluated their expression in three distinct sections of the gastrointestinal tract by RNA-seq. Despite the presence of lineage-specific gene gains, losses, and often unclear orthology relationships, the investigated pathways were characterized by well-conserved molecular machinery, with most components being expressed at significant levels throughout the entire intestinal tract of C. robusta. We also showed significant differences in the transcriptional landscape of the stomach and intestinal tract, which were much less pronounced between the proximal and distal portions of the intestine. This study confirms that C. robusta is a reliable model system for comparative studies, supporting the use of ascidians as a model to study gut physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Samuele Greco
- Department of Life Sciences, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Rita Marino
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Annamaria Locascio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Michelina Plateroti
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, CNRS UMR7104–INSERM U1258–Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Maria Sirakov
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (A.L.)
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David OG, Arce AV, Costa-da-Silva AL, Bellantuono AJ, DeGennaro M. Fertility decline in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes is associated with reduced maternal transcript deposition and does not depend on female age. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:1064-1070. [PMID: 38757780 PMCID: PMC11239790 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Female mosquitoes undergo multiple rounds of reproduction known as gonotrophic cycles (GC). A gonotrophic cycle spans the period from blood meal intake to egg laying. Nutrients from vertebrate host blood are necessary for completing egg development. During oogenesis, a female prepackages mRNA into her oocytes, and these maternal transcripts drive the first 2 h of embryonic development prior to zygotic genome activation. In this study, we profiled transcriptional changes in 1-2 h of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) embryos across 2 GC. We found that homeotic genes which are regulators of embryogenesis are downregulated in embryos from the second gonotrophic cycle. Interestingly, embryos produced by Ae. aegypti females progressively reduced their ability to hatch as the number of GC increased. We show that this fertility decline is due to increased reproductive output and not the mosquitoes' age. Moreover, we found a similar decline in fertility and fecundity across 3 GC in Aedes albopictus. Our results are useful for predicting mosquito population dynamics to inform vector control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka G David
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Andrea V Arce
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Andre Luis Costa-da-Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Anthony J Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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3
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Smith JJ, Kratsios P. Hox gene functions in the C. elegans nervous system: From early patterning to maintenance of neuronal identity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 152-153:58-69. [PMID: 36496326 PMCID: PMC10244487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system emerges from a series of genetic programs that generate a remarkable array of neuronal cell types. Each cell type must acquire a distinct anatomical position, morphology, and function, enabling the generation of specialized circuits that drive animal behavior. How are these diverse cell types and circuits patterned along the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis of the animal body? Hox genes encode transcription factors that regulate cell fate and patterning events along the A-P axis of the nervous system. While most of our understanding of Hox-mediated control of neuronal development stems from studies in segmented animals like flies, mice, and zebrafish, important new themes are emerging from work in a non-segmented animal: the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Studies in C. elegans support the idea that Hox genes are needed continuously and across different life stages in the nervous system; they are not only required in dividing progenitor cells, but also in post-mitotic neurons during development and adult life. In C. elegans embryos and young larvae, Hox genes control progenitor cell specification, cell survival, and neuronal migration, consistent with their neural patterning roles in other animals. In late larvae and adults, C. elegans Hox genes control neuron type-specific identity features critical for neuronal function, thereby extending the Hox functional repertoire beyond early patterning. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of Hox studies in the C. elegans nervous system. To relate to readers outside the C. elegans community, we highlight conserved roles of Hox genes in patterning the nervous system of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. We end by calling attention to new functions in adult post-mitotic neurons for these paradigmatic regulators of cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson J Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Bobola N, Sagerström CG. TALE transcription factors: Cofactors no more. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 152-153:76-84. [PMID: 36509674 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exd/PBX, Hth/MEIS and PREP proteins belong to the TALE (three-amino-acid loop extension) superclass of transcription factors (TFs) with an atypical homedomain (HD). Originally discovered as "cofactors" to HOX proteins, revisiting their traditional role in light of genome-wide experiments reveals a strong and reproducible pattern of HOX and TALE co-occupancy across diverse embryonic tissues. While confirming that TALE increases HOX specificity and selectivity in vivo, this wider outlook also reveals novel aspects of HOX:TALE collaboration, namely that HOX TFs generally require pre-bound TALE factors to access their functional binding sites in vivo. In contrast to the restricted expression domains of HOX TFs, TALE factors are largely ubiquitous, and PBX and PREP are expressed at the earliest developmental stages. PBX and MEIS control development of many organs and tissues and their dysregulation is associated with congenital disease and cancer. Accordingly, many instances of TALE cooperation with non HOX TFs have been documented in various systems. The model that emerges from these studies is that TALE TFs create a permissive chromatin platform that is selected by tissue-restricted TFs for binding. In turn, HOX and other tissue-restricted TFs selectively convert a ubiquitous pool of low affinity TALE binding events into high confidence, tissue-restricted binding events associated with transcriptional activation. As a result, TALE:TF complexes are associated with active chromatin and domain/lineage-specific gene activity. TALE ubiquitous expression and broad genomic occupancy, as well as the increasing examples of TALE tissue-specific partners, reveal a universal and obligatory role for TALE in the control of tissue and lineage-specific transcriptional programs, beyond their initial discovery as HOX co-factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bobola
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Charles G Sagerström
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Medical School, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Tian YL, Fu TY, Zhong QE, Lin YG, Zheng SC, Xu GF. Homeobox protein A1-like and DNA methylation regulate embryo-specific Zinc finger protein 615 gene expression and embryonic development in the silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1063-1080. [PMID: 36419227 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation and transcription factors play roles in gene expression and animal development. In insects, DNA methylation modifies gene bodies, but how DNA methylation and transcription factors regulate gene expression is unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism that regulates the expression of Bombyx mori Zinc finger protein 615 (ZnF 615), which is a downstream gene of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1), and its effects on the regulation of embryonic development. By progressively truncating the ZnF 615 promoter, it was found that the -223 and -190 nt region, which contains homeobox (Hox) protein cis-regulatory elements (CREs), had the greatest impact on the transcription of ZnF 615. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown and overexpression of Hox family genes showed that Hox A1-like can enhance the messenger RNA level of ZnF 615. Further studies showed that Hox A1-like regulates ZnF 615 expression by directly binding to the -223 and -190 nt region of its promoter. Simultaneous RNAi-mediated knockdown or overexpression of Hox A1-like and Dnmt1 significantly inhibited or enhanced the regulatory effect of either gene alone on ZnF 615 expression, suggesting that both DNA methylation of gene bodies and binding of transcription factors to promoters are essential for gene expression. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Hox A1-like and Dnmt1 showed that the embryonic development was retarded and the hatching rate was decreased. Taken together, these data suggest that Hox A1-like and DNA methylation enhance the expression of ZnF 615, thereby affecting the development of B. mori embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong-Yu Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-En Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Guang Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Chun Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guan-Feng Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Jin Q, Xu L, Wang J, Lin J, Lin H. Pan-cancer analysis of Homeobox B9 as a predictor for prognosis and immunotherapy in human tumors. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204785. [PMID: 37301547 PMCID: PMC10292867 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several animal and cell studies have described the association between HOXB9 and cancers, there is no pan-cancer investigation of HOXB9. In this article, we explored the expression levels and prognosis of HOXB9 in pan-cancer. We evaluated the correlation of HOXB9 expression level with the efficacy of immunotherapy. METHODS We conducted a survival analysis of HOXB9 in various types of cancer using publicly available databases. We also examined the relationship between HOXB9 expression levels and several factors including prognosis, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair, and DNA methylation. TIMER2.0 tool was conducted to explore the immune cell infiltrations related to HOXB9 in this analysis. RESULTS It was discovered through a comprehensive analysis of multiple public datasets that HOXB9 expression was highly expressed in most tumor tissues and cancer cell lines and that distinct associations exist between HOXB9 expression and tumor patient prognosis. Besides, HOXB9 expression was closely associated with immune cell infiltration and checkpoint genes in many cancers. Further, HOXB9 was associated with immune cell infiltration, TMB, MSI, MMR, and DNA methylation. It was also confirmed that HOXB9 was highly expressed in clinical GBM tissues. Experiments further revealed that knockdown of HOXB9 expression could suppress proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that HOXB9, a robust tumor biomarker, has a significant prognostic value. HOXB9 may act as a new predictor to assess cancer prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of the immune in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdong Jin
