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Li J, Choi J, Cheng X, Ma J, Pema S, Sanes JR, Mardon G, Frankfort BJ, Tran NM, Li Y, Chen R. Comprehensive single-cell atlas of the mouse retina. iScience 2024; 27:109916. [PMID: 38812536 PMCID: PMC11134544 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has advanced our understanding of cellular heterogeneity by characterizing cell types across tissues and species. While several mouse retinal scRNA-seq datasets exist, each dataset is either limited in cell numbers or focused on specific cell classes, thereby hindering comprehensive gene expression analysis across all retina types. To fill the gap, we generated the largest retinal scRNA-seq dataset to date, comprising approximately 190,000 single cells from C57BL/6J mouse retinas, enriched for rare population cells via antibody-based magnetic cell sorting. Integrating this dataset with public datasets, we constructed the Mouse Retina Cell Atlas (MRCA) for wild-type mice, encompassing over 330,000 cells, characterizing 12 major classes and 138 cell types. The MRCA consolidates existing knowledge, identifies new cell types, and is publicly accessible via CELLxGENE, UCSC Cell Browser, and the Broad Single Cell Portal, providing a user-friendly resource for the mouse retina research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jongsu Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuesen Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Justin Ma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shahil Pema
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA
| | - Graeme Mardon
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Frankfort
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas M. Tran
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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2
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Li J, Choi J, Cheng X, Ma J, Pema S, Sanes JR, Mardon G, Frankfort BJ, Tran NM, Li Y, Chen R. Comprehensive single-cell atlas of the mouse retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.24.577060. [PMID: 38328114 PMCID: PMC10849744 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.24.577060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has advanced our understanding of cellular heterogeneity at the single-cell resolution by classifying and characterizing cell types in multiple tissues and species. While several mouse retinal scRNA-seq reference datasets have been published, each dataset either has a relatively small number of cells or is focused on specific cell classes, and thus is suboptimal for assessing gene expression patterns across all retina types at the same time. To establish a unified and comprehensive reference for the mouse retina, we first generated the largest retinal scRNA-seq dataset to date, comprising approximately 190,000 single cells from C57BL/6J mouse whole retinas. This dataset was generated through the targeted enrichment of rare population cells via antibody-based magnetic cell sorting. By integrating this new dataset with public datasets, we conducted an integrated analysis to construct the Mouse Retina Cell Atlas (MRCA) for wild-type mice, which encompasses over 330,000 single cells. The MRCA characterizes 12 major classes and 138 cell types. It captured consensus cell type characterization from public datasets and identified additional new cell types. To facilitate the public use of the MRCA, we have deposited it in CELLxGENE, UCSC Cell Browser, and the Broad Single Cell Portal for visualization and gene expression exploration. The comprehensive MRCA serves as an easy-to-use, one-stop data resource for the mouse retina communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jongsu Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xuesen Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Justin Ma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shahil Pema
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02130, USA
| | - Graeme Mardon
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Frankfort
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas M. Tran
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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3
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Ma X, Dai Y, Qiu T, Chen X, Xiao P, Li W. Effects of acute exposure to amisulbrom on retinal development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:46248-46256. [PMID: 36715803 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amisulbrom is an oomycete-specific fungicide that was developed by Nissan Chemical Industries Limited. The exposure of developing zebrafish embryo to amisulbrom caused disorders in the visual phototransduction system. However, the potential toxic mechanisms of amisulbrom on retinal development remains unclear. The research purpose of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of amisulbrom on retinal development in a model organism, the zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 0.0075, 0.075, or 0.75 μM amisulbrom from 3 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 72 hpf. Compared with the control group, amisulbrom-treated zebrafish embryos displayed phenotypic microphthalmia, dysregulation of gene transcription levels (alcama, prox1a, sox2, vsx1, rho, bluops, rdops, uvops, and grops) related to the retinal cell layer differentiation, and increased retinal apoptosis. In addition, the content of glutathione and malondialdehyde increased significantly after exposure to amisulbrom. Overall, our data demonstrate the toxicity of amisulbrom to eye development, which will help to assess the potential ecotoxicological impacts posed by amisulbrom to aquatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhe Dai
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantong Qiu
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xiao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Institute for Eco-Environmental Research of Sanyang Wetland, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Petridou E, Godinho L. Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Retinal Cell Fate. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2022; 8:79-99. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is regarded as a simple part of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus amenable to investigations of the determinants of cell fate. Its five neuronal cell classes and one glial cell class all derive from a common pool of progenitors. Here we review how each cell class is generated. Retinal progenitors progress through different competence states, in each of which they generate only a small repertoire of cell classes. The intrinsic state of the progenitor is determined by the complement of transcription factors it expresses. Thus, although progenitors are multipotent, there is a bias in the types of fates they generate during any particular time window. Overlying these competence states are stochastic mechanisms that influence fate decisions. These mechanisms are determined by a weighted set of probabilities based on the abundance of a cell class in the retina. Deterministic mechanisms also operate, especially late in development, when preprogrammed progenitors solely generate specific fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Petridou
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leanne Godinho
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
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5
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Aung MH, Hogan K, Mazade RE, Park HN, Sidhu CS, Iuvone PM, Pardue MT. ON than OFF pathway disruption leads to greater deficits in visual function and retinal dopamine signaling. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109091. [PMID: 35487263 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The visual system uses ON and OFF pathways to signal luminance increments and decrements. Increasing evidence suggests that ON and OFF pathways have different signaling properties and serve specialized visual functions. However, it is still unclear the contribution of ON and OFF pathways to visual behavior. Therefore, we examined the effects on optomotor response and the retinal dopamine system in nob mice with ON pathway dysfunction and Vsx1-/- mice with partial OFF pathway dysfunction. Spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity thresholds were determined, and values were compared to age-matched wild-type controls. Retinas were collected immediately after visual testing to measure levels of dopamine and its metabolite, DOPAC. At 4 weeks of age, we found that nob mice had significantly reduced spatial frequency (19%) and contrast sensitivity (60%) thresholds compared to wild-type mice. Vsx1-/- mice also exhibited reductions in optomotor responses (3% in spatial frequency; 18% in contrast sensitivity) at 4 weeks, although these changes were significantly smaller than those found in nob mice. Furthermore, nob mice had significantly lower DOPAC levels (53%) and dopamine turnover (41%) compared to controls while Vsx1-/- mice displayed a transient increase in DOPAC levels at 4 weeks of age (55%). Our results show that dysfunction of ON pathways leads to reductions in contrast sensitivity, spatial frequency threshold, and retinal dopamine and DOPAC levels whereas partial loss of the OFF pathway has minimal effect. We conclude that ON pathways play a critical role in visual reflexes and retinal dopamine signaling, highlighting a potential association for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe H Aung
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Kelleigh Hogan
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Reece E Mazade
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Han Na Park
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - Curran S Sidhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - P Michael Iuvone
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA.
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6
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Xiao P, Li W, Lu J, Liu Y, Luo Q, Zhang H. Effects of embryonic exposure to bixafen on zebrafish (Danio rerio) retinal development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:113007. [PMID: 34808508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bixafen, a pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide, is a potent toxicant that may elicit multiple adverse effects in non-target organisms. However, knowledge of the mechanisms involved in developmental defects caused by bixafen in aquatic organisms remains limited. In this study, the effects of bixafen on retinal development were evaluated in embryo-larval zebrafish. We exposed zebrafish embryos to 0, 0.1, and 0.3 μM bixafen. Exposure of zebrafish embryos to bixafen caused severe retinal defects, including extreme microphthalmia and a significantly increased cell density of the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Compared with the controls, the expression levels of rod and cone photoreceptor marker genes (rho, opn1sw2, opn1mw1, opn1lw1, and opn1sw1) in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were significantly downregulated after bixafen exposure. Furthermore, bixafen caused significantly increased expression levels in the GCL marker ath5 and decreased expression levels in the inner nuclear layer (INL) markers prox1a, vsx1, and sox2. Accordingly, we observed a significantly increased rate of cell apoptosis in the retina after bixafen exposure. Taken together, our data demonstrate that bixafen exhibits retinal developmental toxicity to zebrafish embryos/larvae, and thus, it may pose a significant environmental threat to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xiao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Wenhua Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, PR China.