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Tumor Medicine in Fujian Province, Putian University, Putian, Fujian Province, China
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory of Translational Tumor Medicine in Fujian Province, Putian University, Putian, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian Province, China
| | - Junling Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian Province, China
| | - Huang Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian Province, China
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Buffry AD, Kittelmann S, McGregor AP. Characterisation of the role and regulation of Ultrabithorax in sculpting fine-scale leg morphology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1119221. [PMID: 36861038 PMCID: PMC9968978 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1119221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are expressed during embryogenesis and determine the regional identity of animal bodies along the antero-posterior axis. However, they also function post-embryonically to sculpt fine-scale morphology. To better understand how Hox genes are integrated into post-embryonic gene regulatory networks, we further analysed the role and regulation of Ultrabithorax (Ubx) during leg development in Drosophila melanogaster. Ubx regulates several aspects of bristle and trichome patterning on the femurs of the second (T2) and third (T3) leg pairs. We found that repression of trichomes in the proximal posterior region of the T2 femur by Ubx is likely mediated by activation of the expression of microRNA-92a and microRNA-92b by this Hox protein. Furthermore, we identified a novel enhancer of Ubx that recapitulates the temporal and regional activity of this gene in T2 and T3 legs. We then used transcription factor (TF) binding motif analysis in regions of accessible chromatin in T2 leg cells to predict and functionally test TFs that may regulate the Ubx leg enhancer. We also tested the role of the Ubx co-factors Homothorax (Hth) and Extradenticle (Exd) in T2 and T3 femurs. We found several TFs that may act upstream or in concert with Ubx to modulate trichome patterning along the proximo-distal axis of developing femurs and that the repression of trichomes also requires Hth and Exd. Taken together our results provide insights into how Ubx is integrated into a post-embryonic gene regulatory network to determine fine-scale leg morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D. Buffry
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Kittelmann
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair P. McGregor
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Alistair P. McGregor,
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Bovine HOXA11 Gene Identified from RNA-Seq: mRNA Profile Analysis and Genetic Variation Detection Using ME Method and Their Associations with Carcass Traits. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040539. [PMID: 36831206 PMCID: PMC9953915 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Homeobox A11 (HOXA11) gene regulates limb skeletal development and muscle growth, thus, it was selected as a candidate gene for bovine carcass traits. In this study, we analyzed the mRNA expression level of HOXA11 in various tissues and cells, and determined the genetic variations in the HOXA11 gene, which might be used as molecular markers for cattle breeding. The mRNA expression profiles of HOXA11 in bovine different tissues showed that HOXA11 was highly expressed in both fat and muscle. The gene expression trend of HOXA11 in myoblasts and adipocytes indicated that HOXA11 might be involved in the differentiation of bovine myoblasts and adipocytes. The data in the Ensembl database showed that there are two putative insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms in the bovine HOXA11 gene. The insertion site (rs515880802) was located in the upstream region (NC_037331.1: g. 68853364-68853365) and named as P1-Ins-4-bp, and the deletion site (rs517582703) was located in the intronic region (NC_037331.1: g. 68859510-68859517) and named as P2-Del-8-bp. These polymorphisms within the HOXA11 gene were identified and genotyped by PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing in the 640 Shandong Black Cattle Genetic Resource (SDBCGR) population. Moreover, the mutation frequency was very low after detection, so the mathematical expectation (ME) method was used for detection. Statistical analysis demonstrated that P1-Ins-4-bp was significantly correlated with the beef shoulder (p = 0.012) and tongue root (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, P2-Del-8-bp displayed a significant correlation with the back tendon (p = 0.008), money tendon (p = 2.84 × 10-4), thick flank (p = 0.034), beef shin (p = 9.09 × 10-7), triangle thick flank (p = 0.04), triangle flank (p = 1.00 × 10-6), rump (p = 0.018) and small tenderloin (p = 0.043) in the female SDBCGR population. In summary, these outcomes may provide a new perspective for accelerating the molecular breeding of cattle through marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies.
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Bhat RA, Rafi H, Tardiolo G, Fazio F, Aragona F, Zumbo A, Coelho C, D'Alessandro E. The role of embryonic stem cells, transcription and growth factors in mammals: A review. Tissue Cell 2023; 80:102002. [PMID: 36549226 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.102002] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mammals represent a relevant species in worldwide cultures with significant commercial value. These animals are considered an attractive large animal model for biomedical and biotechnology research. The development of large animal experimental models may open alternative strategies for investigating stem cells (SCs) physiology and potential application in the veterinary field. The embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known to possess natural pluripotency that confers the ability to differentiate into various tissues in vivo and in vitro. These notable characteristics can be useful for research and innovative applications, including biomedicine, agriculture and industry. Transcription factors play a crucial role in preserving stem cell self-renewal, whereas growth factors are involved in both growth and differentiation. However, to date, many questions concerning pluripotency, cellular differentiation regulator genes, and other molecules such as growth factors and their interactions in many mammalian species remain unresolved. The purpose of this review is to provide an overall review regarding the study of ESCs in mammals and briefly discuss the role of transcription and growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayees Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, India
| | - Humera Rafi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Giuseppe Tardiolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, Messina 98168, Italy.
| | - Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zumbo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Clarisse Coelho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias (ULHT), Campo Grande 376, Lisboa 1749-024, Portugal
| | - Enrico D'Alessandro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci snc, Messina 98168, Italy
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Muscle Regeneration in Holothurians without the Upregulation of Muscle Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416037. [PMID: 36555677 PMCID: PMC9785333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix is capable of fully restoring its muscles after transverse dissection. Although the regeneration of these structures is well studied at the cellular level, the molecular basis of the process remains poorly understood. To identify genes that may be involved in the regulation of muscle regeneration, the transcriptome of the longitudinal muscle band of E. fraudatrix has been sequenced at different time periods post-injury. An analysis of the map of biological processes and pathways has shown that most genes associated with myogenesis decrease their expression during the regeneration. The only exception is the genes united by the GO term "heart valve development". This may indicate the antiquity of mechanisms of mesodermal structure transformation, which was co-opted into various morphogeneses in deuterostomes. Two groups of genes that play a key role in the regeneration have been analyzed: transcription factors and matrix metalloproteinases. A total of six transcription factor genes (Ef-HOX5, Ef-ZEB2, Ef-RARB, Ef-RUNX1, Ef-SOX17, and Ef-ZNF318) and seven matrix metalloproteinase genes (Ef-MMP11, Ef-MMP13, Ef-MMP13-1, Ef-MMP16-2, Ef-MMP16-3, Ef-MMP24, and Ef-MMP24-1) showing differential expression during myogenesis have been revealed. The identified genes are assumed to be involved in the muscle regeneration in holothurians.
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Pinto PB, Domsch K, Lohmann I. Hox function and specificity – A tissue centric view. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022:S1084-9521(22)00353-6. [PMID: 36517344 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery, the Hox genes, with their incredible power to reprogram the identity of complete body regions, a phenomenon called homeosis, have captured the fascination of many biologists. Recent research has provided new insights into the function of Hox proteins in different germ layers and the mechanisms they employ to control tissue morphogenesis. We focus in this review on the ectoderm and mesoderm to highlight new findings and discuss them with regards to established concepts of Hox target gene regulation. Furthermore, we highlight the molecular mechanisms involved the transcriptional repression of specific groups of Hox target genes, and summarize the role of Hox mediated gene silencing in tissue development. Finally, we reflect on recent findings identifying a large number of tissue-specific Hox interactor partners, which open up new avenues and directions towards a better understanding of Hox function and specificity in different tissues.
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Specificity of the Hox member Deformed is determined by transcription factor levels and binding site affinities. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5037. [PMID: 36028502 PMCID: PMC9418327 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox proteins have similar binding specificities in vitro, yet they control different morphologies in vivo. This paradox has been partially solved with the identification of Hox low-affinity binding sites. However, anterior Hox proteins are more promiscuous than posterior Hox proteins, raising the question how anterior Hox proteins achieve specificity. We use the AP2x enhancer, which is activated in the maxillary head segment by the Hox TF Deformed (Dfd). This enhancer lacks canonical Dfd-Exd sites but contains several predicted low-affinity sites. Unexpectedly, these sites are strongly bound by Dfd-Exd complexes and their conversion into optimal Dfd-Exd sites results only in a modest increase in binding strength. These small variations in affinity change the sensitivity of the enhancer to different Dfd levels, resulting in perturbed AP-2 expression and maxillary morphogenesis. Thus, Hox-regulated morphogenesis seems to result from the co-evolution of Hox binding affinity and Hox dosage for precise target gene regulation. Despite the central role of Hox genes in controlling morphogenesis, the DNA binding of different Hox members is relatively similar. Here they show that specificity of Hox member Dfd relies on a precise balance of transcription factors and binding site affinities.
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Warrick E, Duval C, Nouveau S, Piffaut V, Bourreau E, Bastien P, de Lacharrière O, Morita A, Bernerd F. Actinic lentigines from Japanese and European volunteers share similar impaired biological functions. J Dermatol Sci 2022; 107:8-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Integrated computational analysis reveals HOX genes cluster as oncogenic drivers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7952. [PMID: 35562533 PMCID: PMC9106698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in homeobox (HOX) gene expression are involved in the progression of several cancer types including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, regulation of the entire HOX cluster in the pathophysiology of HNSCC is still elusive. By using different comprehensive databases, we have identified the significance of differentially expressed HOX genes (DEHGs) in stage stratification and HPV status in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC datasets. The genetic and epigenetic alterations, druggable genes, their associated functional pathways and their possible association with cancer hallmarks were identified. We have performed extensive analysis to identify the target genes of DEHGs driving HNSCC. The differentially expressed HOX cluster-embedded microRNAs (DEHMs) in HNSCC and their association with HOX-target genes were evaluated to construct a regulatory network of the HOX cluster in HNSCC. Our analysis identified sixteen DEHGs in HNSCC and determined their importance in stage stratification and HPV infection. We found a total of 55 HNSCC driver genes that were identified as targets of DEHGs. The involvement of DEHGs and their targets in cancer-associated signaling mechanisms have confirmed their role in pathophysiology. Further, we found that their oncogenic nature could be targeted by using the novel and approved anti-neoplastic drugs in HNSCC. Construction of the regulatory network depicted the interaction between DEHGs, DEHMs and their targets genes in HNSCC. Hence, aberrantly expressed HOX cluster genes function in a coordinated manner to drive HNSCC. It could provide a broad perspective to carry out the experimental investigation, to understand the underlying oncogenic mechanism and allow the discovery of new clinical biomarkers for HNSCC.
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15
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HOXB9 Overexpression Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression and Is Associated with Worse Survival in Liver Resection Patients for Colorectal Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042281. [PMID: 35216396 PMCID: PMC8879839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As is known, HOXB9 is an important factor affecting disease progression and overall survival (OS) in cancer. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We aimed to explore the role of HOXB9 in CRC progression and its association with OS in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We analysed differential HOXB9 expression in CRC using the Tissue Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). We modulated HOXB9 expression in vitro to assess its impact on cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Lastly, we explored the association of HOXB9 protein expression with OS, using an institutional patient cohort (n = 110) who underwent liver resection for CRLM. Furthermore, HOXB9 was upregulated in TCGA-CRC (n = 644) vs. normal tissue (n = 51) and its expression levels were elevated in KRAS mutations (p < 0.0001). In vitro, HOXB9 overexpression increased cell proliferation (p < 0.001) and upregulated the mRNA expression of EMT markers (VIM, CDH2, ZEB1, ZEB2, SNAI1 and SNAI2) while downregulated CDH1, (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conversely, HOXB9 silencing disrupted cell growth (p < 0.0001). High HOXB9 expression (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.59-9.2, p = 0.003) was independently associated with worse OS in CRLM-HOXB9-expressing patients after liver resection. In conclusion, HOXB9 may be associated with worse OS in CRLM and may promote CRC progression, whereas HOXB9 silencing may inhibit CRC growth.
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16
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Wilczyński JR. Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:219-251. [PMID: 35165866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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17
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Carnesecchi J, Boumpas P, van Nierop Y Sanchez P, Domsch K, Pinto HD, Borges Pinto P, Lohmann I. The Hox transcription factor Ultrabithorax binds RNA and regulates co-transcriptional splicing through an interplay with RNA polymerase II. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:763-783. [PMID: 34931250 PMCID: PMC8789087 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play a pivotal role in cell fate decision by coordinating gene expression programs. Although most TFs act at the DNA layer, few TFs bind RNA and modulate splicing. Yet, the mechanistic cues underlying TFs activity in splicing remain elusive. Focusing on the Drosophila Hox TF Ultrabithorax (Ubx), our work shed light on a novel layer of Ubx function at the RNA level. Transcriptome and genome-wide binding profiles in embryonic mesoderm and Drosophila cells indicate that Ubx regulates mRNA expression and splicing to promote distinct outcomes in defined cellular contexts. Our results demonstrate a new RNA-binding ability of Ubx. We find that the N51 amino acid of the DNA-binding Homeodomain is non-essential for RNA interaction in vitro, but is required for RNA interaction in vivo and Ubx splicing activity. Moreover, mutation of the N51 amino acid weakens the interaction between Ubx and active RNA Polymerase II (Pol II). Our results reveal that Ubx regulates elongation-coupled splicing, which could be coordinated by a dynamic interplay with active Pol II on chromatin. Overall, our work uncovered a novel role of the Hox TFs at the mRNA regulatory layer. This could be an essential function for other classes of TFs to control cell diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Carnesecchi
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Panagiotis Boumpas
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick van Nierop Y Sanchez
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Domsch
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hugo Daniel Pinto
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pedro Borges Pinto
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Lohmann
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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A Systematic Review on HOX Genes as Potential Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: An Emerging Role of HOXB9. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413429. [PMID: 34948228 PMCID: PMC8707253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that Homeobox (HOX) genes are important in carcinogenesis, and their dysregulation has been linked with metastatic potential and poor prognosis. This review (PROSPERO-CRD42020190953) aims to systematically investigate the role of HOX genes as biomarkers in CRC and the impact of their modulation on tumour growth and progression. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for eligible studies exploring two research questions: (a) the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of HOX dysregulation in patients with CRC and (b) the functional role of HOX genes in CRC progression. Twenty-five studies enrolling 3003 CRC patients, showed that aberrant expression of HOX proteins was significantly related to tumour depth, nodal invasion, distant metastases, advanced stage and poor prognosis. A post-hoc meta-analysis on HOXB9 showed that its overexpression was significantly associated with the presence of distant metastases (pooled OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.64–10.43, I2 = 0%, p = 0.003). Twenty-two preclinical studies showed that HOX proteins are crucially related to tumour growth and metastatic potential by affecting cell proliferation and altering the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulators. In conclusion, HOX proteins may play vital roles in CRC progression and are associated with overall survival. HOXB9 may be a critical transcription factor in CRC.