| | - Jinfang Lu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Qiulan Luo
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, PR China
| | - He Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
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7
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West ER, Cepko CL. Development and diversification of bipolar interneurons in the mammalian retina. Dev Biol 2021; 481:30-42. [PMID: 34534525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The bipolar interneurons of the mammalian retina have evolved as a diverse set of cells with distinct subtype characteristics, which reflect specialized contributions to visual circuitry. Fifteen subtypes of bipolar interneurons have been identified in the mouse retina, each with characteristic gene expression, morphology, and light responses. This review provides an overview of the developmental events that underlie the generation of the diverse bipolar cell class, summarizing the current knowledge of genetic programs that establish and maintain bipolar subtype fates, as well as the events that shape the final distribution of bipolar subtypes. With much left to be discovered, bipolar interneurons present an ideal model system for studying the interplay between cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms that influence neuronal subtype development within the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R West
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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8
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Development of the vertebrate retinal direction-selective circuit. Dev Biol 2021; 477:273-283. [PMID: 34118273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina contains an array of neural circuits that detect distinct features in visual space. Direction-selective (DS) circuits are an evolutionarily conserved retinal circuit motif - from zebrafish to rodents to primates - specialized for motion detection. During retinal development, neuronal subtypes that wire DS circuits form exquisitely precise connections with each other to shape the output of retinal ganglion cells tuned for specific speeds and directions of motion. In this review, we follow the chronology of DS circuit development in the vertebrate retina, including the cellular, molecular, and activity-dependent mechanisms that regulate the formation of DS circuits, from cell birth and migration to synapse formation and refinement. We highlight recent findings that identify genetic programs critical for specifying neuronal subtypes within DS circuits and molecular interactions essential for responses along the cardinal axes of motion. Finally, we discuss the roles of DS circuits in visual behavior and in certain human visual disease conditions. As one of the best-characterized circuits in the vertebrate retina, DS circuits represent an ideal model system for studying the development of neural connectivity at the level of individual genes, cells, and behavior.
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9
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Baudouin C, Pelosi B, Courtoy GE, Achouri Y, Clotman F. Generation and characterization of a tamoxifen-inducible Vsx1-CreER T2 line to target V2 interneurons in the mouse developing spinal cord. Genesis 2021; 59:e23435. [PMID: 34080769 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the spinal cord, ventral interneurons regulate the activity of motor neurons, thereby controlling motor activities including locomotion. Interneurons arise during embryonic development from distinct progenitor domains orderly distributed along the dorso-ventral axis of the neural tube. The p2 progenitor domain generates at least five V2 interneuron populations. However, identification and characterization of all V2 populations remain currently incomplete and the mechanisms that control their development remain only partly understood. In this study, we report the generation of a Vsx1-CreERT2 BAC transgenic mouse line that drives CreERT2 recombinase expression mimicking endogenous Vsx1 expression pattern in the developing spinal cord. We showed that the Vsx1-CreERT2 transgene can mediate recombination in V2 precursors with a high efficacy and specificity. Lineage tracing demonstrated that all the V2 interneurons in the mouse developing spinal cord derive from cells expressing Vsx1. Finally, we confirmed that V2 precursors generate additional V2 populations that are not characterized yet. Thus, the Vsx1-CreERT2 line described here is a useful genetic tool for lineage tracing and for functional studies of the mouse spinal V2 interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Baudouin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume E Courtoy
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Younes Achouri
- de Duve Institute, Transgenic Core Facility, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Lahne M, Brecker M, Jones SE, Hyde DR. The Regenerating Adult Zebrafish Retina Recapitulates Developmental Fate Specification Programs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:617923. [PMID: 33598455 PMCID: PMC7882614 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.617923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult zebrafish possess the remarkable capacity to regenerate neurons. In the damaged zebrafish retina, Müller glia reprogram and divide to produce neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) that proliferate and differentiate into both lost neuronal cell types and those unaffected by the damage stimulus, which suggests that developmental specification/differentiation programs might be recapitulated during regeneration. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that developmental competence factors are expressed following photoreceptor damage induced by intense light or in a genetic rod photoreceptor cell ablation model. In both light- and N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-damaged adult zebrafish retinas, NPCs, but not proliferating Müller glia, expressed fluorescent reporters controlled by promoters of ganglion (atoh7), amacrine (ptf1a), bipolar (vsx1), or red cone photoreceptor cell competence factors (thrb) in a temporal expression sequence. In both damage paradigms, atoh7:GFP was expressed first, followed by ptf1a:EGFP and lastly, vsx1:GFP, whereas thrb:Tomato was observed in NPCs at the same time as ptf1a:GFP following light damage but shifted alongside vsx1:GFP in the NMDA-damaged retina. Moreover, HuC/D, indicative of ganglion and amacrine cell differentiation, colocalized with atoh7:GFP prior to ptf1a:GFP expression in the ganglion cell layer, which was followed by Zpr-1 expression (red/green cone photoreceptors) in thrb:Tomato-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer in both damage paradigms, mimicking the developmental differentiation sequence. However, comparing NMDA- to light-damaged retinas, the fraction of PCNA-positive cells expressing atoh7:GFP increased, that of thrb:Tomato and vsx1:GFP decreased, and that of ptf1a:GFP remained similar. To summarize, developmental cell specification programs were recapitulated during retinal regeneration, which adapted to account for the cell type lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Lahne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Margaret Brecker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Stuart E Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - David R Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.,Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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11
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Debrulle S, Baudouin C, Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Pelosi B, Francius C, Rucchin V, Ronellenfitch K, Chow RL, Tissir F, Lee SK, Clotman F. Vsx1 and Chx10 paralogs sequentially secure V2 interneuron identity during spinal cord development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4117-4131. [PMID: 31822965 PMCID: PMC11104857 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Paralog factors are usually described as consolidating biological systems by displaying redundant functionality in the same cells. Here, we report that paralogs can also cooperate in distinct cell populations at successive stages of differentiation. In mouse embryonic spinal cord, motor neurons and V2 interneurons differentiate from adjacent progenitor domains that share identical developmental determinants. Therefore, additional strategies secure respective cell fate. In particular, Hb9 promotes motor neuron identity while inhibiting V2 differentiation, whereas Chx10 stimulates V2a differentiation while repressing motor neuron fate. However, Chx10 is not present at the onset of V2 differentiation and in other V2 populations. In the present study, we show that Vsx1, the single paralog of Chx10, which is produced earlier than Chx10 in V2 precursors, can inhibit motor neuron differentiation and promote V2 interneuron production. However, the single absence of Vsx1 does not impact on V2 fate consolidation, suggesting that lack of Vsx1 may be compensated by other factors. Nevertheless, Vsx1 cooperates with Chx10 to prevent motor neuron differentiation in early V2 precursors although these two paralog factors are not produced in the same cells. Hence, this study uncovers an original situation, namely labor division, wherein paralog genes cooperate at successive steps of neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Debrulle
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Baudouin
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Hidalgo-Figueroa
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Area of Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Investigación E Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz (INiBICA), University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Francius
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
- PAREXEL International, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Rucchin
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Robert L Chow
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Fadel Tissir
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Oregon Health and Science University, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute and Vollum Institute, Portland, USA
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Goodson NB, Kaufman MA, Park KU, Brzezinski JA. Simultaneous deletion of Prdm1 and Vsx2 enhancers in the retina alters photoreceptor and bipolar cell fate specification, yet differs from deleting both genes. Development 2020; 147:dev190272. [PMID: 32541005 PMCID: PMC10666920 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor OTX2 is required for photoreceptor and bipolar cell formation in the retina. It directly activates the transcription factors Prdm1 and Vsx2 through cell type-specific enhancers. PRDM1 and VSX2 work in opposition, such that PRDM1 promotes photoreceptor fate and VSX2 bipolar cell fate. To determine how OTX2+ cell fates are regulated in mice, we deleted Prdm1 and Vsx2 or their cell type-specific enhancers simultaneously using a CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo retina electroporation strategy. Double gene or enhancer targeting effectively removed PRDM1 and VSX2 protein expression. However, double enhancer targeting favored bipolar fate outcomes, whereas double gene targeting favored photoreceptor fate. Both conditions generated excess amacrine cells. Combined, these fate changes suggest that photoreceptors are a default fate outcome in OTX2+ cells and that VSX2 must be present in a narrow temporal window to drive bipolar cell formation. Prdm1 and Vsx2 also appear to redundantly restrict the competence of OTX2+ cells, preventing amacrine cell formation. By taking a combinatorial deletion approach of both coding sequences and enhancers, our work provides new insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms that control cell fate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Goodson
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael A Kaufman
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ko U Park
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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13
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Abstract