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19
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Poliacikova G, Maurel-Zaffran C, Graba Y, Saurin AJ. Hox Proteins in the Regulation of Muscle Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731996. [PMID: 34733846 PMCID: PMC8558437 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode evolutionary conserved transcription factors that specify the anterior-posterior axis in all bilaterians. Being well known for their role in patterning ectoderm-derivatives, such as CNS and spinal cord, Hox protein function is also crucial in mesodermal patterning. While well described in the case of the vertebrate skeleton, much less is known about Hox functions in the development of different muscle types. In contrast to vertebrates however, studies in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have provided precious insights into the requirement of Hox at multiple stages of the myogenic process. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of Hox protein function in Drosophila and vertebrate muscle development, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying target gene regulation in this process. Emphasizing a tight ectoderm/mesoderm cross talk for proper locomotion, we discuss shared principles between CNS and muscle lineage specification and the emerging role of Hox in neuromuscular circuit establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yacine Graba
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille, France
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille, France
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20
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Molecular implications of HOX genes targeting multiple signaling pathways in cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 38:1-30. [PMID: 34617205 PMCID: PMC8789642 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved homeotic transcription factors that play a crucial role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Their deregulation impacts the function of several regulatory molecules contributing to tumor initiation and progression. A functional bridge exists between altered gene expression of individual HOX genes and tumorigenesis. This review focuses on how deregulation in the HOX-associated signaling pathways contributes to the metastatic progression in cancer. We discuss their functional significance, clinical implications and ascertain their role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the various cancer types. Besides, the mechanism of understanding the theoretical underpinning that affects HOX-mediated therapy resistance in cancers has been outlined. The knowledge gained shall pave the way for newer insights into the treatment of cancer.
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21
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Hajirnis N, Mishra RK. Homeotic Genes: Clustering, Modularity, and Diversity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:718308. [PMID: 34458272 PMCID: PMC8386295 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.718308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes code for transcription factors and are evolutionarily conserved. They regulate a plethora of downstream targets to define the anterior-posterior (AP) body axis of a developing bilaterian embryo. Early work suggested a possible role of clustering and ordering of Hox to regulate their expression in a spatially restricted manner along the AP axis. However, the recent availability of many genome assemblies for different organisms uncovered several examples that defy this constraint. With recent advancements in genomics, the current review discusses the arrangement of Hox in various organisms. Further, we revisit their discovery and regulation in Drosophila melanogaster. We also review their regulation in different arthropods and vertebrates, with a significant focus on Hox expression in the crustacean Parahyale hawaiensis. It is noteworthy that subtle changes in the levels of Hox gene expression can contribute to the development of novel features in an organism. We, therefore, delve into the distinct regulation of these genes during primary axis formation, segment identity, and extra-embryonic roles such as in the formation of hair follicles or misregulation leading to cancer. Toward the end of each section, we emphasize the possibilities of several experiments involving various organisms, owing to the advancements in the field of genomics and CRISPR-based genome engineering. Overall, we present a holistic view of the functioning of Hox in the animal world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Hajirnis
- CSIR – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rakesh K. Mishra
- CSIR – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bangalore, India
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22
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Zhang Y, Wang XX, Shen LF, Feng ZJ, Zhang SQ, Tian HG, Feng Y, Liu TX. Abdominal-B regulates structure and development of the Harmonia axyridis cremaster. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:965-975. [PMID: 32452090 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an insect that exhibits pupal attachment to plants, which facilitates development and environmental adaptation. The cremaster is highly specialized for this behavior. However, the underlying molecular regulation of the cremaster remains unclear; therefore, we performed experiments to investigate the transcriptional regulation of cremaster development. First, we examined the morphological structure of the cremaster to reveal its function in pupal attachment of H. axyridis. Next, we analyzed the Hox gene Ha-Abd-B using RNA interference (RNAi) to determine its function in regulating cremaster formation; Ha-Abd-B up-regulation promoted effective pupal attachment, whereas successful RNAi caused severe down-regulation of this gene, and pupae were unable to attach. Furthermore, successful RNAi and subsequent Ha-Abd-B down-regulation caused phenotypic changes in cremaster structure, including its complete disappearance from some individuals. Finally, we observed unique development of the cremaster and dynamic expression of Ha-Abd-B during pre-pupal development; consequently, we hypothesized that there was specific pre-pupal development of the cremaster. Overall, based on these results, the specialized cremasteric structure located on the posterior side of H. axyridis was determined to be a key organ for pupal attachment. Cremaster identification in H. axyridis is regulated by Ha-Abd-B and exhibits preferential development. Pupal attachment of H. axyridis reveals an environmental adaptation of this species; thus, this study and future molecular studies will help determine the role of Hox genes in regulation of insect attachment and further our understanding of the multiple functions of Hox genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing-Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling-Feng Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Song-Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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23
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Gulotta MR, De Simone G, John J, Perricone U, Brancale A. A Computer-Based Methodology to Design Non-Standard Peptides Potentially Able to Prevent HOX-PBX1-Associated Cancer Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5670. [PMID: 34073517 PMCID: PMC8198631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, HOX proteins have been extensively studied due to their pivotal role in transcriptional events. HOX proteins execute their activity by exploiting a cooperative binding to PBX proteins and DNA. Therefore, an increase or decrease in HOX activity has been associated with both solid and haematological cancer diseases. Thus, inhibiting HOX-PBX interaction represents a potential strategy to prevent these malignancies, as demonstrated by the patented peptide HTL001 that is being studied in clinical trials. In this work, a computational study is described to identify novel potential peptides designed by employing a database of non-natural amino acids. For this purpose, residue scanning of the HOX minimal active sequence was performed to select the mutations to be further processed. According to these results, the peptides were point-mutated and used for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in complex with PBX1 protein and DNA to evaluate complex binding stability. MM-GBSA calculations of the resulting MD trajectories were exploited to guide the selection of the most promising mutations that were exploited to generate twelve combinatorial peptides. Finally, the latter peptides in complex with PBX1 protein and DNA were exploited to run MD simulations and the ΔGbinding average values of the complexes were calculated. Thus, the analysis of the results highlighted eleven combinatorial peptides that will be considered for further assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Gulotta
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Giada De Simone
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Justin John
- NRN Tech LTD, Henstaff Court, Llantrisant Road, Groesfaen CF72 8NG, UK;
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK;
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24
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Hombría JCG, Sotillos S. Evo-Devo: When Four Became Two Plus Two. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R655-R657. [PMID: 32516617 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Wings and halteres are homologous flight appendages whose shape differences are controlled by the Ubx transcription factor. Recent research shows how Ubx regulates apical and basal extracellular matrix proteases and their inhibitors to achieve this morphological divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C-G Hombría
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Sol Sotillos
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
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25
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Multi-level and lineage-specific interactomes of the Hox transcription factor Ubx contribute to its functional specificity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1388. [PMID: 32170121 PMCID: PMC7069958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) control cell fates by precisely orchestrating gene expression. However, how individual TFs promote transcriptional diversity remains unclear. Here, we use the Hox TF Ultrabithorax (Ubx) as a model to explore how a single TF specifies multiple cell types. Using proximity-dependent Biotin IDentification in Drosophila, we identify Ubx interactomes in three embryonic tissues. We find that Ubx interacts with largely non-overlapping sets of proteins with few having tissue-specific RNA expression. Instead most interactors are active in many cell types, controlling gene expression from chromatin regulation to the initiation of translation. Genetic interaction assays in vivo confirm that they act strictly lineage- and process-specific. Thus, functional specificity of Ubx seems to play out at several regulatory levels and to result from the controlled restriction of the interaction potential by the cellular environment. Thereby, it challenges long-standing assumptions such as differential RNA expression as determinant for protein complexes. Many transcription factors regulate gene expression in a lineage- and process-specific manner, despite being expressed in several cell types. Here, the authors show that the Hox transcription factor Ubx has lineage-specific interactomes, which contribute to its cell context-dependent functions.