Keratoconus, a progressive corneal ectasia, is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental risk factors. The exact etiology is not known and is likely variable between individuals. Conditions such as hay fever and allergy are associated with increased risk, while diabetes may be protective. Behaviors such as eye rubbing are also implicated, but direct causality has not been proven. Genetics plays a major role in risk for some individuals, with many large pedigrees showing autosomal inheritance patterns. Several genes have been implicated using linkage and follow-up sequencing in these families. Genome-wide association studies for keratoconus and for quantitative traits such as central corneal thickness have identified several genetic loci that contribute to a cumulative risk for keratoconus, even in people without a family history of the disease. Identification of risk genes for keratoconus is improving our understanding of the biology of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sionne E M Lucas
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia;
| | - Kathryn P Burdon
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia;
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14
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Umutoni D, Iwagawa T, Baba Y, Tsuhako A, Honda H, Aihara M, Watanabe S. H3K27me3 demethylase UTX regulates the differentiation of a subset of bipolar cells in the mouse retina. Genes Cells 2020; 25:402-412. [PMID: 32215989 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Di- and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me2/3) is a critical gene repression mechanism. We previously showed that down-regulation of the H3K27 demethylase, Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3), resulted in a reduced number of protein kinase C (PKC)α-positive rod ON-bipolar cells. In this work, we focused on the role of another H3K27 demethylase, ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat X chromosome (UTX), in retinal development. UTX was expressed in the retinal progenitor cells of the embryonic mouse retina and was observed in the inner nuclear layer during late retinal development and in the mature retina. The short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of Utx in a mouse retinal explant led to a reduced number of PKCα-positive rod ON-bipolar cells. However, other retinal subtypes were unaffected by this knockdown. Using a retina-specific knockout of Utx in mice, the in vivo effects of UTX down-regulation were examined. Again, the number of PKCα-positive rod ON-bipolar cells was reduced, and no other apparent phenotypes, including retinal progenitor proliferation, apoptosis or differentiation, were observed. Finally, we examined retina-specific Utx and Jmjd3 double-knockout mice and found that although the number of rod ON-bipolar cells was reduced, no additional effects from the loss of Utx and Jmjd3 were observed. Taken together, our data show that UTX contributes to retinal differentiation in a lineage-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Umutoni
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Iwagawa
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Baba
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asano Tsuhako
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Inherited Eye Diseases with Retinal Manifestations through the Eyes of Homeobox Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1602. [PMID: 32111086 PMCID: PMC7084737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal development is under the coordinated control of overlapping networks of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The paper was conceived as a review of the data and ideas that have been formed to date on homeobox genes mutations that lead to the disruption of eye organogenesis and result in inherited eye/retinal diseases. Many of these diseases are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity with already identified associated genes. We summarize the known key regulators of eye development, with a focus on the homeobox genes associated with monogenic eye diseases showing retinal manifestations. Recent advances in the field of genetics and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell transcriptome analysis have allowed for deepening of knowledge of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), as well as improve their diagnostics. We highlight some promising avenues of research involving molecular-genetic and cell-technology approaches that can be effective for IRDs therapy. The most promising neuroprotective strategies are aimed at mobilizing the endogenous cellular reserve of the retina.
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16
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Quinn PM, Wijnholds J. Retinogenesis of the Human Fetal Retina: An Apical Polarity Perspective. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E987. [PMID: 31795518 PMCID: PMC6947654 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Crumbs complex has prominent roles in the control of apical cell polarity, in the coupling of cell density sensing to downstream cell signaling pathways, and in regulating junctional structures and cell adhesion. The Crumbs complex acts as a conductor orchestrating multiple downstream signaling pathways in epithelial and neuronal tissue development. These pathways lead to the regulation of cell size, cell fate, cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, migration, mitosis, and apoptosis. In retinogenesis, these are all pivotal processes with important roles for the Crumbs complex to maintain proper spatiotemporal cell processes. Loss of Crumbs function in the retina results in loss of the stratified appearance resulting in retinal degeneration and loss of visual function. In this review, we begin by discussing the physiology of vision. We continue by outlining the processes of retinogenesis and how well this is recapitulated between the human fetal retina and human embryonic stem cell (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids. Additionally, we discuss the functionality of in utero and preterm human fetal retina and the current level of functionality as detected in human stem cell-derived organoids. We discuss the roles of apical-basal cell polarity in retinogenesis with a focus on Leber congenital amaurosis which leads to blindness shortly after birth. Finally, we discuss Crumbs homolog (CRB)-based gene augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M.J. Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Langer BE, Hiller M. TFforge utilizes large-scale binding site divergence to identify transcriptional regulators involved in phenotypic differences. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e19. [PMID: 30496469 PMCID: PMC6393245 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene regulation are important for phenotypic and in particular morphological evolution. However, it remains challenging to identify the transcription factors (TFs) that contribute to differences in gene regulation and thus to phenotypic differences between species. Here, we present TFforge (Transcription Factor forward genomics), a computational method to identify TFs that are involved in the loss of phenotypic traits. TFforge screens an input set of regulatory genomic regions to detect TFs that exhibit a significant binding site divergence signature in species that lost a particular phenotypic trait. Using simulated data of modular and pleiotropic regulatory elements, we show that TFforge can identify the correct TFs for many different evolutionary scenarios. We applied TFforge to available eye regulatory elements to screen for TFs that exhibit a significant binding site decay signature in subterranean mammals. This screen identified interacting and co-binding eye-related TFs, and thus provides new insights into which TFs likely contribute to eye degeneration in these species. TFforge has broad applicability to identify the TFs that contribute to phenotypic changes between species, and thus can help to unravel the gene-regulatory differences that underlie phenotypic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn E Langer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
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18
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Hu Y, Wang X, Hu B, Mao Y, Chen Y, Yan L, Yong J, Dong J, Wei Y, Wang W, Wen L, Qiao J, Tang F. Dissecting the transcriptome landscape of the human fetal neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium by single-cell RNA-seq analysis. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000365. [PMID: 31269016 PMCID: PMC6634428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental pathway of the neural retina (NR) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been revealed by extensive research in mice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the human NR and RPE, as well as the interactions between these two tissues, have not been well defined. Here, we analyzed 2,421 individual cells from human fetal NR and RPE using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique and revealed the tightly regulated spatiotemporal gene expression network of human retinal cells. We identified major cell classes of human fetal retina and potential crucial transcription factors for each cell class. We dissected the dynamic expression patterns of visual cycle- and ligand-receptor interaction-related genes in the RPE and NR. Moreover, we provided a map of disease-related genes for human fetal retinal cells and highlighted the importance of retinal progenitor cells as potential targets of inherited retinal diseases. Our findings captured the key in vivo features of the development of the human NR and RPE and offered insightful clues for further functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Boqiang Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunuo Mao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yidong Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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19
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Litke AM, Samuelson S, Delaney KR, Sauvé Y, Chow RL. Investigating the Pathogenicity of VSX1 Missense Mutations and Their Association With Corneal Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5824-5835. [PMID: 30535423 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Despite numerous studies associating Visual System Homeobox 1 (VSX1), with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy and keratoconus, its role in these diseases is unclear. Here we examine the pathogenicity of VSX1 missense mutations in vitro and in a mouse genetic model. Methods Vsx1 transcriptional repressor activity, protein stability, and subcellular localization activity, was examined using luciferase reporter-based assays, western blotting and immunolabeling, respectively, in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T cells. A genetic model for VSX1 p.P247R was generated to investigate pathogenicity of the mutation, in vivo. A wholemount confocal imaging approach on unfixed intact eyes was developed to examine corneal morphology, curvature, and thickness. Immunolabeling and electroretinography was used to examine retinal phenotype. Results A mutation corresponding to human VSX1 p.P247R led to enhanced transcriptional repressor activity, in vitro. A mouse model for VSX1 p.P247R did not have any observable corneal defect, but did exhibit an abnormal electroretinogram response characterized by a more prominent ON as opposed to OFF panretinal responsiveness. In vitro analysis of additional VSX1 missense mutations showed that they either enhanced repressor activity or did not alter activity. Conclusions Our results indicate that although VSX1 sequence variants can alter transcriptional activity, in the context of a mouse genetic model, at least one of these changes does not lead to corneal abnormalities. While we cannot exclude a role for VSX1 as a risk factor for corneal disease, on its own, it does not appear to play a major causative role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Samuelson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kerry R Delaney
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yves Sauvé
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert L Chow
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Kowalchuk AM, Maurer KA, Shoja-Taheri F, Brown NL. Requirements for Neurogenin2 during mouse postnatal retinal neurogenesis. Dev Biol 2018; 442:220-235. [PMID: 30048641 PMCID: PMC6143394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic retinal development, the bHLH factor Neurog2 regulates the temporal progression of neurogenesis, but no role has been assigned for this gene in the postnatal retina. Using Neurog2 conditional mutants, we found that Neurog2 is necessary for the development of an early, embryonic cohort of rod photoreceptors, but also required by both a subset of cone bipolar subtypes, and rod bipolars. Using transcriptomics, we identified a subset of downregulated genes in P2 Neurog2 mutants, which act during rod differentiation, outer segment morphogenesis or visual processing. We also uncovered defects in neuronal cell culling, which suggests that the rod and bipolar cell phenotypes may arise via more complex mechanisms rather than a simple cell fate shift. However, given an overall phenotypic resemblance between Neurog2 and Blimp1 mutants, we explored the relationship between these two factors. We found that Blimp1 is downregulated between E12-birth in Neurog2 mutants, which probably reflects a dependence on Neurog2 in embryonic progenitor cells. Overall, we conclude that the Neurog2 gene is expressed and active prior to birth, but also exerts an influence on postnatal retinal neuron differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica M Kowalchuk