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26
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Lenzini S, Devine D, Shin JW. Leveraging Biomaterial Mechanics to Improve Pluripotent Stem Cell Applications for Tissue Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:260. [PMID: 31649928 PMCID: PMC6795675 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A primary goal in tissue engineering is to develop functional tissues by recapitulating salient features of complex biological systems that exhibit a diverse range of physical forces. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising autologous cell sources to execute these developmental programs and their functions; however, cells require an extracellular environment where they will sense and respond to mechanical forces. Thus, understanding the biophysical relationships between stem cells and their extracellular environments will improve the ability to design complex biological systems through tissue engineering. This article first describes how the mechanical properties of the environment are important determinants of developmental processes, and then further details how biomaterials can be designed to precisely control the mechanics of cell-matrix interactions in order to study and define their reprogramming, self-renewal, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Finally, a perspective is presented on how insights from the mechanics of cell-matrix interactions can be leveraged to control pluripotent stem cells for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lenzini
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel Devine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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27
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HOXD9 promotes the growth, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by transcriptional activation of RUFY3. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:412. [PMID: 31547840 PMCID: PMC6755711 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background The transcription factor HOXD9 is one of the members of the HOX family, which plays an important role in neoplastic processes. However, the role of HOXD9 in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) remains to be elucidated. Methods In vitro functional role of HOXD9 and RURY3 in GC cells was determined using the TMA-based immunohistochemistry, western blot, EdU incorporation, gelatin zymography, luciferase, chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and cell invasion assays. In vivo tumor growth and metastasis were conducted in nude mice. Results HOXD9 is overexpressed in GC cells and tissues. The high expression of HOXD9 was correlated with poor survival in GC patients. Functionally, HOXD9 expression significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells. Mechanically, HOXD9 directly associated with the RUFY3 promoter to increase the transcriptional activity of RUFY3. Inhibition of RUFY3 attenuated the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of HOXD9-overexpressing GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, both HOXD9 and RUFY3 were highly expressed in cancer cells but not in normal gastric tissues, with their expressions being positively correlated. Conclusions The evidence presented here suggests that the HOXD9-RUFY3 axis promotes the development and progression of human GC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1399-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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28
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Hox genes limit germ cell formation in the short germ insect Gryllus bimaculatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:16430-16435. [PMID: 31346080 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816024116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are conserved transcription factor-encoding genes that specify the identity of body regions in bilaterally symmetrical animals. In the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, a member of the hemimetabolous insect group Orthoptera, the induction of a subset of mesodermal cells to form the primordial germ cells (PGCs) is restricted to the second through the fourth abdominal segments (A2 to A4). In numerous insect species, the Hox genes Sex-combs reduced (Scr), Antennapedia (Antp), Ultrabithorax (Ubx), and abdominal-A (abd-A) jointly regulate the identities of middle and posterior body segments, suggesting that these genes may restrict PGC formation to specific abdominal segments in G. bimaculatus Here we show that reducing transcript levels of some or all of these Hox genes results in supernumerary and/or ectopic PGCs, either individually or in segment-specific combinations, suggesting that the role of these Hox genes is to limit PGC development with respect to their number, segmental location, or both. These data provide evidence of a role for this ancient group of genes in PGC development.
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Sakhneny L, Khalifa-Malka L, Landsman L. Pancreas organogenesis: Approaches to elucidate the role of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 92:89-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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A Case of Identity: HOX Genes in Normal and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040512. [PMID: 30974862 PMCID: PMC6521190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into many different cell types. Their function is controlled by core gene networks whose misregulation can result in aberrant stem cell function and defects of regeneration or neoplasia. HOX genes are master regulators of cell identity and cell fate during embryonic development. They play a crucial role in embryonic stem cell differentiation into specific lineages and their expression is maintained in adult stem cells along differentiation hierarchies. Aberrant HOX gene expression is found in several cancers where they can function as either oncogenes by sustaining cell proliferation or tumor-suppressor genes by controlling cell differentiation. Emerging evidence shows that abnormal expression of HOX genes is involved in the transformation of adult stem cells into cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells have been identified in most malignancies and proved to be responsible for cancer initiation, recurrence, and metastasis. In this review, we consider the role of HOX genes in normal and cancer stem cells and discuss how the modulation of HOX gene function could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target cancer stem cells to halt tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment.
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31
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Luo Z, Rhie SK, Farnham PJ. The Enigmatic HOX Genes: Can We Crack Their Code? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030323. [PMID: 30866492 PMCID: PMC6468460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes (HOX) are a large family of transcription factors that direct the formation of many body structures during early embryonic development. There are 39 genes in the subgroup of homeobox genes that constitute the human HOX gene family. Correct embryonic development of flies and vertebrates is, in part, mediated by the unique and highly regulated expression pattern of the HOX genes. Disruptions in these fine-tuned regulatory mechanisms can lead to developmental problems and to human diseases such as cancer. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms of action of the HOX family of transcription factors are severely under-studied, likely due to idiosyncratic details of their structure, expression, and function. We suggest that a concerted and collaborative effort to identify interacting protein partners, produce genome-wide binding profiles, and develop HOX network inhibitors in a variety of human cell types will lead to a deeper understanding of human development and disease. Within, we review the technological challenges and possible approaches needed to achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Suhn K Rhie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Peggy J Farnham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Di Z, Edgecombe GD, Sharma PP. Homeosis in a scorpion supports a telopodal origin of pectines and components of the book lungs. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:73. [PMID: 29783957 PMCID: PMC5963125 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The morphological and functional evolution of appendages has played a key role in the diversification of arthropods. While the ancestral arthropod appendage is held to be polyramous, terrestriality is associated with the reduction or loss of appendage rami, which may obscure the homology of different appendage derivatives. Proxies for appendage homology have included surveys of cross-reactive antibodies for wing markers like Nubbin/PDM, which have suggested that the abdominal appendages of arachnids (e.g., book lungs, tracheal tubules) are derived from ancestral gills (epipods). RESULTS Here, we discovered a rare case of inferred homeosis in a scorpion in which the bilobed genital opercula and the pectines are transformed to walking legs, and an abnormal sternite shows a book lung close to an everted structure comparable to the morphology of some Palaeozoic scorpion fossils. CONCLUSIONS The observed morphology is consistent with abnormal expression of homeotic genes during embryonic development. The phenotype of this abnormal specimen suggests that the genital opercula, the pectines, and parts of the book lung may be derived from the telopodite of abdominal appendages rather than from epipods. This interpretation contradicts the "ancestral gill" hypothesis but reconciles features of the Palaeozoic scorpion fossil record with the embryology of modern scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Di
- Key Laboratory of Invertebrate Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Gregory D Edgecombe
- Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
| | - Prashant P Sharma
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 352 Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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Drake KA, Adam M, Mahoney R, Potter SS. Disruption of Hox9,10,11 function results in cellular level lineage infidelity in the kidney. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6306. [PMID: 29679048 PMCID: PMC5910417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24782-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are important regulators of development. The 39 mammalian Hox genes have considerable functional overlap, greatly confounding their study. In this report, we generated mice with multiple combinations of paralogous and flanking Abd-B Hox gene mutations to investigate functional redundancies in kidney development. The resulting mice developed a number of kidney abnormalities, including hypoplasia, agenesis, and severe cysts, with distinct Hox functions observed in early metanephric kidney formation and nephron progenitor maintenance. Most surprising, however, was that extensive removal of Hox shared function in these kidneys resulted in cellular level lineage infidelity. Strikingly, mutant nephron tubules consisted of intermixed cells with proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting duct identities, with some single cells expressing markers associated with more than one nephron segment. These results indicate that Hox genes are required for proper lineage selection/maintenance and full repression of genes involved in cell fate restriction in the developing kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri A Drake
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Robert Mahoney
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - S Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Magella B, Mahoney R, Adam M, Potter SS. Reduced Abd-B Hox function during kidney development results in lineage infidelity. Dev Biol 2018; 438:84-93. [PMID: 29596840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hox genes can function as key drivers of segment identity, with Hox mutations in Drosophila often resulting in dramatic homeotic transformations. In addition, however, they can serve other essential functions. In mammals, the study of Hox gene roles in development is complicated by the presence of four Hox clusters with a total of 39 genes showing extensive functional overlap. In this study, in order to better understand shared core Hox functions, we examined kidney development in mice with frameshift mutations of multiple Abd-B type Hox genes. The resulting phenotypes included dramatically reduced branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud, premature depletion of nephron progenitors and abnormal development of the stromal compartment. Most unexpected, however, we also observed a cellular level lineage infidelity in nephron segments. Scattered cells within the proximal tubules, for example, expressed genes normally expressed only in collecting ducts. Multiple combinations of inappropriate nephron segment specific marker expression were found. In some cases, cells within a tubule showed incorrect identity, while in other cases cells showed ambiguous character, with simultaneous expression of genes associated with more than one nephron segment. These results give evidence that Hox genes have an overlapping core function at the cellular level in driving and/or maintaining correct differentiation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bliss Magella
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Robert Mahoney
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - S Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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Vojkovics D, Kellermayer Z, Kajtár B, Roncador G, Vincze Á, Balogh P. Nkx2-3-A Slippery Slope From Development Through Inflammation Toward Hematopoietic Malignancies. Biomark Insights 2018; 13:1177271918757480. [PMID: 29449776 PMCID: PMC5808962 DOI: 10.1177/1177271918757480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of peripheral lymphoid tissues from the mesoderm is the result of a complex convergence combining lymphohematopoietic differentiation with the local specification of nonhematopoietic mesenchymal components. Although the various transcriptional regulators with fate-determining effects in diversifying the mobile leukocyte subsets have been thoroughly studied and identified, the tissue-specific determinants promoting the regional differentiation of resident mesenchyme are less understood. Of these factors, various members of the NK-class Nkx paralogues have emerged as key regulators for the organogenesis of spleen and mucosal lymphoid tissues, and recent data have also indicated their involvement in various pathological events, including gut inflammation and hematopoietic malignancies. Here, we summarize available data on the roles of Nkx2-3 in lymphoid tissue development and discuss its possible value as a developmental marker and disease-associated pathogenic trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Vojkovics
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Lymphoid Organogenesis Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kellermayer
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Lymphoid Organogenesis Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Kajtár
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Áron Vincze
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Balogh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Lymphoid Organogenesis Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Expression of Homeobox Gene HLX and its Downstream Target Genes are Altered in Placentae From Discordant Twin Pregnancies. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 21:42-50. [PMID: 29212571 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A discordant twin gestation, in which one fetus is significantly growth restricted, compared to the other normal twin, is a unique model that can be used to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the intrauterine environment affects fetal growth. In many model systems, placental transcription factor genes regulate fetal growth. Transcription factors regulate growth through their activation or repression of downstream target genes that mediate important cell functions. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of the placental HLX homeobox gene transcription factor and its downstream target genes in dizygotic twins with growth discordance. In this cross-sectional study, HLX and its downstream target genes' retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) and cyclin kinase D (CDKN1C) expression levels were determined in placentae obtained from dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies (n = 23) where one of the twins was growth restricted. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as small for gestational age with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices when compared with the normal control co-twin. Homeobox gene HLX expression was significantly decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with the normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Downstream target genes CDKN1C and RB1 were also significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Together, these observations suggest an important association between HLX transcription factor expression and abnormal human placental development in discordant twin pregnancies.
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Brucker SY, Frank L, Eisenbeis S, Henes M, Wallwiener D, Riess O, van Eijck B, Schöller D, Bonin M, Rall KK. Sequence variants in ESR1 and OXTR are associated with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:1338-1346. [PMID: 28815558 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) is characterized by congenital absence of the uterus and the upper two-thirds of the vagina in otherwise phenotypically normal females. It is found isolated or associated with renal, skeletal and other malformations. Despite ongoing research, the etiology is mainly unknown. For a long time, the hypothesis of deficient hormone receptors as the cause for MRKHS has existed, supported by previous findings of our group. The aim of the present study was to identify unknown genetic causes for MRKHS and to compare them with data banks including a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS DNA sequence analysis of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and estrogen receptor-1 gene (ESR1) was performed in a group of 93 clinically well-defined patients with uterovaginal aplasia (68 with the isolated form and 25 with associated malformations). RESULTS In total, we detected three OXTR variants in 18 MRKHS patients with one leading to a missense mutation, and six ESR1 variants in 21 MRKHS patients, two of these causing amino acid changes and therefore potentially disease. CONCLUSIONS The identified variants on DNA level might impair receptor function through different molecular mechanisms. Mutations of ESR1 and OXTR are associated with MRKHS. Thus, we consider these genes potential candidates associated with the manifestation of MRKHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Yvonne Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, Center for Rare Female Genital Malformations, Women's University Hospital, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Women's Health, Research Center for Women's Health, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Liliane Frank
- Department of Women's Health, Research Center for Women's Health, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone Eisenbeis
- Department of Women's Health, Research Center for Women's Health, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Henes
- Department of Women's Health, Center for Rare Female Genital Malformations, Women's University Hospital, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diethelm Wallwiener
- Department of Women's Health, Center for Rare Female Genital Malformations, Women's University Hospital, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara van Eijck
- Department of Women's Health, Research Center for Women's Health, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dorit Schöller
- Department of Women's Health, Center for Rare Female Genital Malformations, Women's University Hospital, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bonin
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Katharina Rall
- Department of Women's Health, Center for Rare Female Genital Malformations, Women's University Hospital, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
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38
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Liu X, Liu X, Liu W, Luo M, Tao H, Wu D, Zhao Y, Zou L. HOXA9 transcriptionally regulates the EPHB4 receptor to modulate trophoblast migration and invasion. Placenta 2017; 51:38-48. [PMID: 28292467 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.01.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional placenta formation is crucially dependent on extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion. EPHB4 has been identified to play a negative but important role in regulating trophoblast biological function, whereas the upstream regulation mechanism remains unknown. As reported, there is a transcriptional stimulation of EPHB4 expression consequent to HOXA9 activation in endothelial cells (ECs). Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the role of HOXA9 and its relationship with EPHB4 in trophoblast cells. METHOD Both mRNA and protein expression levels of HOXA9 and EPHB4 were measured in preeclamptic placenta (n = 15) and normal placenta (n = 15). Next, the expression and location of HOXA9 and EPHB4 in first-trimester villi were shown via immunohistochemistry. Trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was used to explore the effect of HOXA9 on EPHB4 expression and trophoblast bioactivity by gain- and loss-of function studies. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays were conducted to clarify the regulation mechanism of HOXA9 on EPHB4 expression in HTR-8/SVneo. RESULT HOXA9 and EPHB4 expression were increased in preeclamptic placenta compared with normal placenta. HOXA9 could promote EPHB4 expression and impaired HTR-8/SVneo cells migration and invasion. ChIP and luciferase assays revealed that HOXA9 could directly bind to EPHB4 promoter and promoted its transcription. CONCLUSION HOXA9 transcriptionally regulated EPHB4 expression to modulate trophoblasts migration and invasion, which may suggest a contribution of HOXA9-EPHB4 in the poor placentation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weifang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglian Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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39
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The C. elegans hox gene lin-39 controls cell cycle progression during vulval development. Dev Biol 2016; 418:124-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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40
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Merabet S, Mann RS. To Be Specific or Not: The Critical Relationship Between Hox And TALE Proteins. Trends Genet 2016; 32:334-347. [PMID: 27066866 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hox proteins are key regulatory transcription factors that act in different tissues of the embryo to provide specific spatial and temporal coordinates to each cell. These patterning functions often depend on the presence of the TALE-homeodomain class cofactors, which form cooperative DNA-binding complexes with all Hox proteins. How this family of cofactors contributes to the highly diverse and specific functions of Hox proteins in vivo remains an important unsolved question. We review here the most recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hox-TALE function. In particular, we discuss the role of DNA shape, DNA-binding affinity, and protein-protein interaction flexibility in dictating Hox-TALE specificity. We propose several models to explain how these mechanisms are integrated with each other in the context of the many distinct functions that Hox and TALE factors carry out in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Merabet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France.