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kate A Maurer
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Farnaz Shoja-Taheri
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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21
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Kawamura Y, Yamanaka K, Poh B, Kuribayashi H, Koso H, Watanabe S. The role of Zhx2 transcription factor in bipolar cell differentiation during mouse retinal development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:3023-3030. [PMID: 30146259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We found that the Zhx2 gene (whose product is known to act as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma) is expressed in embryonic retinal progenitors and in developing cone bipolar cells in the postnatal retina, as well as in Müller glia in the mature retina. To examine the functions of Zhx2 protein during retinal development, we performed loss- and gain-of-function analyses using a retinal explant culture system. We introduced a plasmid encoding Zhx2 shRNA into isolated mouse retinas at E17.5, and the retinas were cultured as explants. After 3 days of culture, proliferation was slightly enhanced, leading to retinas thicker than in the control, but this phenomenon was observed only transiently. After 14 days of the culture, the thickness and gross morphology of retinas expressing sh-Zhx2 were indistinguishable from those of the control. The numbers of rod cells, amacrine cells, and Müller glia were the same in both groups. However, although the total number of bipolar cells was the same, the experimental group saw an increased population of ON bipolar cells, and decreased numbers of a subset of OFF bipolar cells. We also examined the effects of overexpression of Zhx2. Although Zhx2 acts as a tumor suppressor, its overexpression in developing retinas did not lead to any discernible difference in retinal thickness, suggesting that proliferation activity was not affected. After 14 days of explant culture, the total number of bipolar cells decreased, and subset composition was altered. Taken together, these results suggest that Zhx2 plays roles in the regulation of bipolar cell subset fate determination during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Kawamura
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyohei Yamanaka
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Boonmin Poh
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kuribayashi
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideto Koso
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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22
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Loukovitis E, Sfakianakis K, Syrmakesi P, Tsotridou E, Orfanidou M, Bakaloudi DR, Stoila M, Kozei A, Koronis S, Zachariadis Z, Tranos P, Kozeis N, Balidis M, Gatzioufas Z, Fiska A, Anogeianakis G. Genetic Aspects of Keratoconus: A Literature Review Exploring Potential Genetic Contributions and Possible Genetic Relationships with Comorbidities. Ophthalmol Ther 2018; 7:263-292. [PMID: 30191404 PMCID: PMC6258591 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-018-0144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Keratoconus (KC) is a complex, genetically heterogeneous, multifactorial degenerative disorder that is accompanied by corneal ectasia which usually progresses asymmetrically. With an incidence of approximately 1 per 2000 and 2 cases per 100,000 population presenting annually, KC follows an autosomal recessive or dominant pattern of inheritance and is, apparently, associated with genes that interact with environmental, genetic, and/or other factors. This is an important consideration in refractive surgery in the case of familial KC, given the association of KC with other genetic disorders and the imbalance between dizygotic twins. The present review attempts to identify the genetic loci contributing to the different KC clinical presentations and relate them to the common genetically determined comorbidities associated with KC. Methods The PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and GeneCards databases were screened for KC-related articles published in English between January 2006 and November 2017. Keyword combinations of “keratoconus,” “risk factor(s),” “genetics,” “genes,” “genetic association(s),” and “cornea” were used. In total, 217 articles were retrieved and analyzed, with greater weight placed on the more recent literature. Further bibliographic research based on the 217 articles revealed another 124 relevant articles that were included in this review. Using the reviewed literature, an attempt was made to correlate genes and genetic risk factors with KC characteristics and genetically related comorbidities associated with KC based on genome-wide association studies, family-based linkage analysis, and candidate-gene approaches. Results An association matrix between known KC-related genes and KC symptoms and/or clinical signs together with an association matrix between identified KC genes and genetically related KC comorbidities/syndromes were constructed. Conclusion Twenty-four genes were identified as potential contributors to KC and 49 KC-related comorbidities/syndromes were found. More than 85% of the known KC-related genes are involved in glaucoma, Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders, endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, and cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Sfakianakis
- Division of Surgical Anatomy, Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiota Syrmakesi
- AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Eleni Tsotridou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Myrsini Orfanidou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Maria Stoila
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Athina Kozei
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,School of Pharmacology, University of Nicosia, Makedonitissis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zisis Gatzioufas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aliki Fiska
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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23
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Kautzman AG, Keeley PW, Borhanian S, Ackley CR, Reese BE. Genetic Control of Rod Bipolar Cell Number in the Mouse Retina. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:285. [PMID: 29867309 PMCID: PMC5954209 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants modulate the numbers of various retinal cell types in mice. For instance, there is minimal variation in the number of rod bipolar cells (RBCs) in two inbred strains of mice (A/J and C57BL/6J), yet their F1 offspring contain significantly more RBCs than either parental strain. To investigate the genetic source of this variation, we mapped the variation in the number of RBCs across 24 genetically distinct recombinant inbred (RI) strains (the AXB/BXA strain-set), seeking to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL). We then sought to identify candidate genes and potential casual variants at those genomic loci. Variation in RBC number mapped to three genomic loci, each modulating cell number in excess of one-third of the range observed across the RI strains. At each of these loci, we identified candidate genes containing variants that might alter gene function or expression. The latter genes were also analyzed using a transcriptome database, revealing a subset for which expression correlated with variation in RBC number. Using an electroporation strategy, we demonstrate that early postnatal expression of one of them, Ggct (gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase), modulates bipolar cell number. We identify candidate regulatory variants for this gene, finding a large structural variant (SV) in the putative promoter that reduces expression using a luciferase assay. This SV reducing Ggct expression in vitro is likely the causal variant within the gene associated with the variation in Ggct expression in vivo, implicating it as a quantitative trait variant (QTV) participating in the control of RBC number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Kautzman
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Patrick W Keeley
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Sarra Borhanian
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Caroline R Ackley
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin E Reese
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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24
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Moussa S, Grabner G, Ruckhofer J, Dietrich M, Reitsamer H. Genetics in Keratoconus - What is New? Open Ophthalmol J 2017; 11:201-210. [PMID: 28932336 PMCID: PMC5585456 DOI: 10.2174/1874364101711010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Keratoconus is characterized as a bilateral, progressive, non-inflammatory thinning of the cornea resulting in blurred vision due to irregular astigmatism. Keratoconus has a multifactorial etiology, with multiple genetic and environmental components contributing to the disease pathophysiology. Several genomic loci and genes have been identified that highlight the complex molecular etiology of this disease. Conclusion: The review focuses on current knowledge of these genetic risk factors associated with keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moussa
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Günther Grabner
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josef Ruckhofer
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marie Dietrich
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Herbert Reitsamer
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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25
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Mas Tur V, MacGregor C, Jayaswal R, O'Brart D, Maycock N. A review of keratoconus: Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and genetics. Surv Ophthalmol 2017; 62:770-783. [PMID: 28688894 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We discuss new approaches to the early detection of keratoconus and recent investigations regarding the nature of its pathophysiology. We review the current evidence for its complex genetics and evaluate the presently identified genes/loci and potential candidate gene/loci. In addition, we highlight current research methodologies that may be used to further elucidate the pathogenesis of keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Mas Tur
- Eye Department, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl MacGregor
- Eye Department, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Jayaswal
- Eye Department, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - David O'Brart
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Maycock
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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26
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Li Y, Hao H, Swerdel MR, Cho HY, Lee KB, Hart RP, Lyu YL, Cai L. Top2b is involved in the formation of outer segment and synapse during late-stage photoreceptor differentiation by controlling key genes of photoreceptor transcriptional regulatory network. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:1951-1964. [PMID: 28370415 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Topoisomerase II beta (Top2b) is an enzyme that alters the topologic states of DNA during transcription. Top2b deletion in early retinal progenitor cells causes severe defects in neural differentiation and affects cell survival in all retinal cell types. However, it is unclear whether the observed severe phenotypes are the result of cell-autonomous/primary defects or non-cell-autonomous/secondary defects caused by alterations of other retinal cells. Using photoreceptor cells as a model, we first characterized the phenotypes in Top2b conditional knockout. Top2b deletion leads to malformation of photoreceptor outer segments (OSs) and synapses accompanied by dramatic cell loss at late-stage photoreceptor differentiation. Then, we performed mosaic analysis with shRNA-mediated Top2b knockdown in neonatal retina using in vivo electroportation to target rod photoreceptors in neonatal retina. Top2b knockdown causes defective OS without causing a dramatic cell loss, suggesting a Top2b cell-autonomous function. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis reveals that Top2b controls the expression of key genes in the photoreceptor gene-regulatory network (e.g., Crx, Nr2e3, Opn1sw, Vsx2) and retinopathy-related genes (e.g., Abca4, Bbs7, Pde6b). Together, our data establish a combinatorial cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous role for Top2b in the late stage of photoreceptor differentiation and maturation. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Hailing Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Mavis R Swerdel
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Hyeon-Yeol Cho
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Ki-Bum Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Yi Lisa Lyu
- Office of Research Commercialization, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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27
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Chen HS, Hsu CY, Chang YC, Chuang HY, Long CY, Hsieh TH, Tsai EM. Benzyl butyl phthalate decreases myogenic differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells through miR-137-mediated regulation of PITX2. Sci Rep 2017; 7:186. [PMID: 28298639 PMCID: PMC5428022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalate, an environmental toxin, has been considered as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Growing evidence has demonstrated links between endocrine-disrupting chemicals, tissue development, and reproductive physiology, but the mechanisms of gene expression regulation by environmental factors that affect cell differentiation are unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on human endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (EN-MSC) differentiation and identified a novel signaling pathway. Differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells decreased after administration of BBP. We analyzed BBP regulation of gene expression in EN-MSC using cDNA microarrays and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software to identify affected target genes and their biological functions. PITX2 emerged as a common gene hit from separate screens targeting skeletal and muscular disorders, cell morphology, and tissue development. BBP decreased transcription of PITX2 and elevated expression of the microRNA miR-137, the predicted upstream negative regulator of PITX2. These data indicated that BBP affects PITX2 expression through miR-137 targeting of the 3' untranslated region of PITX2 mRNA. PITX2 down-regulation also decreased MyoD transcript levels in EN-MSC. Our results demonstrate that BBP decreases EN-MSC myogenic differentiation through up-regulation of miR-137, contribute to our understanding of EN-MSC differentiation, and underline the hazardous potential of environmental hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Sheng Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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28
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Andreichenko IN, Zinov’eva RD. Expression of Vsx transcription factors in the morphogenesis of retina in the chicken Gallus domesticus. BIOL BULL+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359017020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Shekhar K, Lapan SW, Whitney IE, Tran NM, Macosko EZ, Kowalczyk M, Adiconis X, Levin JZ, Nemesh J, Goldman M, McCarroll SA, Cepko CL, Regev A, Sanes JR. Comprehensive Classification of Retinal Bipolar Neurons by Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Cell 2016; 166:1308-1323.e30. [PMID: 27565351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 710] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of gene expression can be used to characterize and classify neuronal types. It is challenging, however, to generate taxonomies that fulfill the essential criteria of being comprehensive, harmonizing with conventional classification schemes, and lacking superfluous subdivisions of genuine types. To address these challenges, we used massively parallel single-cell RNA profiling and optimized computational methods on a heterogeneous class of neurons, mouse retinal bipolar cells (BCs). From a population of ∼25,000 BCs, we derived a molecular classification that identified 15 types, including all types observed previously and two novel types, one of which has a non-canonical morphology and position. We validated the classification scheme and identified dozens of novel markers using methods that match molecular expression to cell morphology. This work provides a systematic methodology for achieving comprehensive molecular classification of neurons, identifies novel neuronal types, and uncovers transcriptional differences that distinguish types within a class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Shekhar
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sylvain W Lapan
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Irene E Whitney
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA
| | - Nicholas M Tran
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA
| | - Evan Z Macosko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Xian Adiconis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joshua Z Levin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - James Nemesh
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven A McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Department of Biology and Koch Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA.
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30
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Karolak JA, Gajecka M. Genomic strategies to understand causes of keratoconus. Mol Genet Genomics 2016; 292:251-269. [PMID: 28032277 PMCID: PMC5357269 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-016-1283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KTCN) is a degenerative disorder of the eye characterized by the conical shape and thinning of the cornea. The abnormal structure of KTCN-affected cornea results in loss of visual acuity. While many studies examine how environmental factors influence disease development, finding the genetic triggers has been a major emphasis of KTCN research. This paper focuses on genomic strategies that were implemented for finding candidate genes, including linkage and association studies, and presents different approaches of mutation screening. The advantages and limitations of particular tools are discussed based on literature and personal experience. Since etiology underlying KTCN is complex, numerous findings indicating heterogeneity of genetic factors involved KTCN etiology are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna A Karolak
- Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, Poznan, 60-781, Poland.,Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, Poznan, 60-479, Poland
| | - Marzena Gajecka
- Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, Poznan, 60-781, Poland. .,Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, Poznan, 60-479, Poland.
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31
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Francius C, Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Debrulle S, Pelosi B, Rucchin V, Ronellenfitch K, Panayiotou E, Makrides N, Misra K, Harris A, Hassani H, Schakman O, Parras C, Xiang M, Malas S, Chow RL, Clotman F. Vsx1 Transiently Defines an Early Intermediate V2 Interneuron Precursor Compartment in the Mouse Developing Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:145. [PMID: 28082864 PMCID: PMC5183629 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal ventral interneurons regulate the activity of motor neurons, thereby controlling motor activities. Interneurons arise during embryonic development from distinct progenitor domains distributed orderly along the dorso-ventral axis of the neural tube. A single ventral progenitor population named p2 generates at least five V2 interneuron subsets. Whether the diversification of V2 precursors into multiple subsets occurs within the p2 progenitor domain or involves a later compartment of early-born V2 interneurons remains unsolved. Here, we provide evidence that the p2 domain produces an intermediate V2 precursor compartment characterized by the transient expression of the transcriptional repressor Vsx1. These cells display an original repertoire of cellular markers distinct from that of any V2 interneuron population. They have exited the cell cycle but have not initiated neuronal differentiation. They coexpress Vsx1 and Foxn4, suggesting that they can generate the known V2 interneuron populations as well as possible additional V2 subsets. Unlike V2 interneurons, the generation of Vsx1-positive precursors does not depend on the Notch signaling pathway but expression of Vsx1 in these cells requires Pax6. Hence, the p2 progenitor domain generates an intermediate V2 precursor compartment, characterized by the presence of the transcriptional repressor Vsx1, that contributes to V2 interneuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Francius
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - María Hidalgo-Figueroa
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Debrulle
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Rucchin
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Kamana Misra
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Audrey Harris
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - Hessameh Hassani
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM)Paris, France
| | - Olivier Schakman
- Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
| | - Carlos Parras
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM)Paris, France
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscataway, NJ, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Stavros Malas
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and GeneticsNicosia, Cyprus
| | - Robert L. Chow
- Department of Biology, University of VictoriaVictoria, BC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de LouvainBrussels, Belgium
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32
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Della Santina L, Kuo SP, Yoshimatsu T, Okawa H, Suzuki SC, Hoon M, Tsuboyama K, Rieke F, Wong ROL. Glutamatergic Monopolar Interneurons Provide a Novel Pathway of Excitation in the Mouse Retina. Curr Biol 2016; 26:2070-2077. [PMID: 27426514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the CNS are distinguished by several features, including morphology, transmitter content, and synapse architecture [1]. Such distinctions are exemplified in the vertebrate retina. Retinal bipolar cells are polarized glutamatergic neurons receiving direct photoreceptor input, whereas amacrine cells are usually monopolar inhibitory interneurons with synapses almost exclusively in the inner retina [2]. Bipolar but not amacrine cell synapses have presynaptic ribbon-like structures at their transmitter release sites. We identified a monopolar interneuron in the mouse retina that resembles amacrine cells morphologically but is glutamatergic and, unexpectedly, makes ribbon synapses. These glutamatergic monopolar interneurons (GluMIs) do not receive direct photoreceptor input, and their light responses are strongly shaped by both ON and OFF pathway-derived inhibitory input. GluMIs contact and make almost as many synapses as type 2 OFF bipolar cells onto OFF-sustained A-type (AOFF-S) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, GluMIs and type 2 OFF bipolar cells possess functionally distinct light-driven responses and may therefore mediate separate components of the excitatory synaptic input to AOFF-S RGCs. The identification of GluMIs thus unveils a novel cellular component of excitatory circuits in the vertebrate retina, underscoring the complexity in defining cell types even in this well-characterized region of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Della Santina
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA; Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sidney P Kuo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA
| | - Takeshi Yoshimatsu
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA
| | - Haruhisa Okawa
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA
| | - Sachihiro C Suzuki
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA
| | - Kotaro Tsuboyama
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA
| | - Rachel O L Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7420, USA.