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41
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Zabalza CV, Adam M, Burdelski C, Wilczak W, Wittmer C, Kraft S, Krech T, Steurer S, Koop C, Hube-Magg C, Graefen M, Heinzer H, Minner S, Simon R, Sauter G, Schlomm T, Tsourlakis MC. HOXB13 overexpression is an independent predictor of early PSA recurrence in prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy. Oncotarget 2016; 6:12822-34. [PMID: 25825985 PMCID: PMC4494977 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
HOXB13 is a prostate cancer susceptibility gene which shows a cancer predisposing (G84E) mutation in 0.1–0.6% of males. We analyzed the prognostic impact of HOXB13 expression by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing more than 12,400 prostate cancers. Results were compared to tumor phenotype, biochemical recurrence, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) as well as molecular subtypes defined by ERG status and genomic deletions of 3p, 5q, 6q, and PTEN. HOXB13 immunostaining was detectable in 51.7% of 10,216 interpretable cancers and considered strong in 9.6%, moderate in 19.7% and weak in 22.3% of cases. HOXB13 expression was linked to advanced pT stage, high Gleason grade, positive lymph node status (p < 0.0001 each), high pre-operative PSA levels (p = 0.01), TMPRSS2:ERG fusion, PTEN deletions, AR expression, cell proliferation, reduced PSA expression and early PSA recurrence (p < 0.0001 each). The prognostic value of HOXB13 was independent from established parameters including Gleason, stage, nodal stage and PSA. Co-expression analysis identified a subset of tumors with high HOXB13 and AR but low PSA expression that had a particularly poor prognosis. HOXB13 appears to be a promising candidate for clinical routine tests either alone or in combination with other markers, including AR and PSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meike Adam
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Burdelski
- General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Corina Wittmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Kraft
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Christina Koop
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Markus Graefen
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Hans Heinzer
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schlomm
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.,Department of Urology, Section for Translational Prostate Cancer Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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Rezsohazy R, Saurin AJ, Maurel-Zaffran C, Graba Y. Cellular and molecular insights into Hox protein action. Development 2016; 142:1212-27. [PMID: 25804734 DOI: 10.1242/dev.109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes encode homeodomain transcription factors that control morphogenesis and have established functions in development and evolution. Hox proteins have remained enigmatic with regard to the molecular mechanisms that endow them with specific and diverse functions, and to the cellular functions that they control. Here, we review recent examples of Hox-controlled cellular functions that highlight their versatile and highly context-dependent activity. This provides the setting to discuss how Hox proteins control morphogenesis and organogenesis. We then summarise the molecular modalities underlying Hox protein function, in particular in light of current models of transcription factor function. Finally, we discuss how functional divergence between Hox proteins might be achieved to give rise to the many facets of their action.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Rezsohazy
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille 13288, Cedex 09, France
| | | | - Yacine Graba
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille 13288, Cedex 09, France
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43
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Candidate gene analysis in a case of congenital absence of the endometrium. FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 2:3. [PMID: 28620530 PMCID: PMC5424362 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-016-0015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Primary amenorrhea usually result from a genetic or anatomic abnormality. We present the first reported patient with the absence of endometrium and lumen in a small bicornuate uterus in a patient with primary amenorrhea. Case presentation A 41-year-old woman presented for evaluation of primary amenorrhea and infertility. She did develop normal secondary sexual characteristics but never had menses. Physical examination, hormone analyses, and karyotype analysis were normal. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a small uterus with absent endometrial stripe. Ovaries were normal in size. Pathology from hysterectomy for abnormal Pap smears revealed a hypoplastic bicornuate uterus with absence of lumen and absent endometrium. DNA analyses for mutations in the coding sequences of three members of HOXA gene family was performed, but no variants in the coding sequence of these genes were found. These findings support the hypothesis that mutations in the coding sequence of HOXA10, HOXA11, and HOXA13 are not responsible for congenital endometrial absence with bicornuate hypoplastic uterus. Conclusions Congenital absence of the endometrium is an uncommon etiology for primary amenorrhea, and nonvisualization of the endometrial stripe on ultrasound imaging in association with primary amenorrhea should raise suspicion of this rare disorder in this case.
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Platais C, Hakami F, Darda L, Lambert DW, Morgan R, Hunter KD. The role of HOX genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2015; 45:239-47. [PMID: 26661059 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed the publication of numerous studies reporting alterations in the genome and transcriptome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, the utilisation of these alterations as biomarkers and targets for therapy is limited and new, useful molecular characteristics are being sought. Many of the published HNSCC gene expression profiles demonstrate alterations in the expression of HOX genes. These are a family of Homeobox-containing genes which are involved in developmental patterning and morphogenesis in the embryo, and which are often aberrantly expressed in cancer. The 39 HOX genes found in the human genome are arranged in four paralogous groups at different chromosomal loci. These control a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration, which are relevant in the context of cancer development. In this review article, we will outline the biology of HOX genes in relation to cancer and summarise the accumulating evidence for their role in the development of HNSCC and the possibility that they could be a therapeutic target in this malignancy. We will also identify areas where our current understanding is weak to focus future work and appraise the ongoing strategies for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Platais
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fahad Hakami
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City-WR, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lav Darda
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel W Lambert
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Hamid ARAH, Hoogland AM, Smit F, Jannink S, van Rijt-van de Westerlo C, Jansen CFJ, van Leenders GJLH, Verhaegh GW, Schalken JA. The role of HOXC6 in prostate cancer development. Prostate 2015; 75:1868-76. [PMID: 26310814 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox (HOX) genes, which are involved in organ development and homeostasis, have been shown to be involved in normal prostate- and PCa development. In this study, we investigate the expression levels of the HOX A-D genes in PCa. The functional relevance and potential of HOX gene as biomarkers are explored. METHODS We evaluated HOX gene expression in prostate tissues of different grade and stage and related the outcome to clinical parameters. We analyzed AR regulation and function of HOXC6 in PCa cell lines. We developed a urine-based HOXC6 mRNA assay for diagnostic purposes. RESULTS HOXC6 was one of the most upregulated HOX genes in all primary, metastasized, and castration-resistant PCa. HOXC6 upregulation was specific to the epithelial component of PCa, and HOXC6 was shown to be involved in epithelial cell proliferation. HOXC6 expression was not influenced by androgens nor by treatments targeting the AR signaling pathway. HOXC6 expression was not related to a prognosis after radical prostatectomy, that is, biochemical or local recurrence. We successfully developed an assay for HOXC6 mRNA detection in urine and confirmed that HOXC6 levels are higher in PCa patients. CONCLUSIONS HOXC6 has a role in all PCa stages, particularly in PCa cell proliferation. Due to its stable expression, HOXC6 is a novel candidate biomarker for PCa not only in early detection but also for monitoring of progression or response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agus Rizal A H Hamid
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Department Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - A Marije Hoogland
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Smit
- NovioGendix BV, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cindy van Rijt-van de Westerlo
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelius F J Jansen
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gerald W Verhaegh
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack A Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Upregulation of HOXB7 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer and correlates with clinical characteristics. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1641-50. [PMID: 26307396 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3948-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several examples of aberrant homeobox gene expression have been found across a range of cancers, and it is also confirmed that homeobox genes play a critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression. Notwithstanding homeobox B7 (HOXB7) has been documented that its deregulation promotes carcinogenesis and development in gastrointestinal tract, its function in gastric cancer has not been investigated. In this study, HOXB7 expression was examined to be distinctly upregulated in gastric carcinoma GC cell lines and in the tumor relative to normal gastric tissue. High HOXB7 expression was correlated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.025) and TNM stage (P = 0.008). HOXB7 knockdown in BGC-823 and SGC-7901 resulted in decreased migration and invasion with alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins and influenced proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Furthermore, complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray, qPCR, and Western blotting were performed to explore potential downstream target genes of HOXB7. HOXB7 is generally overexpressed in GC, associated with patient clinical characteristics, and specifically promotes GC cell malignant biological properties through PIK3R3/AKT signaling pathways, indicating HOXB7 as a causal factor in promoting tumor progression.
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Pinto PB, Espinosa-Vázquez JM, Rivas ML, Hombría JCG. JAK/STAT and Hox Dynamic Interactions in an Organogenetic Gene Cascade. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005412. [PMID: 26230388 PMCID: PMC4521708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Organogenesis is controlled by gene networks activated by upstream selector genes. During development the gene network is activated stepwise, with a sequential deployment of successive transcription factors and signalling molecules that modify the interaction of the elements of the network as the organ forms. Very little is known about the steps leading from the early specification of the cells that form the organ primordium to the moment when a robust gene network is in place. Here we study in detail how a Hox protein induces during early embryogenesis a simple organogenetic cascade that matures into a complex gene network through the activation of feedback and feed forward interaction loops. To address how the network organization changes during development and how the target genes integrate the genetic information it provides, we analyze in Drosophila the induction of posterior spiracle organogenesis by the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B). Initially, Abd-B activates in the spiracle primordium a cascade of transcription factors and signalling molecules including the JAK/STAT signalling pathway. We find that at later stages STAT activity feeds back directly into Abd-B, initiating the transformation of the Hox cascade into a gene-network. Focusing on crumbs, a spiracle downstream target gene of Abd-B, we analyze how a modular cis regulatory element integrates the dynamic network information set by Abd-B and the JAK/STAT signalling pathway during development. We describe how a Hox induced genetic cascade transforms into a robust gene network during organogenesis due to the repeated interaction of Abd-B and one of its targets, the JAK/STAT signalling cascade. Our results show that in this network STAT functions not just as a direct transcription factor, but also acts as a "counter-repressor", uncovering a novel mode for STAT directed transcriptional regulation. Organogenesis is controlled by gene networks activated by upstream selector genes. To address how the network organization changes during development and how the target genes integrate the genetic information it provides, we analyze in Drosophila the induction of posterior spiracle organogenesis by the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B). Initially, Abd-B activates in the spiracle primordium a cascade of transcription factors and signalling molecules including the JAK/STAT pathway. We find that at later stages STAT activity feeds back into Abd-B, initiating the transformation of the Hox cascade into a gene-network. Focusing on a spiracle downstream target gene of Abd-B, we analyze how its cis regulatory elements integrate the dynamic network information set by Abd-B and the JAK/STAT signalling pathway during development. Our results also show that the well known transcription factor STAT can control gene expression as a “counter-repressor”, uncovering an alternative novel mode for STAT directed transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro B. Pinto
- Centro Andaluz de Biología de Desarrollo, CSIC/JA, Universidad Pablo de Olivde, Seville, Spain
| | | | - María Luísa Rivas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología de Desarrollo, CSIC/JA, Universidad Pablo de Olivde, Seville, Spain
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Bataillé L, Frendo JL, Vincent A. Hox control of Drosophila larval anatomy; The Alary and Thoracic Alary-Related Muscles. Mech Dev 2015. [PMID: 26219857 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The body plan of arthropods and vertebrates involves the formation of repetitive segments, which subsequently diversify to give rise to different body parts along the antero-posterior/rostro-caudal body axis. Anatomical variations between body segments are crucial for organ function and organismal fitness. Pioneering work in Drosophila has established that Hox transcription factors play key roles both in endowing initially identical segments with distinct identities and organogenesis. The focus of this review is on Alary Muscles (AMs) and the newly discovered Thoracic Alary-Related Muscles (TARMs). AMs and TARMs are thin muscles which together connect the circulatory system and different midgut regions to the exoskeleton, while intertwining with the respiratory tubular network. They were hypothesized to represent a new type of muscles with spring-like properties, maintaining internal organs in proper anatomical positions during larval locomotion. Both the morphology of TARMs relative to AMs, and morphogenesis of connected tissues is under Hox control, emphasizing the key role of Hox proteins in coordinating the anatomical development of the larva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Bataillé
- Université de Toulouse 3, Centre de Biologie du Développement, UMR 5547 CNRS and FRBT, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 09, France.
| | - Jean-Louis Frendo
- Université de Toulouse 3, Centre de Biologie du Développement, UMR 5547 CNRS and FRBT, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 09, France
| | - Alain Vincent
- Université de Toulouse 3, Centre de Biologie du Développement, UMR 5547 CNRS and FRBT, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 09, France.
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Silfa-Mazara F, Mujahid S, Thomas C, Vong T, Larsson I, Nielsen HC, Volpe MV. Oxygen differentially affects the hox proteins Hoxb5 and Hoxa5 altering airway branching and lung vascular formation. J Cell Commun Signal 2014; 8:231-44. [PMID: 25073509 PMCID: PMC4165823 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-014-0237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hoxb5 and Hoxa5 transcription factor proteins uniquely impact lung morphogenesis at the developmental time point when extremely preterm infants are born. The effect of O2 exposure (0.4 FiO2) used in preterm infant care on these Hox proteins is unknown. We used ex vivo fetal mouse lung organ cultures to explore the effects of 0.4 FiO2 on lung airway and vascular formation in the context of Hoxb5 and Hoxa5 expression and regulation. Compared to room air, 48 h (h) 0.4 FiO2 adversely attenuated airway and microvasculature formation while reducing lung growth and epithelial cell volume, and increasing mesenchymal volume. 0.4 FiO2 decreased pro-angiogenic Hoxb5 and VEGFR2 while not altering protein levels of angiostatic Hoxa5. Lungs returned to RA after 24 h 0.4FiO2 had partial structural recovery but remained smaller and less developed. Mesenchymal cell apoptosis increased and proliferation decreased with time in O2 while epithelial cell proliferation significantly increased. Hoxb5 overexpression led to prominent peri-airway VEGFR2 expression and promoted lung vascular and airway patterning. Hoxa5 overexpression had the opposite effects. We conclude that 0.4 FiO2 exposure causes a profound loss of airway and lung microvascular development that occurs partially via reduction in pro-angiogenic Hoxb5 while angiostatic Hoxa5 expression is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francheyska Silfa-Mazara
- />Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sana Mujahid
- />Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Courtney Thomas
- />Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Thxuan Vong
- />Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Heber C. Nielsen
- />Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- />Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- />Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - MaryAnn V. Volpe
- />Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- />Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
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Hu L, Li H, Huang CL, Chen H, Zhu G, Qian K. Regulation of myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 and its expression in normal and abnormal endometrium. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:856-863.e2. [PMID: 24985084 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the expression profile and sex steroid regulation pattern of myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 (MEIS1) in endometrium. DESIGN Molecular studies in human and animal tissue. SETTING Reproductive medicine center of a university hospital. PATIENT(S) AND ANIMAL(S) Women with normal menstrual cycles for male infertility and female infertility with endometriosis. Sexually mature female mice (Kunming White strain). INTERVENTION(S) Primary cultured endometrial stromal cells, Ishikawa cells, and oophorectomized mice were treated with sex steroid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) MEIS1 expression in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle, mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, and eutopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis was analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot. In addition, MEIS1 expression in response to sex steroid was examined both in vitro and in vivo by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot. RESULT(S) MEIS1 expression was markedly increased in endometrium during the implantation period, and in decidualizing stromal cells in human endometrium and murine uterus. Steroid hormones increased MEIS1 expression in primary cultured endometrial stromal cells, Ishikawa cells, and endometrium of oophorectomized mice. The effects of estrogen and progesterone were more marked in oophorectomized mice and were additive. MEIS1 expression was significantly lower in eutopic endometrium compared with normal endometrium in the midsecretory stage. CONCLUSION(S) MEIS1 is likely a key mediator between sex steroid and genes for uterine receptivity. Diminished endometrium MEIS1 expression may contribute to implantation failure in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Repubic of China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Repubic of China
| | - Haixia Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Repubic of China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangzhou General Hospital, Guangzhou Military Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, People's Repubic of China
| | | | - Hong Chen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Guijin Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Repubic of China
| | - Kun Qian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Repubic of China.
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