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33
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Transitional Progenitors during Vertebrate Retinogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3565-3576. [PMID: 27194297 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a delicate neural tissue responsible for light signal capturing, modulating, and passing to mid-brain. The brain then translated the signals into three-dimensional vision. The mature retina is composed of more than 50 subtypes of cells, all of which are developed from a pool of early multipotent retinal progenitors, which pass through sequential statuses of oligopotent, bipotent, and unipotent progenitors, and finally become terminally differentiated retinal cells. A transitional progenitor model is proposed here to describe how intrinsic developmental programs, along with environmental cues, control the step-by-step differentiation during retinogenesis. The model could elegantly explain many current findings as well as predict roles of intrinsic factors during retinal development.
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34
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Gayet-Primo J, Puthussery T. Alterations in Kainate Receptor and TRPM1 Localization in Bipolar Cells after Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:486. [PMID: 26733812 PMCID: PMC4686838 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration differentially impacts glutamatergic signaling in downstream On and Off bipolar cells. In rodent models, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of glutamatergic signaling in On bipolar cells, whereas Off bipolar cells appear to retain glutamate sensitivity, even after extensive photoreceptor loss. The localization and identity of the receptors that mediate these residual glutamate responses in Off bipolar cells have not been determined. Recent studies show that macaque and mouse Off bipolar cells receive glutamatergic input primarily through kainate-type glutamate receptors. Here, we studied the impact of photoreceptor degeneration on glutamate receptor and their associated proteins in Off and On bipolar cells. We show that the kainate receptor subunit, GluK1, persists in remodeled Off bipolar cell dendrites of the rd10 mouse retina. However, the pattern of expression is altered and the intensity of staining is reduced compared to wild-type retina. The kainate receptor auxiliary subunit, Neto1, also remains in Off bipolar cell dendrites after extensive photoreceptor degeneration. Similar preservation of kainate receptor subunits was evident in human retina in which photoreceptors had degenerated due to serous retinal detachment. In contrast, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of synaptic expression of TRPM1 in mouse and human On bipolar cells, but strong somatic expression remains. These findings demonstrate that Off bipolar cells retain dendritic glutamate receptors during retinal degeneration and could thus serve as a conduit for signal transmission from transplanted or optogenetically restored photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Gayet-Primo
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Theresa Puthussery
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR, USA
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35
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Chidlow G, Wood JPM, Knoops B, Casson RJ. Expression and distribution of peroxiredoxins in the retina and optic nerve. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3903-3925. [PMID: 26501408 PMCID: PMC5065902 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is implicated in various pathological conditions of the retina and optic nerve. Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) comprise a recently characterized family of antioxidant enzymes. To date, little information exists regarding the distribution of Prdxs in the eye. Herein, we employed a combination of qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to determine the level of expression and distribution of the six Prdx isoforms in the retina and optic nerve of the rat. In addition, we performed some parallel analyses on the common marmoset (Callithrix Jacchus). In the rat, all of the Prdx transcripts were expressed in relatively high amounts in both retina and optic nerve, with abundances ranging from approximately 3–50 % of the level of the housekeeping gene cyclophilin. With regard to protein expression, each isoform was detected in the retina and optic nerve by either Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry. Excepting Prdx4, there was a good correspondence between the rodent and primate results. In the retina, Prdx1 and Prdx2 were principally localized to neurons in the inner nuclear layer and cone photoreceptors, Prdx3 and Prdx5 displayed characteristic mitochondrial immunolabeling, while Prdx6 was associated with astrocytes and Müller cells. In the optic nerve, Prdx1 was robustly expressed by oligodendrocytes, Prdx3 and Prdx5 were observed in axons, and Prdx6 was restricted to astrocytes. The present findings augment our understanding of the distribution and expression of the Prdxs in the retina and optic nerve of rodents and primates and lay the foundation for subsequent analysis of their involvement in relevant blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glyn Chidlow
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Hanson Institute Centre for Neurological Diseases, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - John P M Wood
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Hanson Institute Centre for Neurological Diseases, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Bernard Knoops
- Group of Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institut des Sciences de la Vie (ISV), Université catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Robert J Casson
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Hanson Institute Centre for Neurological Diseases, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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Sun L, Li H, Xu X, Xiao G, Luo C. MicroRNA-20a is essential for normal embryogenesis by targeting vsx1 mRNA in fish. RNA Biol 2015; 12:615-27. [PMID: 25833418 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1034919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are major post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and have essential roles in diverse developmental processes. In vertebrates, some regulatory genes play different roles at different developmental stages. These genes are initially transcribed in a wide embryonic region but restricted within distinct cell types at subsequent stages during development. Therefore, post-transcriptional regulation is required for the transition from one developmental stage to the next and the establishment of different cell identities. However, the regulation of many multiple functional genes at post-transcription level during development remains unknown. Here we show that miR-20a can target the mRNA of vsx1, a multiple functional gene, at the 3'-UTR and inhibit protein expression in both goldfish and zebrafish. The expression of miR-20a is initiated ubiquitously at late gastrula stage and exhibits a tissue-specific pattern in the developing retina. Inhibition of vsx1 3'-UTR mediated protein expression occurs when and where miR-20a is expressed. Decoying miR-20a resulted in severely impaired head, eye and trunk formation in association with excessive generation of vsx1 marked neurons in the spinal cord and defects of somites in the mesoderm region. These results demonstrate that miR-20a is essential for normal embryogenesis by restricting Vsx1 expression in goldfish and zebrafish, and that post-transcriptional regulation is an essential mechanism for Vsx1 playing different roles in diverse developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sun
- a College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
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Synowiec E, Wójcik KA, Czubatka A, Polakowski P, Izdebska J, Szaflik J, Błasiak J, Szaflik JP. Lack of association between polymorphisms of the DNA base excision repair genes MUTYH and hOGG1 and keratoconus in a Polish subpopulation. Arch Med Sci 2015; 11:1101-10. [PMID: 26528356 PMCID: PMC4624754 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2015.54867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Keratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory thinning of the cornea and a leading indication for corneal transplantation. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The products of the hOGG1 and MUTYH genes play an important role in the repair of oxidatively modified DNA in the base excision repair pathway. We hypothesized that variability in these genes may change susceptibility to oxidative stress and predispose individuals to the development of KC. We investigated the possible association between the c.977C>G polymorphism of the hOGG1 gene (rs1052133) and the c.972G>C polymorphism of the MUTYH gene (rs3219489) and KC occurrence as well as the modulation of this association by some KC risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 205 patients with KC and 220 controls were included in this study. The polymorphisms were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR-confronting two-pair primer techniques. Differences in genotype and allele frequency distributions were evaluated using the χ(2) test, and KC risk was estimated with an unconditional multiple logistic regression with and without adjustment for co-occurrence of visual impairment, allergies, sex and family history for KC. RESULTS We did not find any association between the genotypes and combined genotypes of the c.977C>G polymorphism of the hOGG1 gene and the c.972G>C polymorphism of the MUTYH gene and the occurrence of KC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the c.977C>G-hOGG1 polymorphism and the c.972G>C-MUTYH polymorphism may not be linked with KC occurrence in this Polish subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Synowiec
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Anna Czubatka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Polakowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Izdebska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Błasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jacek P. Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
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Chakraborty R, Park HN, Hanif AM, Sidhu CS, Iuvone PM, Pardue MT. ON pathway mutations increase susceptibility to form-deprivation myopia. Exp Eye Res 2015; 137:79-83. [PMID: 26072023 PMCID: PMC4523446 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The ON pathway mutation in nob mice is associated with altered refractive development, and an increased susceptibility to form-deprivation (FD) myopia. In this study, we used mGluR6-/- mice, another ON pathway mutant, to determine whether the nob phenotype was due to the Nyx mutation or abnormal ON pathway transmission. Refractive development under a normal visual environment for mGluR6-/- and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice was measured every 2 weeks from 4 to 16 weeks of age. The response to monocular FD from 4 weeks of age was measured weekly in a separate cohort of mice. Refraction and ocular biometry were obtained using a photorefractor and optical coherence tomography. Retinas were harvested at 16 weeks, and analyzed for dopamine (DA) and DOPAC using high-performance liquid chromatography. Under normal conditions, mGluR6-/- mice were significantly more myopic than their WT controls (refraction at 12 weeks; WT: 9.40 ± 0.16 D, mGluR6-/-: 6.91 ± 0.38 D). Similar to nob mice, two weeks of FD resulted in a significant myopic shift of -5.57 ± 0.72 D in mGluR6-/- mice compared to -1.66 ± 0.19 D in WT animals. No significant axial length changes were observed with either normal or FD visual conditions. At 16 weeks, mGluR6-/- retinas showed significantly lower DOPAC levels (111.2 ± 33.0 pg/mg) compared to their WT counterparts (197.5 ± 11.2 pg/mg). Retinal DA levels were similar between the different genotypes. Our results indicate that reduced retinal DA metabolism/turnover may be associated with increased susceptibility to myopia in mice with ON pathway defect mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjay Chakraborty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Han Na Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Adam M Hanif
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Curran S Sidhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Michael Iuvone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.
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Chakraborty R, Pardue MT. Molecular and Biochemical Aspects of the Retina on Refraction. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:249-67. [PMID: 26310159 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutant mouse models with specific visual pathway defects offer an advantage to comprehensively investigate the role of specific pathways/neurons involved in refractive development. In this review, we will focus on recent studies using mouse models that have provided insight into retinal pathways and neurotransmitters controlling refractive development. Specifically, we will examine the contributions of rod and cone photoreceptors and the ON and OFF retinal pathways to visually driven eye growth with emphasis on dopaminergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjay Chakraborty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Transcription factor PRDM8 is required for rod bipolar and type 2 OFF-cone bipolar cell survival and amacrine subtype identity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E3010-9. [PMID: 26023183 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1505870112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal bipolar (BP) cells mediate the earliest steps in image processing in the visual system, but the genetic pathways that regulate their development and function are incompletely known. We identified PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing 8 (PRDM8) as a highly conserved transcription factor that is abundantly expressed in mouse retina. During development and in maturity, PRDM8 is expressed strongly in BP cells and a fraction of amacrine and ganglion cells. To determine whether Prdm8 is essential to BP cell development or physiology, we targeted the gene in mice. Prdm8(EGFP/EGFP) mice showed nonprogressive b-wave deficits on electroretinograms, consistent with compromised BP cell function or circuitry resembling the incomplete form of human congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). BP cell specification was normal in Prdm8(EGFP/EGFP) retina as determined by VSX2(+) cell numbers and retinal morphology at postnatal day 6. BP subtype differentiation was impaired, however, as indicated by absent or diminished expression of BP subtype-specific markers, including the putative PRDM8 regulatory target PKCα (Prkca) and its protein. By adulthood, rod bipolar (RB) and type 2 OFF-cone bipolar (CB) cells were nearly absent from Prdm8-null mice. Although no change was detected in total amacrine cell (AC) numbers, increased PRKCA(+) and cholinergic ACs and decreased GABAergic ACs were seen, suggesting an alteration in amacrine subtype identity. These findings establish that PRDM8 is required for RB and type 2 OFF-CB cell survival and amacrine subtype identity, and they present PRDM8 as a candidate gene for human CSNB.
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The genetic and environmental factors for keratoconus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:795738. [PMID: 26075261 PMCID: PMC4449900 DOI: 10.1155/2015/795738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is the most common cornea ectatic disorder. It is characterized by a cone-shaped thin cornea leading to myopia, irregular astigmatism, and vision impairment. It affects all ethnic groups and both genders. Both environmental and genetic factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. This review is to summarize the current research development in KC epidemiology and genetic etiology. Environmental factors include but are not limited to eye rubbing, atopy, sun exposure, and geography. Genetic discoveries have been reviewed with evidence from family-based linkage analysis and fine mapping in linkage region, genome-wide association studies, and candidate genes analyses. A number of genes have been discovered at a relatively rapid pace. The detailed molecular mechanism underlying KC pathogenesis will significantly advance our understanding of KC and promote the development of potential therapies.
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42
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Shetty R, Nuijts RMMA, Nanaiah SG, Anandula VR, Ghosh A, Jayadev C, Pahuja N, Kumaramanickavel G, Nallathambi J. Two novel missense substitutions in the VSX1 gene: clinical and genetic analysis of families with Keratoconus from India. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 16:33. [PMID: 25963163 PMCID: PMC4630895 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-015-0178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Visual system homeobox gene (VSX1) plays a major role in the early development of craniofacial and ocular tissues including cone opsin gene in the human retina. To date, few disease-causing mutations of VSX1 have been linked to familial and sporadic keratoconus (KC) in humans. In this study, we describe the clinical features and screening for VSX1 gene in families with KC from India. Methods Clinical data and genomic DNA were collected from patients with clinically diagnosed KC and their family members. The study was conducted on 20 subjects of eight families from India. The coding exons of VSX1 gene were amplified using PCR and amplicons were analyzed by direct sequencing. Predictive effect of the mutations was performed using Polyphen-2, SIFT and mutation assessor algorithms. Additionally, haplotypes of VSX1 gene were constructed for affected and unaffected individuals using SNPs. Results In the coding region of VSX1, one novel missense heterozygous change (p.Leu268His) was identified in five KC patients from two unrelated families. Another family of three members had a novel heterozygous change (p.Ser251Thr). These variants co-segregated with the disease phenotype in all affected individuals but not in the unaffected family members and 105 normal controls. In silico analysis suggested that p.Leu268His could have a deleterious effect on the protein coded by VSX1, while p.Ser251Thr has a neutral effect on the functional properties of VSX1. Haplotype examination revealed common SNPs around the missense change (p.Leu268His) in two unrelated KC families. Conclusions In this study, we add p.Leu268His, a novel missense variation in the coding region of VSX1 to the existing repertoire of VSX1 coding variations observed in Indian patients with the characteristic phenotype of KC. The variant p.Ser251Thr might be a benign polymorphism, but further biophysical studies are necessary to evaluate its molecular mechanism. The shared haplotype by two families with the same variant suggests the possibility of a founder effect, which requires further elucidation. We suggest that p.Leu268His might be involved in the pathogenesis of KC, which may help in the genetic counselling of patients and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shetty
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Narayana Nethralaya Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Bangalore, India.
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- Cornea Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Soumya Ganesh Nanaiah
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Narayana Nethralaya Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Bangalore, India.
| | | | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, India.
| | - Chaitra Jayadev
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Narayana Nethralaya Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Bangalore, India.
| | - Natasha Pahuja
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Narayana Nethralaya Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Bangalore, India.
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Iida A, Iwagawa T, Baba Y, Satoh S, Mochizuki Y, Nakauchi H, Furukawa T, Koseki H, Murakami A, Watanabe S. Roles of histone H3K27 trimethylase Ezh2 in retinal proliferation and differentiation. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 75:947-60. [PMID: 25556712 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The histone modification H3K27me3 regulates transcription negatively, and Jmjd3 and Ezh2 demethylate and methylate H3K27me3 and H3K27, respectively. We demonstrated previously that Jmjd3 plays pivotal roles in the differentiation of subsets of bipolar (BP) cells by regulating H3K27me3 levels at the Bhlhb4 and Vsx1 loci, both of which are transcription factors essential for the maturation of BP cell subsets. In this study, we examined the role of Ezh2 in retinal development using retina-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mice (Ezh2-CKO). The eyes of the Ezh2-CKO mice were microphthalemic, and the proliferation of retinal cells was diminished postnatally in Ezh2-CKO. Differentiation of all examined retinal subsets was observed with higher proportion of BP cell subsets, which was determined by immunostaining using specific retinal markers. The onsets of Müller glia and rod photoreceptor differentiation were accelerated. The expression of Bhlhb4 was increased in postnatal retinas, which was accompanied by the loss of H3K27me3 modifications at these genetic loci. Decreased expression of proneural genes in postnatal stage was observed. As reported previously in other Ezh2-KO tissues, increased expression of Arf/Ink4a was observed in the Ezh2-CKO retinas. The ectopic expression of Arf or Ink4a in the retina suppressed proliferation and increased apoptosis. In addition, earlier onset of Müller glia differentiation was observed in Ink4a-expressing cells. These results support an important role for histone H3K27me3 modification in regulating the proliferation and maturation of certain subsets of interneurons in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumi Iida
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Toshiro Iwagawa
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Yukihiro Baba
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Shinya Satoh
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Yujin Mochizuki
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo.,Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology, Kanagawa
| | - Akira Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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Duan X, Krishnaswamy A, De la Huerta I, Sanes JR. Type II cadherins guide assembly of a direction-selective retinal circuit. Cell 2014; 158:793-807. [PMID: 25126785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Complex retinal circuits process visual information and deliver it to the brain. Few molecular determinants of synaptic specificity in this system are known. Using genetic and optogenetic methods, we identified two types of bipolar interneurons that convey visual input from photoreceptors to a circuit that computes the direction in which objects are moving. We then sought recognition molecules that promote selective connections of these cells with previously characterized components of the circuit. We found that the type II cadherins, cdh8 and cdh9, are each expressed selectively by one of the two bipolar cell types. Using loss- and gain-of-function methods, we showed that they are critical determinants of connectivity in this circuit and that perturbation of their expression leads to distinct defects in visually evoked responses. Our results reveal cellular components of a retinal circuit and demonstrate roles of type II cadherins in synaptic choice and circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Duan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Arjun Krishnaswamy
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Irina De la Huerta
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Polymorphism of the DNA base excision repair genes in keratoconus. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:19682-99. [PMID: 25356504 PMCID: PMC4264133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151119682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative corneal disorder for which the exact pathogenesis is not yet known. Oxidative stress is reported to be associated with this disease. The stress may damage corneal biomolecules, including DNA, and such damage is primarily removed by base excision repair (BER). Variation in genes encoding BER components may influence the effectiveness of corneal cells to cope with oxidative stress. In the present work we genotyped 5 polymorphisms of 4 BER genes in 284 patients and 353 controls. The A/A genotype of the c.–1370T>A polymorphism of the DNA polymerase γ (POLG) gene was associated with increased occurrence of KC, while the A/T genotype was associated with decreased occurrence of KC. The A/G genotype and the A allele of the c.1196A>G polymorphism of the X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) were associated with increased, and the G/G genotype and the G allele, with decreased KC occurrence. Also, the C/T and T as well as C/C genotypes and alleles of the c.580C>T polymorphism of the same gene displayed relationship with KC occurrence. Neither the g.46438521G>C polymorphism of the Nei endonuclease VIII-like 1 (NEIL1) nor the c.2285T>C polymorphism of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) was associated with KC. In conclusion, the variability of the XRCC1 and POLG genes may play a role in KC pathogenesis and determine the risk of this disease.
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Xu X, He Y, Sun L, Ma S, Luo C. Maternal Vsx1 plays an essential role in regulating prechordal mesendoderm and forebrain formation in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2014; 394:264-76. [PMID: 25150888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.011] [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: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prechordal mesendoderm (PME) is a derivative of gastrula organizer underlying the anterior neural plate of vertebrate embryos. It has been firmly established that PME is critical for head induction and anterior-posterior patterning. Therefore, the establishment of PME in a desired shape and size at a correct position during early embryogenesis is crucial for normal head patterning. However, it remains largely unclear how the desired form and size of PME is generated at a predestined position during early embryogenesis. Here we show that in zebrafish a maternal transcription repressor Vsx1 is essential for this early developmental regulation. Knocking down maternal vsx1 resulted in impaired PME formation and progression associated with a deficient and posteriorized forebrain. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments showed that maternal Vsx1 is essential for repressing ntl ectopic expression in more animal region at early gastrula stages. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in combination with core consensus sequence mutation analysis further revealed that maternal Vsx1 can directly repress ntl transcription by binding to the proximal promoter at a specific site. Simultaneous inhibition of ntl function could successfully suppress the defects of both PME and forebrain formation in maternal Vsx1 knockdown embryos. Our results reveal a pivotal role for maternal Vsx1 as a direct transcriptional repressor of ntl expression at the margin of the zebrafish gastrula to ensure directional cell polarization and migration of PME cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Chen Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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Kainate receptors mediate synaptic input to transient and sustained OFF visual pathways in primate retina. J Neurosci 2014; 34:7611-21. [PMID: 24872565 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4855-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual signals are segregated into parallel pathways at the first synapse in the retina between cones and bipolar cells. Within the OFF pathways of mammals, the selective expression of AMPA or kainate-type glutamate receptors in the dendrites of different OFF-bipolar cell types is thought to contribute to formation of distinct temporal channels. AMPA receptors, with rapid recovery from desensitization, are proposed to transmit high temporal frequency signals, whereas kainate receptors (KARs) are presumed to encode lower temporal frequencies. Here we studied the glutamate receptors expressed by OFF-bipolar cells in slice preparations of macaque monkey retina, where the low (midget/parvocellular) and high-frequency (parasol/magnocellular) temporal channels are well characterized. We found that all OFF-bipolar types receive input primarily through KARs and that KAR antagonists block light-evoked input to both OFF-midget and OFF-parasol ganglion cells. KAR subunits were differentially expressed in OFF-bipolar types; the diffuse bipolar (DB) cells, DB2 and DB3b, expressed GluK1 and showed transient responses to glutamate and the KAR agonist, ATPA. In contrast, flat midget bipolar, DB1, and DB3a cells lacked GluK1 and showed relatively sustained responses. Finally, we found that the KAR accessory protein, Neto1, is expressed at the base of cone pedicles but is not colocalized with the GluK1 subunit. In summary, the results indicate that transient signaling in the OFF pathway of macaques is not dependent on AMPA receptors and that heterogeneity of KARs and accessory proteins may contribute to the formation of parallel temporal channels.
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Zagozewski JL, Zhang Q, Pinto VI, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. The role of homeobox genes in retinal development and disease. Dev Biol 2014; 393:195-208. [PMID: 25035933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are critical for development of many organ systems, including the brain and eye. During retinogenesis, homeodomain-containing transcription factors, which are encoded by homeobox genes, play essential roles in the regionalization and patterning of the optic neuroepithelium, specification of retinal progenitors and differentiation of all seven of the retinal cell classes that derive from a common progenitor. Homeodomain transcription factors control retinal cell fate by regulating the expression of target genes required for retinal progenitor cell fate decisions and for terminal differentiation of specific retinal cell types. The essential role of homeobox genes during retinal development is demonstrated by the number of human eye diseases, including colobomas and anophthalmia, which are attributed to homeobox gene mutations. In the following review, we highlight the role of homeodomain transcription factors during retinogenesis and regulation of their gene targets. Understanding the complexities of vertebrate retina development will enhance our ability to drive differentiation of specific retinal cell types towards novel cell-based replacement therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Zagozewski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Vanessa I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2H 2A6
| | - David D Eisenstat
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 1C9.
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Jeyabalan N, Shetty R, Ghosh A, Anandula VR, Ghosh AS, Kumaramanickavel G. Genetic and genomic perspective to understand the molecular pathogenesis of keratoconus. Indian J Ophthalmol 2014; 61:384-8. [PMID: 23925319 PMCID: PMC3775069 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.116055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC; Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) 14830) is a bilateral, progressive corneal defect affecting all ethnic groups around the world. It is the leading cause of corneal transplantation. The age of onset is at puberty, and the disorder is progressive until the 3rd–4th decade of life when it usually arrests. It is one of the major ocular problems with significant social and economic impacts as the disease affects young generation. Although genetic and environmental factors are associated with KC, but the precise etiology is still elusive. Results from complex segregation analysis suggests that genetic abnormalities may play an essential role in the susceptibility to KC. Due to genetic heterogeneity, a recent study revealed 17 different genomic loci identified in KC families by linkage mapping in various populations. The focus of this review is to provide a concise update on the current knowledge of the genetic basis of KC and genomic approaches to understand the disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nallathambi Jeyabalan
- Department of Genetics, Grow Laboratory, Grow Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Lindstrom SH, Ryan DG, Shi J, DeVries SH. Kainate receptor subunit diversity underlying response diversity in retinal off bipolar cells. J Physiol 2014; 592:1457-77. [PMID: 24396054 PMCID: PMC3979605 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.265033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Postsynaptic kainate receptors mediate excitatory synaptic transmission over a broad range of temporal frequencies. In heterologous systems, the temporal responses of kainate receptors vary when different channel-forming and auxiliary subunits are co-expressed but how this variability relates to the temporal differences at central synapses is incompletely understood. The mammalian cone photoreceptor synapse provides advantages for comparing the different temporal signalling roles of kainate receptors, as cones release glutamate over a range of temporal frequencies, and three functionally distinct Off bipolar cell types receive cone signals at synapses that contain either AMPA or kainate receptors, all with different temporal properties. A disadvantage is that the different receptor subunits are not identified. We used in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, and pharmacology to identify the kainate receptor and auxiliary subunits in ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecimlineatus) cb1a/b, cb2, and cb3a/b Off bipolar cell types. As expected, the types showed distinct subunit expression patterns. Kainate receptors mediated ∼80% of the synaptic response in cb3a/b cells and were heteromers of GluK1 and GluK5. Cb3a/b cells contained message for GluK1 and GluK5, and also GluK3 and the auxiliary subunit Neto1. The synaptic responses in cb1a/b cells were mediated by GluK1-containing kainate receptors that behaved differently from the receptors expressed by cb3a/b cells. AMPA receptors mediated the entire synaptic response in cb2 cells and the remaining synaptic response in cb3a/b cells. We conclude that GluK1 is the predominant kainate receptor subunit in cb1 and cb3 Off bipolar cells. Different temporal response properties may result from selective association with GluK3, GluK5, or Neto1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Lindstrom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tarry 5-715, 300 E. Superior Street, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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